How To Spend 24 Hours In London

There’s no way you can see everything that London has to offer in just one day, but Culture Trip’s handy travel guide has everything you need for a whistle-stop tour of the British capital. With highlights including the Palace of Westminster, Buckingham Palace and a show at a West End theatre, this is quintessential London in 24 hours.

Start early with a Westminster wander

Kick-start your day in London with a spot of walking. Head to Westminster, where you’ll see the beautiful Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Palace of Westminster. Take in the political and historical significance of Parliament Square before walking across Westminster Bridge to the South Bank, London’s hub of contemporary culture.

From modern art exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery to colourful sea life at the London Aquarium, the South Bank is filled with cultural activity. There’s also the London Eye, an absolute must for any tourist; the panoramic views across the city stretch as far as 20mi (32km) on a clear day.

After your feet have touched the ground once again, take a wander through Jubilee Gardens alongside the River Thames and cross over the Jubilee Bridge, heading towards Embankment Pier. You’ll then head down Northumberland Avenue before finding yourself in the centre of the action at the wonderful Trafalgar Square.

The London Eye in Westminster is a must for any tourist

Stop for lunch on the Strand

After all that walking, you’ll be hungry for some lunch, so why not make a pit stop along the Strand, one of London’s best-known roads in Covent Garden. From sustainable café Farmstand to 26 Grains in the picturesque Neal’s Yard, you’ll find plenty of options perfect for recharging your batteries and satisfying your appetite.

Enjoy food and drinks at Neal’s Yard courtyard, outside 26 Grains restaurant

Head down the Mall for an afternoon stroll

After leaving the Strand, head down the Mall where you’ll follow what seems like a never-ending road with St James’s Park and 10 Downing Street on one side and Green Park and Piccadilly on the other. Eventually, you’ll end up at the world-famous Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II.

Afterwards, head down Constitution Hill towards Hyde Park, one of London’s most picturesque parks. Get lost in its labyrinthine pathways or check out what’s on at the Serpentine Gallery, which specialises in contemporary and modern art.

Head down the mall towards Buckingham Palace

Enjoy afternoon tea in Covent Garden

What better way to experience London than by enjoying a spot of afternoon tea? From Kensington, cut through the bustling streets of Soho towards Covent Garden. No visit to the capital is complete without trying one of its world-famous afternoon teas, and Covent Garden is where to do it in style, with luxurious teas at the Savoy and the Delaunay.

Catch a show in the West End

When you’re back on the go again, walk over to Leicester Square to enjoy a lively night out on the town. There are so many restaurants in this area serving everything from Italian pasta dishes to English pub grub.

If you’re early enough or you’ve booked, you could catch a show at one of the West End’s beautiful theatres. Most shows start at around 7:30pm and finish by 10pm.

Catch a show like Les Miserables in London’s West End

Finish the night in style

Why not wrap up your trip to London by visiting one of the many bars around the area to enjoy some live music? Enjoy cocktails in Covent Garden and Soho or try locally brewed beers at one of the many traditional English pubs around the area. If you’re feeling particularly extravagant, why not head to the Ritz or the Savoy and order champagne from one of their luxurious bars?

Enjoy cocktails and a night out in stylish Soho

Fuel up for your next adventure

After a hectic schedule, you’ll more than likely want to sleep for a few hours, but when in London you’ve got to make the most of every second. Wake up to a fantastic full English breakfast at one of Mayfair’s best brunch spots before jetting off to your next destination.

Shepherd Street Market in Mayfair is a great spot to fill your stomach

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.