How to Spend a Perfect Day in London

Start the morning with a walk over Westminster Bridge. Head towards Parliament Square, taking the time to stop and watch the city come to life from this breathtaking vantage point.

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, check out the historic Parliament building and weave through the crowds along The Mall to get to Buckingham Palace.

Witness the historic Changing of the Guard, which takes place every morning at 11am, impressing visitors from around the world with the soldier’s disciplined display of military choreography.

Walk north to Hyde Park, leaving the frantic pace of the city behind, and wander through Kensington Gardens. Make sure to check out the Serpentine Gallery and, if you’re feeling peckish, stop for a snack at the Italian Gardens Cafe.

Leaving the park, seek out Bathhurst Mews, a quiet cobbled street behind Lancaster Gate station that makes for a beautiful photo opportunity; perfect for Instagram.

Head to the heart of Covent Garden and stop for a pint at Crown and Anchor pub. Hidden a few meters away is Neal’s Yard, a colourful little alley that’s home to several lip-smackingly good restaurants.

Take the nation’s famous red bus to Boxpark Shoreditch in London’s East End, and stop for lunch at Greek street food stall the Athenian. If Punjabi curries are more your thing, grab one at Sonita’s Kitchen.

Immerse yourself in the area’s alternative culture with a visit to the Rebel’s Alliance Motorcycle Club, a shop dedicated to two-wheels and motorcycle culture.

Despite rumours to the contrary, Londoners are actually very sociable – especially with a pint in hand. Be sure to introduce yourself to a fellow urbanite and, who knows, you might learn even more about this unique city.

As the sun starts to set, head towards the river, stopping to admire St. Dunstan-in-the-East, an abandoned church right in the heart of the city that has been reclaimed by nature.

Jump on a river taxi from Tower Pier near Tower Bridge and ride east, watching the sunset over the Shard and 20 Fenchurch Street. Made up of steel and glass mountains, London’s skyline looks stunning in the evening light.

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