My very first trip abroad, like many others’, was to London. In the Fall of 2017, I got to check “Travel to Europe” off my bucket list. While it was a school trip, I still got to experience some of the amazing things London has to offer and did most of my exploring in a jam-packed 24 hours.
If your next time to London is a short one, here is all you can pack into a day exploring one of the world’s most famous cities.
Be Prepared to Wake Up Early
We started our sightseeing at 8am, which was tough, considering we’d landed the day before and were still jet-lagged, but you will not want to miss any time exploring this great city. Set those alarms!
Start with a Traditional English Breakfast
With a full day of sightseeing, you will need to get some fuel and much needed caffeine to start your day. At our hotel, St. Giles London, they provided a buffet breakfast with all the traditional English foods. Check to see if your hotel offers breakfast or find a nearby restaurant to kickstart your day.
Head to Buckingham Palace
As one of the top sites to see while in London, the grounds outside Buckingham Palace can get really crowded, so make sure you get there early.
If changing of the guards is on your list, make sure to check online as this traditional ceremony only happens on select days. Be prepared to spend about an hour and a half at Buckingham Palace for this ceremony.
Take the Scenic Route through St. James Park
London is filled with some impressive parks. Surrounding Buckingham Palace is both Hyde Park and St. James Park. Stroll through St. James Park on your way towards the River Thames for your next stop.
Visit Westminster Abbey
Just on the outside of St. James Park is the famous Westminster Abbey, home to every coronation since 1066 and the site for sixteen royal weddings, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince William’s. Just looking from the outside and walking the grounds is impressive, but if you would like to step foot inside this famous church, you will need to purchase a ticket.
Walk Along the River Thames
Walking along the river will provide you an easy way to see tons of sites including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the London Eye.
Hop on the Tube towards St. Paul’s Cathedral
After taking in the sites along the River Thames, find the nearest tube (subway) stop and head to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Enjoy exploring this center of worship and the beautiful architecture inside. Often, they even have live music playing for you to enjoy.
See the Magic of the Millennium Bridge
This is often referred to as the Harry Potter Bridge, as it was made famous from the series. This foot bridge provides great views of the city, and on the other side is Shakespeare’s Globe. While it is not the original playhouse where William Shakespeare became famous, this reconstruction of the original is considered quite realistic. Here you can visit and see the famous plays written by William Shakespeare.
Eat Local at the Borough Market
Now that you have worked up an appetite sightseeing, Borough Market is one of my favorite stops. As London’s oldest food market, here you can get everything from fish and chips to fresh pastries. I highly recommend getting authentic fish and chips served right onto the day’s newspaper. At Borough Market, everyone should be able to find something to enjoy.
Walk Along the Tower Bridge
One of the most iconic bridges in the world and a symbol of London is Tower Bridge. This is definitely a picture-worthy moment as you walk along the River Thames towards the bridge. As you cross, you’ll be at the foot of the Tower of London.
Visit the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London
Although I did not walk inside on my 24 hour site-seeing adventure, I did come back and visit the Tower of London later, and I highly recommend it. The Tower of London is most famously known for being the home of The Crown Jewels. Be sure to pre-purchase a ticket to enter the tower. I would suggest jumping onto the last tour group of the day.
(If you plan to do the tower first thing in the morning, try to book an opening tour as you get a firsthand look at the morning ceremony they practice daily to open the working fortress.)
Spend the Evening on the West End
If you are not fully exhausted by now and want a nightcap, consider booking a show at one of the London Theaters. I saw both Wicked and The Phantom of the Opera during my last visit to London, and both were incredible.
Close Down the Pub
Nothing fully ends your day in London like visiting a local pub. You cannot go wrong wherever you go!
So make sure to pack your walking shoes and your best camera because you will be sure to get a lot of steps and a lot of memories on your 24 hours exploring London.