One Day in London: The Ultimate Itinerary in 2025

If you only have one day in London, this itinerary will help you take in some of the city’s most iconic sights while savouring excellent food along the way. It’s ideal for first-time visitors or anyone looking to tick off multiple major attractions in a single trip. 

I’ve been fortunate to visit London many times, both for work and leisure, and this itinerary is a combination of my favourite experiences from those visits. That said, it’s important to manage expectations – London is vast, and one day simply isn’t enough to see everything. 

This plan focuses on the city centre and includes some of the landmarks London is famous for such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and the Tower of London. These landmarks are all within walking distance of each other, making it possible to cover them in a single day. 

Chances are, after this whirlwind tour, you’ll be inspired to return and discover even more of what this incredible city has to offer. 

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Itinerary for One Day in London

I recommend starting the day early, as the itinerary is quite full on. Feel free to skip any activities to slow down the pace. As I’ve previously mentioned, it’s impossible to see everything in one day, so you might as well focus on the things that interest you the most. 

Early Morning: Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park

Start the day at one of London’s most iconic landmarks – Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. It’s a highly recognisable building, frequently featured in news coverage and films. 

Guided tours of the palace are only available for a few weeks in the summer. Unless you have a strong interest in the British royal family, I’d suggest skipping the tour, especially if you’re short on time. 

Another well-known attraction here is the Changing of the Guard, a formal ceremony in which one detachment of troops takes over from another. It usually takes place at 11:00 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. 

It can fit into this itinerary, but personally, I’d skip it in favour of other experiences. Instead, admire the palace from a distance, snap a few photos, and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful St James’s Park. 

Trafalgar Square and The National Gallery

After enjoying the scenic setting, head to The Mall, a ceremonial road that connects Buckingham Palace to your next destination, Trafalgar Square. The walk from St James’s Park takes about 10 minutes. 

The focal point of this famous square is Nelson’s Column, a 52-metre-high monument commemorating Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. 

At each corner of the square, you’ll find four plinths. Three are topped with statues of historical figures, while the fourth – known as the Fourth Plinth – is left empty and often used to display contemporary artworks, adding a modern twist to the historic surroundings. 

Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery, one of London’s most iconic art institutions. Its collection includes works by Old Masters such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, British greats like John Constable, and modern art icons including Van Gogh and Cézanne. 

If you plan to visit a museum during your day in London, I highly recommend the National Gallery. Admission is free. 

Late Morning: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, South Bank

From Trafalgar Square, head down Whitehall, another famous street lined with government buildings. Stay on the right-hand side and be sure not to miss the guarded gates of Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister’s residence. You can just about catch a glimpse of its iconic black door through the gates. 

After a 10-minute walk, you’ll arrive at Parliament Square, where you’ll find some of Britain’s most iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. While guided tours of parts of the Parliament building are available, they’re better suited for a longer visit. 

Next to the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations, weddings, and the resting place of many of the country’s most notable figures since 1066. If time allows, especially if you opted not to visit the National Gallery, I highly recommend exploring the Abbey. 

Adult tickets cost £30 and include a multimedia guide. I used it during a previous visit, and it really enhanced my appreciation of the Abbey’s unique history. I would have missed many fascinating details otherwise. 

Once you’ve finished exploring, cross the River Thames via Westminster Bridge and head east along the South Bank. From here, you’ll get fantastic photo opportunities of the Houses of Parliament from across the water. 

The walk along the South Bank is one of my favourites in central London. It offers spectacular views and passes by some of the city’s most iconic attractions, including the London Eye, the National Theatre, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. 

Lunch: Borough Market

Continue along the riverside until you reach Southwark Cathedral, then head south along Cathedral Street. You’ll soon arrive at one of London’s top foodie destinations: Borough Market, an ideal spot for a delicious lunch. 

The market offers a wide range of stalls, from organic produce and artisan charcuterie to premium cheeses and international street food. You’ll find many different cuisines on offer, including Italian, Middle Eastern, Thai, and Japanese.  

The main downside is that the market can get very busy, especially during peak lunch hours. If you prefer a more relaxed dining experience, there are also many excellent restaurants surrounding the market. Here are some of my favourites: 

• Mallow – A stylish eatery serving globally inspired plant-based dishes. 
• Kolae – A bold and innovative Thai restaurant with flavours that truly pack a punch. 
• Barrafina – The perfect place to enjoy high-quality Spanish tapas. 
• Lantana – This café brings Aussie-style brunch to the heart of London. 

Afternoon: Tower Bridge and the Tower of London

After lunch, head back to the riverside and continue walking for about 15 minutes until you reach one of London’s most recognisable landmarks – Tower Bridge. Chances are, you’ve already seen this iconic 19th-century structure featured on both the big and small screen. 

You do have the option to go inside the bridge to learn about its history and enjoy sweeping views from the elevated walkways, which include glass floors for some extra thrills. Tickets cost £16 for adults and £8 for children. 

However, since time is limited, I’d recommend saving the museum visit for another occasion. Instead, take a moment to snap some photos and then cross the bridge to the other side to explore one of my personal favourite historic attractions in the city. 

Tower of London

Founded in 1066 during the Norman Conquest, the Tower of London has served many roles over the centuries: a royal residence, a notorious prison that once held prominent figures like Elizabeth I before she became queen, the Royal Mint, an armoury, and even a zoo. 

Included with your ticket is a guided tour led by a Yeoman Warder, also known as a “Beefeater.” I’ve taken the tour twice and always enjoy how these guides bring the castle’s dramatic history to life. 

Each guide adds his own personality and humour to the experience, making every tour unique. The last Yeoman Warder tour of the day begins at 3:15 pm, so be sure to plan your day accordingly if you’d like to join one. 

While there’s plenty to see, one of the highlights is the Crown Jewels – a stunning collection of royal regalia featuring thousands of gemstones. Housed at the Tower since 1661, some of these items are still used in royal ceremonies today. 

Entry to the Tower of London costs £35.80 per adult and £17.90 per child. 

Evening: Dinner and Show in Convent Garden

The Tower of London closes at 5:30 pm, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore all its nooks and crannies. To round off your day, why not enjoy one of the things London does best – live theatre? 

Covent Garden, in the heart of central London, is home to many of the city’s most iconic theatres. From blockbuster musicals to critically acclaimed plays often featuring international stars, there’s something for everyone. I highly recommend catching a show -you can check what’s on during your visit on the London Theatre website. 

To get to Covent Garden from the Tower, the easiest option is to take the Tube. Head to Tower Hill station and take the District line to Embankment. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk north into Covent Garden. 

I’ve also walked the full route before, and while it’s a great way to see some historic spots, it takes around an hour, perhaps a bit much after a full day of sightseeing. 

Covent Garden is packed with great places to eat, ideal for a pre-show dinner. One of my personal favourites is Balthazar, a stylish brasserie known for its delicious take on French cuisine. 

When Is the Best Time to Go to London

You can visit London year-round, but to make the most of the longer days and increase your chances of better weather, I’d recommend going between May and September. Rain is common even in summer, but there are plenty of pleasant days too. 

The downside, of course, is that everyone else has the same idea – this is peak tourist season. That said, London is busy with visitors throughout the year, so there isn’t really a true low season. 

How to Get to London

London is home to several airports and train stations, so your arrival point will largely depend on where you’re travelling from. 

If you’re coming from abroad, there’s a good chance you’ll arrive at Heathrow or Gatwick Airport. From there, you can take a train, coach, or taxi into central London. 

If you’re travelling from elsewhere in the UK, I think the train is the best way to get to the capital. It brings you right into the city centre, making it easy to start exploring London’s sights without delay. 

How to Get Around London

I designed this itinerary to be as walkable as possible, so you won’t need to spend much time figuring out public transportation. Fortunately, many of London’s most iconic sights are located within walking distance of one another. 

There is just one short tube ride from the Tower of London to Covent Garden, which is a direct journey that doesn’t require changing lines. You can pay for the trip using your regular credit or debit card. 

Budget for One Day in London

Your costs will largely depend on which attractions you decide to visit and where you choose to dine. Here are the ticket prices for the historic attractions featured in this itinerary: 

• National Gallery: free 
• Westminster Abbey: £30 adult/£13 child 
• Tower of London: £35.80 adult/£17.90 child 

Realistically, you’d only have time to properly explore two of these, so opting for the National Gallery would keep your costs down. 

Dining expenses are highly personal and will vary depending on the type of places you choose. A budget of around £80 per person should comfortably cover multiple meals. However, if you’re planning to dine at a higher-end restaurant, your costs will naturally be higher. 

The tube ride between the Tower of London and Embankment station costs £2.90 during peak times (Monday to Friday, 06:30–09:30 and 16:00–19:00) and £2.80 off-peak (all other times). 

Theatre ticket prices can vary significantly depending on the show and where you choose to sit. Costs range from around £10 for discounted seats with limited visibility to several hundred pounds for prime spots in the front rows of the stalls. I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance to ensure you get to attend your preferred show.  

Overall, I’d recommend budgeting at least £160 per person for this itinerary, excluding the theatre tickets. Additional transport or an overnight stay will, of course, increase the total cost. 

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for more ideas on what to see and do during your trip, take a look at this guide to the best things to do in London for first-time visitors – there truly is so much to explore. 

It’s also worth remembering that there’s far more to the UK than just London. If you’d like to experience more of what the country has to offer, check out this list of the best UK cities to visit for some inspiration. 

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• The 11 Best Things to Do in London for First Timers 
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