ONE DAY ITINERARY IN LONDON, UK 🇬🇧

Here’s how to spend your first 24 hours in London, UK! ✨

🏨 STAY/BREAKFAST:

I highly recommend staying at Mama Shelter London Shoreditch, truly the coolest boutique hotel I have ever stayed at with the most insane breakfast that you will hit on your first stop in the morning!

📸 PHOTO SPOT:

After breakfast at Mama Shelter, I recommend heading over to The Queen’s Walk for a photo with The Tower Bridge, no not the London bridge. That has fallen down…

🏰 SIGHTSEEING:

Take the tube over to Buckingham Palace, and if it’s Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday expect large crowds and be ready to watch The Changing of the Guard ceremony that starts at 10:45 am. It was really cool to see in real life!

🏰 SIGHTSEEING:

Once you are done at Buckingham Palace you will be within walking distance to Piccadilly Circus, the “Times Square'' of London! There are tons of shopping, dining and street vendors, just like NYC as well.

📸 This is also where you can find one of the most iconic photo spots for the subway: Regent Street Underground Entrance! 😉

🥨 SNACK:

By this time I needed a pick me up, and the EL&N cafe was not only adorable and instagrammable, but the pastries and lattes were a perfect sweet treat.

🎨 MUSEUM:

Next on your one day itinerary in London is The Natural History Museum of South Kensington which is FREE, just be sure to snag a timed ticket for entry. 💦 Take water, it is hot in there.

🛍️ SHOPPING:

After The Natural History Museum head over to Central London for Leadenhall Market, a beautiful market with boutiques, shops, restaurants and bars.

🏰 SIGHTSEEING:

Just before sunset, you will 100% want to head to The Sky Garden with 360 degree views of London’s skyline. It’s so good I can’t believe it is FREE. You just have to get free access tickets for a time slot released every Monday.

🍜 DINNER: Comfort food is the only thing that matters after you are a few drinks in from Sky Garden’s bars. Head to The Breakfast Club to have some delicious food.

And for an added bonus the 12-16 Artillery Ln, London E1 7LS location has a hidden speakeasy behind a smeg refrigerator.

🍻DRINKS: The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town lives behind the SMEG, be sure to get a reservation and check out the coolest speakeasy in London.

London has so much more to do, so I highly recommend spending more than just one day.

Let me know if you want me to do more days for things to do in London + be sure to follow for more unique travel itineraries! ✨

#londontravel #londontravelguide #londonuk #europevacation #travelinspiration2023 #europeantravel

London
2023/4/19 Edited to

... Read moreHey fellow travelers! So, you're tackling London in just one day? I totally get it – it feels like a whirlwind, but with a few extra insider tips, you can absolutely make every minute count and leave feeling like you truly experienced the city! My original itinerary gives you a solid plan, but let's dive into some practical hacks to make your 24 hours even smoother and more unforgettable. First up, mastering London's transport is crucial. While walking is fantastic for soaking in the atmosphere, especially along the beautiful River Thames where you can snap shots of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tube is your best friend for speed. Grab an Oyster card or simply use a contactless payment card – it's super efficient and will whisk you between major sights like Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, and the Natural History Museum without a hitch. Don't forget, sometimes a quick bus ride offers incredible street-level views you'd miss underground! Next, smart planning is your secret weapon. For popular spots like the Sky Garden, where you get those incredible 360-degree views, always pre-book your free timed tickets as soon as they're released – I learned this the hard way! The same goes for the Natural History Museum; even though it's free, a timed entry can save you from long queues. Try to group your activities geographically. For example, after visiting the Tower Bridge, you might consider exploring nearby areas before heading across town. This minimizes travel time and maximizes sightseeing. You'll be on your feet a lot, so fueling up is essential! Beyond the delightful pastries at EL&N cafe I mentioned, London is packed with fantastic quick eats. Grab a classic fish and chips from a local chippy, or pop into a Pret A Manger for a fresh sandwich on the go. If you're looking for a quick, authentic evening experience without a full sit-down meal, many pubs offer delicious, hearty food – perfect before you head to The Breakfast Club for dinner or seek out that quirky speakeasy behind the SMEG refrigerator! Finally, embrace flexibility and be prepared for anything! London weather can be famously unpredictable, so a light waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. While my itinerary packs a lot in, don't be afraid to adjust it based on your interests or how you're feeling. Maybe you want to spend extra time admiring the architecture at Leadenhall Market, or perhaps you'd prefer to skip a museum for more street exploring. The beauty of a one-day trip is making it uniquely yours. Remember, even in just 24 hours, London offers a taste of its magic. These little adjustments and tips can turn a great itinerary into an absolutely legendary one. Enjoy every moment!