London, Baby! London is one of our favorite cities in the whole world. It’s a glorious melting pot of cultures, business, fashion, food, and history. 24 hours in London is seriously just scratching the surface, but you’d be surprised how much you can see and do in just one day.
From Buckingham Palace to Big Ben, there are so many iconic stops on a London Itinerary, and luckily we have the perfect 24-hour guide to seeing them all. With a few local gems and a whole lot of tourist spots, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in London.
Breakdown of what you’ll get out of this article:
- An hourly breakdown of what to do/see and how.
- All about the London pass and how to obtain it.
- The best way to get around and where to stay.
TOP TIPS FOR ONE DAY IN LONDON
24 Hours In London
9:00 AM- Breakfast
Depending on what time your flight arrives will heavily depend on how you spend the early hours of the morning, but that’s okay because you don’t have anywhere to be until 10:30AM.
Check in or out of your hotel, enjoy some classic English breakfast at a local café, and get ready for an epic day of exploring the city.
Here are some of our favorite breakfast cafes in London:
10:30 AM- Buckingham Palace & St. Jame’s Park
Time to get our day started with maybe the most famous house in the world besides the White House. Buckingham Palace is a must-see when visiting London, and it’s the perfect starting place. You can hop on the Tube and get off at Green Park or St James’s Park station, which is just a short walk away.
Buckingham Palace is where the Queen of England lived when she was in London, but after her passing, it seems to be empty of royal family members. Tours are available around the palace, but the real treat is seeing the famous changing of the guard ceremony.
The guard changes at 10:45 AM, so make sure to time it right and get there a little early to secure a good spot for viewing. Honestly, the guard change is more of a “been there, seen that” type of attraction, but it’s still fun to experience. If you’re not interested in the guard change, you can visit Buckingham Palace at any time of the day and still get a great view from outside.
After taking some pictures and admiring the palace, take a stroll through St. James’s Park toward our next destination. St. James’s Park is a beautiful green space in central London, and it’s the perfect place for a peaceful walk or even feeding the ducks.
There are a few cafes along the way if you want to stop for a coffee or snack.
12:00 PM- Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & The London Eye
The best part about all of these iconic sights is they are all relatively close to each other and are easily within walking distance of each other. So you’ll be able to check all of them off your list in just a few hours.
Starting with Westminster Abbey, this is one of the most historic and important religious buildings in the United Kingdom. It’s been the site of coronations, weddings, and funerals for British monarchs since 1066. You can take a tour inside to see the beautiful architecture and learn about its rich history. Or you can simply admire it from the outside and take some photos.
Next up is Big Ben, which is actually the name of the bell inside the clock tower of the Palace of Westminster. The tower itself is officially called Elizabeth Tower, but we all know it as Big Ben and we don’t see that changing any time soon.
You can get a great view of this iconic landmark from Westminster Bridge or from any spot along the River Thames. The tower has been under renovation for what seems like YEARS. After visiting London three times in a span of five years, we’ve still never seen Big Ben uncovered! But we believe it is recently finally renovated, so you’ll be one of the lucky ones to see it in all its glory.
After taking some photos of Big Ben, head over to the London Eye for a unique and breathtaking experience. This giant Ferris wheel offers stunning views of London’s skyline as it’s the fourth tallest structure in London. It takes about 30 minutes for one full rotation, giving you plenty of time to take in the sights and snap some photos.
Tickets start at £27.50. However, it’s a good idea to buy advanced skip-the-line tickets to avoid the long wait.
2:00 PM- Lunch at Borough Market, The Shard & Tower Bridge
After a busy morning seeing all of these sights, it’s time for some of London’s best food at Borough Market. This historic market has been around for over 1,000 years and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
There are hundreds of stalls selling everything from locally sourced cheese to Spanish Paella and even some delicious street food. This is our favorite spot to come and enjoy lunch or even just snack around because of all the options. We recommend picking a few small things and sharing them or joining a market tour. It’s seriously just too good to only have one thing.
On weekends, it can get hectic, and finding a nice spot to sit and eat can be a challenge. So, we recommend grabbing some food to go and finding a quiet spot nearby to enjoy it if it’s Saturday or Sunday. Alternatively, you can also sit by the River Thames and enjoy your lunch with a beautiful view.
Some of our favorite vendors at Borough Market are:
After lunch, walk along the Thames River to see the iconic Tower Bridge. This bridge is often mistaken for London Bridge, which is actually a less impressive bridge located further down the river.
Snap a few photos, enjoy the views, and then head over to The Shard for some of the best views of London. This 26-story skyscraper stands at 1,016 feet tall and offers 360-degree views of London’s skyline. You can even see the London Eye and Big Ben from up here! You can purchase tickets for this here.
Take the elevator up the Aqua Shard on level 31, just tell them you want to have a drink at the bar. Once you’re up there, take in the amazing London views while sipping on a Coke or a cocktail. It’s the perfect way to end your visit to Borough Market and experience London from above.
Also, make sure to use the bathrooms, they are filled with floor-to-ceiling windows and offer a unique view of the city. If you’re feeling fancy, you can also book a reservation at one of the restaurants located within The Shard for a high-end dining experience with an incredible view.
4:00 PM- Millennium Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral
Take a walk across the Millennium Bridge towards St. Paul’s Cathedral. This pedestrian bridge is one of the most famous in London — mostly because it was featured in a Harry Potter movie!
It’s a great spot to take photos with the iconic cathedral in the background. If you have time, you can visit the cathedral itself for a small entrance fee. Inside, you’ll find stunning architecture and beautiful views from the top of the dome.
Another option is to head up to the Madison, a rooftop terrace that will give you epic views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline. If the weather is nice, enjoy a drink or two, or just visit the terrace to take some photos. This is one of our favorite places to get that perfect Instagram shot!
Buy your tickets and make your way to the top of the famed dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral for stunning views!
6:00 PM – Museums, shopping and entertainment
At this point, you’ve checked off the majority of London’s iconic landmarks. If you still have some energy in you, there are a few things you can do to fill your time before dinner.
If you’re a fan of history and art, you can visit the National Gallery or the British Museum. Both are free to enter and house an impressive collection of world-renowned works. The British Museum also has a great collection of artifacts from different civilizations around the world.
For the National Gallery, we recommend that you rent an audio tour to enable a better understanding of the art being viewed.
For some shopping, head to Oxford Street to check out the famous Harrods or Covent Garden for a mix of high-street and designer brands. At Christmas time, the streets are glittering with lights and merriment, and it is great to visit the famous Christmas markets at Southbank Centre or Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park for some mulled wine and tasty treats.
For a little bit more of an alternative experience, you can visit Camden Market. Personally, this is one of our favorite stops when we are in London. It shows a completely different side of the city and has a great mix of vintage stores, food stalls, and live music.
Movie buffs might want to head to Notting Hill, the famous setting of the romantic comedy that shares its name. It’s a dreamy little neighborhood with pastel-colored houses, cute cafes, and boutique shops. You might even stumble upon the famous blue door from the movie!
To make sure you hit all the spots, you can join a walking tour of Notting Hill.
And to all the wizarding world of Harry Potter fans, a visit to Platform 9 and 3/4 at King’s Cross Station is a must. Snap a photo with the trolley disappearing into the wall and grab some magical souvenirs at the nearby Harry Potter Shop. This is pretty epic, to be honest. You can also join a Harry Potter tour if you are a massive fan!
If you want to catch a show on the west end, keep in mind most shows start at 7:30 PM. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats!
For more inspiration, check out our post on what to see in London as a first timer.
Calling all Harry Potter nerds! You need to book this tour during your trip to London!
8:00 PM – Dinner
After a long day of exploring, it’s time for some dinner. You literally can find anything you might be craving in London and it is probably some of the best food you’ll ever have.
If you want to go the traditional British route with some good ol’ classic fish and chips, then we highly recommend that you try the flaky fish at The Golden Chippy. It’s crispy, perfectly seasoned, and served with mushy peas.
The diverse culinary scene in London is unreal, from Indian curries to Chinese dim sum to Italian pizza, you can find it all here.
Here are some of our favorite places to eat in London:
A Guide To London
Before the day get’s started a few things you’ll want to do.
Pick up a London Pass
As time is scarce on this layover, it is recommended to purchase the 24 hour London Pass which comes with a hop-on, hop-off bus tour ticket.
This is the easiest and most convenient way to see the parts of London that interest you. The London Pass gives you access to the popular Golden Tours and Gray Line Hop-On Hop-Off Bus.
Home to almost nine million people, London is absolutely massive and just packed with things to do. There’s no way you can see everything in just one day, even if you live there. But don’t worry! You can definitely hit the highlights in just one day of sightseeing in London. But before we get started let’s orientate ourselves.
London has six international airports- we know, that’s a lot. But the two main airports are Heathrow and Gatwick, which have direct train access to London city center. If you’re coming from Heathrow, you’ll want to take the Heathrow Express.
We recommend this mode of transportation because it’s the fastest way to get from the airport to the city, and drops you off conveniently at Paddington station.
Be warned the price for this train ticket is steep, fares can cost between £21-30 for a one-way pass. You can also consider a shared transfer from Heathrow into the city.
From there, you can use the famous Tube system to get around or hop on one of the iconic red double-decker buses. Just remember to mind the gap.
You can just tap on and off with your credit card or phone using contactless payment, making it super convenient and easy to navigate. Plus, the Tube is definitely an experience in itself. I just highly recommend avoiding it at peak work hours if possible — it gets packed.
Where to stay in London
Every time we go to London, it’s really a choice between Blackbird or SACO. They’re not the big brands but that’s one of the best parts. They’re incredibly well-reviewed and reasonably priced for London.
However, if you’re only in the city for 24 hours, you’ll want to place yourself as central as possible so you can maximize your time exploring the city. Staying near the Westminster area or close to a major tube station will make it easier to get around and see all the must-see attractions.
Here are some other hotel options:
- The Pride of Paddington – A budget-friendly stay near Paddington station, giving you easy access to and from the Heathrow Airport.
- The Sanctuary House Hotel – Located in Westminster within walking distance of all the major sights. It offers a gorgeous room in a traditional-style building with cozy vibes and a fun pub downstairs.
- Assembly Leicester Square – A traditional stay in the center of London with gorgeous views and easy access to all the sights around the city.
What to pack for London
For a one day trip you really won’t need much. These are a few things you don’t want to be in London without though:
- Comfortable shoes – You’ll be doing a ton of walking. Don’t let sore feet ruin your time.
- Layers – Weather is unpredictable in London. Having a long sleeve fleece or jacket could come in handy on those cooler, windy days. Pair it with a beanie just in case.
- Umbrella – You never know when it’ll rain in London so make sure you always have one with you.
- Sunglasses – We never travel without our Maui Jim’s.
Summary Of Our 24 Hours in London
London is one of the most popular cities in the world for a reason, and 24 hours is simply not enough. We’re sure you can agree that we have absolutely jam-packed this one-day London Itinerary.
Starting at Buckingham Palace and weaving your way along the iconic River Thames, you’ll get a glimpse of the city’s rich history, glorious sights, and architecture. From royal landmarks to street art, traditional pubs to trendy cafes, London is frothing with culture, diversity, and endless things to do.
Whether it’s your first time ever in London or you’re a frequent visitor, you will always find something new and fun to do. So get ready to hit 25,000 steps minimum and eat and drink your way through London in 24 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Ha, I don’t think London can be done in a decade, but you can definitely see all of the highlights in one day. With proper planning and a good pair of walking shoes, you can cover a lot of ground in one day in London.
London weather is notoriously unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers. Bring an umbrella if possible. Comfortable shoes are essential when exploring the city on foot!
An oyster card or contactless payment card is the best and most convenient way to travel around London. The city’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient, making it easy to get from one place to another in a short amount of time. Another way to get around quickly is by getting the London Pass which includes the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour to get you right in front of main tourist attractions.
London can be expensive, especially when it comes to accommodation and dining. However, there are many free activities and attractions that you can enjoy in London. Visit the museums, parks, and markets for a budget-friendly day in the city.
Some of the must-see sights in London include Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye.
GET YOUR LONDON PASS
Looking to save money on your trip? A 1 day pass costs £104 for an adult and £69 for a child. 2 days is £144 and £89 respectively.
The London Pass gives fast entry to all the greatest attractions London is known for, as well as unique tours to see as much as possible in 24 hours time. If you’re short on time, you definitely need to get this pass!
Read More About Europe Travel
Travel Resources For Your Next Trip
If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.
Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.
Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.
Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.
Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.
Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.
eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.
- KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
- AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
- Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
- Ubigi – AWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.
Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.
Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).
Tours: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.
Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.
- HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks.
- RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
- SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
- Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
- InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.
If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.
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