1 day tour in london

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One Day in London – What to Do in London in A Day

Last updated: April 20, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 72 Comments

Planning on spending just one day in London? Sure, it’s not very long, but you’ll be able to see a lot of London’s highlights even in such a short space of time.

In this post, we’re going to help you plan your perfect day in London. We’re going to take a look at some of our favourite sights in London, capital of the UK and a spot I was thrilled to call home for a couple of years before I set off on my travels.

This guide to what to do in London in a day makes for the perfect day exploring London. It would make for a great way to start a longer trip around the UK , or to see some of London’s top sights if you have a few hours stopover in one of London’s airports .

This itinerary would also help someone planning a general European adventure – take a look at our 2 week Europe itinerary for a suggestion of how to plan something like that.

This post is set up to help you see all of these key London sights in one day and I’ve ordered them in the way that I’d recommend you go about doing that.

1 Day London Itinerary Overview

Here’s a quick overview of what this plan has you doing, for quick reference

• The Tower of London & Tower Bridge
• The South Bank and London Eye, Shard or St. Paul’s Cathedral
• The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
• Buckingham Palace
• Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End
• Traditional London Pub

Now, let’s see how that looks in our detailed guide to what to do in London for a day.

One Day In London: What to Do in London for A Day

Below is a detailed guide to what to do in London if you only have a day, in the order that makes the most sense in terms of getting around and minimizing transport.

Ideally, you’ll start the day at opening time of the first attraction (between 9am and 10am, depending on the day of the week), and keep going until you’ve seen everything!

1. The Tower of London

History! If you like the TV show Game of Thrones (and who doesn’t?), then you’ll love the Tower of London . This place was home to so much plotting, scheming, death and betrayals that it almost makes George’s epic tale of Westeros seem pale in comparison.

Queens, princes and archbishops died here, and history was literally made on the grass underfoot.

Admittedly, there are less dragons in London.

Expect to spend a least two hours here, exploring all there is to see, from the tower, to the execution block, to the crown jewels themselves. You can see full ticket pricing information here . It’s free for holders of the  London Pass .

Otherwise, you will want to buy tickets in advance of your visit to ensure you are able to visit. You can do so via GetYourGuide here , who we normally use for ticketing at attractions around the world. You can also check prices on the official website here , where you can also see opening times. Note that tickets bought via GetYourGuide normally include free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance of your visit (although do check the ticket description prior to purchase to be sure).

While you’re at the Tower of London, you might as well take the opportunity to pop across the Thames on Tower Bridge, easily the most famous of London’s bridges, and for good reason!

You can also actually go inside this bridge and learn all about how it works by visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which is often a place we love to take friends and family when we show them around the city as it’s quite a unique experience.

2. The South Bank and London Eye

Once you’ve crossed over Tower Bridge, you’ll find yourself on the South Bank, cunningly named because it’s on the south bank of the river Thames.

As you walk west along this lovely bit of pedestrianized riverway you’ll find yourself passing such sights as HMS Belfast (one of our favourite military museums in London ) and London’s City Hall.

You’ll also be walking past the recreation of Shakespeare’s famous Globe theatre, the Shard (Western Europe’s tallest building), the Millennium Bridge which leads to St. Paul’s cathedral and the quite magnificent Tate Modern Art Gallery, all of which are likely to tempt you in. Go on, I won’t tell anyone.

Once you’ve made it past all these attractions, and maybe grabbed a bite to eat at Borough Market just behind London Bridge, you’ll find yourself coming around the corner, with the Houses of Parliament swinging into view and the giant Ferris wheel known as the London Eye looming large.

If you want a spectacular view of London, take a spin in the wheel, and marvel as the city unfurls beneath you.

For tickets, it’s cheaper to book in advance than in person. You can book tickets and check prices on the official site here . It’s also included on the London Pass, which you can buy here .

We also have a complete guide to the London Eye here with lots more information to help you plan a visit.

Another option is to visit the Shard, which also offers spectacular views from a higher vantage point. The Shard has better views of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, whilst the London Eye gets you close to the Houses of Parliament.

You can book tickets for the Shard in advance on Tiqets here (book online in advance for the best prices). It’s also included on the London Pass.

If you’d prefer not to walk from Tower Bridge to the Houses of Parliament, you can also take a river “bus” from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier all the way down the river to Westminster Pier.

It’s a nice way to see London from the water, and prices for the river bus are pretty good value. See our guide to getting around London for tips on the different public transport options in the city.

3. The Houses of Parliament

After your London Eye ride, walk or boat ride (whichever you opt for!), you’ll want to pop across the river to take in the Houses of Parliament, home to the English lawmakers and the bell known as Big Ben.

This is one attraction that is easy to see from the outside, but not many people know that you can also drop inside if you want to, and go on a guided tour.

Tours aren’t quite “turn up and go in”, as they only run-on certain days, but with a bit of research and forward planning (and by visiting this site ), you should be able to visit the English home of power and authority without too much trouble. You can also book a guided tour of both Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament here .

If it is too much trouble though, fear not. The building is very impressive from the outside, and you can sate your thirst for history quite easily by popping to Westminster Abbey, which happens to be just behind the Houses of Parliament.

Westminster Abbey has played host to some of the most important historical events of the last thousand years in the UK, hosting 16 royal weddings, around 50 coronations and a host of memorial services, including that of Diana, Princess of Wales.

It is also home to some of Britain’s most famous dead, including Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, notable royals, and many more. Very much worth a visit and free for holders of the London Pass. Full details on pricing and opening hours here . You can also book your tickets online in advance here .

4. Buckingham Palace

Ah, the Queen. Depending on you who you talk to in the UK, she’s either a lovely old dear who the country needs, or a tragic waste of taxpayers’ money.

Whichever, she does happen to have a number of rather lovely houses to live in, the most famous of which is of course Buckingham Palace. Here you can peer through the railings to watch the changing of the guard and wonder as to how the other half live, and wave frantically at the windows on the off-chance that someone waves back.

On our itinerary, you’ll likely miss the Changing of the Guard (see when that happens here ), so you would need to move things around if that happens to be a priority for your visit. Missing it isn’t the end of the world though, as it gets really crowded at that time of day.

You can also visit and actually go inside Buckingham Palace in very narrow windows of opening during the summer, with full details of pricing and opening hours available on this website.

Of course, whilst you’re at Buckingham Palace, you should probably take a moment to explore some of the other local attractions.

A quick stroll down the Mall will take you past the pretty St James’s Park, home to a number of pelicans. Then you can head out onto Trafalgar Square, where you can enjoy seeing the lions, Nelson’s famous column and sate your art appetite at the excellent, and free, National Gallery .

Note if art and museums is more your thing, you might want to schedule a visit to the British Museum in this itinerary. From Trafalgar Square it’s a 20 minute walk or a 12 minute tube ride to one of London’s most famous (and free) museums.

5. Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the West End

From Buckingham Palace you could either stroll up the Mall, or head back towards Westminster Abbey, and go up Whitehall. I’d advise the latter, and not least because one of the Harry Potter London locations is nearby .

Going up Whitehall takes you through the heart of government in Britain, and you’ll pass right by 10 Downing Street. Don’t be upset if you miss it though, you can’t actually see the famous door from the street.

As you walk along Whitehall you’ll find yourself passing the Cenotaph, one of Britain’s most well-known war memorials . You’ll also pass the Horse Guards, where you can get photos of the, well, Horse Guards atop their horses, before finally arriving at Trafalgar Square.

This is home to Nelson’s Monument and the National Gallery, and a photo with one of the lions is pretty much mandatory. From here, you’re an easy walk to the West End, home to the famous covered market of Covent Garden and a number of London’s most well-known theatres.

If you have time, you might now consider visiting the excellent Transport Museum in Covent Garden, where you can learn all about the history of London’s transport system. Alternatively, you can just take in a free show from one of the street entertainers here.

This is also where you’ll find Leicester Square, which is famous as where major films are first shown in the UK.

Here you might want to take in a show to round off your day in London – we can recommend the Mousetrap , the world’s longest running stage show in the world!

6. Visit a Decent London Pub

It’s not all hard work and sightseeing, you know. When you’re in London, you really should take the time to experience a truly British experience – a pub.

Enjoy a pint of something exotically named hand-pulled from a wooden handle, and marvel as to how the decor is likely not to have changed for a good couple of hundred years.

If you’re hungry, try out an English classic like fish and chips or steak and ale pie, and rejoice at how much of London you were able to see in one day.

If you’ve gotten to this point and think the idea of focusing on the pubs of London is more your scene, check out this walking tour which does just that.

Map of 1 Day London Itinerary

To help you visualise the above we’ve put it into a map, which you can also see on Google Maps here .

Getting Around and Saving Money in London

For the day in London as described above, getting around by foot is entirely feasible – contrary to public opinion, central London is perfectly walkable. If you’re not so into walking though, then London is very well served by public transport.

The cheapest way to use that is with an Oyster card, a pre-pay system which works out much cheaper than paying for tickets, and available at nearly every transport hub. You can also use a contactless credit card or a device which supports contactless payments.

We have a detailed guide to using the London transport network here which covers all your options.

In terms of visiting attractions, a number of London sights are free, including some of the top museums like the Tate Modern.

However, places like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, and St. Pauls Cathedral aren’t free, and if you think you’re going to be visiting a few sights, then you have a couple of options for saving money.

First is the  London Pass , a sight-seeing pass that gives you access to over 80 top attractions across the city.

From those listed on this page, the London Pass includes the Tower of London, Tower Bridge Exhibition, View from the Shard, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Transport Museum.

If you plan on visiting all those attractions (we’d suggest either the London Eye or the Shard rather than both though), the entry fees as of April 2024 would be around £153 per person (assuming you pick either the Shard or the London Eye, it would be even more if you visited both!).

A 1 day London Pass currently costs £114, so that would save you around £39 per person. It also saves you the hassle of having to book separate tickets for each attraction or joining long ticket lines on site.

Check our full review and guide to the London Pass to see if it’s for you.

The second option we recommend is the GoCity London Explorer Pass . This lets you pick and choose from a set of attractions. You can choose to go to 2, 3, 5 or 7 attractions from the selection of over 60 attractions.

We think that both of these passes can save you money in London, the difference is largely down to which attractions you want to see, and how many attractions you want to see.

Get your London Pass online from the official site here .

What about a walking tour of London?

If you’d prefer to have a guide for all or part of your day in London, who can share with you some of the history of this city as well as more local knowledge and insights, then we can recommend this London in a Day tour .

This tour covers nearly everything we have in our one-day London itinerary, including the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the Changing of the Guard, and Westminster Abbey.

It’s a full day tour, but we think is one of the better options if you would prefer an escorted experience and the input of a guide.

We’ve used the tour company “ Take Walks ” for walking tours around the world, and have always had a positive experience, and are happy to recommend this tour . They also have a number of other tours in London that are worth checking out.

Another option we suggest are  these tours by City Wonders , they offer a wide range of tours in London, from introductory tours through to more detailed and specific tours.

They also offer attraction entry to most of the attractions in this list if you want to book items individually. Definitely a good one-stop shop for your London trip planning.

Harry Potter fans will want to check out this guided tour of Harry Potter filming locations in London .

We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.

Where to Go After Your Day in London – Day Trips & More

We’re often asked where to head to from London after this itinerary is over, or just for suggestions on good day trips from London.

We’ve done quite a  few day trips from London, including a day trip to Oxford and a day trip to Stonehenge from London , and we wanted to share some ideas, for both day trips from the city and longer trips to see more of the country.

• Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds are really popular destinations, and you can easily do these together as part of a day trip from London. This tour features all of those destinations, as well as Windsor Castle. It even includes lunch!
• Lovers of Downton Abbey will want to visit Highclere Castle where the show was filmed. See our guide to visiting Highclere Castle , which includes tips for visiting as a day trip from London, then check out this tour .
• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . Three popular destinations from London that you can visit as part of a day trip. Also see my guide to visiting Oxford from London for more ideas.
• A private tour down to Portsmouth . This is a good tour for those of you with an interest in naval history and/or visiting a lovely English seaside city. Also see our guide to things to do in Portsmouth for more ideas.
• For a longer trip, check out my 10 day UK itinerary by public transport , which starts with a couple of days in London, but then has you touring some highlights of the rest of the country. We also have 1 week and 2 week self drive itineraries .
• Visiting Paris as a day trip from London is a popular option as well, and with the Eurostar train direct from central London to Paris in around 2 hours, this can even be done as a day trip. You can either do this yourself, booking train tickets here , or you can take a day tour like  this one . See our guide to spending a day in Paris for sightseeing tips.
• If you want to take a longer guided tour from London and see more of the UK, we recommend  this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh.

Hopefully these give you a starting point for the next stage in your trip!

Where to Stay in London

If you’re planning on spending the night in London, you have no shortage of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury five star properties.

For this itinerary, we’d suggest placing yourself fairly centrally if you can, to minimise travel time. For a short stay like this, we’d definitely recommend using booking.com to book your property – whilst we love apartment rentals, we think they are less sensible for a whistle stop visit.

For examples of properties at different price points that are centrally located, here are some options:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – a well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money
• The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

Generally when searching for somewhere to stay our first choice is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to hostels , guest-houses and even apartments . Try them for London and see!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points. We’ve stayed at a number of their properties around the world, and you can see our  review of the Plum Guide here . See their listings for London here .

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

We also have a complete guide to where to stay in London . That has over 60 recommendations for where to stay across a number of areas in London for all budgets. It also has tips on which neighbourhoods to stay in and things to know before booking a property. Well worth a read.

Practicalities for Visiting London

Electricity in London is of the 220v standard, with a three pin plug that isn’t found in too many other countries. Travellers from most of the rest of the world, including mainland Europe and the US will need an adapter like this .

In addition, US travellers will need to check their equipment supports the 220v standard – it will be written clearly on the power adapter.

As a general rule, we have found that laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

London uses the British pound, which is accepted across the British Isles. You can get Pounds from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency.

If you do use a credit or debit card, just make sure it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees or have a poor currency conversion rate. There are a number of excellent credit cards for travellers, and it’s always worth checking to be sure you have a good deal before travelling and racking up unexpected fees.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city, including in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. These are usually excellent value as data rates in the UK are very competitive.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in London is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like this to save on having to buy water bottles.

London is a safe city in our experience, although as with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. If you’re going to use a taxi, make sure you use a licensed operator such as a black cab.

Further Reading on Visiting London

We have plenty of further reading to help you plan your trip to London, both content we’ve created based on our experiences, and third party content we think you’ll find useful in planning what to do in London, as well as the wider UK.

• The official TfL website , which will give you information on tickets, routes and any updates to services in the forms of delays or cancellations
• Jess’s detailed guide to the London pass , which will help you decide if this is a good way for you to save money on your London sight-seeing.
• Spending more time in London? Check out our itinerary for spending two days in London , as well as our detailed itineraries for 3 days in London and 6 days in London .
• We have a complete guide to where to stay in London , with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend.
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• A guide to public transport options in London , as well as the best ways to pay for public transport in London
• Harry Potter fans will want to check out our guide to the key Harry Potter filming locations in London
• Jess’s guide to a 1-day walking tour of the highlights of London .
• A detailed London packing list to help you pack
• A guide to getting into central London from all London’s airports
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that sums up our idea of the perfect one day in London! Have you visited London? What would your perfect day look like. Let us know in the comments below!

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Leeroy Jenkins says

22nd August 2023 at 8:11 am

This is the best guide I’ve found in looking for how to hoof it around London in a day. Exactly the itinerary I was looking for and practical guidance and helpful tips. Thank you, we are there tomorrow!

Laurence Norah says

22nd August 2023 at 8:52 am

Thanks very much Leeroy! Have a great time and remember, stick with your team and watch out for dragons 😉

Ajitabh Gupta says

1st January 2023 at 10:26 pm

Hi there , this is a fantastic itinerary. Thanks for putting this together . We have a 12 hour layover at Heathrow and we are planning to book a private car for the entire duration. We land at 9 am on Sunday with return flight at 8:55 pm same Day. Will you suggest any changes to the itinerary since we will have a private taxi for the entire duration, if so , what ? Thanks in advance

3rd January 2023 at 4:39 pm

Hi Ajitabh,

It’s my pleasure! So I think you should have plenty of time with a vehicle. Traffic into and around London can be a bit slow, I’d estimate you’re looking at around an hour each way from Heathrow conservatively. But this should give you time to see the highlights as described. The only recommendation I might have it to do the itinerary in reverse. Depending on the day and how long it takes you to clear customs, you might make it to Buckingham Palace in time to see the Changing of the Guard in the morning. Then you can work your way through the sights in reverse and finish at the Tower of London. I believe it is still recommended to book timed entry for the Tower of London, so if you do that for the afternoon you don’t need to worry about getting there by a certain time in the morning, which could be stressful. I’d also recommend booking a timeslot for the London Eye / Shard if you plan on visiting one of those.

Other than that though, have a great trip!

Kelly Powell-Smith says

15th August 2022 at 6:27 pm

These are great tips! Thank you for posting them. My daughter and I will have a full day in London (plus the afternoon we arrive) and are looking at this one day itinerary and it seems perfect. High on our list of things to do are Tower of London, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey. I think we will start at the Tower of London when it opens at 9 am. Estimating about 2 hours there as you suggest. If we take the walking route shown, about how long might it be before we arrive at the London Eye? Trying to buy tickets in advance so trying to guess arrival time. Same for the Abbey. Thinking we’d do the latest afternoon tour and then stay for Evensong since there will be one of those services on that day. Thank you for any tips you can share.

16th August 2022 at 9:13 am

Thanks very much! So if you take the route I suggest, which crosses Tower Bridge and follows the South Bank, it’s about a 55 minute walk. However, you are going to see quite a few things along the way, including Tower Bridge from various angles, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Tate Modern and the Golden Hind ship. These will probably all have you stopping and taking photos, so I’d suggest planning for a 1.5 hour trip just to be on the safe side.

Then from the Eye to Westminster Abbey is a 15 minute walk, but again, you’ll be going past the Houses of Parliament, so I’d recommend planning for 30 minutes.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions, I’m happy to help 🙂

27th September 2021 at 4:50 pm

Wow, you’re quick! Thank you Laurence, I appreciate your help.

We (my mom and me) fly to London Stansted around midnight and from there have a transfer to Victoria. We’re not staying at any hotel, but have an evening flight back, so have to transfer back to the airport from Victoria around 4pm, so basically we have 15 hours or so to spare. Unfortunately most of it is at night 🙁 We have only our backpacks, no other baggage, so that’s good. I’m so afraid we’re not going to see much and walk in circles or be late for the transfer back to the airport.

I thought we could first go from Victoria to walk around Soho and China town, then maybe to St Paul’s Cathedral and through Tower Bridge toward Tate Modern – but it opens at 10, so we have several hours to get there… After that I was thinking London Eye & Big Ben and, since it would be after 10am – The National Gallery, Buckingham Palace and back to Victoria.

What do you think?

27th September 2021 at 6:39 pm

It’s my pleasure 🙂

Ok, so that sounds pretty full on! Unfortunately, yes, London is going to be mostly closed. Obviously late night bars and clubs will be open, but other than that the sights will be closed. SoHo will be pretty lively I expect as there are a lot of bars and things there. Overall your plan sounds pretty good, as long as you don’t mind spending a fair amount of time with not too much open. You will at least see a side of London that is less seen, especially in the early hours of the morning! Should be an experience 😀

Let me know if I can help any more! I think you’ll have more than enough time to do everything you want 🙂

27th September 2021 at 11:45 am

Hi! How are you?

What free attractions do you recommend? And what could I see at night? I’m arriving at Victoria Coach Station at midnight and go back home from the same station around 4PM, so I have some time to sightsee but I don’t really know how to schedule all that 🙁 I would really appreciate your help!

Thank you so so much in advance

27th September 2021 at 12:59 pm

Good to hear from you! So I’m not sure from your message if you are planning to sleep somewhere or just sightsee. At midnight pretty much all the attractions will be closed in London until the following morning, although you can of course see the outside of all the sights. So I’d probably suggest sleeping until the morning and then getting up quite early and sightseeing. I’d suggest staying near the coach station so you can get to and from your accommodation, and ensure to pick somewhere that lets you store any bags you have as well as one which has late check in.

From the Victoria Coach station area you could easily follow our route in reverse if you just wanted to see sights from the outside. So that could include Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Covent Garden, London Eye, South Bank, Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

In terms of free attractions, it depends on your interests. I like the science museum, V&A museum and Natural History Museum, which are all close to each other in Kensington. The Tate Modern is good if you like modern art, and the Museum of London is awesome to learn about the history of the city.

I hope this helps a bit, let me know if I can provide any more input! Have a great trip!

David Bunting says

22nd September 2021 at 11:12 pm

Hi me and my wife are coming down to London in October we are trying to plan a good tour to see the sights I’ve just seen your walking tour in one day and it’s just what we are looking for we are staying in kings cross and would get the tube to the start point and walk it to finish up in convent garden area we are not planning on spending much but may do London eye or shard we may do a river cruise but we like to walk and take in the sights how far from start to finish is your walk if we start between 10 and 11 taking it steady calling for a couple of drinks and maybe the attractions I’ve mentioned would we be round for mid afternoon maybe or would it take longer we may not use the attractions we may just take the sights on foot we enjoy just walking your walk plan I think is ideal for us I think we will see all we want in the walk I hope you can help me it will be much appreciated. Cheers. David

23rd September 2021 at 9:50 am

So the total walking time you are looking at on this route is about 2 hours. I’d also recommend when you get to the Tate Modern, to cross over the millenium bridge and take a look at St. Pauls Cathedral. It only adds five minutes walk to the trip but is well worth the detour.

Obviously, depending on how long you stop to look at attractions / have a drink or two, the journey will take longer, but I’d say if you started around 10am you’d definitely be able to do this by mid-afternoon.

Have a great time in London, let me know if you have any more questions!

Deana Rasberry says

7th January 2020 at 4:09 am

I have been reading all your lovely suggestions and that is great information to have. I am planning a first time trip to London in May and arriving at 0900 in Heathrow and staying at Accor hotel right near that airport. My question is I have the full day from arriving to 7:30 where I booked tickets to see WICKED at Apollo Victoria Theatre, but in terms of sites to see in which order would you recommend with that event in mind? The morning after I fly ( on 16th) back to States. Its just one full day in London after 3 weeks around Europe, I am departing out of Heathrow so decided to arrive one day before. Thanks for your time in advance and look forward to suggestions. I already down loaded the LONDON city mapper for trans options….. wanted to see much as possible including Piccadilly and maybe Abbey Road studios.

7th January 2020 at 3:16 pm

I would actually say that the order in the itinerary should work just fine for you. The only change I might make would be to switch the last two stops around, but only if you don’t want to go inside Westminster Abbey. This is because the abbey closes fairly early, so if you get here late you will only be able to enjoy the outside (which is also magnificent). Otherwise, the rest of the itinerary should work fine in the order it is in, as the theatre is near Westminster Abbey 🙂

Let me know if I can be of any more help, and have a lovely time in London,

7th January 2020 at 5:14 pm

Osum!! Thank you For all the advice. I appreciate them. Deana

8th January 2020 at 11:56 am

My pleasure!

1st January 2020 at 7:15 pm

Such a helpful overview of 1-day in London! And one short ‘day’ is all we have. To make the most of our time I’m wondering if you can help fine tune our itinerary plan.

We arrive at Heathrow at 8pm on a Sat night in Sept, and fly out on Sun at 5pm. Given the relatively late arrival we’re wondering which neighbourhood we should stay in. We’re looking for something that would put us in good position to launch into the walking tour the next morning and at the end, be in a good position for picking up the luggage and whisking back to the airport. Accomodation-wise, we’re look for something moderate meaning charm and comfort but not luxury.

Also, are there any parts of the tour or off-tour suggestions that would be conducive to squeezing in 10pm-midnight on Saturday?

Look forward to any further advice you have for us!

Karen & Carla

1st January 2020 at 8:29 pm

Hi Karen & Carla,

Great to hear from you, and thanks very much.

So I would personally suggest staying at a hotel near Paddington train station. We stayed at this one a couple of weeks ago, which was just a five minute walk from the train station, and they held our luggage on our last day with no problem. It’s also a short walk to nearby tube, from where you can easily get to the start of your day. There are quite a few in the area. From Paddington, you can get the Tfl rail service direct to Heathrow for around £10 per person each way, and it takes around 30 minutes. There’s also the Heathrow Express, which is twice as fast and costs twice as much, so it’s up to you!

In terms of what you could squeeze in, obviously most indoor attractions will be closed at the time. However, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square are pleasant to walk at night, and I always love walking across the Thames Bridges near the London Eye at night as it is so pretty and lit up.

I hope this helps – have a wonderful trip, and do let me know if I can be of any further assistance!

All the best, and Happy New Year,

2nd January 2020 at 1:06 am

Happy New Year to you as well, Laurence, and wishes for many more happy travels. Thanks for the advice. We’re booked and ready to go. 🙂

2nd January 2020 at 11:20 am

My pleasure – have a great time!

Vijay Patel says

3rd September 2019 at 6:10 am

It’s my dream to visit London for once in my life as I am very fond of places to visit in London. especially, the London Eye. The list of places and other things to do in London is just amazing. London is such an amazing place to reside and visit hence I will be definitely sharing this great blog with my friends and family. I am glad I came across this and thanks for investing time and sharing this informative post with us.

3rd September 2019 at 9:45 am

My pleasure Vijay, thanks for your comment 🙂

7th August 2019 at 11:41 am

These are some fantastic tips which I will definitely be going to follow on my next one day trip to London. And please suggest any of the budget hotels in North London which have all the necessary facilities and close to these attractions. Thanks

7th August 2019 at 8:52 pm

Thanks Ammy!

So the two properties in our list we’d suggest based on your criteria would be:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options

If those don’t work, the linked site should have plenty more options for you 🙂

21st March 2019 at 6:38 am

Hello Laurence, I stumbled upon your posts in Google, I found very helpful tips from your website. I’m thankful for such detailed, well-done posts. It will by our first time in London, I’m nervous because I’m bring my parents and will be there for only a day. Taking Euro Star train from Paris we will arrive Monday May 13, 2019 at St. Pancras @ 8AM and leaving same day at 8PM. Knowing that we won’t have a lot of time and afraid to get lost, your posts have eased somewhat my anxiety.

I’ve been watching other channels on YouTube but yours is the best by far and have met my needs. I saw your 1 day London itinerary & map. London has comes alive to me, I was so happy because I’ve been trying to study the map, city mapper, bus routes…and was so overwhelmed.

We’re on a budget so we’ll take public transportation and will do sightseeing only.

I was planning to take public bus but since you mentioned taking the Tube & River Boat/Bus will save some times from and back to St. Pancras is a great idea.

Is there any way you can give more details of how to take the Tube, bus numbers/routes efficiently for our trip?

I plan to go directly to Buckingham from St. Pancras to watch the changing of the guards then head to Sky Garden and Borough market for lunch. I’m excited to take River Boat and walk to some of your suggested sites as time allows before we head back to St. Pancreas.

Not to be greedy but do you think we can stop by and check out Little Niece on the way back to the train station and call off the day? Hopefully we can visit British Museum as well. .So sad already…

Lastly, will we have trouble of finding public toilets there?

Thanks so much again for your time & people like you to help out others via Internet of travel needs. Annie N.

21st March 2019 at 11:12 am

Thanks for your comment (and e-mail!).

So you have quite a lot of time – 12 hours should give you plenty of time to explore.

In terms of your route, the easiest way to plan a route in London, in my opinion, is just to use Google Maps. It has all the transportation options that you need and will pick the fastest route. Even if you don’t have data, there’s free WiFi available throughout London to help you.

It’s hard to give you an exact route plan as I’m not sure of your overall itinerary. However, from St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace, the best option is going to be the Victoria line ( https://goo.gl/maps/w9C3mATLCHu ).

From there to the Sky Garden you can take the Circle and District Line ( https://goo.gl/maps/nPLm5VNNi1q )

I would definitely advise downloading London as an offline Google Map to your phone, then you will be able to find your way around the streets.

I’m not familiar with Little Niece – where is that?

There are some public toilets in London, so you should be able to find them without too much trouble 🙂

Have a great trip, let me know if I can help any more!

22nd March 2019 at 5:44 am

Thank you Laurence for your quick reply! Sorry I meant Little Venice not Little Niece.

22nd March 2019 at 9:57 am

Ah, that makes sense. So you could try and squeeze that in, although you would be cutting it quite fine with everything else as well 🙂

22nd March 2019 at 6:50 pm

Thanks! One more question please, if we follow your suggested routes and start from St.Pancras to Towel of London…will we make it to watch the changing of the guard in time?

22nd March 2019 at 6:55 pm

The Changing of the Guard usually takes place from 10.45 – 11.30am. From St. Pancras to Buckingham Palace shouldn’t take you more than half an hour. So if you arrive into St. Pancras at 8am you will have more than enough time 🙂 I’d suggest seeing something else on the way. Unfortunately many attractions do not open until 10am, however you could explore Covent Garden and see Trafalgar Square in the meantime.

2nd March 2019 at 8:56 am

Hi, myself, husband and two teens (16 and 17) are visiting London in June for one day. Our first time visiting and feeling anxious. We would like to maybe visit some free places but also do a couple of paid sites. what would you recommend for us, and of interest to the teens. Is your itinerary doable by foot and how far between each site to walk? Thanks in advance

2nd March 2019 at 9:03 am

I understand the anxious feeling of wanting to see everything! I guess I would say that it is definitely possible to see many of the highlights in a day, but not to worry too much about trying to see everything London has to offer in just one day, as it’s a big city with hundreds of attractions! I’d try and focus on a few big items that you really want to see. My suggestions would be things like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace, which are some of the more iconic landmarks in the city.

The itinerary as I have laid it out is do-able on foot yes. You’re probably looking at a total of 2 hours of actual walking, but obviously you will take a lot more time as you’ll be taking pictures and looking at the sights. You’ll also need to get from wherever you are staying to the start and end point.

In terms of paid sites, I would definitely recommend the Tower of London. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and one of the oldest castles in the UK, and there is so much history to learn about here. After that, many of the attractions can be enjoyed from the outside, like the Tower of London and the south bank. You could also pop across the Millenium Bridge from the Tate Modern to visit St. Pauls. Even if you’re not into Modern Art, I can recommend a visit to the Tate Modern as there’s a great view from the balcony.

I hope this helps – do let me know if I can be of any more assistance 🙂

Melissa says

20th January 2019 at 12:52 am

Hello, I’m visiting in March for one day coming in on the Eurostar. What should be my first stop on your list ? And how can i get to it ? Thanks so much

20th January 2019 at 12:07 pm

Hi Melissa!

So the Eurostar arrives at St. Pancras. My suggestion is to follow this itinerary in the order it’s laid out, so your first point of call will be the Tower of London. This is easy to get to from St. Pancras, you just take the Underground. Specifically, you’ll want to take the Circle line (Yellow colour) from St. Pancras in the direction of Liverpool Street, and get off at Tower Hill. It’ll take around 10 minutes.

I hope this helps! I have a using the London transport network here which might be useful too 🙂

Have a great trip!

Kathleen Trakas says

27th January 2019 at 4:10 pm

Hello! My Husband & I also are in Paris for our 3rd trip in December & want to take the Eurostar to London for the day. Reading your suggestions we feel confident we can do your itinerary in just one day- we’re early birds so with this itinerary what train times do you suggest would give us a relaxing but full day? We can catch the 6am train and how long would this all take to get back to the train station without worry?

27th January 2019 at 4:38 pm

Hi Kathleen!

So it’s around a two hour trip to London from Paris, meaning the 6am train will get you in at just after 8am. The only thing to bear in mind is that many of the attractions in London don’t open until after 9am.

To make the most of your time therefore, you might want to reorder the day. I’d suggest starting with some of the outdoor sights like Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and the Houses of Parliament first, and then Buckingham Palace. You can then make your way along the south bank past the London Eye, Tate Modern, Golden Hind and HMS Belfast before getting to Tower Bridge, and then seeing the Tower of London.

From the tower of London you can then hop on the tube for the ten minute ride back to St. Pancras, for the train. I’d advise giving yourselves plenty of time for all that, as you’ll likely want to eat at some point as well and not feel rushed, so a train at around 6 or 7pm would be my suggestion.

I hope this helps!

28th January 2019 at 4:55 pm

Thanks so much! Pretty excited to be Headed to London for a day! Cheers!

Helena says

20th December 2018 at 4:28 pm

Heey, I’m going to London with a friend inJanuary. He are arriving sunday at 9am at Gatwick and sleeping somewhere in Enfield and going to Southampton the next day. I enjoyed looking your guide for one day and i would like to ask your opinion on what to do in one day, knowing that the tickets are kinda expensives and we love nature and high-views. Thank you! And good work!

20th December 2018 at 4:39 pm

So are you asking for advice in London? I will assume so 🙂

For views, I would recommend the Sky Garden. It’s free to visit, but you do need to book a timeslot in advance which you can do on their website here . Tickets are released on a Monday for the following week, and they alway go very quickly, so you’ll want to set a calendar reminder. Another good viewpoint can be had in the Tate Modern museum, which is also free 🙂

In terms of more sightseeing, many of the sights and attractions in London are free, such as watching Changing of the Guard, and looking at the outside of the major buildings like Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and so on. So I would advise you to basically follow this itinerary fairly closely, but just to skip any attractions you don’t want to pay to see if budget is a key concern.

For nature, you will likely enjoy a visit to some of the parks, like Hyde Park or Green Park, which are just near Buckingham Palace / Trafalgar Square.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip

Kadeer says

13th December 2018 at 10:12 pm

Hello my family and I are traveling and have one day in London, we fly in to Gatwick at 12 pm and out of Gatwick the next morning at 7 am. We are staying at a hotel close to the airport…. would you recommend any changes or advice for us (kids ages are 11/13/15). I am not sure if we should take uber, train, the express train, or taxi. Also while in London should we do the hop on and off bus?

14th December 2018 at 2:47 pm

So from Gatwick one of the easiest ways to get into London is to take the train (see my full guide to getting to central London from all the airports here ). You can take the Gatwick Express, but these tickets are usually £20 per person each way, so if budget is a consideration i would instead suggest taking the normal train, which has tickets starting at £9.90. You can check ticket prices and times here – it’s always cheaper to buy in advance online, just make sure you get on the train that you buy the ticket for.

In terms of the itinerary, you will definitely have to reduce the sight seeing a bit as you only really have half a day. My suggestion would be to visit Tower Bridge and look at the Tower of London from the outside, then take the tube to Westminster where you can see Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace.

I hope this helps – have a great time in London!

3rd December 2018 at 1:07 am

family of 4 person , visiting london for one day what tips you suggest for us. thanks alot

3rd December 2018 at 11:05 am

My advice would be to follow the itinerary, but to perhaps slow it down depending on the age and stamina of your family. Certainly, everything is do-able, but in hearing feedback from family travellers, travelling as a family will require you to take things a bit slower (depending on age).

Have a great time!

Amanda says

4th November 2018 at 7:16 am

Your itinerary sounds perfect everything I would love to see! I’ve been so anxious just thinking of how to plan my ONE day in London. Could you provide some tips on where to start the day? I will be arriving in London in the morning about 9 at Heathrow. My departure will be about 11 that evening from Gatwick. I’ll be using your itinerary as my guide. But need tips on how to use my time as efficiently as possible. I also want to make sure I make my flight that evening. Please help!

4th November 2018 at 9:04 am

Hi Amanda! Sounds like you have lots of time to see all the things on my itinerary, but I would suggest in a different order to make it more efficient based on your airport arrival and departure. 🙂 So from Heathrow the cheapest option is to take the tube, you could take this to Leicester Square. From here you can get out and see Trafalgar Square, then walk to the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace – you should be in time to see the Changing of the Guard. From here you can then walk along the south bank of the river, from the London Eye all the way around, past Shakespeare’s Globe and HMS Belfast, the Tate Modern, the Golden Hind etc. You’ll finish near Tower Bridge and the Tower of London. Then, when you are done you can take the train from London Bridge train station which goes direct to London Gatwick airport 🙂

Hope this helps – have a great day out!

Nandini says

11th August 2018 at 11:55 am

Hi Laurence and Jessica! Thanks so much for the post! Most certainly, It gives a pretty good idea to plan a one-day trip! I will go to London from Birmingham on 31st August and leave on 2nd September. That gives me 1 evening and 1 full day and 1 morning to explore London! Would you please give me any particular suggestion so that I can utilize my stay to the best extent?

13th August 2018 at 9:23 pm

Hey Nandini!

Sounds like a fun trip 🙂 So, it’s a bit hard to give specific advice without knowing your interests, but our general advice would be to figure out what you really want to see, and try to plan your time so you can see them as efficiently as possible. So for example, if you have an evening in London, some attractions such as the London Eye or the Shard are open later, so you can go to them on your first day perhaps. Or you could catch a show. Essentially, try to make the best use of your time as possible whilst you are there 🙂 Hopefully this helps!

Talva Walker says

2nd August 2018 at 8:12 pm

Hi, I’ve been enjoying your post. Very insightful. I’m planning a trip to Paris Aug 31-Sept 5, arriving CDG at 7:20am on Sept 1, staying at the Mercure Paris Alesia. I am planning a day trip to London via EuroRail. Can you please suggest the best travel and sightseeing routes from Paris to London so I can get the most out of my day while in London. Thanks

2nd August 2018 at 8:21 pm

HI Talva, thanks for your comment. Could you just elaborate for me what you need – as you say you are taking the Eurail train, which will put you right in central London, are you looking for a tour guide or a suggested itinerary? There’s only one train option as far as I know, you just have to pick a time that works for you 🙂

8th August 2018 at 9:24 pm

Hi Laurence, thanks for your response. I’m sorry I wasn’t clear. I’m looking to find the best way to spend my day in London allowing time to/from the Eurorail. Is this doable.

9th August 2018 at 2:41 pm

Hey Talva! Well, that makes more sense. This itinerary is definitely do-able in a day but it does depend on what time your train gets in and leaves. If you are looking for the highlights, I’d suggest the Tower of London, walking across Tower Bridge, the London Eye or The Shard for great views, the exterior of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. That should all be very achievable in a day 🙂

11th July 2018 at 4:52 am

Hi, We are planning a trip to England and visit to Scotland and/or Ireland in early August. This may be too optimistic coverage but we have 12 full days. Our flight lands in Gatwick and we come back via Shannon. What is your recommendation? I plan to rent a car after spending 3 days in London.

11th July 2018 at 9:46 am

My advice would be to check out our 2 week UK itinerary: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/ and adjust it slightly to meet your time-frame and particular interests 🙂 We also have 1 week and 10 day UK itineraries, as well as loads of other content on travelling in the UK. So I am sure you will find the answers you need, but I’m always happy to provide further information as well.

Camilla says

1st July 2018 at 6:45 pm

I love the tips! We will be staying in a hotel near Covent Garden and will follow this! Any recommendations for places to eat around the area? I will be travelling with my in-lawsmy parents and my husband, we are not picky with food and we want to try where the locals eat.

3rd July 2018 at 10:30 am

Hey Camilla! Thanks very much 🙂 To be honest, we rarely recommend restaurants as recommendations can go out of date very quickly. Our advice would be to ask at the hotel reception when you get in, or look on Yelp / Google for nearby restaurants or pubs that have good ratings. A good pub meal is a must when visiting London. I would also add that there is a huge volume of visitors to London, as well as a very multi-cultural feel to the city, so most venues will cater to both locals and visitors 🙂

Beccare says

19th May 2018 at 10:38 am

Hello there, I will be heading into the Uk at the ending of this year and I have a list of places I would like to see in one day but not very sure how to see them all. I only have one day for sight seeing unfortunately. I plan on purchasing a one day london pass, the places are: British Museum, St Paul Cathedral, London motor museum, Charles Dickens museum, Globe Theater, Kensington Palace, London Zoo, London Bridge, West Minister Abbey, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, The view from the shard.

19th May 2018 at 7:09 pm

Hi Beccare!

I will be honest with you, I think you will struggle to see all of those locations in one day. I think you should be able to see a lot of them, but not all. My suggestion would be to start at the Tower of London, then Tower Bridge, Globe Theater, St. Paul’s cathedral, London Motor Museum and Westminster Abbey. Then head to the shard as that is open later. I think that would be achievable, but still you will have to go quite quickly. Otherwise you will rush so much you won’t see anything so well. I hope this works!

Alma J Saad says

16th May 2018 at 5:05 am

Excellent photographs. particularly the one of the Routemaster transport. Notwithstanding the 9 appeared, one additionally keeps running on the 15 (Heritage) course, which takes guests past numerous traveler spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral and so forth.) an incredible method to see London and considerably less expensive than a visitor transport!

17th May 2018 at 9:12 am

Thanks very much Alma!

Mohamed Haikel says

30th March 2018 at 3:35 pm

Im planning a honeymoon trip to europe and london is one of my stops and this article/post has been very helpful in narrowing down my list of places to visit. ill have a full day for sightseeing. Im staying at the Novotel Wembley in London. Any advice or recomendation on where i should start my sightseeing?

30th March 2018 at 3:48 pm

Hi Mohamed! Congratulations on your wedding 🙂 The easiest way to get around London is to take public transport, so my suggestion would be to take the tube (also known as the underground) from near your hotel. There are two easy options. First would be to take the Metropolitan line from Wembley Park Station to Aldgate Station, and then walk to the Tower of London. Alternatively, and I think my preferred option, would be to take the Jubilee Line from Wembley Park Station to London Bridge Underground Station, and then walk from there. It’s a prettier walk from the latter.

If you need information on getting around London, I have two posts to help, one on how to use the public transport system in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/guide-public-transport-london/

And one on paying for transport in London: https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/pay-public-transport-london-oyster-contactless-best/

Andrea Heys says

26th March 2018 at 6:34 pm

Wow, This is really helpful, thank you. We are 4 ladies (3 Canadians and 1 Brit) staying around the Gatwick area at the end of April 2018. We have one full day and evening to see everything. We would love to see as much as possible (1 lady can’t walk a long way at a time but can rest for a few minutes and then carry on). The Canadians are leaving it up to me, the Brit (but from the North) to show them around. They want to sight-see and then take in a west end show in the evening. Can you recommend a route that can accommodate not too much walking?

26th March 2018 at 6:44 pm

Hi Andrea – delighted that you found the post useful 🙂 I’ll do my best to help out!

From Gatwick (I’m assuming the airport), my advice would be to take the train into central London – specifically London Bridge. This will put you almost directly across the river from the Tower of London, as well as a number of other great London sights (HMS Belfast, St. Pauls Cathedral & Tower Bridge). So a good place to start.

I’d then suggest after seeing all that you want in that area, that you take the River Bus service from either Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier, and go to Westminster Pier. It’s pretty cost effective, and is a good way to see London from the water 🙂 Then you’ll be in the heart of Westminster, right next to Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament, the Churchill War Rooms, and whatever else you want to see in that area. You could also do the London Eye quite easily. Then, from Westminster it’s a short walk up Whitehall past 10 Downing St to Trafalgar Square, from where you have your pick of the shows.

Hopefully that all makes sense! I wouldn’t advise doing everything in the comment, obviously pick and choose what you’re interested in. IF you are interested in going in a few of the different attractions, definitely check out the London Pass (linked in the post) to see if the cost savings make it a benefit to you.

Have an amazing time – do pop back and let me know how it went!

29th March 2018 at 3:37 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I’ll definitely let you know what we chose. This is great information and I heard about the London pass so we’ll check it out. This is a fantastic website that I’ll be recommending to all I know in Canada. Great information about London. Thank you again ?

29th March 2018 at 4:19 pm

My pleasure Andrea – and thanks very much!

Dale Fisher says

25th March 2018 at 2:50 pm

Your itinerary sounds perfect since we are staying for one day. We, husband and two daughters 21 & 23, leave in a few days and I will use your itinerary. We are staying at the London Arch so should I still start my day at the Tower of London? What if I begin at Westminster Pier and take the River Cruise to the Tower? I have pre booked tickets to the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey. I plan to do it all walking. I value any opinions. Thank you!! Dale

25th March 2018 at 3:02 pm

Glad to be of help! It’s really up to you. From Marble Arch, it would probably make the most sense to go in the following order:

Buckingham Palace Westminster Abbey / Houses of Parliament River cruise or walk along south bank to Tower of London Tower of London Then you could either take public transport back or the river cruise again.

Alternatively you could take public transport to the Tower of London, and then the itinerary would finish near Buckingham Palace and be quite close to where you are staying 🙂

25th March 2018 at 3:23 pm

Thank you!! This was extremely helpful! We arrive the day before and have the evening free, any suggestions to make the most of our evening? All the best, Dale

25th March 2018 at 4:08 pm

My pleasure! There are a few options, you could try one of the following;

Take in a West End London Show (there are many to choose from, we know the Lion King is very popular!) Take a ride on the London Eye at sunset or head up the Shard for great views Pop out for a meal or a drink – there are so many dining and drinking options we don’t think you’ll struggle to find somewhere

simon harding says

26th November 2015 at 9:00 am

beautiful photos. especially the one of the routemaster bus. In addition to the 9 shown, one also runs on the 15 (Heritage) route, which takes visitors past many tourist spots (Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s Cathedral etc.) a great way to see London and much cheaper than a tourist bus!

Claudia Luxembourg says

6th August 2015 at 11:43 am

You got it covered! I know London so well that whenever people visit me I take them on my very personal walking tour. I usually start in Covent Garden, walk to Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, then head to Trafalgar Square where we stop at the National Gallery. Keep on to Buckingham Palace and then continue to Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster. Then I go to the British Museum too. I taylor it depending on what people are interested in. But it usually works fine. It is an amazing city. I also love Chiswick. Perhaps my fav. part of London!!

Laurence says

7th September 2015 at 9:11 am

That’s one of my favourite routes 😀 I lived in Covent Garden for a couple of years, love that part of town!

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BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

Visiting London, UK, for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your itinerary for such a short visit? In this guide, we share a detailed London 1-day itinerary that allows you to see many of the top sights in the most efficient way.

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most out of your time, but also keep it enjoyable and fun.

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and hidden gems in London that would make any visit more memorable… But unless you have much more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant that someone recommended…

With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sights that London is famous for.

So this is our no-nonsense guide to the VERY BEST things to see and do in London in one day . At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of our recommended 1-day London itinerary as well as a map indicating all the places that we mention in this guide. We also include some practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

Top 4 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio .

As you can imagine, there are millions of ways how you could spend a day in London. This is just one suggestion based on our personal experience. It includes some of the most important sights and must-see places that we think are worth your time the most if this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London.

Good to know: Our recommended London 1-day itinerary takes into account the locations and the opening times of the main attractions so that you can actually visit some of them if you want to. Although, keep in mind that with just a day in London, you will have to be very selective about the places you decide to visit inside. As you can imagine, this takes much more time and planning compared to just seeing the landmarks from the outside.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, we recommend that you do a Thames Cruise , plus take a ride on the iconic London Eye and/or visit the viewing decks at The Shard . The views are amazing from both! And because you can get timed-entry tickets (or fast-track tickets at London Eye) it’s well worth it, even if your time in the city is limited. You will find more information about these and other landmarks further below.

READ ALSO: London Travel Tips

Here’s what you could do in London in one day:

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is one of the must-sees in London.

Since you probably won’t be visiting the Palace inside (it’s only possible at the end of the summer/early fall – see here if interested), you can start your day in London here as early as you like.

The best place to be is Victoria Memorial , which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace.

2. The Mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen TV broadcasts of any of the official royal celebrations in London, this is the street where they start/end their trips with golden carriages and Royal Guard parades.

In fact, you could see the Changing of the Guards ceremony here, but it only takes place on certain dates and starts at around 11 am. So it’s not something I would recommend if you only have a day in London.

Instead, simply walk down the Mall and/or take a detour via the adjacent St. James Park . The next destination on this itinerary – Horse Guards Parade – is about 15-20 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

3. Horse Guards Parade

The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame’s Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located.

This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London. They are always around, so you can take a picture of them if you like.

In addition, there is also a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here at 11 am (at 10 am on Sundays). If your timing coincides with this, it’s nice to see, but I wouldn’t adjust the entire day’s schedule just for this. There are better things to do with just a day in London!

TIP: If interested, you could take a quick detour to the famous 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the UK’s Prime Minister. It’s located just nearby here. However, it’s now closed with high gates at the entrance of the street so you can only catch a glimpse of it in a distance.

4. Trafalgar Square

Next, head to Trafalgar Square which is less than 10 minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade. This is another must-see in London that you will probably recognize from many movies and travel guides.

In the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, stands a huge Nelson’s Column which is guarded by four bronze lions. There are usually lots of pigeons here too, plus tourists, street performers, etc. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs zooming in all directions.

It’s a very lively place, but if you come here early in the morning, it can be very quiet. Either way, don’t miss it as it’s always worth a quick visit. It’s a great place to simply sit back, do some people-watching, and soak in the typical London atmosphere.

Good to know: Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery . It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 am. If you feel like visiting a museum during your short trip to London, check it out.

5. Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional)

Depending on your interests and how early you start your day, you may want to take a quick detour and visit either Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden. Both of these areas are located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores such as M&M’s London or the LEGO Store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. If you are visiting London with kids you won’t want to miss this place! But this vibrant area is worth a quick look either way.

TIP: It’s also in this part of the city that you will find some of the most famous London theaters . If you are interested in seeing a show or a musical, you could easily adjust this itinerary a bit and come back here in the evening. In that case, check what shows are available and book your tickets well in advance !

Covent Garden is a cool bustling area just nearby. Here, you can visit the famous Covent Garden Market , with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here, so this could also be a good place for brunch or early lunch.

6. London Eye

Next, cross the river at Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges and head to the South Bank of London. On the way, you can enjoy great views from the bridge and the riverside.

There is a lot to see and do in this part of the city. The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye . The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London . From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks.

PRO TIP: The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several (!) hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground, and enjoy the views from The Shard at the end of the day (more info further below).

Sundays in March, April, and May 2024: If you happen to visit London this spring and on a Sunday, you can save 40% on the London Eye tickets. Click here to activate the code and book tickets on the official website (if still available, reserve asap – this is the first time I’ve seen them giving such a big discount). They say it’s not available on Easter Sunday, but I tried booking and it showed me a discounted price for that weekend as well. Anyway, this will only work if you are visiting London on a Sunday.

Additional suggestion: If you would like to get a glimpse of some cool places in London, beyond the main landmarks, make a short detour to the colorful graffiti tunnel, aka The Vaults. This is one of the hidden gems of London that is located so close to the popular sights but is overlooked by most tourists. I indicated it on our map below. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least half an hour extra for a quick detour here (it’s about 10-15 walk from the London Eye).

7. Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace

Next, walk to the iconic Westminster Bridge just nearby. From here, you also have a good view of the famous Big Ben Tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The view of the bridge with the beautiful gothic buildings of Westminster Palace is among the most recognizable images from London. This is the heart of the city that you really shouldn’t miss, no matter how long or short your visit is.

It’s not possible to visit the Big Ben Tower. There are tours of the Parliament, but – with just a day or even a few in London – it’s probably not the best use of your time. So this is mostly a photo stop, to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

8. Westminster Abbey

If you cross the bridge and walk just a bit further past Big Ben, you will soon see the famous Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important events. Every British monarch has been crowned here since the 11th century, many royal weddings and funerals take place here, etc. The Abbey is also the burial site of countless famous British historical figures, such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, just to name a few…

This Gothic building is remarkably beautiful and you can visit it inside. If you decide to do this, be sure to book the timed-entry tickets in advance! Keep in mind that you will need at least an hour to quickly visit the Abbey. More realistically, you should count at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

9. Thames Cruise

Next, take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower Bridge.

This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit, and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day in London.

Good to know: There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options that it can get overwhelming. This is the best ticket for this particular journey . The boat departs from Westminster Pier (we indicated the location on the map further below) and takes you to Tower Bridge. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

10. Tower of London

It will probably be late afternoon by the time you get to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . These are among the most important landmarks in the city, so you absolutely have to see them.

Whether it’s actually worth visiting any of them inside if you only have a day in London, I’ll let you decide based on your interests and how you choose to fill the rest of this itinerary.

Don’t take me wrong – they are both absolutely worth a visit. It’s just that everything usually takes a lot more time than you anticipate. And your itinerary for a day in London will be packed…

If you visit just one attraction inside, the Tower of London is definitely among the top choices. Built in the 11th century, the building served as a fortress, a prison, but also as a palace over its centuries-long history.

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy are kept (and can be seen inside, if you are prepared for an inevitable queue). The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the Jewels when the site opens.

Good to know: Be sure to get (timed-entry) tickets if you want to visit. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours inside (and it will be rushed).

11. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside (be sure to walk over the bridge too!).

It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city.

Also here, if you decide to actually visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance .

12. The Shard

After crossing the Tower Bridge, walk to The Shard following the river. It’s a nice walk of about 15-20 minutes.

The Shard is an iconic London skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and in the top 100 among the tallest buildings in the world. A visit to its open-air viewing platform Skydeck on the 72nd floor gives you easy access to some of the best 360° views of London. In addition, there are indoor viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors.

From the top, you can see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London nearby, plus countless other landmarks in the distance and the entire city at your feet.

Good to know: The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also here, you really have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy (and it usually is), the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

There are a couple of restaurants in the Shard Tower itself, but they are all quite high-end and definitely have to be reserved.

For dinner, you may want to look for a restaurant in the area around Borough Market . The market itself is closed in the evenings, but there are many eateries nearby. Also here, if you want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table.

READ ALSO: British Food: best dishes to try in the UK

Theater (optional)

Just like Broadway in New York, London is known for its world-class musicals, amazing shows, and concerts.

While this 1-day London itinerary is quite packed as it is, many people travel to the city just to see a specific show or a musical. So yes, it’s possible to add this experience to this itinerary as well.

In that case, be sure to first check what is available , at which theater, and at what time. Then adjust this itinerary to be sure that you can get there on time, and based on your interests.

London 1-Day Itinerary Overview

Below is an overview of what your day in London could look like.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll need timed tickets for most of these sites – if you actually want to visit them inside. There is no way you can visit all of these in a day. But you can definitely see them all and visit a few (max 2-3, depending on the place). So you’ll have to plan well and adjust this itinerary based on your interests.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for London:

• Buckingham Palace.
• St James Park.
• Trafalgar Square.
• Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional).
• London Eye ( book (fast track) tickets if you want to go up!).
• Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace.
• Westminster Abbey ( book tickets if you want to visit inside!).
• Thames River Cruise ( this is the best ticket for this itinerary ).
• Tower Bridge & Tower of London (book tickets – Tower of London and/or Tower Bridge – and be sure to choose timed-entry (!) if you want to visit any of these inside).
• The Shard ( book tickets if you want to go up!).
• Theater (optional – check what’s available for the day of your visit and adjust the itinerary accordingly if you decide to see a show).

My personal recommendation would be to visit Westminster Abbey and/or the Tower of London and do the Thames River Cruise. I would also probably opt for The Shard rather than London Eye, simply because it’s easier to plan it at the end of the day. The Shard is also open much later in the evening than anything else.

But everything is possible, so pick the sights that look most interesting to you , and plan your own perfect day in London!

Also, start your day very early! The sights that we recommend visiting first can be seen long before any of the landmarks even open.

London is huge but as you can see on the map, many of the major landmarks are located not too far from each other. So you can see and do quite a lot in one day.

To help you with the planning, we created this map indicating all the top places that we recommend visiting in London in a day. You can also see an approximate walking route suggestion. This should give you a better idea of where all these places are located and help you plan a perfect itinerary for your day trip to London.

If you decide to skip some sights or visit them in a different order, it’s perfectly possible too. This is just one of the possibilities, taking into account the opening times of some of the places that we think are worth visiting the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Tips

• If you follow this 1-day London itinerary exactly as it is suggested here, you will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes . This itinerary focuses on the main landmarks, many of which are located too close to each other to take a metro every time, but far enough to give you a good exercise. You’ll only take a boat to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
• Use a metro to get to the starting point of this itinerary and back to your hotel at the end of the day. It’s the fastest way to cover big distances in London.
• Be sure to pre-book timed-entry tickets (choose fast-track tickets where available) for any of the attractions that you want to visit. Otherwise, forget it and just enjoy the sights from the outside. With just one day in London, you really don’t want to waste time queuing at one or the other attraction for an hour or two before you can even get inside. Plus, in some places, walk-ins are not guaranteed at all.
• With just a day in London, it doesn’t matter that much where you decide to stay. Of course, it helps if you choose a hotel in a somewhat central location, also because you can explore a bit more of the days of the arrival/departure as well. A lot also depends on how you travel to/from the city. For example, Megaro Hotel is a good option next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations where the Eurostar train arrives from Paris , Brussels , or Amsterdam .

MORE INFORMATION: Where to Stay in London

So, this is our suggested itinerary for one day in London. As you can see, there are many possibilities and options, so use this as an inspiration to plan your own perfect day trip to London!

If this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with our recommended 2-day London itinerary .

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for London:

• Good to know: Tips for Visiting London
• What to see: Top London Sights & Attractions & Hidden Gems of London
• What to eat: Traditional British Food to Try in the UK
• Best views: Best Views in London
• Camden: Camden Town & Camden Lock Market
• Greenwich: Things to Do in Greenwich & Painted Hall & Queen’s House
• For families: London with Kids
• Outside the city: Best Day Trips from London & Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Day Trip to Liverpool from London

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: ewelinas85/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion/Depositphotos.com// dvrcan/Depositphotos.com.

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Paris (France)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Saturday 27th of April 2024

Amazing! It's a definite must. My first trip to London with my 2 boys so I will be using as a guide for our upcoming trip in June 2024 :) We're also there to see NY Mets Play. Any suggestions for places to do Afternoon Tea?

Nichole Walz

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! It's incredible helpful for our upcoming trip in May! XOXO

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

@Jurga, I am also going in May and this is a great help thank you we will be starting in Barcelona then and 11 night cruise ending in Southampton and staying a couple days in Soho

Glad to help, Nichole. Have a great time in London!

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Literally hitting all the places I want to see! THANK YOU for this.. it's almost too perfect! Curious what the ideal to start this in order to hit all these sites.

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Ali, it depends a bit on the season when you travel, but mostly on your interests (that is, which places if any you decide to visit). If you start around 9-10, you could probably watch the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade (10-11 am depending on the day), but that's really up to you. That way, you could also be at Leicester Square/Covent Garden at around lunchtime. On the other hand, if you want to go up the London Eye and also visit either Westminster Abbey or The Tower of London, then I would start earlier. So first decide which attractions you absolutely want to visit, read our tips for how much time you need, and that will help you figure out when to start your day. You'll also need to prebook timed entry tickets. Hope this helps. Enjoy London!

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hello, thank you so much. I used this post for a day in London and it was so wonderful! Thanks again

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your short visit to London, Susan. Happy travels!

Snehalata Tawade

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Thank you for your wonderful blog. I missed my flight connection and was in London just for a day and could enjoy the day perfectly visiting all the places you mentioned. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Keep it up. All the best wishes for your future endeavors.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Glad to help, Snehalata. It's great that you could turn a travel mishap into a fun day in London!

London in One Day

If you plan to visit London in one day, you want to make the most of it and see the most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in this beautiful city.

London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that every visitor wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London, you need to plan your day to see as much as possible. We have prepared two options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two possibilities and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

One Day in London: Option 1 – Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour + River Cruise + London Eye

If you are only visiting for a day and want to see as much as possible, I highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, do a Thames River Cruise and go on the London Eye.

Our Experience

We went on the bus tour, which very easily takes you around the most important places in London. With the bus tour, you get a free river cruise, which I enjoyed the most as the views are amazing, and we also went on the London Eye to round it all up. And this is exactly what I recommend you do if you are planning to spend a day in London.

Sightseeing bus tour and river cruise

The open-top bus tour takes you to all the important places, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street, Regent Street… And you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It´s an easy way to explore London, and not have to worry about public transport.

The free river cruise is fantastic, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in London if you have one day. From the river, you’ll be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare´s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral… You will also see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and the famous Tower Bridge. The river cruise will also allow you to take beautiful photos of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

If you are arriving at King´s Cross St Pancras Station, then the open-top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

We recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue; this way, you’ll make sure you make the most of your day in London.

One Day in London: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

We have designed a walking route enabling you to discover London in a day if you would rather walk to see the city’s sights. With our walking route, you will see some of the most important landmarks, and you will probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

Walking route to visit London in a day step-by-step

Changing on the guard at buckingham palace.

Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station . From here, we will walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates of the changing of the guard to avoid disappointment.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and London Eye

After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, we will walk across St James´s Park and head towards Westminster Abbey and Big Ben along Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street. We can then cross Westminster Bridge, admiring the views from this bridge, and make our way towards the London Eye .

Tower of London and River Cruise

At this point, one option is to go to the Tower of London by boat. We can jump on an Uber boat at London Eye Pier and go to Tower Pier. This is a riverboat service (like a river bus), so just an easy and cheap way to cruise the Thames and take in the views. As it isn´t a touristic cruise, there is no live commentary. Still, it´s a perfect way to go from one part of London to another. On the way, you can spot Shakespeare´s Globe , the Millenium Bridge , Tate Modern, Hay´s Galleria … Get off at Tower Pier to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Afterwards, jump back on the Uber boat and return to London Eye. If you are feeling a bit hungry, you could go to St Katharine´s Dock to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants in the area.

Once we return to the London Eye, we can continue our walking route. Explore London´s beautiful Southbank for a bit. This is where the Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeons, Shrek´s Adventure and Southbank Centre are . You will find many restaurants here.

Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden

We´ll cross the Thames over Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges and make our way towards Trafalgar Square . This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, we can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

From Piccadilly Circus, we will walk along Regent Street and explore Carnaby Street . After walking through London´s Soho, we will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden .

Covent Garden is a great place to grab a bite. There are many restaurants in the area. Seven Dials Market is also just around the corner from Covent Garden, another great option if you´re hungry. This is also where we can find several theatres and London´s best musicals .

Itinerary to visit London in a day

Transport suggestions

If you are going to spend just one day in London, it may be tempting to buy single fares if you’re going to use public transport, such as the underground or the bus. We encourage you to buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if possible.

You will pay less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card´s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than a day travelcard.

You can also use oyster or contactless on the riverboat service mentioned above.

Related Posts

Changing of the guard in london: dates 2024, the best black taxi tours in london, best musicals in london in 2024, thames river cruises in london: options, offers and available routes.

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Perfect One Day in London Itinerary for 2024

By: Author Girl with the Passport

Posted on Last updated: March 13, 2024

Categories Europe

Looking to plan the perfect one day in London itinerary but feel kind of stressed out about it?

Yeah, I totally get that. I mean, there is so much to see and do in this iconic city that it can be difficult to know where to start when planning a perfect day in London .

However, luckily for you, I’ve lived in and visited London more times than I can count. So, I really do know how to experience London like a savvy local, not a tourist.

So, if you want to quickly and easily plan 24 hours in London then this post is for you.

Because I’ve laid everything out in this one day in London itinerary so that you can quickly and easily enjoy all of the city’s top attractions.

This way, you can get a taste of the pure awesomeness that is London and maybe even plan a return trip to the immortal capital of England.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

🏆 Want to plan the BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY? Then book the Westminster And Changing Of The Guard Tour . You’ll get to see the famous ceremony of the changing of guards and catch all the sights around Westminster. It is hands down one of the best tours in the city. 🏆

Where to Stay for One Day in London

😊 Not sure where to stay in London? Then try the Yotel London Hotel . It is also located in a central neighborhood and has nice clean rooms. If you need a gym then it has that too! Plus breakfast is also available for a charge. 😊

When you’re planning a whistle-stop tour of London in a day you’ll need a decent place to hang your head after a busy day of sightseeing.

Save time scouring the web with my top picks for where to stay in London.

• KX Rooms (budget) – London isn’t exactly known for its budget-friendly digs and it’s a challenge to score a private room without forking out over $100 a night in Zone 1. So, your best bet is the KX Rooms where you’ll enjoy a private bathroom and clean, safe lodging for the night. Although veering on the snug side, doubles and family rooms are well-equipped with a kettle, hairdryer, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel also sits next to King’s Cross St. Pancras Station so you’ll save a fortune on travel.
• Citadines Barbican London (mid-range) – If you’d prefer to stretch out during your trip to London, choosing an aparthotel the way to go. In fact, studio apartments at Citadines come with a kitchenette, dining area, and private bathroom. Plus, regular guest rooms are a tad cheaper. And if you’re hoping for a lie-in the night before tackling London in a day that you’ll love that this aparthotel isn’t far from the first attraction on this itinerary!
• Yotel London City (mid-range) – The Yotel London City is outfitted with bright rooms complete with an en suite bathroom and essential amenities. Continental breakfast is available at a surcharge and there is a 24/7 fitness room available for gym rats. The Farrington neighborhood is also central and well-connected but benefits from quiet evenings.
• St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (luxury) – Fancy living like royalty during your 24 hours in London ? Well, then you’ll love this 5-star hotel that comes with all the trimmings. For starters, all rooms are beautifully appointed with plush furnishings, elegant décor, and marble bathrooms. Top-tier rooms even feature clawfoot bathtubs and fireplaces. There’s also a pool, spa, sauna, gym, and a fleet of restaurants. Plus, it’s centrally located in the fashionable King’s Cross St. Pancras area.

Tips for Getting Around During Your One Day in London

London is famous for its eyebrow-raising prices and, inevitably, you will spend more than you’d like to in the city.

However, there are plenty of ways to reign in your spending! Therefore, here are my tips for saving money and getting around London in a day.

1. Get an Oyster Card

An Oyster Card is one of the easiest ways to pay for your travel around London. This is a rechargeable card that works out way cheaper than paper/single-fare tickets.

So, you can order a Visitor Oyster for £5 ($6.50) and have it delivered before you arrive. Or, you can pick up a regular Oyster card at any station in London.

You can then use your Oyster Card to pay for the Tube, bus, and even the river bus ferry services. Also, do be aware that buses do not accept cash payments!

2. Go contactless

In place of a loaded Oyster Card, you can just use a contactless credit or debit card to get around. The fares are exactly the same and you’ll benefit from daily capping.

If you do have an Oyster card, make sure you don’t accidentally tap any contactless cards while tapping in or out. Card clash is a thing and it means that both methods get charged.

Pro Tip: Buses work out much cheaper than the Tube. Each journey is capped at £1.65 ($2.15) regardless of how far you travel.

Plus, if you change buses within one hour, you won’t pay a penny more thanks to the “hopper” fare.

3. Walk as much as possible

Despite the epic size of Greater London, the central area is actually fairly compact and walkable. And this 1 day in London itinerary is designed so that you can walk throughout most of the day and save money on public transportation.

For that reason – comfortable shoes should be at the very top of your London packing list.

4. Book tickets in advance

All the sights you’ll want to see while exploring London in a day are prone to crowds and long lines.

Therefore, book skip-the-line tickets in advance to avoid wasting valuable sightseeing time. To make this easy, I’ve included all the relevant links below.

5. Pick up a London Pass

If you’re spending longer than a day in London and want to tour top attractions and museums, consider getting a London Pass .

After all, this amazing resource will grant you free admission to over 80 sights. Passes are also available for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10 days and are priced accordingly from $103.

So, browse through your options and choose the London Pass that is perfect for you, especially if you want to do some London at night tours .

6. Carry a reusable bottle

Tap water in the UK is perfectly safe to drink.

However, stay hydrated and do your bit for the environment by carrying around a reusable water bottle.

Plus, many cafes and pubs will be happy to top you off if you run out of water. And you can put all that money that you saved on bottled water towards a night out at the pub.

Yup, it’s a total win-win.

How to see the best of London in a day

Curated especially for first-time visitors , this guide to 24 hours in London is designed to take you to London’s most famous landmarks .

So, if you follow the itinerary as outlined below, you can walk between the majority of the points of interest on this 1 day in London itinerary.

1. The Tower of London

⭐️  Rating:  4.6/5.0 ( 102777 Reviews)  Price:  $36.33 per person 📍 Meeting Point:  Main entrance gate  Details:   Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

But first: breakfast.

The first item on today’s agenda is located next to the handsome St. Katherine’s Docks. See, White Mulberries is a lovely little cafe that overlooks the marina.

Nourishing breakfast bowls, pastries, and brunch classics alongside excellent coffee are on the menu. The cafe also opens daily at 7:30 am.

So, once you’ve filled your tummy at one of the cutest cafes in London , you can walk to the first attraction of the day.

The Tower of London is a medieval fortress with a gruesome history of executions, beheadings, and imprisonment.

On a lighter note, it also houses the Crown Jewels and provides gorgeous views of the Thames.

Highlights of the Tower of London include:

• White Tower – At the heart of the Inner Ward, this turreted tower once provided lodging for the current king. Nowadays it houses the armor of Henry VIII.
• Wakefield Tower – Also known as the Bloody Tower, this is the goriest of all. The young princes, Edward and Richard, were imprisoned here in the days leading up to their slaughter by their uncle, King Richard III.
• Crown Jewels – As well as the Imperial State Crown, you’ll see the scepter and robes worn by British kings and queens at their coronation services.
• Ravens – Legend warns us that if the resident “unkindness” of ravens leaves the premises then the Tower of London will fall.

So, expect to spend around two hours roaming throughout the premises of the tower.

“ There is a lot to see at the Tower of London but it really depends on what you are interested in. The Crown Jewels are worth the price of admission just to see them up close. All of the ancient torture was also very interesting as was how the King and Queen at one point lived there. The Beefeater guided tour I wish we had time for so be sure to make time for that 45 minute tour it sounded amazing .” Nathan ( read more reviews now )

Pro Tip: Be sure to purchase a skip-the-line ticket well in advance of your one day in London to avoid long queues. Then, once you’re in, feel free to fire any questions you have at the Yeoman Wardens. They’re knowledgeable, friendly, and love to share trivia with eager visitors!

Address : Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB

Hours : Open Tuesday from 9:00 am 5:30 pm, and Sunday to Monday from 10:00 am 5:30 pm.

Price : Tickets start at $40 for adult admission.

How to Get There: Tower Hill Tube Station (Circle and District Line) is located right next to the Tower of London and St. Katherine’s Docks.

2. South Bank and London Eye

⭐️  Rating:  4.5/5.0 (9984 Reviews)  Price:  $39.48 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Meeting point depends on options booked  Details:   Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

London’s South Bank is a cultural center for theater, film, festivals, and food.

It’s the place to be in London whatever the season since there’s always something going on. So, expect to find Christmas markets in winter, sandpits/festivals throughout the summer, bookstalls on weekends, and more.

Also, getting here is the most fun on foot since you can soak up the energy and sights of London.

Then, Cross over the river via Tower Bridge (the huge blue suspension bridge) and follow the Thames Path west.

Along the way, you’ll walk past dozens of attractions, such as:

• The Golden Hinde – A replica of the ship that circumnavigated Sir Francis Drake around the globe.
• The Clink Prison Museum – Ghastly setting depicting a notorious prison from the 12th-century.
• Shakespeare’s Globe – A recreation of the original theater where punters can pick up “standing” tickets during the summer season.
• Tate Modern – A museum filled with mind-boggling contemporary pieces within a former power station.

Therefore, if you can manage to spend more than 1 day in London you might want to revisit some of these iconic spots.

“ Purchased London Eye tickets through Get your Guide. Booked for wrong day initially which they amended without any bother. Printed tickets but also downloaded the App. Arrived at the Eye and showed our tickets. Enjoyed our flight and would recommend both Company and The Eye.” Jayne ( read more reviews now )

Then, standing in stark contrast against the innumerable ancient buildings here, the London Eye oscillates at the heart of the South Bank.

After all, it’s Europe’s largest Ferris wheel and offers visitors lovely views of the city during a 30-minute ride.

So, do yourself a favor and avoid the ridiculously long queues by pre-booking a fast-track London Eye ticket now .

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling peckish, pick up an early lunch during your walk since Borough Market is open daily from 10:00 am (8:00 am on Saturdays). A second, and cheaper option is Southbank Centre Food Market.

It opens Friday through Sunday. And then lastly, food trucks can usually be found dotted all around the South Bank at the foot of the Eye.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

Hours: London Eye is open daily from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Price: Tickets start at $35 when booked online in advance.

Getting There: Walking from the Tower of London to the London Eye takes around 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can hop on the Tube to Embankment Station and walk across the bridge.

A more swashbuckling alternative: take the River Boat from Tower Pier to Westminster and cross over Westminster Bridge.

3. The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Once your feet touch the ground, catch your breath and make your way to Westminster Bridge. On the way, stop to snap some photos of your next attraction: the Houses of Parliament.

You’ll also be delighted to know that Big Ben has recently been liberated from its oppressive scaffolding to reveal a splendidly refurbished clock face.

Therefore, that means that now is the best time to plan your 1 day in London.

However, this place is also known as the Palace of Westminster. In fact, this vast building was at the center of controversy in 1605.

See, in an attempt to overthrow the Protestant monarchy and government, Guy Fawkes plotted to blow the complex up with his Gunpowder Plot.

And while this all didn’t go accordingly to plan, Brits nowadays “celebrate” his failure every year on the 5th of November with fireworks displays, giant bonfires, and sweet treats.

So, if you want to learn more about this intriguing place, you’ll be happy to know that guided tours of the palace are on offer. But, they operate on a limited schedule.

Accordingly, you’ll need to consult the UK Parliament website to check availability and make a booking.

Pro Tip: You can get unobstructed photos of the Houses of Parliament from the Victoria Tower Gardens.

Address: Parliament Square, London SW1A 0AA

Hours: You can visit the exterior any time of day. However, tour dates and times do not follow a set schedule.

Price: Free to view the exterior. Multimedia tours cost $30 per person while guided tours cost $38.

Getting there: It’s a 10-minute walk from the London Eye via Westminster Bridge.

4. Westminster Abbey

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 ( 243 Reviews) Price: $76.54 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Outside Westminster station Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Westminster Abbey is the setting for royal weddings, coronations, and memorial services.

Besides monarchs, the abbey is also the burial site for prominent scientists, poets, and historical figures including Rudyard Kipling and Charles Darwin.

Therefore, as you might expect, this ornate church is a feast for the eyes with its Gothic towers and stained glass windows.

It’s also the site of Britain’s oldest door! So be sure to grab a ticket and explore the incredible interiors so that you can see Poet’s Corner, Lady Chapel, and the Quire.

On the downside though, lines to get into the abbey are always long, no matter what time of day/year you visit.

So, if you want to go inside, it pays off to guarantee your visit with a timed ticket .

“Great experience overall! Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. He spent a lot of time answering questions and peaking our interests in the details, which was perfect for my teenagers. Finding the meeting point was a little difficult but we figured it out. Better signage would’ve helped.” Amy ( read more reviews now )

Pro Tip : Although the abbey doesn’t have a set dress code, you are expected to dress modestly while inside the building. If the sun is shining while you’re exploring London in a day you’ll also need to remove your hat.

Address : 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Price: Skip the line ticket is $33 per adult. The Westminster Abbey tour is $76.54 per person.

Getting There: The abbey is in Parliament Square – yards away from the Houses of Parliament.

5. Buckingham Palace

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5.0 ( 1729 Reviews) Price: $36.45 per person 📍 Meeting Point: Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked. Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence and workplace of the Queen (and her beloved corgis).

And regardless of where your thoughts stand on the royal family, the building is well worth a visit.

Alas, you can’t tour the interior of Buckingham Palace outside of the peak summer season.

However, you can sneak a peek through the railings, marvel at the façade, and see the Queen’s Guard standing to attention.

You can also watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place a couple of times a week. This is usually around 11:00 am so you will need to return to London in the future if you want to watch.

“Very worthwhile tour to Buckingham Palace. Redeeming voucher was right next to entrance. We arrived over an hour early and was permitted to go in early as there was no queue at the entrance. Tour of the palace was great and you were able to view some great art and some of the Crown Jewels. The tour which is by audio (headset) moved along at a very nice pace. Definite recommend.” Norman ( read more reviews now )

Spending one day in London during summer? You can pre-book a tour of the State Apartments and find out how the royal family really lives.

And per usual, this is an incredibly popular experience and you should 100% book your tickets in advance now .

Pro Tip : Make a detour via St James’s Park Park Bridge for a scenic view of the palace through the foliage.

Address: Constitution Hill, London SW1A 1AA

Hours : Visit the exterior any time of day. State Rooms tours are open from late July until late September on select days and times.

Price: Free to visit the exterior. Tours cost $40 per adult.

Getting There: A pleasant 15/20-minute stroll via St James’s Park.

6. St. James Park

St. James’s Park is one of the prettiest parks in central London and is known for a large, shimmering lake that is surrounded by gorgeous flower beds that bloom to life in the spring.

Therefore, this is a great place to enjoy a picnic during your one day in London as you stroll along enchanting pathways, explore lush gardens, and feed local ducks.

It’s also well-located and is a great place to stop during a day in London after visiting nearby Buckingham Palace and witnessing the Changing of the Guard.

However, other fun local landmarks include Duck Island Cottage and the Blue Bridge, where birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy seeing a wide variety of local species.

Just don’t leave without enjoying epic views of Buckingham Palace, the London Eye, and the Horse Guards Parade during your 24 hours in London itinerary.

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom

Hours: Open daily from 5:00 am to 12:00 am

Price: Free

Getting There: Take the Circle line to St. James Park station and walk from there.

7. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an alluring district in the heart of London that is filled with lively markets, eclectic shops, delightful cafes, fun street performers, and beautiful architecture.

Therefore, it is the perfect place to stop during your one day in London itinerary since it has a fun atmosphere that will appeal to anyone looking for a taste of local culture.

So, you can start off with a visit to the famous Apple Market. It’s a beautiful covered market where you can buy unique crafts and indulge in tasty food.

Afterward, enjoy charming street performances by talented artists that add to the lively atmosphere of this amazing place.

Next, discover the rich cultural heritage of renowned local London attractions like the Royal Opera House and the London Transport Museum.

You can also indulge in delectable cuisine at a diverse range of restaurants like La Goccia, Flat Iron, and Frenchie.

Address: 21, The Market Building, London WC2E 8RD, UK

Hours: 24/7

Getting There: Take the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden station and walk from there.

8. Trafalgar Square and the West End where You Can Catch a Show

Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden are two parts of London that everyone has heard of, and they’re actually right next door to each other.

See, Trafalgar Square is where you can pose with the lion statues, crane your neck to see Nelson’s Column, and watch the red buses sweep through the area’s gorgeous fountains.

Also, be sure to check out the Fourth Plinth which displays a special piece of modern art that changes throughout the year,

This is also the setting for the National Gallery in case you are spending more than 24 hours in London.

Then, if you have time in the evening during your 1 day in London itinerary, catch a show on the West End.

After all, London’s West End is home to some of the world’s finest theatrical productions. In fact, I can personally recommend seeing a show since I do it every time I am in London.

So, yeah, I’ve seen a bunch of shows here, including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, A Christmas Carol, Billy Elliott, and more.

And if you want to get West End tickets for less during your one day in London itinerary then I highly recommend downloading the TodayTix app.

It’s a great way to score cheap theatre tickets fast and is what I use every time I’m in London to save 50% or more on theatre tickets. Also same the Playbill as a cool London souvenir .

Pro Tip: If you have time, stop for macarons and tea at Ladurée. The Parisian-style café has sumptuous velvet seats inside and an alfresco terrace.

Getting there: Trafalgar is a 20-minute walk from Buckingham Palace via The Mall.

Swanky Harrods is one of the most extravagant places to shop in London .

As Harrods specializes in high-end luxury goods, this isn’t the place to bargain hunt. But, even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, visiting alone is an experience!

Founded in 1834, the interiors are palatial. A huge variety of British and international brands are also well represented across all seven floors.

Meanwhile, the Dining Hall features six restaurants. Therefore, you’ll be tempted to pick up a pastry or two for the next day.

Pro Tip: If your plan to visit London in a day are during December, you must visit Harrods purely to see the window display. The theme changes every year and it always resembles a work of art.

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL

Hours: Open daily 10:00 am to 9:00 pm (11:30 am to 6:00 pm on Sundays).

Price: Free unless you want to treat yourself!

Getting there : You can walk along Piccadilly and Knightsbridge in 40 minutes. Alternatively, take the Piccadilly Line from Leicester Square or Covent Garden as far as Knightsbridge. Or – hop on the 9 or 14 bus.

10. Dinner at a traditional London pub

Nothing screams English culture like the great institute of the British pub. And now that you’ve successfully seen the best of London in a day, it’s time to reward yourself with a pint.

London pubs are casual affairs where a quick drink swiftly turns into a cheeky round (or three) before last orders are called.

As well as cask ales and British brews, you’ll find a solid selection of ciders, wines, and spirits.

The Bunch of Grapes is your archetypal British pub. It’s a few yards down the road from Harrods and is the best option if you’re gasping.

On the other hand, you could venture into Shepherd Market. This atmospheric square is swimming in traditional pubs and eclectic restaurants.

In particular, Ye Grapes (there’s a theme with pub names) serves Thai food alongside London staples of fish and chips. Plus, excited patrons tend to pour out onto the square which creates a fantastic buzz in the evenings.

What, would you rather drink with a riverside view? If so then make your way back to the London Bridge area.

The Old Thameside Inn, Anchor Bankside, and the Founder’s Arms all overlook the River Thames and feature seasonal cocktails on the menu alongside a hearty selection of classic pub grub.

Pro Tip: If you want to visit a pub closer to your hotel, ask the reception team for a recommendation. As locals, they’re in the know!

Best Day Trips from London

If you are spending more than one day in London then you might want to plan an excursion or two out of the city. Here are five different day trips from London that you can plan independently or as part of a tour.

• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio Tour – This tour spills the secrets behind the sets of the Harry Potter film. You’ll roam down Diagon Alley, peek into Dumbledore’s office, and sample sugary delights like Butter Beer. Tour includes return transport and admission and should be booked in advance now. It’s also amazing and perfect for all my fellow Harry Potter lovers out there. For more information, check out my guide to Harry Potter things to do in London.
• Windsor, Stonehenge, Bath, and Roman Baths Day Trip – This is an ambitious day out that combines history with more history before culminating in the postcard-perfect city of Bath. It’s a great way to experience the southwest of England during a quick visit.

Alternatively, you can just visit Stonehenge and Bath and tackle Windsor at another time.

• Full-day Cotswold Tour with Lunch – Journey through bucolic bliss in the charming Cotswold region. This tour includes stops at Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, and Stow-on-the-Wold. Rolling hills and dry stone walls are aplenty, complete with a pub lunch too.
• Isle of Wight Day Trip from London – Depart the “big island” for the day and catch a glimpse of what England was like centuries ago. The Isle of Wight is abundant in wildlife, coastal cliffs, and cute fishing villages.
• Oxford and Cambridge Universities Tour – If London hasn’t filled your quota for historical architecture, a trip to these beautiful cities will settle things. The tour takes you to such sights as Oxford’s Bodleian Library and Cambridge’s Bridge of Sighs.
• Check out some of the beautiful flowers on display at Hitchin Lavender Farm .

Map of this One Day in London Itinerary

Is London Worth Visiting For A Day?

London is a big and bustling city. Covering all the sights in the city is definitely not possible in a day. You can however hit the highlights of the city. So yes! London is definitely worth visiting for a day.

If you’ve been here before you will find that there are plenty of options for frequent travelers. That’s the beauty about London. You never run out of things to do!

You could even do a cool day trip from London by train if you have a bit of extra time.

Is London A Walkable City?

Yes. London is definitely a walkable city. Most tourists prefer to walk about because it avoids the London traffic. Many of the top attractions are located close to each other, so if you plan your one day in London itinerary carefully, it is actually very convenient to walk about.

You’ll notice that I’ve clubbed most of the attractions together in the one day in London itinerary. This will help you know which locations are located close to each other.

Since London is such a walkable city, I always recommend wearing comfortable shoes when wandering around the city. In case you get tired, you can always find one of London’s ultra cute cafes to sit for a while. It will allow you to taste some of the famous London tea and snacks.

What Is The Most Famous Shopping Area In London?

If you want to truly experience London’s shopping districts then head to Oxford street. It is the largest shopping area in London. It covers 4 underground stations and is home to over 300 shops. 

Not only is Oxford street popular in London, it is also the largest shopping district in existence. 

Other popular shopping areas include Bond street, Piccadilly Circus and Regent street.

🏆 Want to plan the BEST ONE DAY IN LONDON ITINERARY? Then book this Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour . It will take you for a drive right through the center of London while you sit back and enjoy a traditional cup of tea on a double decker bus. It is hands down my top pick for tours in London. 🏆

Additional London Resources You’ll Love

• Best Brunch Places in London
• Most Unusual Things to do in London

There you have it! That just about wraps up this epic guide to one day in London!

Tell me, did your fave attractions make it on this 24 hours in london itinerary if not then let me know in the comments below., and if you found this post useful, don’t forget to join our email list before pinning this post now so that you can read it again later..

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The Ultimate 1 Day in London Itinerary: exactly how to spend one day in London

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no extra cost for you!

Are you going to spend a day in London and looking for the best itinerary? This one is for you!

London is one of the most famous cities in the world and while a day is nowhere near enough to see it all, you can still pack a fair bit!

After living in the UK for so many years, visiting London has kind of become something I master and that’s why I decided to put together this ultimate 1 day in London itinerary.

Here you will discover exactly how to see London in a day. This includes where to go, how to get there and what to do.

So, are you ready? Let’s spend the best one day in London!

🔎 Table of Contents

1 day in London Itinerary

Let’s start with the most important bit, which is your London 1-day itinerary. Here you will find instructions on how to spend your day in London.

Please note that we tried to pack as much as possible and while this is entirely feasible, it includes a fair bit of walking so that’s something you should be prepared to do.

If you don’t fancy walking that much, then you should definitely book the hop-on hop-off bus . It will take you to all the famous sights mentioned in this article but will considerably reduce the distances you have to walk.

Also, you won’t have to worry about finding the directions since the bus will leave you as close as possible to the landmarks.

Though it may not be very adventurous, the hop-on-hop-off bus is 100% worth it if you only have one day in London.

Click here to see the latest prices.

London 1-day Itinerary Morning: Westminster

If you decide to opt for the self-guided walking tour of London, then this part is for you!

Please note that it is recommended to start relatively early so you get enough time to explore.

Also, you will be getting a bit of late lunch so make sure to grab a good breakfast beforehand (yes, that’s the perfect time to get a full English!).

Stop 1: Piccadilly Circus

You will be starting your day in London at Piccadilly Circus.

No matter where you’re travelling from, this is a very easy location to get to. There are two tube lines that stop there: Piccadilly and Bakerloo.

You’ll also find loads of buses that go there.

Piccadilly Circus is one of the most famous junctions in London. It’s located in the West End, near all the theatres.

Here you will find a beautiful statue of Eros and giant advertising boards. 

Basically, it’s London’s answer to Times Square!

Admittedly, it’s much prettier at night since you get to see all the lights but it’s also a busy place and heading there first thing in the morning will allow you to avoid the crowds.

Once you admire the circus, make your way towards Leicester Square. You will see on your left the entrance to Chinatown.

If you want to stop and take some pictures of the arch, feel free to do so. 

Chinatown in London is made of a few streets and while it’s quite a big one for Europe, it’s also quick to explore if you don’t stop for a meal.

After that, keep walking to Leicester Square.

Stop 2: Leicester Square

Leicester Square is another famous place. Here you will find some impressive shops such as the Lego or M&M’s store.

You are in the heart of the theatre district here so you should also see loads of mini box offices and adverts for the musicals. 

Leicester Square gets extremely busy so visiting in the morning is a much better experience. You will get to walk around and enjoy it.

You can also find a film-themed sculpture trail on Leicester Square which includes 8 statues of famous characters.

Mary Poppins, Harry Potter … they are all there!

Once you’ve walked around Leicester Square, keep going until you reach Covent Garden.

Stop 3: Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the fanciest and most expensive areas in London. 

It started as a fruit and vegetable market but has since become a fancy shopping district. Here you will find all sorts of fashion brands and some flagship stores such as the Apple store.

The covered market is absolutely gorgeous in terms of architecture and decorations. It’s always so well decorated!

As a matter of fact, if you are visiting London at Christmas, you’ll get to see some of the most beautiful Christmas decorations and trees in the city, right here!

Make sure to walk around the market and also walk in. Whether you are interested in shopping or not, it’s always worth having a wander.

You will also find loads of cafes around here.

Stop 4: Trafalgar Square

Once you are done with Covent Garden, walk down towards Charing Cross until you reach Trafalgar Square.

This is a very important spot in the city since that’s where a lot of important events (especially political) happen.

It was designed to celebrate the victory of Britain over France and Spain during the battle of Trafalgar.

This battle was led by Lord Nelson. A statue of him is located on the tall column at the front of the square.

You will also find loads of other landmarks here including the fountains, the lion statues, the National Art Gallery and a temporary art sculpture (located in front of the Gallery, on the left).

FUN FACT: Every year, Trafalgar Square hosts a giant Christmas tree gifted by Norway.

Once you are done, head to the Mall which is the road that will lead you to Buckingham Palace.

PRO TIP: This is an excellent place to go on a walking tour. Westminster is full of history and landmarks and if you want to learn more about London in the most efficient way, you can join this walking tour .

The guide will tell you loads of stories about Lord Nelson, the British monarchs and the monuments you’ll see. 

It starts at the Ritz hotel at 10 AM (or later but if you can catch the one at 10 AM it would be great!).

Not only will you learn plenty but it’s also very convenient since the guide will take you to all the best spots and you won’t have to worry about anything.

It’s a great thing to do when you only have a limited amount in London. It’s a lot of bang for the buck.

Stop 5: Buckingham Palace

Walk up the Mall all the way to Buckingham Palace.

This is the London residence of the British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. It’s one of the most impressive palaces in the world as well as the centre of royal celebrations or mourning.

As you may know, the palace is guarded by the Royal Guard and that’s one of the main reasons to visit.

If you want to see a very unique experience, you should head there for the changing of the guards.

You’ll get to see the guards wearing red coats & bearskin hats marching all the way to St James Palace.

It happens at 11 AM,  every day in June and July and on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from August to May.

While Londoners avoid this area at this time of the day, tourists rush there so it can get extremely busy!

If you want to be at the front, you will need to get there at least 30 minutes in advance.

PRO TIP: If you want to see the guards better and don’t mind whether the palace is in the background or not, head to St James Palace instead. That’s where the guards retrieve and most people don’t know that so it’s not as busy and you get a better view.

PRO TIP 2: If you opted for the walking tour , the guide will bring you to the best spot as well.

Please note that if you want to squeeze all the sites on this itinerary that won’t really give you time to visit the palace.

However, if that’s something you are particularly interested in, you can choose to do so and just skip some of the following stops.

HOW TO BOOK: You can buy tickets for The Queen’s Gallery or opt for the Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Tour.

Buckingham Palace also is one of the attractions included in the London Pass . If you choose to spend the entire day in Westminster and also visit the abbey and the London Eye, this will save you money. 

If you just want to visit the palace, it will be cheaper to take the ticket separately.

Stop 6: St James Park

St James Park is located right by the Mall and Buckingham Palace. It may not be the biggest park in London but it is extremely well located and one of the 8 royal parks in the city.

It’s a great place to have a little stroll. 

You will find a lake in the middle with loads of animals (squirrels, ducks, geese…).

Take the little bridge to cross the lake (this is a good photo spot by the way!) and keep going until you reach the exit on the Horse Guards Road.

Stop 7: Churchill War Rooms

The exit of the park is located right in front of the Churchill War Rooms.

As you may know, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister during the Second World War. He is famous for having worked very hard on the strategy of Britain during both wars and here is where the Cabinet War Rooms were.

Basically, they were secret basement offices where Churchill would work (and live) during the war.

They were turned into a museum and opened to the public in the 80s.

This is a very interesting place to visit if you’d like to know more about Britain’s war effort.

That having been said, you may be a bit short in time if you only have a day to spend in London so if you decide to visit them, you might need to skip some other stops.

Regardless, since you’ll be walking in front of them, it was worth mentioning it!

HOW TO BOOK: You can book your tickets on the official website or opt for the London Pass (if you plan to visit something else).

Stop 8: Parliament Square

Keep walking until you reach Parliament Square. This is an important square since it’s surrounded by many famous landmarks: Westminster Abbey, the Parliament and Big Ben.

Before you rush to the Abbey or Big Ben, make sure to take a look at the statues in this square. 

There are 12 statues of very important people here including Winston Churchill, Abraham Lincoln and Nelson Mandela.

PRO TIP: You’ll see on the side of the square, on Great George St, there are two red phone booths. If you want to get the perfect ‘British photograph’, this is a great place to do so since you’ll have the red phone box and Big Ben in the background!

Stop 9: Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous religious sites in the world and you will, for sure, be impressed by it.

This is where William the Conqueror was crowned in 1066 and all coronations of British monarchs have been happening here ever since.

It’s also where the monarchs and other important British people are buried. Amongst them, you’ll find Isaac Newton, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen and many others.

Westminster Abbey is also known for its fantastic royal weddings! This includes William and Kate but also the Queen and Prince Phillip.

You will need to book a ticket to visit the abbey. While this is a beautiful abbey to visit, it also means you may need to skip a stop or two on this itinerary so it’s entirely up to you.

HOW TO VISIT: You can buy an entrance ticket to visit the abbey here . It’s also included in the London Pass if that’s what you opted for.

Stop 10: Parliament and Big Ben

If you are wondering what to see in London in a day, chances are that Big Ben is already on your list!

Big Ben is a nickname given to the tower located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster.

The official name of the tower is Elizabeth Tower. This was to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II.

When it was completed in 1859, it was the largest clock of the kind. It is pretty impressive since there are actually not one but four clocks on this tower. One on each side!

The rest of the building you can see is the Parliament, otherwise known as the Palace of Westminster.

This is one of the most important buildings in London.

The parliament is still in use today and that’s where all the MPs gather.

The palace of Westminster is also known for another important event in British history, the gunpowder plot.

This was an attack conducted by a group of Catholics on the 5th of November 1605. The aim was to kill King James I by blowing up the parliament.

Fortunately, this did not happen since Guy Fawkes (the man who was supposed to light everything up) was found in the basement with the powder.

Since that day, the 5th of November has become an annual commemoration in England. It’s marked by thousands of firework displays all around the country.

Now, let’s go back to the practical side of things. 

You can admire Big Ben and the Parliament from Parliament Square. Then cross the road in front of Westminster Abbey and walk on the pavement towards Westminster tube station.

From there you’ll get to see the gardens of the parliament.

Then turn right and go on the Westminster Bridge.

From there, you’ll see the palace from a very different angle and it’s very pretty with the Thames just underneath.

While a lot of people stop on the bridge to take photos, this is actually not the best spot so don’t worry about those and keep walking on the bridge.

PRO TIP: Once you reach the end of the bridge, take the stairs on your right (instead of rushing on the left to the London Eye). You will then reach the Queen’s walk. There is a small wall and it faces the parliament and Big Ben. This is the best photo spot for Big Ben!

Also, it’s not as busy so you can take as many pictures as you won’t without having strangers in your photos.

Stop 11: London Eye

Now is the time to head to one of the most famous and best things to see in London in one day, the London Eye .

This is the tallest observation wheel in Europe and it’s definitely an important landmark in the London skyline.

It’s 135 metres high and boasts fantastic views of the city. At the time it opened, it was the highest wheel in the world and that’s part of the reason why it became so famous.

FUN FACT: The London Eye was inaugurated in 2000 and that’s why it’s sometimes referred to as the Millennium Wheel.

It’s also the most visited paid attraction in London and if you have to choose only one place to visit during your day in London, it should be it.

PRO TIP: The Tower of London is also a must-do but it takes at least 3 hours to visit so it would take most of your day. You only need 30 minutes to 1 hour to do the London Eye.

HOW TO BOOK: The best way is to book your ticket in advance online. You can also select the fast-track option to avoid having to waste time queueing. Tickets can be booked here.

I’d advise booking your ticket for around 1 PM. If you chose to do the walking tour, opt for 1:30 PM.

London 1-day Itinerary Afternoon: City of London

Now, by the time you are done with London Eye, it should be between 1 PM and 2 PM. 

I appreciate that it is a bit late for lunch but if you can make it until then, it will be well worth it since we are going to head to Borough Market, which is one of the best spots to get street food in London.

However, if you are really hungry and are visiting on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, you can head to South Bank Market which is only a couple of minutes walk from the wheel.

This is a much smaller but great street food market. 

You’ll find delicious food here and it’s very affordable.

If you can wait another 30 minutes though, follow the instructions and get something at Borough Market!

Lunch: Borough Market

Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest markets in London. It’s located by London Bridge and is home to hundreds of stalls selling delicious street food and local products.

It’s a must-see in London and one of the best places to get lunch (especially if you are on a budget).

Technically, you can walk there from the South Bank however, it takes about 30 minutes (1.5 miles).

To save yourself some steps and a bit of time, you can take the tube from Waterloo. The Jubilee line will take you directly to London Bridge. 

From there it’s about 1 to 2 minutes walk.

Borough Market is huge and you will find all sorts of food including Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, Chinese, Korean and plenty more.

You can’t really get it wrong here so just walk around the market and pick something you’d like to eat.

You can then take the food away and eat it by the river (that way you can enjoy the view), standing or on one of the benches in the market.

FUN FACT: Borough Market was also used as a film ing location in Bridget Jones and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The rest of the itinerary is self guided however, if you want to get more information, you can join the Old City of London tour. 

It starts at 3 PM which is quite handy and you will get to see all the sites below. Click here to see the latest prices.

Stop 1: Shakespeare Globe

Your next stop on this London one day itinerary is Shakespeare Globe. It’s located on the side of the Queen’s walk and is a very unique timber-framed circular theatre.

Not only is it very pretty but it’s also one of the most important landmarks in England.

Shakespeare used to write for this theatre (back then it was known as the Globe Theatre) and that’s where most of his master pieces premiered.

Even now most of the plays here are classics from Shakespeare!

There are two ways you can visit it, you can buy a ticket for a guided tour or book a ticket for a show.

You probably won’t have time to squeeze any of these in one day but if you come back, it’s worth keeping it in mind.

You can then keep going towards the Millennium Bridge.

Stop 2: Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is a very recent bridge compared to the other ones but it has made a name for itself very quickly!

It was inaugurated in 2000 (hence the name) and gained within a few hours the nickname of ‘wobbly bridge’.

If you hear some locals talking, you might hear this nickname. Don’t worry about it, the bridge is very safe but it is true that it was wobbly on the day it was inaugurated and that’s why it got that nickname.

It’s located right in front of the Tate Modern (one of the best museums as well as a great free thing to do in London) and goes all the way to St Paul’s cathedral.

It got pretty famous in 2009 as it was featured in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.

READ MORE:  20 Best Harry Potter Things to do in London

This bridge is also great for photos since it creates beautiful lines that lead you straight to St Paul’s.

Stop 3: St Paul’s Cathedral

Once you’ve crossed the Millennium Bridge, you will arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral.

This is the most important cathedral in the city and home to the ​​Bishop of London. It is 111 metres tall and was the tallest building in the city until 1963.

Now you have quite a few buildings such as the Shard or the Walkie Talkie that are much higher but it’s still the tallest dome in the world!

St Paul’s is also famous for its connections with the royal family. This is where Prince Charles and Diana Spencer got married in 1981.

The cathedral has also hosted the services for the Silver, Golden, Diamond Jubilees as well as the 80th and 90th birthdays of Queen Elizabeth II.

HOW TO VISIT: You can walk around the cathedral and in the gardens at the back. If you want to go inside and walk up to the dome (the views over the city are amazing from there), you will need to book your ticket in advance.

Once you are done with St Paul’s Cathedral, make your way to the Tower of London. 

If you can, it’s worth going on foot. It takes about 20 minutes and you will walk by St Dunstan of the East which is one of the most beautiful hidden gems in London !

Alternatively, you can take the district line from Mansion House to Tower Hill or bus 15 to Great Tower Street.

Stop 4: Tower of London

It would be impossible to put together a 1-day London itinerary without mentioning the Tower of London .

This is the most important place in the city!

This historic castle was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror. It was used as a prison until the 1950s.

A lot of traitors were imprisoned and tortured here including Guy Fawkes.

The tower was also used as a royal residence and is where you can find the Crown Jewels.

For all these reasons, the Tower of London is an iconic landmark and such an important castle. 

Please note that it has been on the UNESCO list since 1988.

HOW TO VISIT: Visiting the Tower of London is a must-do for any history buff however, it takes at least 3 hours so it’s pretty unlikely you’d be able to squeeze in your day trip to London.

If you do want to visit it anyway, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Even if you don’t visit it inside, you can still walk around the Tower of London and admire it. You’ll get to see the walls of the towers, maybe some guards walking around and even a site showing the original Roman wall of the city of London.

Stop 5: Tower Bridge

Once you reach the road, walk up to Tower Bridge. 

This is the prettiest bridge in the city. It features a very unique neo-gothic style. 

It was built at the end of the 19th century and is an incredible piece of engineering since it’s both a bascule and a suspension bridge.

It is still used for this purpose today and if a large ship is on the Thames, the traffic will be stopped so the bridge can be lifted up.

It’s a very impressive thing to see however, it’s literally impossible to know when that will happen since there isn’t a regular schedule for that.

FUN FACT: Tower Bridge is often confused with London Bridge which is the previous bridge on the Thames. Most people, especially tourists, call Tower Bridge, London Bridge, so it’s worth checking if you are talking about the same thing.

Once you take a couple of photos, you can cross the bridge. About half-way through, you’ll find a desk selling tickets.

Please note that these tickets are just to go in the towers and not to cross the bridge. There is no need to go back, you can simply go around and keep walking.

Once you’ve crossed, you’ll find some stairs on the right hand side of the pavement, take them and they will lead you back to the Queen’s walk.

This is the best photo spot to take pictures of Tower Bridge.

Stop 6: HMS Belfast

If you keep walking for a few minutes on the Queen’s walk, you will reach HMS Belfast.

This is a must-see if you are particularly interested in learning more about WWII.

This ship was built for the Royal Navy and is the only British ship that made it back from the landings on the Normandy beaches for D-Day.

It was since turned into a ship museum that you can visit!

HOW TO VISIT: Again, you probably won’t have time for it but if you do want to visit it, you can buy your ticket straight there or online on their official website.

Evening: Jack The Ripper Walking tour or West End Show

We are pretty much done with the day activities. By now, you should have seen quite a lot!

That having been said, if you are spending 24 hours in London then you might be looking for some things to do.

London is a very lively city so there are thousands of things you can do at night however, here are two of the very best activities.

Jack The Ripper Walking tour. Jack The Ripper was a serial killer who is known for having murdered a lot of women in East London. 

Not only were his crimes awful but we still don’t know who he was! 

The story is very interesting and if you have an interest in thrillers, you should join the Jack the Ripper tour. 

You will learn plenty about the crimes and will see the exact locations where they were committed.

Seeing a West End Show. London is the best place in Europe to see musicals and plays. 

The West End is the equivalent of broadway and there are so many shows you can see here.

This is a bucket list item so if you are spending an evening in London, you should definitely consider it.

You’ll find loads of ticket booths in central London, especially near Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square, but if you can it would be better to book your tickets in advance.

Here are some examples of great musicals you can see in London: 

• The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre
• Mamma Mia! At the Novello Theatre
• Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre
• Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre
• Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre
• The Book of Mormon at Prince of Wales Theatre

Now that you know exactly what to do in London for a day, we hope you have a fantastic time!

You may also be interested in:

• London 2-day itinerary: Exactly How To Spend 2 Days in London
• The Ultimate London Bucket List: 61 Best Things to do and Experiences you must have in London
• The Best London Quiz: 105 Questions and Answers about London (including picture rounds!)
• 23 Festive Things to do for Christmas in London
• 10 Beautiful Hidden Gems in London You Must See

Founder of Beeloved City, I am originally from France and have been living in the UK since 2016. I've travelled to 25 countries as a backpacker, travel coordinator and for holidays. I spent a year in Australia before eventually settling down in Manchester, England

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Linda On The Run

Travel, Lifestyle, And Fitness For Those Over 60

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The Ultimate 1 Day In London Itinerary

January 19, 2024 //  by  Linda Malys Yore //   12 Comments

Are you looking for the ultimate 1 day in London itinerary?

I recently visited London and  I was totally and absolutely smitten with Great Britain’s capital city. My visit was so extraordinary that I want to share my suggestions with you.

There are so many fun things to do in London!

Planning your trip to London last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top pics for London!

Top Experiences and Tours In London:

• The London Eye Entry Ticket (Save time and book in advance!)
• Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour (Skip the line.)
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibit (Likely to sell out.)
• High Tea Thames River Cruise (Book ahead to save time.)

Best London Hotels:

• Sanderson London (Close to the subway!)
• The Montague On The Greens (Private and close to the subway)
• The Exhibitionist Hotel (In the heart of South Kensington)
• The Corner London City (Close to all subway connections.)

1 day in London may not seem like a lot of time to explore one of the grandest cities in the world. However, with my tips, you can make the most of every single moment you are there.

Getting to London has never been easier or more convenient. However, depending on where you call home on our planet, it can make for a long travel day or night.

Since I do not know your individual travel plans, I am going to advise many options for your 1 day in London itinerary for your consideration. You pick and choose which attractions will work best for you.

As I always advise, it is prudent to purchase tickets to attractions online beforehand. This way you will most likely be eligible for a discount.

And more than likely you won’t have to wait in any lines. This will save precious time during your 1 day in London.

Stop 1: Buckingham Palace Is A Majestic Place To Visit

Just about everyone who visits London wants to see Buckingham Palace. It is the London home of the English monarch, along with the administrative offices.

The palace gates are ornate and the palace building itself is very important to the British people, during both jubilant and sad times.

A very fascinating thing to do is watch the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Did you know that it does not formally happen every day? When I visited London the changing of the guard ceremony was tops on my list of things to see.

However, in my excitement, I did not bother to check the dates and times of the ceremony and when I arrived at Buckingham Palace, there was not one scheduled for that day.

Tickets Can Be Found Here:  Buckingham Palace: The Royal Mews Entrance Ticket

Tickets Can Be Found Here:  Buckingham Palace: The Queen’s Gallery Entrance Ticket

Tickets Can Be Found Here: London: Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace Tour

Tickets Can Be Found Here: Buckingham Palace: The State Rooms Entrance Ticket

Do not make the same mistake as me when visiting such beautiful places in London. Check online before you schedule your visit to Buckingham Palace to verify the changing of the guards is really happening that day.

When the royal family is on summer holiday, Buckingham Palace is open for tours. So, depending on when you plan your 1 day in London, you may have the opportunity to tour.

Stop 2: Marvel At The World Famous Houses Of Parliament And Big Ben Tower

Arguably one of the most iconic and frequently visited sites in London is the Parliament Building with its Big Ben tower!  This is a great place to stop on your 1 day in London.

Making a striking presence the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Westminster Palace, has paid admission tours available. Or you can rent an audio guide instead if you so prefer.

Tickets Here: Walking Westminster: Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Tickets Here:  Westminster Tour and Houses of Parliament Entrance

Tickets:  Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

The vertical tower that houses the huge bell otherwise known as Big Ben  is really named Elizabeth Tower. It chimes on the hour and has rarely ever stopped.

When we visited London,  Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) was under construction and covered with scaffolding and draping. I wish you better luck and hope that the renovations will be over and you will be able to view it in all its majesty.

And, there are many excellent eateries to experience breakfast in London!

Stop 3: Visit Westminster Abbey Where Royalty Is Crowned

Gothic architecture at its finest can be found at Westminster Abbey not far from Big Ben. This is where all British royal coronations occur and where Prince William married Kate Middleton.

The abbey contains monuments and memorials to lots of famous British people throughout history.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is located inside Henry VII’s chapel and is dedicated to the thousands of British soldiers who were killed during World War II.

Tickets: London Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket & Audio Guide

Tickets: WWII Westminster Walking Tour & Churchill’s War Rooms

Tickets: Westminster Abbey Tour with Optional Houses of Parliament

Stop 4: Ride The London Eye For Epic London Views During Your 1 Day In London

Oh my gosh, you cannot miss seeing the London Eye. Its official name is the Coca Cola London Eye (because of who sponsors it) but the London Eye will do. Looking like a huge Ferris wheel it stands an impressive 443 feet high.

Located along the banks of the Thames River,  it was built in 1999 to usher in the new millennium and is thus sometimes called The Millenium Wheel as well.

It was a bright sunny afternoon in central London the day I rode the London Eye. From far away it is deceiving just how huge the London Eye really is.

Consider reading these next: 

14 Unusual Things To Do In London

7 Things To Know Before Your First Trip To London

11 Beautiful Places In London You Should Not Miss

The Ultimate 3 Days In London Itinerary

Each of its individual glass capsules holds ten to twelve passengers. And the wheel rotates slowly around taking thirty minutes to make its full rotation.

Tickets Here: London Eye: Skip-the-Line VIP Experience with Guide

Tickets Here:  Coca-Cola London Eye

Tickets Here:  Coca Cola London Eye Champagne Experience

And wow, what a birds-eye view!  I had breath-taking vistas in whatever direction I turned. Seeing the busy Thames River below me, the iconic London landmarks around me, and out to the horizon was really spectacular.

The London Eye is very impressive, and one of the most popular paid attractions in all of Great Britain. I think it is a great stop to add to your 1 day in London list of things to do.

Stop 5: Trafalgar Square In Central London

Trafalgar Square is a very large public square in the Westminster area. It is a pretty epic location to see during your 1 day in London.

There are usually lots and lots of tourists and locals alike meandering through Trafalgar Square. You want to begin your 1 day in London here to see this massive main square, use it as a meeting place, and admire the lovely architecture all around it.

Because it is located in central London, parking is very limited. So if you have a car rental, it is best to make other travel arrangements such as the Underground to get to Trafalgar Square. Also, absolutely no feeding the pigeons. It is the law!

Tickets here:  The Original London Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour

Tickets here:  London by Night Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour

Tickets here:  London: Big Bus Open-Top Hop-on, Hop-off Sightseeing Tour

Stop 6: The National Gallery is Not To Be Missed For World Famous Art

Even though you only have 1 day in London, consider stopping into the National Gallery. It is literally at Trafalgar Square to its north, so you do not have far to go. And secondly, it is FREE to enter.

Here you will find the best of the best from around the world. You will want to get a map of the exhibits because the museum is huge, on many floors.

The art collections are displayed in chronological order, and that may help you find something specific you may be searching for. There is a daily free tour around 11:30 AM if you are interested.

Tickets:  The London Pass with Access to over 80 Attractions

Tickets:  London Explorer Pass

Stop 7: Head To Popular Leicester Square To Be Dazzled

As you head towards Leicester Square, you will run into  Chinatown . For sinfully authentic Chinese food, with an abundant amount of restaurants to choose from, this is the place to go.

Leicester Square is pedestrian-friendly and located in London’s popular and trendy  West End . There are shops galore to fit into any budget.

The same goes for cafes, pubs, and restaurants. This would be a great place to have lunch or refreshments. And maybe shop for a souvenir or two.

If you are a  Broadway lover  or like musicals or dramatic performances the West End of London is where you want to head for  theatre productions.

Do not be like me though, I assumed  I  could simply visit any theatre in London and purchase tickets for any show I wanted. I really wanted to see the musical Wicked , one of our favorites.

To be truthfully candid,  while it is possible to purchase tickets at the venue once you are in London, I found only the most ghastly expensive tickets, in the worst seats, were available.

So if seeing a play or musical is on the top of your 1 day in London list, please purchase your tickets online at home before you leave.

Tickets:  London: 2.5-Hour Sightseeing Bike Tour

Tickets:  Grand London Half-Day Bicycle Tour

Stop 8: Covent Garden Is A Stylish Shopping, Dining & Theatre Destination

Located in London’s trendy West End, Covent Garden is an upscale shopping area with a rich history. It used to be a fruit and garden market. Far from that nowadays, there is much to see and much to do here during your 1 day in London.

Frequented by locals and tourists alike, you can have high tea in one of the many stylish shops, or simply  buy  some tea. Restaurants abound along with numerous fashionable shops. Live entertainment is provided by street actors on the weekends.

Tickets Here:  The Best of London: Guided Walking Tour

Many people are not even aware of  Neal’s Yard.  A stylish little courtyard adjacent to Covent Garden, Neal’s Yard is one of the beautiful places in London to stop and take a picture or two. Until recently, it was full of garbage.

Now it has been renovated into the popular location it is today. It is worth a short visit during your 1 day in London to see the flowers and ivy-covered walls of the colorful shops. And the buildings. and to snap a memorable photo.

Tickets Here:  Top 20 Sights Walking Tour

Stop 9: No trip to London would be complete without shopping at iconic Harrods

Harrods is the most famous department store in the world. And the largest in all of Europe. Synonymous with luxury and impeccable service, Harrods should be a consideration for a quick pop in during your 1 day in London.

Consisting of 330 departments and having 23 restaurants in its iconic store, visiting Harrod’s is an experience!

And yes, I did purchase myself a Harrods souvenir!

Stop 10: The Tower Of London Is Where Famous Executions Took Place

One of the most popular tourist destinations, the iconic Tower of London is crowded just about all the time.

As with all the popular London attractions you will visit during your 1 day in London, it is prudent to purchase your admission tickets online well beforehand.

Located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London legendary introductory tour is led by the Yeoman Warders (AKA ‘Beefeaters’).

Self-guided audio headsets are available for a small additional fee. Afterward, you will have time to wander around at your own speed.

Tickets Here: Tower of London Ticket with Crown Jewels Exhibition

Tickets Here:  Tower of London and Tower Bridge VIP Early-Access Tour

Tickets Here: Tower of London Small Group Tour with a Beefeater

Look for the Medieval Palace, and the Jewel House to see the Crown Jewels. You will be able to view the execution site of many famous historical figures and even Raven Tower.

You do not have to be a history buff to enjoy touring the Tower of London during your 1 day in London.

There are so many things to do in Kensington . If you have time, check them out!

Packing Tips For Your 1 Day In London 

Perhaps you are visiting London as part of a layover as you head to other destinations. Or maybe it is a very quick weekend trip. These packing tips will serve as a great refresher about what to bring along!

A  concealed travel pouch may be one of the most important items you bring with you for your one day in London. This unisex RFID blocking concealed travel pouch is  lightweight and comes in several colors.

It has lots of organization to give you peace of mind. You can keep your most valuable documents safe and secure next to your body.

If you have a pouch already you may not want to or need to invest in a new one. If it does not come with the RFID protection , these  RFID  sleeves  would be handy to prevent identity theft. This configuration comes with enough passport and credit card sleeves that the entire family would be protected.

They are slim too, so they will easily fit into your current pouch or wallet. These are the kind my family and I use not only when traveling but at home as well.

If you are planning on taking a lot of pictures with your phone you will definitely want to consider an  external charging battery . This  Anker high-speed phone charging battery  is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips . It can be used on a variety of phones, not just an iPhone like I have.

And wow is it fast! I like that it holds its charging capabilities for several uses so I do not have to worry about it while out and about. And if I forget to recharge it at night, it will still be good to go the next day.

My daughter gifted me with this  FugeTek Selfie Stick and Tripod for my birthday. It has Bloothtooth connectivity so it is very easy to use. It is made of durable aluminum and is very lightweight and easy to carry. I love mine and I think you will enjoy it too!

I was never a fan of  packing cubes  until I tried them out! Now  I am sold .  These Bagail packing cubes   are  the exact ones I use whenever I travel . I cannot believe how much more organized I am now! And I never leave without them anymore.

Hydration is so important. You want to remain hydrated to support your immune system which in turn will be stronger to fight off any germs you will encounter during your one day in London.  You will want to bring your own refillable water bottle  with you.

My daughters and I never leave home on a trip without our Bobble filtration bottle.  The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for travel and it will fit nicely in the pocket of a backpack or your purse.

Also when filled with water, it is not too heavy to carry. And the Bobble carbon filter ensures fresh clean water whenever and wherever you fill the Bobble. You can find  filter replacements here

You will want to bring a  backpack or daypack  with you to store snacks, your water bottle, phone, extra clothes, etc.. This   foldable water-resistant backpack  would be great.

It is very affordable and is available in many color options for you to choose from. The fact that it folds down into a zippered pouch will make it easy to pack.

Perhaps you need a more substantial  backpack  for your international travel. This  antitheft backpack   has a charging port, is water-resistant and can comfortably carry up to a 15.6″ laptop. It comes in a range of colors to choose from and it is inexpensive as well.

You will be walking more than usual during your one day in London. A sturdy and comfortable pair of walking shoes is  a must-have. These  waterproof all-season shoes  are extremely affordable and yet fashionable.

Mostly everyone is familiar with the Skechers brand, and these   Air Run high fashion sneakers  come in a lot of colors to match your outfits and are still affordable. I know from experience you need sturdy shoes when navigating the cobblestoned streets of Croatia.

You may be visiting London in warmer weather, and you may want a pair of sandals  to wear exploring.  I highly recommend these  Vionics adjustable strap orthotic sandals.   I have several pairs of these exact  Vionic sandals in several colors that I bring with me *everywhere* I travel.

They are very comfortable. I also sometimes bring along my  Vionic Tides flip flops.  The toe post is so comfortable which makes wearing these super comfortable.

Bring a lightweight scarf or shawl . Scarves and shawls are very popular in Europe and London is no different. Both men and women wear scarves, both decoratively and as a layering piece to keep warm.

This cotton   unisex lightweight  scarf is versatile and can be worn in any season. I like this  colorful oversized scarf  too. So many colors to select from! And here’s another option to consider:

this  lightweight sunscreen shawl scarf   would do double duty to protect you from the sun in the warmer seasons as well as being a fashion accessory layering piece. This  Coolibar sunscreen scarf   has USB 50+ protection from the sun’s rays & comes in great colors.

We all need to  protect our eyes  from the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. These  unisex polarized sunglasses   come in a lot of lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable too.

If you are fond of the  aviator-style of sunglasses  these polarized aviators may interest you. I like polarized sunglasses because they remove the glare off the water and help you to see things more clearly. This will be very helpful in Kotor.

Don’t forget to bring along a  universal power adapter on your trip to London.  This worldwide   power plug  is a great example and will charge your phone at the end of your busy days. And this  world traveler adapter kit   can charge several devices at the same time.

This is what you will need when there are several people traveling in your group, or if you bring several electronic devices on your trip that require charging at the same time.

If you are in need of  new luggage,  this  expandable soft side spinner luggage  is affordable and comes in lots of colors. If you like hard-sided better, then you may favor this  hard-sided luggage set better.

Both sets come with TSA approved zippers locks and 8 wheels per piece. Either will be great for the plane or train or even your car depending on how you plan to travel to London.

Quick Tips For Your 1 Day In London

Here are some  quick tips  and  tricks which hopefully will enhance your 1 day in London and make it less stressful and more enjoyable.

UPDATED:  Stay vigilant!  During our last trip to Paris, our family of four was robbed 3 times. We discussed at great length how we had to remain vigilant to protect ourselves against pickpocketers.

However, we were not successful. My daughter had her brand new Olympus camera stolen in the broad daylight in a McDonald’s Restaurant in the Montmartre District of Paris while we were having afternoon refreshments.

My thief was caught red-handed with her arm up to her elbow inside of my backpack. While I was walking along a busy Parisian boulevard.  Lucky for me my daughter apprehended her, and I was carrying my passport and credit cards on my body.

She wore better clothes, better shoes, and more trendy sunglasses than I did. She did not “fit” our idea of what a pickpocketer was. (I still do not understand how she could unzip my backpack while I was wearing it, without me knowing or feeling it.)

Finally, Terrence had his backpacked unzipped while on the very crowded Paris subway. The burglar had his hand inside an outer pocket but was foiled by a Good Samaritan seated nearby.

Please do not have any preconceptions about who can violate you by stealing your possessions.  Stay vigilant and alert. I hope you have more success than we did.

Remember to always  stay hydrated . Bring a nondisposable refillable water container and refill it often! Not only will you hedge the odds against getting sick, but you will also be saving a lot of water bottles from being sent to the British landfills.

Call your credit card company  for two reasons: 1) to notify the bank that you will be out of the country and give them your exact travel dates. 2) to check to see if the bank charges foreign transaction fees every time you are out of the country and use your card.

If it does, inquire about applying for a credit card that does NOT charge such fees.

When using an ATM  in London, England, make sure it is in your bank’s network, so you do not incur a transaction fee every time you use a British ATM to withdraw money. Also, consider withdrawing larger amounts of money, fewer times, to limit the transaction fees by your bank.

Whenever you can,  purchase advanced tickets to  London attractions whenever possible during your 1 day in London. Tickets purchased online, in advance, are mostly always discounted, and many times come with a “skip the line” perk.

You will have more time to spend at the attraction since you will not be waiting in the entrance line. Also, you can better pace yourself during your busy days.

1 day in London really is enough time for you to visit many of her most iconic monuments and attractions.  Using this Ultimate 1 day in London itinerary will maximize your planning ensuring you see the most during your time in London.

Please feel free to rearrange my suggestions to suit your own schedule.

Please be advised that Linda On the Run is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, a program designed to earn fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.

There are Get Your Guide affiliate links in this post as well.

Have you ever been to London? Share one highlight that was your favorite thing to do, or place to visit. What would be your top attraction recommendation?

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Reader Interactions

September 2, 2019 at 4:43 am

Lovely article. And beautiful pictures too. Keep travelling and keep sharing!!

September 3, 2019 at 3:35 pm

Thank you so much! That’s my plan!

November 30, 2021 at 6:49 am

Really interesting blog, I love to read blogs like this, please keep on writing blogs like this.

October 1, 2023 at 10:19 am

Thank you for this informative and most useful guide. I got more than I thought I needed out of it. Amazing work ❤️

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• Evan Evans Tours
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• London in One Day with Changing of the Guard & River Cruise

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London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye option

Our most popular and comprehensive Tour of London - jump straight into the history of London on this fantastic full-day coach tour. Dive straight into the rich tapestry of London's history with our expert tour guide leading the way. Witness the grandeur of St Paul's Cathedral, marvel at the Tower of London's priceless Crown Jewels collection, and the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a traditional British military spectacle.

But that's not all—this full-day adventure also includes visits to two of London's most iconic landmarks . Glide along the River Thames on a scenic cruise, taking in the city's skyline from a unique perspective. Why not top off your day with a trip 135m above the River Thames on the London Eye to enjoy fantastic panoramic views of the city? Book your experience now to discover the scale, splendour, and diversity of London in one day of exploration.

Victoria Coach Station Our team will wait to greet you by our Welcome Desk at Victoria Coach Station and direct you to the correct departure gate. Victoria Coach Station is a 10-15 minutes from London Victoria Station and Victoria Underground Station. Our Welcome Desk is in front of Gates 1 and 2: Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for boarding.

Your tour of London begins with a journey through London with your expert tour guide onboard one of our luxury coaches. As you make your way through the city, your guide will impart exciting stories and interesting facts about London's long history. Along the way, you will see all of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Albert Memorial, Westminster Abbey , the iconic Elizabeth Tower , also known as 'Big Ben', and much, much more!

At one of our first stops, Buckingham Palace, we will watch a traditional ceremony that is the epitome of British pomp and pageantry. During the ceremony, guards from the New Guard of the Household Division arrive to assume responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace. Accompanied by a regimental marching band, these soldiers are instantly recognisable in their bearskin caps and scarlet tunics. Don't let the bearskin hats fool you - these soldiers are elite soldiers from the British military!

*The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability). When there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead.

St Paul's Cathedral is an iconic symbol of London. One of the largest churches in the world, its dome is an incredible 366 feet high and was the tallest building in London until the 1960s. Explore the history of the Cathedral and hear how Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece took 35 years to complete.

Almost a thousand years of history await at the formidable Tower of Londo n. The Tower's long and bloody history is steeped in myth and legend. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066 , this historic fortress in the middle of London is a notorious prison and execution site. The last person to be executed here was in 1941, and throughout its long history, dozens have been shot, beheaded and even burned at the stake. Delve into the grisly history of this medieval castle and a former royal palace, and discover the stories behind some of its most famous former inmates. The Tower of London is also home to the priceless Crown Jewels Collection .

The Crown Jewels have been stored and displayed at the Tower of London since 1661 . This magnificent world-famous collection of 23,578 gemstones is part of the Royal Collection and boasts items that are still used in royal ceremonies today.

Following their use in the Coronation ceremony of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla on 6 May , the regalia can be explored in the Treasury of the Jewel House. Appreciate these remarkable objects up close, including the Imperial State Crown, which was worn by His Majesty The King for the procession from the Abbey to Buckingham Palace and features in the official Coronation portraits, as well as St Edward’s Crown, which was used at the moment of crowning.

Also on display will be Queen Mary's Crown , made by Garrard for the 1911 Coronation and modified for Her Majesty Queen Camilla ahead of the 2023 Coronation. Relive the historic service through official imagery from the 2023 ceremony, which is also featured in the exhibition.

Your experience of the Jewel House will begin with a celebration of the timelessness of monarchy, displaying the State Crown frames worn by past monarchs George I, George IV, and Queen Victoria and explaining how many of the most historic jewels – including the famous ‘Black Prince’s Ruby’ - have passed from crown to crown.

Learn more about the origins of the current Crown Jewels, starting with the destruction of the medieval Coronation Regalia in 1649 during the English Civil War. The Crown Jewels were destroyed at the Tower after the Civil War and remade for Charles II’s coronation in 1661. They signify the royal authority to lead and protect the nation.

At the end of our tour, head down to Tower Pier and hop on the next available boat for a scenic cruise down the River Thames . Enjoy a unique view of the beautiful London waterfront as you head to Westminster Pier next to the iconic Houses of Parliament.

The London Eye stands 135m high on the South Bank between Waterloo and Westminster Bridges. Standard Ticket holders should check-in at least 30 minutes before your booked time.

Westminster Pier (unless the London Eye option is chosen) - The Tour concludes at Westminster Pier, where you can conveniently access the London Underground from Westminster Station, London Bus Services, or local taxi services.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Tour Starts: 9:00 am, Victoria Coach Station (boarding 8:30 am)
• Tour Finishes: approx. 5:30 pm, Westminster Pier (unless London Eye option chosen). Guests wanting to spend longer at the Tower of London may use their cruise ticket on another day (please check the validity of your boat ticket with your guide)
• Optional Extra London Eye: The London Eye ticket is for standard entry at 6:00 pm on the same day
• St Paul's Cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays & during special events. On these days we stop for photographs outside & spend longer at the Tower of London
• Please note that there are quite a few stairs within the White Tower at the Tower of London and there is currently no disabled access
• *The Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace currently takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday (subject to availability). When there is no Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, we will see the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade instead
• Please visit our Travel Health page for full details of our enhanced hygiene standards and protocols

PACKAGE OPTIONS

London In One Day Tour with River Cruise:

• St Paul's Cathedral & Tower of London entries
• River Cruise Ticket
• Superior Coach with free Wi-Fi & USB Charging on board

London In One Day Tour with River Cruise & London Eye:

• London Eye standard entrance
• River Cruise
• Expert Blue Badge Guide

Superior Coach with free Wi-Fi & USB charging on board

Personal audio headset.

• See all of London's most iconic sights in one day
• Visit two of London's most iconic landmarks
• Watch a traditional British military ceremony
• Marvel at the scale and splendour of St Paul's Cathedral
• See the priceless Crown Jewels collection
• Enjoy a scenic cruise on the River Thames
• Journey on Europe's tallest Ferris wheel (optional)

What's Included

St paul's cathedral & the tower of london entries, expert guide, what's excluded, hotel pick-up & drop-off.

• No Cancellation Fees
• No Change Fees
• No Booking Fees
• Your Money is Protected - Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the day of departure
• Our team, including our guides and drivers, have been trained in our enhanced hygiene procedures; please refer to our Travel Health page for more information

For full terms, see Our Flexible Promise to You

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London 1-day itinerary: how to spend one day in london.

For a city as big and rich in things to do as London, one day to explore it might not feel like enough.

However spending one day in London will give you the opportunity to scratch the surface of this beautiful city, get a feel for the London lifestyle and soak in the atmosphere.

Whether it’s for a long flight layover, if you’re visiting a friend, you’re only doing a quick stop as part of a longer trip; London has plenty to offer and is sure to keep you busy.

In this London 1-day itinerary I’ve put together a walking route that will take you to all the main attractions in London, as well as some hidden local spots.

It’s the perfect way to spend a day in London for any first time visitor, and really experience the city.

In this guide:

• 1 Best way to see London in a day
• 2.1 Covent Garden
• 2.2 Leicester Square
• 2.3 Piccadilly Circus
• 2.4 Buckingham Palace
• 2.5 Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
• 2.6 London Eye
• 2.7 South Bank
• 2.8 Borough Market
• 2.9 Tower Bridge
• 2.10 Tower of London
• 2.11 Sky Garden
• 3 London in a day route map

How well do you know London?

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Best way to see London in a day

Personally, if you have 24 hours (or less) in London, I think the best way to get around London is on foot.

While you’re walking you will be able to see all the little side streets and corners that you would otherwise miss from behind a car window, as well as really soaking in the London atmosphere.

Also in central London the traffic can get pretty hectic, it’s often faster to walk short distances than doing them by bus or taxi! This London 1-day itinerary is a walking itinerary, built around showing you as much as possible of London in one day.

If you don’t want to or can’t walk you can also take Uber, buses or the tube for the longer distances. An alternative option if you don’t want to walk is also doing a hop-on hop-off bus tour .

Yes they may be very touristy, but they drive routes specifically designed to show you all the highlights of London. You also get an audio guide that will explain to you what you’re seeing.

My one day in London itinerary

I recommend starting your day in London in Covent Garden . This is one of the most central spots in the city, easy to reach from any neighbourhood you’re staying in and with plenty of fun things to get you started.

In Covent Garden you will find loads of shops, bars , restaurants and market stalls, as well as some unique architecture. Besides the famous Apple Market there are also lots of cute side streets around Covent Garden.

Neal’s Yard is one the most colourful and prettiest streets in London , and is a short 3-minute walk away from Covent Garden.

You can start your day by having brunch  at one of the many cafes in Covent Garden, maybe do a little souvenir shopping and then hit the road for your next stop!

Leicester Square

From Covent Garden you can easily walk over to Leicester Square. Leicester Square is a pedestrian area with cinemas and theatres dotted all around it. This is the very heart of London, and you will find plenty of fun shops, bars and restaurants.

Parallel to Leicester Square you will also find Chinatown. This is a fairly big area of London, which would take up quite a big of time to explore properly, however from Leicester Square you can easily stop by Chinatown Gate.

This marks the “entrance” to Chinatown. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in London and definitely worth checking out.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is the London equivalent of Times Square in New York City. With its colourful billboards and busy streets, it’s one of the most iconic spots in London . In Piccadilly Circus you can really appreciate the chaos and busy city life of London.

If you’re a shopping fan before continuing with this itinerary you can pop over to Carnaby Street or Oxford Street to check out some shops.

They are both within short walking distance of Piccadilly Circus, and are some of the most famous shopping avenues in Europe.

Buckingham Palace

If you only have one day in London, you have to pay Buckingham Palace a visit. Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the royal family, as well as the administrative headquarters of the monarchy.

If you time your day right, you might even be able to see the Changing of the Guard. It happens every day at 10:45AM and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London.

You will want to be there a bit earlier so you can get a spot with a good view.

You can also visit the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace if you’re interested, but given that you only have one day I would just admire it from outside and then power ahead with your itinerary.

Click here to book your Buckingham Palace tour!

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

Is there anything more iconic in London than Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament? If you’re walking from Buckingham Palace you will first come across Westminster Abbey, another must-see in any London itinerary.

From there just walk on and you will soon see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. If you’re a history lover you might want to pop in for a visit, however I have personally never been in Westminster Abbey or the Houses of Parliament.

Given that you only have one day in London, I think admiring the beautiful architecture from outside will be enough.

If you do want to visit the inside make sure to book your tickets online beforehand so that you don’t waste time queuing or having to buy tickets on the day.

Click here to book your visit to Westminster Abbey!

The London Eye is just across the river from Westminster. After admiring the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, just walk over Westminster Bridge and you will find yourself under the London Eye.

If you want to ride the London Eye you should definitely book tickets beforehand , as the queue can get pretty big. You only have one day in London, you don’t want to waste it in a queue!

Riding the London Eye might be a touristy activity, but it’s without a doubt one of the best views in London .

Book your fast track London Eye entrance here!

After visiting the London Eye I recommend you walk along the River Thames and explore South Bank.

This is one of my favourite parts of London, especially on a sunny day. Regardless of the time of year you visit, there is always something going on along South Bank.

At Christmas time you will find Southbank Christmas Market just a few minutes walk after the London Eye. In summer the same space gets used as an outdoors bar and street food area.

As you walk along the riverside you will come across some iconic London landmarks, such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Millennium Bridge (one of the most Instagrammable places in London in my opinion) the Tate Modern, and you will be able to see the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral and the skyscrapers of the City from across the river.

Given that you are only in London for one day I don’t recommend going inside the Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe, as it would take up too much time. However that is obviously entirely dependent on your personal travel preferences and interests.

This London 1-day itinerary is maximised to show you as much as possible of the beautiful British capital in 24 hours, but feel free to edit as appropriate!

Borough Market

After all this walking, you’re probably getting a little hungry! Time for a food stop at Borough Market. Borough Market is one of my favourite street food markets in London.

It’s one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, and you find also many normal market stalls such as fresh fruit, vegetables and bread.

On top of that there are loads of ethnic street food stalls, selling delicacies from all over the world such as pad thai, curry, pasta but also some British classics like pie and scotch eggs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Borough Market (@boroughmarket)

Tower Bridge

After enjoying the tasty food at Borough Market it’s time for another London icon; Tower Bridge!

The walk from Borough Market to Tower Bridge will take you past Hay’s Galleria, a lovely indoor shopping area, and More London Place, a cool outdoor area where you can sit in the sun, and a bit of a picnic while you enjoy the view over Tower Bridge and the City. It’s one of my favourite Londoner local gems .

Tower Bridge is famous for the two iconic towers that distinguish it from all other bridges in London. You can cross the bridge for free both on foot or by car, as well as visiting the inside.

Like everything else on this list, I recommend purchasing tickets beforehand if you want to visit Tower Bridge, so that you can save some time.

Tower of London

After crossing Tower Bridge you will find yourself next to the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a historic castle, which was used as prison for over 800 years and where the Crown Jewels are now held.

It’s one of the most famous and visited attractions in London. Here you can learn about this secure fortress, castle and prison, as well as lots of interesting history and facts about London and British culture.

If you’re visiting in winter they also set up an ice skating rink by the Tower of London, so that you can pair a fun activity with sightseeing!

Click here to book your visit to Tower of London and the Crown Jewels!

I know it’s been a packed day so far, but just one little extra push and you can end your day at one of the coolest rooftop bars and most Instagram-worthy restaurants in London .

Sky Garden isn’t only a bar, it’s also an indoor garden (as the name might suggest) with restaurants, bars, a viewing platform and they also host cool events such as sunrise yoga.

Entry is free but you have to book a timeslot online. If you visit after 7PM it’s walk in and you can just go in without reservation, although you might have to queue a little bit. Sky Garden has incredible views over the river Thames and the London skyline.

Here you can have a drink (cocktails are priced at around £15, which is pricey but not unreasonable for the venue), enjoy the sunset over London and watch the skyline light up as it gets dark. The perfect ending to your day in London!

London in a day route map

I’ve put together a map of the walking route I suggest in this London itinerary. As you can see it adds up to around 2 hours of walking, on a pretty level terrain and always on normal streets.

Taking into account breaks for photo moments, food, and just in general to appreciate the beauty of London, this walking itinerary will take up the whole day.

Final thoughts on what to do in 1 day in London

Have longer in London? Check out this London 5-day itinerary !

There you have it, the ultimate 1-day London itinerary, suggested by a Londoner! While one day isn’t enough to really appreciate this beautiful city, it will give you the opportunity to see all the main highlights and get a feel for the London vibe.

I hope you find this itinerary useful in planning your day in London! If you have any questions or suggestions for spots not mentioned in this itinerary, let me know in the comments below!

Spending longer in London? Check out these extra resources:

• How to spend 2 days in London
• Best areas to stay in London
• The ultimate London bucket list
• What to pack for a trip to London

Enjoyed reading about how to spend one day in London? Pin it!

Greta Omoboni is a full time blogger based in London. After 3.5 years of blogging about destinations all over the world on her main site, Greta's Travels, she decided to start a new site, dedicated to her second home and favourite city; London!

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1 Day in London: The Perfect One Day London Itinerary

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1 day in London barely scratches the surface of all the wonderful things this city has to offer. If you live in the UK, then you may be planning to see all the best things to do in London over several day trips. This is how I’ve ended up seeing the city, and it’s certainly saved me a lot of money on expensive hotels!

But, there are plenty of other reasons that you might only have a day in London. Perhaps you’re on a connecting flight and you have a long layover.

You could be on a business trip and have a day free before the endless meetings start (this is actually a great way to travel more if you work full-time). 

Or perhaps you’re on a tour of the best places to visit in the UK or travelling around the most gorgeous European cities and there was only enough time to see London in a day.

Whatever the reason for visiting the English capital, if you’re wondering the best way to see London in one day, you’re in the right place.

But, let me be upfront – seeing absolutely everything there is to see in the city in just 24 hours, is impossible. Heck, I’ve been to London countless times and still have more to explore! However, it is possible to see the city’s biggest sights during 1 day in London… you just have to know how.

My favourite Travel resources for London

✅ Here is a fantastic hotel in London . ✅ Don’t miss the London Eye or Westminster Abbey . ✅ Don’t forget your travel insurance .

Is 1 day in London enough?

Technically, 1 day in London isn’t enough to see the city properly. But if you’re just looking to see the city’s major sights and tick things off your London bucket list, then it may be possible to see the city in a day. But prepare for an early start, and probably a late finish!

What to do in London for a day

Whether you’re visiting London as a couple, with kids, teens or on a solo trip , there are so many wonderful things to do in the city. It’s quite tricky to narrow it down! But, if you’re wondering what to see in London in 1 day, then here is the best way to explore the city.

9:00 am – Explore the Tower of London

Cost : £33.60 per adult

Start your day nice and early with a trip to the Tower of London . One of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, the Tower of London is one of the best things to see in London.

The whitewashed stone walls conceal fascinating tales about England’s intriguing and sometimes rather dark history. 

Dating back to 1078, the Tower was originally designed as a fortress of protection over London. However, during the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle was used as a prison. Meanwhile, over 100 executions took place on the neighbouring Tower Hill.

Some of the most well-known prisoners of the tower include Anne Boleyn, (who was beheaded within the Tower) and her daughter Elizabeth who later became Queen Elizabeth I.  The Tower was again used as a prison during both World Wars and saw the executions of 12 more men for espionage.

Today, the almost 1000-year-old castle is home to the Crown Jewels, many medieval displays, and a gruesome exhibit of medieval weapons and torture devices. You can view all of this on a tour of the Tower of London .

✅ Book tickets to the Tower of London

12:00 – Walk Along Tower Bridge

Cost : £12.30 per adult

The Tower of London will take you the best part of 3 hours to explore (hence the early start), but luckily, your next stop isn’t too far away.

Head along the river and you’ll find Tower Bridge . Also one of the most iconic and most photographed landmarks of the city, the Tower Bridge is a must-see during one day in London. 

Amongst the most recognizable bridges in the world, it was completed in 1894. The Tower Bridge spans the River Thames near the Tower of London. It’s both a bascule and a suspension bridge.  

Less favourable to those who are scared of heights, one of the things that Tower Bridge is known for is its spectacular glass-bottomed walkway.

The 11-meter-long glass floor provides the perfect bird’s eye view of London’s classic red double-decker buses and black cabs whizzing by beneath you. 

However, if that doesn’t sound appealing, don’t worry. Just keep your eyes locked on the stunning panoramic views of London all around you. 

You’ll also find the Tower Bridge Exhibition inside the bridge. It will take you through the history via photos and films, and you can also see the Victorian engine room.

✅ Book tickets to the Tower Bridge

13:00 – Lunch

Once you’ve thoroughly explored Tower Bridge, head back down and walk along South Bank. There are plenty of pop-up stalls here where you can grab a bite to eat.

There are also several restaurants if you fancy something more sophisticated and they all have great views of Tower Bridge.

Top Tip: Look for the ‘Girl with a Dolphin’ statue for some great photo opportunities of Tower Bridge.

13:30 – Marvel at St. Paul’s Cathedral

Cost : £20.50

Next, hop on the Circle and District Line and two stops later, you’ll be at St. Paul’s Cathedral . As the second largest cathedral in the world, St Paul’s Cathedral is something you shouldn’t miss on your London itinerary.

Built in the 17th Century, the magnificent church features Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

From all the viewpoints whilst walking along the River Thames, you will most likely be able to see the signature dome of St Paul’s Cathedral towering over the roofs of London. The dome alone is 111 meters high and weighs about 66,000 tons! 

Unlike many cathedrals in Europe, you have to pay to go inside the cathedral , which is just as awe-strikingly beautiful inside as it is on the outside. The ticket will give you access to the crypt, and the cathedral floor.

You can also climb 560 steps to reach the top of the dome. This will give you breathtaking views across the city of London and the Thames.

✅ Book tickets for St Paul’s Cathedral

14:30 – Explore Covent Garden

Cost : Free

Hop back on the Circle and District Line and head to Covent Garden (it’s just one stop). This area is one of the cutest parts of London, with artsy shops, cute cafes, and brilliant architecture. I absolutely love it every time I visit and there always seems to be something new to see.

I recommend heading inside the main market and having a wander around the little shops. You can find some of the most adorable things there including handmade ornaments, wooden statues, decorations, fragrant soaps, unique types of tea, and much more.

15:00 – Visit Trafalgar Square

From Covent Garden, the walk to Trafalgar Square only takes 8 minutes, so you won’t need the tube for this next stop. Built in 1830, Trafalgar Square has dramatically evolved from what it was back then. Now a bustling London hub, it’s always alive with activity.

There are plenty of things to do in the square and it hosts an array of talented street performers. They’re different daily, so you’ll always see something new.

The centre of Trafalgar Square is home to the infamous Nelson’s Column, a 145-meter-high marble pillar topped by a statue of Lord Nelson. Around the outside, you’ll find the Four Lions. Built with melted bronze from the French Navy canons, they religiously guard the statue.

Trafalgar is also home to London’s National Gallery which is free to enter. It features artists such as Van Gough and Leonardo da Vinci. 

It’s also the perfect stop on this London itinerary if you’re getting a little peckish. The square is surrounded by a plethora of restaurants and fast-food joints.

15:30 – Expore lecister square

Next on this 1 day in London itinerary is a short walk to Leicester Square. Another of London’s most famous squares, Leicester Square is a great place to go shopping, attend a theatre or movie, visit a casino, or explore the famous LEGO Store.

The square also hosts lots of events throughout the year including the famous Christmas market in the winter months,

It’s well worth taking a stroll through Leicester Square Gardens and grabbing yourself a tiny Lego statue. The atmosphere here is pretty vibrant, so simply walking around and taking it all in can be a pretty enjoyable experience.

16:00 – Visit Piccadilly Circus

It’s London’s equivalent of Times Square. It’s slightly less bright, the buildings are much less tall, and it’s not quite as crowded! 

With the big bright advertising billboards, multiple road crossings, street buskers and crowds it’s quite the sight. Traditional London double-deckers and black cabs will go whizzing by. In the warmer months, you can just sit on the steps in the centre and watch the madness unfold.

For an alternative, it’s also worth checking out colourful Carnaby Street. It’s parallel to Regent Street and while it’s still always busy, it’s completely pedestrian. The lack of speeding traffic and honking horns make it a bit more pleasant to walk along. 

It’s also well worth a visit in winter when the Christmas decorations are stunning.

16:30 – See Buckingham Palace 

Cost : Free but a guided tour costs £32

Next head to something that is probably pretty high on your London bucket list – Buckingham Palace. It’s a 15-minute walk from Picadilly.

You could also get the tube, but that takes the same amount of time and you’ll walk through the beautiful Green Park and past the famous Harrods department Store. So, I think it makes more sense simply to walk.

Buckingham Palace is home to the British Royal Family and one of London’s most famous buildings. You’ll see a flag hoisted outside every time the Royal Family is in the Palace. They only live there some of the time, however, the guards remain at the Palace all year round.  

Just looking at the monumental building with its magnificent facade of balconies and glass-gilded windows is an indescribable experience. However, if the interior has piqued your curiosity, tourists can visit over 600 staterooms inside. But you have to book a guided tour .

Another thing worth seeing at Buckingham Palace is the changing of the guard. The ceremony usually takes place at 11.00 am every other day accompanied by music played by a military band.

You won’t be able to see it on this itinerary, but you can check the timetable here and it’s well worth doing if you have more time in London.

✅ I recommend this guided tour of Buckingham Palace State Rooms

17:00 – Explore Westminster Abbey

Cost : £29 per adult

Next, walk another 15 minutes to London’s oldest religious building. Westminster Abbey has seen some of the UK’s most important historical and brutal events over the last thousand years. You simply cannot spend 1 day in London without seeing it. 

The history of the abbey is incredible. The gorgeous Gothic structure has hosted over 16 royal weddings, including the wedding of Kate and William. On a more sombre note, it’s also the burial ground of over 3000 notable British icons.

This includes Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton and has held memorial services for the likes of Princess Diana.

Every nook, cranny and secret corner of this place could tell you a different story. And, although tickets to the Abbey are rather pricey, it’s an absolute must-see.

Once you’re done with Westminster, head round the corner to Parliament Square. Here, you’ll find famous statues dedicated to historic British figures such as Nelson Mandela and Winston Churchill. You can also pay a visit to Number 10 Downing Street, the residence of the current English Prime Minister. 

✅ Buy tickets for Westminster Abbey

18:00 – Admire Big Ben

London is a maze of iconic landmarks. If you walk down the road from Westminster Abbey, past the Houses of Parliament, you’ll come across Westminster Palace, which houses Great Britain’s largest clock.

Seeing Big Ben is another London bucket list experience and one of the best things to add to your London itinerary.

The magnificent clock tower has been standing since 1853 and is an impressive 96 meters tall. Most people think that the tower is called Big Ben. However, Big Ben is actually the name for the clock’s Hour Bell; the tower is called Elizabeth Tower. 

The ornate, Neo-Gothic structure that is Westminster Palace currently serves as the English Parliament.

It’s actually a credit to English architecture as it’s managed to withstand years of typical English weather – constant wind, rain, snow. However, it’s even kept chiming through the brutal attacks of two World Wars.

18:30 – Watch the sunset from the London Eye

Cost : £25.50 when you book in advance and £45 if you buy at the gate

One of the best ways to see London is from the top of the London Eye! Be warned, it will be busy and queues are partly outdoors so consider packing an umbrella if you’re visiting London outside the summer months.

Plus, as you’re spending just 1 day in London, be sure to buy skip-the-line tickets in advance as it’s an incredibly popular attraction.

Sitting proudly on the South Bank of the River Thames at a height of 135 meters, the London Eye is also known as the Millennium Wheel.

When it first opened in 2000, it was the tallest Ferris Wheel in the world. Since then, it’s been overtaken by wheels in China, Singapore and the High Roller in Las Vegas which is the current tallest at 167 meters. 

A ride on the wheel will take about 30 minutes. It moves super slowly at only 0.6 miles per hour, which is great for taking plenty of panoramic photographs of the city.

The capsules hold up to 25 people at once. But you can hire a private one if you’d prefer to be alone. For a more romantic ride, you can even book a London Eye Champagne experience which also comes with a private pod.

✅ Book tickets to the London Eye

19:30 – Dinner Cruise on the Thames

Cost : From £40 – £80 per adult

Last but not least, the Thames is the ideal way to finish your 1 day in London. The river has been the heart and soul of London for centuries. It helped to supply the city with food and water and played an important role during both World Wars. 

The most famous and longest river in England , the Thames runs right through the centre of London. So, naturally, many of the city’s famous landmarks sit along its banks. There’s no better way to see the city than from the Thames itself, so a river cruise is the perfect end to your day in London. 

There are plenty of cruises (like this one ) departing the riverbanks as frequently as every 30 minutes. You can get dinner cruises, cruises with shows onboard, champagne cruises and daytime cruises offering traditional afternoon tea.  

Sail past the London Eye, Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the Tower Bridge and many more beautiful London sights. If you cruise the river by night, you’ll see the city skyline all lit up. This is even more amazing at Christmastime ! 

Either way, cruising the Thames is a beautiful way to see the city and the ideal end to your 1 day in London itinerary.

✅ I recommend this Thames Dinner Cruise

Practical tips for spending 1 day in London

• You don’t always need to take the tube: Sometimes, the distance between tube stations doesn’t really warrant taking the tube at all. Some are a 5-minute walk from one another. You can miss a lot of London’s scenery if you keep going underground.
• Wear comfortable footwear : 1 day in London will involve a lot of walking. Many of the attractions are within 10 minutes of each other on foot and, while you can use the tube, sometimes, it makes more sense just to walk. As such, you can easily rack up 20k steps during 1 day in London. So don’t wear shoes that can’t handle that!
• Bring an umbrella: British weather is known for being rather unpredictable. Even in warmer months, rain wouldn’t be a complete surprise.

• From the airport: Do not bother with the Gatwick Express. It’s loads more expensive and doesn’t really get you into the centre of London any quicker. Regular trains to central London from Gatwick are pretty fast anyway and will cost less than half the price. 
• Take advantage of free museums: It’s hard to believe that there are some free attractions in London. However, several top galleries and museums including Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the British Museum have completely free entry. You could easily revamp this one day in London itinerary to include one – but you would have to lose something else!

If you have longer than 1 day in London…

If you find yourself with a few days extra in the city, here are a few additional activities to add to a 2 or 3-day London itinerary.

1. Wander Around Camden 

Camden is one of my absolute favourite places to visit in London. Although it’s mostly known for its impressive market scene, there’s so much to do there. But, the market is what I love most.

One of the biggest markets in the city, it covers the whole of Camden Lock and the Stable Market (which actually used to be stables).  There are some truly funky buildings in Camden with shoes and cars coming out of the walls!

You can find handmade clothes, knock-off designer brands, jewellery, cute vintage-style gadgets, ornaments, canvas paintings and loads more. But my favourite part of the market is the food.  

There are hundreds of delicious street food stalls, selling every type of food imaginable. From Asian noodle bowls to Mexican fajitas, funky Yorkshire pudding wraps, huge slices of pizza, hot dogs drizzled with ketchup and mustard – it makes me hungry just talking about it!

And it’s all super cheap too – in fact, it’s one of the cheapest places to eat in London ! 

But, of course, Camden isn’t just a market. 

Once you’re done with the stalls, you could wander along Regent’s canal, chill on Camden’s unique beach (which is actually just sand placed on top of the Roundhouse!), or climb the nearby Primrose Hill for some great views over London’s skyline. 

Camden is often considered the capital of pop-punk music in London. So, it’s a vibrant spot to watch a live band and has some great options for nightlife and partying.

2. Go Shopping On Oxford Street 

Shopaholic or not, Oxford Street is another of the best places to visit in London. It’s one of the most famous streets in the city. Running from Tottenham Court Road to the Marble Arch, Oxford Street is 1.2 miles long. It’s one of the world’s longest high streets!  

Down the street, you’ll find a whopping 300 shops. Everything from high-end Gucci and Prada to high-street New Look or Primark. Oxford Street has everything from tech to beauty to fashion, so you’re sure to find something that takes your fancy. 

What’s more, no visit to Oxford Street would be complete without a trip to the infamous Selfridges . Make sure you browse their 6 floors, hundreds of services from hair salons to denim tailors and no less than 17 different eateries.

Once you’re done shopping, and if you’re not full from snacking at Selfridges, then stop at one of Oxford Street’s many pubs for a cold beer, a hot cup of tea or a plate of traditional English pub food. 

3. Visit the Harry Potter Studios 

Cost : £54 per adult

Although it’s not in the centre of the city, the Harry Potter Studios is a must-see if you’re visiting London . Especially if you’re a bit of a Potterhead , like me! 

It’s about an hour away by train, so not practical at all if you’re only spending 1 day in London. But, if you have more time, it’s a must-do. It’s pretty easy to reach from the city too. Simply make your way to Watford Junction where they offer an organised 20-minute shuttle bus for just £3. 

The tour itself is quite pricey at £54 a ticket. But, once you get inside, you’ll see that it’s worth every penny. You can easily spend hours wandering around the film sets and getting lost in the magic of the wizarding world. They recommend you allocate at least 4 hours for the tour!

But, if you don’t feel like travelling outside the city or don’t want to pay the entrance fee, don’t worry! Just head to King’s Cross Station where you’ll find London’s very own Platform 9 ¾ and a shop next door full of exclusive Harry Potter merchandise.

✅ Book a tour of Warner Bros Studios from London

4. Explore Shoreditch 

Shoreditch is one of the artsiest and trendiest areas of London. It’s known for being one of the best places to stay in London and the city’s most impressive nightlife scene.

You’ll find plenty of young professionals and creatives in this hipster haven. Plus, Shoreditch is packed full of fashionable bars and unique eateries.  

Stroll along Great Euston Street, sample the delicious street food and culture of Brick Lane, be amazed by London’s greatest street art, visit Columbia Road Flower Market or chill at Trapeze, a bar themed like a circus! 

There are so many amazing places to visit in Shoreditch. It’s a great thing to add to a weekend trip to London. 

5. Explore the Markets

As well as Camden, London has a whole bunch of other wonderful markets to explore. If you have longer than one day in London, they’re well worth a visit. They’re also the perfect place to find a cheap lunch!

The most popular of these is Borough Market, which is just across the river from the London Eye. London’s most renowned food and drink market, you can purchase pretty much any type of cuisine imaginable here.

It’s also all really affordable. Perfect if you’re travelling on a budget ! 

To get there, walk along the South Bank which is one of the most beautiful spots in London. Especially if you’re visiting London on a sunny day, the views of the city’s skyline are pretty epic.

Another worthy mention is Portobello Market, purely for the beautiful setting alone. The trip to Portobello Road takes you outside of the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Here, you’ll find a lovely area of London with cute, pastel-coloured houses and a popular market selling hot food, fruit and veg, pretty antiques and second-hand goods. Well worth a visit if you have more than 1 day in London.

6. Explore the Boroughs

As it’s located in the district of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, a trip to Portobello is also the perfect excuse to visit the nearby Notting Hill.

Another beautiful area of London to walk around, the beautiful white houses and Victorian architecture will take your breath away.

Another few worthy London Boroughs to explore are Chinatown and Soho. London’s Chinatown is actually right next to Leicester Square, so you could kill two birds with one stone with this one.

The best part is undoubtedly the food, so be sure to visit here with a rumbling belly and you won’t be disappointed. 

Soho is another neighbourhood very close to Chinatown. It’s vibrant and a cool area to explore, especially in the evening when you can discover the magnitude of great dining and nightlife options.

7. See a Musical

Famous for its theatrical gems, the West End in London is a great stop on any London itinerary. If you have time, I would definitely recommend seeing a show as they are truly epic.

Over the years I’ve seen Wicked, The Lion King, Hairspray and The Book of Mormon and they were all amazing. 

If you asked me if I wanted to go and see any of these again, it would be an instant yes without question as theatre really is one of the best things to do in London .

8. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe

One of the most famous theatres of all time (and possibly the birthplace of theatre itself) Shakespeare’s Globe is a fantastic experience. 

The one standing today is an incredibly accurate recreation of the original Shakespeare Theatre. It was rebuilt at the end of the twentieth century, less than 200 m from where the original used to stand.

You can only see plays during the summer months between May and October. But the theatre is open all year round for educational purposes.

There are plenty of tours of the globe and you may even have a chance to see the secret trap doors that Shakespeare’s characters appeared from at the top or bottom of the stage.

9. Climb the Shard

Cost : From £28.50

I have a serious love for high-rise buildings. This was one of the reasons I loved exploring New York City so much! And the Shard is London’s equivalent of the One World Observatory.

The gorgeous, glass spire is located near Borough Market. Inside you’ll find 95 floors and stunning panoramic views across London. Easily one of the best ways to see London in a day, there is a viewing platform on the 70 th floor and you simply have to go to the top!

Tickets cost between £28.50 and £37, depending on how far in advance you book them . You’ll also find the highest bar in London within the Shard. The cocktails are pretty pricey (£15-20 each!), but if you only have a day in London, you may as well get at least one!

✅ Book tickets for the top of the Shard

What’s the best way to get around for one day in London?

London is a pretty walkable city. Many of the top sights in London are within walking distance of one another. Nonetheless, if they’re a little further apart than you’d want to walk, London has a great public transport system which you should take advantage of. 

You can get around London by underground, bus, tram, riverboat, taxi or bicycle. Don’t even think about renting a car in London. You’ll spend most of your day stuck in traffic and it really isn’t worth it!

The London Underground, or the ‘Tube’ as it is nicknamed, is the most popular to get around the city. It’s also the oldest underground metro network in the world.

Throughout most of London, you’ll usually be able to find an underground stop within easy walking distance. Trains typically arrive every 10 minutes or less. 

The tube costs between £2.70 and £4.90. This depends on whether you’re travelling on or off-peak, which route and whether you’re an adult or a child. You can pay via cash or contactless via a card or smartphone.

This will also cap at £9.60 between zones 1-3, so you won’t pay more than this for one day’s travel.

How to get from the airport to the city centre of London?

Both Gatwick and Heathrow Apriorts are fairly close to London City Centre and you can easily get from one to the other by public transport.

From Gatwick, you can catch a train to central London directly from the airport. Don’t bother with the Gatwick Express and it really isn’t worth the extra cost.

From Heathrow, the Heathrow Express is worth it. It terminates at London Paddington, where you can easily catch a tube to another destination.

Heathrow is also connected to London via the Underground, but this is a much slower route. If you only have one day in London, it’d be better to take the quicker option.

Both London Stansted and London Luton Airports are significant;y further from London itself.

From Stansted, there are two options: take the Stansted Express (which takes 45 minutes to get to Liverpool Street) or you can get a coach. Both will take around 45-50 mins in total.

From Luton, you can either catch the airport bus to the train station and then catch another train to central London or get the coach. Both options will take over an hour.

✅ Book train transfers from London Airports

What is the best month to go to London?

The UK , in general, has quite unpredictable weather. However, the best month to go to London if you want decent weather is in the late springtime in May or in September.

The weather will be reasonable and ideal for walking around the city. The prices will be significantly higher in the summer though. October can also be nice with the pretty foliage, but temperatures will be cooler during this time.

London is also a great city to visit in December. Yes, it’ll be crowded and loud, but the Christmas markets are fantastic , the decorations are beautiful, and the fireworks across the River Thames on New Year’s Eve are some of the best in the world. 

I’ve visited London 3 times on New Year’s Eve and it’s definitely worth doing at least once.

Final Thoughts on Spending 1 Day in London

Overall, London is a wonderful city to spend a day. No, you won’t be able to see everything and it’ll be a pretty busy day if you want to cram a lot of the top sights in. But, it’s a great way to get a taste of the great British capital and will definitely leave you wanting to see more of London.

My favourite tools for finding cheap travel

• SKYSCANNER – For amazing flight deals.
• BOOKING.COM – For affordable hotels and accommodation.
• SAFETY WING – For affordable, reliable travel insurance.
• DISCOVER CARS – For cheap car hire around the world.
• OMIO – For trains, coaches, and transfers.
• GET YOUR GUIDE – For attractions and tours.
• AIRALO – For a global eSim that keeps you connected.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.

Alice Smith is a full-time travel blogger and content creator and the founder of Adventures of Alice. Following an unexpected redundancy from her career as a Content Marketing Specialist, she embraced her passion for exploration and turned her hobby of travel blogging into a full-time career.

From her roots near Cambridge, UK, she's ventured to over 30 countries since 2016. With a passion for the outdoors and a knack for finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, Alice is on a mission to show that budget travel can still be luxurious and that every destination, no matter how touristy, holds hidden gems.

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Wow! I’m exhausted… I, unfortunately, haven’t been to London for a few years but I have done most of what is on your list. A few days in London would be absolutely perfect to hit most of your list. Thanks for sharing,

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1 Day London Itinerary | A Local’s Guide to the Best One Day Tour

London is a massive, sprawling city. It can take longer to get from one area to another than travelling to a neighbouring city. So to help you, here’s a complete 1 day London itinerary.

From central London, ablaze with the lights of the West End and glamorous shopping streets. To edgy east London, an eclectic and alternative experience. The grassy parks, royal sights, buzzing markets and everything else in between.

It can be a bit overwhelming choosing the best spots to maximise a day in the famous capital city. As a loyal Londoner who’s lived in the city almost half my life—I’m here to help.

In this one-day London itinerary guide, I outline the best that London has to offer, as well as all the travel tips you’ll need for a day in London. 

Here’s what to see in London in 1 day!

Tip: Got more time to spare in this beautiful city? Check out this guide on the perfect 3 days in London itinerary .

Locals Guide to London | What to See in London in 1 Day

Below is a list of all the must-sees and visits for your one day in London. Including these in your itinerary are sure to provide a memorable experience

Exploring the West End | Local City Guide

It all starts in the centre of London. The West End includes a range of famous central London districts. If it’s your first time in London , you may not know what places to consider for the best 1 day London itinerary.

Struggling with knowing what to do in London?

Grab this hassle free checklist of the top 90 things to do in London from a local, includes:

✅ Top Free Things To In London

✅ Cool Touristy & Non-Touristy Things To

✅ Epic Free Viewpoints

✅ Cute Instagrammable Places in London

West London is where you’ll find the quintessential London experience which makes the city so famous.

The best bit is that you can walk around central London, quickly ticking off a number of hot spots on your London sightseeing itinerary.

Otherwise, London is super well-connected, and you can hop on and off buses or the underground to get to specific areas.

Take a walk through Covent Garden to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square. From there, stroll through to Trafalgar Square and stop by the Queen’s palace to say hello.

Each of these areas has a ton of things to see in London in one day.

Covent Garden

Oh, how Convent Garden sparkles – especially over the festive season, with magical lights and decorations.

It’s a very touristy area, but for a good reason. If you love shopping, eating, drinking and feeling glamorous, then you’ll love Covent Garden.

This is the heart of the West End. Expect an 18th-century ambience with vibey street performers, glittering market piazzas and world-class food. It will entice you into falling in love with London.

There are big name brand shops sitting alongside stalls selling trinkets and souvenirs. It is a shopping haven.

You can visit the Royal Opera House, which was built in 1809, and check out historical artefacts in the Amphitheatre Gallery.

If you’re looking for the perfect Instagram picture, find the hidden courtyard, Neal’s Yard . A tiny, stunning courtyard bursting with colour and character and made up of a few shops and small cafes.

Piccadilly Circus

This district got its quirky name from a tailor in the 1600s who made a small fortune selling piccadills – a stiff neck collar worn by the fashionistas of that time. You’ll still see a lot of fashionable people milling about, sans neck collar.

Here is where most of London’s famous theatres are found, and the theatrical atmosphere is tangible.

There are a ton of memorials, monuments, and statues to be seen. On your London day trip, keep a special lookout for the Shaftesbury Memorial and the statue of Anteros.

Running up from Piccadilly Circus station is the renowned shopping street, Regent Street. Here you can kit yourself out with treasures from huge names such as Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren.

Leicester Square

The square is a pedestrian-only zone and is often packed with people making their way to West End theatres.

The Swiss glockenspiel is the most well-known attraction in Leicester Square. The ten-metre tall clock towers over the square.

And when the clock chimes on the hours, figures inside the clock move around to the rhythm of the bells. The Shakespeare Monument stands in the centre of the square. And walking around, you’ll see a number of statues depicting icons such as Isaac Newton and Charlie Chaplin.

Still wondering what to see in London in one day? Well, read on!

Wandering Around Westminster 

West End is technically part of Westminster, and you can stroll between the two taking in the sights.

I’ve put it as a separate section to give the deserving space to the government district, which is home to a lot of must-sees in London.

Trafalgar Square

Walking distance from the districts mentioned above, Trafalgar Square is the public square of the city of Westminster, constructed in the 1800s. There are a variety of interesting sites and things to do surrounding the square.

Witness monuments such as Nelson’s Column and the Fourth Plinth statue base. Or head over to the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery.

Here you can see the works of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo and Rembrandt. Both of these museums are completely free, which is an absolute bonus.

The square is also the site of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, a historic church that is the official parish church of Buckingham Palace, built in 1726.

The Mall and Buckingham Palace

Walking through the grand Admiralty Arch on Trafalgar Square will lead you through the entrance to The Mall. This is a road shaded with huge trees and runs alongside St. James Park to Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic buildings in the world and the official residence of the Queen. This royal site is unmissable when doing London for a day.

The staterooms of the palace are open to visitors for three months, from July to September. Here you can see the lavish decorative features of the royal rooms.

An exciting tourist attraction is watching the changing of the guards, which begins at around 10:45 every day and lasts 45 minutes. It’s completely free and incredibly interesting.

I like to walk along the Mall early in the morning. There aren’t that many tourists out, and the view and tranquillity is worth losing a few hours of sleep. It’s also two of the best places to visit in London.

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is synonymous with London. It’s pasted on postcards and hangs in the forefront of skyline pictures. The clock is famed for its accuracy and massive bell.

The Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben’s official name) are incredible attractions in London. While Big Ben tours are currently closed for refurbishment, you can still book tours to the spectacular Houses of Parliament.

With these tours, you can learn about British democracy, tour Westminster Palace, and visit the cherished church, Westminster Abbey.

Discover the Best Markets | London Local Guide

Each district of London boasts at least one fabulous market. Some are bursting with colourful, fresh fruits and veggies. Others are home to vintage clothing and antique goodies.

Depending on which treasures you seek and which area you find yourself in, London has a market for you.

Below are a few of the top picks of markets to choose from for your London one-day tour.

Portobello Road Market 

Located in Notting Hill, a gorgeous area in West London, made famous by the romantic Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie.

Portobello Road comprises several markets and comes alive every Saturday with antique goods stretching half a mile.

The pastel-coloured houses and bright red, yellow and green doors which line the street are picture-perfect.

The market is the star of the show, with an impressive selection of old books and vintage jewellery. But many people visit Portobello Road just to walk down the romantic, picturesque streets of Notting Hill.

Camden Market 

Sitting on Regents canal, Camden Market is open every day and is a sprawl of stalls from the tube station to the canal. Technically, it is made up of several different markets, and there’s pretty much nothing you can’t buy.

Or eat – the street food options are plentiful and delicious and some of the best rated in London.

The market absolutely buzzes every day of the week. It is the fourth most visited ‘attraction’ in London.

If getting submerged in a throng of tourists doesn’t scare you, then you’ll love the edgy, alternative market with a hint of grunge and a lot of spunk.

Borough Market

Calling all foodies! Sitting on the River Thames in Southwark is London’s best food market . Londoners flock to Borough Market for their fresh daily produce, and tourists arrive hungrily and leave stuffed and content.

Open from Monday to Saturday, the market pumps with eager diners overwhelmed by the food choices.

The market is a great stop for a snack when meandering through the South Bank. It is within walking distance along the river from Waterloo station.

Old Spitalfields Market

Smack bang across from Liverpool station is this covered market, open seven days a week. This market is less about food (although there are some amazing food stalls) and more about clothes and artisan lifestyle goodies.

Every Thursday, Old Spitalfields Market becomes an antique and vintage paradise. Added stalls squeeze into the market space selling collectables and such. And if you’re still not shopped out, Brick Lane Market is only 5 minutes away.

Brick Lane Market

Although the market is only on Sundays, Brick Lane is worth a visit every day of the week. Emulating East London’s edgy vibe, the street is a colourful mess of street art, cutting-edge fashion and artisan coffee shops.

On Sunday, the market takes up every free space and visitors fight through the crowds, window-shopping literally every item you can think of.

The salted-beef bagel at The Beigel Shop on Brick Lane is an absolute winner, and the lines are so worth it.

While the market sells things you’d find pretty much anywhere, the vibe is great, and the eclectic Brick Lane is an attraction in itself.

Museum Hopping on Your One Day in London Itinerary

There are a million reasons to fall in love with London. And one of them is the unbelievable amount of amazing, free museums.

There are almost 200 museums in London, and most of the best ones are completely gratis to visit. With such a big variety, you can choose the best museum to suit your interests.

Wondering what to do in London for one day? Here are some of my best picks of museums to visit.

The British Museum

Unlike the name suggests, this museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture and are not confined to Britain.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from Covent Garden, so it’s a good stop for when you’re exploring central London.

The collection comprises around eight million pieces acquired during the peak of the British Empire.

It is one of the most extensive collections in the world and something you should not leave out of your 1 day in London itinerary. Taking visitors through two million years of human history. Take a journey through the interesting eras of arts and cultures spanning across all continents.

Keep a lookout for the famous Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures on your visit.

Natural History Museum

Situated in South Kensington, a gorgeous cultural hub of London, is one of the most immersive museums in the world. This museum is an impressive exhibit of the history of the natural world.

The collection includes current and historical records of animals, plants, fungi, ecosystems, geology, climatology, and so much more.

It is a truly fascinating museum where you can stand before a life-size T-rex as it growls at you. Walk beneath the massive skeleton of a blue whale. Or visit the Darwin Centre to get up close and personal with creepy-crawlies.

The museum hosts awesome exhibitions such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year. And a seasonal Butterfly Pavi l ion where you can walk among thousands of exotic butterflies and moths.

Science Museum

Get up close and personal with scientific processes at this interactive museum. This is well worth a visit, even if you’re not a science enthusiast. The museum showcases over 300 000 objects and brings scientific principles to life.

The galleries include experiences such as blasting off into space with the Apollo 10 4D simulators. And exploring space galleries with an impressive 3-metre high telescope.

There is a whole lot of interactive fun to be had at the Science Museum, and is especially great if you’re visiting London with kids.

Check out my guide on how many days to spend in London .

Victoria and Albert Museum

For the artists and art enthusiasts, the Victoria Albert Museum is the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts, designs and sculptures.

With over 2.3 million items, the museum covers everything from jewellery to sculpture and fashion to photography.

The museum is in South Kensington, which is home to a couple of London’s famous museums.

You’ll also find a ton of mouth-watering french bakeries and cafes. So don’t forget to treat yourself to a delectable eclair after you’ve journeyed through the world and history of art.

Tate Modern

Let’s leave all the history behind and jump into contemporary art at the Tate Modern. For lovers of modern art, the Tate Modern should definitely be included when going one day sightseeing in London.

For everyone else, staircases that lead nowhere and white-painted canvases might be frustrating, but they’ll certainly evoke some sort of emotion.

The Tate Modern is a strange and surreal display of art, performance and installations. It was the most visited London attraction in 2018 and often holds fascinating exhibitions.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite trying to figure out the meaning of blank canvases, head over to Borough Market for a snack. It’s only a 10-minute walk along the river.

Again these are just some of the top things to see in London in one day.

One Day in London Guide | List of Must-See Attractions

I’m sure you’re overwhelmed by the amount of apparent ‘must-see’ sights in London. It’s important that when you think about what to do in London for a day, you choose the spots which are most interesting to you. Rather than trying to cram everything into a few hours.

Here are a few of my favourite attractions in London to add to your itinerary:

• The London Eye – A massive Ferris wheel sitting on the South Bank of the River Thames. A ride on the London Eye will bless you with unprecedented views over London.
• St Paul’s Cathedral – The dome of this exquisite cathedral is a stunning feature of the London skyline. For those who love a cathedral stop, this is a fantastic one. Fast track the queue to maximise your time.
• Tower Bridge – The bascule and suspension bridge crosses the Thames close to the Tower of London. It has become a popular symbol of London.
• Cruise along the Thames – See London’s famous sights on a leisurely cruise of the River Thames . The River Red Rover ticket enables you to hop on and hop off for 24 hours at any of London’s main destination piers.

Now you don’t have to wonder what to do in London for 1 day, because you’ve got the perfect London itinerary for you.

Getting Around on Your London One-Day Itinerary

There are a million things to do around London in one day, and depending on your interests, you might need to traverse the entire city. No worries.

Not only is London an extremely well-connected city, with every transport option under the sun. But I’m here to help you figure out the best way to see London in a day.

Public Transport

Arm yourself with an oyster card, a tube map, and the confidence to decipher the underground – because it’s actually very simple.

Your best friend is the app Citymapper , which will tell you exactly how to get from one place to another—the quickest and cheapest way.

For one day in London, you will mostly be using the tube, some buses and your trusty feet. An oyster card or contactless bank card can be used on all public transport.

Taxis and Uber

London is notorious for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. If you’re travelling on a budget, I wouldn’t recommend using private taxis. Ubers are somewhat cheaper, but still significantly pricier than public transport.

And the traffic in London is crazy – especially on the weekends. So most of the time it is much quicker to jump in the tube if you’re looking to move around quickly.

Sightseeing Bus Tours

If you’re trying to pack in as many of the best things to do in London in one day as possible, hop-on-hop-off buses are a good idea.

The buses take visitors to all the iconic areas of London, depositing you on the doorstep of almost every attraction.

This is a great option if you want a carefree experience, not having to think or worry too much about getting lost or planning routes. Book your hop-on hop-off bus ticket in advance to save costs and ensure a space.

Saving Pennies with the London Pass | 1 Day Itinerary London

While planning your London 1 day itinerary, you’ve probably had a few heart-dropping moments when budgeting.

So much to do, so much to see, and so many pounds to do it. There are an endless amount of free, famous and fabulous activities in London. So don’t let the prices get you down.

However, there are also a lot of attractions that have entrance fees that can reach upwards of £20.

This is where the London Pass comes in. For around £79 the London pass gets you into an unlimited amount of attractions over a 24-hour period. There are more than eighty attractions which you can visit with the pass.

Of course, the more you see, the more you save. So it’s up to you to decide which attractions you want to visit and how much they’ll cost.

Each pass comes with a guidebook which is super handy for first-time visitors to London. The pass gives you access to some discounts at restaurants and shops around London and has the option of adding a travel card too. The London Pass will help you with the things to do in one day in London, plus save you some money.

Get Ready for Your One Day London Itinerary

Are you feeling jazzed up and ready to plan your epic one day in London itinerary? I hope so!

The famous city is a playground to suit anyone’s desires, and with this guide, you have everything you need to tailor it to become your personal wonderland.

Marvel at the neon lights in the West End, explore the royal history and pick up some goodies at the vibrant markets. Explore all the fun things to do in London that you can squeeze into a day.

However you choose to spend your day in London, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable experience of one of the greatest cities in the world.

One day in London what should I do? Everything in the above post! But seriously now you know how to spend a day in London.

Planning a trip to London for more than one day? Check out this detailed 2 days in London itinerary .

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How to do London in 1 day: Tips for first-timers

Only have time for a day trip to London ? There are enough things to do here to keep you busy all year round, but if you have a layover or are just taking a day trip to London, here’s a list of the must-see sights, especially for first-timers ; you can probably fit some of these in your 1-day London itinerary.

Tips for spending a day in London

1. getting around london.

If you have a layover and are coming from Heathrow Airport , the Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to reach the city center, with the journey taking just 15 minutes and trains departing every 15 minutes. The train stops at Paddington Station where you can take the London Underground to Westminster to start this itinerary.

Consider getting a day Travelcard for unlimited travel within the city or using an Oyster card to pay as you go. Here are more tips for using the London Underground .

2. Attractions: Book your tickets in advance

This London itinerary is drawn up to help you see most of London’s main attractions in one full day.

If you plan to take a guided tour of any of these attractions, note that each tour will likely take 1-3 hours on average, so the challenge is deciding which attractions are worth a closer look. To save as much time as possible, we recommend making your bookings online and opting for skip-the-line tickets.

While London is great to visit any time of year , summer with longer daylight hours will give you more time to enjoy the city’s attractions as opening hours tend to be longer. Here are more essential travel tips for your visit to London .

Start your day in London by seeing some classic British icons at Westminster in the city center. The neo-Gothic Houses of Parliamen t, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the heart of British politics. Its most famous feature is Elizabeth Tower, better known as Big Ben . Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the name of the largest bell within the clock tower. Tours are available for the Houses of Parliament, but not for Big Ben as it’s under refurbishment at the moment.

Nearby is Westminster Abbey , the official coronation church and memorial hall for many generations of British monarchs. Right next door is St. Margaret’s Church , the parish church of the House of Commons. Both are working churches that you can visit for service or explore on your own.

Collectively, these churches and Westminster Palace form one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Westminster Bridge is a great place to get a shot of these icons along the River Thames . Across the river, the London Eye is another option for spectacular views of the surrounding area–a fast-track ticket will let you skip the lines at this popular attraction.

Take a stroll down Birdcage Walk towards the famous Buckingham Palace , where you can catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony–this doesn’t happen every day, so make sure to check the timings online before you go or take a guided tour . In summer, the palace is open for tours, and the annual Trooping the Color (also known as the Queen’s Birthday Parade) is a major highlight .

Head east up The Mall (it’s the name of the road, not an actual shopping mall) past St. James's Palace and St. James’s Park towards Trafalgar Square and Nelson’s Column . Art lovers can pop into the majestic National Gallery –one of London’s many free museums—where you could easily spend an entire day admiring the masterpieces in its halls.

After that, going eastward along The Strand , take a break in Covent Garden , the shopping and entertainment center of London’s West End . The Covent Garden market which used to sell fresh produce now sells handmade wares, clothing, or antiques depending on which day you visit. There are many luxury boutiques and restaurants here as well.

For this next part of the itinerary, you can hop on the Tube from Embankment to Tower Hill Station for the fastest route, or take the river bus down the River Thames to Tower pier to sightsee as you go.

A must-see icon of London and another UNESCO Heritage Site is the Tower of London , a stately medieval castle that’s known as the home to the Crown Jewels, the Yeoman Warders or Beefeaters and the ravens that, according to legend, will cause the fall of Britain if they ever leave the tower.

In front of the castle is Tower Bridge , London’s most recognizable bridge flanked by two towers on either end. You can walk across the bridge for free or even see the drawbridge rise for ships to pass if you’re lucky, or pay to climb up to the elevated walkways for an aerial view of London.

Note that Tower Bridge is not London Bridge –the latter is a short 15-minute walk west along the river. While it’s much more ordinary looking, it’s a good photo spot for Tower Bridge. Read this and learn the differences between Tower Bridge and London bridge .

Keep heading westward along the South Bank –look out for the HMS Belfast , a WWII warship transformed into a floating museum. Near London Bridge, take a break by popping into Borough Market , one of London’s oldest and most extensive food markets. P.S. It's a great place to try some of London's best food .

Further west past London Bridge on South Bank is where Shakespeare’s Globe Theater is located, a reconstruction of the open-air forum where William Shakespeare staged many of his works. Nearby, the Tate Modern is a contemporary art museum housed in a former power station—it’s another free museum option for art lovers. It’s right in front of Millennium Bridge , which connects to the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral across the water.

From St. Paul’s Cathedral, ride the London Underground and end your whirlwind day in London at Oxford Street for a little retail therapy at one of the largest high streets in the world. Many flagship stores of international brands are located here. You can also walk down other popular streets in the area like Regent Street , Carnaby Street , Piccadilly Circus , and Oxford Circus.

Head back to the West End , London’s theater district, to rest those tired legs by catching any of the long-running shows or musicals. You should buy your tickets online beforehand, or pick up last-minute tickets for cheap in Leicester Square or online if you’re not too fussy about what to watch.

If you’d rather party the night away, check out the nightlife around the West End and Soho districts. For something a little quirky, try the Ghost Bus Tour that shows you London’s highlights by night, along with stories about the darker history of these hotspots.

Recommended tours and activities

More like this:

• 10 filming locations to visit in London
• 11 things to do in London this summer
• The best views in London: restaurants, hotels and free spots

What to Do if You Only Have One Day in London

L ondon is a city with a rich history and lots to do, yet it’s so well connected that you can fit a lot in when you only have a day.

If you want to know how to fit the best things to do in London into one day, we have the perfect, family-friendly one-day itinerary for you. We’ll also give you some other ideas, just in case you have enough time to explore more.

*Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something we have recommended. Please check out our  disclosure policy  for more details. Thank you for your support!

Must See Sights If You Only Have One Day in London

1. hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

London has many bus tour companies that will take you on several routes around the city. You can get a day tour ticket for one of three operators online , and some include a river cruise, which you will want for this itinerary.

Each of the operators has different route options. So, make sure you do your research into the landmarks you’d like to see and make sure they are on your route.

At most London landmarks, you will find tour bus representatives who will sell you tickets. So if you are unsure about the route you need, they will be able to help.

If this is your first time, and you only have a day in the city, a London bus tour is the best way to fit it all in. The most scenic routes take around three hours.

Although exploring London is great on foot when you have kids, it’s much easier to sit on an open-top bus to see the top sights. You’re likely to see Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, the National Gallery, and Westminster Bridge from aboard the buses.

Another great thing about these buses is that you can hop on and hop off this public transportation if you have extra time. If you’d like to stop and look around a particular landmark, you can simply jump off, explore, and then get back on the central line. Just remember, if you’ve given up a seat at the top of the bus, you’re unlikely to get another!

2. Sky Garden

After ticking off all of the major landmarks on the ground, see if you can spot them from the air. One of the top attractions in London is the Sky Garden. This 160-meter tall building is on the Thames River near The Shard. It’s one of the most beautiful places, and if you only have limited time to visit London, seeing London from the sky makes for a relaxing and perfect day.

You can walk around the garden, take in the panoramic views, and play a game of I Spy with the London skyline. If you’re planning on having lunch here, you can purchase food and drink from their cafe.

The Sky Garden has free admission, but make sure you book well in advance to avoid long lines.

3. Thames Clipper

The Thames Clippers are a fantastic way to explore the center of the city and see everything along the River Thames.

Hop on at the dock just outside the Tower of London, and sit outside on the back of the boat to watch the landmarks go by. Or, if you want something a little comfier, sit on the chairs inside where it’s less windy.

From here, you’ll spot St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament. You can hop off at the London Eye Waterloo Pier and take a walk across the river to the West End, depending on your travel time.

4. West End Show

If you’re still not tired, then the perfect place to round off a day in London is a trip to the theatre .

When it comes to child-friendly West End Theatre, the best options are Matilda, Frozen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and The Lion King. All of which are spectacular in their own right.

If you’ve got a Ronald Dahl fanatic in your family, then Matilda is a fun, dynamic show. It has colorful scenery and fantastic singing and dancing from its cast.

For the Disney fans in your family, The Lion King or Frozen are the clear options. The scripts are close to the films, with some fun modern-day references thrown in to keep them fresh.

5. The Tower of London

Once you’ve spotted all the things to see in London from the air, head back down to the ground. Here you can find out about its history and see the Crown Jewels!

You can begin your tour of the Tower of London with Yeoman Warders. These Wardens live on the grounds of the Tower and guard the Crown Jewels. They take you in and around the area for a guided tour, pointing out particular places where history was made. This is one of the most popular attractions and one of our favorite things to do in London with teens . This is why it’s a good idea to get an early start and make this your first stop.

Once you’ve seen the knight’s armor, the bloody tower, and the ravens that live on the grounds, head to the vault, where you can see the Queen’s crown.

The queue may be a little long, but it’s worth it to see them and other pieces of jewelry that belong to the royal family.

Other options for London in a Day

6. buckingham palace state rooms.

If you’re visiting in the summer, a day trip to the staterooms of the royal palace is a great option. Each year the Palace opens its doors to the public and displays a different exhibit. In the past, there has been a collection of childhood toys of the royals and their wedding attire.

7. The Science and The Natural History Museum

The Science Museum and The Natural History Museum in London are two separate museums. However because they are attached, it’s easy to visit them both. They have a lot of interactive exhibits, games, and activities for children, and like most museums in London, they both have free entry.

Take a stroll through exhibits like The Garden, a kids’ sensory paradise, Exploring Space, and the Flight Gallery in the Science Museum. See the Mammals Gallery, the Aurora Collection of over 300 diamonds, and a gigantic blue whale skeleton suspended from the Gothic ceilings at the Natural History Museum.

If you’re in London for a short visit, don’t miss these extraordinary London attractions.

The post What to Do if You Only Have One Day in London appeared first on Kids Are A Trip™ .

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London All-in-One Tour

Tour Information

All in one highlights.

• St. Paul's Cathedral
• The Tower of London
• The Bank of England
• HMS Belfast
• London Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Millennium Bridge
• Tower Bridge
• London Monument
• River Thames
• Buckingham Palace
• Changing of the Guard
• The Houses of Parliament
• Westminster Abbey
• 10 Downing St.
• Churchill War Rooms
• Trafalgar Square
• St. James's Palace
• London Underground
• Temple Church

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Click here to see our full selection of free London walking tours .

Free Tours by Foot is proud to offer our London in One Day Tour.  

This tour is great for those short on time or those who want to be efficient with their sightseeing time and money.

We combine the very best of our Westminster  and  City of London  tours plus additional sights into one grand 6-hour tour.

The tour includes a lunch break halfway through the tour.

Sites and topics we cover on the tour: (we do not enter most sites)

Tour information

Reservations:  Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00  Click here to reserve .

Where:   Tour begins from outside Green Park Station. Take the exit toward Green Park/Buckingham Palace and meet your guide next the Diana Huntress Fountain and refreshment stand [Not to be confused with the Diana fountain in Kensington Gardens]. Please use our Google map for directions to the tour .

The tour ends outside the Tower of London.

Duration: Approximately 6 hours.

When: View our Calendar

Cost: This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it's done. A name-your-own-price tour is a tour for anyone's budget.

Save even more money with a London tourist discount card .

Be sure to check out our other tours in London .

And much, much more

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Posted on Published: 30th August 2023  - Last updated: 13th February 2024 Categories London Travel Tips

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

One Day in London: The Best Way to See London in a Day

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Planning to spend one day in London and not sure where to start? Don’t worry – it’s a tough task but we have you covered with this step-by-step itinerary – everything you need to know to tackle London in a day.

We’re going to start this guide by being brutally honest with you here – seeing London in a day is no easy feat.

This crazy city that we are proud to call home can be overwhelming – 8 million people call it their home also and 20 million people visit annually. It’s busy, large and can be a bit confusing if you’re visiting for the first time. Our London bucket list alone is enough to keep you entertained for about a year.

That all sounds like a lot to deal with – and it would be… if it were not for a little secret.

You can tackle a day in London, seeing many of the city’s biggest sights without breaking a sweat… if you just know how.

Sure, you could run around in a blind panic, trying to see everything in different parts of the city, visiting all the museums, stuffing in as much as possible.

But (there’s always a but).

We can guarantee that you would come away from the whole experience a) exhausted b) with only the vaguest idea about any of the places that you’d encountered in your whirlwind tour of the city. That’s the silly way.

The smart way is to focus on a relatively small area of central London with the biggest concentration of sights, all in walkable distance of each other and taking the time to enjoy them all. That’s what this one day in London guide does.

What’s more? If you want to take things at an even slower pace, simply cut out a thing or two. Simple.

One Day in London Itinerary

Wondering what you can do in London if you only have one day? This cool itinerary takes you to the city’s highlights.

Buckingham Palace

Alright, alright – we know you want to feast your eyes on Buckingham Palace and who are we to deny you? The monarchy’s official London residence is a pretty good place to start your London one-day trip.

The imposing Georgian palace isn’t the fanciest building in London, but even we’ll admit that it is pretty impressive – in no small part thanks to its gargantuan size.

The palace is monstrously large: it contains no fewer than 775 rooms, counting 52 bedrooms (and an additional 188 bedrooms for staff… because the Royal Family are so extra about everything).

You can’t actually go inside for most of the year, but they do open the State Rooms for 10 weeks in the summer and a couple of other dates throughout the year to enable you to witness the truly OTT (dare we say it… garish) decor – including the thrones – up, close and personal.

Buckingham Palace is also one of the main locations for seeing the rather cool Changing of the Guard – a formal procession marking the changing of the Royal Guard.

It’s brilliant – the guards are accompanied by a full brass band and it’s rather cool watching a tradition that has been going for centuries. The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 10.45am during the summer months, and on alternate days for the rest of the year.

Book tickets to see the state rooms

Read More: The Changing of the Guard: What You Need to Know Before You Go

St James’s Park

St James’s Park is a hop, skip and a jump away from Buckingham Palace and our favourite of the Royal Parks.

St James’s Park is the prettiest park in central London – with a large lake, willow-lined banks and gorgeous flower beds that somehow always seem to be in bloom all year round. It’s the kind of park that is just made for leisurely picnics and chitchats, all in the shadow of the royal palace across the road.

You can take some time out here if the weather is nice, otherwise we’d say just stroll through – towards Westminster, the political heart of the city.

Top Tip: If you stand at the top of the park with your back to Buckingham Palace (the cheek!), you can see the whole of the park, framed by a few landmarks in Westminster and the South Bank (including the London Eye) – one of our favourite views in central London.

Westminster Abbey

World Heritage Site Westminster Abbey is one of the most striking churches in London (the other is St Paul’s Cathedral, which unfortunately we’re not going to have time to visit today).

What do you get when you combine Gothic architecture with centuries of history? Answer = one hell of an impressive building.

Interestingly, Westminster Abbey is not a cathedral as is often thought. It’s a “Royal Peculiar” meaning that it’s directly responsible to the monarchy – that explains why it’s so closely connected with royal events.

You know all the Royal weddings you watch on TV (if you bother to watch, we don’t) – most of them happen here. Same for all coronations and many state funerals.

Westminster Abbey isn’t all about the royals though. It doubles up as the burial site of some of the UK’s most important historical and literary figures, including Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking, and William Wilberforce.

There’s even a section called Poet’s Corner that… kind of does exactly what it says on the tin, except quite a few novelists are buried there too

Buy Tickets for Westminster Abbey (Complete with Audio Guide)

The Houses of Parliament + Big Ben

You barely have to stretch your legs to get to the next spot on our 1 day London sightseeing itinerary – none other than The Houses of Parliament (to which the clock tower Big Ben is attached).

If you had more time in London, we’d suggest visiting inside Parliament – either on a guided tour , or just to the public galleries to watch a debate in process (one of our favourite free things to do in London ) but time is, sadly, of the essence, so we’ll have to move you along to our next destination.

The London Eye

We have a real soft spot for The London Eye for many reasons. First of all, we remember the pomp and circumstance surrounding its opening in the year 2000 – back in those long lost days when it was called the Millennium Wheel.

Secondly, one of our team worked there for several of their college and uni holidays, meaning they’ve ridden, stared at, talked about and directed people to the damned thing enough times to have it ingrained in their mind.

Do we recommend that you go on it? Yes! It should go straight (and we mean straight) to the top of your list of best things to do in London for a day. Don’t even think about skipping it.

The London Eye is not the cheapest London sightseeing spot but on a clear day, the views that you get from it are beautiful – you can even see as far as Windsor Castle 25 miles away.

The wheel rotates super-slowly, so you have plenty of time to take in the ever-changing views (and a lot of photos we’re sure) during your 30 minute ride.

Book tickets for The London Eye here

Trafalgar Square

Time to cross back over the River Thames via Golden Jubilee Bridge to head to another of London’s biggest landmarks – Trafalgar Square. Every city has its main square and Trafalgar Square just so happens to be London’s.

Personally, we think the square itself is a bit overrated – the hodgepodge of architectural styles and random statues dotted all over the place are charming enough but not crazy beautiful. Do we still think it’s worth visiting? Totally.

Swing by the famous lion statues (here’s a fun fact – the sculptor Edward Landseer had never seen a lion when he was commissioned to make the statues so he had to wait for a lion at London Zoo to pass away so he could use it as a model for the statues) and take a peek at the famous statues -not forgetting Nelson’s Column in the middle of the square.

Keep your eyes open and you’ll even see an old Tardis-style building that used to double up as a police watchpoint and holding station – leading it to be dubbed as Britain’s smallest police station.

Now it’s crunch time people.

Trafalgar Square is flanked by the National Gallery and, next to that, The National Portrait Gallery.

If you’re into art our suggestion would be that you spend the rest of the afternoon exploring at least one of them and then pick up at the West End Show / Theatre Point .

The National Gallery contains over 2,300 works dating from the 13th century to 1900 – with a broad range pieces of leading artists including Vincent Van Gogh’s Sunflowers and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin on the Rocks.

The National Portrait Gallery is smaller but no less mighty – with a collection of 215,000 works to discover. Entrance to both museums is free.

If you have decided to skip the museums (there’s always a next time right?) then it’s time to march on with the London one-day tour.

Read More: Insider’s London: Trafalgar Square

Spend Some Time in Covent Garden

Covent Garden Market tops many a list of what to do in London for a day. Sitting at the heart of theatreland, it’s a lively part of the city, with lots of cool bars , pubs and restaurants and things to do.

You should visit the famous Apple Market. It’s a beautiful covered market – but we wouldn’t bother to go shopping here: most of the independent shops are long gone, replaced with many of the same brands you’ll find all over the world. Yawn.

Much more charming is the pretty little Cecil Court – a 17th century alley lined with bookshops that’s rumoured to have inspired Diagon Alley in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter books.  

See if you can find quirky Neal’s Yard – accessed via two small passages that open up into a cool courtyard filled with brightly coloured buildings that bring some sunshine to even the greyest London day. It’s a refreshing haven of independent businesses – shops, restaurants and bars, in an area that’s increasingly dominated by large brands.

After that, if you still have time, walk over to Somerset House – a former Thameside royal palace that is now one of London’s leading cultural and arts venues. It’s free to enter and the striking courtyard is one of my favourite places to chill with a nice coffee in central London.

Read More: The Covent Garden Area Guide

West End Show (Or a Play at the National Theatre)

We maaaay be prejudiced, but we’ll come out and say it. London has one of the most exciting theatrical scenes in the world and you absolutely should book a ticket to see a play or a West End show while you are in town.

Personally, we favour plays over musicals but go and see whatever catches your eye – this is your one day in London and you want to make it count.

There’s a whole other post we’ve written about London’s numerous theatres and what they’re showing so you should go and check that out.

In the meantime, you can always have a browse on Ticketmaster for tickets to most of the big shows (including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Parts I and II – still one of the hottest shows in town) at the West End Theatres.

Your other option is to pick an “Off West End” play – basically a play or show taking place at a venue that isn’t in the tiny London area defined as the West End. That covers a hell of a lot of brilliant venues including The National Theatre and The Young Vic , two of our favourite theatres in London.

The National Theatre is probably the easiest to fit into this London one-day trip as it’s only a short walk away from Covent Garden (albeit on the other side of the river), though the Young Vic is only about another 15 minutes further). The National also stands out for having not one but three theatres inside – meaning you can take your pick of which play to see.

Whichever way you swing it, a trip to the theatre has the benefit of a) making you cultured AF b) immersing you into the full London experience during your 1 day in London.

Drinks and Dinner in Soho

That’s it! Your hard work is done (we wouldn’t blame you if you took the time right now to give yourself a congratulatory pat on the back, we certainly are) – all that’s left for you to do is to have a few drinks and dinner in buzzy Soho. Let’s face it, drinks and dinner are a breeze compared to the rest of your epic day in London.

Soho is bursting with options when it comes to places to drink and places to eat (don’t believe me? We suggest you check out our Soho bar guide , where we painstakingly rated and reviewed all of the best bars in the area – the things we do for this blog).

Ultimately where you end up depends on what you are looking for. If you’re up for a blow-out night, we would recommend drinks at Disrepute or Swift Bar followed by a meal at Bob Bob Ricard – you know, the one with the press for champagne booths and to die for food.

Alternatively, Yauatcha is the hottest place in town for delicious dim sum (yeah, we know you traditionally eat it for lunch but we are renegades and we don’t play by those kinda rules).

Read More: Cool Things to Do in Soho

If you want something a little more budget friendly, then Bodega Negra serves banging Mexican food (and some killer cocktails), Flat Iron dishes up perfectly-cooked steaks and Pizza Pilgrims hawt and freshly-made pizzas – all at reasonable prices (well, by London standards anyway).

After that, if you still have a little life in you, Soho is also home to one of London’s best jazz clubs – Ronnie Scotts (oh and endless clubs if you really want to go large or go home – these days we personally go home).

Just like that, you’re done – we hope you’ve enjoyed your day in London. Time to retire to bed to get some beauty sleep.

If You Have More Time… A Few Other Places You May Want to Consider Adding to your London Trip

• The Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• Museum Mile in South Kensington with the Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum (you can check out my Kensington guide here)
• Borough Market
• The Tate Modern and/or the Tate Britain
• The British Museum

One Day in London: Where to Stay

If you only have one day in London and you want to know where to stay – our advice is to stay centrally. That means Covent Garden, Westminster or Soho if possible.

Yes, the prices are high but it means that you are able to walk to all of the places on the itinerary and base yourself in the heart of the action so no time is wasted during your short trip.

Covent Garden

Our favourite hotel in Covent Garden is the absolutely gorgeous The Henrietta , mere metres from the Apple Market. The decor is beautiful, service is slick and you’re located right in the centre of London.

Check rates and availability on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Gone are the days when Soho used to be the seedy heart of central London. These days its all chic bars and stylish restaurants – with a few chic hotels thrown into the ring for good measure.

If you love boutique hotels with personality and bags of style, plump for Ham Yard Hotel – which offers arty rooms, its own bowling alley, spa and rooftop terrace in the midst of Soho.  

Westminster

Westminster has the bonus of being a bit quieter than the West End locations, though, as a rule, the prices are just as high (and sometimes higher).

You have a real pick of hotels to choose from here – The Conrad London St James is a great high-end option favoured by many a politician, while The Nadler is a stylish but reasonably priced option nearer to Victoria.

Check rates and availability for the Conrad London St James on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Check rates and availability for The Nadler Victoria on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Read More: The Best Areas to Stay in London

King’s Cross

King’s Cross has the bonus of being a bit less expensive than staying in the other areas in our guide while still not being too far away from the action. Given that the area is a bit of a transport hub, you’ll have plenty of options for getting around the city, as well as out of it when it comes time to leave. 

You’ll also be about a 30-40 minute walk away from the locations in our one day in London guide should you want to stretch your legs. 

For a bit of an up-market stay, choose The Standard . This plush (and highly trendy) hotel boasts stylish rooms that put the C in comfort. Then, on the top deck, you’ll find Decimo, a high-end Spanish restaurant with 360-degree views of London and some rather excellent food. 

For something a little more budget-friendly, try out The Alhambra . This hotel offers double rooms for around £127 per night and doesn’t sacrifice on the things that you’d want from your stay. Rooms come with all the regular amenities, clean linen, towels, TVs and free Wi-Fi and en suite bathrooms. 

The only issue might be that the rooms aren’t so big – but that doesn’t matter too much when you’ve got such an action-packed day on your hands. 

Check Rates and availability for The Standard on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor Check Rates and availability for The Alhambra on Booking.com or compare rates on Tripadvisor

Read More: The Best Airbnbs in King’s Cross

How to Visit London in One Day: Practical Tips to Help You Plan a Day in London

Best way to see london in a day.

The best way to see London in a day is to put on some comfortable walking shoes and follow this one day itinerary. If you’re unable to walk long distances, you may want to consider the hop on hop off Big Bus Tour .

What to Pack

Pack comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella.

You cover a lot of ground on this itinerary and the last thing you need is to be wearing shoes that look great but cut your feet to ribbons the moment you move. Repeat the mantra. Comfort is king. Comfort is king.

As for the umbrella… well I’m sure London’s reputation for rainy weather precedes me so we don’t need to say anymore on that.

Best Ways to Get to Central London from The Major Airports

Gatwick airport.

Gatwick is super-easy to get to central London from. Simply make your way to the train station and get a train to central London (destinations covered include London Victoria, London Bridge, Blackfriars and Kings Cross / St Pancras).

Top Tip: Do not bother with the Gatwick Express – it’s way more expensive and the trains to central London from Gatwick are pretty fast anyway.

You have a few options for getting to central London from Heathrow. The fastest is probably to take the Heathrow Express, which, unlike its Gatwick counterpart, saves enough time to make it worth the expense – it terminates at London Paddington. You can also get a normal (non-express) train to Paddington too.

Heathrow is also connected to London via the Underground (a.k.a. the tube), so you can hop on and make your rather slow way to central London this way.

Using the tube does have the added benefit that the Piccadilly Line (which is the line that Heathrow is on) takes you to much more central locations – including Covent Garden, so you can get into the heart of the city without having to change.

As Stansted is basically the arse end of nowhere, they have you pretty firmly in their grip when it comes to ways to get into central London.

You can get the so-called Stansted Express (which takes 45 minutes to get to Liverpool Street – we struggle to see how there’s anything express-like about it) or you can get a coach.

Both are a bit of a drag but take around 45-50 mins in total.

Again, another “London” airport that’s about as close to London as Paris (yes, we’re exaggerating a bit). Catch the airport bus to the train station and hop on a train to central London or get the coach. Again, your options are fairly limited here.

How to See London in One Day – Recommended London One Day Tours

We have outlined all the things that you need to know to cover what to see in London in one day but I know that sometimes it’s still nice to take a tour. If you do want to take a one day London tour, here are a couple of options that you should look at.

• London – Top 20 Sights Walking Tour (Includes Entrance to the London Eye)
• Sights and Tastes of London Walking Tour

Harry Potter Self-Guided Walking Tour 

We’re big fans of Harry Potter at London x London and needless to say we’ve charted all the film and book locations you can find in the capital. On top of that, we’ve concocted a walking tour that will take you round all of them in an afternoon. If the world of witchcraft and wizardry appeals to you more than the world of the muggles, you might want to check it out. 

Read More: The Ultimate Self-Guided Harry Potter Walking Tour of London

Literary London Self-Guided Walking Tour 

We’re massive fans of London’s wider literary history too – and boy is there a lot of history. Many of the world’s greatest writers from Orwell to Dickens have lived in London and left their mark for you to see. We’ve also got a self-guided walking tour of the city’s literary past for any bookworms who don’t want to see the big tourist spots (it also involves a few pub stops). 

Read More: The Ultimate Self-Guided Literary Walking Tour of London

What to do in London in a Day: Map

Click here for a Google Map of all the destinations featured in this guide.

Looking for more London tips and guides? Check these out…

• 2 Days in London – What to Do and What to Skip
• London Visitor Map: Interactive Map of London
• The Ultimate London Bucket List
• Unusual Places to Visit in London
• Sightseeing in London – London’s Biggest Landmarks and Attractions
• The Best Bus Tours of London

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London x London is the insider’s guide to discovering the best of London.

We delve into the cool, interesting and quirky spots that make London such a dynamic city, telling you the best things to do, eat and drink along the way. 

Tired of the same old dull suggestions? Want to know where to find London’s secret bars, tastiest eats and weirdest finds? We provide practical guides that help you do just that.

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One Day in London Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in London, United Kingdom

London is one of those cities every traveler should visit at least once in a lifetime. Taking a selfie with Big Ben, riding on top of a red double-decker bus, taking a ride on the London Eye with the most spectacular city view in front – that’s probably the first scenario we think of when it comes to visiting London. And while spending only one day in London can be pretty challenging, it’s still enough time to visit all the most popular sights and London landmarks. But one thing is for sure – it’s definitely going to be a busy day for you!

London in a day

1. What’s the best time to visit London? 2. One Day in London Itinerary 2.1. Start your morning at the Buckingham Palace 2.2. Relax in the St. James’s Park 2.3. Pass by Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament 2.4. Get on the London Eye 2.5. Have lunch at the Borough Market 2.6. Pass the Tower Bridge 2.7. Visit the St.Paul’s Cathedral 2.8. Visit the Museums 2.9. Relax in the Trafalgar Square 2.9.1. Evening at Soho 3. Where to stay in London? 4. Day trips from London 5. Extra tips for visiting London

What’s the best time to visit London?

London can be visited all year round. There are always enough activities and sights to explore. Winters can be cold and it gets dark early, so it’s better to visit during the warmer months. Like in the rest of Europe, however, some sights can be crowded during summer. Early fall and late spring may be the best options in that case. When it comes to weather, though, the rain is always a strong possibility, no matter when you come.

A city like London also has a lot of events to offer. Therefore, you may want to plan your visit around one of them. Notting Hill Carnival, for example, brings plenty of fun in August, Chelsea Flower Show is a great opportunity to see the royal family, and Guy Fawkes   Night or Bonfire Night on November 5 (V for Vendetta, remember?) brings plenty of fireworks. Then there are also sporting events such as Wimbledon, Oxford   & Cambridge Boat Race, numerous football matches and much, much more. As you can see, there’s always something going on in London.

One Day in London Itinerary

The route that follows includes a lot of walking. Bring on some super comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, maybe a small umbrella and you’re pretty much ready to go. You are about to start exploring one of the greatest cities in the world! These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in London.

Store your luggage:  LuggageHero allows you to store your luggage for as long as you want to. If you are there only for a day, or waiting for a check-in, this sounds like a perfect option!

Start your morning at the Buckingham Palace

Start your morning right in front of the Buckingham Palace , the London residence of the reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom. This palace is pretty much globally known for the balcony from which the royalty greets the citizens on special occasions. And while there are several Buckingham Palace tours that include a visit inside, due to the tight schedule you should opt for them only if you’re really into it. Make sure to check out here when the changing of the guard is to see the marching band and the horses parading which makes all the experience quite interesting.

Relax in the St. James’s Park

Just a few meters away from the Palace you’ll find St. James’s Park , one of London’s Royal Parks. Since London is very well known for the beauty of its lush parks, you shouldn’t skip a visit to at least one of them. St. James’s Park can be pretty busy, but it is still a calm and relaxing park with amazing greenery, lakes and fountains. Besides that, you’ll see swans, ducks, pelicans and many other bird species. And of course, you shouldn’t miss the squirrels. St James’s Cafe and a few Refreshment Points are in the vicinity, so this can be a great place to drink your morning coffee, eat your breakfast or enjoy some ice-cream or snack.

Pass by Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

It’s time for Westminster Abbey – a gorgeous Gothic abbey, the traditional place of coronation and the burial home for more than 3,000 monarchs and poets. It’s beautiful inside out and can be explored every day except on Sundays. However, it takes at least 2 hours and 20£ to explore it, so if you want to stick to the schedule, you’d better leave it for the next time.

Just next to the Abbey stands the Palace of Westminster together with the Elizabeth Tower, best known for its huge bell – Big Ben . Of course, you’re going to take a selfie with that one. There is an audio tour here, in which you can explore both chambers, Westminster Hall and many other rooms. For those interested in architecture, exploring this Neo-Gothic wonder is a must.

Get on the London Eye

The London Eye is definitely one of the most exciting attractions. It gets you so high you can see the whole London beneath you. Since many other tourists think the same, it’s mostly crowded at any time of the day, year-round. Make sure to book an online ticket because otherwise the long queues will leave you no time for any other sights.

Have lunch at the Borough Market

You’re probably starving by now. And while London truly has many restaurant options, Borough Market can be a much more exciting and cheaper place to grab some amazing food. The lively, vibrant atmosphere and amazing smells will make you want to stay there forever. It’s also a great place to shop for spices, cheeses, mustard, tea, chocolate or basically anything you can think of.

If you would prefer something else, you can try Casse-Croute, an excellent French restaurant. Flat Iron London Bridge is also nearby and offers fantastic steaks, and De Vine will treat to to excellent food at very affordable prices. However, these are just a few suggestions which fit this itinerary well. London has loads of incredible places to eat, and it would take quite a while to list them all.

Pass the Tower Bridge

Another great London landmark, t he Tower Bridge, is a perfect place to capture some amazing photos of the city and the river Thames. This great piece of Victorian engineering consists of two bridge towers that are tied together at the upper level. If you’re into it, you can go up, inside the tower and walk along the glass floor above the road.

Visit the St.Paul’s Cathedral

St.Paul’s Catedral is a magnificent, 111 m high Baroque church that dates from the late 17th century, designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Its dome, one of the highest in the world, truly makes this a world-class architectural sight. Even though the entrance is a bit pricey, it’s definitely one of the most impressive buildings to visit. It’s also possible to climb the dome for the breathtaking views from the Golden Gallery.

Visit the Museums

Hopefully, you woke up early and you still have plenty of time for visiting at least one museum. The great thing about London museums is that their permanent collections are free of charge. There are many great museums in London, however two of them – Tate Modern and the British Museum – are really extraordinary experiences.

If you’re more into modern and contemporary art, check out the Tate Modern . What’s more interesting is that the museum itself is situated in a former industrial building. You’ll also happen to see so many masterpieces of the world’s most famous modern artists like Picasso, Dali, Roy Lichtenstein and many others.

For those who are more into historical art, cultural art objects and antiquities, British Museum is definitely a perfect place. Its permanent collection is the largest one in the world with the artifacts from all the continents documenting the story of human culture. The most impressive are the artifacts from ancient Greece, ancient Rome and ancient Egypt. 

Relax in the Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a lively London square, a nice place to chill out and relax after an exhausting day. Sit under Nelson’s column and just people watch. You’ll be amazed by how many buskers are around the area. Musicians, dancers and all kinds of different artists come to perform on this square which makes the whole atmosphere pretty amazing. And coming here in the evening just adds to the location’s magic. You won’t regret it!

Evening at Soho

The last stop in our one day itinerary is Soho . This buzzing district is a perfect spot to eat, relax and shop. Also, if you’re into Chinese food, there’s a Chinatown in the southern part of the Soho, with its multitude of delicious restaurants. Don’t skip Piccadily Circus,  either. This square got pretty famous for its video display and neon signs (something like Times Square in NYC ), which is why it’s preferable to visit it at night.

Where to stay in London?

CitizenM Tower of London

40 trinity square, City of London

Somewhere between artsy and alternative, CitizenM Tower of London offers rooms with relaxing rain showers, Vitra-furnished lobby spaces, 24/7 dining and stunning art. It’s perfectly located right on top of Tower Hill and close to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Oh, and you can enjoy a stunning view of these attractions from the roof. You will also be treated to an excellent buffet breakfast, so it’s safe to say that you will love your stay here. Don’t miss out!

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Sea Containers London

20 Upper Ground, Southwark, London

Sea Containers London is an exquisite five star hotel, located on the banks of the Thames River in the famed Sea Containers building, just a short walk from Tate Modern. Decorated by the award-winning designer Tom Dixon, rooms feature custom furniture, rainfall shower in the marble bathrooms and river views in many of the rooms. Some of them even have a balcony from which you can fully soak up the view. Indeed, this is London luxury at its very finest!

Motel One London-Tower Hill

24-26 Minories, City of London, London

Motel One London-Tower Hill is a boutique style accommodation located in the heart of London’s financial center. It’s just a short walk from the Tower of London and Tower Bridge and therefore a great pick for those who are limited by time. The location of the motel is excellent if you’re interested in exploring bars and restaurants, while nightclubs are just a 15-minute drive away. Clean, cozy and comfortable, this place will always provide a great stay.

Urbany Hostel London

48-49 Prince’s Square Paddington, Westminster Borough, London, W2 4PX

It’s no secret that London can be an expensive city. Fortunately, places like Urbany Hostel London can remedy that! The place has a terrace and a lovely garden and is also located close to Hyde Park. The staff will go out of their way to make sure you have a wonderful time in the city, so you will really feel welcome. The atmosphere is great, and you will easily meet new people. What more could a backpacker ask?

Day trips from London

Sure, London is a great city with a lot to do and see. However, there are plenty of great sights outside the city limits. It would be a shame to miss out on them if you’re staying here longer than just one day. So, consider making a day trip from London because there are plenty of fantastic destinations to visit.

Who hasn’t heard of Stonehenge? This prehistoric ring of massive stone slabs is famous all over the world and has a certain mystical aura around it. It is estimated that it was build between four and five THOUSAND years ago, but its function and the origin of its architects are still subject to many debates. Nevertheless, it is quite a fascinating sight to behold, and you can reach it from London in a couple of hours, maybe a bit more, be it by bus, car or train. Oh, and while you’re here, consider visiting Windsor Castle , the residence of the British royal family. It’s just an hour away.

BOOK A TOUR HERE

Yes, Paris. Thanks to the Eurostar train, you can reach this incredible city in about two and a half hours. So, if you have a day to spare, why not make this incredible day trip from London? You can take off in the early morning and have brunch with a view of the Eiffel Tower and then walk down the Champs-Elysees. If you’re lucky, you may be able to get in the Louvre, plus you can go see Arc de Triomphe and many other fascinating feats of architecture. All that, and you can be back in London for dinner. Sounds, great, doesn’t it?

Oxford is home to one of the most famous universities in the world, but it is also a very charming town worthy of a day trip. For almost one thousand years, the university has stood as a beacon of knowledge in this part of the world, and countless notable scholars and scientists have studied here. Therefore, walking university grounds will fill you with awe and reverence for this institution. Once you’re done with that, consider visiting Warwick Castle, another fascinating piece of medieval architecture in England and just an hour’s drive from Oxford.

Cliffs of Dover

The famous White Cliffs of Dover are also a fantastic choice for a day trip from London. Their mesmerizing beauty will leave every visitor speechless, and the sight of them looming over the sea really is something very special. The town of Dover is also quite an interesting place to explore, but just 45 minutes away from the town is Leeds Castle, a 900-year-old castle build on several islands in a lake. This makes it quite unique among all English castles and gives you a fantastic surrounding to accompany your visit.

Extra tips for visiting London

– London’s  public transport is an icon like no other. Take a ride on top of a double-decker bus, use London Underground (Tube) or get in a black London cab.

– London is quite an expensive city . Everything from food to attractions is pretty pricey, so even one day in London can cost you hundreds of dollars. Therefore, it would be wise to plan how you want to spend while in town.

– However, London can still be explored even if you’re on a strict budget. Most of the museums are free of charge, and exploring the beautiful squares and parks costs you nothing.

– Wear layers and a raincoat. It’s the only way to conquer London’s tricky weather.

– In London, cars drive on their left side. Make sure to look left while crossing the street. Even if you forget about it, you’ll see the sign written beneath you.

– If you want to save lots of money on attractions, purchase a London one day pass .

– For unlimited rides on buses, Tube, DLR, trams, London Overground and National Rail services, purchase a 1-Day Travelcard . It also gives you a 30% discount on riverboat services.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in London Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

Estaba buscando esta testimonio hace mucho ciclo en internet y no la encontraba. Estoy de contrato con lo que indicas. Muchas gracias es un gran aporte. Un saludo.

[…] come to the city and not get yourself some fish’n’chips. No, not even if you only have one day in London, you can’t skip on this quintessentially English dish. I mean, that’s just not right. […]

[…] Indeed, a visit to a London market should be on your itinerary even if you only have just one day in London, and if you can, go and visit one of the following […]

[…] Chief among these institutions is the British Museum, a place famous all over the world for its abundance of spectacular items of crucial historical significance. I was in London recently and couldn’t wait for an opportunity to go and visit it. It is an absolutely enormous building with so many different items that you could easily spend days there and still not see everything. Still, some exhibits are more impressive than others (although even those others will make your jaw drop). So here’s a list of ten things you really have to see in the museum. Hopefully, it will help you experience the museum in its full glory if you’re short on time or maybe have just one day in London. […]

[…] Chief amongst these establishments is the British Museum, a spot well-known all around the world for its abundance of spectacular gadgets of essential historic significance. I used to be in London not too long ago and couldn’t watch for a chance to go and go to it. It’s a completely monumental constructing with so many alternative gadgets that you possibly can simply spend days there and nonetheless not see every little thing. Nonetheless, some displays are extra spectacular than others (though even these others will make your jaw drop). So right here’s a listing of ten stuff you actually should see within the museum. Hopefully, it’s going to show you how to expertise the museum in its full glory in case you’re brief on time or possibly have simply in the future in London. […]

Such a beautiful city! Thank you on a detailed impressive guide! Saved your post for the future 🙂

We’re glad you liked it! 🙂

[…] Natural History Museum also has to be right at the top of the list of the best London […]

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London & Brighton Explorer: A 4-Day Cultural and Scenic Itinerary

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Embark on a 4-day adventure through the bustling streets of London and the coastal allure of Brighton with Trip.com's curated itinerary. Begin your journey at The British Museum, immersing yourself in a world of history for an entire day. Follow this with an inspiring visit to The National Gallery, where art comes to life. Day 2 is an exhilarating whirlwind featuring the iconic London Eye, a scenic Thames River Sightseeing boat trip, and the historic grandeur of Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. Your third day dives into London's spiritual side at St. Paul's Cathedral, the vibrant Borough Market, the modern spectacle of The Shard, and the historic Tower Bridge and Tower of London. Conclude your trip with a day in Brighton, starting with panoramic views from the Brighton i360, wandering through the charming The Lanes, exploring the opulent Royal Pavilion, relaxing at the Brighton Beach Hotel, and enjoying the fun-filled Brighton Palace Pier. This itinerary promises a blend of cultural treasures and scenic pleasures, ensuring memories that will last a lifetime.

• Day 1: Dive into History and Art in the Heart of London

The British Museum

Kicking off our London adventure, the British Museum awaits as our first cultural treasure trove. Nestled on Great Russell Street, this iconic museum is a sanctuary of human history and culture. Spend your day wandering through time, from the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, and immerse yourself in the vast collection spanning over two million years of history. The British Museum is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a journey through the ages that promises to captivate your mind and soul.

Attraction Info

• Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
• Open from 01/01-12/23,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-5:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/23,Fri,10:00am-8:30pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open 10:00am-8:30pm on 12/27,Fri;Open from 12/28-12/31,10:00am-5:00pm;Closed during Christmas Eve,Christmas

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

The National Gallery

After delving deep into the annals of history, a short stroll leads us to the artistic splendor of The National Gallery. Perched on the edge of Trafalgar Square, this art gallery is a window into the souls of masters. With a stay time of two hours, you'll have the chance to gaze upon the brushstrokes of Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Turner. The National Gallery is a vibrant tapestry of art that weaves together stories and emotions through its illustrious collection, making it an unmissable stop on our London itinerary.

• Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
• Open from 01/01-12/31,Mon-Thu, Sat-Sun,10:00am-6:00pm;Open from 01/01-12/31,Fri,10:00am-9:00pm，Closed 24–26 December and 1 January。

Where to Stay Tonight

Cityspace leicester square, page8, page hotels.

• Day 2: Iconic London - From the Heights to the Historic Heart

Kicking off the second day with a sky-high adventure, the London Eye offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city's skyline. This giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames invites you to step into one of its glass capsules for a 30-minute rotation, providing an unparalleled perspective of London's majestic tapestry, including landmarks like the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul's Cathedral.

• Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
• Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 hour
• Closed all day on 12/25;Open from 12/26-12/30,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-3:00pm on 12/31;Open from 01/01-01/07,Mon-Tue, Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 01/01-01/07,Wed-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Closed from 01/08-02/04;Open from 02/05-02/09,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 02/24-02/25,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/22,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/01-03/24,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 03/25-03/28,Mon-Thu,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 04/15-04/28,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 04/29-05/26,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 05/01-05/26,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 05/27-09/01,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 09/02-10/27,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 10/28-11/03,10:00am-8:45pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Mon-Fri,11:00am-6:00pm;Open from 11/04-12/19,Sat-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,Mon, Fri-Sun,10:00am-8:30pm;Open 10:00am-5:30pm on 12/24

Thames River Sightseeing

Following the aerial vistas, immerse yourself in the aquatic allure of the Thames River Sightseeing experience. Departing from Westminster Pier, this boat trip is a serene sojourn that weaves through the heart of London, showcasing the city's riverside splendors. With a 1.5-hour cruise, you'll glide past iconic sights while enjoying insightful commentary, making it a perfect segue between the city's lofty heights and historic streets.

• Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1.5-3 hour
• Open from 10:00am-6:00pm

Next, step ashore to encounter the timeless grandeur of Big Ben, the emblematic clock tower that stands as a sentinel over the UK's political epicenter. Although visits inside are restricted, the surrounding area offers ample opportunity to admire the intricate architecture and capture photos of this quintessential symbol of London, all within an hour's exploration.

• London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-1.5 hour
• Open on Mon;Open on Tue-Sun,8:00am-8:00pm，Outside viewing is admitted for whole day.

Westminster Abbey

A short stroll away, Westminster Abbey beckons with its gothic spires and storied past. This coronation church and UNESCO World Heritage Site is a treasure trove of British history. Spend an hour marveling at the ornate stonework, the Poets' Corner, and the royal tombs, each narrating a chapter of the nation's narrative.

• Dean's Yard, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
• Open from 01/01-04/24,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 01/01-04/24,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 01/01-04/24,Sun;Closed all day on 04/25;Open 1:00pm-3:30pm on 05/08;Open 9:30am-12:00pm on 05/15;Open 9:30am-1:00pm on 06/18;Closed from 04/26-05/07,Sun;Open from 04/26-05/07,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Open from 04/26-05/07,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Closed from 05/09-05/14,Sun;Open from 05/09-05/14,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/09-05/14,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 05/16-06/17,Sun;Open from 05/16-06/17,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 05/16-06/17,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm;Closed from 06/19-12/31,Sun;Open from 06/19-12/31,Sat,9:00am-3:00pm;Open from 06/19-12/31,Mon-Fri,9:30am-3:30pm，As Westminster Abbey is a working church, it may sometimes be necessary to close certain areas to the public and reduce opening hours.

Buckingham Palace

Conclude the day's journey with a visit to the regal Buckingham Palace, the monarch's London residence. During your hour here, witness the Changing of the Guard or wander along the perimeter of the palace gardens. The grandeur of the palace's façade and the ceremonial pomp offer a fitting finale to a day steeped in the capital's most celebrated sights.

• London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
• Open from 07/11-08/31,9:30am-7:30pm;Open from 09/01-09/29,9:30am-6:30pm;Closed from 09/30-07/10，Opening hours may be subject to change, please refer to the official website: https://www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace#book_tickets

Altido Elegant 2-Bed Mews Flat Near Buckingham Palace

The resident victoria.

• Day 3: Historic Splendors and Modern Marvels of London

St. Paul's Cathedral

Kicking off the third day with spiritual serenity, St. Paul's Cathedral stands as a beacon of faith and history in the heart of London. With its iconic dome dominating the skyline, the cathedral offers visitors an hour of exploration through its awe-inspiring interior, rich with art and history. It's the perfect starting point for a day steeped in the city's heritage.

• St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
• Suggested tour duration: 1-3 hour
• Open on Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat,8:30am-4:30pm;Open on Wed,10:00am-4:30pm;Closed on Sun，Opening and closing times are subject to change, so it is recommended to visit the official website to check the dates you will be attending.

Borough Market

Next, immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Borough Market, London's most renowned food and drink market. Just a stone's throw from the cathedral, spend an hour tantalizing your taste buds with a variety of gourmet treats and fresh produce. It's a feast for the senses and a must-visit spot for food lovers.

• London SE1 9AL, United Kingdom
• Open on Sun,10:00am-4:00pm;Open on Tue-Fri,10:00am-5:00pm;Open on Sat,9:00am-5:00pm;Closed on Mon

Elevate your London experience with a visit to The Shard, an architectural masterpiece and a symbol of modern London. After a short journey from the market, you'll have an hour to soak in breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the tallest building in the United Kingdom. The Shard is a testament to London's skyline evolution and a highlight of any itinerary.

• 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, United Kingdom
• Open from 01/01-03/28,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open from 01/01-05/25,Fri-Sat,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 12:00pm-8:00pm on 03/31;Open from 04/01-04/15,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 04/16;Open from 04/17-04/23,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open 9:00am-5:00pm on 04/24;Open from 04/25-05/26,Mon-Thu, Sun,1:00pm-9:00pm;Open from 05/27-05/29,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 1:00pm-9:00pm on 05/30;Open from 05/31-07/10,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 07/11;Open from 07/12-08/31,10:00am-10:00pm;Open 12:00pm-8:00pm on 09/01;Open 9:00am-2:00pm on 09/02;Open from 09/03-09/30,Mon-Thu, Sun,12:00pm-8:00pm;Open from 09/06-12/14,Fri-Sat,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 10/01-11/11,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open 9:00am-4:30pm on 11/12;Open from 11/13-12/19,Mon-Thu, Sun,11:00am-7:00pm;Open from 12/20-12/23,11:00am-7:00pm;Closed from 12/24-12/26;Open from 12/27-12/28,10:00am-10:00pm;Open from 12/29-12/31,11:00am-7:00pm

Tower Bridge

Continuing the journey, Tower Bridge awaits, an emblematic example of Victorian engineering. A brief stroll from The Shard, this iconic bridge offers an hour of discovery, with its impressive architecture and the chance to witness the bridge's famous lifting. It's a picture-perfect moment and a walk through London's historic ingenuity.

• Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, United Kingdom
• Open from 9:30am-6:00pm，The scenic area is closed during Christmas from December 24 to 26 each year.

Tower of London

Conclude your day with a deep dive into the past at the Tower of London. Just adjacent to Tower Bridge, this historic castle and former royal palace invites you for a three-hour journey through time. Explore the White Tower, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and uncover the stories of intrigue and power that echo through its walls.

• St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB
• Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
• Open from 01/06-02/09,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 01/06-02/09,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/10-02/18,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Mon, Sun,10:00am-4:30pm;Open from 02/19-02/29,Tue-Sat,9:00am-4:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/01-03/28,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 03/29-04/14,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 04/15-05/05,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open 9:00am-5:30pm on 05/06;Open from 05/07-05/24,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/07-05/24,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 05/25-06/02,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 06/03-07/19,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 07/20-09/01,9:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Mon, Sun,10:00am-5:30pm;Open from 09/02-09/30,Tue-Sat,9:00am-5:30pm

The Tower Hotel

Citizenm tower of london.

• Day 4: Brighton's Coastal Charms and Cultural Gems

Brighton i360

Starting the final day of our journey with a sky-high view, the Brighton i360 is a modern marvel and the perfect place to get a panoramic perspective of the city. This towering observation deck offers visitors a unique chance to gaze out over Brighton and the English Channel. Spend an hour marveling at the 360-degree views and capturing photos that will make your memories of Brighton truly unforgettable.

• Lower Kings Road, Brighton BN1 2LN, United Kingdom
• Open from 4/1-4/14,10:30am-7:30pm;Open from 4/15-4/19,Mon-Fri,10:30am-5:30pm

Next, dive into the heart of Brighton's quintessence with a visit to The Lanes. This labyrinth of narrow streets is a treasure trove of independent shops, antique stores, and cozy cafes. Spend a couple of hours wandering through this characteristic neighborhood, where the blend of historic charm and contemporary culture creates an atmosphere you'll want to immerse yourself in.

• Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton, UK
• Suggested tour duration: 2-4 hour
• Open 24 hours

Royal Pavilion

Continue your cultural exploration at the Royal Pavilion, an exotic palace that once served as a seaside retreat for King George IV. With its distinctive Indian and Chinese architectural styles, this historic residence stands as a testament to regal opulence and offers a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of the British monarchy. Allow yourself two hours to be transported back in time as you wander through the sumptuously decorated rooms.

• 4/5 Pavilion Buildings, Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN1 1EE, United Kingdom
• Open from 4/1-9/30,9:30am-5:45pm;Open from 10/1-3/31,10:00am-5:15pm

Brighton Beach Hotel

After immersing yourself in history and culture, take a leisurely break at the Brighton Beach Hotel. Even if it's just for an hour, this seaside spot provides a perfect pause to refresh and reflect on your experiences before the next adventure.

• Brighton, Brighton and Hove, Brighton BN2 1PE, United Kingdom

Brighton Palace Pier

Conclude your Brighton escapade with a visit to the iconic Brighton Palace Pier. This classic British pier is a hub of entertainment, with rides, arcades, and food stalls to enjoy. Spend your final hour in Brighton indulging in the playful spirit of the pier, creating one last set of joyous memories to cap off your four-day adventure.

• Madeira Dr, Brighton BN2 1TW, United Kingdom
• Open from 10:00am-8:00pm

Royal Albion Hotel

1bd flat panoramic views of the sea brighton pier.

* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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