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Must-see sights for 48 hours in London

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Allianz - London

You’re in London for 48 hours on a business trip, a stop-over or just a brief jaunt. Two days is a short time to spend in one of the most iconic cities, home to red double-decker buses and Big Ben. Read on for our suggestions for must-see sights to get the most out of your quick visit to the capital of the United Kingdom. 

Keep in mind your travel style and the location of your hotel when checking out this list. Some travelers like to fit everything possible into one day, afraid to miss a thing. Others prefer to take it slow. Consider the order of your itinerary and prioritize destinations that allow you to loop back to your hotel, or stay on one side of the city for a day, so as not  too lose too much time in transit. Happy wandering!

Buckingham Palace and Westminster

No visit to London is complete without a trip to Buckingham Palace, the London residence of British royalty, and the Palace of Westminster, where Parliament sits. Summer may be the best time to visit Buckingham, the palace’s impressive State Rooms and 16-hectare garden are open to the public.

During the rest of the year, you must reserve a small-group guided tour, which are only available on select dates. If you don’t head inside to behold the Grand Staircase, Ballroom or Throne Room, a visit to the grounds for the daily Changing of the Guard, known as Guard Mounting, is well worth adding to your schedule.

From Buckingham, stroll through Saint James’ Park toward the Westminster complex. Westminster Abby is the iconic Gothic church you probably know as the site of royal weddings and coronations. From there, check out the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. Then take a short stroll to Downing Street, the residence of prime ministers since 1735.

The British Museum

Easily one of the world’s most esteemed museum collections, the British Museum showcases more than two million years of human history, culture and art. You could easily spend an entire day here, from morning until close, but you only have 48 hours. Some must-see works are the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies, the Hoa Hakananai'a Easter Island sculpture, and the gargantuan Bust of Ramsses II. To make the most of your time, check out this list of “12 things not to miss at The British Museum.”

London Eye

A birds eye view of London is the perfect way to take it all in during your short visit. You may be surprised to know that the London Eye isn’t a ferris wheel; it’s the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel. The slowly rotating wheel offers views of 40 kilometres in all directions from glass observation decks. On average, the London Eye has more visitors annually than the Taj Mahal and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Walk the Bridges on the River Thames

More than 30 any bridges crisscross the River Thames in Greater London, granting pedestrians and drivers incredible city views. At one time, London Bridge, originally built by the Romans, was the only river crossing. The bridge was moved and replaced in 1971. A walk across London Bridge will give you great views of Tower Bridge, another famous crossing. Check out this list of “Major Bridges Over the River Thames in London,” to plan your next walk.

Tower of London

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tower of London was built by William the Conqueror nearly 1,000 years ago. One of the city’s most intriguing landmarks, the Tower has a varied history as a former prison for enemies of the state when the monarchy reigned, a fortress protecting the Crown Jewels and, during times of war, the royal family. Historic Royal Palaces suggests itineraries based on how many hours you plan on visiting.

Camden Town

Lovers of live music should head to Camden Town, known for its dynamic creative culture. This lively London borough has been home to numerous creatives including Amy Winehouse, Charles Dickens and George Bernard Shaw. During the day, head to Camden Market for unique shops and food vendors and take a boat tour of Regent’s Canal. If you’re visiting at night, catch live music at Koko, Underworld, Electric Ballroom, Jazz Cafe or Blues Kitchen. Watch plays performed by the United Kingdom’s most talented theatre troupes at The Roundhouse.

Being smart about your time and money can help make the best of your time in London.

Maximize your time by using London’s extensive public transit system including the  London Underground rapid transit train system and buses managed by Transport for London.

Purchasing travel insurance may also help you avoid costly travel snags.

An Allianz Travel Insurance plan with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse certain non-refundable expenses if your trip is canceled due to reasons included in your policy. Let’s say a few days before your trip, you’re diagnosed with a stomach flu and can’t make your flight. Trip cancellation benefits may help you postpone your trip for a better time, while protecting your money.

Get a quote to find out how we can protect you during your next trip.

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Jun 11, 2025