One Day in London: What We Did and What You Should Too

Planning a trip to London with just one day to spare can feel overwhelming. There’s so much to see and do that it’s hard to know where to begin. But after experiencing it ourselves, we’ve put together a realistic itinerary that’s packed with iconic landmarks, cultural highlights, and delicious food, all without feeling rushed. Here’s how we made the most of our day in London, and how you can too.

Our approach was simple: prioritize iconic sights, immerse ourselves in cultural highlights, and take strategic breaks for amazing food. From standing in awe at the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London to soaking in panoramic city views from the London Eye, and ending the day with a West End show, every moment was thoughtfully planned. We’ve also included practical tips like travel times and how long to spend at each spot, so you can focus on enjoying your day rather than stressing over logistics.

This blog shares not just what we did but also what we learned along the way, offering recommendations to help you customize your own London adventure.

We started our day early, leaving our hotel at 8:00 AM to get to the Tower of London, just as it opened at 9:00 AM. This gave us enough time to beat the crowds and enjoy a more personal experience with this historic fortress. If you plan to visit, I’d recommend two hours to explore the grounds thoroughly. The highlights here are the Crown Jewels, which are breathtaking to see up close, and the Yeoman Warders (or Beefeaters), who lead fascinating tours filled with historical anecdotes. Pro tip: The legends about the ravens are worth hearing, and spotting them adds an extra layer of intrigue.

From the Tower of London, we took a 15-minute walk along the Thames to reach the London Eye. When we arrived around 11:30 AM, the line wasn’t too bad since we had booked our tickets online (a must to save time). The 30-minute rotation gave us a panoramic view of the city, including the Houses of Parliament and St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stand near the capsule’s center for unobstructed angles if you want the best views.

Tip: Arrive mid-morning to avoid peak queues. Consider purchasing a fast-track ticket for priority boarding. Check out the London Eye here.

Next, we crossed the Westminster Bridge to arrive at Westminster Abbey, a 10-minute walk from the London Eye. It was lunchtime, but we couldn’t resist stepping inside this iconic landmark for about an hour. Westminster Abbey is not just a church—it’s a piece of living history. We marveled at the Poet’s Corner and the tombs of significant figures like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking. The audio guide here is fantastic and worth using if you want to appreciate the stories behind the abbey’s walls fully.

After a packed morning, we hopped on a short Uber ride to Dishoom Covent Garden for lunch. It’s a trendy spot inspired by the Irani cafés of old Bombay. We ordered their famous Chicken Ruby and House Black Daal and a side of warm naan bread. The food was flavorful, and the relaxed ambiance gave us a much-needed break before continuing our day. Plan for at least an hour here if you’re dining in.

Next, we headed to the British Museum, about 15 minutes away by taxi. This is one of those places where you could easily spend a whole day, but since we only had about two hours, we focused on the must-sees: the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies. If you’re short on time, grab a museum map and plan your route before diving in. Also, don’t miss the Reading Room—an inspiring space steeped in history where legends like Karl Marx once worked.

Tip: Admission is free, but some special exhibitions require tickets. Learn more here.

It was a short Tube ride from the British Museum to Tate Modern, located on the South Bank. The museum is housed in a former power station, and its industrial architecture sets the stage for a unique art experience. We spent about 90 minutes exploring its modern and contemporary collections. The interactive installations were a highlight for us, especially ones where visitors could actively engage with the art. For those who love photography, the museum’s riverside views of St. Paul’s Cathedral make for some stunning shots.

Tip: Entry to the main collections is free, but special exhibitions may have a fee. Plan your visit here.

As the afternoon turned into evening, we returned to Covent Garden, a lively area perfect for strolling and soaking up the atmosphere. The historic market area is now a hub of boutique shops, street performers, and cozy cafés. We spent about an hour here, watching magicians and musicians entertain the crowd. It’s a great spot to pick up unique souvenirs or just relax with a coffee.

For dinner, we opted for something simple and quick, knowing we wanted to make it to a West End show. Covent Garden offers plenty of dining options, but we went with a casual pasta bar nearby that served hearty portions without breaking the bank.

By 7:30 PM, we were seated at the Lyceum Theatre for a West End performance of The Lion King. The West End is often called London’s Broadway and truly lives up to the hype. The production value, music, and energy were incredible, and it was the perfect way to cap off our day. Whether you prefer musicals, plays, or something more experimental, the West End has something for everyone, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Tip: Check the schedule for live performances or events happening during your visit. Discover more about Covent Garden here.

After the show, we returned to our hotel, the JW Grosvenor, to unwind. Staying here added a touch of luxury to our trip—the rooms were spacious, and the service was impeccable. We even indulged in a late-night dessert from room service while reflecting on our whirlwind day in London. This hotel is an excellent choice if you’re looking for comfort and convenience.

Tip: Consider staying in central London to minimize travel time between attractions. Learn more about JW Grosvenor Hotel here.

Start Early: Many attractions open by 9:00 AM, and arriving early helps avoid crowds.

Book Tickets in Advance: Pre-booking for popular spots like the London Eye and West End shows can save time and ensure availability.

Use Public Transport: The Tube is a fast and efficient way to get around, but taxis and Ubers are good for shorter distances.

Prioritize Your Interests: With limited time, focus on what matters most to you. For us, it was history, art, and food.

Wear Comfortable Shoes: London involves a lot of walking, so be prepared!

Travel guides are available and helpful for exploring at your own pace. Read more details about our travel blogs here.

A day in London might not be enough to see it all, but with careful planning, it’s possible to experience some of the city’s most iconic sights and hidden gems. London has a way of surprising you with its charm, history, and energy at every corner. We walked away from the experience feeling inspired by its rich past and vibrant present. Even if you’ve only got one day, the city offers so much to take in, from breathtaking views of the London Eye to the lively buzz of Covent Garden. And if you’re lucky, like us, you’ll also stumble upon moments of unexpected delight.

Of course, a day is just a glimpse of all London offers, but it’s enough to leave a lasting impression and a longing to return. As Samuel Johnson once said, “When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” After our whirlwind day, we truly understood what he meant. There’s a little bit of everything in this city: history, art, food, and adventure, all waiting for you to discover. We hope this guide helps you make the most of your time in London. Happy exploring!

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo