There is so much to do in London it can be hard to know what to include when visiting for a day.
To help we’ve researched this a 1-day in London itinerary that includes the most popular attractions and iconic sights. That way you can make the most of an incredible city which has so much to see and do.
There are brilliant attractions and iconic landmarks as well as culture and history to explore. But is it really possible to see all the best sights in London in a one-day visit? We think so.
With good planning and deciding what key sights and attractions you want to include, you can cover the most popular sights and have a great day out in London with the family.
Feel free to do the whole day of this one day in London itinerary, or pick and choose the sights that appeal to you the most.
One day in London itinerary: 9:00 am
Tower of London
Tickets from £34.80: Tower of London
Start your one day in London itinerary at the Tower of London, one of London’s oldest buildings going back in history. Explore the White Tower, Line of Kings, and see the Crown Jewels. (1)
The Tower has been home to many English Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII. It has also served as a prison and site of execution. You can visit the Tower Green where Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife, was beheaded. (2)
When you purchase admission tickets you also get a one hour guided tour by one of the Yeoman Warders and see the resident ravens.
One day in London itinerary: 11:30 am
Tower Bridge
From the Tower of London cross over the River Thames via the instantly recognisable Tower Bridge.
Take the Queen’s Walk path westwards beside the river to Borough Market.
One day in London itinerary: 12:00 pm
Borough Market
For a quick lunch as part of your one day in London itinerary we suggest enjoying food from one of the food stalls at London’s most famous food market, Borough Market.
Don’t forget to try the free samples to help you make up your mind.
One day in London itinerary: 12:55 pm
Uber boat along the Thames
Day pass from £22.10: Uber Boat
After lunch at Borough Market, you can get the 12:57 westbound Uber boat (RB6) from London Bridge City Pier to Westminster Pier.
One day in London itinerary: 1:30 pm
Take a ride on the London Eye
Tickets from £29.00: London Eye
You should arrive at Westminster Pier just before 13:15. You can then cross Westminster Bridge to the London Eye. Take a ride for stunning views over London and see how many sights you can spot.
One day in London itinerary: 2:30 pm
Sightseeing in Westminster
Tickets from £85.00: Guided tour of Westminster
Continue your one day in London itinerary by seeing the sights from the Uber boat up close. Cross back over Westminster Bridge, taking in Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Carry on to see Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. You can get some of the best views of the Palace from St James’s Park, too.
If you want to see more of Westminster, you may prefer to book guided tour.There are a variety of Westminster tour options available from official providers.
One day in London itinerary: 4:00 pm
London gallery or museum visit
Tickets from £176.51 for a family: Kid-friendly National Gallery Tour
After Westminster you can walk or take a bus to a number of leading museums. London has many of the world’s leading galleries and museums, with many free to visit.
You can choose from any of these suggestions which are a short distance away. The Natural History Museum and Science Museum are located next to each other which is helpful if you want to try to see both.
National Gallery
Walk up the Mall from St James’s Park to Trafalgar Square to visit the National Gallery. At the National Gallery, you can see paintings by Monet, Van Gogh, Turner, and Rembrandt. You can also book kid-friendly tours of the Gallery with a guide to help engage the kids with art.
Alternatively hop on the District or Circle line westbound from St James’s Park Underground Station and ride 3 stops (approx. 7 mins) to South Kensington. From here, you can choose to visit the Natural History Museum or Science Museum.
Natural History Museum
Explore 4.6 billion years of history with a look at the natural world. Family favourites include the Dinosaurs gallery and the new garden area.
Also, the huge model blue whale and Volcanoes and Earthquakes gallery. You can also book a guided tour, including family-focused ones such as this Dinosaur Discovery tour. This explores prehistoric geology before a close look at the Dinosaurs gallery.
Science Museum
Learn and play with science through exhibitions, events, and interactive activities. The Science Museum delves into the most significant discoveries.
It covers technology, energy, astronomy, engineering, and more. You can also book into the Wonderlab interactive experience. Here, there are live shows and activities to explore all aspects of science.
One day in London itinerary: 6:00 pm
Dinner in Covent Garden or Soho
After your museum or gallery visit, you can get a quick bite to eat before the theatre.
There are lots of family-friendly restaurants in the West End, so it’s best to choose one that is near the theatre of the show you are going to see. We’ve made some suggestions here.
If you’re going to see The Lion King, there is an Honest Burgers and a Frankie & Benny’s close to the Lyceum Theatre.
For Matilda The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre, you could try Seven Dials Market, serving independent street food.
One day in London itinerary: 7:30 pm
Watch a West End musical
Tickets from £44.10: The Lion King; Tickets from £20.00: Matilda
With world-leading shows of classic and new musicals, the West End is the perfect finale to your one day in London itinerary.
There are lots of family-friendly musicals such as The Lion King and Matilda.
The Lion King
The Disney classic is brought to the stage in this award-winning musical. It’s been running at the Lyceum Theatre for 25 years, making it a favourite for families.
Matilda
Adapted from Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, Matilda The Musical has won multiple awards. It is a fun and inspiring family musical that has now been running for 12 years.
Find more West End shows
With 39 theatres in the West End, there are so many musicals and shows to choose between.
Take a look at our article Best West End shows for kids if you’re looking for something to see with all the family. Alternatively you can browse this selection of family-friendly musicals.
How should I spend one day in London?
To spend a perfect day in London, first we would visit the Tower of London to learn about London’s medieval history and a chance to see the Crown Jewels.
Then you can cross over Tower Bridge and get some lunch at Borough Market. Catch a boat up the Thames to the London Eye.
Next, see the sights of Westminster, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. Visit a free museum or gallery, such as the Natural History Museum, before watching a West End musical in the evening.
We hope you will end the action-packed day having got the most out of your time in London with a trip you won’t forget!
If you want to see more options of sights and activities in London for families, see our selection of the ten best London attractions for families.
FAQs
Is 24 hours in London enough?
Yes, 24 hours in London is enough if you plan well and curate what you want to see and do. London has so much to offer that you can easily spend longer exploring the city.
You can spend 1 day to 2 weeks in London and still have more to discover. You can take a look at our itineraries for 3 days and 7 days in London for more ideas.
How do you spend a perfect day in London?
To spend a perfect day in London, plan ahead to make sure you fit in all the things you want to do and the key sights.
For a perfect day in London, we recommend a visit to the Tower of London to unpack London’s medieval history at one of the oldest buildings.
Cross Tower Bridge and have some lunch at Borough Market.
You can then get a Thames Clipper boat up the River Thames to the London Eye.
Take a tour of the iconic sights of Westminster, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
Visit a free museum or gallery, such as the National Gallery, before watching a West End show to end the day.
How much money do I need for a day in London?
You should budget £145 – £160 per person for a day in London, depending on what attractions you choose to visit.
