London in a Weekend: Must-See Spots You Can’t Skip

Who doesn't want to visit London at least once in their lifetime?

Plenty of pubs, street food, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and so much more are waiting for tourists in the British capital all year round. But if your vacation is limited to just two days, it’s impossible to see everything the city’s got in store. So, here’s a practical itinerary for a weekend trip to London for tourists visiting for the first time.

Before You Arrive: Staying in London over the weekend is a fun idea, but you have to stay aware of your time constraints and plan accordingly. It’s best to get a UK eSIM in advance: you won’t run around the city trying to find the local physical SIM, and you will be immediately connected to the internet for maps and transit apps. Moreover, book your accommodations in the center of the city. Otherwise, you’ll spend extra time in transit. Make sure the tube is within 5-10 minutes on foot.

Day 1: Wake up fairly early on Saturday and go out to Oxford Street - it’s not too busy in the morning, and you will be able to grab a coffee during a short stroll right to Piccadilly Circus. This spot is like Times Square in New York! The streets you will be taking next are always busy: Regent Street or Carnaby Street, but they’re always a fun walk to the Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben. Across the river, you also see the London Eye. If you have some time to spare, take the ride - just grab the tickets in advance.

Day 2: Your second day off in London will be more relaxed. Come to Portobello to enjoy a chill market, shop around for souvenirs, and take photos in front of colorful homes. There are a few parks to explore until you get to the museums in South Kensington: the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. All three are very different, so you will have to choose, as each exhibition is huge.

Another 30-minute walk will grant you a stunning view of Buckingham Palace. In some cases, if the timing is right, you might see the change of the guard outside the gates. It’s worth getting a tour of the palace if you have the time.

Additional Tips and Tricks: As you can tell, you will be walking a lot when you arrive. So, once you are in London, don’t hesitate to turn on your eSIM to navigate the city because it will give you a roaming-free connection throughout the whole weekend trip. If you don’t know which eSIM provider to go with, do your research well ahead of your trip and choose a service that works best in the country. User sentiments and extensive feedback, just like this Saily review, will most likely help you make up your mind.

Additionally, remember to grab an umbrella. It’s not a stereotype - it rains a lot in London, and you’d rather not get wet during your only two days there.

Have Fun Exploring the British Capital: London is one of the top destinations in the world for a reason. Its culture and locals are intriguing for visitors from the rest of England and beyond. So, have fun exploring it, even if it’s just one weekend.