Itineraries for Your Trip to London
1 Day in London for First Timers
There really is no place like home, and what greater place to call home than the UK capital. Having lived in London for the first three decades of my life, I've had plenty of time to experience all that the city offers. Maybe it’s because I’m a Londoner, but since moving to Switzerland, my appreciation for it has only grown.
From its rich history, apparent on every corner, to its modern culture and strong sense of community, there’s so much to enjoy in London. First-time visitors shouldn’t skip the main tourist hubs, as these are the places on which the city was built. With just 24 hours in my hometown, here’s how to experience its best bits.
If you only have time for one thing, make it dinner, drinks, and a show in the West End for the quintessential experience.
Everyone is always on about the rain here, but it’s the heat to watch out for—London wasn’t built for such hot summers. Bring a handheld fan and lots of water, especially if you’re traveling on the Underground.
With only one day in London, you need to dedicate your time to the city’s most iconic landmarks. Westminster, home to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and the City of London, where you’ll find the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral, is compact enough to explore on foot, allowing for great photo opportunities around London’s most recognizable sights. A walking tour will introduce you to these heavy hitters, including Buckingham Palace.
Besides its skyline, London is arguably best-known by tourists for its free-to-enter museums. The British Museum and the Natural History Museum are two of the most visited, which also means large crowds. Guided tours can help to navigate these busy spaces, and pre-booking tickets is essential for guaranteed entry into these cultural institutions.
London's West End—which includes Soho, Camden Town, and the Theater District—is the best place for a night out in central London, thanks to its range of bars, restaurants, theaters, and live music spaces. A West End show is a must-see when in the city, with options ranging from musical spectaculars to intimate cabaret nights at legendary nightlife spots like the Phoenix Arts Club.
- I’m in London for one day. What are the must-see attractions that I should visit?
In just one day, you can stroll through Central London and catch many top sights. Heavy-hitters including Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are all within easy walking distance of each other. You should also have time to squeeze in a museum visit, including free-to-visit favorites such as the British Museum or the National Gallery.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in London?
Despite the outdated stereotypes about lackluster British fare, London is a global capital with an incredible food scene. You can savor classically British food at iconic restaurants such as St. John, enjoy a curry at Dishoom or Tayyab’s, and head to a traditional pub to wash it all down with a pint of ale. If time is of the essence, sample multiple options at the foodie-favorite Borough Market.
- Which London neighborhoods should I visit if I’m only in town for one day?
If you’re short on time, stick to the popular, landmark-packed neighborhoods of Central London. Westminster is home to many historical highlights, Covent Garden offers shops and theaters, and Soho is popular for its nightlife. If you can, hop across the Thames River to scope out the South Bank, too.
- What’s the easiest way for a first timer to get around London?
London is exceptionally well-served by public transportation, which is often the fastest and easiest way to get around. Hop on the London Underground (aka, the Tube), take the speedy new Elizabeth Line, or go for a ride on one of the city's classic double-decker buses. If all else fails, travel in style aboard a classic black cab.