Conquering London in a day, and unsure where to start?
When you’re not in a city for long, it’s ideal to fit in as much as possible.
But that’s easier said than done…
London can get pretty overwhelming if you haven’t planned your day out properly.
Which is why I’ve formulated this step-by-step guide, to help ensure your day runs smoothly.
I advise doing this on a week day, if possible. London is a busy city, and attractions draw in the biggest queues on the weekends.
Is the itinerary suitable for families?
Yes, I consider the itinerary family-friendly.
All the attractions included (except maybe the night-time pub visit!) are open to kids. Though it’s important to note that there is a lot to get through in the day – so keep that in mind!
Do I need a London Pass?
Yes, for the sake of this itinerary, it would definitely make sense to purchase a London Pass.
In a nutshell, The London Pass is a ticket that gives you access to more than 80 attractions across London.
Though buying a London Pass isn’t compulsory, it will save you money on purchasing attraction tickets individually…
Plus give you access to priority queues at certain places!
Also included in the pass is access to the hop-on hop-off tour bus (Big Bus London), which will takes you straight outside the big attractions. We’ll be using it for a couple of journeys in the itinerary!
You’ll be requiring the one-day Pass for this itinerary.
What else should I take?
It often makes sense to be a little prepared when out travelling somewhere for the day, and London is no exception.
So here is a small list of item ideas for your day in London:
✔︎ Umbrella – I know it’s a pain, but even in the UK’s summer months, the London weather can be unpredictable. If you can spare the room to carry a brolly, it may be an idea!
✔︎ Oyster card – Even though we’ll be relying mostly on the Big Bus London in this itinerary, we’ll be using the underground for one or two travel journeys. The Oyster card is the Londoner’s payment method for public transport, so it makes sense to have one with you. ‘Contactless’ credit/debit cards are also accepted.
✔︎ Bottled water and snacks – Keeping refreshed when you travel goes without saying really, especially when it’s hot or if there’s a lot of walking involved.
✔︎ Good walking shoes – Painful feet can be a real spoiler when enjoying a day out exploring. Wear something light and comfortable with cushion soles if possible.
✔︎ Google maps – We’ll be relying on this app a lot in the itinerary. Google Maps has been a huge game-changer in navigation since those annoying fold-up maps. If you don’t have it already-installed on your phone/tablet, you can download it on iOS and Android.
Now that’s out the way, let’s get you started on your journey…
Important to remember: The following is just an outline on how to see as much of London in a short visit as possible, and can be adapted to suit personal preferences. I can’t be held personally responsible for time restrictions and traffic delays. Attractions included in the London Pass can be subject to change.
8.45-9.15am: Trafalgar Square
Wander the open square, and see the fountains and the iconic monuments on one of London’s most recognisable landmarks.
The square takes its name from the Battle of Trafalgar, in 1805 – a British naval victory, led by Lord Horatio Nelson, over French and Spanish fleets in the Napoleonic wars off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, in Spain.
As you approach, you will come face-to-face with Nelson’s Column, the gigantic statue made in dedication to Nelson, a seasoned and successful naval officer who lost his life at the Battle of Trafalgar. The statue is made up of a pedestal at the bottom with four bronze panels made from captured French weapons, and above it a tall granite pillar with a figure of Nelson standing proudly at the top. The monument is guarded by four bronze lions at the bottom.
The square is considered by many to be the centre point of London, and for over 150 years has been the location of many political demonstrations.
You’ll notice behind it, the National Gallery art museum, which you’ll recognise by its grand architecture and pillared entrance.
The nearest tube station is Charing Cross, which can be reached via the Northern/Bakerloo lines.
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13 mins walk to Westminster Abbey
Your Google map route
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9.30-10.45am: Westminster Abbey (included in London Pass)
Next, on to Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most beautiful and iconic churches.
Founded by monks in 960AD, and reconstructed in the 13th century, it’s actually no longer an abbey, and since the 1500s has been recognised as a Church of England.
It’s held every royal coronation in the country since 1066, and has been the hosting venue for many royal weddings, including the most recent, between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.
Apart from being a stunning church, it is also a shrine of British heroes. It has up to 450 tombs and is the resting place of many of Britain’s most well-known historical figures, including kings, queens, famous warriors, and even villains. The church has the specially dedicated ‘Poet’s Corner’, which is the burial place of some of the country’s most beloved writers, including Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling. There is also ‘Scientists’ Corner’, i.e. resting place of Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage sites.
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3 mins walk to Westminster tube station,
3 stops eastbound to London Bridge (Jubilee line),
2 mins walk to the Shard
Your Google map route
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11.30-12.45pm: The Shard (included in London Pass)
Enjoy some crazy views over London from the UK’s tallest skyscraper.
With 95 floors, and 1,016ft in height, it’s also the sixth tallest building in Europe.
As far as the design is concerned it’s a bit like marmite really – you either love or hate it. During its construction planning, the building was described by critics as ‘a shard of glass through the heart of historic London’, hence its name, ‘The Shard’.
The building is mostly made up of offices, but it also has a small number of 5-star hotels, restaurants and bars inside. The Aqua Shard is a plush bar/restaurant on the 31st floor, that offers a view over London while you dine – I’d dress reasonably smart if you go in though!
On visit, your London Pass includes a View from the Shard ticket – meaning you get access to queue in the priority lane, and can travel up to the 72nd open-air skydeck for one of the best views that London has to offer.
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5 mins walk to Borough Market
Your Google map route
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12.50pm-1.30pm: Lunch at Borough Market
If you like a bit of food variety, then I doubt you can do any better than London’s oldest food market.
As you walk into Borough Market, you’ll find yourself in a maze of street food vendors, restaurants and cafes, selling foods from up to 30 nationalities from all over the world, with many offering tasters as you walk around.
It can get a little busy around this time, but it’s a good place to stop by on a lunch-break.
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1 stop on Big Bus London bus (red route) – from stop 15
City Hall, Tooley Street (bus stop J)
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2.00-4.30pm: Tower of London (included in London Pass)
One of London’s most fascinating and infamous landmarks. Once a fortress, prison, royal palace, and even a zoo, it’s a castle bursting with history, and is also the home of the royal crown jewels.
Built by William the Conqueror around 1,000 years ago, the tower was originally met with resentment by the lower class, and seen as a symbol of oppression. It spent many centuries as a prison and execution ground. There are stories of gruesome torture, including that of Guy Fawkes in his incarceration, aswell as infamous beheadings, and murder mysteries – most notably the story of the Princes in the tower.
During your visit you’ll have access to wander the grounds, and learn much of its history. If you get the chance, I recommend jumping on one of the free beefeater tours included in your admission. You’ll also have the opportunity to see the crown jewels, though the waiting queues can be long!
If you’re serious about things to do in London, then this is a place you wouldn’t want to miss.
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8 mins walk to Tower Bridge
Your Google map route
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4.45pm-5.45pm: Tower Bridge (included in London Pass)
As we’re close, it wouldn’t feel right to skip on Tower Bridge!
This iconic London landmark was built in the late 19th century in order to deal with the heavily congested London traffic at the time.
It took approximately 8 years and over 430 people to build, and by request of Queen Victoria, was designed to match the nearby Tower of London, in order not to look out of place.
On entry, you can enjoy unique views over the River Thames, experience the glass walkways, and explore the engine rooms, while learning about the bridge’s interesting history.
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4 stops on Big Bus London bus (red route) – from stop 16,
Tower of London, 362 Tower Hill
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6.45-7.15pm: Buckingham Palace
A one-day trip around London wouldn’t be fulfilled without stopping by Buckingham Palace, home of Queen Elizabeth II.
Originally known as Buckingham House when it was built in 1703, it was used as a townhouse before being taken over as the London home of the monarchy by Queen Victoria in 1837. It survived 9 air raid bombings in the 2nd World War.
Although there are only 10 weeks a year (usually between July and October) where it’s open inside to the public, even just being outside and experiencing the atmosphere of the crowds is a cool way to pass some time.
Note: Check the flag hanging above the palace. If it’s the red and yellow flag, you’ll know she’s home. If it’s the union flag, then it means she’s out of residence!
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10 mins walk to Green Park tube station,
1 stop (eastbound) to Piccadilly Circus tube station (Piccadilly line),
Your Google map route
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7.45-7.50: See the Piccadilly Lights at night
Well, seeing as we’re passing!
The lights are essentially just a set of huge LED advertising boards, but since development started over 100 years ago, it has been one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. Think Times Square, but in London!
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5 mins walk – to Chinatown
Your Google map route
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8.00-9.30pm: Dine and explore in Chinatown
Chinatown, in swanky Soho, is the vibrant Chinese district of London, and a popular place for tourists to dine and shop.
As you walk in, you’ll be met at the entrance by grand ornate arches, and hanging red Chinese lanterns. The streets are lined with restaurants; often with welcoming staff standing outside to try and coerce you in.
Many restaurants offer a delicious buffet, and due to competition, at a very reasonable London price – so if you like Chinese food then you know where to eat in London.
Don’t fancy Chinese food? Chinatown does have a small selection of non-Chinese restaurants to dine in – or you may wish to venture out to nearby Leicester Square, where you’ll find a variety of food choices to suit your taste.
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6 mins walk to Lamb & Flag pub, Covent Garden
Your Google map route
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9.45-10.45pm: Visit the Lamb & Flag pub
Just a short walk away, in lively Covent Garden, you’ll find the Lamb & Flag, one of London’s oldest pubs.
Dating back as far as the 1600s, this old London pub was once an arena for bare-knuckle boxing, gaining its nickname as the ‘Bucket of Blood’. The alleyway outside was apparently the scene of the notorious beating of poet John Dryden, ordered by King Charles II.
When you go inside, you’ll notice the pub has maintained much of its decor with its old wooden interior.
Due to its popularity with local city workers, you’ll probably struggle to find a seat downstairs, but if able, make sure to check upstairs for seating availabilities.
And that’s a wrap!
That brings us to the end of this one-day itinerary.
I hope you’ve found this helpful, and remember – this is just a suggested outline for your day trip. There are many ways that you can get around and experience the wonders of London – it’s just about working out sensible time deadlines and knowing your proximity with attractions.
Other London attractions
Unfortunately, due to time restrictions I was unable to add some of London’s other fun activities that I’d have otherwise included in this itinerary.
So here is a small list of other attraction ideas that I believe deserve a mention:
London Eye – London’s famous revolving wheel takes you over 400ft in the air, offering amazing views of the city. It was once London’s highest public viewpoint, before being overtaken by The Shard in 2013. It’s a little pricey for only 30 mins, and queues are often long but can be skipped by upgrading. Standard and Fast-track tickets available.
Madame Tussauds – It wouldn’t seem right not to include London’s world-famous celebrity wax museum. Walk around and admire realistic life-size sculptures of famous figures, such as the royals, politicians, and celebrity A-listers. Learn more.
London Dungeon – Learn the dark side of London’s history, as trained actors take you on a creepy guided tour, where you’ll enjoy storytelling, interactive shows and fun rides. Learn more.
British Museum – There’s a fair bit of controversy surrounding the British Museum, but politics aside, it’s without doubt one of the most interesting museums in London, if not the world. The museum is one of the largest of its kind, and has up to 8 million objects from all over the world dating as far back as the beginning of time. Learn more.
Borough Market – If you enjoy plenty of food choice, then you can’t do much better than this place. When you arrive, you’ll find a maze full of cafes, pubs, restaurants, and street food vendors selling food dishes from up to 30 nationalities around the world. Situated in London Bridge, it’s London’s oldest food market, with a history spanning 1,000 years. Learn more.
Natural History Museum – If you love anything to do with science, dinosaurs and fossils, then the Natural History Museum is a goldmine waiting for you to explore. You’ll find scientific discoveries from much of the world’s history, including the dinosaur age and the evolution of man. Learn more.
One last thing…
However you choose to go about experiencing London, it’s important to remember that London is a city that rarely sleeps, and due to its busy nature, traffic delays and long queues for attractions are not unusual. If you should encounter any of these issues then please be patient, and don’t let it spoil your day.
Regardless of this, London is an exciting city, and I’d recommend it to anyone considering travelling there.
Should you visit, I wish you happy travels in London!
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David is a travel enthusiast from the UK, and is the founder of City Anytime. Since a young age he’s held a lifelong love for travel and exploration, with experiences in the US and Central America, Europe, South-East Asia and Australia. Visiting the world’s cities has given him the passion to provide fellow travellers the necessary info they require to ensure they get the most out of their trips, and make every city travel experience a memorable one.