How to Do London in 48 hours – on a Budget

Start your trip early, and take in Richmond Park’s atmospheric sunrise. You won’t be thankful for this suggestion when your alarm goes off, but it’s worth it. Pastel-pink skies, silhouetting the wild deer as they move gracefully across the park, the dawn chorus and – as the days draw shorter – moody misty scenes as the mist rises from the Pen Ponds all await early risers. Prepare for it to be chilly (take a Thermos for ultimate autumnal cosiness), and warm up in one of well-heeled Richmond’s many cafes afterwards. Recommended by local insider Shelley Doherty

One of the most influential contemporary art galleries in the world, all for free? It’s this kind of thing that makes London so special. Since its foundation in 1967, the Lisson has consistently hosted big-name exhibitions and works, including those of Julian Opie, Anish Kapoor, Richard Deacon and Carmen Herrera. Check out their exhibition schedule to see what’s on. The gallery is located in Marylebone, so you can combine a cultural morning visit with a relaxing stroll through Regent’s Park – a great way to start a summer weekend. Recommended by local insider Huda Awan

Sometimes, art galleries – particularly contemporary ones – can be intimidating. However, that’s not the case at the trailblazing Whitechapel Gallery, which bills itself as “the artists’ gallery for everyone”. There’s an extensive programme of exhibitions, film festivals, workshops, talks and masterclasses, plus a refreshing focus on work from up-and-coming artists alongside the big names – plenty to take in and interact with. The Whitechapel Gallery also remains the only British gallery to have exhibited Picasso’s Guernica, such is its international standing. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Bibliophiles will love bagging themselves a bargain at this low-key daily book market under Waterloo Bridge. Alongside the tattered John Grishams that you always see at second-hand book markets, you may well also find rare editions, or even get your hands on a centuries-old piece of literary history. The key is to dedicate a solid amount of time to rummaging around – it’s great fun, and besides, the finest treasures await those who look the hardest. Recommended by local insider Katrina Frazer

The South Bank is one of London’s must-do meanders. Make a morning of it and head east, ending up at Borough Market for lunch, or spend the whole day strolling along the Thames, stopping off at the Book Market, Tower Bridge, Tate Modern, the Golden Hind, or exploring the atmospheric alleys around the old Clink prison. A 25-minute stroll from Waterloo Bridge and the Southbank Centre to Southwark Cathedral will take in all of the above, past Shakespeare’s Globe and classic views of St Paul’s Cathedral across the Millennium Bridge. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Street-food stalls are a great way to eat cheaply in London, and the markets in Camden, Spitalfields and Borough offer ample choice, making them a ideal spot to visit with a group. A short stroll from London Bridge Station, Borough Market is a mix of food carts, bars, cafes, restaurants and shops selling authentic British produce. From here, walk the short distance to the riverside for a view of the Shard and London Bridge.

Walking through London’s financial district at the weekend is an eerily quiet experience. The suits are all at home, allowing the skyscrapers to sparkle brilliantly for idle passers-by. It’s an unexpected oasis of calm in a city that elsewhere heaves with day trippers and tourists, and the perfect place to stretch your legs, grab a takeaway coffee and have some quality me time before facing the crowds. Continue onto Spitalfields Market or lively Shoreditch after your stroll, when you’re ready for more of a buzz. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Wander around Camden Market’s winding back alleys, jumbles of market traders and food stalls and see what you discover. Our tip: get off the underground at Chalk Farm (not Camden Town) to avoid the bulk of the tourists, then take the North Yard entrance to Stables Yard and Horse Tunnel markets. Antiques aficionados should head to Islington to browse Camden Passage. Just off Upper Street, this characterful market comes alive at the weekend and local stallholders showcase stacks of antique clothing, crockery, jewellery, furniture and books that bring a sense of Old-English charm to the area. Recommended by local insider Shelley Doherty

Anyone looking for a historical drinking spot in the centre of the city should make a beeline for the Lamb and Flag in a small courtyard off Covent Garden; it’s a perfect (if rather cosy) al fresco drinking spot. Further east, by the river in Wapping, the Prospect of Whitby is said to have been frequented by sailors and smugglers in the 1500s; it’s still identifiable today by the hangman’s noosevoutside. Head north to the Spaniards Inn, which borders Hampstead Heath: the building dates back to 1585 and has many myths associated with it, so settle in and do some research on what makes it so special.

As well as offering extensive views over north London, Hampstead Heath’s Parliament Hill is a top spot for a bit of stargazing if the night is clear enough. Come during meteor showers, blood moons or simply on a clear evening for atmospheric night-time panoramas (it’s usually pretty chilly, so a big Thermos of soup or coffee will be your friend if you’re planning on staying a while). Get here before the sun goes down and watch as the city lights flicker on at night-time. Recommended by local insider Shelley Doherty

The British Library, in north London near King’s Cross station, holds more than 150m items across 14 floors, making it the largest national library in the world by number of items catalogued. Admission is free and the building is open until 8pm between Monday and Thursday every week.

Missed out on tickets to the Shard, or don’t fancy shelling out for them? Never fear. Sky Garden, located in the Walkie Talkie just across the river in the City, also offers stunning views across London. And what’s more, it’s free to experience this indoor jungle. Aim to get here just before sunset, and watch the sun go down over the city. Sky Garden is also home to an upmarket restaurant, if you’re looking to make a special night of it, as well as regular live music gigs, sunrise yoga and more.

Every Sunday sees east London’s Columbia Road taken over by flower stalls selling seasonal stems and foliage. Early birds come at 8am to benefit from a quieter shopping experience, but prices drop around 2pm, when stallholders are starting to think about closing up for the day. So, if you can handle a crowd and aren’t in a hurry, this is the time to visit.

If you’re wandering around the Square Mile with time to kill, pause to examine the architecturally interesting 52 Lime Street skyscraper – otherwise known as the Scalpel. Its distinctive shape (it leans back 10 degrees) makes this new addition to London’s skyline an eye-catching sight . You can’t go in – this is more something to note as you pass by than a destination in itself – but it’s still fun to look up and wonder. Recommended by local insider Josh Lee

Street-food vendors, artists, independent retailers and social enterprises, all clustered in a repurposed multistorey car park. It really is as cool as it sounds. Peckham’s status as a creative hub has been cemented by the Levels, which manages to be on-trend while keeping true to its roots as a community project. Take a break from the central London tourist trail and explore the city’s more eccentric side, stopping for a pint on a makeshift crate table and a snack or two as you do. Recommended by local insider Huda Awan