How do you get the best of London in a day? Do not worry. This guide will help you plan your London itinerary 1 day, whether you are in the city for a short visit or during a layover. You will find plenty of great places to see, things to do, and food to try, as well as tips on how to get the most out of your stay. There is also a free downloadable one-day London itinerary for you. And if you choose to stay a little longer, have a look at our guides to the best beaches near London and how to see London on a budget.

Be sure to grab our free itinerary at the end of this article.

Essential London Tips for One Day Travel

A quick trip to London doesn’t have to be stressful. With a few simple tips, you can see a lot more than you’d expect at an easy pace.

1. Make Your Day Smoother (And Cheaper) With the London Pass

You can get the London Pass as a card or just keep the QR code on your phone. It lets you enter more than 90 popular spots around the city without waiting in long ticket lines. Just scan and walk in. Places like castles, museums and other famous landmarks are all included.

What we like most about it is how much money it saves. On our last trip, we spent nearly £100 less per person compared to the time we didn’t use it. And if you’re only in the city for a short visit, that’s fine; there’s a London travel pass for 1 day that costs about £89 for adults.

You can buy it online, which is probably the easiest way. Go straight to the official website and choose whether you’d like a physical card sent to you or a digital version for your phone. We like having the real card in hand, since it comes with a little guidebook that’s handy to flick through on the go.

2. Choose a Credit Card or an Oyster Card for Getting Around?

You’ve probably heard people talk about getting an Oyster card to save money on the Tube or other public transport in London. But if you’re only here for a day, it’s honestly not something you really need. A contactless bank card works just as well; it’s often cheaper and definitely easier. You simply tap your card when you travel, and the system automatically sets a daily limit, so you’ll never spend more than you should.

Of course, you can still give the Oyster card a try as a part of the experience. They are available from the ticket machines at Tube stations, London Overground and most Elizabeth Lines. A standard card costs about £7, though that amount isn’t refundable if you don’t plan to use it again.

3. Start Early and Keep Things Close Together

You’ll find Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. Photo by Rgfx on Adobe Stock

Download the Citymapper app and take a route that take you too all the sights you will want to see. For a one day trip, we recommend making a Google Maps walkable route.

The best way to see London in a day is to start your first stop around 8 in the morning. It gives you a calm start to the day and helps you enjoy the city before it gets too busy.

Travelling back and forth across London can take up a lot of time, so it’s better to explore places that are near each other. You could begin in Westminster to see Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye, then walk over the river to the South Bank for the Tate Modern and Borough Market. Around the City of London, you’ll find St Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge all within easy walking distance.

4. Pack Smart for One Day in London

You’ll be hopping on and off buses and walking quite a bit, so start with a comfy pair of shoes. A reusable water bottle is also a good idea to keep you going throughout the day. Tap water in the city is completely safe to drink. You won’t find many public fountains around London, but most cafés or pubs will happily top up your bottle if you ask.

Here are a few things that are worth bringing along:

• A light rain jacket with a hood (surprise showers are pretty common here). Forget the umbrella, it’s more of a hassle than help.

• A little bit of cash in pounds for markets or small shops.

• A plug adapter, power bank, charging cables and an unlocked phone.

• A SIM card once you’re in the city, or an eSIM you can sort out before you travel.

• Your passport or any ID you normally keep with you.

• A few packing cubes if you like keeping things tidy and easy to find.

The bag you bring for 24 hours in London really makes a difference, too. It can change how easy the day feels and whether your luggage fits airline cabin rules if you’re flying in or out. For something light and practical, a CabinZero backpack is a great choice. The 28L is just right for a short trip, while the 36L or 44L works better if London is just one stop on a longer journey. It fits neatly in the overhead compartment or under the seat, so no need to worry about baggage fees. It’s light to carry, comfortable on your back and shoulders, and made from water-resistant fabric to keep your things dry if the weather turns.

5. Check the Service Charge on Your Bill

In London, most restaurants automatically add a 12.5% service charge to your bill. That counts as the tip, so there’s no need to leave more unless you’d like to. If the service wasn’t great, you can always ask them to take it off.

How to Spend One Day in London, Hour by Hour

Try to get an early start, have breakfast at your hotel or somewhere nearby, then head out to your first stop of the day.

8:00 AM: Walk Along the River Thames and See the Tower of London and Tower Bridge

The Thames runs through the heart of the city, with plenty to spot along both the north and south banks. One of our favourite viewpoints is on the north side, where you can look across at the Tower of London.

If you enjoy a bit of history, it’s worth going inside. The Tower of London has been a fortress, a palace and even a prison. There’s a lot to see, but try not to miss the Crown Jewels. They are truly fascinating to see up close. Make sure to book online as long queues are the norm.

From there, it’s only a short walk to Tower Bridge (not to be confused with London Bridge). You can cross it for free and take in some views of the river. If you’d like to see more, there’s also a small museum inside the bridge. That’s where you can learn about how it was built and look down through the glass floor for a fun perspective of the city below.

Tower Bridge in London. Photo by muratart - stock.adobe.com

10:00 AM: Stroll Along the Queen’s Walk and Visit HMS Belfast

The Queen’s Walk is a path that follows the River Thames. You can wander from Tower Bridge towards Borough Market, which makes a lunch stop later on. Along the way, you’ll come across HMS Belfast, an interesting place to pop into if you’re curious about Britain’s naval history. There’s no need to book ahead, just turn up and explore.

Inside, you’ll find interactive displays and audio guides that give you a sense of what life was like on board. You can also see the different guns on deck and have a look around the engine room. When we were there, it wasn’t too crowded, so it was easy to move around and take some nice photos.

12:00 PM: Wander Around Borough Market and Grab Some Lunch

Another spot on the London day trip itinerary is Borough Market. You’ve probably heard of it before, and it has been all over TikTok recently for its chocolate-covered strawberries. The market is pretty big, packed with little stalls and covered food stands. You’ll find everything from fresh fruit and veg to ice cream, pastries, cheese and loads of lunch options. It’s the kind of place where you can just stroll around and pick what looks good.

2:00 PM: Go To The London Eye

It’s not hard to spot the London Eye. Photo by ileana_bt on Adobe Stock

Once you’ve had your fill at Borough Market, it’s time to head off again. Take the Underground one stop (Jubilee Line) to Waterloo Station, where the London Eye sits just a 5-minute walk away.

If the weather’s clear, it’s a nice experience to go up and take in the city from above. But if it’s a bit grey or rainy, it’s just as nice to enjoy the view from below and snap a few photos instead. Tickets can be on the pricey side, usually starting at around £32 if you don’t have a London Pass.

If you skip the London Eye ride (to save time or cost), you could instead do a scenic riverside walk. The South Bank walk itself is enjoyable; you’ll pass many landmarks such as Shakespeare’s Globe, Millennium Bridge, and the The Golden Hind. There are also many cafe along the way to grab a bite or drinks.

Make your way to the Charing Cross area and pass the Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridge. Then, you will find yourself close to the next landmark.

3:30 PM: Stop By Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

No trip to London feels quite complete without stopping by this famous clock tower. It’s stunning in the evening when the lights come on, but during the day, you can really see the details of its Neo-Gothic design. If you wish to look inside, there’s a 90-minute tour you can book; just be ready for a bit of a climb, as there are more than three hundred steps.

Just a short walk away are the Houses of Parliament. Most people stop to admire them from the outside, but you can actually go in and have a look around. There are plenty of impressive paintings and sculptures to see, though photos aren’t allowed apart from in the Banqueting Hall.

5:00 PM: Visit Buckingham Palace (From Outside)

The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. Photo by Sammy on Adobe Stock

Most people only get to see the palace from the outside, enjoying the pretty gardens and, if they’re lucky, catching the King’s Guards as they change shifts (not the full ceremony). If you’d like to go inside, plan your visit for the summer when the guided tours are open. The State Rooms are nice to walk through, and the royal art collection is well worth seeing.

7:00 PM: Wrap Up Your Day With Dinner at Seven Dials

Tucked away in the Covent Garden area, Seven Dials Market is a favourite spot for locals to grab a bite and hang out. It’s not quite a street food market, but it’s got that same easy-going, friendly atmosphere.

You’ll find all sorts of food here. There’s sushi, pizza, truffle mushroom burgers, sandwiches, and plenty of good dessert choices. We tried the truffle mushroom cheeseburger, which cost just under £10. Most people like to pick a few things from different stalls and sit together in the shared dining area. There’s also a bar if you fancy a cocktail to wind down after your one day in London.

Get Your Free Downloadable Plan Now

Here’s a simple one-day London itinerary you can customise to your liking. Download it, keep it handy, and follow along to make the most of your day in the city.

Ready for a Day Out in London?

Putting together your London itinerary 1 day is easier than you might think. Just choose the places you really want to see, get your London Pass in advance, and keep our printable itinerary handy for the day. And remember, every great adventure starts with the right backpack. Your CabinZero is light, durable, and ready to go wherever you are.

Quyen Pham