Explore London for the Day: Tackling London, England in 24 Hours
Even if you’ve only got 24 hours in London, you can still see quite a bit, especially if you’re intentional. Today, we walk you through how to make the most of London for the day, in order to leave with a good feel for one of Europe’s most famous cities. It’s a quick-hitting London itinerary for those looking to make the most of their visit.
There’s no city in the world like London, and that’s a simple fact.
If you’re someone who is keen to see and understand this world, then London has to be on your list in some fashion. It’s one of the world’s most famous cities for good reason—because there’s so much to see, do, and learn.
Of course, it’s unrealistic to think that you’ll see it all within 24 hours in London, but if you’re strategic (which this article aims to help you with), then you can see more than you’d think.
As a travel writer, I’ve always liked to create these styles of articles, enabling travellers to make the most of what time they have in a city, regardless of the size of a city. I’ve written about how to spend one day in Oslo, two days in Lisbon, making the most of a quick trip to Dublin, tackling a day in Brussels, and the list goes on and on. Now, I’m happy to turn my attention to London, so let’s get to it.
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About London, England - Capital of the United Kingdom
In many ways, it’s a city that needs no introduction, but for those who are less familiar with England’s capital, it’s likely worth sharing a bit of information about London.
For one, it’s the largest city in both England and the United Kingdom. It’s been a major settlement for nearly two millenia, which is no small feat. It’s a city that has stayed relevant for a long, long time, and certainly looks poised to do so for another two millenia.
You’ll find the national government as well as parliament located in the City of Westminster, to the west of London.
Among its many nicknames is “the capital of the world,” and when you visit you will see why. The rich array of museums and things to do is nearly unimaginable until you visit. All that to say, you should aim to spend more than one day in London if you’re able to, but if you’re limited for time, then it is what it is.
London has Europe’s highest concentration of higher education institutions, and is also home to the most 5 star hotels of any city in the world. The London Underground also holds the title of the oldest rapid transit system in the world.
So yes, you might say this is an historic and exciting city.
Where to Stay in London for the Day
If you are staying the night before or after your time exploring London for the day, then you’re best to position yourself in a central part of the city.
The Covent Garden area is a great place to situate yourself for a brief visit to London. It is in such an historic part of downtown London, and is easily accessible to many of the best parts of the city.
Covent Garden was originally a market, and it’s now a popular area known for its street performers, restaurants, bars, and shops. The Covent Garden Piazza is the original site of the market, which has been converted into a great place to go with outdoor cafes and shops.
The Best Things to Do in London for the Day
Visiting London for the day and not sure how to make the best out of it? From walking tours covering Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and London's Eye, to taking an open-top bus tour across the city lights at night, this London itinerary has got you covered if you have just 24 hours in London.
Of course, as I mentioned, there's no way you can see any city in a day in full, but that's why these marvels are curated for a one day London itinerary! Here are the best things to do—ranging from palaces, parks, museums, and nightlife.
Depending on how long you have and the number of places you want to check out, it might be worth looking into the London Pass. This is a combination pass that can split the cost of your visit to some of London’s most famous attractions in half. If you’d like to purchase the London Pass for your trip to London for a day, click here.
1. Take a Walk and Explore Buckingham Palace
Start your day in London with a lavish English breakfast from one of the quaint cafes near Soho. After that, you’d be wise to stroll up the Mall (a road in central London that runs between Buckingham Palace on the west and Trafalgar Square via Admiralty Arch to the east) and explore the surrounding places.
Take a walk through the Palace Gardens and marvel at the architecture of Buckingham Palace. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, and later acquired by King George III as a private residence for Queen Charlotte. For any fans of the Netflix series Queen Charlotte, you’ll recognize it very well.
It became the monarch's official residence in 1837, when Queen Victoria took the throne. The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 state rooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms.
Furthermore, the Lancaster House, the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk, St. James' Palace, and the Victoria Memorial are some sights you can explore by foot nearby.
2. Wander Around Westminster Abbey
When in London, you cannot miss one of the most striking churches and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—Westminster Abbey!
Its impressive gothic architecture is sure to leave you standing there feeling more impressed in person than you thought it might be.
Of course, don’t miss the closely-situated Neo-Gothic masterpiece, the Palace of Westminster. It’s worth noting that the Palace of Westminster has guided tours during summers and on Saturdays. If you have the time to take one of these tours during your trip, you can book a ticket here. You can also catch a glimpse of the statues of Oliver Cromwell, Sir Winston Churchill, and George V.
3. Stroll on Over to Big Ben
The House of Parliament is short distance from Westminster Abbey, and it's another popular site you cannot miss on your one day trip to London. You can rent an audio guide if you're taking the paid admission tour. Big Ben, another must-visit site, is arguably one of the best places for a snap in your bucket-list album.
“Big Ben” (pictured above), if you didn’t know, is the nickname that’s been given to the striking clock at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. I’m going to go out on a limb here though and guess that you just might have heard of it. I mean, realistically, it’s probably the most iconic tower on the planet.
When it was completed in 1859, it was the largest and most accurate four faced striking and chiming clock in the world.
4. Marvel at the Churchill War Rooms
My grandfather fought for Canada in WWII, so visiting the Churchill War Rooms was high up on my list when visiting London. Again, it’s another site that is a little tough to fit in if you’re trying to tackle London in 24 hours, but if you get up at the crack of dawn and plan on being out exploring the city all day, then I’d say it’s doable.
That being said, I really did take my time here when I visited, and really tried to soak it all in. It’s likely worth taking a moment to plan your visit if you’re tight on time.
You can head to the Churchill War Rooms and marvel at the secret underground headquarters of Churchill and his life during WWII. You get to see the cabinet war rooms and the bunker that kept Churchill safe throughout the war.
A little walk away, you'll find a monument with poppy wreaths around its base—The Cenotaph. Go down the road to find the Women of World War II Memorial. Once you've had a look at these British monuments, I’d recommend you take a break and relax by the lake at St. James' Park, and think about all you’ve just seen.
There are some absolutely remarkable museums in London, of that there’s no question, but for me, with my family history and reverence for Churchill, this was the most remarkable. If you’re interested in booking a guided tour of the Churchill War Rooms, you can book tickets here.
5. Visit Trafalgar Square
Head down Northumberland Avenue to find yourself at the centre of Trafalgar Square.
Right beside it, you can see a tall stone pillar above LED-lit fountains, lion statues, and various artworks.
Walk ahead to catch a glimpse of Western European masterworks at the National Gallery. Finally, while you’re around here, don't miss out on taking a stroll through the Great Scotland Yard—a lovely London street in its own right by any imaginable measure.
With Trafalgar Square, I actually find it’s worth sticking around for a moment to do some people watching. Plant yourself near the stone pillar, sit around for ten or so minutes, and do a little people watching. There’s rarely a dull moment in this area.
6. Get a Bird's Eye View From the London Eye
Cross over the Hungerford Bridge and embrace London's contemporary culture.
If you end up having extra time in London, you can consider visiting the London Aquarium across Westminster Bridge and experience the colorful sea life. If you really only are in London for the day, then maybe just take a 40-minute river cruise past the city landmarks. It’s called the “London Eye River Cruise,” so you can’t miss it. If you’d like to book a ticket for this cruise, please click here.
The best part is the colossal observation wheel that offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the city stretch—The London Eye is a must-visit spot!
7. Spend the Afternoon Near the Tower of London
I hope you’ve got some energy left in the tank, despite travelling at an admittedly torrid pace on this London itinerary. I’ve tried to put this together, as you can imagine, for people who are ambitious travellers, and really trying to make use of every minute!
Anyway, after climbing down London's Eye in South Bank, head to Borough Market to grab a quick bite. You can actually view the iconic London Bridge, which famously spans the River Thames, from here.
After you’ve had some food, head to the Tower Bridge, which is an iconic 19th century river crossing bridge with elevated pathways and Victorian exhibits.
If you’re in search of even more history, you can take a pitstop at The Tower of London Museum. It’s an incredible museum that houses the most famous of the crown jewels inside. After that, head to St. Paul's Cathedral down Fleet Street — one of the oldest parts of London!
8. Do a Little Shopping on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is your best bet to shop your heart out in London. Sure, it can be a little touristy, but it’s also just so darn iconic that you won’t want to miss out on the fun.
If you venture down towards the Marble Arch, it has some of the best clothing spots. Alternatively, you can head to the east of Westfield in Stratford, or find stores on Regent Street for some of the best food and shopping experiences in London. Oh, and don't forget to visit the Olympic Park if you're in Stratford.
If you’re only in London for the day, you may not have too much time for shopping, but Oxford Street is still worth setting eyes on.
9. Catch a West End Show Near Covent Garden
It’s been a long day thus far, but why not tack on a show?
You can book a ticket to see a West End Show or a play in one of the theaters at Covent Garden.
Be it modern classics and contemporary plays at the Duchess Theatre, or the grand colonnaded opera and ballet at the Royal Opera House, London has some of the best theatre on offer on the planet.
If you’re like me, you’ll probably shoot for the Shakespearean play in the open air. Shakespeare's Globe near the London Bridge is an oak-and-thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theatre, and it’s absolutely fantastic. Most shows begin at 7:30 PM and last until 10:00 PM.
After the performances, you can do what we did, and hit one of the pubs at Leicester Square!
10. Experience London City Lights With the Open bus tour at Night
If you’re looking for something a little different, you can enjoy the grandeur of London at night on an open-bus tour. A London city tour on an open-top bus at night showcases the grand architecture and vibrant atmosphere of the city in the evening.
Hop on to the bus for a 90-minute sightseeing tour to enjoy unobstructed views of iconic landmarks such as Big Ben, the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Harrods, all beautifully lit up against the night sky.
Visitors will learn about the history of landmarks like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey from a guide, who will also share fascinating stories about the city. These tours are great for families and groups travelling together. It’s a fun and informative way to experience London in a short period of time.
If you’d like to book a night bus tour of London, click here to book your tickets.
After your tour, why not wrap your trip with some craft beers and live music at a bar in Soho?
11. Visit Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station
For any fans of Harry Potter, this is a quintessential stop on a trip to London for the day!
King's Cross Station is a major hub in London, located in the Kings Cross area of the city. It was first opened in 1852, and has gone through many renovations and expansions since then. It is known for its historic architecture, and for being the departure point for the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter book series.
For those who love to read or watch Harry Potter, Platform 9 3/4 is relatively easy to find, since there is usually a crowd there. It’s recommended to go early in the morning and possibly on a weekday to avoid lines.
Platform 9 3/4 consists of a luggage trolley seemingly halfway through the wall in the main alcove of the station. Harry Potter fans can take pictures and pretend that they are on their way on a magical school journey. Professional photographs with a scarf in your house colours are also available for purchase inside the Harry Potter shop next door, with a photographer available between 9am and 9pm daily.
If you’re interested in experiencing a complete Harry Potter thrill while you’re in London, consider a Warner Brothers Studio Tour. You can book the full and unforgettable experience here.
So, Can You Explore London In One Day?
In short, absolutely. Not perfectly, but yes, it’s doable. Think of it as an epic appetizer as opposed to a full meal.
In the end, the idea of this London itinerary is not to explore every nook and cranny of the city, but rather to get a taste for some of what makes the city special.
And hey, if 24 hours in London only feels like the tip of the iceberg, then simply extend your stay and politely lose yourself to the wonders of this magical city for even longer.
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