Exploring all that London has to offer in just one day is a challenge. But more than that, it’s also an exciting opportunity to take a whirlwind tour of the capital’s history, landmarks and culture.
The truth is, a single day in London can only provide you with a glimpse. But with careful planning, you can experience many popular attractions without feeling overwhelmed. To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve come up with a suggested schedule.
The best 1 day in London itinerary will include all the iconic landmarks. And ours is no different. It contains a plan for spending a day in London, focusing on key sights, travel tips and staying comfortable. So, whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re just short on time, this schedule will help you enjoy some of London’s top attractions in one action-packed day. Let’s take the tour.
Morning Activities in London
On this 1 day London itinerary, you’ll first head to the east side of central London.
1. Start at the Tower of London (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Spend 2 hours)
Begin your day with a visit to the Tower of London. This historic fortress is situated next to the River Thames, and is filled with stories that cover almost a thousand years. From public punishments and royal intrigue to dramatic escapes, you’ll get to hear all about its colourful history.
Among the highlights are the following:
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The Crown Jewels - Take a tour of the ceremonial regalia, including huge individual pieces and crowns featuring precious stones.
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The White Tower - See the oldest section of the complex, built during the Norman conquest.
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A Beefeater Tour - Listen to stories from the famous Yeoman Warders as they tell you all about the Tower’s past.
To get your day off on the right foot, please arrive early to avoid queues and maximise your time. You can book tickets online to speed up your entry.
Once you’ve finished at the Tower, you’ll take a short 5-minute walk to Tower Bridge.
2. Walk Across Tower Bridge (11:05 AM - 11:25 AM | Spend 20 minutes)
Next on your 1 day London sightseeing itinerary is Tower Bridge. While crossing the Thames, you’ll get brilliant views of the surrounding area, including The Shard. Why not stop and take a few moments to appreciate the bridge’s unmistakable design?
Optionally, the Tower Bridge Exhibition provides a huge amount of information on the venue’s history and construction. Either way, just don’t forget your camera!
Next, you’ll take a short walk to Tower Hill Underground Station. This is followed by a 15-minute Tube ride to Waterloo Station for your late morning sightseeing.
Late Morning Activities in London
After an early start at the Tower of London, the next part of your 1 day London itinerary gives you a view of the capital’s finest sights.
3. Ride the London Eye (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM | Spend 1 hour)
At midday, you’ll enjoy a stunning perspective of the capital from the London Eye. This observation ferris wheel is a major landmark in itself. But it’s also a great way to see the city from above and spot major landmarks such as Big Ben and St. Paul’s Cathedral. On a clear day, you can see beyond the centre across southeast England. Can you spot the famous Wembley Stadium arch?
A London Eye rotation lasts approximately 30 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to soak in the view and take photographs. For a memorable visit, why not pre-book fast-track boarding or even an unforgettable champagne experience?
After disembarking, you’ll take a short 10-minute walk along the South Bank to Westminster Bridge.
Lunch Break - Nearby Suggestions
Next, we take a quick pause in your 1 day London sightseeing itinerary. In Westminster, you’re in the ideal spot to grab a tasty lunch to fuel your afternoon activities. Why not take a quick lunch break along the South Bank before continuing your sightseeing?
Southbank Centre Food Market, for example, has a massive array of options, including global street food and local favourites. If you want to keep it light to stay energised, there are plenty of cafes and shops to grab a sandwich, salad or smaller dish.
Afternoon Activities in London
Once you’ve eaten, you’ll be ready to continue on with your 1 day itinerary in London.
4. Visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (1:40 PM - 2:00 PM | Spend 20 minutes)
Staying in Westminster, you can take in the iconic exterior of the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. This area is one of the most photographed locations when visiting London, showing off the city’s history and political HQ.
Looking for a postcard-perfect shot? Westminster Bridge provides a fantastic view of both structures. You only need to see the outside to appreciate their stunning architecture, letting you quickly get on with the rest of your day trip.
Once you’re ready, walk the 5 minutes to nearby Westminster Abbey.
5. Explore Westminster Abbey (2:05 PM - 3:05 PM | Spend 1 hour)
Westminster Abbey is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture anywhere in the world. It has also been the host of many of the most important British ceremonies over the years, including royal weddings.
Outside the building, you can visit Poets’ Corner. There, you’ll find tributes to British greats like Dickens and Chaucer. Inside, you can take in the magnificent building and visit the resting places of monarchs like Elizabeth I.
Before visiting, it’s important to check that there are no events or services that might impact your visit. Prebooking can also help your visit go more smoothly.
After Westminster Abbey, you’ll take a gorgeous 15-minute walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace.
6. Visit Buckingham Palace (3:20 PM - 4:00 PM | Spend 40 minutes)
Perhaps the highlight of any London itinerary. Next up, you’ll visit Buckingham Palace, the home of the British royal family and a favourite spot for visitors.
A great activity is to take a walk along The Mall leading up to the building. You can admire the Victoria Memorial and enjoy the calm of St. James’s Park along the way.
Another option is to visit earlier in the day to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Usually, this happens every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at around 11am.
Once you’ve taken in Buckingham Palace, you’ll take a 20-minute walk or hop on the tube to Trafalgar Square.
Late Afternoon Activities in London
7. Explore Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery (4:20 PM - 5:20 PM | Spend 1 hour)
Trafalgar Square is an energetic public square right in the heart of London. It has fountains, statues (including the famous Nelson’s Column) and a sense of connection to all aspects of the city’s history.
Directly from Trafalgar Square, you can visit The National Gallery. This world-renowned museum houses masterpieces by leading artists, including da Vinci, Turner and Van Gogh. Admission is free, and you can visit only the most important exhibits if you’re short on time.
Once you’ve spent an afternoon in Trafalgar Square, you’ll walk 10 minutes to Covent Garden.
Evening Activities in London
8. Experience Covent Garden (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM | Spend 1.5 hours)
Covent Garden, with its performers, restaurants and pubs, is an ideal spot to end your 1 day London itinerary. Simply wandering around and soaking up the atmosphere is enough, but the area has a fantastic mix of shopping, dining, drinking and entertainment to suit any evening.
Why not have dinner at one of Covent Garden’s restaurants to enjoy a relaxing meal after a day of sightseeing?
Optional: Attend a West End Show (7:30 PM onwards)
If you’re still feeling energetic, you can make the short trip to the West End to catch a show. London’s theatre district is world famous, with a wide range of productions, from classics to modern hits, running year-round. You’ll need to pre-book tickets for the most popular shows - for others, you may find a bargain on the day.
Enjoy Your London Itinerary with The Clermont
London has so much to offer for visitors. And while one day can only scratch the surface of this great city, the best 1 day London itinerary will make sure you experience the must-see highlights, including:
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The Tower of London
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Tower Bridge
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The London Eye
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Big Ben
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The Houses of Parliament
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Westminster Abbey
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Buckingham Palace
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Trafalgar Square
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Covent Garden.
Need more time? Why not return to London for a longer stay to discover even more of its unique character? You can book accommodation at The Clermont to enjoy comfortable access to all the city’s best sights.