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The idea of spending just one day in London may sound wildly ambitious, but we can confirm that it is absolutely possible. In fact, my first trip to London was a one-day adventure – and I loved every minute of it!
London is a popular gateway to Europe for international travelers. Like many others, our opportunity to visit London for a day arose at the tail-end of a European Vacation. Flying back to the US via Gatwick, the best flight option at the time allowed us to spend the better part of a day in London.
Rather than sit and stir in an airport hotel, we took full advantage of the time we had. We saw the prime sights, ate incredible food and walked an impressive number of miles galivanting around London.
Since that whirlwind stopover, we have returned to the Big Smoke countless times. Naturally, there are a few things we’d do differently on a layover in London today. Our dazzling 1 Day Itinerary for London outlined below is how we would organize the trip now!
Planning Tips for One Day in London
Our London One-Day Itinerary is designed to help you prepare for your short stop. Those with more time can read our 3-Day Itinerary and our plan for a One-Week Trip to London.
The route of our 1 Day London Sightseeing Itinerary takes in the most recognizable landmarks in a convenient loop through the city center. With the exception of a boat ride, you’ll be moving on foot. So be sure to lace up your favorite Travel Shoes!
Before you start planning what to see in London for the day, set realistic sightseeing expectations. Resist the temptation to squeeze in too much. The last thing you want is a rushed or chaotic experience.
On a short trip to London, we believe it is best to get an overview, rather than just visiting one or two specific places. We recommend limiting the number of ticketed attractions, as well. Your brief time will pass in the blink of an eye if you’re standing in lines. Furthermore, any sights you do plan on entering, purchase tickets (skip-the-line if possible) in advance.
1 Day in London Itinerary
Our outlined 1 day trip to London highlights the best of the city – from landmark sights to top districts to Famous London Foods. The day is filled with fun sightseeing adventures and packs a punch with quintessential London experiences!
Morning: Westminster Sights
There is no better place to kick off your One Day London Itinerary than in the iconic City of Westminster. Start at the gates of Buckingham Palace, stroll through St. James’s Park and route your way past Westminster Abbey. Take in the grandeur of Parliament and gaze up the Elizabeth Tower at Big Ben. Twirl around Trafalgar Square and set your sights on the London Eye from across the River Thames.
Use our free Westminster Walking Tour for more information about what to see, but bear in mind that the complete route will take about 3 hours.
Top Tip: Need some nourishment to start your day? Go to The English Rose Café and order a Full English Breakfast or a scone and tea for a traditional, but lighter, meal.
Late-Morning: Thames River Boat
In order to make the most of the limited time you have during your London One Day Itinerary, hop on a Thames Clipper. In partnership with Uber, the boat ride from Westminster to London Bridge City Pier takes in several significant sights – like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. If the weather is cooperating, snag a spot on the open deck!
This commuter boat may not have on-board commentary, but it does provide a scenic and efficient way to transit to our recommended lunch spot. Check fares.
Travel Tip: Energetic travelers can opt to stroll along the riverside instead of taking the boat. We recommend crossing the Golden Jubilee Bridge to South Bank, then following the Queen’s Walk Promenade to the east. It’s one of our favorite walks in London! Note that the distance is about 1.5 miles and takes at least 30 minutes.
Lunch: Borough Market
When visiting London for a day, the prime place for a midday bite is the famous Borough Market. Dating to the 12th century, the market has long played a vital role in the city. Today, individual traders dole out copious amounts of scrumptious food to hungry crowds.
Our favorite filling lunch is a massive sausage roll from Ginger Pig – but an array of British and international fare is on offer. Fresh oysters (Richard Howard’s), Spanish tapas (Brindisa Kitchen Bar) and gooey cheese toasties (Kappacasein Dairy) are just a few other top eats at Borough Market.
Insider Tip: Some of the most popular vendors will likely have long lines. As time is of the essence on your London one-day trip, we suggest having a few spots in mind, then choose the one with the shortest wait.
Afternoon: Tower of London
Next up on your 1 Day London Itinerary is the historic Tower of London. Cross the Thames via Tower Bridge and then head straight in with your pre-purchased tickets.
Dating to the 1070s, the Tower of London has been a royal residence, a fort and a prison. Today, it’s best known for housing the Crown Jewels and the Beefeater Yeoman Warders that protect them. Plan on spending about 2 hours seeing the jewels, visiting the White Tower, seeking out the Ravens and chatting up a Beefeater.
Itinerary Tip: We believe the historic fortress is a premier place to visit with one day of sightseeing in London. It so perfectly encapsulates the history and tradition of the city.
Late Afternoon: City of London
With a little time left in the day (and, hopefully, still a bit of pep in your step), set off to explore sights in the City of London. It’s the origin of today’s metropolis, with traces of Roman Londinium still evident.
At the same time, the area is contemporary, boasting several soaring skyscrapers that have sprouted up in recent years. In our opinion, discovering this district is one of the top things to do in London in one day.
Examine the unearthed subterranean remains of an ancient Roman amphitheater and enjoy the views from an elevated perch at London Sky Garden. Step back in time at the Victorian-era Leadenhall Market, stare up at the Monument to the Great Fire, appreciate the sheer size of St Paul’s and wander along Fleet Street.
Take a Break: If you’ve worked up a thirst, quench it at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, a London institution since 1538. The cozy Snug Bar on the ground level is warm and inviting, but don’t miss the Cellar Bar that exudes an old-time atmosphere!
Evening: London West End
Cap off your 1 Day Itinerary in London in the vibrant West End. Comprised of a few of the city’s most Notable Neighborhoods and enthralling nightlife, the West End is not to be missed!
Start at Covent Garden – a boisterous market space and entertainment hub. Stroll the famous thoroughfares in Soho – like Regent Street (home to the city’s best shopping) and Carnaby (known for its slew of bars and cafes).
Walk under the glow of red lanterns in Chinatown, down Shaftesbury Avenue and through Leicester Square – the heart of the London Theater District.
For dinner, make a reservation at The Ivy West Street, the original location of the uber popular eatery. (Order the Shepherd’s Pie; you won’t regret it!) Alternatively, try your luck getting into Dishoom at Covent Garden – a fun and spicy Indian food affair. For a completely casual dining experience that is oh-so British, feast on Fish and Chips at Poppie’s Soho!
London in a Day Map
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our 1 Day London map of sights below.
Travel Tips for Visiting London in One Day
Now that you know what to see in London on your short trip, we are talking logistics and dishing out a few hacks for tourists.
Sightseeing Pass
As previously mentioned, we believe the ideal way to plan a One Day in London Itinerary is to remain on the move. By touring Central London on foot and limiting the number of venues you enter, you will see a wide variety of sights in a short period.
For those who are eager to enter multiple attractions, however, it might be cost-effective to purchase a London Pass for one day. While the One Day London Pass is on the pricey side, it includes a lot! With the pass, admission is included to the Tower of London, the London Bridge Experience, a Thames Clipper Uber Boat Ride, the London Eye, The Shard, Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Sound kind of familiar? We hope so, as all of these are on or near the route of our above outlined itinerary!
Getting Around London
We feel that the best way to see London – and to experience the city – is by walking. The only public transit on our plan for how to spend a day in London is the fast ferry from Westminster to Tower Bridge. That said, there is an incredible network of transportation that can help travelers get around, too.
Depending on where you stay or which airport you’re using, a One Day London Travel Card may make sense. However, all rides can be paid with a contactless credit card, including Google and Apple Pay, that puts a daily cap on fares, ensuring that you don’t overspend on transit. We share more cost-cutting advice in our Tips for London on a Budget!
The Hop On Hop Off Bus is another great way to get around London while giving your feet a rest. IT makes stops at top tourist destinations around the city. Find out more!
Where To Stay in London
Travelers with a full 24 hours in London will need to find a place to stay! When we have a London layover, we either book a property near a direct transit line to the airport or at an airport hotel.
Best Western Buckingham Palace Road
Conveniently located just around the corner from Victoria Station, this Best Western is a solid option for those on a quick one-night trip.
Within walking distance to many of the top places to visit in London, travelers can easily start and end their long day of sightseeing from this location. Just ask for a room facing Hugh St to avoid the train noise. From Victoria there are direct buses to Heathrow and fast trains to Gatwick.
Holiday Inn Express Heathrow T4
Those with an early flight out of Heathrow might find that the best option is to stay at the airport. We have consistently found the Holiday Inn Express at Heathrow Terminal 4 to be a great value. Plus, they offer an excellent buffet breakfast!
Transport within Heathrow Airport is free, so even those departing or arriving via other terminals can easily get to this property. Traveling from Central London to LHR is also simple with Heathrow Express from Paddington, the Piccadilly Line on the Tube or a bus from Victoria.
What To Pack for London
Even on a 1-day trip in London, you need to be prepared! We are highlighting a few things you will want to have for your day of exploration. For more hacks, check out our Travel Packing page.
Travel Camera: During your 1 day of sightseeing in London, you will see some of the most recognizable sights in the world! We use a Canon DSLR for our photos. Read why it’s a great budget camera for all types of travelers.
Rain Gear: Don’t let the notoriously unpredictable British weather impede your London 1-Day Itinerary! Instead, pack a lightweight raincoat and a good travel umbrella.
Day Pack: It’s important to have a versatile day bag with zippered compartments to protect from pickpockets . Make sure it’s also large enough to stow all your everyday travel items.
Travel Insurance: Even the best made plans can go awry. Trip insurance might cover the costs of inconveniences (like lost luggage or getting sick abroad). Check rates and coverage with a reliable company, like World Nomads.
Organize Your London 1 Day Trip
As you begin to make reservations, staying organized is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your vacation to England!
More London and England Travel Guides
- What To See in Greenwich and Windsor
- Free Museums in London
- Best Pubs on the Thames
- Brewery Hopping on the Bermondsey Beer Mile
- Things To Do in London at Christmas
- Day Trip Destinations: Bath, Bristol, Birmingham, and Cardiff, Wales
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want more travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top UK Destinations
- 10 Days in Scotland
- Things To Do in Edinburgh and our Guide to Scottish Foods
- Planning a Trip to Isle of Skye
- Glasgow Things To Do
- Best of Belfast, Northern Ireland
- What To See in Manchester, UK
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