There is something about the energy in London that I fall in love with every time! With some of the richest history and greatest cultural offerings, there is no shortage of places to explore.
From the bright and exciting Piccadilly Circus to the Queen’s Crown Jewels, it can seem impossible to decide what to do in just one day in London.
But don’t worry – I’m here to help. After many travels and many vacations in this famous city, I have compiled the perfect itinerary for a day.
Morning
Breakfast at Borough Market
Start your day with breakfast at Borough Market. Borough Market is a foodie’s paradise. It’s a giant market with stalls ranging from produce to baked goods and everything in between.
In addition to the regular products found in grocery markets, vendors prepare fresh foods in every type of international cuisine. Whether you’re in the mood for croissants, pad thai or tacos, you’re sure to find it at Borough Market.
the london bridge
Then head to London Bridge, just a 2-minute walk from Borough Market. Although London Bridge isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as the Tower Bridge you’ll head to later, it has a rich and often gruesome history spanning centuries.
London Bridge has been around for almost 2000 years with the first construction started by the Romans in 43 AD.
Visiting with a history buff? The London Bridge Experience offers an interactive reenactment of 2000 years of history in the bridge’s vaults.
Tower of London
The famous Tower of London is a 10-minute walk from London Bridge. Founded in 1066, the Tower of London has centuries of history and conquests. Take an audio guide, explore the castle and grounds and finish with a trip to the famous crown jewels.
The Tower can be explored as fast or as slow as you like. The medieval aesthetic also provides some fantastic photos. This is also a great place to take a picture with the Tower Bridge in the background where you will be heading next!
Tower bridge
You will find Tower Bridge 5 minutes from the Tower of London. It’s a must-see on any trip to London.
For an even more iconic panoramic view, you can climb 138 feet to the top of the tower.
Tower Bridge offers many tours to choose from. Opting for the guided tour gives you the chance to visit glass floors, Victorian engine rooms and exhibits that highlight history.
Afternoon
Uber Boat to Greenwich
After a morning full of exploring London’s history, it’s time to pick up the Uber Boat at Tower Pier and take a 25-minute boat trip to Greenwich.
Uber Boat gives you the chance to see London in a whole new way at the top of the River Thames. Greenwich is one of London’s prettiest neighborhoods and well worth a quick exploration.
The city also has a lot to do! Visit sites such as the Royal Observatory Greenwich or the Cutty Sark, the world’s oldest tea cutting machine.
You can pick up the IFS Cloud cable cars in Greenwich for a unique panoramic view of London. Greenwich is also home to the National Maritime Museum, Queen’s House, the Old Royal Naval College and Greenwich Park.
Fish & Chips in a pub in Greenwich
After all that exploring, you’re probably ready for another bite.
London is home to a record number of pubs, over 3000! It is very different from tapas bar in my hometown Barcelona. Stop one in Greenwich for a pint and local produce, fish and chips. I recommend Gipsy Moth and Coach and Horses.
buckingham palace
Now it’s time to board the tube and head back to central London for a visit to Buckingham Palace. Perhaps one of the most famous landmarks, Buckingham Palace is the residence of the royal family and the monarch’s administrative seat. Guided tours are offered and last approximately 1.5 hours. However, many people choose to just stop and admire the castle from the outside.
The Hyde Park
Hyde Park is a 350 acre park, one of the most famous in London. Conveniently, it is a short walk from Buckingham Palace. Your walk in the park is sure to be beautiful and quite relaxing – a respite from the hustle and bustle nearby.
Hyde Park is also home to Speakers Corner, The Princess Diana of Wales Memorial Fountain and Serpentine Lake.
Afternoon
Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Trafalgar Square
Piccadilly Circus is to London as Times Square is to New York. In the heart of London, this is the perfect place to start your whirlwind 24 hour evening.
Piccadilly is a busy area in Westminster full of bright signs and neon lights. Leicester Square is a popular spot here, home to the famous statue of William Shakespeare.
From there, head to Trafalgar Square, one of London’s most important public squares. Trafalgar Square commemorates the naval battle between the British and Spain and France.
Finally, the square hosts the National Gallery, one of the most famous in the world. If you’re visiting in December, check out the giant Christmas tree that Norway gives to the UK every year.
Dinner at Covent Garden
Then head to Covent Garden, an entertainment hub filled with shopping and fine dining. Covent Garden is the perfect place to spend the evening.
You’ll find an abundance of boutiques, street artists and top-rated restaurants. Plan to have dinner nearby – the options are endless!
Watch a West-End show
After dinner and exploring Covent Garden, plan to take advantage of London’s vibrant theater and performing arts scene. With one of the most famous theater stages in the world, plan to catch a play, musical or live performance.
Nightcap in a pub
Finish off your epic and busy day with a drink at a nearby pub. Pub culture is incredibly popular in the UK and pubs are always a great place to meet friendly locals and other travellers. Share stories over a pint and enjoy all the exploring you’ve done in London today!
Best time to visit
There are always plenty of reasons to visit London at any time of the year. Although the weather can be hit or miss at any time of the year, the city is full of activities – indoors or outdoors. Summer in London is my personal favourite.
Summer is full of sun, festivals and fun events all over the city. It’s the perfect time to visit and take advantage of the rooftop bars, picnics in the park and exploring through centuries of history.
Wimbledon Tennis attracts thousands every July, turning London into a sporting haven with plenty of event activities to boot. Notting Hill Carnival, one of the biggest street festivals in Europe, takes over the streets in August.
Summer weather in London is by far the best. Not only is it the hottest time of year, but it also tends to bring the least rain. What could be better? If you are planning a trip in the colder and rainier months, I would suggest moves to Barcelona or the Canary Islands instead!
Where to stay in London
London is huge, like really huge. While this can make planning feel a little overwhelming, there are plenty of fantastic options throughout the city.
Covent Garden is located near the west end and is a vibrant area with a vibrant atmosphere, bustling markets, live performers and cultural attractions. You will have easy access to theaters such as The Royal Opera House and Covent Garden Market. There are also many trendy restaurants and shops nearby.
Kensington it is the perfect combination of luxury and London charm. You’ll be close to world-class museums such as the Natural History Museum. This is a great entry point to Hyde Park, perhaps the most famous and vibrant park in London. Oh, and did I mention, Kensington Palace?! You’re sure to be in good company in Kensington.
I stay inside Shoreditch if you are a hipster, creative or just like to live in trendy parts of cities. Shoreditch is the perfect place to see street art, shop vintage stores and enjoy quirky cafes. There is plenty of vibrant nightlife nearby and picturesque streets to get lost in.
Notting Hill it’s filled with pastel colored houses, beautiful streets and some serious bohemian vibes. Filled with fine shops, boutiques and antique markets, this is the perfect neighborhood to explore. Oh, and it’s totally beautiful!
Wander
The basement, or the tube, will be your best friend. London is huge, but the city is incredibly well connected. Head to your nearest underground and get an oyster card, a reloadable card for travel on the metro, buses, trams and rail.
There are plenty of taxis available, but I often find that public transport is quicker than dealing with London traffic. It’s always incredibly easy and affordable.
Frequent questions
How many days in London?
You could enjoy 24 hours in London or 24 months, it all depends on your time and flexibility. I would say no less than 3 days given how big the city is and how much there is to see and do.
How much money do I need for # days in London?
London can be expensive. If you’re traveling on a budget, you should plan on $80-$150 per day, assuming cheap food options and affordable hostel accommodations. If you’re a mid-range traveler, plan on upwards of $200-$300/day, depending on your hotel choice.
Conclusion/Final Thoughts: 1 day on the London Itinerary
Here you have it, a comprehensive list of how to spend 24 hours in London. London is one of the most magical cities in the world and no matter how many times I’ve been, I always look forward to my next return.
This itinerary gives you the highlights of how to make the most of your 24 hours in London. It includes some of the world’s most famous historical landmarks, such as the Tower of London and London Bridge. It offers modern entertainment such as enjoying an Uber boat ride to see much of the city from the water.
There’s no right or wrong way to spend 24 hours in London, but I’m sure this itinerary will give you an epic whirlwind of a trip. Nice trip!
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Rachel is an expat in Barcelona and a digital nomad. After a decade of traveling to Europe, America and beyond, he decided to put down some roots. Now, she helps people experience the best of the cities she loves most through her blogs, Barcelona uncovered and Oahu Travel Secrets.
