London is such a magical city! Every time I visit, I question why I have yet to move there!

During my recent visit to revel in the Notting Hill Carnival, I dedicated my last day to visiting some of London’s famous landmarks and attractions. I fell in love with the beauty of London again and seriously considered skipping my flight home to stay longer! 

If you’re visiting London during an extended layover or have an extra day to sightsee, use this one-day itinerary as a guide to help you plan your time in London. 

This guide includes London’s famous attractions, off-the-beaten-path sights, the best tours, a Black business directory, and more.  

London has something for everyone; realistically, you might only see and do some things on this list. So feel free to switch things up to align with your interests.  

Ready for your London adventure? Let’s get into it! 

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Map of 1 Day London Itinerary

To help you visualize everything below, I’ve added a map. You can also check out Google Maps here.

What To Do In London For A Day 

To make the most of your time, I recommend buying tickets online in advance, especially for popular activities. This way, you can experience one, two, or even three of your top bucket list activities!

Morning Itinerary

To maximize your time, aim to arrive at your first activity by 9 am to beat the lines and continue until you’ve seen as much as possible.

The London Eye 

What better place to start your day off than taking in the beautiful views of the city on a 443 ft tall (135 meters) giant observation Ferris wheel. Located along the South Bank Thames, the London Eye is one of the city’s most recognizable and top attractions. 

Visiting the London Eye was the highlight of my trip, and even though I am a bit afraid of heights, the experience was worth it! For the best price, book your tickets in advance on the official site here verse purchasing your tickets in person. Given you only have one day to explore, consider getting a Fast Track Ticket if you want to skip the lines. 

For more information and tips to help you plan your visit, check out the complete guide to the London Eye here. 

The Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey

After your London Eye experience, walk to the Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster. These massive buildings are home to English lawmakers and the giant bell commonly known as Big Ben.  

I was super excited to see Big Ben after the construction and immediately took a selfie! My camera barely captured the essence of its beauty! The way the sun poked through the clouds gave the building an illuminating look. 

Most people will admire the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben from the outside, but if you’re interested in exploring inside and going on a guided tour, you can book tickets online here. Your ticket also includes visiting Westminster Abbey.  

 Westminster Abbey, a royal church, is home to over 17 royal weddings, the site of coronations for all British monarchs, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside, you’ll see ancient tombs, royal memorials, and more.  

Tickets tend to sell out fast, so be sure to book your tickets online in advance here to secure your spot.

Pro tip: Tours to the Houses of Parliament only run on certain days and must be booked in advance. If visiting the Houses of Parliament is high on your list, be sure to research and plan out your day. 

Tower London

After seeing the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, you can walk or take the Thames River “bus” from Westminster Pier to the Tower Pier or London Bridge City Pier. 

The walk is alright (approximately 15 minutes), but for a more adventurous way, take the river bus to catch additional sights along the Thames River. The Tower of London and Thames River boat ride is free with your purchase of the London Pass.  

The Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in 1097, is one of the most visited landmarks in the U.K. The ‘White Tower’ was once upon a time a fortress, prison, execution site, and royal palace. Today this 900-year-old landmark is home to the crowned jewels worn by the monarchs.

Before heading out, try and grab a selfie with the “Beefeaters’, you can’t miss them; they are the ceremonial guards dressed extra fancy walking around the Tower of London.  

Entrance is free with your London pass. Alternatively, you can skip the line by purchasing the Tower of London tickets here. 

Pro Tip: Buying tickets in advance to attractions in London saved me about 5-10% every time versus purchasing my tickets in person. Who doesn’t love saving a few coins here and there? 

Before leaving the area, visit one of London’s famous bridges and take a few pictures with the Thames in the background. Access is free with your London Pass. If time permits, check out the HMS Belfast warship or the Tate Modern museum. It’s free! 

Afternoon Itinerary 

Buckingham Palace

Whether you’re a fan of the late Queen or not, no visit to London is complete without at least passing by Buckingham Palace. While I can bet Londers avoid the palace at all costs, it’s something to experience! Put this way, it’s like visiting New York City for the first time and not walking through Times Square. 

Here you can watch the changing of the guards, but I recommend checking their official website for the most up-to-date schedule. To save time and skip the line, buy your tickets online in advance here to guarantee the chance to witness the changing of the guard and tour Buckingham Palace. 

Other Popular Attractions

Here is a list of other activities to consider if you decide to switch things up or want a more laid-back adventure. 

Trafalgar Square: A quick walk from Buckingham Palace. You will know you’ve arrived because the Cenotaph will greet you, one of the most well-known war memorials in the U.K. Before leaving this area, take a selfie with one of the giant lion statues.

Hop-On-Hop-Off Big Bus Tour: If you cannot walk long distances or want a break, the hop-on-hop-off big bus tour is an excellent alternative for seeing many of the city’s famous landmarks. Note the hop-on-hop-off big bus tour is included with the London Pass.

Covent Garden: Located in the West End, Covent Garden is known for its shopping, fancy restaurants, St. Paul’s Cathedral, theatres, and opera houses.  I recommend stopping here for lunch!

Harrods: Visit one of the world’s largest and most famous department stores. Harrods has over 300 departments on 7 floors, including an art Nouveau-inspired food hall. For a unique and memorable Harrods experience, make a reservation for high tea at the Harrods Tea Rooms. 

The Shard: If views are your thing, and you are looking for an alternative to the London Eye, you’ll want to visit the Shard.  It offers incredible 360-degree views of the entire city. Buy your tickets online in advance on GetYourGuide for the best prices. 

Sky Garden: Like the name sounds, it is an indoor garden on top of a skyscraper in London’s financial district. Aside from the awesome views of the city, you can saunter and admire the beautiful gardens, observation deck, and open-air terrace. Free tickets are released on their official website every Monday.  Reserve your ticket here. 

Best Walking Tours of London

Walking tours are an excellent option if you’re interested in strolling through central London and learning about the history firsthand from a local. Many tours include visiting most of the sights and attractions mentioned above.  

The beauty of walking tours is that you can do half or full-day tours. The popular walking towards tends to sell out quickly, and I recommend getting your tickets in advance here.  

Harry Potter Guided Walking Tours 

House Gryffindor all the way, baby! I am a HUGE fan of Harry Potter and nerd out unapologetically any chance I get. If you share my exact sentiments, then you’re not going to want to miss out on taking a guided walking tour visiting the highlights seen in the movies across London.  

This is a popular walking tour, so be sure to secure your tickets in advance here. Some places you’ll see along the tour include the Leaky Cauldron, the secret wizarding inn, Diagon Alley, where Harry first bought his wand, and so much more!

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

If you have more time in London, consider going on the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio tour and get lost in the world of wizardry and magic. 

On tour, you’ll get up close and personal with the enchanting sets, props, and costumes used in the films. Transportation is included with your ticket, and I recommend booking your ticket in advance as this tour often sells out.  

I was bummed I missed out on this tour and would’ve forfeited everything on this list to visit Gringotts Bank and climb aboard the Hogwarts Express. 

Black History Walks

 Learn about over 3,500 years of hidden African and Caribbean history in the United Kingdom. 12 walking tours are offered in 10 different areas around the city between February and November. Visit their official website for walks and tour schedules.  

Black history river cruises and bus tours are also available. These tours are offered bi-monthly and are popular, especially in the summertime, so make sure to buy your ticket online in advance.  Reserve your spot here. 

Off The Beaten Path – Beyond Central London

Alexandra Palace

If you’ve visited London before and are looking to explore less touristy areas, consider venturing to Tottenham. Locally known as the “Ally Pally” in north London, this entertainment and sports venue is home to BBC’s first television service. The Ally Pally offers stunning panoramic views of London and is an excellent spot for a picnic.

I stayed with a friend in Tottenham who suggested I check it out, and really glad I did!

Evening Itinerary 

After exploring central London, head over to East London for dinner and drinks.

Shoreditch

I discovered Shoreditch on my first day in London and fell in love with the impressive collection of street art. It’s a hip area located in the East End of London. If you’ve ever visited Brooklyn, New York, or Berlin, Germany, think of trendy vibes with cute bars, restaurants, shops, and clubs. If time permits, definitely consider grabbing a bite to eat in this area! 

Boxpark 

Boxpark is a mall made of shipping containers with endless options of tasty international street food, cocktails, and local pop-up shops. I chowed down on the crispy squid and crispy rolls from Peninsula, a yummy Maylasian street food vendor. 

Dishoom

Indian food is one of my favorite cuisines, and the U.K. has the best Indian cuisine I’ve ever had!  Dishoom Shoreditch is no exception! It offers authentic and delicious Bombay comfort food and cocktails. The ambiance alone will make you want to stay there all night!  

It’s a popular spot, and I recommend making reservations and arriving about 10 minutes early to have a drink at the bar while you wait for your table. If you love Indian food, I promise you Dishoom will not disappoint! 

Black-owned Businesses In London

I am always looking for how to support local businesses, especially Black-owned businesses. During my last visit, I discovered the Black Owned London directory. The directory comprises of local Black business owners, including restaurants, skin and hair care, art, fashion apparel, home design, pet care, you name it!  

My first meal in London was at the BlueRock Caribbean, a Black-owned restaurant in Tottenham. Margaret and her husband, Steve, serve homemade Caribbean food. I had the oxtail, and it was cooked to perfection. Every bite was packed with flavor and goodness. I still think about Margret’s savory oxtail. If you find yourself in Tottehenham, stop into the BlueRock Caribbean restaurant for a delicious and affordable meal!

Getting Around London 

London is a walkable city, and most of the above activities are relatively close to one another. But if walking isn’t your thing or you want to take a break, public transportation is the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city.  

The Tube: The London Underground or “The Tube” is the most efficient way to get around. Here’s a map of the tube which will come in handy, and I recommend familiarizing yourself with it before your visit. You can always ask the staff for help if you get lost.

Bus: Because of the traffic, taking the bus can take longer to get around, but on the bright side, you have the chance to see more of the city! Speaking of seeing more of the city, the Big Bus Hop On, Hop Off sightseeing tour gives you all-day access to admire the famous landmarks around the city. Note the hop-on-hop-off big bus tour is included with the London Pass.

Citymapper: To save time getting around, download the Citymapper. It’s perfect for helping you find the closest station and time for your one day in London. 

Oyster Card or Contactless: I advise getting an Oyster card or Contactless card to pay for your rides around the city. You can get an oyster card from Tube stations and nearby newsagents. To add money to your card, you can “top-up” at the closed Tube station. 

Money Saving Tips For Your One Day In London 

London isn’t the cheapest city, but there are ways you can still see the city on a budget. 

Get the London Pass: London offers a variety of free attractions, but places like the London Eye, the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and other popular sights aren’t free. The entry fees for some popular attractions are included with the London Pass listed in this post, which can cost you up to $150 or ￡120.

If you’re planning to visit multiple sites, the London Pass (starting at $100 or ￡80) allows you access to 80 of the city’s best attractions. The 1 day London Pass is the best way to save money. 

Book your London Pass in advance online here. 

Another option is the GoCity London Explorer Pass. With this pass, you can choose one or seven activities from over 60 things to do and see.  

Use the Hooper Fare: Buses and trams allow you to use the Hopper Fare for unlimited journeys within one hour for ￡1.65. 

Important Things To Know For Visiting London

Currency: The national currency in the U.K. is the ‘pound’ or GBP (Great British Pound). The exchange rate is about 1.35 US Dollars per pound, but check the Xe Currency Converter site for the latest change rates, as they fluctuate. 

Pro Tip: If you have Appy Pay, use it as a cashless option. Credit cards and debit cards are also widely accepted. Check to ensure your credit card doesn’t charge international fees. Also, inform them you will be traveling internationally, so you don’t have any issues using your card aboard. 

Safety: London is a safe city, and I felt comfortable, but it doesn’t mean you should let your guard down. It’s a bustling city with over 8 million people, after all. My advice is always to remain alert and keep an eye on your belongings. I like to use a cross-body bag or fanny pack. It’s the perfect size for fitting my essential items for the day. 

If you decide to take taxis around the city, make sure it’s a licensed black cab. 

Portable Charger: You’ll be on the go all day, make sure to bring a trusty portable charger with you in case you need to juice up. This is my new go-to charger that I never leave home without. 

Power: The electricity in London is 220v standard and three pin plugs. If you’re visiting from the U.S. or another country outside the U.K., you will need an adapter to plug in your devices. 

Internet Access: You’ll have no issues accessing Wi-Fi as it’s available all around the city. If you have an unlocked phone, get a local SIM card for a cheaper and more convenient alternative.

Water: The water in London is safe to drink, and while bottled water is available on every corner, I recommend a reusable water bottle. You’ll save a few pounds, but you’ll be upholding your sustainable duties as a citizen of this great planet! 

Check the weather:  The weather in London can be unpredictable. Check the weather before venturing out, and bring an umbrella with you, just in case. 

Best Way To Get From The Airport To Central London

Heathrow: The Heathrow Express to London Paddington is the fastest way to get into central London. Alternatively, you can take the tube (underground train), the Piccadilly Line, into the city. This option is slower than the Heathrow Express, but it is cheaper. This is the option I went with, and I had no issues. 

Gatwick: The easiest way to get to central London is by taking the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station in 30 minutes. Southern Railway and Thameslink trains will also drop you off in Central London. 

Stansted: This airport is out of the way, and I suggest booking a shuttle to central London. Shuttle time is between 45 minutes to 60 minutes in total.  

Luton: This airport is also far out, and options for getting into Central London include taking the airport bus to the train station or reserving a seat on the coach bus into central London.  

Conclusion – Lady Chin’s Two Cents

One day in London isn’t enough time to soak up all the awesome things to do, but it does give you a taste of what to expect! I hope this guide helps you plan for your one day in London, and remember, anything you don’t get to this time means it’s only right that you return to London for more fun and adventure!

What’s your favorite thing to do in London?

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