London in 1 day is not complicated.
The smart solution is to focus on a relatively small area of central London.
This one-day guide to London does just that.
Visit London in 1 day: article summary
London in 1 day: Buckingham Palace
The official residence of the monarchy in London is a great place to start your day trip to London.
The imposing Georgian palace isn't London's poshest building, but it's impressive enough. The palace contains 775 rooms, including 52 bedrooms.
You can't actually go inside for most of the year, but they do open the State Rooms for 10 weeks in summer and a few other dates throughout the year.
St James's Park
St St. James's Park is the prettiest park in central London. It boasts a large lake, willow-lined banks and magnificent flowerbeds that seem to be in bloom all year round.
It's the kind of park reserved for picnics and quiet discussions, all in the shadow of the royal palace across the road.
You can spend a little time here if the weather is fine, otherwise I suggest you take a stroll in the direction of Westminsterthe political heart of the city.
London in 1 day: the London Eye
The London Eye isn't the cheapest tourist attraction in London, but on a clear day, the views you get are magnificent. You can even see as far as the Windsor Castle40 km away.
The wheel turns very slowly, so you have plenty of time to admire the views. during your 30-minute journey.
Westminster Abbey
World Heritage-listed Westminster Abbey is one of London's most striking churches.
It's interesting to note that Westminster Abbey is not a cathedral, as is often thought.
You know all the royal weddings you watch on TV. Most of them take place here.
Westminster Abbey isn't just for the royal family, however. It is also the burial place of some of the UK's most important historical and literary figures, including :
- Charles Dickens
- Stephen Hawking
- William Wilberforce
Visit London in 1 day: the Palace of Westminster
You barely have time to stretch your legs and get to the next tourist attraction. In just a few minutes, you can be at Parliament.
If you had more time in London, you could visit the interior of the ParliamentYou can join us for a guided tour, or simply visit the public galleries to watch a debate in progress.
Trafalgar Square
It's time to cross the Thames via the Golden Jubilee Bridge to another of London's greatest landmarks: Trafalgar Square. Every city has its main square, and Trafalgar Square just happens to be London's.
Walk past the famous lion statues and take a look at the the Nelson column in the middle of the square.
Visit London in 1 day: spend some time in Covent Garden
The market for Covent Garden is at the top of many lists of things to do in London during the day. Located in the heart of the theater district, it's a lively part of the city, with many bars, pubs, restaurants and activities.
You should visit the famous Apple Market. It's a beautiful covered market, but we wouldn't bother shopping there: most of the independent stores have long since disappeared, replaced by many of the same brands found all over the world.
After that, if you still have time, head to Somerset House, a former Thameside royal palace that is now one of London's leading cultural and artistic venues. Admission is free and the beautiful courtyard is one of my favorite places to relax with a good café in central London.
As you can see, there's a lot to see on a visit to London. You'll discover unique places and tour royal monuments while exploring the city!
What to do in London in 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 5 days, a week?
Whatever the length of your stay, I invite you to download my special London guide.
It's free and in PDF format.
All you have to do is tell me below which e-mail address you'd like to receive it at.
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