The idea of spending just one day in London may sound wildly ambitious, but we can confirm that it’s absolutely possible. In fact, my first trip to London was a one-day adventure – and I loved every minute of it!
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, the best flight option at the time allowed us to spend the better part of a day in London.
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Rather than sit and stir in an airport hotel, 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. So, naturally, there are a few things we’d do differently on a layover in London today!
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 One-Week in 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 chaotic experience.
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 Foods. So, with all that, we’d better get to it!
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.
This commuter ferry 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 one of our favorite walks in London, instead. Cross the Golden Jubilee Bridge to the South Bank, then following the Queen’s Walk Promenade east.
Lunch: Borough Market
When visiting London for a day, the prime place for a bite is the famous Borough Market. Dating to the 12th century, it 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 before arriving.
Afternoon: Tower of London
Next up 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, it 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.
Late Afternoon: City of London
With a little time left in the day, 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 soaring skyscrapers and modern architecture. 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 the 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, an institution since 1538. The cozy Snug Bar is inviting, but don’t miss the Cellar Bar that exudes an old-time atmosphere!
Evening: The 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, it’s not to be missed!
Start at Covent Garden – a boisterous market space and entertainment hub. Stroll the famous thoroughfares in Soho – like Regent and Carnaby.
Walk under the glow of red lanterns in Chinatown, then head 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 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.
London 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, it might be cost-effective to purchase a London Pass for one day. It is on the pricey side, it includes a lot!
With it, 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!
Getting Around London
We feel that the best way to see London – and experience the city – is by walking. That said, there is an incredible network of transportation that can help you get around, too.
All rides can be paid with contactless cards, including Google and Apple Pay. Plus, there’s a daily cap on fares, ensuring that you don’t overspend. 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.
Where To Stay in London
With a full 24 hours in London, you 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 (where there are direct buses to Heathrow and fast trains to Gatwick), this Best Western is a solid option for a quick trip.
Within walking distance to many of the top places to visit in London, you can easily start and end your day of sightseeing from here. Just ask for a room in the annex facing Hugh Street to avoid the train noise.
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 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.
Travel Camera: During your 1 day of sightseeing in London, you will see some of the most recognizable sights in the world! We use this Canon DSLR and a 18/135mm lens.
Rain Gear: Don’t let the notoriously unpredictable British weather impede your London 1-Day Itinerary! Instead, bring 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. Insurance might cover the costs of inconveniences (like lost luggage or getting sick abroad). Check rates and coverage with World Nomads.
Organize Your London 1 Day Trip
As you begin to make reservations, organization is key. Use our Printable Travel Planner to stay on top of all the details of your vacation to England!
More England Travel Guides
- What to see in West London, Greenwich and Windsor
- Free Museums in London
- Best Pubs on the Thames
- Things To Do in London at Christmas
- Top London Day Trip destinations: Bath, Cambridge and Canterbury
- Other places to explore: Seven Sisters Cliffs, Eastbourne, Norwich and Whitstable
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page 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
- Reasons to visit Manchester and Birmingham
- What To See in Cardiff, Wales
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