The museums are FREE. Art galleries FREE. Architecture is phenomenal. Accents are sexy. Food is scrumptious. Getting around is easy peasy. Will continue to visit as you can never see it all and there is so much to see it’s unfathomable.
Denise M via TripAdvisor
How do you spend a perfect day in London?
London is the greatest city on the face of the earth (no we’re not being biased), every year, tens of millions of international visitors come to the city, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
It’s also a great destination for Brits and other Europeans to enjoy a day trip. With its close proximity to the rest of Europe, London is a great short-break for millions of travellers. The perfect day out doesn’t have to break the bank either.
So you’re in London – a vibrant city with a mix of history and culture – and you’re wondering what should I do with my day. There are a lot of options for those who want to get off the beaten track but there are also a lot of touristy attractions that everyone should try.
Royals and Iconic Landmarks
The royal family are one of the biggest attractions for international visitors. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace are open for visitors (depending on the time of the year). An average adult ticket for a visit to royal palaces is around £30 but depending on when you visit, which palaces you visit (there are also Hampton Court Palace) and deals online, you might be able to knock a few quid off the price.
If you do not want to go inside the palaces, it’s worth walking down The Mall – the grand processional road that leads to Trafalgar Square. It’ll take you right outside Buckingham Palace and it’s worth grabbing a snap outside the famous gates.
Depending on the day (check the schedule online as it doesn’t happen daily) you could watch the Changing of the Guard outside Buckingham Palace.
Trafalgar Square is a busy public space, usually filled with street performers – and is a great place to take a break from all your exploring. The square is home to the iconic Nelson’s Column. Be careful in these traditional tourist hotspots as these are the areas where pickpockets operate.
The Tower of London is also worth considering. You’ll get to see: The Crown Jewels, The White Tower, Chapel of St Peter ad Vincula, Battlements, Medieval Palace, Bloody Tower, Torture at the Tower exhibition, Fusiliers Museum and Royal Mint exhibition. Tickets are roughly £30+ for an adult and its worth booking in advance.
“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.”
Samuel Johnson, the author of the first-ever dictionary
Galleries and Museums
London is home to some of the best galleries and museums in the world from the National Gallery (free entry) which houses masterpieces Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci to the Tate Modern (free entry) home to world-class contemporary art.
British Museum (free entry) is one of the world’s greatest museums, home to the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Parthenon sculptures.
Westminster and Princess Diana
The London Underground is amongst the best tube services in the world. It’s easy to get around the city, but there is no better way to explore London than on foot.
Walking to the House of Parliament – also home to Big Ben, you’ll be able to catch views of the London Eye and the river Thames from Westminster Bridge.
If you want to enjoy some green spaces, London is home to many. One of the most famous is, of course, Hyde Park. Take a relaxing stroll or a boat ride on the Serpentine. Grab some lunch and relax in the sun.
For royal fans, Hyde Park is also home to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain with Diana’s former home Kensington Palace sitting on the famous park. You can go inside Kensington Palace – though Diana’s former home is not available for the public to visit. However, you can walk around Princess Diana Memorial Garden and see the statue her sons Princes William and Harry had commissioned for their late mother.
The Memorial Garden – originally called the Sunken Garden – was one of Diana’s favourite places at the palace and she would jog past it every morning.
Kensington Gardens is also home to the Albert Memorial.
Another great walk will take you along the Southbank, home to street performers and pop-up markets. It offers lovely views of the Thames and you’ll be able to get some more unique gifts to take home with you. The area has been called the heart of London’s cultural life. It often hosts panel discussions, movie nights, gigs, concerts and courses and workshops. There’s lots to do here… we’d suggest if you’re only in the city for one day to book ahead.
Covent Garden and the West End
Covent Garden is a beautiful district in London, home to the Royal Opera House, and now one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The Covent Garden area has been associated with entertainment and shopping. It has 13 theatres, and more than 60 pubs and bars.
The area attracts a lot of young people with its trendy retail outlets.
From Covent Garden, you’re within walking distance to the West End – a broad term used to describe the areas in London known for its entertainment, mostly theatre performances.
If you’re up for it, you can book last-minute tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted theatre tickets.
One of the biggest draws to London is the Harry Potter Studios – where the movie sets for the story of the famous boy wizard are available to explore. It’s a must-visit for Potter heads. You’ll have to book in advance and be aware, that the studio is outside of London in an area called Watford, so you’ll need to travel from London Euston to Watford (20 minutes). There are plenty of shuttle buses from the station taking you to the studio tour.
Tips for a day out in London
- Use the Tube (London Underground) or buses to get around quickly. An Oyster Card or contactless payment is the easiest way to pay
- Consider walking. A massive part of European culture is walking, to enjoy London like a local consider pounding the streets. If you’re not used to walking, make sure you wear comfortable shoes.
- Bring an umbrella and sunscreen. You just don’t know what weather you’ll be getting.
There’s a lot to do in London and doing it all in one day is unlikely. So planning ahead and choosing the jey attractions you want to visit is essential. Make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out.
Some other attractions you could consider visiting are The London Eye, Camden Market (make sure you have a pint at the world-famous Hawley Arms), Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Portobello Road Market (antiques and vintage goods), Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral & plenty more.
London FAQs
How many days are sufficient for a London trip?
A common consensus among travellers is that anywhere from 3 to 5 days serves as a solid foundation for exploring the major sights without feeling too rushed.
Which county is London, UK in?
London is located in the county of Greater London, an administrative area that includes 32 boroughs plus the City of London.
Is London good to visit during Christmas?
Absolutely! Visiting the UK, especially London, during the Christmas break is a magical experience. The city comes alive with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and a cheerful atmosphere.