A Day In London Itinerary | 2 Amazing Sample Itineraries

If you’re planning to spend a day in London or wondering what to do in London for a day, this is the itinerary for you! London is an incredible city bursting with history and unforgettable attractions that will leave you in amazement.

I lived in London for 6+ years during my 20s and can honestly say it’s one of the best cities in the world. It stole my heart; the energetic and creative atmosphere is unbeatable. London’s reputation as a centre of history, art, culture, and entertainment makes it a global bucket list destination, and visiting London for the day will be a whirlwind adventure.

From architectural treasures and famous palaces to unique galleries, world-class shopping and unique hidden gems, this 1-day in London itinerary is going to rock your world!

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A Day in London Itinerary Overview

London is one of the most famous cities in the world. It has almost 2,000 years of history and tradition stemming from its ancient Roman core—the City of London. For this one-day in London itinerary, I’ve decided to focus on the City of Westminster.

Westminster is centuries old and is one of the most popular boroughs to visit in London. It’s known worldwide as the home of the British Parliament and contains some of the best-known landmarks, including one of only four London heritage sites at Parliament Square.

This area includes Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, and the West End, which is arguably the best theatre district in the world. It also includes London’s central shopping districts, such as Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Piccadilly, all of which I’ve included in this itinerary.

As the most visited city in Europe, London is full of diversity. It has a fantastic food scene, and Westminster’s Soho district is the best for entertainment. It’s also got a great pop-culture, Harry Potter being the star!

For me, the highlights of London are the food markets and magnificent architecture. I’ve laid out this itinerary to explore the best of Westminster, and this is what I consider to be the best way to plan your itinerary and spend a day in London.

Is one day in London enough?

Honestly, you’ll be hard-pressed to see even a small selection of the main attractions London has to offer in one day. London isn’t known as a global city for no reason, and there’s just so much history and attractions to uncover that, realistically, a long weekend would be best. However, if you’re strategic, it is possible to see a great deal in one day.

The best time to visit

It’s crucial to consider the weather when planning a trip to London. The British weather is very unpredictable, and we experience a lot of rain, even during the summer months. That said, the best time to visit London is between May and September when average temperatures range from 15°C to 22°C (59°F and 72°F). The UK does experience warmer days; June and July tend to be the hottest and sunniest months.

The summer holidays in the UK run from mid-June to the end of August and are the busiest times of the year for overseas tourists. The Christmas season is also an excellent time to visit London as the city puts on magnificent light displays and Christmas-themed markets, and everyone is in high spirits.

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A Day in London Itinerary: South Westminster

This 1 day in London itinerary covers the top attractions in the south of the City of Westminster. I’ve listed the activities in order, and it’s possible to walk the entirety of the itinerary. This sample itinerary encompasses many of the main tourist attractions and is perfect for first-time visitors.

To complete this itinerary, you will need a full day. In total, there are about two hours of travel time (walking) between attractions; therefore, it’s a good idea to start this itinerary no later than 9:30 am.

Here are all the must-see attractions and things to do in London Westminster in 1 day.

1. Trafalgar Square

A good starting point for a day in London is Trafalgar Square. It’s one of London’s most significant landmarks and houses the National Gallery, multiple fountains, statues and what was once Britain’s smallest police station! The National Gallery is free to enter, although you’ll need a good few hours inside. I don’t recommend entering as part of this itinerary.

The square’s most famous monument is Nelson’s Column. At the top of the column stands a statue of Admiral Horatio Nelson, who led the Battle of Trafalgar. This is also home to the famous giant bronze lions!

Fun fact >> Trafalgar Square was originally called the King’s Mews but was renamed after the 1805 victory of the Battle of Trafalgar in Southern Spain.

Distance from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace: 0.8 miles / 15 minutes walking

Nearest tube station: Charing Cross, Bakerloo (brown) and Northern (black) lines; Embankment, Bakerloo, Northern, District (green), and Circle (yellow) lines.

2. Buckingham Palace

A short walk along the tree-lined road of The Mall towards Buckingham Palace, you’ll be following in the footsteps of royal parades and national celebrations. Two activities carried out along The Mall that are fantastic to witness are the iconic Changing of the Guard (usually 11 am on specific dates) and Trooping the Colour – which is the King’s birthday parade in June.

If you visit London during the weekend or on a public holiday, the road is closed to traffic and becomes fully pedestrianised. The Mall is flanked by St James’s Park, a lovely green space worth exploring.

Buckingham Palace is not the most beautiful palace I’ve seen, but it is historically significant. It was built in 1703, but it wasn’t until 1837 that it became the official London residence for the monarchs.

Fun fact >> The palace’s walls are made from oolitic limestone (tiny nodules of calcium carbonate formed around a sand grain or shell fragment), which contains 200 million-year-old fossils.

⭐ Buckingham Palace Entry Ticket & Royal Walking Tour: This tour is one of the best for pre-booked tickets with an audio guide. It also includes a pre-entrance guided walk to explore the surrounding area. Don’t forget to add it to your day in London itinerary!

Distance from Buckingham Palace to Parliament Square: 0.7 miles / 15 minutes

3. Parliament Square

To get from Buckingham Palace to Parliament Square, I suggest walking through St James’s Park and crossing the lake at the Blue Bridge (Google Maps).

Parliament Square is a meeting point for national politics, protests, and celebrations and a huge tourist attraction. Westminster Abbey, St. Margaret’s Church and the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament and home to the famed tower of Big Ben, are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. They are iconic landmarks and a huge part of this day in london itinerary.

Although far from the original constructions, the buildings are architecturally magnificent and feature neo-Gothic styles. It’s still one of my favourite tourist destinations in London because every time I visit, I’m left in astonishment at the sheer beauty of these architectural gems.

4. Westminster Bridge

A prominent landmark in itself, Westminster Bridge is a must-see. Originally constructed in the Georgian era and opened to the public in 1750, it’s the oldest surviving road bridge crossing the Thames in central London.

Today’s bridge, built between 1854 and 1862, is renowned for its neo-Gothic style, which includes elaborate ironwork and seven low-rise arches. Its unique construction and beauty have roused many inspirational works from famous artists, including Claude Monet.

One of the best things about Westminster Bridge is the views. From the centre of the bridge, you’ll have panoramic views across the Thames.

Fun fact >> Did you know that the Westminster Bridge is painted green? It was done to match the leather seats in the House of Commons.

Distance from Westminster Bridge to Southbank Food Market: 0.6 miles / 13 minutes walking

– Lunch Recommendation: Southbank Food Market –

London’s Southbank Food Market is a superb spot to grab lunch and fits perfectly into this day’s itinerary. It’s a hidden gem, usually missed by tourists, but a little foodie heaven serving an infusion of street food flavours from around the world. Although I’ve tried most of the stalls from this market over the years, my all-time favourite is the Dosas from Horn OK Please and the smash burgers.

Distance from Southbank Food Market to the London Eye: 0.3 miles / 7 minutes

Opening hours: Fridays, 12 noon – 8 pm; Saturdays, 11 am – 8 pm; Sundays, 12 noon – 6 pm

5. The London Eye

The London Eye has got to be one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, so be sure to add it to your day in London itinerary! I’ve visited it many times; however, I’ve only been on it once. I guess that’s enough. Construction of the wheel began in 1998 when it was laid horizontally over the river before being hauled upright.

If you visit on a bright, sunny day, the 360-degree views over London are second to none. When I went, we were fortunate to have blue, clear skies. The most fun part was trying to spot famous landmarks from overhead, like the Shard and Tower Bridge.

Fun fact >> There are 32 capsules on the London Eye, and one of them is a Coronation Capsule. It was named in 2013 to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the throne.

Distance from the London Eye to Graffiti Tunnel: 0.2 miles / 5 minutes

6. The Graffiti Tunnel

Another hidden gem that often gets overlooked is the Graffiti Tunnel. Located underneath Waterloo Station, the tunnel runs under the tracks and platforms. Also known as the Leake Street Arches, it’s a colourful mural of mixed-matched street art from top to bottom.

The Leake Street Arches is considered the longest graffiti gallery in the city and is open 24 hours a day. It’s a popular place to watch artists at work and take cool photos. On my last visit…

Afterwards, I recommend catching the tube from Waterloo to Picadilly. En route to Covent Garden, you’ll pass Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square. It’s a 0.5-mile walk that will take 10 minutes.

Distance from the Graffiti Tunnel to Covent Garden: 1.1 miles / 24 minutes walking direct. 13 minutes tube ride from Waterloo to Picadilly. If you have the budget, jump in an iconic Black cab to save time.

7. Covent Garden

On your way to Covent Garden, I suggest passing by Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square. Both are tourist attractions in themselves and fit nicely into this day in London itinerary. Picadilly Circus is known for its neon lights and iconic advertising screens. Leicester Square is famous for red-carpet film premieres, shopping, nightlife, and Chinatown.

Convent Garden, on the other hand, is a renowned destination in the heart of London’s West End. Its historic square is home to upscale shopping, restaurants and famous markets. It’s one of the best places to visit in London and shouldn’t be missed from your day itinerary.

The famous Apple Market is filled with unique handmade crafts and is a delight to wander around, especially during the festive season, as a giant Christmas Tree stands in the courtyard and the area is wrapped in decorations and twinkle lights.

• From Tuesday to Sunday, bear in mind the Apple Market closes at 6 pm.

The Jubilee Market is also very popular within the plaza. It includes the Arts & Crafts market, the Antiques & Collectables Market, and the General Market.

• Antiques & Collectables Market, Monday from 5 am to 5 pm.
• General Market, Tuesday to Friday from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm.
• Arts & Crafts Market, weekends from 10 am to 6 pm.

Nearest tube Station: Covent Garden, Picadilly line (Dark Blue).

– Evening Entertainment: The Strand –

⭐ Theatre: London’s West End is world-famous. You’ll experience a wide range of shows, including musicals, plays, comedies, operas, and dance productions. Find tickets here.

⭐ Somerset House: Visiting London in winter? Somerset House offers one of the best spots for ice skating in central London. Find more information on the official website here.

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A Day in London Itinerary: North Westminster

For my second itinerary, I’ve focused on activities in north Westminster. This particular one-day itinerary goes off London’s main tourist trail and is aimed at those of you who prefer a more local experience or have visited London before.

But don’t worry—I’ve still included a number of top attractions and places to visit. With a sprinkle of hidden gems, this day itinerary provides a fantastic opportunity to see the other side of London.

Make sure you’ve got comfy shoes for the day since there’s a lot of walking! Alternatively, jump in a famous Black Cab or the tube to save time and energy!

10. Marble Arch & Hyde Park

I’m starting this day in London itinerary at Marble Arch, the famous 19th-century white marble-faced triumphal arch. It’s worth a quick photo before heading into Hyde Park for a morning stroll towards the next attraction.

I love Hyde Park. I used to run around it when I lived in London. The Serpentine sits centre stage and is a panoramic lake home to winding paths, waterfront cafes, and plenty of wildlife. The park is split into two, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, but they are frequently interchanged.

You’ll find meadows in the north and a beautiful rose garden in the southeast corner. I suggest walking south towards the rose garden and then along the Serpentine to the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain before entering Kensington Gardens.

Distance from Marble Arch to Kensington Palace: 2.4 miles / 50 minutes walking (Google Maps).

11. Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a historical gem and the royal residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children. You can enter the palace and visit various staterooms, including the spectacular King’s Staircase, the King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments.

However, a simple wander around the surrounding grounds is also enough to enjoy this attraction. You can find some intriguing statues, including the 18-year-old statue of Queen Victoria seated in coronation robes at the palace’s entrance and the Diana Princess of Whales statue in the famous Sunken Garden.

The Orangery Restaurant, which is set in a garden pavilion built for Queen Anne in 1704, is a great place to enjoy a slice of cake and coffee.

Fun fact >> It was the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Distance from Kensington Palace to Portobello Road: 1 mile / 20 minutes walking.

12. Notting Hill & Portobello Road

When I first moved to London, I lived in Notting Hill. It’s a trendy neighbourhood with some really cool sites. However, the biggest reason people head to Notting Hill is to visit the iconic Portobello Road Market, which is one of the best street markets in London. I highly recommend adding a visit to your day in London itinerary!

Portobello Road Market dates back to the 19th century and is not only an incredible market with hundreds of stalls but is set amongst one of London’s most picturesque streets. Walking down Portobello Road is a real treat, especially in late spring and summer when the flowers and trees are in full bloom.

At the market, expect to find a wide range of souvenirs, antiques, bric-a-brac, fashion, delicious street food, crafts, books, and more. You’ll also find The Travel Bookshop from the 1999 movie Notting Hill at number 42 Portobello Road and an Edwardian picture house now known as the Electric Cinema.

Notting Hill is renowned for its colourful houses and vintage shops. Westbourne Park Road and Lancaster Road have some beautiful pastel-coloured houses worth passing by. There are tons of cafes and pubs to stop by for refreshments as well; however, there is a quirky pub right on the canal with riverside seating –The Union Tavern.

Distance Portobello Road to Union Canal: 0.8 miles / 18 minutes walking (Google Maps). Alternatively, jump in a taxi to Little Venice. This will save you about 40 minutes to one hour of walking (depending on how many stops you make).

13. The Grand Union Canal

Union Canal offers a perfect off-the-beaten-path connection between Portobello Road and Little Venice. It’s another one of my running routes from back in the day, and it has some interesting sites.

For example, it’s usually lined with colourful canal boats moored up against the sides; there are a handful of pubs and a number of graffiti walls. It’s also unlikely you’ll spot any other tourists along the trail, so it’s a great place to escape the crowds.

As for the canal, for the most part, it’s a lovely tree-lined walk. There is Grand Junction, a venue for arts, culture, and community. It’s housed in the 1860s building of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, which offers free discovery tours and an onsite cafe overlooking the river.

Alternatively, jump on the tube from Ladbroke Grove to Royal Oak and walk across Westbourne Green to the canal.

Distance from The Union Canal to Little Venice: 0.9 miles / 19 minutes walking

– Lunch Recommendation: The Waterway –

Along the way, I suggest stopping at the Waterway for lunch. It used to be my go-to restaurant for Sunday Roast (I lived around the corner). They still do an incredible roast, but the all-day menu is top-notch.

The atmosphere in this place is unbeatable; with canal views, the Waterway is tucked away from the busier tourist spots. That said, it does get busy on the weekend, so you might want to consider pre-booking a table.

Location: 54 Formosa St, London W9 2JU

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 11 pm; Sunday: 10 am to 10.30 pm

14. Little Venice

Little Venice is a slice of pure bliss. It’s a historic triangular basin that connects the Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal. It’s a beautiful area to wander around, with quirky cafes, including the Waterside Cafe, a unique tearoom housed in a burgundy barge.

If you want a tranquil afternoon, add Little Venice to your day in London itinerary!

On the canal, activities range from relaxing canal trips to puppet shows, which you’ll find at the Puppet Theatre Barge, usually moored at Little Venice (sometimes it’s in Richmond). Jason’s Trip is a good option for sightseeing canal trips, too!

Close by is Sheldon Square, which hosts an amphitheatre that regularly holds events and is full of dining spots. Further along the canal, you’ll come to Paddington Basin, and at the end, there is the Floating Pocket Park, which is a little hidden oasis.

Distance from Little Venice to Madame Tussauds: 1.6 miles / 37 minutes walking (Google Maps). Alternatively, catch the tube from Paddington Station to Baker Street; it’s a 15-minute ride.

15. Madame Tussauds

The famous wax museum was one of the first attractions I visited in London as a child; I remember it vividly. Since then, it has continued to grow in popularity, and new wax figures are added to the collection every year.

The museum was founded in 1835 by a French wax sculptor and is considered the original home of wax figures, with over 150 on display. Inside, you’ll find celebrities, historical figures, and even some of London’s most infamous criminals—like Jack the Ripper.

One of the best parts is the Spirit of London ride, a short, blacked-out black cab-like ride which travels through the city’s history. It’s fun for the whole family, and I recommend it.

Fun fact >> Celebrities will often contribute personal items, such as clothing and accessories, in order to help make their figurines look more true to life.

Distance from Madame Tussauds to Oxford Street: 1.3 miles / 30 minutes via Marylebone High Street (Google Maps). Alternatively, you can catch the tube from Baker Street to Bond Street. It’s the Jubilee Line (Silver) and takes 6 minutes.

16. Oxford Street

Depending on time, I suggest walking down Marylebone High Street towards Oxford Street to enjoy a selection of boutique shopping, restaurants, and cafes. Alternatively, you can head straight to Oxford Street on the tube.

For a little pick-me-up along Marylebone High Street, The Prince Regent is one of my favourite pubs!

Otherwise, on Oxford Street, you’ll want to visit the renowned Selfridges Department Store to explore designer fashion, accessories and a fantastic food court. Nearby is St Christopher’s Place, a little but lively square with indie boutiques and dining spots.

Continue along Oxford Street towards Oxford Circus, and you’ll pass the Twist Museum, which is a lot of weird fun. Then you’ve got the iconic Nike flagship store, which is worth popping in. From here, head down Regents Street and take a detour to Carnaby Street before re-joining Regents Street and ending at the brightly coloured square of Picadilly Circus.

Shopping is the best way to finish your day in London itinerary!

– Evening Entertainment: Soho –

⭐ Comedy Show: One of the best date nights I had in London was at The Comedy Store. Just off Leicester Square, this is the place to go if you want a night of laughter and the best stand-up comedy in town!

⭐ Nightlife: Soho is the best for evening entertainment. There is an endless array of bars and clubs in London’s Soho district. I recommend taking to the streets and exploring yourselves; however, a few favourites of mine include Mr Fogg’s Gin Club, 100 Wardour Street and Experimental Cocktail Club

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Hotel Ideas For One Night In London

There are countless accommodation options in London, and it can be quite taxing trying to find the right place. I’ve been to a fair number of hotels, and there are a few that I absolutely love and that I think you will, too. I’ve also selected the ones near the attractions within this itinerary to make things easier, including a variety that suits all budgets.

Stay near Oxford Street: Hilton London Metropole (B)

The Hilton London Metropole (not to be confused with the Hilton London Paddington) is an excellent hotel if you’re looking for somewhere central and affordable. It’s only a 15-minute walk to Oxford Street, and Paddington Station is very close.

Stay in Marylebone: The Marylebone Hotel (MR)

The Marylebone is my favourite hotel in London. It’s a wonderful boutique hotel in the heart of Westminster and very close to Bond Street. I love the breakfast here, and if you stay in the suite, it has a private roof terrace. It’s the perfect spot to rest after finishing this day in London itinerary!

Stay in Soho: Ham Yard Hotel (HE)

Ham Yard Hotel is simply stunning and in a fantastic area! It’s another boutique hotel; I just loved the decor in this one, with its bold colours and arty vibe. It’s a winner if you want something a little different.

Stay in Knightsbridge: The Berkeley Hotel (L)

For the most opulent stay in London, the Berkeley Hotel is at the top of my list. It’s a luxury spa hotel, elegant, sophisticated, and unbeatable in service. If you’re looking for something truly memorable during your one night in London, this is it!

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Travelling Around London As A Tourist

I’ve designed these two London itineraries in a logical order to easily flow and allow walking between attractions. However, in some instances, it might be quicker to utilise public transport, especially if you’re after half a day in London. If that’s the case, I’ve noted it and made suggestions in the itinerary above.

London’s Underground is one of the best transport networks I’ve encountered, and it’s hands down the best way to get around London whether you are a tourist or not. The tube system is easy to navigate once you understand whereabouts you are in relation to the next stop. All the lines are colour-coded to help navigate. But the lines either run from north to south and vice versa or east to west and vice versa; it’s always good to use Google Maps to help navigate the city.

After the tube, I also enjoy the bus service; this can sometimes be a better option during summer when the underground becomes very crowded and hot. To plan a bus or tube journey, use the TFL route planner here.

Alternatively, the iconic Black Cabs are somewhat of a novelty and will get you to your destination quickly; however, the can be expensive. There is Uber in London which you can utilise to save money during this day in London itinerary.

Public transport tickets

There are various tickets to purchase for transport within London. The most common is the Visitors Oyster Card; however, you can also purchase a travel card which is a paper ticket. Prices vary depending on which zones you’re visiting.

That said, a standard contactless debit card/credit card will also work and is capped at £8.50 per day – that’s about three journeys.

The travel cards and oyster cards are best for longer itineraries as you can make savings. For one day in London, I suggest using your contactless as the Visitors Oyster Card costs £5 and needs to be pre-loaded with money and the travel cards work best if you’re visiting multiple zones. This one day in London itinerary is focused around Zone 1.

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The Wrap: A Day In London Itinerary

I had a lot of fun writting this day in London itinerary and hope it’s been inspirational for you, too. I really believe these two beauitful itineraries are the best way to make the most out of your trip around Westminster.

As I said above, you won’t be able to see all the attractions in one day and I know it can be hard to decide which to see. If it helps, my favourites are Portobello Market, the Graffiti Tunnel and Westminster Abbey. If I was to be visiting London for the first time, the south Westminster itinerary is the best option as it encompasses many of london’s greatest landmarks.

Thank you for reading my post! Check out my latest stories, follow me on Instagram (#youmeandbritain) or join my Facebook page to see what I’m getting up to.

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