Explore London in one day:
Discover London’s top attractions and cultural hotspots with our 24 hours in London itinerary – carefully put together by our team of London experts and ideal for first-time visitors, day trippers, families and anyone on a layover!
Whether you’re visiting for London's top attractions, iconic museums, picturesque parks or diverse restaurants and bars, there’s plenty to explore during your day trip to London.
Stroll past Big Ben, take in the views of the river Thames, pop by the bustling food markets and book tickets to a top West End show. From historic landmarks to trendy spots, experience the best of the city in just one day.
Morning: enjoy breakfast in London and explore historic landmarks
8am: Rise and shine and head out for breakfast at one of the top 10 breakfast venues in London such as The Wolseley, famed for its traditional breakfasts and grand European decor. If you're visiting on the weekend, treat yourself to a leisurely brunch at one of the best brunch spots in London.
9am: Take an early morning stroll through picturesque St James’s Park, surrounded by three royal palaces and home to an array of plants and animals, including resident pelicans. Head along the tree-lined mall and admire Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Royal Family since 1837. Our top tip? If you're visiting between July and September, don't miss out on Buckingham Palace summer opening tickets (make sure to book in advance) to explore the lavishly furnished State Rooms and see some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures.
Alternatively, book a guided royal walking tour and see the Changing the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. This prestigious tradition offers a glimpse of royal pageantry in action, with the Foot Guards marching in their famous red tunics and bearskin hats, accompanied by a military band.
10am: Next, wander through Westminster before reaching Westminster Abbey, imposing Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Immerse yourself in history as you admire these iconic landmarks frequented by kings, queens and politicians, and the scenes of many historical events.
11am: Take in the stunning city views as you walk across Westminster Bridge before arriving at lively South Bank, a hotspot of culture and fun activities. From modern art exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery, to the iconic London Eye with its panoramic views of the city, this area is a great place to spend a few hours. Family-friendly attractions include SEA LIFE London Aquarium, home to 500 species of sea creatures, the hilarious Shrek’s Adventure London! and the scary London Dungeon.
Lunch in London
12pm: The Thames Path is perfect for walking or cycling, offering peaceful stretches and bustling cityscapes. It’s also home to many riverside pubs and restaurants with stunning waterfront views and cosy interiors. Soak up sweeping views of the river Thames as you make a pit stop for lunch at The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe. Dine on a selection of British classics or enjoy afternoon tea next to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Alternatively, tour Shakespeare's Globe before picking up a delicious bite to eat on the go from Borough Market, which is undoubtedly one of the best food markets in London and an attraction in itself. Kids in tow? Check out the capital's best family-friendly restaurants, including Flat Iron with venues across the city.
Afternoon: discover top riverside attractions or visit London's best museums
2pm: Cruise along the river Thames on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers from Bankside pier to North Greenwich. From here, take to the skies with a return trip on the London Cable Car for spectacular views of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, modern landmark The O2 and the city skyline.
4pm: Board the river boat once more from North Greenwich pier to Tower pier, next to famous fortress, the Tower of London. See the crown jewels sparkle and be captivated by the Beefeaters' tales of the Tower's gruesome history.
Rainy day? No problem. London is packed full of world-acclaimed museums, gorgeous galleries, immersive exhibitions and fun indoor activities. Discover our experts' guides to the best things to do in London when it rains and top rainy day activities for families.
Top of the list are London's famous museums (many are free to enter), offering something for every interest. Visit the British Museum for ancient artifacts, the Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and the Science Museum for interactive exhibits. Art lovers can explore the Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the V&A South Kensington, or for that something quirky, pop by the Sherlock Holmes Museum and The Postal Museum. There are also plenty of museums for kids if you're travelling with the family.
Evening: experience epic skyline views and world-class entertainment
6pm: As evening approaches, stroll across one of London’s most iconic landmarks, Tower Bridge. Admire historic warship HMS Belfast as you make your way to The View from The Shard and experience 360-degree views over London. Dine on delicious cuisine in the clouds at one of the Shard’s sky-high restaurants, Hutong, Aqua Shard, Oblix or Ting.
Looking for more dinner options? Check out the best food and drink venues in London. From cosy pubs and cocktail bars to street food and Michelin-starred restaurants, the capital caters to every taste and budget, offering a delicious mix of international flavours and British classics.
7pm: Travel by Tube from London Bridge to Leicester Square, in time to take your seat for an unmissable West End show or a memorable evening of entertainment. Sing along to musicals or laugh out loud to comedies – most shows start at 7.30pm and end at 10pm. Book your tickets in advance to secure the best seats in the house or look out for last-minute discounted deals. Whether you're a seasoned theatregoer or a curious first-timer, London’s stages deliver unforgettable performances night after night.
Our top picks? Award-winning, must-see London shows include family-favourite The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre, much-loved MAMMA MIA! at the Novello Theatre, the iconic Phantom of the Opera at His Majesty's Theatre and record-breaking Hamilton at Victoria Palace Theatre.
9pm: Finish the evening in style with some live music and cocktails in Covent Garden or lively Soho. Celebrate a fun-packed day in London with a traditional pub experience or luxury champagne bar in Mayfair – if you still have energy to burn, make your way to one of London’s top clubs to party into the night.
One day in London: walking route map
If you're staying over, here's where you can stay
All you'll want to do after an action-packed day in London is head back to your hotel, put your feet up and enjoy a good night's sleep!
Need help with finding the right location to lay your head? First, pick a London neighbourhood where you'd like to base yourself with our guide to the best places to stay, from central areas like Soho and Covent Garden, to up-and-coming hubs and quieter corners in east, south, north or west London. Families should also browse our list of the best places to stay with kids.
Then choose your preferred type of accommodation depending on your taste and budget, and take your pick from London's incredible range of family-friendly hotels, cool and unique hideaways, luxury hotels, romantic hangouts, hotels with sweeping views, budget accommodation, Hilton hotels and more.
Top tips for seeing London in one day
- The best way to get around central London is on foot, so make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring an umbrella if visiting in the autumn and winter months.
- Book your tickets for theatre shows and top attractions in advance to save money.
- Plan your route strategically as many of London's iconic sights are walkable from each other. Discover the best walking routes section for more top tips.
- If you want to visit as many top London sights as you can in one day, consider getting The London Pass for access to more than 100 attractions.
- Or book the Total London Experience for an exciting whistle-stop London day tour accompanied by a professional guide.
- For a relaxed and fun way to tour the capital's landmarks, take a river cruise along the Thames. The City Cruises London dinner cruise is a great choice to combine sightseeing, dinner and live music.
- Enjoy the city sights from the top deck of a hop-on hop-off bus tour, offering a unique perspective, live commentary plus a free walking tour and river tour.
- Or combine a sightseeing bus tour of London's top sights with delicious afternoon tea on The English Tea Bus.
- London is just as magical by night as it is by day. Marvel at the city lights, twinkling bridges and pop by the many museums and galleries that run special late openings.
- Use an Oyster card to ensure smooth travel along the public transport network in London, including the Tube. Download free London travel maps to plan your journey.
- Check out the 10 best London transport and travel apps to get around London, discover stories behind the capital's landmarks and find the latest events and happenings around town.
- The Night Tube service runs on five Tube lines and part of the London Overground network late on Fridays and Saturdays. Fit more in with these Night Tube activities.
Find more itineraries in London, including a 48-hour itinerary. Or discover more things to do and things to see in the city.
FAQs
Is one day enough to see London?
London is a city brimming with so much to offer, from top attractions and award-winning theatre shows to historical landmarks and fantastic restaurants and bars. With the help of this jam-packed 24-hour London itinerary, you'll be able to tick off plenty of exciting things to see and do in just one day!
How do I get around London in 24 hours?
If you're only in London for 24 hours, there are plenty of top things to see and do that are easily accessible by public transport. The London Underground system is a quick way to get you to your destination but there are also plenty of bus lines running throughout London. Santander Cycles, London's public bicycle hire scheme, is another great way to get around.What is the best way to see London in a day?
Some of the best ways to explore as much of the city as possible in a day and tick off all of your favourite London spots include using a London Pass with access to more than 100 attractions, booking a Hop-on Hop-off Sightseeing Bus Tour or taking to the water on a City Cruises Sightseeing Tour.
