London is a popular tourist destination with historic landmarks, a diverse culinary scene, and world-class entertainment. With so many amazing things to see and do, fitting it all into one day is not easy.
If this is your first time in London, visiting the main sites and staying within central London will allow you to get a taste of the city in a short amount of time. To help you do this, I’ve created a one day in London itinerary complete with a map and travel tips.
This sample itinerary focuses on London’s most iconic landmarks and takes into account travel time, nearby attractions, and the duration of time needed at each place. I have also included some popular London tours to help maximize your time even more.
Map of Top London Attractions
Since London is such a large city, it helps to visualize where all the top attractions are located. Planning your itinerary based on their location is the ultimate trick for seeing a large number of places in a short amount of time.
Another tip for seeing several sights in one day is to utilize public transportation or book a guided tour. London has an extensive subway system, known as the Underground, which can get you from place to place very quickly.
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One Day in London Itinerary Overview
To help plan your day, I’ve created a one day itinerary that covers the basis of things to see in London for first time visitors. Many of these can be viewed from the street, but I have detailed which ones I recommend buying entry tickets to.
If you decide to purchase tickets to a London attraction, it is best to do so in advance. Most places require timed entry, which you’ll want to plan out before your visit. To help, I have planned this itinerary with opening times and location in mind.
One Day in London – Morning
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- St. Paul’s Cathedral (book tickets)
- Tower of London (book tickets)
- Tower Bridge
One Day in London – Afternoon
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- Lunch at Borough Market
- South Bank and London Eye
- Big Ben and Westminster Palace
- Westminster Abbey (book tickets)
One Day in London – Evening
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- Buckingham Palace
- Trafalgar Square
- The British Museum (book free entry tickets)
- Covent Garden / Visit a Traditional Pub
READ MORE: 25 Best Things to Do in London
Tips for Visiting London in One Day
Purchase the London Pass
If you plan on seeing a ton of attractions, then you may pay to purchase the London Pass in advance. This pass allows you entry into 90 attractions, including Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London.
Passes range from 1 to 10-day options with an addition of including the oyster pass for more money saving. These passes have regular deals and special discounts, so check the website frequently before purchasing your pass.
The London Pass has additional perks, such as a skip-the-line entry to many sites. For many, including myself, saving time in line is worth the cost. If you want to join a bus tour but don’t want to splurge on tickets, then the London Pass gets you on one for free.
Use the Underground
London has an extensive tube system, known as the Underground. There are 11 different lines and more than 270 stations scattered around the city, making it possible to travel in a short amount of time. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, you can travel for as little as £3 per trip.
An Oyster Card makes traveling simple and much cheaper than paying for a single ticket. Oyster Cards are purchased online in advance or at the station. Best of all, you can use them on multiple forms of transportation including buses and ferries.
Book Tickets in Advance
Most attractions in London, including the free ones, require timed entries to combat the long lines. To make sure tickets don’t run out, you will want to purchase them in advance. An additional perk to buying tickets online is the rates are always cheaper than waiting to get tickets the day of.
Join A London Guided Tour
Guided tours are a terrific way to see many sights in a limited time without having to do a lot of planning. And in such a diverse city, you can find practically any type of tour you can think of. This list includes some of the main all-around tours of London for first-time visitors.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tours
A hop-on-hop-off bus tour allows you the flexibility to stop at multiple locations. Unlike most tours that require you to stay on the entire time, you are able to get off and back on when and where you choose.
In short, these bus tours are similar to taking an ordinary bus, but with the addition of live commentary from knowledgeable guides along the way.
READ MORE: 10 Best London Bus Tours for the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience
Thames River Cruise
The Thames River Sightseeing Company specializes in river tours and has several experiences available for sightseers. One of the most popular tours is from Westminster to Greenwich.
You can purchase a one-way or round-trip ticket for as little as £15 for adults. A leisurely River Thames Dinner Cruise is another option to see the city while enjoying a memorable meal along the way.
Walking Tours
Walking tours are another great way to learn about the city’s history and culture. Many also offer entry into London’s attractions that guided bus tours do not.
Walking tours give you an in-depth account of the city’s history through the expert knowledge of a guide.
Take a Magical Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour or explore London’s captivating history with a Historical Pub Walking Tour.
Where to Stay in London
If you are only in London for one day, you will want to pick a hotel that is centrally located and close to public transportation. Covent Garden is a popular area to stay in due to its proximity to many of the city’s main sites, walkability, and assortment of restaurants and pubs.
Another great area is Westminster since you are just steps away from places like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Although there are not as many late-night options here, Westminster is a terrific place for sightseeing and families with children.
You can get around without the need to take public transportation, and hotels in this area are more reasonably priced. Here are a few hotel recommendations for one day in London.
The Savoy
The Savoy is one of London’s most famous hotels with a reputation for having impeccable service and a perfect central location. Opened in 1889, the hotel paved the way for the first deluxe hotel in London. The Savoy has hosted many famous visitors over the years such as Harry Truman and Sir Winston Churchill himself.
This 5-star hotel offers one of the best Afternoon Tea experiences in London, and an assortment of luxurious rooms and suites. Guests at the Savoy also have the option to book special experiences such as private river cruises, cooking classes, chauffeur services, and more.
Luxury Hotel | Check Rates
The Henrietta Hotel
The Henrietta Hotel is a beautiful 4-star hotel located less than a mile from several main attractions. The rooms are modernly decorated and come with top-end amenities like rain showers and a fully stocked mini-bar. Some rooms even come with private outdoor terraces with views of the London Eye.
Mid-Range Hotel | Check Rates
The Z Hotel Covent Garden
Z Hotel is a popular budget hotel collection with several locations throughout London. They offer clean and modern accommodations that are affordable and conveniently located.
The Covent Garden location is just a short 3-minute walk from several stations, allowing you the flexibility to travel anywhere in London. The hotel even offers a room with a large rooftop terrace for a great price.
Budget Hotel | Check Rates
One Day in London – Morning
Take a Tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Hours: Wednesday from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm; Sunday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; all other days from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
Start your day off at St. Paul’s Cathedral, which opens as early as 8:30 am on most days. Purchasing a ticket for the first time slot will allow you to tour the inside with fewer crowds and leave plenty of time to see other sights.
St. Paul’s Cathedral, in my opinion, is one of London’s most beautiful landmarks. It was built by Sir Christopher Wren, who is also known for designing the Monument for the Great Fire of London and Cambridge’s Trinity College Library.
You can spot the cathedral’s dome from a mile away, but I recommend stopping by and taking a tour inside. You can gain access through a self-guided tour, which includes an audioguide. Once inside, you can explore the main level, and crypt, and even climb up to the dome.
Explore the Tower of London
Address: Tower Hill, London EC3N 4AB
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00a m to 5:30 pm; Sunday and Monday from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm
Next, make your way to the Tower of London, which is actually more of a fortified castle that sits along the banks of the River Thames. It was used as a royal residence, armery, prison, royal mint, and even a zoo for exotic creatures. Now, it is one of London’s top attractions and home to the crown jewels.
The original structure was first built by Willaim the Conqueror in 1066, but it was greatly expanded by his predecessors Henry III and Edward I to include the fortified wall and moat you see today.
The Tower of London’s purpose was to deliver a safe place for royalty to flee during times of war. Eventually, its role changed from keeping unwanted foes out, to trapping them within. The castle walls became a prison for many, including Henry VIII’s wife Anne Boleyn, Guy Fawkes, and even Elizabeth! before she became queen.
There is a lot to see here, so make good use of your audioguide which will help you make your way around. Entry tickets cost £33.60 for adults and £16.80 for children over the age of five. Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the tower’s interesting history. For an even more thrilling experience, purchase a ticket for the Gunpowder Plot Experience.
The Tower of London opens at 9:00 am Tuesday through Saturday, and at 10:00 am on Sundays on Mondays. If you start early with St. Paul’s Cathedral and head straight here, you will be able to avoid the longer afternoon lines, especially for the crown jewels.
To avoid these long lines, go the the Tower of London around when it opens and visit the crown jewels exhibit first. Between the beefeater tours and the numerous exhibits, you can spend a good two hours exploring the tower.
Walk Along Tower Bridge
Another of London’s most famous landmarks is Tower Bridge, which stretches across the River Thames, connecting the north and south banks. The iconic structure was constructed in 1894 by architect Sir Horace Jones.
There are pedestrian walkways on both sides of the bridge that are free to use. From the Tower of London, you will cross over the bridge towards the South Bank. If you want to learn more about Tower Bridge, purchase tickets to access the higher levels and viewing gallery.
One Day in London – Afternoon
Have Lunch at Borough Market
Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL
Hours: Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Saturday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm; closed Monday
Borough Market is one of the best places to go for a quick and inexpensive lunch. Over 100 different stalls are serving any type of food you could imagine. From sit-down restaurants to food on the go, the diverse cuisine served here has dishes from all over the world.
From Borough Market, take a stroll along the South Bank past Shakespeare’s Globe. The current structure is not the original. If you have time and would like to learn more about the theatre, step inside for a quick self-guided tour before continuing to your next stop.
Explore the South Bank and the London Eye
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Hours: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm every day.
The next landmark you will come across is the London Eye. The 443-foot-tall Ferris Wheel is a popular attraction for those interested in seeing the city from above. The total ride takes about 30 minutes, so if you’re short on time you may just want to admire it from afar.
If you are interested in taking a ride, purchase a Fast Track Ticket, to skip the long lines. With well over 3.5 million visitors a year, spending the little extra money is worth it, especially if you’re only in London for one day.
Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Address: Parliament Square, London SW1A OAA
Hours: Check the Parliament website for tour schedules
After you’ve stopped by the London Eye, continue a short distance across Westminster Bridge for the next set of attractions, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Many people think of the tall clock tower as Big Ben, but that’s the nickname for one of the tower’s largest bells which chime every hour.
The clock tower itself is named the Elizabeth Tower, which is attached to the Houses of Parliament building. The Elizabeth Tower, which is its official name, stands 316 tall, making it very easy to see throughout the city
The Houses of Parliament sit on the north side of the Thames just a short distance from the London Eye. The beautifully constructed building is where both the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet.
This was one of our favorite tours in London. Your guide will take you to some of the most important rooms in the Parliament Building and teach you about the House’s long and intriguing history. If you have more than one day in London, I highly recommend booking a parliament tour.
Take a Tour of Westminster Abbey
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SWIP 3PA
Hours: Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm.
After stopping by Big Ben and the House of Parliament, walk over to Westminster Abbey. This church is where the British kings and queens are coronated. It also has special ties to some of history’s most influential people, including Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens.
You can take a self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey with the help of an audio guide for £27. You can also access the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries for an additional fee.
Unless you use a London Pass, you need to book your ticket in advance. Most of London’s attractions, including the free ones, require pre-selected slot times for entry to help lessen crowds.
Join a Guided Tour of Westminster Abbey
Admire Buckingham Palace
Address: Constitution Hill, London SW1A 1AA
Hours: Check the official website for summer tour schedules
One of the most important buildings in London is the royal residence. The best way to visit Buckingham Palace is by walking down the Mall. The shaded avenue is beautiful and gives you the perfect view of the palace in the distance.
The massive 775-room palace is available to visit for ten weeks during the summer. Portions of the palace such as the State Rooms are available to tour on your own.
Exclusive guided tours are also available in the spring and winter for £90 a ticket. Unlike the general admission tickets, you can explore the palace after hours. Due to the small number of slots, pre-book these tickets as soon as they become available.
Stop by Trafalgar Square
Sitting in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, named after the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar against the Spanish and French. At the front of the square, you will find Nelson’s Column guarded on either corner by large bronze lions. The monument was designed by William Railton in honor of Nelson’s victory.
With beautiful large fountains, sculptures, and steps leading up to The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square is a popular place for tourists and locals to hang out. Numerous celebrations are hosted here throughout the year.
One Day in London – Evening
Visit The British Museum
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Hours: Saturday through Thursday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm; Friday from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm.
London has a number of free museums, with the British Museum being one of the most visited. If you are in London for just the day, I would recommend visiting this museum since it can take two to three hours to explore. You can find anything from Egyptian artifacts to sculptures from Ancient Greece here.
The most famous artifact housed in the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone. Dozens of people crowd around the display at all times of the day. All the exhibits have plaques explaining each of the objects on display.
Download the audio app onto your phone for more information on the museum’s treasures. There are 65 galleries available on the app for free, self-guided tours and expert commentary on over 250 objects.
Stroll Around Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a trendy shopping area, full of great restaurants, nightlife, and a market. Many people choose to stay here during their first trip to London since it is easily walkable and close to many top attractions.
The market in the center of Covent Garden stays busy all day and always seems to have street performers and events going on. If you get hungry, there are plenty of places around here to eat.
In addition to the covered market, take a walk to Neal’s Yard. This vibrant-colored courtyard area is lined with little shops and iv-covered walls, making it one of London’s most photographed streets.
Grab Dinner at a Historic Pub
London is known for its pub scene, which you can find full of customers at all opening hours. Some have been around since as early as the 1500s, and have become part of the English culture.
The cramped rooms, low ceilings, and hidden nooks of these old buildings just add to their charm. They are also a terrific place to go for inexpensive, traditional British food.
Since you’re already in Covent Garden, start at one of my favorites, the Lamb and Flag. If you’d like to eat here for dinner, make reservations in advance. The building is very old and has a small dining area on the top floor.
Best Day Trips from London
Staying in London for More than one day? Here are some great day trip ideas if you have extra time to explore more of England. Each of these destinations can be reached by train in under two hours.
Windsor Castle
Did you know that Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world? This estate has been the home to over 40 monarchs since its founding in the 11th century. The original residence commissioned by William the Conqueror took 16 years to build. Over the centuries monarchs have added their personal touches to the residence.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to open the residence to the public in 1837 with the purchase of a ticket. Today, Windsor Castle attracts around one and a half million people each year, making it one of the most popular attractions in London.
Tickets are available to visit sections of the castle including the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel throughout the year. Since Windsor Castle is still a residence, opening times and dates vary.
You can either take the tube or join a half-day tour. The closest tube station is at St. James’s Park, which is about an 8-minute walk to Windsor Castle. You can also take this guided bus tour from London that includes transportation from the city center, entrance tickets, and a multi-media guide.
Richmond
Richmond is becoming less and less of a hidden gem after it came on the popular Ted Lasso TV series. The charming burrow is located about a 30-minute train ride from the city center. The main draw to Richmond is the pub, The Prince’s Head, which was the main filming location for the TV franchise.
The town itself has embarrassed its connection to the show but has kept to its roots. Besides a few small memorabilia from the show, you will not find any souvenir stores or tourist traps here. For us, this was extremely refreshing and made us fall in love with this lovely area of London.
Oxford
Oxford is one of the most famous towns in England and a popular day trip from London. Not only is it home to the prestigious Oxford University, but the historic town is linked to several famous names such as J.R. Tolkien and Lewis Carroll who studied at the University.
While in Oxford you can tour the university buildings and see the many Harry Potter sites, including the famous Great Hall at Christ Church College. Other popular sites include the Radcliffe Camera and Bodleian Library.
Since Oxford is a short hour train ride from London, it can easily be seen in just one day. There are also several guided tours available including a Cotswolds and Oxford Guided Day Trip and the Warwick Castle, Oxford, and Stratford Full-Day Tour.
READ MORE: Ultimate London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary
Cotswolds
The Cotswolds is an area about two hours from London that is full of the most picturesque English villages. If you are looking for an authentic English experience, this is a great destination to visit. Many Londoners and tourists like to visit the Cotswolds for an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Some of the most popular villages to visit are Burford, Bibury, Bourton-on-the-Water, Chipping Campden, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Castle Combe. Each village is full of winding roads, rolling hills, rivers, and beautiful stone cottages. Some villages have been untouched for over a hundred years, making you feel like you have stepped back in time.
If you decide to visit the Cotswolds, I highly recommend renting a car or visiting as part of a tour group. Since the villages are spread fairly far apart, it would be a lot easier to reach them by car than having to train hop from village to village.
A Day Trip with Lunch From London includes transportation from London and a 2-course lunch in a cozy Cotswold restaurant. You will enjoy a visit to the villages of Burford, Stow-on-the-Wold, and Bibury, with time to explore the lovely villages and shops.
One Day in London FAQs
Is one day in London enough?
London is a large city full of things to see and do. One day gives you time to see the main sites in the city center, however, if you have the time I would recommend spending at least 3 days in London. If you only have one day to spend in London, you will want to have an early start and focus on one section of the city.
Is London a walkable city?
Yes, London is a walkable city, but it is also very large. One of the best ways to get around is on foot, but you also have an extensive tube system that can take you anywhere you want to go. If you’re only spending one day in London and want to see the main sights, you can easily walk from place to place. Most of the top attractions are located close to each other.
How can I see everything in London in one day?
There is no way to see everything in a day. You could spend an entire week in London and only scratch the surface. However, you can still experience the main attractions in one day. This itinerary highlights what you can do in one day and takes into account attraction opening times and locations to help maximize your time.
Should I purchase a London Pass?
If you plan on visiting more than 3 attractions in one day then a London Pass will save you some money and allow you to skip the line in several places. The pass also comes with additional perks such as a hop-on-hop-off bus tour and river cruise. If you only have one day in London, this tour can help you in a lot of sights in a short amount of time.
Conclusion
Although London is such a big city, it is possible to see it as part of a day trip. The biggest tip for spending one day in London is to focus on a few must-see attractions and not pack too much into your itinerary. Trust me, even a small taste of London will have you wanting to come back again!
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other London guides!
- 10 Best London Bus Tours for the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience
- 25 Best Things to Do in London
- Simple Tips for Visiting London on a Budget
- Ultimate London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary
- 100+ London Captions to Inspire You
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Trainline is the best choice if you are traveling throughout England. They work with 270 companies for 45 countries in Europe and the UK.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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