where to visit after london

35 Easy Day Trips from London + 24 to Avoid

If you’re visiting Europe, it makes sense to make the most of your time in England with a day trip from London.

I get a lot of emails asking which day trips from London are feasible, and which ones aren’t. Here I’ve compiled the most common destinations that travelers ask about and analyze whether they’re fit for a day trip or need more time.

Let’s go over the best day trips from London that won’t leave you totally depleted, and explore the day trips from London that just aren’t realistic.

Disclosure: I only recommend products & services I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Read my full privacy policy here .

Day Trips from London that are Absolutely Feasible ✅

Please note that these travel times are approximate and can vary based on specific starting points in London, traffic, specific train schedules, and other factors. Always check current travel times before planning a trip using Google Maps or my favorite app: Citymapper .

This is not an exhaustive list – that would take up the whole of the internet 😉

1. Oxford ✅

• Drive: 1.5 hours
• Train: 1 hour 

Famous for its prestigious university, Oxford offers beautiful architecture, museums, and the Bodleian Library.

Oxford is one of the best day trips from London by train. It’s like stepping into the Harry Potter films, and it’s such a short train ride to be transported a world away.

2. Cambridge ✅

• Train: 50 minutes

Another charming, ancient university town with punting on the River Cam and the stunning King’s College Chapel.

Cambridge is truly magical and makes for one of the easiest day trips from London by train.

3. Brighton ✅

• Drive: 2 hours
• Train: 1 hour  

A vibrant seaside town with a pier, the Royal Pavilion, and quirky shopping lanes.

If you want a day trip from London by train that takes you to the beach, Brighton is the way to go!

• Drive: 4 hours
• Train: 2.5 hours 

A historic city with a rich Viking and Roman heritage. While it’s possible to visit in a day, you may may feel rushed as there’s lots to see here!

5. Windsor ✅

• Drive: 1 hour
• Train: 50 minutes  

Visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. I always encourage London travelers to fit this in if they have time, as it’s much more magical than Buckingham Palace.

6. Canterbury ✅

Home to the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral and a charming medieval town center. This day trip from London by train will take you worlds away in just 1 hour.

• Drive: 2.5 hours
• Train: 1.5 hours  

Known for its Roman-built baths and Georgian architecture, Bath is a picturesque town in the Cotswolds. This is one of the best day trips from London by train because once you arrive in Bath, it’s all walkable straight from the train station.

8. Stonehenge ✅

• Train (to Salisbury, then bus): 1.5 hours 

The iconic prehistoric monument is a super popular day trip from London. Many tour companies offer excellent Stonehenge tours in conjunction with other nearby attractions like Windsor and Bath for a really affordable price.

Personally, I don’t think Stonehenge on its own is worth the trip, but if you book with a company that also takes you to other iconic locations on the way, it’s totally worth it.

9. Stratford-upon-Avon ✅

• Train: 2 hours 

The birthplace of William Shakespeare! So much charming history, and a great day trip for students and history lovers.

10. Cotswolds ✅

• Train (to various towns): 1.5-2.5 hours 

Picturesque villages and rolling hills. Bath is the most visited place in the Cotswolds, but there’s so much more to explore here, especially if you drive or rent a car there .

11. Bristol ✅

A vibrant city with a rich maritime history. Bristol is a great day trip from London if you want a larger city (not a small village) with more things to do.

12. Winchester ✅

The ancient capital of England with a stunning cathedral. This place is charming as heck.

13. Blenheim Palace ✅

• Train (to Oxford, then bus): 1.5 hours 

A monumental country house and UNESCO World Heritage site. Blenheim Palace is truly magical, and well worth the trip from London.

14. Bletchley Park ✅

• Train: 40 minutes 

The historic site where British codebreakers decrypted German codes during WWII. History and science nerds – this one is your best bet. So much world history happened here!

15. Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour ✅

• Train: 20 minutes to Watford Junction, then a shuttle bus, though most tour companies include transport from Central London.  

Dive into the magical world with The Making of Harry Potter tour, a must for fans of the series.

This is the most popular day trip from London, and tickets often sell out months ahead. Read all my tips to scoring tickets here.

16. Hampton Court Palace ✅

• Train: 35 minutes  

A historic palace once home to Henry VIII, showcasing Tudor and Baroque architecture. Fans of SIX the Musical and history nerds, you have to go!

• Train: 1.5 hours 

A medieval town with cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a rich smuggling history. A super charming, quaint little village!

18. Leeds Castle ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Maidstone, then a local bus 

A picturesque castle set on two islands in a tranquil lake.

19. Hever Castle ✅

• Train: 40 minutes to Hever, then a short walk 

The childhood home of Anne Boleyn, set within beautiful gardens.

20. Salisbury ✅

A historic city close to Stonehenge, home to the impressive Salisbury Cathedral.

Known for its magnificent cathedral and the historic home of Oliver Cromwell.

22. St Albans ✅

• Train: 20 minutes 

A historic market town boasting Roman ruins and a stunning cathedral.

23. Rochester ✅

A town steeped in history with its Norman castle, cathedral, and Charles Dickens connections.

24. Hatfield House ✅

• Train: 20 minutes

 This is a lesser-known day trip from London to a really incredible spot. Hatfield House is a Jacobean house with sprawling gardens, once the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I.

25. Sissinghurst Castle Garden ✅

• Train: 1 hour to Staplehurst, then a local bus 

A historic estate renowned for its beautifully designed gardens by Vita Sackville-West.

26. Cardiff, Wales ✅

• Drive: 3 hours

Wales is the closest country to England , so if your goal is to just get to another country cheaply and quickly, go to Cardiff!

The capital of Wales, Cardiff boasts a blend of historic and modern attractions. The Cardiff Castle, located in the city center, showcases 2,000 years of history, while the Cardiff Bay offers a modern waterfront with dining and entertainment options.

27. Dover ✅

• Train: 1.5 hours

Famous for its iconic White Cliffs, Dover also offers the impressive Dover Castle. The port town is a gateway to the continent, with ferries frequently departing for France.

On a clear day, you can actually see France from the cliffs!

28. Birmingham ✅

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham offers a mix of cool experiences. The Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Cadbury World, and the historic Jewellery Quarter are among its top attractions.

29. Lille, France ✅

Hop on the Eurostar and be in another country in 1 hour and 22 minutes ! Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region, is a vibrant city with a rich blend of French and Flemish influences. It’s not nearly as big as Paris, so it’s perfect for a day trip from London.

30. Southend-on-Sea ✅

• Train: 1 hour

A popular seaside resort, Southend offers the longest pleasure pier in the world. With its beaches, arcades, and Adventure Island amusement park, it’s a fun destination for families.

31. Broadstairs ✅

A charming coastal town, Broadstairs boasts sandy beaches and a rich history. It’s known for its association with Charles Dickens, who visited frequently.

32. Portsmouth ✅

A historic port city, Portsmouth is home to the Historic Dockyard, where you can see the HMS Victory and the Mary Rose Museum. The Spinnaker Tower offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.

33. Bournemouth ✅

• Train: 2 hours

A vibrant coastal town, Bournemouth is known for its seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful gardens, and a bustling town center. The Bournemouth Pier and Oceanarium are popular attractions.

34. Brussels, (Belgium) ✅

• Eurostar: 2 hours 

As Belgium’s capital, Brussels is accessible via Eurostar for a day trip , but you won’t get to explore this huge city for very long. 

35. Bury St. Edmunds ✅

• Drive: 2 Hours
• Train: 2 Hours

Commonly just called “Bury,” this is a charming historic market and cathedral town in Suffolk.

Day Trips from London that Are Just Too Far ❌

While all these destinations are fascinating and offer unique experiences, the travel times and logistics involved make them challenging for day trips from London. If you do decide to visit, consider staying overnight to truly appreciate what each location has to offer.

Keep in mind that although flights to some of these places might be a short time in the air, getting to and from the airport in London will take at least 1 hour, not to mention time going through security and passport control & immigration.

1. Edinburgh ❌

• Drive: 7-8 hours
• Train: 4.5-5 hours 

Scotland’s capital is too far for a comfortable day trip. It deserves an entire trip of its own!

2. Paris & Disneyland Paris ❌

• Eurostar to Paris: 2.5 hours
• Eurostar to Marne-la-Vallée (Disneyland): 3 hours  

Can you do Paris as a day trip from London? Technically yes. But even with the short(ish) Eurostar journey, it’s a stretch to do in one day and truly enjoy. Paris deserves so much time as it’s such an incredible and massive city. 

Disneyland Paris is equally difficult to do in one day, especially with kids – everyone would be absolutely exhausted.

3. Lake District ❌

• Drive: 5-6 hours
• Train: 2.5-3 hours to Windermere  

While beautiful, it’s a long journey from London!

4. Dublin ❌

• Flight: 1.5 hours
• Ferry: 3.5-8 hours (depending on route and ferry type) 

Requires a flight or a long ferry ride.

5. Cornwall (Penzance, St Ives, etc) ❌

• Drive: 4.5-8 hours (depending on destination within Cornwall)
• Train: 3-5 hours 

The stunning coastline is too far for just one day. The trouble with Cornwall is you really need a car once you’re there, but driving from London takes forever with traffic and the narrow twisting lanes of the West coast.

6. Isle of Skye ❌

• Drive: 12-13 hours
• Train (to Mallaig, then ferry): 10-11 hours 

Located in Scotland, it’s too remote for a day trip.

7. Liverpool ❌

• Drive: 4-5 hours
• Train: 2-2.5 hours 

Home to The Beatles and rich maritime history, Liverpool is doable for a day trip but would be very rushed.

8. Loch Ness ❌

• Drive: 9-10 hours
• Train to Inverness: 8 hours, then drive or bus: 30 minutes 

Located in the Scottish Highlands, Loch Ness is famous for its legendary monster and beautiful scenery, but it’s too far for a day trip from London.

9. Amsterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour
• Eurostar: 4 hours 

The capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam is famous for its canals, historic houses, museums like the Van Gogh Museum and Rijksmuseum, and vibrant nightlife.

While technically reachable in a day, Amsterdam really deserves a longer stay of at least 2 days minimum. Here’s all the ways to get there from London.

10. Provence, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Marseille or Nice: 2 hours, then drive/train varies 

Known for its lavender fields and picturesque towns, Provence in the south of France is too far for a comfortable day trip.

11. Nice, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 12-14 hours
• Flight: 2 hours 

Located on the southeastern coast of France, Nice and its surrounding towns are famous for their Mediterranean beaches, but the journey would be too long for just a day trip.

12. Bordeaux, France ❌

• Drive (including Eurotunnel or ferry): 8-10 hours
• Train (Eurostar to Paris, then TGV): 6 hours

 Famous for its wine, Bordeaux in the southwest of France would be a stretch for a day trip.

13. Snowdonia National Park, Wales ❌

• Train: 3-4 hours to Betws-y-Coed

In Wales, it’s a lengthy journey from London. This is an incredible area that deserves more than a day to explore fully! 

14. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 10-12 hours
• Flight to Belfast: 1.5 hours, then drive: 1 hour 

Located in Northern Ireland, the Giant’s Causeway is a unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage site, but it’s too far away for a practical day trip from London.

15. Bruges, Belgium (Brugge) ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3.5-4 hours total 

A medieval gem with picturesque canals, Bruges is technically reachable for a day trip from London, but you won’t hardly any time to spend in one of the most beautiful cities in all of Europe.

When booking travel to Bruges, don’t confuse your destination with Bruges, France. Try typing in “Brugge” instead of “Bruges, ” and you’ll be sure to find your correct Belgian destination.

16. Ghent, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 3-3.5 hours 

Slightly closer than Bruges, Ghent’s blend of historic sites and vibrant culture can be sampled in a day.

17. Antwerp, Belgium ❌

• Eurostar to Brussels, then train: 2.5-3 hours 

Known for its diamonds and port, Antwerp isn’t feasible for a day trip from London.

18. Scottish Highlands ❌

• Drive: 8-12 hours (depending on destination)
• Train: 8-9 hours to Inverness 

While parts of the Highlands might be reachable by a very long train journey or flight, the vast landscapes truly deserve more than a day.

I know this makes some of you Outlander fans sad, but you really can’t do a day trip from London to the Highlands.

19. Pembrokeshire Coast ❌

• Train: 4.5-5 hours to Tenby 

Located in the southwest of Wales, this stunning coastal national park is too far for a day trip from London.

20. Isle of Man ❌

• Ferry: 2.5-4 hours 

Situated in the Irish Sea, the Isle of Man has its own rich history and culture. Getting there would involve a flight or ferry, making it impractical for just a day.

21. Belfast, Northern Ireland ❌

• Drive (including ferry): 8-10 hours 

The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is steeped in history and culture. From the Titanic Belfast museum, which commemorates the city’s shipbuilding heritage, to the political murals of the Falls and Shankill roads, Belfast offers a deep dive into the region’s past and present.

22. Guernsey ❌

• Ferry: 3 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London).

Located in the English Channel, Guernsey boasts beautiful beaches, historic forts, and a unique blend of British and French influences. The island’s compact size is perfect for exploring, but its distance from London makes it a challenging day trip.

23. Jersey ❌

• Ferry: 4.5 hours (from Portsmouth. Portsmouth is a 2.5 hour train from London)

The largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey offers a mix of sandy beaches, cliffside walking trails, and historic castles. Its rich history spans from prehistoric times to its occupation during World War II.

Even though the Channel Islands look quite close on the map, it’s not feasible for a day trip from London.

24. Rotterdam, Netherlands ❌

• Flight: 1 hour to Amsterdam, then train: 40 minutes
• Eurostar to Amsterdam, then train: 4.5 hours in total 

A major port city in the Netherlands, Rotterdam is known for its modern architecture, maritime heritage, and cultural attractions like the Kunsthal and the Cube Houses. It’s a bit of a stretch for a day trip from London, especially if you want to explore the city in depth.

Taking a Day Trip from London: Final Tips

The most important tip I can give you is this: if you’re only in London for a short time, don’t do a day trip. London has so much to see and do that you’ll never get bored.

If you’re in London for more than 5 days, I would absolutely recommend a day trip. Just make it something that won’t exhaust you too much – two hours on a train, max.

If you live in London like me, you probably have a list as long as your arm of day trips to take. All you can do it tick them off, one by one!

More on Trips from London

Debating ‘Should I Rent a Car in London?’ Insider Tips

Visiting Greenwich with Kids: 5 Things That Adults Will Love, too! 

The Perfect Day out in Cambridge: 7 Things you Have to See 

Is Solo Travel Boring? 5 Reasons You Should Travel Alone ASAP

Trip from London to Amsterdam: 4 Ways to Get there for Every Budget

How to Get from London to Cornwall: 3 Easy Ways for Every Budget

Kynance Cove in Cornwall: 10 Must-Read Tips before Visiting 

Kennack Sands Beach: Is it the Best Beach for Kids in Cornwall? 

10 Things to Know about Visiting Stunning Poldhu Cove

Day Trips from London by Train FAQ

What is the best day trip out of london.

The best day trip for you depends on your goals and preferences.

Do you want to see a pretty village? Try St Albans, Canterbury, Bath, or Rye. Do you want to go to the seaside? Try Brighton, Dover, or Margate. Are you into history? Definitely check out Blenheim Palace, Bletchley Park, Stratford upon Avon, or Windsor Castle. Are you a student or an academic? Check out Oxford or Cambridge.

The list goes on, and all you can do is pick a place that sounds cool, get your train ticket, and go!

Can you do a day trip from London?

If you have enough time to spend in London and want to explore more of England, you can definitely do a day trip from London!

The best way is to pick a destination (start with this list!) and hop on the train. There’s so much to see in England, you don’t have to go far.

What is 1 hour away from London?

Harry Potter Studios, Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, Windsor, Canterbury, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Hever Castle, St Albans, Rochester, and Hatfield House are all within a 1 hour train ride from London.

What countries are a day trip from London?

Wales is the closest country to London for a day trip. Try Cardiff, which is a charming Welsh city less than 2 hours from London by train.

Other countries like France are possible for a day trip, but you won’t get much time to spend there. Lille is a short 1.5 hour journey from London on the Eurostar, and it’s a much easier and smaller place to explore than Paris.

Belgium is also fast to get to, with only a 2 hour train ride to Brussels. Brussels is a bit easier to explore than Paris, but it’s also a large city.

What towns are 2 hours away from London?

York, Stonehenge, Stratford upon Avon, Cardiff, Dover, Birmingham, Worcester, Bournemouth, Bristol, Brussels, and many more towns are just a 2 hour (or less) train ride from London.

What is the closest beach to London?

Brighton is the closest proper sandy beach to London, and it takes less than 1 hour to get there by train. Margate is also a popular beach destination that takes only 2 hours on the train.

What is the shortest Eurostar journey from London?

The shortest journey on the Eurostar from London is to Lille, France at just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

What is the closest countryside to London?

There is incredible countryside bordering London, but the prettiest and closest natural woodlands are probably Epping Forest , which is just 1 hour from London on the Overground.

Which country is easy to travel from London?

France, Belgium, and Wales are the easiest countries to travel to from London by a short train ride.

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17 day trips from London to escape the city

Whether you’re after a seaside jaunt or a country retreat, here are the best trips from London we’re planning right now

Photograph: CBCK/Shutterstock.com

As much as we love London here at Time Out, we’re also partial to the odd daydream about a leisurely getaway to somewhere that’s not quite so big and busy. Microdose on that holiday vibe by taking a day trip to one of the many laidback, joy-inducing destinations just a few hours away from London, which pack in plenty; from historic cities and cute villages to sandy beaches and rolling countryside.

If you’re wanting a quick getaway, here are 17 of the Time Out team’s favourite day trips from London, complete with our recommendations of cute pubs and ace restaurants – all close enough to the city to get there and back in one sweet day. 

RECOMMENDED: ✨The best day trips from London 👪 The best  family day trips from London ☀️ The best  weekend trips from London 🏘️ The best  Airbnbs near London 🌳 The best  quirky Airbnbs in the UK

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Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

Dreamy day trips from London

1.  st leonards-on-sea.

Famed for how many Londoners moved here during lockdown (it’s even been referred to as Dalston-on-Sea, which is cringe, we’ll admit), St Leonards-On-Sea is a cracking day out from the Big Smoke for beachside drinks and a tonne of great food spots. Head to food market Heist  (basically a much nicer version of Boxpark) for orange wine and street food, then sink pints at Goat Ledge , a vibesy, colourful shack right on the beach. If you fancy splashing out a little, book dinner at the fabulously old-school  St Clement’s for white tablecloths and delicious seafood. Plus you've got easy access to the rest of Hastings for its Old Town, pier and the Norman castle ruins.

How far? 58 miles

How to get there: A one hour 18 minute train from London Charing Cross

2.  Dungeness

Dungeness’s shingly, shipwreck-dotted beach is so spookily empty that it’s been described as Britain’s only desert (though the Met Office refuses to technically recognise it as such, the party poopers). It’s a beautifully eerie landscape, with the (disused) nuclear power station and two lighthouses looming over a motley mixture of weathered shacks, beached fishing boats and sleek, modernist bungalows – all clustered along a single in-and-out road.

But despite all that emptiness, there’s a surprising amount to do here. You could catch the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch steam train down the coast, and hop off in Dungeness for a walk and a pint at the lonely Britannia Inn. Grab a freshly-caught lunch at the famous Snack Shack: specialities include lobster or crab rolls and smoked cod chowder. And check out the galleries and open houses showcasing the work of the (surprisingly) many artists who have moved down here, including the shingle garden of the experimental filmmaker Derek Jarman, whose yellow-windowed Prospect Cottage is a major landmark here. Book in advance for a 40-minute tour inside.

If you’ve got time, head over to RSPB Dungeness nature reserve for a chance to glimpse glossy ibises and marsh harriers – plus the huge concrete ‘sound mirrors’, pre-radar experiments from WW1 that were designed to listen out for planes. (Look out on the RSPB site for news of the rare open days when you can get up close.) Finish off your day with dinner at the Pilot Inn; I’m willing to back the quality of their famous fish and chips, which were the thing that brought Derek Jarman here in the first place.

How far? 86 miles

Get there O ne hour  by train from St Pancras International to Folkestone, with a one-hour 30-minute bus ride to Dungeness. Or take a bus or taxi from Folkestone to Hythe station to board the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. Alternatively, Dungeness is  around two hours from London by car.

3.  Stratford-upon-Avon

As a born-and-bred Midlander, I’ve spent many Saturdays traipsing around Stratford-upon-Avon’s lovely streets. With its half-timbered houses and canalside pubs, Stratford’s got just enough of the  small-town charm you’re craving on an escape from the Big Smoke, but unlike a small town, there’s actually loads to see and do.  

The Bard, of course, is the big draw here, and Shakespeare’s house, his wife Anne Hathaway’s cottage and the RSC’s famous theatre are all must-sees. But Stratford is more than just a Tudor Disneyland, we promise. Take a boat tour of the canal basin to find out more about the West Midlands waterways, refresh yourselves in the Grade II-listed Old Thatch Tavern and stop for a scoop of Eton mess ice cream at Hooray’s British Gelato Kitchen. 

How far? 104 miles

Get there T wo hours 15 minutes  by train from Marylebone; around two hours by car. 

4.  Whitstable

Don’t even think about thinking about it: Whitstable is far from overhyped. Sure, the secret is most definitely out about this fabulous little seaside town, but the vibes here are as great as they were 20 years ago. Grab brunch at Farm & Harper , fish and chips at Ossie’s and a glorious pint of craft at the Twelve Taps , and treat yourself to a dozen oysters to go at Wheelers Oyster Bar on the high street. Once you’ve walked the length of the beach and admired the beach huts, settle in at the famous pub-on-the-beach Old Neptune for a pint and wait for sunset to fall. Plus, Whitstable is so near, you’ll be back home before you can say ‘ another   bank holiday?’. But that’s if you don’t miss the last train.

How far? 50 miles

Get there One hour 15 minutes from St Pancras International, around two hours by car.

5.  Brighton

With its pebble beach, wall-to-wall live music venues and buzzing LGBTQ+ scene, there’s nowhere better for topping up your Vitamin Sea levels than Brighton . Start your day by dodging seagulls on the Palace Pier, then shop up a storm in the Lanes, which are packed with independent boutiques, record stores and vegan eateries. Sit down with a couple of pints in the Brighton Beer Dispensary, which champions small Sussex breweries like the Hand Brew Co.

How far?  A little over 50 miles

Get there One hour by train from Victoria, Blackfriars or London Bridge; around two hours by car. 

6.  The New Forest

A trip to the New Forest is about as close as you can get to going on safari without buying a plane ticket. As you make your way down dappled lanes and across the heather-covered heath you’ll be watched the famous ponies, which have grazed there for thousands of years, plus free-ranging Highland cattle and pigs hoovering up fallen acorns. Don’t fancy being stuck in the car all day? Hire a two-seater electric Twizzy buggy to explore in, or book a beginners’ hack at one of the stables. Don’t forget to make time for a proper ploughman’s lunch at the Royal Oak in Fritham.

How far? 90 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Waterloo to Brockenhurst; around two hours by car. Just remember that animals, not drivers, have right of way here.

7.  Rye

The antique shops and higgledy-piggledy cobbled lanes of Rye make it feel like a little slice of the Cotswolds on the coast. After you’ve satisfactorily browsed around the accurately named Tiny Book Store, treat yourself to a seafood lunch surrounded by lobster pots at Globe Inn Marsh, followed by Sussex real ale or a glass of local wine at The George. The Chapel Down vineyard is just up the road and well worth a visit if you want to know the ins and outs of wine-making – or simply enjoy a tipple with their signature wine tasting. Ten minutes away are the pillowy dunes of Camber Sands: roll your trousers up and splash through the shallows, take a kite for a spin or just park your towel and stretch out.

How far? 79 miles.

Get there  One hour 10 minutes by train from St Pancras International (with a change at Ashford); around two hours by car. 

8.  Box Hill

Biking to green and pleasant Surrey is a wheely nice way to spend a Sunday (sorry) – plus, Box Hill was part of the 2012 Olympic road-cycling route. Start in Richmond Park and pedal down past Hampton Court – it should take you about two hours. After a 1.6 mile climb and some hairpin bends (easier than it sounds!), you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the North Downs from the top of Box Hill. Grab a slice of cake from the National Trust café, and save space for lunch at The Tree, which serves homemade pies and crumbles. Your last stop is Box Hill and Westhumble station, where you can load your bikes on to a train back to Waterloo. Whew!

How far? 30 miles

Get there  Two hours by bike (obviously). Plan the route carefully before you set out, and take a map and a puncture repair kit, plus water and snacks.

9.  Bath

A glorious water-themed day awaits you in the city of Bath . Start as you mean to go on with a tour of the Romans baths (no paddling allowed, you’ve been warned), before making a splash in the Thermae Bath Spa – the rooftop pool has stunning views of the city. Once you’ve dried off, make like Jane Austen and stroll along the Royal Crescent. Peckish? Sally Lunn’s teahouse is home to the Sally Lunn Bun, a kind of sweet brioche bap – for a Bath take on the cream tea, order one toasted and spread with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

How far? 115 miles

Get there  One hour 30 minutes by train from Paddington; two hours 30 minutes by car. 

10.  Mersea Island

Attached to the mainland by a causeway that floods (and pub quizzers, take note: this is the UK’s most easterly inhabited island), Mersea feels properly remote at high tide. The big draw is The Company Shed, which serves seafood platters that pull in crowds from all over the country every weekend. It’s BYOB – bring your own bread – and they don’t take bookings, so get there before noon to make sure you can feast on prawns, smoked fish, oysters and dressed crab. Speaking of which, catch-and-release crabbing is encouraged – there are specially marked areas near the water, and shops selling the kit. Or you can book a boat trip around the bay.

How far? 69 miles

Get there  One hour by train from Liverpool Street to Colchester, then a 45-minute bus to Mersea Island; around two hours by car. D on’t forget to check the tide timetable before you set off...

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Reserve Your Spot with Confidence! Full Refunds with 24 Hrs Notice. Reschedule at any point, even after tour, if space allows!

What to Do Near Buckingham Palace

This post is about things to do and see near Buckingham Palace, including things to do with kids, dining options as well as a sample itinerary.

• Family-Friendly
• 1-Day Itinerary
• Restaurants + Pubs
• Attractions Deals
• Things to Do in London

TOP 11 THINGS TO SEE AND DO

Witness the Changing of the Guard

This world-famous event doesn't happen every day and doesn't take place in certain weather conditions.

Where should you stand? When should you get here? Let us show you how to plan your visit .

When the ceremony takes place, we stop here on our pay-what-you-like  Royal London Tour , so let us take you here.

Take a Tour of Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is one of the most famous buildings in the world and is home to our King, Charles III.

A sprawling complex of over 700 rooms, there are only a few parts of the Palace open to the public.

State Rooms

Whenever the soverign is away for her summer holidays, the State Rooms inside Buckingham Palace are opened to the public, giving you a chance to look behind-the-scenes at one of the world’s most famous royal residences.

The Mews is home to the Royal Family’s carriages and is responsible for all their travel arrangements throughout the year.

A fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into all the work that surrounds the Royal Family, the Mews is open from February to November each year.

Queen’s Gallery

An art gallery attached to Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s Gallery features a rotating collection of works from the Royal Collection and is open all year ‘round.

Changing of the Guard

A trip to London isn’t complete without watching the Changing of the Guard. This world-famous ceremony takes place daily in the summer and around 4 times a week in the off-season.

It’s totally free to do (it's #1 of 10 top 10 free things to do in London ) and we’ve written a helpful guide to show you the best places to watch.

Or, let us do the work, by joining us on our Westminster Tour where we incorporate the Changing of the Guard into the tour whenever it is taking place!

St James’s Palace

Built by Henry VIII in the 1530s, St. James’s is now one of the most important buildings in the country as it is home to Her Majesty’s Royal Court.

St. James’s Palace is not open to the public. However, it’s magnificent gatehouse and courtyards can be visited and are worth a look.

TOP TIP : This is also a GREAT place to get up close to the Queen’s Guard soldiers and the best place to head to if you want to see the Changing of the Guard! Read our guide . 

Trafalgar Square, the  National Gallery , and the National Portrait Gallery

Named for Britains’ victory in the Battle of Trafalgar, Trafalgar Square is a public piazza in the middle of town.

Decorated with statues of military figures who all played part in the Battle of Trafalgar (and their leader, Admiral Nelson on top of the middle column), the Square also boasts two beautiful fountains and is one of the most popular meeting points in town.

On the northern side of the square stands the National Gallery - one of the world’s premier art galleries, housings works from artists such as Monet, Van Gough, and Turner.

And not to be forgotten is the National Portrait Gallery just behind it, featuring portraits of some of the biggest names in British history.

It’s also worth noting that both museums offer scheduled tours and both are completely free!

It’s worth noting that we also run a National Gallery Tour seasonally throughout the year so make sure to check our booking calendar to see if it’s available when you’re here!

Number 10 Downing Street

Home to all of our Prime Ministers throughout the centuries, Number 10 is one of the last surviving houses from a row of 25 that were built here over 300 years ago.

The house is not open to the public and the road is blocked off by security barricades.

However, it’s still possible to get a glimpse of this famous thoroughfare by standing near the gates on the edge of Whitehall.

Check out a virtual tour here.

• Banqueting House

Banqueting House is the last remaining piece of a monumental palace that used to stand here - the Palace of Whitehall.

The playground of kings like Henry VIII, Whitehall burned to the ground in the late 17th century and this building is all that remains. 

Banqueting House is crowned with a ceiling painted by Rubens, boasts a beautiful undercroft and was the execution site of King Charles I.

For more information, including opening hours and ticket prices check out our blog post .

• Westminster Abbey

One of the most famous churches in the world and an icon of London is Westminster Abbey .

Contained within the beautiful stone facade is nearly 1,000 years of British history, ready to be uncovered.

From royal weddings, funerals, and coronations, to burial sites of British icons and kings and queens, the Abbey is absolutely full of fascinating history.

Each ticket purchased gives you a complimentary audio guide that you can take at your leisure. Or you can attend one of the verger tours, led by those who work at the church.

The Abbey is also open for worship , which is free of charge.

The Palace of Westminster, Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben

Located within the Palace of Westminster , sits the Houses of Parliament.

Both the House of Commons and House of Lords are located in this building, which belongs to King George III.

There are a number of ways for guests to visit the Houses of Parliament.

Guided/Audio Tours

When Parliament is not in session (Saturdays and various holidays throughout the year) the Palace is open for guided and audio tours.

These walks take you through the Queen’s rooms and inside the House of Lords and House of Commons before finishing in the nearly 1,000-year-old Westminster Hall.

Public Galleries

Whenever Parliament is in session, there are no public tours.

However, it is possible for visitors to enter the building and watch Parliamentary debates inside the public galleries both in the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

The Queen Elizabeth II Tower, otherwise known as ‘Big Ben’ underwent a major refurbishment.

Now the work is complete.

Get more information and plan your visit through our blog post. 

• Churchill War Rooms

These underground bunkers where Winston Churchill led the armed forces during the Second World War are preserved in time and open for the public to visit and explore.

Audio-guided tours will take you back to the days of World War Two and the Blitz and will give you a behind-the-scenes view into how Churchill operated his wartime plans and eventually led the British troops to victory.

Take A Free Tour With Us!

We have a lot of London tours to choose from, including guided tours and downloadable audio tours. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor .

Scheduled Tours

We run our classic Royal London Westminster Tour on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

One of our most popular tours, this walk incorporates all the highlights of the Westminster area and also incorporate the Changing of the Guard and the Changing of the Household Cavalry whenever they take place!

Or consider the Harry Potter Tour which includes stops at No. 10 Downing Street, the Ministry of Magic and the Westminster Underground.

Also, check out our Soho, Piccadilly Circus & Chinatown / Rock n’ Roll Tours which start nearby at Piccadilly Circus and our Theatreland Tour that finishes nearby in Covent Garden!

• Opening Hours: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 10:00. Book online HERE .
• Prices: Our tours are always pay-what-you-like!

Audio Tours

If our walking tours aren’t offered during times and dates that are suitable for you, don’t worry - we’ve got a great alternative with our new GPS-enabled audio tours .

Honorable Mentions

• The London Eye  -  London’s iconic Ferris wheel, providing great views of the city.
• The Queen’s Guard Museum  -  All the behind-the-scenes information you’ve ever wanted to know about the Queens Guard, as well as up-close looks at their uniforms.
• The Household Cavalry Museum  -  The Horse Guard’s Museums lifts the lid on the Household Cavalry.
• Wellington Arch  -  A beautiful Victorian relic and a wonderful backdrop for dramatic photos.
• St James’s Park (and the bird keepers cottage!) -  One of London’s most beautiful parks, and home to a number of birds belonging to Her Majesty, including swans and pelicans.
• Westminster Cathedral  -  A lesser-known London landmark, Westminster Cathedral boasts a viewing tower 273 feet tall with incredible views of the city, for only £6.00!

THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS

You'll never need to worry about anyone in the family getting bored in this part of town. 

From themed tours and dungeons to Changing of the Guard parades, here is our recommended list of family-friendly things to do in Westminster.

For more family-friendly ideas, read our guide to visiting London with kids . 

Take A Tour With Us

Most of our tours are family-friendly but walks like our Harry Potter Tour and Street Art Tour are especially suited for visitors of younger ages. 

Even our Royal London Tour will entertain your kids. Check out our reviews on TripAdvisor .

Changing of the Guard

Get the best view possible and beat the crowds by using our guide to the Changing of the Guard, which will direct you to the Wellington Barracks.

This is the best way to get your little ones up-close to the soldiers without having to wait around for hours.

Horseguard’s Parade and Changing of the Household Cavalry

Be amazed by the beautiful horses and the Household Cavalry who ride them at Horseguard’s Parade .

Their Changing of the Guard is viewable by the public, too, and is a hit with kids.

( Note : The Household Cavalry Museum also has uniforms for little ones to try on!)

Harry Potter Film Locations Tour

Visit the Ministry of Magic as well as glimpses of Number 10 Downing Street as you walk in the footsteps of the world’s most famous wizards!

Come on our walking tour, take our self-guided tour , or our GPS-Enabled audio tour ! 

Trafalgar Square

The huge lion statues are always a hit with kids, and the northern edge of Trafalgar Square is well known for their street performers - look out for artists, magicians, bubble-blowers and more. 

• London Dungeon

The London Dungeons take you through centuries of London’s gruesome history and includes a wild boat ride through the past.

This is a good attraction for most kids. Read our full post  to see what offers are available. 

• London Aquarium

Featuring thousands of species of aquatic wildlife, the London Aquarium ( affiliate disclosure ) is great for the whole family.

Especially look for the rock pool where guests can touch sea anemone and starfish!

Check out our post for how to get a 2FOR1 entry!

Boat tours are great for the entire family, and are a good way to travel far without little legs having to do too much walking!

Zip down the river on a commuter boat, or take a scenic ride with a tour guide as you get a totally different view of some of London’s riverside landmarks.

For more family-friendly ideas, read our guide to visiting London with kids .

ONE-DAY ITINERARY FOR FAMILIES

Planning your day in London but don't know where to start? Here's our suggested itinerary:

• Eat a delicious breakfast in Westminster  (Check out our recommendations below !)
• Walk through beautiful St. James’ Park and see the Queen’s birds
• Catch the Changing of the Guard  
• Witness the Changing of the Household Cavalry
• Explore the remains of Whitehall Palace at Banqueting House .
• Have a traditional pub lunch (Check out our recommendations below!)
• Tour the Houses of Parliament OR watch a live debate
• Visit Westminster Abbey and take their great audio guide
• Leave Westminster on a beautiful boat ride down the Thames

PLACES TO EAT AND DRINK

There are so many dining options in London it can be overwhelming to make a choice.

Here is our list of the best places to eat and drink in the city.

Cellarium Cafe  

Part of the Westminster Abbey estate, this charming cafe is open all day and offers morning light-bites or a classic full English breakfast. All without breaking the bank - and best of all, kids eat free!

Iris & June

This artisan cafe produces delicious breakfasts fresh and on-site every day. There are hot meals on offer as well as freshly-baked cakes and pastries which you can enjoy alongside small-batch roasted coffee.

The Wolesley  

Located on the grand boulevard of Piccadilly, the Wolseley is a London institution.

Silver service will greet you as you dine where royals and celebrities have throughout the last decade - but with all dishes under £20.00 and many less than £10.00, it’s a top class experience that’s affordable to all.

Located in the heart of St. James’s Park sits St. James’s Cafe. A charming rooftop terrace for fine weather sits atop the downstairs cafe. Hot food, snacks, and sandwiches are on offer all day with some of the best views of any cafe in London.

Strutton Ground Market  

Not sure what to eat? Get a bit of everything at Strutton Ground Market. This food market features permanent spots as well as pop-up stalls featuring cuisine from all over the world.

Franco Manca  

Over the last few years, this beloved London secret has expanded and opened numerous outlets throughout town, bringing their signature sourdough pizza base to hungry diners all over London.

Expect wood-fired pizzas with fresh Italian ingredients - and a special menu for kids. 

Cinnamon Club  

This one is a bit of a splurge - but worth it. Cinnamon Club is a classic London institution serving up delicious Indian dishes to a fine dining standard.

Set in a former Victorian library the restaurant also boasts a hidden cocktail bar downstairs.

Walkers of Whitehall  

Tucked onto a quiet side street just off bustling Whitehall, Walkers is a hidden gem.

Spread over three different floors (the bar, the dining room, and the basement) the pub boasts numerous beers and wines to choose from, as well as a classic pub menu - including delicious fish and chips!

Machiya  

Simple home-cooked Japanese dishes, cheaply priced and served in a modern setting. Tucked away behind the busy streets near Trafalgar Square, this is a bit of a London secret! 

The Admiralty

Owned by Fullers, a London brewery that’s been operating over the last 300 years, this pub sits just opposite the iconic Trafalgar Square.

Expect London-brewed beers, a modern wine list, and traditional pub meals all served up in a charmingly nautical themed environment.

Gordons  

Gordon’s is a London institution. An 18th-century wine bar, located partially in underground caves, Gordon’s is a favourite with locals and visitors alike.

With outdoor seating in the summer, and cosy tables in the caves for winter, this is a year-round location. Expect meat and cheese boards, tapas, and the largest wine list in Westminster.

The Red Lion  

Another Fullers hideaway, the Red Lion is a pub steeped in history and upon entering, it’s as though you are going back in time. Serving Mayfair for over the last two centuries, this hidden boozer is a perfect example of a classic London pub.

Quick Bites

A great spot for a fast bite to eat or a hot coffee/chocolate. Ravello is a favourite with locals for a quick place to pick up lunch or a snack - all food is freshly made and cheap!

Fuzzy’s Grub  

Salads, sandwiches, home-made traditional British pies and hot drinks. All at a reasonable price and served in the backstreets of beautiful St James.

PLACES WITH TOURIST ATTRACTION CONCESSION PASS 

If you’ve purchased yourself the London Pass or the Explorer Pass, then Westminster is a great area to really get your money’s worth.

If you don't know, tourist concession passes can save you up to 55% off of retail ticket prices as well as save you time by allowing you to skip many ticket lines.

Below is a list of locations near Buckingham Palace (including the palace) that take this popular tourist pass.

• Buckingham Palace
• The Jewel Tower
• Household Cavalry Museum
• Guards Museum

If you’ve instead chosen the Explorer Pass , there are many locations in Westminster that are included also:

• Shrek’s Adventure
• River Cruise

RELATED POSTS

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11 Best first-time Europe itineraries for 1, 2, or 3 weeks

Europe is going to be very busy in the summer of 2024 as the world is back to normal and travel demand is higher than ever. One other key factor is that most European currencies are still hovering at lower levels historically compared to the US dollar, which means that Europe will feel somewhat cheap again this year. In fact, according to our World Backpacker Index , European cities like Lisbon, Madrid, and Munich are about 30% cheaper to visit than Boston, Chicago, and New York City. In other words, flying to Europe might seem expensive, but most things will be cheaper once you get there compared to the costs of visiting a large US city.

Below you’ll find 11 of the most popular and best itineraries for a first visit to Europe. Your first visit is not really the time to be different or creative, and the famous destinations tend to be popular for a reason. In other words, it’s kind of silly to visit, say, Bulgaria, if you’ve not yet been to France or Italy. I lay out the best options along with how long to stay in each place as a general guide. I also discuss Mediterranean cruises, which can actually be an amazing way to see a lot of Europe on your first visit, especially if you don’t like going back and forth to train stations and airports every 2 or 3 days.

For a bit of fun you might be interested in the cheapest 5-star hotels in Europe , which start at US$80 per night for really nice hotels. It helps show that if you choose some of the cheaper cities, you can treat yourself to some luxury that you can’t afford in most other places.

This article was last updated in March, 2024.

There are 11 starter itineraries described in detail below

• Classic London and Paris
• England and Scotland
• Paris and Italy
• Mediterranean cruise
• France, Belgium, and Netherlands
• Paris and elsewhere in France
• Switzerland
• Best of cheap eastern Europe

For each itinerary there are suggestions of other destinations that are easy to add on to the main cities.

Note: This article was most recently updated in March, 2024

Building the best itinerary for your first trip to Europe

Below there are 11 popular itineraries for one week in Europe. If you’ve only got a week then choose one of them and assume you’ll return again to conquer more of this amazing part of the world. If you’ve got more time then you can choose from some of the top add-on suggestions for each one.

Start in the most famous cities

Your first visit to Europe is no time to try to be different or edgy. I recommend that you  focus on these 5 great cities  before you start branching out into cheaper or more obscure places.

Keep your travel days to a minimum

Spend 3 (or 4) nights in almost every major city

So many first-time visitors are initially planning on spending only 1 or 2 nights in major cities that I wrote a detailed explanation of why  3 nights is ideal for almost all European cities , even if you want to see as much as possible.

3 (or 4) nights will be enough for any city on your first trip

Most first-time visitors are tempted to move too quickly, but it can also be a mistake to move too slowly. It’s really amazing how much you can see in two full sightseeing days. If you spend too long in one city you’ll end up seeing things that are way down your list, while you could be in another city seeing things at the top of your list there.

Choose cities that are easy to reach from each other

For your first trip it’s best to visit cities that are no more than a 5-hour train ride apart.

Choose cities that are connected by reasonable train rides rather than flights

To build on the point above, finding cheap flights within Europe is easy, but train travel is about a million times more enjoyable and less stressful. You’ll enjoy the train rides almost as much as the cities, so focus on places that are within 5 hours of each other by train.

Start with one of the classic itineraries below, and then add to it if you have more time

If you only have 7 days then you’ll find a list below of classic itineraries that are well-suited to a first visit to Europe. Hopefully you have more than 7 days though, and if you do you can add in one or more of the suggested add-on cities to build an itinerary that appeals most to you.

Best 1-week itineraries for the first time in Europe

Itinerary 1: classic london and paris.

• London  (3 or 4 nights)
• Paris  (3 or 4 nights)

Fly into either city and take the 2-hour Eurostar train between them

London highlights

• Big Ben and Parliament
• Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Tower of London and Tower Bridge
• West End shows (Broadway equivalent) and classic pubs
• Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle

Paris is actually far more beautiful than London and the food is famously much better as well. Since Paris gets so many tourists from non-French speaking countries, it’s easy to get by on just English, and the Metro system makes it fast and easy to get around. The architecture of both cities is amazing from the Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower. These cities each pack a huge punch and they are very different from each other as well. Actually, England is arguably the best choice for your first trip to Europe .

Paris highlights

• Eiffel Tower
• Louvre Museum and Museum de Orsay
• Arc de Triomphe and other monuments
• Montmartre neighborhood and Sacré Coeur Cathedral
• Probably the world’s best affordable restaurants and wine

Best add-ons to London and Paris

• Edinburgh  (2 or 3 nights, from London)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights, from Paris)
• Bruges  and  Brussels  (2 nights, from Paris)

>>> Best one-week London and Paris itinerary in detail >>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Paris hotel deals

Itinerary 2: England and Scotland

• York (1 night)
• Edinburgh, Scotland  (2 or 3 nights)
• Inverness, Scotland (2 or 3 nights)

York is a small Roman city with intact city walls and one of the most famous cathedrals in Europe. Edinburgh is not only the capital of Scotland, but it’s easily the second most interesting city in all of Britain. If your time is short, skip York and spend more time in Edinburgh.

If you prefer to focus on the south of England on your first trip then the best option is to go to Bath or nearby Bristol after London. Bath is another of England’s top destinations and it’s a gorgeous city that has been a spa resort for many centuries. It’s also reasonably close to Stonehenge. You can also easily get to Cornwall in England’s southwest corner from Bath, and that’s a whole different and fascinating experience (with nicer weather than up north).

If you’ve got more than a week and want to spend more time in Scotland, especially in the summer months, the place to head to is Inverness. It’s a small town that is considered the gateway to the Scottish Highlands, but it’s an interesting and charming place on its own. You can take day-trips by bus to the highlights of the Highlands including the Isle of Skye and Loch Ness. Between you and me, it’s better to minimize time in Loch Ness or skip it altogether because it’s not one of the more photogenic parts of Scotland and the monster has always been a hoax.

Travel times between the recommended places

• London to York by train: 2 hours
• York to Edinburgh by train: 2.5 hours
• London to Edinburgh by train: 4 hours
• Edinburgh to Inverness by train: 3.5 hours
• London to Bath by train: 85 minutes

Best add-ons to England and Scotland

• Paris  (3 or 4 nights from London)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights from Paris)

If you think you want to spend your whole trip in Britain you should have a look at our article on the  best itineraries in England, Scotland, and Wales .

>>> Check London hotel deals >>> Check Edinburgh hotel deals

Itinerary 3: Paris and Italy

• Paris (3 or 4 nights)
• Venice (1 night)
• Florence (2 or 3 nights)
• Rome (3 nights)

From Paris you can easily fly to Venice (or nearby Treviso) where you should try to spend about 24 hours. Venice is small enough to see in a full day, and so crowded that most people are satisfied to leave after that day. The key is to stay in the main part of the main island so you can enjoy Venice before the cruise passengers and day-trippers arrive, and also after they leave for the day. Two nights in Venice would not be wasted time, and it’s possibly the most gorgeous city in the entire world, but you can see the best of it in a bit over 24 hours.

Rome also lives up to the hype and spending a day in the Vatican City will be a highlight even for non-Catholics, but it’s also a crowded and busy city so three days is usually enough for most people. Similar to Paris, Rome is an unusually beautiful city from almost any angle when you are in the historical center. You’ll walk through a stunning piazza (town square) and then turn a corner and you’ll see gorgeous buildings or public statues that are as nice as anything in the museums. Seriously, it’s worth a visit.

Paris to Venice flight: 1 hour 35 minutes Venice to Florence by train: 1 hour 53 minutes Florence to Rome by train: 1 hour 16 minutes

You can of course instead fly from Paris to Rome and then go north to Florence and then to Venice and fly home (or back to Paris) from there, and it would be just as enjoyable.

Best add-ons to Paris and Italy

• Nice/Cannes/Monaco  (2 or 3 nights)
• Avignon (2 nights)
• Bourges (2 nights)
• Bordeaux (2 nights)
• Aix-en-Provence (2 nights)
• Reims (2 nights)
• Dijon/Burgundy (2 nights)
• Milan  (1 or 2 nights)
• Lake Como (2 nights)
• Siena (2 nights)
• Cinque Terre (1 night)
• Naples / Sorrento /Amalfi Coast/Pompeii/Capri (3 to 5 nights)
• Sicily (3 to 4 nights)

>>>Much more information in this article about the best France and Italy itineraries >>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Rome hotel deals

Itinerary 4: Mediterranean cruise

In spite of the reputation of cruises to be floating buffets, they can actually be an excellent way to visit a great number of amazing European cities in a short time. The ship typically is in port from the early morning until mid evening, often giving you the opportunity to have dinner in the city (unlike Caribbean cruises). Better still, the cruise ports are often near the center of town, so you can just walk off the ship and do sightseeing on foot or by public transportation.

Mediterranean cruises usually start at 7 nights but can go up to 3 weeks, which can provide an amazing tour of the entire region without having to pack and repack your bags more than once. They also can provide excellent value, especially compared to the price of taking trains or flights and finding new hotels in every destination.

Most popular Mediterranean departure ports

Barcelona, Spain – It’s an easy port to reach. Ships generally go from Barcelona with stops in France and then Italy.

Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy – The port isn’t very close to Rome, but it’s easy to get back and forth. Ships go west to France and Spain as well as south around the tip of Italy and then on to Croatia, Venice, and to Greece.

Venice, Italy – The cruise ships no longer dock close to the best tourist areas, but it’s easy enough to visit Venice for a day or two before boarding a ship. Ships starting in Venice go south and then head west and to Rome and then to France, or they go south to Croatia and then head east to Greece.

Athens, Greece – The cruise port of Piraeus is just south of Athens and easy to reach. Ships from Athens usually head west towards Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain, but there are also ships that visit Greek islands and Turkey.

>>> Check for deals on Mediterranean cruises

Alternative to consider: a river cruise

Amsterdam ,  Budapest , and  Prague  are some of the most popular river cruise ports, but there are dozens of others including many smaller towns in France where few other tourists will be when you stroll off the ship. There is little or no entertainment on the river cruise ships, but passengers don’t miss it because the entire day and into the evening is spent just steps from local cultural offerings and restaurants.

>>> Check for Europe and river cruise deals

Itinerary 5: France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Paris  (3 nights)
• Brussels  and  Bruges  (1 or 2 nights)
• Amsterdam  (2 or 3 nights)

Paris to Brussels: 1 hour 22 minutes Brussels to Bruge: 58 minutes Bruges to Amsterdam: 2 hours 45 minutes Amsterdam to Paris: 3 hours 17 minutes

Spending 4 nights in Paris and 3 nights in Amsterdam would be a great trip, but if you want to see something else you’ve got a couple options in between. My advice is to spend an afternoon looking around the Grand Place (main square) in Brussels and then hop a 58-minute train ride to Bruges for a night or two. Brussels isn’t a great tourist city, but Bruges really is so it’s a better option for most people. Whatever you choose out of this group, you can be back in Paris on another high-speed train for your flight home.

Best add-ons to France, Belgium, and Netherlands

• Luxembourg City  (1 or 2 nights)
• Cologne, Germany (1 or 2 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Bruges hotel deals >>> Check Amsterdam hotel deals

Itinerary 6: Paris and elsewhere in France

And a choice of:

• Normandy (2 nights)

While Nice is a wonderful tourist city for a look at the French Riviera, the other larger cities of Lyon and Marseilles are probably better saved for a future trip because they are light on key sights compared to many smaller towns. Wine lovers can rent a car or take trains into Bordeaux or Burgundy. Since you can get between most of these towns by train in 2 hours or less, spending only 2 nights in each one is a reasonable option if you want to see a lot in a short time.

Normandy is an interesting choice and easy to reach in only about two hours by train from Paris. Some visitors like to see the famous WWII beaches and memorials, while others (especially in summer) like to check out one or more of the beach-resort towns. Deauville is one of the more famous of those, and it’s also famous for its horse race track and as one of the epicenters of the industry in Europe.

Best add-ons to Paris and elsewhere

• More France, of course

>>> Check Paris hotel deals >>> Check Nice hotel deals

Itinerary 7: Italy

• Rome  (3 nights)
• Florence  (2 or 3 nights)
• Venice  (1 or 2 nights)

Rome to Florence: 1 hour 16 minutes Florence to Venice: 1 hour 53 minutes

Venice is small enough that you can see the main sights in about 24 hours, and it’s so insanely crowded that many people tire of it after about a day as well. It’s better to pay more for a hotel to be on the main island and visit quickly than to save money with a hotel on the mainland where you’ll be in crowds going back and forth as well. Florence is the most relaxing of the 3, and also a great base for side trips to Pisa, Siena, and Cinque Terre, just to name a few.

Going to Italy? Here are the  best first-time Italy itineraries for 3 days to 2 weeks  (in much greater detail)

Best add-ons to Italy

>>> Check Rome hotel deals >>> Check Florence hotel deals >>> Check Venice hotel deals

Itinerary 8: Spain

• Madrid  (4 nights) (including day trip to Toledo)
• Barcelona  (3 nights)

Madrid to Barcelona: 2 hours 30 minutes

A huge part of Spain’s tourism industry is built around its southern beaches and islands such as Ibiza, Mallorca, and Tenerife (in the Canary Islands). For most people it’s best to ignore those places on your first trip because none of the beaches are special enough to spend days on them compared to the culture of the cities.

Best add-ons to Spain

• Valencia  (2 nights)
• Seville  (2 or 3 nights)
• Granada  (2 or 3 nights)
• Lisbon  (3 nights)

By popular demand, I’ve added a full article on where to go in Spain with itineraries from 7 to 10 days up to two weeks .

>>> Check Madrid hotel deals >>> Check Barcelona hotel deals >>> Check Lisbon hotel deals

Itinerary 9: Germany

• Berlin  (3 nights)
• Munich  (2 or 3 nights)
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber (1 night)
• Füssen (1 night)

Berlin to Munich: 6 hours 2 minutes Munich to Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 2 hours 56 minutes Munich to Füssen: 2 hours 4 minutes

Those two cities are the keys to a Germany visit, and after that you’ve got a wide variety of choices. I cover most of the popular choices in my article on  where to go in Germany , which covers several smaller towns that are major highlights.

Best add-ons to Germany

• Cologne (1 or 2 nights)
• Hamburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Amsterdam  (3 nights)
• Prague  (3 nights)
• Salzburg  (2 or 3 nights)
• Vienna  (3 nights)
• Interlaken, Switzerland  (3 nights)
• Lucerne, Switzerland  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Berlin hotel deals >>> Check Munich hotel deals

Itinerary 10: Switzerland

• Interlaken  (3 nights)
• Bern (1 night)
• Lucerne  (3 nights)

Zurich Airport to Interlaken: 2 hours 10 minutes Interlaken to Bern: 53 minutes Bern to Lucerne: 1 hour 50 minutes Lucerne to Zurich Airport: 1 hour 3 minutes

Interlaken is the best hub for the most dramatic Alps views and experiences. The one-hour cable car ride up to the Schilthorn observation deck is something you’ll never forget, and the only thing that might be more dramatic is the train ride up to the Jungfraujoch station, which is the highest in Europe. Lucerne is almost as beautiful with a scenic lake at its heart and also great mountaintop views nearby. If you do want to see a Swiss city then the capital of Bern is the most interesting and photogenic on a short visit. Read more about  where to go in Switzerland  for even more ideas.

Best add-ons to Switzerland

• Munich  (3 nights)
• Italy (as long as you’ve got)

>>> Check Interlaken hotel deals >>> Check Lucerne hotel deals

Itinerary 11: Eastern Europe’s best cheap cities

• Budapest  (3 nights) and/or
• Krakow  (3 nights)

Each of these cities is beautiful and historic, but English is less widely spoken so they can also be quite a bit more challenging for a first-time visitor. Another difficulty is that the trains between them are still quite slow compared to the high-speed rail in the West, so it takes most of a day from one to another, and a bus is often a better choice. I cover this best cheap Europe itinerary more fully in the linked article.

Prague to Budapest: 6 hours 41 minutes Budapest to Krakow: 9 hours 54 minutes (flying might be better)

Best add-ons to cheap Eastern Europe

• Cesky Krumlov, Czechia  (2 nights)
• Ljubljana, Slovenia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Split, Croatia  (3 nights)
• Belgrade, Serbia  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina  (2 or 3 nights)
• Sofia, Bulgaria  (2 or 3 nights)

>>> Check Prague hotel deals >>> Check Budapest hotel deals >>> Check Krakow hotel deals

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Hi Roger, was reading your article and reply to various questions and its actually too good and kind from you. if you pls,help me out a route plan for 15days. but my catch is, i have to start from Stockholm.i like to end in rome to head back home. in between what should be my plan?thanks

I’m happy to help. Stockholm to Rome could be done in 15 days, but it would require skipping quite a few great places along the way. My recommendation would be to choose 5 or maybe 6 cities total and spend 3 days in each. If Stockholm is one of your cities you’d only have 12 days left but even if Stockholm didn’t count on the 15 days I think it’s probably best to fly from Stockholm to a city closer to Italy and then do the rest of it on shorter train rides. You could do Stockholm to Copenhagen by train, but those are pretty long train rides and honestly those two cities are pretty similar to each other.

So maybe Stockholm and then a flight to Paris and then trains to Venice, Florence and Rome? That sort of thing. Stockholm is just so remote that it would require at least 3 or 4 longer train journeys but if you flew from Stockholm to Paris (or Berlin or Prague or Budapest or wherever) the remaining train rides would be relatively short. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Firstly, I would like to thank you for the article and itineraries; they are very helpful.

My wife and I are planning a 3 to 4-month trip around the EU (Western Europe). Before I delve into the specifics of our itinerary, I am wondering if the same 3 to 5-day in each-city principle applies for cases where travellers will spend more time travelling around?

I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks Raf

Wow. That sounds amazing! Even when traveling for longer periods like that I’d recommend a minimum of 3 nights in almost any place you go. The main reason is your travel days tend to be kind of long when you factor in everything from checking out of one hotel to getting to the train station and waiting and then the journey time and then getting to your next hotel and getting situated. All of that usually takes 4 to 6 hours even when the train journey is only an hour or two, so you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those days. So if you only stay 2 nights in each city it means every other day is a travel day and that just takes up too much time.

That said, I think 3 or 4 days is enough time in most places as well. If you really want to get to know Paris, for example, you might stay a week there. But for most cities there are diminishing marginal returns starting on day 3 or 4. In other words, you’ll be able to see the 10 things that most interest you in 3 days or so, and at that point you might be ready to see the Top 10 things in the next city instead of the #11 through #20 things in the first city.

Another thing that is important with longer trips like that is to plan some down time at least every few weeks. If you try to do sightseeing 7 days per week for weeks at a time it starts to feel like a job. What I like to do is every two or three weeks find a smaller town or cheaper place where I can rent a little apartment or some place larger and more comfortable than a typical small European hotel room. And I like to stop in places without many sights otherwise it’s too tempting to keep sightseeing every day.

I’ve actually done quite a few long trips like this and I’m happy to help with any other advice if you like. -Roger

Comment*We are planning on Athens to Amsterdam from June 4, 2024 to Amsterdam June 24th.

We are thinking trains to major cities inbetween Athens and Amsterdam. We are open to anything and everything.

Priorities: Parthenon in Athens, Art Museums in Amsterdam (3-5 days in Amsterdam) Can you help us?

That is a tricky one. Both Athens and Amsterdam are great and very worthwhile, but once you go north of Athens to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, the train service is spotty and very slow all the way until you reach Budapest. Strangely enough, buses tend to be faster and much more frequent in those “eastern” countries like Bulgaria and Romania. Also, being perfectly honest, most of those in-between cities such as Sofia and Belgrade are kind of dull by European standards, although they are quite cheap.

If you really want to visit Athens I’d definitely start there and then after a few days fly to Budapest or some other city in that area that interests you and then carry on from there by train. In fact, Athens to Budapest and then trains to Prague then Berlin and then Amsterdam could be perfect. You could even add in a couple of days in Cesky Krumlov near Prague if you want to include a gorgeous smaller town among the big cities.

Those are all first-class cities and several of them are quite affordable as well. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, my wife and I would like to visit Rome, Florence, Italy, Venice, Prague, Berlin and maybe Switzerland. This will be the first time travelling to Europe and I would appreciate your help in planning where to start, where to stay, how to get there and where to go. We will be coming from Trinidad and Tobago for 2 weeks. If possible, i would like a day-to-day plan.

Unfortunately I don’t have time to do a day-by-day plan for you, but I can help get you started. If you’ve got 14 nights I would keep the list to 5 total cities. If you tried to include Switzerland on this trip it would mean spending only 1 or 2 days in some cities and that means spending every other day on trains.

I think the best thing to do would be to fly into Berlin or Prague and then spend 3 days there and then take a train to the other one and spend 3 days there and then fly to Venice. Spend 1 or 2 days in Venice and then take a short train ride to Florence for 2 days or so and then a train ride down to Rome for your final 3 days and then a flight home or back to your starting city if that is cheaper. I’m happy to help if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. My wife and I (56 and 63) want to do our first trip to Europe from Canada and would like to start by visiting Portugal (Lisbon and Porto) and Spain (Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada y Sevilla with day trips to close small cities in between). What it would be your suggestion for: 1. Stay in each city for a 15/17 days trip? 2. any additions/modifications? 3. Train over flights internally? 4. If we travel with one suitcase of 50 Lbs would it work to take public transit when required? 5. Instead of this plan, would it be better to visit 1/2 famous city in different countries? Would appreciate your inputs. Than you Roger

If you’ve only got about 16 days I’d recommend choosing 5 or maybe 6 cities in total. I strongly believe that 3 nights is the best amount of time to stay in each city so you have two full sightseeing days in each one, although some smaller cities can be done a bit quicker. I go over the reasons in detail on this other article about how long to stay in each European city , but the main point is that if you stay only two nights it means literally spending every other day on trains or in airports and such and you just don’t get much sightseeing done on those travel days with all of the packing and unpacking and checking in and out of hotels.

I’d definitely include Lisbon, Madrid, and Barcelona. You could add a 2-day visit to Porto and 2 or 3 days each in Sevilla and Granada. I’d save Valencia for a future trip. It’s nice, but aside from the new buildings clustered in one area, it’s more generic than any of the others on your list.

The only train between Portugal and Madrid goes over night and I’m not a fan of those so I’d fly on that leg. But from there I’d definitely take the high-speed trains, which are fast and comfortable. Buy your tickets at least a couple months in advance for the best fares.

There will be room for a 50 lb suitcase on the flights (of course) and on the trains as well. On older trains they have you put them on racks above the seats, but on most of the more modern ones (like the high-speed trains) they also have room for larger bags at each end of the carriage. If you can lift them, there will definitely be room for them.

I think your plan sounds really good and those are all great cities. That said, for most first-time visitors to Europe I’d recommend Paris and Italy as those are really more dramatic and interesting, although also more crowded and somewhat more expensive as well. I think once you do the Iberia trip you’ll be hooked and you’ll start planning a trip to France and Italy for the coming years. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Hi, Roger. Thank you for your comments and recommendations and also for your prompt response. I have modified my plan as I have now 22 days. My Itinerary is Porto(3), Lisbon(3), Seville(2), Malaga(2), Madrid(3),Barcelona(3), Zaragoza(2) and Bilbao(3). What do you think? is this a good plan? Any suggestions? I am still debating between Malaga and Granada though. I included Bilbao to visit friends. The question on the luggage was more related to the comfort to pull a large back in public transit than the allowance in the planes or trains. I will appreciate your inputs. Thank you again, Roger

Those six more days will help a lot. I think your new plan looks really good. You can probably enjoy Porto in 2 days and add an extra day somewhere else, but you might also be dealing with jet-lag so 3 days might be better. Your itinerary looks efficient and logical.

I really like Granada and Malaga, but I think if I were to choose between the two I would go with Granada. Malaga is (in my opinion) an underrated city that is close to some extremely popular beach towns and it’s got a lot going for it, but if you aren’t also going to be staying by the beach I think I’d save it for another trip. Granada has got the Alhambra and Generalife Gardens and those are unlike anything else in Spain or the world for that matter. Granada is small enough to enjoy in two days and I think seeing the Alhambra will be more memorable than anything in Malaga.

Buy your train tickets as early as possible for the best times and fares, and the flight for Lisbon to Seville (or you could take a bus).

And again, your 50 lb suitcase will fit on city to city trains (although not as well on buses or trams within a city), but still (as the saying goes) no one ever went on a trip around Europe like this and swore they would pack more stuff the next time. In other words, 40 lbs is much easier than 50 lbs and getting laundry done cheaply in a country like Spain is quite easy. Let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Comment*Hi travelling first time to europe next year we are 55 years age group any suggestions for 10-12 days itenary with guided tour would be nice if any suggestion are there also april or may better time to visit there anil

Actually, all of my best suggestions for first-time visits to Europe are in the article above. If you specifically want a guided tour you’ll obviously just be choosing from the ones that are available from the companies you look it, although many of those should resemble the itineraries in my article. Planning your own trip to Europe is actually quite easy, and especially if you are going to the classic and most popular cities. I’ve got lots of articles that could help you.

I’m not sure how many guided tours you’ve done, but one thing to consider is that they always move at the speed of the slowest person in the group. If YOU are the slowest person in the group then it’s fine, but if you are 55 then you should be much faster than most other people on a guided tour. For example, if you have a coach/bus tour for a day with 5 or 6 stops, you always have to wait for the slowest people to get on an off the bus. I’ve done countless day tours this way and it can be frustrating waiting 10 extra minutes many times each day as slow people are trying their best.

I think my top two best suggestions are London and maybe another stop or two in England and then Paris and other stop or two in France, OR, Paris then another stop in France and then Venice, Florence, and Rome. It obviously depends whether England or Italy sounds more interesting. Let me know if I can be of any other help. -Roger

Planning a family trip with a adult and nearly adult children. Hoping to be able to do 18 to 20 days. Must sees are Paris, Venice, England, and Prague but would adore seeing more! What route would you suggest and should we rent a car, fly, train, river cruise? There are so many options and I’m completely overwhelmed! A suggested itinerary would be amazing!! Thank you!

That sounds like a great start to a plan. As far as “England” is concerned it’s probably best to just think of it as 3 or probably 4 nights in London. With 4 nights you’d have enough time for a good day trip to Bath/Stonehenge and Windsor or to Oxford or even York, but London is big enough to keep you busy and it’s probably best to just stay there and then take the Eurostar train to Paris for 3 or 4 nights.

Prague is a bit out of the way, but you can fly there cheaply enough if you want and then after 3 nights fly to Venice. After 2 nights in Venice I’d take a train down to Florence for 2 nights and then another train to Rome for 3 nights. That would be just about a perfect 18 to 20 day trip including Prague. I definitely wouldn’t rent a car as they tend to be counter productive when visiting a string of large cities that have bad traffic and expensive parking. Your itinerary doesn’t really work with a river cruise at all, but hopefully you can plan one in the future.

It would probably be cheapest to fly from Rome back to London for your flight home (being careful of which of London’s 5 airports you fly into because your flight home will almost certainly go out of Heathrow), but if you can get a flight home straight from Rome for a good price, that would be even better. Getting around by train in Europe is by far the best way wherever it’s close and fast enough, so I’d focus on trains in the places I mentioned. I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions. -Roger

Yes, I meant London. Thank you for picking up on that. After reading though your site and many, many of these informative comments, I think I have figured out a basic itinerary and would love your feedback and suggestions!

-Fly into London London(3 days) -Eurostar Train to Paris Paris (3 days) -Train to Switzerland – unsure which train company Switzerland (3 days) -Train to Venice?? Venice (2 days) -Train to Florence – which train company? Is there a pass? Florence (2 days) -Train to Rome Rome (2 days) -Fly to Prague Prague (3 days) -Fly home out of Prague

Very interested to hear your feedback. I know you suggest 3 nights but I am ok with missing out on some things in Rome/Florence if needed. Would love train suggestions and if passes are best. NO idea on how the trains operate in Europe.

Thank you so much for your time!

This itinerary looks amazing. My only real suggestion would be to spend only one day in Venice and three days in Rome, or at least a day and a half in Venice rather than two, but you’ll enjoy it no matter what. The thing is that Venice is about the size of a theme park like Disneyland and from 9 AM until 5 PM it feels even more crowded than Disneyland. It’s absolutely amazing, but also easy to get tired of the crowds and you’ll do your best sightseeing in the mornings before the day-trippers come and in the evenings after they’ve left. And Rome is huge with a long list of really cool sights so with only one full sightseeing day you’ll miss quite a few of them. But again, you’ll enjoy it no matter how you divide your time.

In most of Europe including between France and Switzerland and Italy, there is just one rail company per country so just book whatever comes up. From Paris to Basel, Switzerland you’ll take the France national service and then change trains to a Swiss train for your ride to Interlaken or Lucern. Then from Switzerland you’ll take (probably) a Swiss train to Spiez or Brig and then change there for an Italian train to Venice. You’ll buy it just as one ticket and it’ll include all the legs required to get from one city to your final city, and usually come with seat reservations as well (except in Switzerland).

My favorite site for checking schedules all over Europe is the Trainline . But you can also check the official rail sites of each country involved and I’d definitely check those prices before booking anything. My article on buying European train tickets in advance is still pretty much up to date and it has links to the various national train companies.

It will be cheapest if you lock in your dates and buy all of your train tickets as early as possible, which will be around 3 months out in most cases. The tickets start off really cheap and go up in price as more seats are sold on each train, so earlier is always better. There are no rail passes that would be helpful on a trip like this, but that’s mostly because the tickets will be pretty cheap already, especially the ones within Italy.

Trains in Europe are really fun and shockingly easy once you get started. All the important signs will be in English as well as a local language. For most of them you can literally walk aboard just before it leaves and you are fine as long as you have a reserved seat, but the Eurostar works more like a flight with security and such so you have to be checked in at least 30 minutes in advance. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I won’t have time to update that other older article about trains vs planes vs buses, partly because these days there is a clear choice depending on which two cities you are going between. There are places in eastern Europe where there are advantages to each mode, but for the cities you’ll be doing the train is going to be the fastest, by far the most enjoyable, and probably the cheapest as well, at least once you factor in airport transportation costs. It’s going to be a great trip! -Roger

Thank you SO much for all of your help. Your in-depth website is an amazing resource! I get so lost in it and spend hours scouring your resources and links – it has everything anyone could need! And, the fact that you are also personally answering comments and offering personalized advice is mind blowing! Thank you for all that you do to inform us!

If you could suggest on a 14-15 day iterinary covering Athens, rome Milan paris London and Finland from New Delhi / Mumbai.

If you have 14 to 15 days I’d suggest choosing about 5 cities in total to visit. So your list should work out fairly well, although it depends on how much of Finland you’d hope to see. I’m guessing you must have a specific reason for wanting to go there? Finland normally isn’t very popular and honestly there isn’t much to see. Helsinki is, in my opinion, the least interesting of the Nordic capitals, although it’s pleasant enough and the country has some nice forests. If you are visiting relatives or something, that requires different planning of course.

It might be easiest to fly from Mumbai to London and then use that as a base. You could spend a few nights there and then fly to Helsinki and back after that or Helsinki to Paris for a few days. After Paris you could fly to Milan or Rome and then take a train to the other and then fly to Athens to finish your trip.

Milan actually isn’t a popular tourist city. It’s the home of most of Italy’s big banks and fashion brands, but neither of those are accessible to most tourists. Italy has amazing fashion shopping in Rome as well as Florence. Venice is also more popular. I hope this helps and I’m happy to help more if you have questions. -Roger

Comment* Planning first trip to Europe Want to do tour of England, Scotland, Wales and then to Paris for sites and Monet Gardens. Might take train to Brussels and Bruge. Then to Switzerland and home. Any suggestions what tour group to contact. Want slower pace trip…at least 3 weeks. Thank you.

I enjoy helping people plan independent trips, and I honestly don’t know much about booking all-inclusive tours like you are after. I’d imagine you’d have to do at least a few different tours to cover all the places you have in mind. The one outfit that I am familiar with is Rick Steves, who I am a huge fan of for his Europe travel guides and I know he has a big tour organization. I’d start with them and see if they have anything that fits what you are looking for. Best of luck. -Roger

Your Trip to London: The Complete Guide

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19 Things to See If You Only Have a Few Hours in London

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London has a laundry list of popular attractions , from Buckingham Palace to Notting Hill, and it’s impossible to see them all in one day. However, the British capital is compact enough to experience several in quick succession if planned out right. Whether you’re interested in history, pop culture or a few pints at the local pub, London welcomes millions of visitors every year, in all seasons. When short on time, it’s best to prioritize your interests and pick a part of the city to explore – although it’s easier to take more in if you take advantage of the Tube and local buses. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes and carry an umbrella, just in case. 

Tour Westminster Abbey

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London’s most famous church is a good starting point for an itinerary of famous sites. Situated across from Parliament, Westminster Abbey is a World Heritage Site with a storied history (including the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton). Over a million visitors come through the church every year, so it’s recommended to book tickets online in advance. There are also services on Sundays, which religious travelers can attend. 

Watch the Changing of the Guard

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The guards at Buckingham Palace make a well-orchestrated spectacle of their shift changes, which the public can view most mornings. It’s essential to check the current schedule online before planning (and know which of three viewpoints you prefer). Typically, the guard begins its ceremony at 11 a.m. If you miss it, it’s also possible to spot the red-clad guards inside the gates of Buckingham Palace, where they stand throughout the day.

Explore the Churchill War Rooms

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History buffs should descend into the Churchill War Rooms, a museum that showcases the preserved bunkers from World War II that were used by the British government to stage the end of the war. The War Rooms aren’t far from Buckingham Palace and can be seen in less than an hour (if you don’t read some of the more in-depth signs). Reserve a timed ticket in advance online to ensure entry. 

Sneak a Peek at 10 Downing Street

The home of the British prime minister isn’t quite as grandiose as the White House, but you can still spot 10 Downing Street through a set of gates as you walk between Parliament Square and Trafalgar Square. Be warned: There is usually at least one protest taking place outside on a given day and it’s best to avoid the area when big marches are planned. 

Climb the Trafalgar Square Lions

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North of Whitehall, Trafalgar Square is a large public square that commemorates the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar. The busy area, which is adjacent to the National Portrait Gallery, features some very large lion sculptures at the base of Nelson’s Column. The statues are a favorite for tourists to climb on for a photo. Trafalgar Square often houses special events and protests, and it’s an easy spot to stop for a few photos without wasting too much of your quick trip. 

Shop Covent Garden Market

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Covent Garden is notoriously one of London’s best shopping areas, featuring both chains and boutique shops. Covent Garden Market, an old food market that’s been transformed into a chic retail and restaurant hub, is a good starting point, which you’ll find a short walk from Trafalgar Square. It’s also a great spot to pick up a few souvenirs or to grab an ice cream. 

Read the Rosetta Stone

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The British Museum, which offers free entry, has a wealth of historical artifacts on display – including some very impressive mummies. Its most notable piece is the Rosetta Stone, which you’ll find towards the entrance, making it easy to pop in for a quick look if you’re short on time. The museum is open every day of the year, except New Year’s Day and December 24-26.  

Down a Pint at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese

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Several pubs claim to be the oldest in London, but Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, nestled in an alleyway off Fleet Street, has the best name of them all. The pub dates back to the 17th century and claims Charles Dickens and Mark Twain as past visitors. It’s not the prettiest place to grab a drink, but it’s likely the most memorable. Kids under 16 are allowed in pubs when accompanied by an adult. 

Browse Somerset House

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Once the site of a Tudor palace, Somerset House, adjacent to Waterloo Bridge, houses rotating exhibitions and, in the winter, an ice skating rink. Spend a few minutes exploring the current offerings, or just pop in for a coffee at Fernandez and Wells, located inside the central courtyard. In the summer, Somerset House puts on concerts and you can score tickets to see artists like The Gossip and Cut Copy perform. 

Take in the View at the Tate Modern

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Across the river, ascend to the top of the Tate Modern’s new wing to find a 360-degree, outdoor viewing gallery that extends around the entire building. From there you can spot nearly every iconic building in London, including Wembley Stadium far off in the distance. Be sure to visit the museum’s many galleries as well, all of which are free to the public (with the exception of special exhibitions). Harry Potter buffs should grab a photo outside on the Millennium Bridge, which was destroyed by Death Eaters in the film of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince . 

Act Out Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre

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While the actual Globe Theatre burned to the ground while Shakespeare was still alive, Southbank features a replica of the iconic theater. Even if you don’t have time to stay for one of the productions, which feature classic and experimental versions of the playwright’s famed works, the theater offers guided tours throughout the year, which typically last 30-40 minutes. 

Ride the London Eye

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If your time is limited, the London Eye isn’t necessarily a must-do. But if you plan ahead and score Fast Track timed tickets, it’s possible to avoid wasting part of your day in the line. The London Eye, a massive, slow-moving Ferris wheel with enclosed viewing pods, offers elevated views of the city (which are best seen before it starts getting dark outside). The London Eye is open daily, with rides beginning at 10 a.m. Check the website for closing hours, which can change depending on the day of the week and the season. 

Browse the Stalls at Borough Market

Located near London Bridge, Borough Market is a covered outdoor food market that dates back to before America even existed. It’s open every day except Sunday and visitors can discover an endless array of market stalls, with everything from pastries to fresh fish to olive oil. It’s a great stop for lunch, especially when strolling around Southbank, and the market has enough food stands and permanent restaurants to satisfy any craving. 

Traverse Tower Bridge

From Borough Market, it’s possible to walk along the Thames until you reach Tower Bridge, one of London’s most photographed sites. Travelers can simply walk across, but for a more memorable experience buy a ticket to enter the bridge and head up into the elevated walkways. It’s open daily (except over Christmas) and tickets can be purchased in advance online, although timed entry is guaranteed during busy periods. 

Visit the Crown Jewels

Robert Alexander  / Contributor / Getty Images

On the other side of Tower Bridge is the Tower of London, a historic castle where the crown jewels are kept. It’s possible to see the Tower of London from the outside, but if you have a spare hour head in to discover the armory, the 23,578 gemstones that make up the crown jewels and exhibitions on imprisonment, torture and royal beasts. It’s an ideal spot for older kids and teens, especially since much of the experience is interactive. 

Wander Through Hyde Park

 Gautier Houba / TripSavvy

If you’d rather spend your short time in London outside, make your way to Hyde Park Corner, the southeast point of Hyde Park. From there, follow one of the many trails through the green expanse, which is the largest of the Royal Parks. The park is home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, a boating lake called The Serpentine and the photogenic Italian Gardens, which were a gift from Prince Albert to Queen Victoria. The park has concessions and numerous spots to buy food and drink, and visitors should be prepared to insert a 20 pence coin to access the restrooms. 

Visit Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace, the home of Prince William and Kate Middleton, borders Hyde Park. It’s been a royal residence for over 300 years and the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and visitors are invited inside to learn about the palace’s extensive history. The exhibitions change, but the King's State Apartments and the King’s Gallery are always open to tours, as well as the gardens. It’s essential to book tickets in advance, especially when a new exhibition opens. 

Stroll Through Notting Hill

Alexander Spatari / Getty Images

From Kensington Palace, it’s a quick walk to Notting Hill, made famous by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Portobello Road is the area’s main thoroughfare, featuring the Portobello Road Market, an extensive market that sells antiques, food and souvenirs every day except Sunday. Movie fans will find a lot to spot in the area, too, including Alice’s Antiques from "Paddington" and the blue door from "Notting Hill" (located at 280 Westbourne Park Road). 

Pet Paddington Bear

 Gordon Bell / Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0

Paddington Station is a hub of activity in London, with dozens of trains coming in and out of the station every hour. The Heathrow Express, a train that jets travelers to Heathrow Airport in only 15 minutes, is based there, so on your way out of the city stop by the life-sized bronze Paddington Bear statue, which was designed by sculptor Marcus Cornish and unveiled in 2000. Paddington sits under the clock and fans can also shop for themed souvenirs in the official Paddington store. 

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2 Days in London: The Perfect London Itinerary

Last updated: May 28, 2024 . Written by Laurence Norah - 75 Comments

In today’s post, I’m going to share with you everything that I would recommend to the first-time visitor looking for a great two-day London itinerary.

This is not going to be a list of hidden gems, even though London has plenty of those.

This is a list of all the places you’re going to want to visit on your first time to London – the iconic sights that you’ve seen in postcards and films – plus a couple of curve-balls you might not have thought of, but may be worth your time to visit.

I’ve also grouped these in a logical order in terms of visiting, so as to maximise your sight-seeing over your two days in London.

This itinerary would fit well into a longer tour of either Europe or the UK, and we suggest you take a look at our 2 week UK itinerary and 2 week Europe itinerary for some suggestions of what those might look like.

Jess and I are huge fans of London. I lived in central London for a couple of years, and we visit the city multiple times a year. So this guide is very much based oñ our personal experiences of London.

There’s just so much to see and do, from some of England’s loveliest city parks through to thousand year old castles and churches. And that’s before I’ve even thought about all the culture on offer, from museums to musicals, theatre shows, live music and fine dining.

Every time we visit we find something new to do!

London is a big place with a lot to see and do, so you’re not going to be able to get everywhere, and I don’t want you to be spending all your time on public transport – the goal here is give you an itinerary whereby you can see as much as possible with minimal downtime for transport between sights. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised to find out just how walkable London is on this two day itinerary! Let’s get started!

A 2 Day London Itinerary

London itinerary: day 1, tower of london.

What better place to start your London itinerary than with a visit to the Tower of London, home to the English Crown Jewels and the site of numerous key historical events, including the execution of all sorts of people who were deemed inappropriate by whoever was in charge at the time.

These days there’s less blood running on the grass, but you will still find plenty to do, from popping in to see the monarch’s crown through to exploring the White Castle at the centre of the keep.

My advice for getting the most out of your visit is to arrive as soon as the Tower opens, which is around 9am, and beating the crowds to the crown jewels. You’re likely going to want to spend at least an hour here, if not two – there is a lot to see (and photograph!) here.

Entry is ticketed, but it’s included in the London Pass .

Alternatively you can buy a ticket online on GetYourGuide in advance here .

We also recommend checking prices on the official website  here , as pricing can vary. It’s also worth comparing the refund policies as these can vary.

You see opening times and other information for your visit on the official site.

Tower Bridge Exhibition

On from the Tower of London, you’re going to find yourself right next to Tower Bridge, the most iconic of all the London bridges. If you want to learn more about the bridge and not just take some classic photos, then you should visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition .

Here you can learn about the history of the bridge, including how it was built and how the lifting mechanism works to allow ships through. More excitingly, you can walk the glass floor walkway, a 42 meter high walkway that will definitely test any fear of heights you may have! This is a lot of fun, and well worth the entry price alone in our opinion.

There’s an entry fee, and you can see opening times and prices here . Included on the London Pass .

HMS Belfast

After you’ve crossed tower bridge, you might consider visiting HMS Belfast , which is permanently moored on the Thames a short walk from Tower Bridge on the south bank.

This historic warship, operated today by Imperial War Museums, will definitely be of interest to military buffs, or anyone with even a slight interest in boats.

Launched just before the outbreak of World War 2, this Royal Navy Light Cruiser saw action in both World War 2 and the Korean War, before being decommissioned in 1963.

Since 1971 she’s been a popular London tourist attraction, and you can spend a good deal of time learning all about operational life on board a warship, as well as the history of HMS Belfast specifically. Definitely a worthwhile part of your visit.

Entry is ticketed, see opening times and prices here . Tickets can be purchased at the ship or on the official website.

For a truly spectacular view of London, you’re going to want to head up London’s tallest building, the Shard. This 95 storey skyscraper was opened in 2012, with the viewing deck opened in 2013.

From the top you get incredible views of the majority of London, up and down the Thames. There are two floors from which you can take pictures, and this is one of my recommended photography locations in London .

Entry is ticketed and ideally should be booked in advance as this works out cheaper. You can see opening times and prices here .

You can book tickets in advance either on the official site, or here on Tiqets . The View from the Shard is also included on the London Pass , so if you have one of those it is definitely worth visiting this viewpoint.

As an alternative to the Shard, you might instead want to visit the London Eye . This doesn’t go quite as high as the Shard, but you are closer to Westminster so get great views of the Houses of Parliament. You could also do both of course! They are both included on the London Pass, which you can buy here .

If you want to do the London Eye, we’ve generally found the best prices if you book in advance on the official site here .

We also have a complete guide to visiting the London Eye .

Houses of Parliament

From The Shard, my suggestion is that you head to London Bridge Tube station and take the Jubilee line to Westminster tube, two stops away. This is a 12-minute journey, and the only public transport you’re going to need to take during the day.

Alternatively, if you want a nice walk, or are interested in some of the optional extras I go into below, then you should walk along the lovely south bank of the Thames.

This is one of my favourite walks in London, and if you have the time (around 45 minutes without stops), is well worth it. Along the way you’ll see sights like Shakespeare’s Globe, the Golden Hind, Tate Modern Museum and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Another option is to take the river boat – this is going to be a little more expensive than the tube, but is a unique way to get around London , and it will take you straight to Westminster Pier. A day pass on the river boat is included for holders of the London Pass.

Either way, you’re going to find yourself by the Houses of Parliament, officially known as the Palace of Westminster. This is the seat of government in England, home to the House of Commons and the House of Lords, and is where the politics in England takes place.

Whilst it is possible to go inside and take a tour , I’d suggest just taking photos from the outside of this beautiful building, particularly of the Elizabeth Tower, home to Big Ben, and then heading on to:

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is definitely one of the UK’s most impressive churches. It’s here that key events in the life of the British Royal Family take place including Royal Weddings (17 to date) and Coronations (the majority of British rulers since 1066!).

Westminster Abbey is also one of the most desirable burial sites in the UK, with countless famous figures from British history buried here, including Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Chaucer, and multiple British royals, prime ministers and more.

Even if you’re not interested in the Royal family or the buried dead though, you can’t help but be impressed by this gorgeous gothic style building. Again, there is plenty to see and do here (and the line to get in can take a little while), so plan at least an hour or two to fully appreciate the property.

There’s a fee to get in to Westminster Abbey. See prices and opening hours here . Included on the London Pass. You can also book your tickets online in advance here.

Churchill War Rooms

Depending on how much you like to do in a day, you might still have time to fit in one last attraction.

If so, last on our list for the day are the Churchill War Rooms .

Set below the heart of the government buildings in London, this huge underground bunker is where Winston Churchill directed the majority of the war effort during World War 2.

This maze of rooms is now open as a tourist attraction, and is a really fascinating place to explore, covering both the life and times of Churchill, as well as providing insight into the rooms themselves, and the people who spent so many years of their lives working away in secrecy underneath London during the war years.

An excellent audio guide is included as part of the tour, and again, you can easily spend a couple of hours here soaking everything in.

When you’re done, you’ll emerge blinking into the light, where you might want to take a stroll around St. James Park, or head through Whitehall to see the home of the British Prime Minster at No. 10 Downing Street, before finishing up at Trafalgar Square, where you’ve got full access to all the shows in the West End – an excellent way to spend the evening ahead!

The Churchill War Rooms are very popular, so we advise booking in advance. You can see prices and opening times here .

Another option we can personally recommend if you are particularly interested in Winston Churchill and the London Blitz, is the “ London Churchill War Room ” tour by Context Travel (use link above to get 10% off the price of any Context Travel tours).

This tour is around three hours in length and includes a guided visit to the Churchill War Rooms as well other sites in London related to the Blitz. You can book a small group tour or a private tour. Alternatively, this walking tour of Westminster also includes the Churchill War Rooms.

Optional Extras on Your Route:

I appreciate that you might not be totally in to some of the ideas I’ve floated above, or be a super-quick sight-seer.

Fear not, London has more for you! Along the south bank (always worth a wander), you can stop in at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Tate Modern Art Gallery, and even quickly cross the Millennium bridge for a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The Globe and St. Paul’s Cathedral are both included on the London Pass, whilst the Tate Modern is free to enter.

London Itinerary: Day 2

Kensington palace.

On your second day in London you’re going to head a little to the west, and take in some of the sights in this area, starting with Kensington Palace .

Inextricably linked with Queen Victoria, who was born here, Kensington Palace is a Royal Residence, and has been since the 17th century.

Today it’s occupied by Princes William and his family, and whilst you can’t visit the private Royal Residence, you can tour the State Rooms.

These have actually been open to the public for a long time, in a practice started by Queen Victoria in 1899, and today Kensington Palace is one of the most popular of the Royal Palaces for visitors.

There are a series of four themed routes through the palace, covering different aspects of the history of the palace, and all four are worth doing.

Then, when you’re done, there’s an excellent café where you can have a hot drink and a sandwich, before embarking on the rest of your day’s adventures.

There’s a fee for entry, and you can see opening times and prices here . It’s free for holders of the London Pass – get yours here .

Note that due to this being a popular attraction, it can get quite busy, so we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance here if you are visiting without a London Pass.

Holders of the London Pass have access to the priority queue for ticket holders and do not need to reserve a timeslot (see Kensington Palace FAQ section on London Pass here ).

However, it is recommended you turn up near to opening time, as capacity is limited, and if you arrive later in the day, you may be subject to lengthy wait times – this is why we have this first for the day on this itinerary.

Royal Albert Hall

From Kensington Palace, it’s a lovely walk through Kensington Gardens to the Royal Albert Hall. This was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, and is named in memory of her husband Albert, who had died six years earlier.

Purpose built as an entertainment space, today the hall is most famous for hosting the annual Proms – an eight week long series of classical music concerts and events. It also hosts all sorts of other events, from film screenings to tennis, so there’s always something going on.

Even if there isn’t anything going on though, it’s worth a visit, with hour long guided tours available, where you’ll be able to visit that gorgeous auditorium, the Queen’s private suites, as well as learn a bit about the architecture and history of performances at the venue, which are now in excess of 150,000 since it opened. Pretty impressive stuff.

Tours carry a fee, and you should book in advance to avoid disappointment. You can see tour times and prices here . Free for holders of the London Pass, although you can’t book in advance.

V&A Museum

Keeping with the Queen Victoria theme, your next stop is one of our favourite museums in London – the Victoria and Albert Museum, usually known as the V&A.

Free to visit (although there are usually special exhibitions for a fee), this is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design, with over two million objects in the collection spanning 5,000 years of human existence.

As you might imagine, that’s quite a lot to take in, and you could likely spend multiple days here exploring all the artefacts on offer.

Entry is free, except to special exhibits. See opening times here .

Buckingham Palace

Moving on from the V&A, and the last stop on the tour is Buckingham Palace. Depending on the time of year you visit, you have a number of options for visiting Buckingham Palace.

Personally, I’d advise going in the afternoon, after you’ve visited all the above, and to finish off your day. You’ll avoid the crowds associated with the changing of the guard ceremony, and have an overall far more pleasant experience.

I do know however that lots of people do wish do experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony, so if that’s you, you’ll need to juggle the above itinerary a little as the ceremony takes place over 45 minutes in the middle of the day.

Finally, in the summer months, you can actually tour parts of Buckingham Palace. These tours last around two hours, and operate quite late into the evenings, so you could definitely do this at the end of the day. If this is something you want to do you definitely need to book in advance to ensure you get a ticket.

London Transport Museum

From Buckingham Palace you’re going to head to Covent Garden, one of London’s most well-known markets and a good place to watch street performers and grab a bite to eat or drink.

Here you’ll also find the excellent London Transport Museum , which we think is well worth visiting. It covers the history of transport in London, from horse drawn carriages and trams through to the evolution of the tube.

It’s definitely a popular place to visit, especially if you are visiting London with family. See opening times and prices here . Included on the London Pass.

From here you are well placed for the West End of London, where you can take in a show or just take advantage of some of the early evening pre-dinner dining deals!

Optional Extras On Your Route:

Again, there is loads more to see and do in this area, really depending on what you’re interested in. Harrods, the world-famous shopping experience, is a brief walk from the V&A museum.

You could also really go museum crazy, and drop in at either the Natural History Museum or Science Museum, both of which are free.

If you’re into pageantry, just round the corner from Buckingham Palace, and officially part of the grounds, the Royal Mews is a fascinating place to visit, and much less popular than its exhibits deserve.

Finally, if you’re into afternoon tea, you can experience a fashionable take on the high tea experience at the Berkeley .

2 Day London Itinerary Map

To help you visualise all the above we’ve put together a map so you can see where all the sights are and plan your accommodation and public transport appropriately. You can see this on Google maps here .

2 Day London Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms
• Day 2: Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, V&A Museum, Buckingham Palace, London Transport Museum

How to Save Money on Your London Itinerary Sight-Seeing

Whilst London does have many excellent free museums and sights, a good many of the sights in the list above are not free to enter. In fact, if you add up all the prices for just the main attractions on the list, without any optional extras, you’re looking at over £200 in entry fees alone!

Thankfully, there is a way to save on sight-seeing, as well as take advantage of skip the line access, plus get free entry to loads more attractions should you end up having a bit more time to spare.

The London Pass ( get yours on the official site here ) is the answer.

For your two-day trip, you can pick up a two day London pass which will get you free access to the majority of the main attractions on the list above (plus lots more!), for only £159. Here’s a breakdown of the savings based on our itinerary, looking at the attractions the London Pass includes.

When you look at the cost of the attractions a couple will save around £40. And you could easily visit another attraction or two like St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Eye or the London Bridge Experience for even more savings.

Check out all the attractions that the London Pass gives you free access to, and then order yours here .

We’ve used them on multiple trips to London, and just love how easy they are to use. They’re available in a variety of lengths to suit any stay.

For more information and an overview of the savings for various lengths of trips and sights that the London Pass offers, check out the full London Pass review that Jess put together on her blog.

Bonus tip: Hop on Hop off Bus tour & River Cruise

If you do invest in a London Pass, then you could take advantage of a couple of travel options it comes with. The first of these is a hop-on, hop off bus tour : with the London Pass you can use one of these for a day. They operate throughout the year, and are always a nice way to see a number of sights and learn about them.

Then there’s the Thames River Cruise . You get twenty-four-hour access to this service with a London Pass, with 23 stops available along the river. I’d recommend this as the transport option on Day 1, between Tower Bridge and Westminster, meaning you can skip the tube and get some lovely views of London from the River Thames.

Given that these two items usually cost just around £60 together, and are included on the London Pass, to me this is just another excellent example of the value for money that the London Pass offers the London visitor.

If you don’t get a London Pass – Book in Advance

If you decide not to invest in a London Pass but still want to see some of the sights in London, then I would highly recommend booking tickets in advance online for each attraction you want to visit.

Advance tickets are normally a little bit cheaper than the price on the door, plus they also usually let you skip the ticket lines and get straight in.

For busier attractions which have timed entry, an advance ticket is a must so as not to waste time. Here’s a list of some of the attractions on our itinerary with links to the advance ticket sales.

Note that you usually have a choice between the official site and a third party site when booking tickets.

We generally use GetYourGuide when booking tickets as the prices are normally either the same or very similar compared to the official site.

The main advantage is that the majority of tickets they offer have the ability to cancel for a full refund if you do so more than 24 hours in advance of your trip. Most official sites do not offer refunds, so the peace of mind if we need to cancel is really handy. Of course, you will need to check the ticket description for the exact policy before purchasing.

• Tower of London – book tickets here
• Tower Bridge Experience – book tickets here
• HMS Belfast – book tickets here
• The Shard – book tickets here
• The London Eye – book tickets here
• Westminster Abbey – book tickets here
• Churchill War Rooms – book tickets here
• Kensington Palace – book tickets here
• Royal Albert Hall – book tickets here

Hopefully this will help you get your tickets all sorted out before your trip so you are ready to go when you arrive and won’t have to waste time queuing!

Getting Around London

London is really easy to get around, with an excellent public transport network. It’s also wonderfully walkable, as hopefully my itinerary makes clear.

For public transport, you should consider investing in an Oyster Card. Available both online and from most tube stations, this prepaid card is the most cost-effective way to get around in London, offering fares that are significantly cheaper compared to buying individual tickets with cash.

You just have to load it up, and then tap in and out as you go through tube stops. It also works on London buses and river boats. Note that if you have a contactless bank card or Apple Pay / Google Pay device, this might end up better value – check out my post comparing Oyster and contactless to figure out which is best for you.

For more information on getting around London, check out my detailed Guide To Transportation Options in London .

Walking Tours in London

If you like walking tours, we recommend the company Take Walks , who are behind the popular walking tour company Walks of Italy.

They have expanded their portfolio, and now have a number of walks in London, including this London in a Day walking tour that includes the changing of the guard.

A walking tour of London is a good way to learn a lot in a relatively short time, and also to meet someone who can give you local insights and tips about the city. Obviously you will need to adjust your itinerary to include a walking tour.

Our suggestion would be to perhaps do the  London in a Day  tour on your first day, which covers the majority of the sites covered in our itinerary, and then continue with the second day as it is.

Another option we suggest are  these tours by City Wonders , they offer a wide range of tours in London, from introductory tours through to more detailed and specific tours.

We have a full guide to some of the best walking tours in London , which is also worth reviewing if you are interested in a walking tour while you are in the city.

If you prefer the idea of walking and eating, then we also have you covered with our complete guide to the best food tours in London . That also covers all the food and drink you might want to try on your visit to the city.

Where to Go After London – Day Trips & More

We’re often asked where to head to from London after this two day itinerary is over, or just for suggestions on good day trips from London.

We’ve done quite a few day trips from London, including a day trip to Oxford,  a day trip to Stonehenge from London , and a day trip to Blenheim and the Cotswolds from London . Based on these experiences we wanted to share some ideas for both day trips from the city and longer trips to see more of the country.

• Stonehenge, Bath and the Cotswolds are really popular destinations, and you can easily do these together as part of a day trip from London. This tour features all of those destinations, as well as Windsor Castle. It even includes lunch!
• A tour of Oxford, the Cotswolds and Stratford . Three popular destinations from London that you can visit as part of a day trip. Also see my guide to visiting Oxford for more ideas.
• A private tour down to Portsmouth , perfect for those of you interested in naval history and visiting a lovely seaside city. See our guide to things to do in Portsmouth for more inspiration
• Lovers of Downton Abbey will want to visit Highclere Castle where the show was filmed. See our guide to visiting Highclere Castle , which includes tips for visiting as a day trip from London
• For a longer trip, check out my 10 day UK itinerary by public transport , which starts with a couple of days in London, but then has you touring some highlights of the rest of the country. We also have 1 week and 2 week self drive itineraries .
• If you want to take a longer guided tour from London and see more of the UK, we recommend  this small group tour , which takes eight days to take you from London to Edinburgh. There’s also this 5 day tour which covers South West England and Wales.

Hopefully these give you a starting point for the next stage in your trip!

Where to Stay in London

Accommodation wise, London has a wide range of options, ranging from hostels, through to self catered apartments and seriously upscale hotels. There’s something to suit every budget, with en-suite double rooms starting from around $80 a night.

For this itinerary, we’d advise staying somewhere fairly central so you can get around easily. We’d suggest staying somewhere in the region between Kensington in the west and Canary Wharf in the east.

For examples of properties at different price points that are centrally located, here are some options:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel – A well reviewed centrally located hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch – excellent value in a lively and popular part of London with great dining options
• Point A Hotel – This hotel is within the well-priced Point A hotel range. It’s a 17 minute walk to Parliament Square and Westminster Abbey. We’ve stayed here; the rooms are tiny but clean and it’s a great budget option.
• Lime Tree Hotel – A well reviewed boutique hotel, around nine minutes walk from London Victoria
• The Resident Victoria Hotel – a well reviewed and centrally located hotel offering excellent value for money. The room we stayed in was quite compact, but it had everything we needed including a small kitchenette. Larger rooms are of course available, depending on budget.
• The Savoy – true luxury as close to the city centre as you can get!

Generally when searching for somewhere to stay our first choice is booking.com. They’re easy to use, usually have the best prices, and have everything from hotels to hostels , guest-houses and even apartments .  Try them for London and see!

If you prefer an apartment, then we recommend either Plum Guide or Vrbo .

Plum Guide doesn’t have quite so many choices, but they carefully curate their listings so their options tend to be of a very high quality whilst still being available at a range of price points.  See their listings for London here .

You also can read our detailed Plum Guide review to learn more about this service and our experiences using it.

If you can’t find what you want from the above choices, or you want some new options to try out, we wrote a whole post on the best alternatives to AirBnB and a guide to our favourite holiday cottage accommodation in the UK  which you should check out!

Between these options, you should find the best prices and places to stay for your trip, as well as a good selection of reviews and feedback to help you make an informed decision.

Practicalities for Visiting London

London, and the wider UK, use a 220v standard for electricity, with a three pin plug. Travellers from most of the rest of the world, including mainland Europe and the US will need an adapter like this .

US travellers will also want to check their equipment supports the 220v standard, as the US uses a 110v standard. The voltage a device supports will be written clearly on the power adapter, usually in the form of 110v – 240v.

In our experience laptops, phone and camera chargers and other small electronics are universal, whilst larger devices like hair dryers and hair straighteners are not.

See more on travel adapters and how to choose one for your trip in our guide to the best travel adapters .

London uses the British pound, which is accepted across the British Isles. You can get Pounds from ATM’s, banks and currency exchanges, although credit cards are widely accepted, and there is no need to carry large quantities of currency. It is helpful to have some change and some bills of course, but it is rare to find an instance where a card isn’t accepted.

If you do use a credit or debit card, just make sure it doesn’t charge foreign exchange fees or have a poor currency conversion rate. There are a number of excellent credit cards for travellers, and it’s always worth checking to be sure you have a good deal before travelling and racking up unexpected fees.

Internet Access

Internet access is widely available in the form of WiFi all around the city, including in hotels and coffee shops, so you shouldn’t have any trouble getting online. You can also pick up local SIM cards if you have an unlocked phone. These are usually excellent value as data rates in the UK are very competitive.

For more options on getting online when travelling, check out our guide to getting online when travelling to help you figure out the best options. We also have a guide to picking the best travel router , which can help you extend a weak WiFi network and share it across multiple devices.

Water 

The water in the taps in London is safe to drink unless otherwise indicated. If you don’t like the taste, bottled water is widely available. We usually recommend you travel with a re-usable water bottle like this to save on having to buy water bottles.

London is a safe city in our experience, although as with any major city, of course you need to keep your wits about you – keep your possessions in view all the time, keep your wallet or phone in a front pocket (with a zip if possible), and don’t do anything that you wouldn’t do at home. If you’re going to use a taxi, make sure you use a licensed operator such as a black cab.

Further Reading For Your 2 Days In London

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your London trip, here are some resources to help you out:

• Our detailed guide to what to pack for London , to help you prepare for your trip to London.
• Tips on finding the best Photography Locations in London that I put together
• If you’re short on time, or just really want to focus on the highlights, check out my guide to  spending 1 Day in London , and if you’re here for longer or just want some more ideas for you visit, check out our detailed itineraries for  three days in London and  six days in London .
• For the Harry Potter fans amongst you, take a look at our guide to finding  Harry Potter in London
• 8 Things to Do in Kensington , London, in case you wanted to focus more on a specific region of the city
• We have detailed guides to visiting the Tower of London and the London Eye which includes information on planning your visit and how to save money on these popular attractions
• If you enjoy military museums, take a look at our guide to London’s Best Military Museums and Memorials
• Tips on spending Two Weeks in the UK , should you want to have London as the start of a bigger adventure
• For budget planning, see our guide to how much it costs to travel in the UK
• Our experience taking a full day walking tour of London , in case you like the idea of a fully guided day
• We have a guide to our favourite food tours in London
• Thoughts on visiting Stonehenge from London as a day trip
• Other good day or weekend trips from London include Oxford and Cambridge. See our guide to Oxford in a day . our guide to spending a weekend in York as well as our suggested things to do in Cambridge for ideas.
• Heading further north? We have loads of content on Scotland , including a 2 Day Edinburgh itinerary , a guide to the North Coast 500 and a 2 Day Glasgow itinerary
• How about heading to Paris from London? We have a detailed guide to the best way to get from London to Paris to help you plan
• The Eyewitness Travel Guide to London , which has all sorts of information within, including more itineraries and ideas for your trip
• Rick Steve’s London  guide, the #1 bestseller on Amazon for UK travel guides, and always an excellent source of relevant information

And that’s it for my two day London Itinerary post! Got a favourite part of London that I missed? Let us know about it in the comments below!

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Marina Olshansky says

14th April 2024 at 10:52 pm

Hello, I have looked at dozens of itineraries and yours is PERFECT. You not only answered my and my husband’s questions, but thought of things we didn’t. Do you offer your services so we can refine our itinerary? Thanks very much.

Laurence Norah says

15th April 2024 at 5:33 pm

Glad to be of help! So we don’t currently offer services for itinerary planning as you describe (although we get asked a lot so maybe we should!). However, if you do have any questions or would like some input, feel free to leave a comment and we’ll do our best to help out 🙂

Safe travels!

Chaitra says

14th May 2023 at 3:13 pm

Hi ! This is such a useful information blog post thank you for the effort !!!! Im travelling from India this June 2023 for an exam at liverpool … So I would be starting my Uk trip starting from Liverpool what would be the best route plan to start from liverpool? Could you please help me put

20th May 2023 at 2:25 pm

Hi Chaitra,

Sure thing. What are you hoping to see in the UK?

30th March 2022 at 3:39 pm

Just stumbled on to your website and it is fantastic! So much relevant info. Myself and my two adult sons are heading to the UK from Canada for ten days in middle April, starting in London and finishing up in Dublin. I really appreciate all the detail you have put into this, it’s taken a lot of the stress out of planning. I will definitely be using the provided links for any of the passes etc. Thanks again!

30th March 2022 at 3:41 pm

Thank you so much, it means a lot! I hope you have a great time in London, Dublin, and everywhere in between! Hopefully you also found our Dublin content as well, like our 3 day Dublin itinerary . Also, if you have any questions or queries about your trip, feel free to ask, we’re always happy to help 🙂

POLLY TAYLOR says

9th August 2020 at 5:23 pm

What a great post and site. Wow, professional travel bloggers – so cool. I’ll have to check out come of your recommendations before my next visit to the capital. Polly x

9th August 2020 at 5:58 pm

Thanks Polly – have a great trip to London when you get to go!

Smita John says

1st February 2020 at 6:01 pm

Hi Laurance & Jessica, Your blog has been really helpful, but i need some more help to plan my remaining UK trip. I’ll be coming to UK in May this year for two weeks, with my husband and two kids (9 & 12). Based on your inputs and some more research I’ve prepared an itinerary with 3 days in London. For the remaining days I want to see the following but I’m not sure how many days each place needs and what is the route I should take (we’ll be depended on public transport, no option for private car.) Oxford + Stonehenge + Bath + Bristol + Stafford upon Avon + Manchester + York + Lake district + Scotland Is this doable or too ambitious. I’ve not started my research on Scotland so don’t know how many days to keep for that and which all place to visit. My budget is modest. Thanks

1st February 2020 at 6:59 pm

Thanks very much! So the route you describe is actually very similar to our 10 day UK itinerary by public transport . You should be able to easily adjust that plan to switch Liverpool for Manchester, and add Stratford. Stratford has a number of attractions, but it can be comfortably visited in a day. The Lake District will be more of a challenge, as you have to cross the country, and whilst it is possible to visit by public transport, and to get around by public transport as well, obviously it will be less easy than a city or town.

For Scotland, my recommendation would be to spend a couple of days in Edinburgh, and then maybe take the train up to Inverness. From here you can explore Loch Ness, the Cairngorms National Parks, and lots of other attractions. We have a lot of content on Scotland across both our sites, but to start with our guide to day trips from Inverness should be a good starting point.

Let me know if I can be of any more assistance!

2nd February 2020 at 5:12 pm

Thanks Laurence! I’ll work on my itinerary some more and come back to you if i have more questions. Cheers Smita

Xuan Nhi says

27th October 2019 at 4:47 pm

Hi Laurence,

Thank you for the planned trips and ideas for day tour. We will be in London about 2.5 days. Would you please help us with the half-day planning on arrival. We are planning to buy the 2-day London Pass, and Oyster card at the airport. I know you can use the Oyster card on the Heathrow Express, but does the costs of taking it get factored into the Oyster Card daily cap? If not, I want to buy my Heathrow express in advance.

Day 1: (really on half day). We will be landing at LHR at 1:00 pm. I am thinking of taking the Heathrow Express to Paddington because our hotel is about 5-min walk from there. I really want to to take my son to tour Chelsea FC stadium that afternoon. Please help me plan this and a few things to see this to maximize our time. Day 2: similar to yours. Day 3: Stonehenge day tour Day 4: we need to be back at the airport by 10:00 am.

Thank you so much for your help. I look forward to your response.

27th October 2019 at 4:52 pm

My pleasure. I will do my best to help 🙂

So the Heathrow Express is not factored into the cost of the Oyster Card. So you will want to buy that in advance. If it’s still a bit expensive, consider the Heathrow Connect service. It’s a bit slower, but around half the price 🙂

Based on your landing time I would estimate you will not get into central London until around 3pm given the time to clear immigration, get to Paddington and check in to your hotel. It’s then 20-25 minutes to Chelsea by tube from Paddington. So it is most likely the Chelsea FC tour will be the only thing you will really have time for. However, you could visit some locations like Tower Bridge, Covent Garden or the Shard. The latter is open late, and for the former you can see them from the outside .

I hope this helps a bit 🙂

Have a great trip!

Laveena says

6th September 2019 at 9:25 pm

Hi Laurence, Really am enjoying your website. My husband and I and 2 children’s(7years and 7 months old baby) will spend 4 days in London 24th to 27th of September. Our hotel is located near south kensignton. 1. Could you suggest us how to make itinerary for 4 days. 2. Traveling with 7 months old baby little difficult, need little break in between! 3. Should I buy the London Pass? What would you recommend? 4. What are attractions places for 7 years old child? Thank you for support in advance.

7th September 2019 at 8:42 am

Hi Laveena,

Thanks very much 🙂 So for four days, I’d suggest looking at our three day itinerary and our six day London itinerary , and picking what you think will be the best from those activities. However, I would say that all our itineraries are pretty full, so you might find that spreading the 2 or 3 day itinerary over 4 days would be easier with a family.

The London Pass will definitely save you money if you visit enough attractions, so we suggest you decide where you want to visit and compare prices with the London Pass price. In our experience, you need to visit 2 – 3 attractions per day for the 3-4 day passes to make it worth the price.

We don’t have children or travel with them, so it’s hard for us to advise on this specifically. We also think that every kid is different, so different things will interest them 🙂 We know the Science Museum in Kensington is certainly a popular option for kids for example, and I used to love visiting that and the Natural history museum when I was younger (and still today!). So those are two good options which are also free.

Have a great trip to London!

john baptist says

9th August 2019 at 10:15 pm

How do I book the Shard with the London pass….date and time.

10th August 2019 at 9:54 pm

In our experience, and based on conversations with the folks from the London Pass and the Shard, you don’t need to prebook the Shard with the London Pass, you should just be able to turn up and get access,

8th August 2019 at 6:01 am

Thank you very much for the info. We will be traveling in late November and I’m wondering if we could visit Big Ben, Buckingham Palace…in late evening since we only stay 1 night in London. Thank you.

8th August 2019 at 9:19 am

Our pleasure! So you can visit them in the late evening as with both of these attractions you only see the outside, so the evening is fine too. Just one thing to note, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the clock tower on the Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament. The tower with the clock on is usually referred to as Big Ben, but you can’t actually see the bell. I would also add that right now most of the tower is covered in scaffolding due to refurbishment work, so it’s not as impressive as it might otherwise be!

Have a great trip,

24th July 2019 at 2:56 am

Hi Laurence, Really am enjoying your website, and this blog in particular. My husband and I will spend 2 days in London in August. I understand this is a very busy time of year in London and that for many attractions the lines are particularly long for tickets and security, regardless of being a London Pass holder (for some attractions). That being said, is it still possible to do this itinerary in August, or is it more feasible to focus on one major attraction each day?

24th July 2019 at 8:53 am

I am delighted to have been of help. So it is hard to exactly predict how busy each attraction will be, but certainly on average it will be busier in August than many other times of year. I think you could do more than one major attraction each day, but perhaps focus on 2 or 3 rather than all of them. Personally I prefer to visit less attractions and give each one a bit more time, but often when folks ask for itineraries they prefer to see as much as possible due to limited time. If you prefer to take your time though, I think you will still have a great experience by focusing on a smaller number of attractions.

I’d also add that many of the attractions on the list can just be seen from the outside, so do at least do that, even if you don’t go inside 🙂

Have a wonderful time in London, and let me know if we can be of any more help!

24th July 2019 at 5:12 pm

Thank you so very much!!

16th July 2019 at 6:44 pm

Thank you so much – this is very helpful. I was wondering the best way to group things together so we don’t spend time zipping back and forth across the city. I really appreciate your insights!

17th July 2019 at 4:46 pm

My pleasure 🙂 So the itinerary is laid out to be as time efficient as possible, with everything already grouped as best as I could so you can see more things and spend less time travelling!

I hope this helps – have a great trip!

Nikhil Kumar says

20th May 2019 at 12:16 pm

I am a student travelling to UK for an academic purpose, however, I extended my stay by three days from 10th JUne 2019 and I have my flight to catch on 13th JUne 2019. Which area will be suitable for me to book the hotel in budget price and it will be connected to other attractions of london. Kindly help.

21st May 2019 at 12:58 pm

So you could try either the Kensington or Elephant and Castle areas, or the area around Kings Cross train station. London is definitely not a budget city, but there are hostels and budget hotels available. If you don’t mind shared accommodation like bunk rooms, then you can make the cost very low. I’d recommend trying any of the following thre to start with:

• The Walrus Bar and Hostel
• The Z hotel in Shoreditch
• Point A Hotel

Bonnie Lowe says

1st May 2019 at 1:26 am

Hi Laurence! Great information!! We (2 adults) will be arriving at Heathrow on a Wednesday morning in late May, 2019 staying for 3 nights prior to a cruise. Our hotel is located on Tothill Street and it looks like it’s fairly close to Westminster Abbey. Questions: 1) what is a budget friendly way to get from Heathrow to our hotel? We will have luggage 2) thinking about a 2 day London Pass… should we add the Oyster card? We enjoy walking but not miles! Thanks for your help and all the great information! Take care, Bonnie

2nd May 2019 at 8:33 pm

The cheapest way is most likely going to be the tube from Heathrow to the nearest stop nearest your hotel, most likely St. James’s Park. This also answers your second question, in that the easiest way to get into London is going to be easiest if you have a travel card. However, you can’t pickup the London Pass at Heathrow. So I would advise skipping the travel portion of the London Pass and just buying an Oyster card at Heathrow. You can get them from the machines or ticket counters at the Underground station. There’s no cost saving to buying the travel card with the London Pass, it’s more of a convenience thing.

I hope this helps – have a great trip and let me know if you have any more questions!

21st March 2019 at 11:27 pm

Hello! thank you for this awesome information. However, I have a question, if I will buy the 2 day London Pass, how can I use that pass for those attractions that need to be prebook early? I checked the each attractions websites, in order to prebook a certain time you need to buy the individual ticket first. the attractions I want to visits are the Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, The Shard. Hope my question make sense. Thank you!

21st March 2019 at 11:40 pm

For the London Pass you normally don’t need to prebook a timeslot, you can just turn up with the pass – even for attractions where you can book a time online. If any attractions do require you to book a timeslot, this will be highlighted in the London Pass guidebook, along with instructions for how to do so 🙂

We can also suggest contacting the London Pass directly, who will also be able to clarify how this works 😀

22nd March 2019 at 3:28 pm

Thanks for your reply Laurence. I am thinking just buying the one day London Pass. Do you think this itinerary below is doable? 9:30 – Westminster Abbey – will stay for 1 to 2 hours 11:45 – Tower Bridge – will stay for an hour. If time is tight I can skip this. 2PM – Tower of London – will stay for 1 hour & 30mins 4PM – Hop Onn & Hop Off bus- probably 1H & 30mins 6PM – Thames River Cruise 8PM – The Shard.

And also can you recommend where is the best neighborhood to stay where it is close to everything, like cafes and restaurants. Looking for those affordable hotel or AirBnB.

Hope to hear from you again. Thank you so much

22nd March 2019 at 3:34 pm

I would say this is doable yes. Just make sure you consider transport time, probably the longest trip will be from Westminster Abbey to Tower Bridge, which will likely take 20 – 25 minutes I suspect. An hour in Westminster Abbey should be enough though.

In terms of a neighbourhood that is close to everything, but also good value (always a challenge!), south of the river in Elephant and Castle might be a good option. We can recommend the Point A Hotel , the rooms are tiny but they are private and the prices are very good.

22nd March 2019 at 8:39 pm

Thank you so much Laurence! I appreciate this a lot. More power in your venture.

13th March 2019 at 3:45 am

Thanks for the info. Few questions, I’m leaving Germany by plane at 7am. It says the flight is an hour and half. We’re going to be in London on that day and the next. I was thinking about the hop on and off tour bus. What’s your opinion on this. I think I can get a river cruise and walking tour with it I think. I’m just worried I won’t have much time that first day since our check in is at 2pm. Do I have to base everything around that? I hadn’t planned on going in many places but a few. Wasn’t sure I would have time. Thanks

13th March 2019 at 9:54 am

So if you are staying at a hotel then the check-in time will usually be the earliest you can check in, however they should also let you check in later. If the hotel has a 24 hour reception, then you should be able to check in any time after 2pm. That said, you might not want to carry your bags with you, so depending on the location of the hotel, I would personally go to the hotel first, drop off my bags and complete the check-in formalities, and then go sight seeing until you are done.

I think you should have time to do the hop on hop off bus, river cruise and walking tour no problem on that first day 🙂

Carolyn Raymaker says

8th February 2019 at 9:14 pm

This sounds perfect for us – we are starting our trip with 10 days walking through the Cotswolds. Is there a printable version? I don’t see anywhere to do that. Just going to Print, it’s 76 pages. Thanks so much.

10th February 2019 at 6:04 pm

Hi Carolyn!

We don’t currently have the option for printed versions of our posts unfortunately. The best option is likely to save it to a word or google drive document and then edit it from there.

17th October 2019 at 6:43 pm

I appreciate this might be a bit late for your trip, but for others reading and in case you use our site in the future for other trips, we’ve now added a print button on all our posts ?

Happy travels!

6th January 2019 at 4:51 pm

This is really great! Question about timing, at what time do we start both days? I’m just wondering loosely how long we should hang around each attraction.

Thanks so much for this amazing post!

6th January 2019 at 6:44 pm

Our pleasure 🙂 The days are quite packed so our advice would be to start as soon as the attractions open! So for the Tower of London on Day 1 that’s 9am or 10am (depending on the day of week). If it’s a day when the start is 10am, you could start with the Tower Bridge Exhibition, which opens at 9.30 and is just next door 🙂

Kensington Palace on Day 2 opens at 10am every day as far as I know.

Enjoy your trip!

6th January 2019 at 9:03 pm

Great ! Thank you so much!!! SO helpful!

6th January 2019 at 10:23 pm

My pleasure 😀

Bidish says

28th November 2018 at 4:45 pm

So helpful Laurence . Ill be going to London in about 2 weeks for 3 days. This piece was brilliant and very apt.

Just wondering whether you can recommend food torus in london as well as some more information of getting to Bath as well as Baker street in London (Sherlock Holmes fan )

28th November 2018 at 5:37 pm

Thanks very much, and it would be my pleasure to help out! We’ve not personally done a food tour of London, however there’s a great selection here to choose from. Our advice is usually to pick a tour with good reviews that covers what you are interested in 🙂

For Baker Street, the easiest thing to do is take the underground to Baker Street tube station. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is just across the street from the tube station, and the Sherlock Holmes statue is just outside.

For Bath, the easiest way to get there from central London is to take a train – they take around 90 minutes each way and depart / arrive from London Paddington Station. If you decide to do this, definitely book your ticket in advance for the cheapest prices. You can do that here . Altneratively, it’s also possible to visit Bath as part of a guided day trip from London, which will also include sights like Stonehenge. You can see our guide to doing that here , which also has some suggested tour ideas.

I hope this helps! Have a great trip 🙂

9th November 2018 at 9:35 am

This is such an awesome, informative, and well-written article! Thanks for taking the time to write this out. Will be using this for my 2 days in London next month.

9th November 2018 at 9:36 am

Thanks Ziv – our pleasure! Have a great trip 😀

Miriam says

7th November 2018 at 3:43 pm

Very informative, it surely does help for my 3 day stay in London.,

7th November 2018 at 3:45 pm

Thanks Miriam 🙂

10th August 2018 at 5:56 pm

Love your blog! I just purchased tickets for a 11 day vacation to UK for the middle of May 2019. I was thinking of spending perhaps 2 1/2 day in London staying at the Doubletree and then go explore the country for the remaining part of the trip. Any countryside trips you recommend? I love small villages over big touristy cities. Was thinking of perhaps Rock, Cardiff, wales area and wander all over. Any tips???

10th August 2018 at 6:42 pm

Hey Aaron! Sure, we’d be happy to help. Are you looking for a self-drive trip, a group tour, or to travel by public transport?

10th August 2018 at 8:25 pm

My thought after arriving at LHR, using the train to perhaps Doubletree Hotel at West Minster and stay there for 2 -3 nights and then get a rent a car back at the airport and self drive for the next 8 days. Would you recommend public transportation over self drive?

10th August 2018 at 9:02 pm

I would recommend self-driving for sure, it’s our favourite way to travel when we visit a destination, but we appreciate not everyone wants to hire a car in a foreign country, especially if you’re not used to driving on the left side 😉

So I think if you prefer the countryside Wales would be a good option, stopping off in Oxford, the Cotswolds and Bath on the way across. You might also consider the Lake District, Cornwall, the Yorkshire moors and/or the Scottish borders / Northumberland.

We actually have a couple of itineraries as a guide, although they focus a bit more on the cities. https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/uk-itinerary-one-week-road-trip/ https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/two-weeks-in-ukmy-perfect-itinerary/

These should give you an idea of what’s achievable. We’d also advise checkout out our England content for lots more inspiration 🙂 https://www.findingtheuniverse.com/category/destinations/europe/uk/england/

4th August 2018 at 5:34 pm

Wow, Thank you for writing about this! My husband and I might have the opportunity to do a 2 day trip to London. And I had no idea where to begin with my planning! Question though, what are your thoughts on doing this itinerary “backwards”, starting with “day 2” on day 1?

5th August 2018 at 10:23 am

Hi Lucia, of course, you can do the days in any order you like, it won’t make any difference! Just be sure to check opening times for the days you are visiting for each attraction 🙂

28th July 2018 at 1:06 am

This is a wonderfully readable and helpful guide! Thank you!

28th July 2018 at 4:07 pm

My pleasure David – thanks for your comment!

6th July 2018 at 1:05 am

Hi Laurence, thank you for sharing your London knowledge with all of us. It’s really one of the best online. I hope you can help us with our own two and half days London itinerary.

We are visiting London this summer. Our flight arrives on a Saturday at 11:30am. Our hotel is close to Saint Paul’s Cathedral. We anticipate start touring the city around 2:30pm, as follows:

Day 1 – Saturday St Paul’s Cathedral Tower of London Tower Bridge HMS Belfast The Shad Shakespeare Globe Dinner around Shakespeare Globe? Thames Cruise Boat (if too late, move to day 3)

Day 2 – Sunday Buckingham Palace (Change of Guard @ 10am) Hyde Park / Princes Diana Fountain Kensington Palace Albert Memorial / Royal Albert Hall Lunch at Harrod’s food court (opens @ 11:30am) Westminster Abbey Palace of Westminster Big Ben London Eye (closes at 8:30pm) Dinner – Piccadilly Circus area?

Day 3 – Monday Trafalgar Square The National Gallery Covent Garden China Town British Museum Dinner – Mayfair area?

Sorry for the long post…Any suggestions would be really appreciated!

6th July 2018 at 9:48 am

That’s certainly a full trip! I would say that if you plan to go inside the attractions, that Day 1 is a little bit too busy. I would perhaps move the tower of london to first thing in the morning of Day 3. I’d also put the Shard last as that’s open later, and check opening times for Shakespeare’s Globe if you intend on going inside as it might not be open that late. Most attractions do not stay open too late, so you definitely want to check opening times. Day 2 looks more achievable, as does Day 3.

I hope this helps!

Have a great trip

7th July 2018 at 12:55 pm

Hello Laurence! Thank you for your reply. We really want to see as much as we can, without turning it into a stress vacation. So we will adjust the itinerary per your recommendations and hope to see as much as we can. Again, thank you for your advice!

7th July 2018 at 9:34 pm

My pleasure! Have a fun time!

24th May 2018 at 10:54 pm

Thanks so much for your very informative writeup. We are 2 families of 8, with (2) 18 yr old sons and a 14 yr old daughter. I’d love to get your feedback on this proposed itinerary. Is it doable? Too aggressive?

Sat: 09:00-10:30 Tower 10:30-11:30 Bridge 11:30-12:30 Belfast (tour) & Hinde (walkby) 12:30-02:00 Shard for lunch (or ?) 02:00-02:30 take underground to St. Pauls 02:30-03:15 St. Pauls 03:15-03:45 take underground to Westminster 03:45-05:15 Churchill War Rooms 05:30 Westminster Abbey (walkby)

Sunday: 09:30-10:00 Houses of P, Big Ben, West. Palace- walkby 10:30-12:00 Buckingham Palace, Changing of Guard 12:00-12:15 hop on bus to lunch 12:15-01:45 lunch at Picacadilly Square? 01:45-02:00 bus to British Museum? 02:15-04:00 British Museum how to get from museum to palace? bus? underground? 8 minute walk to Goodge Street 04:30-05:30 Kensington Palace 06:00-08:00 dinner where? 08:30 London Eye

25th May 2018 at 8:51 pm

Wow, that is planned with some military efficiency. Nice job! It looks great, but if I may suggest a couple of tweaks:

The Bridge doesn’t need a whole hour, I’d suggest adding fifteen minutes to the Tower of London visit, or just using that time as flexible time 🙂

If you plan on climbing to the top of St. Pauls you might need a little longer, depending on queues.

The changing of the guard is quite quick at Buckingham Palace, so you could probably get away with a bit less time here.

For transport, I’d always recommend the tube above any other form of transport in London as it doesn’t get stuck in traffic 🙂

I hope this helps – I’d say it’s very doable especially as you have a good plan in place! Have an amazing trip!

9th April 2018 at 12:15 am

This is fantastic and will be my guide for my two day stay at the end of May (25th and 26th). I have two quick questions. Id like to stop by either the National Gallery or the National Portrait Gallery. Which one would you recommend and what is the best place on the itenirary to detour?

11th April 2018 at 4:12 pm

Hi Walt – sorry about the slow response, I’m on a trip with limited internet. I’d probably suggest the National Gallery of the two. It would be tight on the first day, but after Buckingham Palace on the second day it should be do-able! Have a wonderful trip – do stop by and let us know how it went!

Carina says

31st March 2018 at 12:12 pm

How can I get 2 days London Pass with 79£? I only see it with 94£… 🙁

31st March 2018 at 12:14 pm

Hi Carina! The pass prices have recently changed. I’ve updated the post to reflect this, as well as the fact that prices for most attractions have gone up this year. Based on this, the Pass is actually even better value, despite being a little bit more expensive.

Shelly Singh says

4th March 2018 at 11:21 pm

I am planning a family trip with my boys. Appreciate the beautifully put together itinerary! Its exactly what I needed, very helpful 🙂

Kind Regards, Shelly

5th March 2018 at 12:11 am

My pleasure Shelly, have a fabulous trip 🙂

Ashwini Shevde Bhatavadekar says

31st August 2017 at 5:59 pm

Great info!!!..Absolutely addresses all my concerns,

Laurence says

1st September 2017 at 5:32 pm

Delighted to hear that 🙂

Tanmayi says

25th August 2017 at 3:07 pm

Thank you for this ! I really found it useful

8th April 2017 at 5:01 am

This is great info, I will be in the UK for 10 days but only 2 in London. Thanks for the insight

8th April 2017 at 9:13 am

Thanks Paran – have a great trip!

Christine says

20th February 2017 at 7:13 am

Thanks for the information! I’ll be in London for 2 days this July and this was just the thing I needed!

24th March 2017 at 2:38 pm

Pleased you found it useful. Have a great trip!

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27 Best Things to Do in London

By Sonya Barber and Ramsay Short

London: the city that has anything and everything you could possibly want in a vibrant, world-class capital. Your only real problem is working out what you can miss. With over 170 museums, 3,000 parks, 3,500 pubs and an ever-changing number of restaurants, there’s almost too much to see, do and eat—even for a life-long Londoner.

Truly, the city is too large, and too rich in options, for you to get to it all in one visit; you'll have to make some hard choices. Which incredible food or clothing-market to browse? Tate Modern or the British Museum? Where should you pick for a perfect, full-English breakfast? Where's the best afternoon tea ? How do you pick from all the abundant pubs ? And don't get us started here on the best restaurants . Thankfully, our locally led list of the best things to do in London is here to help you decide—just don’t try to do it all in one day.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

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Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike.

Kew Gardens Arrow

A spectacular 500 acre garden in west London, Kew boasts one of the biggest and most diverse botanical collections in the whole world. There’s been a botanic garden here since the 18th century when it was a royal palace; today it’s not only a UNESCO World Heritage site with over a whopping 50,000 plants, it’s also just a really lovely place to visit. You can spend a whole day gently wandering along the winding paths through the lawns, trees, lake, Japanese garden, rhododendron dell, rose garden and kid’s play area, as well as popping in and out of the grand glasshouses. It’s a calming and tranquil place (as long as you avoid the playground on a school holiday) but you can also learn plenty about plants along the way.

Tate Modern Arrow

This former oil-fired power station sits smugly in the center of the South Bank, knowing that you’re interested in what’s going on inside. It’s filled to the rafters with paintings and sculptures by the likes of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko, all set off perfectly by that gritty industrial interior. It’s rare that any exhibition at Tate Modern is awaited with anything less than bated breath, whether they’re the paid shows across the mid-levels of the institution or the vast and clever commissions to take over the massive space that is the Turbine Hall. You’re pretty much bound to be blown away. 

Shakespeare’s Globe Arrow

In London, every building and street has history. And Shakespeare's Globe, although a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre—where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first staged and which burned down in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII'—is no exception. The theater was rebuilt not far from its original site, using construction methods and materials as close to the original as possible, and to watch a performance here is to step back in time with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Coal Drops Yard Arrow

Ever since the Eurostar undersea rail link between Paris and London rolled into Kings Cross St. Pancras station, the formerly down-and-out neighborhood of Kings Cross has experienced a total transformation. Abandoned railway land with disused gas tanks now has been turned into new offices, shopping areas, fountains, apartments, green spaces, and more. There are posh supermarkets in converted train sheds, the coveted Central St. Martins London School of Art and Fashion, artisan restaurants like Hicce, and trendy ice cream shops like Ruby Violet. Granary Square, north of the station and surrounded by restored warehouses, has a 1,000-jet fountain that's great for kids, as well as canal-side, amphitheater-style seating. There’s also the gorgeous revamped Camley Street Natural Park, which is packed with stunning wildflowers and urban biodiversity. Google is building their London headquarters here, an office complex that is supposed to be so state-of-the-art it will reinvent everything we know about workplaces. Add starchitect Thomas Heatherwick's stunningly designed Coal Drops Yard, former coal sheds that are now a super desirable luxury shopping and eating indoor and outdoor destination space, and you no doubt want to hang out at this development in what was once a dark and dusty neighborhood.

South Bank Arrow

The South Bank is one of the London’s best bits. Generally located between the Westminster and London bridges, it offers about two-miles of excellent, largely state-funded arts and entertainment venues alongside breezy, traffic-free views of a succession of city landmarks (Big Ben, St. Paul's, the Tower of London) that lie on the north bank. No wonder it attracts over 14 million people per year. If you have limited time in the capital, South Bank is great because it has everything, including a selection of good restaurants and street food offerings.

Victoria and Albert Museum Arrow

South Kensington’s V&A is one of the world’s largest art and design museums, and it's arguably London’s most glamorous. (Just the building itself is well worth the visit: a glorious red-brick palace filled with sculptural details, extravagant tiling, and frescos.) The collection is helpfully broken down into topics—fashion, theatre, furniture, architecture—and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit, and do check out the seasonal exhibition. The collection is helpfully broken down into topics such as fashion, jewelry, theater and performance, furniture, architecture, ceramics etc and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit.

E Pellicci Arrow

Chances are there will be a queue for this beloved British ‘greasy spoon’ cafe. The Pellicci family has been feeding east Londoners since 1900 and still make some of the best fry ups in town. Stepping inside is like entering a time warp: there’s beautiful ornate art deco wooden paneling, stained glass windows, formica tables and a huge steaming tea urn. In fact, it’s such an icon that English heritage has awarded it grade-II listed status. It’s lively, chaotic, and always great fun. Whatever food you choose, always order a cup of strong "builder’s" tea. There’s coffee, milkshakes, beer, wine, and even limoncello on the menu but nothing goes better with a breakfast than a perfectly brewed cuppa.

Sir John Soane's Museum Arrow

This is, without a doubt, the city’s most atmospheric museum, packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting and impressive artworks and artifacts. The collection is pretty much whatever took Sir John Soane's eye, positioned in the place it looked best—so don’t go looking for order. Instead, go curious, as the walls give way to secret rooms the unobservant might miss. It's not the unknown it once was though, so unless you go first thing in the morning you'll probably have to wait in line.

Columbia Road Flower Market Arrow

Weekly on Sundays, Columbia Road in East London's hip Shoreditch/Hackney neighborhood, transforms into a multicolored frenzy of stalls and flowers. This otherwise unassuming East End street is transformed into a swath of magnificent plant life, the air fragrant with blooms and the shouts of historic London's famous Cockney stallholders. It's as eccentric as it gets around here. You'll hear rushed deals and offers for a 'tenner' or 'fiver' (ten or five pounds) and because everything is so fresh, it's all gotta be gone by 2 p.m. 

Dennis Severs' House Arrow

Fancy a trip back through time? Just around the corner from buzzy Spitalfields Market, there’s a beautiful old four story house in Spitalfields that is essentially a wonderful time warp. Eccentric American Dennis Severs bought the crumbling derelict building in 1979 and turned the whole thing into an amazing work of art, evocatively recreating the home life of different generations of a Huguenot family living from 1724 to 1919 (and living there himself at the same time!). Severs died in 1999 but the house is perfectly preserved and is one of the most incredible museums in London. This is quite a niche museum: one for history fans, interior enthusiasts and those into theatrical spaces, but truly anyone visiting will be instantly immersed into the bewitching experience. There’s only a small number of people allowed in at one time and everyone is respectfully tip-toeing around peering into chamber pots and studying the ghostly paintings.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason Arrow

This historic spot for afternoon tea has been an upper crust British favorite since it began importing leaves from Asia in 1707. It's no wonder the beloved tearoom was reopened in 2012 by the Queen after a sensitive refit. The room retains a fittingly regal affect, decorated in the store’s trademark eau de nil (take that, Tiffany). There’s often a pianist tinkling away in the corner of the airy elegant room in the afternoon. The tea itself will leave even the most discerning of tea snobs with their mouths open. There are 50 different blends and tea sommeliers to help you chose which one is for you.

St. Paul's Cathedral Arrow

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's (finished in 1708) is the masterpiece of architect Sir Christopher Wren, and its towering dome is probably second on the definitive list of symbols of London after Big Ben. It's awe-inspiring, magical yet somber and reflective, a place for prayer whether you're religious or not. 

Royal Academy of Arts Arrow

The Royal Academy of Arts, or the R.A., as it's more fondly known, has been around for 250 years run by artists, and is home to an incredible collection of global art. The R.A.'s collection is vast, including sculpture, drawing, painting and architecture. There are numerous classic works on show as well as themed exhibitions from the collection, and varied and regular temporary shows that sell out quickly. Annually there is the annual Summer Exhibition featuring plenty of new work from up and coming R.A. students and alumni, and major icons in the art world; it's well worth seeing. You can come for a short visit and still get plenty out of the R.A.—the buildings themselves are worth checking out alone if you like seeing 19th-century and modern 21st-century architecture blended together.

Liberty London Arrow

This is truly one of the most beautiful shops in London. A Grade II-listed boutique department store with an iconic mock-tudor façade constructed from the timbers of two ships, it’s well worth a visit for the shop itself. Founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 who wanted an emporium to show off the treasures from his travels, today the wood-paneled light-filled atriums and cozy side rooms are stuffed full of goodies, new and old. It’s atmospheric, eclectic and unlike any other department store we’ve ever visited. A visit to the store must include a peruse of the impressive fabric department: the rolls and rolls of colorful, intricate and fabulous prints that will make you wish you’d paid more attention in home economics. If sewing isn’t your thing, you can get ready-made bags, cushions, bedding and even chess boards adorned with the delicate Liberty patterns.

The Shard Arrow

Western Europe's tallest building at 309.6 metres, or 1,016 feet, high, The Shard houses London's first Shangri-la hotel , private apartments, offices and three high-end restaurants—Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix. All good reasons to visit of course but arguably the main one is the viewing gallery aka The View. Located on floors 68-72 and 244 meters above London, you have an unobstructed 360-degree, 40-mile view across the city.

West End Theatreland Arrow

London's answer to New York's Broadway cuts across a swathe of the West End of the city in Covent Garden, Soho, and Picadilly.  From Shakespeare to contemporary comedies and dramas like Hamilton, as well as countless famous musicals of old and many new, London's West End has it all. Who doesn't want to feel again the infectious glee of musical theatre choreography and the sweating happiness of curtain calls. With the shows coming back after a long closure due to coronavirus, the Criterion Theater is offering a wonderfully quirky musical version of Amelie—the popular French movie of the same name—for more affordable prices than the big-name shows.

National Gallery Arrow

Set in London’s busiest open space, Trafalgar Square, this is the grandmother of galleries with more than 2,300 paintings spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries: Heavyweights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Velazquez's Rokeby Venus, and Constable’s six-foot long The Hay Wain . It gets packed at weekends, but its so large that you can usually find a quiet corner. You can download an audio tour covering the museum's highlights, but you can also curate your own by selecting the paintings you want to see before you arrive. The seasonal exhibitions are the only ones you’ll pay for, and as you'd expect, most are spectacular ranging from Lucian Freud to Titian.

Borough Market Arrow

The food hound's favorite London market (and the city's most atmospheric) occupies a sprawling site near London Bridge, both in a large covered area and spreading into the smaller maze of streets that surround it. Records show there’s been a market here since 1276 when it apparently caused traffic jams on London Bridge. What’s on offer? Gourmet goodies run the gamut and you’d be hard pressed not to find something you can’t get enough of and simply spend all day stuffing your face.

Highgate Cemetery Arrow

A graveyard is always a somber place, but Highgate is also a celebratory one. You’ll recognize parts of it if you’ve seen Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Dracula,’ and you'll find the final resting place of writers like George Eliot and Douglas Adams, science pioneers like Michael Faraday and pop culture icons like George Michael (although his grave isn't named as such;  his Panayiotou family plot is in the West Cemetery next to Lucien Freud). And believe it or not, for somewhere with so many legendary men and women buried in it, Highgate Cemetery is one of the least visited of London’s landmarks. But those who come do it for both the ghostly mystery of the place itself, as well as the celebrity dead.

British Museum Arrow

You could spend several lifetimes in the British Museum, Britain’s largest museum, without running out of artifacts to ponder. The collection is one of the largest in the world, arranged by location (Ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Greece and Rome), and the list of big hitters includes the Rosetta Stone and other finds from Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. Come early on a weekday for a less crowded experience, pick one gallery and stick to it, or go for a guided “eye-opener” tour.

Hampstead Heath Arrow

Forget the perfect lawns of London's Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath, the vast and, in places wonderfully overgrown, tract of countryside just north of the rock ‘n’ roll neighborhood of Camden Town is the wild heart of the city and an undisputed highlight, so much so it's said to have inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. The Heath covers 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows of tall grass perfect both for picnickers and couples in search of privacy. It’s truly beautiful.

Portobello Market Arrow

Running through the center of the ever-fashionable Notting Hill neighborhood in West London, Portobello Road is know for everything from sixties models, photographers, artists and rockstars to rows of antiques stalls, hip pubs and Hugh Grant, but what we’re talking about is Portobello Market when the street is closed off Friday to Sunday and packed with people from far and wide. It’s that famous. Portobello is actually several markets rolled into one: There are antique and bric-a-brac shops, loads of food stalls and further up next to the Portebello Green arcade, emerging designers and vintage clothing shops.

Hyde Park Arrow

Hyde Park is big. At one and a half miles long and a mile or so wide, it's one of London's largest Royal Parks, originally appropriated from the monks at Westminster Abbey by Henry VIII to hunt deer, but now the sort of space where anything goes. Think gangs of roller-bladers on the paths, mad swimmers and chill boaters in the Serpentine Lake, rowdy protestors at Speaker’s Corner and kids aplenty riding horses and tipping their toes into the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Tayyabs Arrow

Most nights you’ll be waiting for at least half an hour before entering this famous, BYOB Punjabi diner in Whitechapel. Tayyabs is loud (and no one’s on a romantic date) but what you’re there for are the sizzling plates of meat. The main attraction is the lamb chops, served up spicy and marinated in a kadai masala with coriander, sliced onions, and chillies, and everything must be paired with freshly baked rotis, parathas, and naans. It’s a great spot for meat eaters and large groups looking for an affordable way to dine on exceptional Punjabi food.

Churchill War Rooms Arrow

This underground lair, just around the corner from 10 Downing Street, is where Churchill spent endless hours plotting Allied victory during the Second World War. Come for the Map Room, which looks exactly as it did when the members of the War Cabinet abandoned it at the end of the war, and the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill had secret conversations with U.S. officials. Entry is currently timed so you won't be crowded, and there are some pandemic restrictions still in place in terms of social distancing, but it's easy to get around and see everything. The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. The museum is also fully wheelchair accessible.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club Arrow

Nightlife institutions are institutions for a reason. And Ronnie Scott's, Soho’s premier jazz venue on Frith Street, never, ever disappoints. One rule: book your ticket in advance. Ronnie's is a concert venue, generally hosts two sittings a night—everyone from Nina Simone to Pharaoh Sanders has played here—and gigs get booked out quickly by tourists, aficionados and fellow musicians. You can, however, usually get into Ronnie’s Bar, a smaller more dance oriented venue upstairs, without advance notice, as well as into the 'late late' shows. The place itself is everything a jazz venue should be: dark, loud and enticing, romantic even, and so very Soho—you’ll probably feel like drinking whisky but Champagne always goes down better. When the music ends, and you fall out buzzing into the street, finish up with a bite at the legendary late-night favorite Bar Italia across the road. It’s just what's done.

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13 of the best things to do in London

Feb 25, 2024 • 13 min read

Make the most of your time in London with these top things to do © franckreporter / Getty Images

Fast-paced, fabulous and fun, London is packed with world-class things to see, do and experience.

You probably already have a checklist of London sights to visit, but don't forget to pause and soak up the vibe of a city that has been at the forefront of world culture for at least two millennia.

Whether you're a first-time visitor  or coming back for more, London serves up so many options that it can be hard to know where to start. It's easy to fill days or even weeks taking advantage of free entry at the city's top art galleries and museums, learning about the rich and complex history, and seeing live bands and captivating West End shows.

If you have the time – and budget – almost anything is possible in London. To help you whittle down the options, here are the top experiences in London that you won't want to miss.

1. Step back in time at the Tower of London

A world of English eccentricity enclosed within the sturdy walls of an imposing 11th-century fortress, the Tower of London is the perfect place to start a visit to London. As well as taking visitors on a remarkable architectural and historical journey, the castle is home to the world's largest diamond (the controversial Cullinan diamond, part of the famous Crown Jewels), as well as a dazzling array of armor and weaponry. A palpable sense of history and heritage will greet you at every turn.

Planning tip: It’s well worth getting to the Tower early – you'll need at least half a day to explore the sprawling chambers, courtyards and jail cells, and hear about its gruesome history. Arrive as the doors are unlocked and head straight to the Crown Jewels to avoid a long wait in line. To learn more about the Tower's back story, join a Yeoman Warder’s tour for a fascinating and personal introduction to the life and grisly times of this fortress-palace.

Explore the Tower of London effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

2. Be wowed by contemporary art at Tate Modern

A vast shrine to modern and contemporary art, the much-loved Tate Modern enjoys a triumphant position right on the River Thames. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the gallery is a vigorous statement of modernity, architectural renewal and accessibility. Enter via Holland Street to experience the vast Turbine Hall, which used to house the power station’s electricity generators, and is now home to large-scale art installations. Upstairs exhibition spaces are pushing the conceptual envelope, too, with interesting temporary shows, installations and performance art.

Local tip: Level 10, the viewing platform atop the Blavatnik Building, has been the subject of some controversy regarding privacy because it's possible to look into the adjacent apartment buildings. There are many signs politely requesting no photography on the south side (and not as much to see there anyway). There are also great views from the coffee shop and bar in the main building. If the tide is out, there's good mudlarking – an evocative term for looking for historic junk on the exposed mud at low tide – right in front of the gallery.

3. Explore London’s Black history 

London’s Black history is rich and fascinating and stretches back across centuries. All over London, you'll sense a growing enthusiasm for acknowledging, owning and celebrating this once-overlooked part of London's story. Begin your journey by joining one of the 16 walking tours in central London run by Black History Walks , then head down to the Docklands to learn about the capital’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at the Musem of London Docklands before meandering south to marvel at the vast Black archives at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives . Next, indulge in some delicious Caribbean cuisine and take in many of the city’s best Black artists at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning .

Planning tip:  Notting Hill Carnival , held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, is a colossal street party celebrating Black, Caribbean and African cultures. Join the dancing, parties and parades that fill the neighborhoods around Ladbroke Grove. The official website publishes routes and events in advance.

4. Imagine the royal weddings of yesteryear at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the heart of the country’s royal and religious life for centuries. This Gothic wonder was founded more than a thousand years ago and today it displays a mix of architectural styles, with the bulk of its structure dating back to the 13th century. As a result, almost every nook and cranny has a story attached to it.

London's great abbey has served as the venue for many showstopper funerals and weddings – 30 monarchs are buried here, and 16 royal weddings have been hosted here, the most recent being that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Among the highlights, you will find the oldest door in the UK, the collection of memorials to great poets and writers known as Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair, 14th-century cloisters, a 900-year-old garden, royal tombs and much, much more.

Planning tip: Be warned that the crowds are almost as solid as the abbey’s unshakeable stonework, so aim to join the line first thing in the morning.

Explore Westminster Abbey effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

5. Stroll the sights of the South Bank

A great way to get your bearings and take in a slew of sights at the same time is to take a west-to-east walk along the Thames, through the cultural quarter known as the South Bank. Getting off the Tube at Westminster will deposit you right by Big Ben , the legendary bell atop the clocktower of the Houses of Parliament . From there, cross Westminster Bridge for stellar views back toward the seat of British democracy. 

Once on the Queen's Walk, as this pathway is known, stroll east with the river to your left. Although it’s inescapably touristy, a rotation on the London Eye  is a must for any first-time visitor to the capital. This futuristic Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to complete a full turn, reaching 135m (443ft) at its highest point, and providing spectacular views of iconic landmarks from its glass capsules. Book tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

The Southbank Centre offers up a roll call of top-draw icons and entertainment; it's a great place to go if you're traveling with kids , with lots of free activities and events in summer. Once you leave the Brutalist concrete architecture of the Southbank Centre behind, you'll find other eclectic London sights, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , the Tate Modern art gallery (with views across the river to  St Paul’s Cathedral ), and the Shard , Britain's tallest building. As you walk, look across the river towards the City of London, and try to pick out its curiously nicknamed skyscrapers – such as the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater and the Walkie-Talkie.

Detour: When hunger calls, take a snack break at legendary Borough Market close to London Bridge, where there are pubs, restaurants, dairies, bakers and more than 100 gourmet food stalls.

Transform your visit to London's Eye by  booking with GetYourGuide.

6. Delve into Muslim London

London was once the capital of an empire that ruled over more than half the world’s Muslims, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to a wide range of Muslim communities and rich in Islamic heritage. Start with the amazing Islamic collections in the Victoria & Albert Museum ’s Jameel Gallery or the British Museum ’s Albukhary Gallery  – between them, these former imperial institutes hold over 115,000 Islamic items. 

To learn where Arabic was taught in 17th century London, take an eye-opening Muslim History Tour , then treat yourself to some of the capital’s most delicious Muslim cuisine. Try a fiery curry along East London’s Brick Lane (or great Punjabi-style kebabs nearby at Tayyabs ), head north to Green Lanes for London’s most authentic Anatolian dishes, or go west along Edgware Road for varied Middle Eastern cuisine.

7. Dive deep into history at the South Kensington museums

A trio of world-class museums lie within yards of each other in the well-to-do neighborhood of South Kensington , their grand edifices proving an equal draw to the glories within. With seven floors of interactive, educational and eye-opening exhibits, the spellbinding collection of models, machines and inventions at the Science Museum mesmerizes adults and children in equal measure. 

You could spend days in the huge Victoria & Albert Museum , which houses the world’s leading collection of decorative art objects, and still be astounded at its variety and depth. With its animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex , riveting displays about planet Earth, the research-oriented Darwin Centre and architecture straight out of a Gothic fairy tale, the Natural History Museum is an astonishing melding of science and imagination. Start in the iconic Hintze Hall, where the skeleton of a blue whale dives down from the ceiling.

Local tip: To see a more unusual side to the museums, and mingle with some Londoners, check in advance to see if any “Lates” are running; the museums periodically open their doors into the evening for special events with music and food. There are even occasional sleepover events called Dino Snores  at the Natural History Museum.

8. See a world-class theater show in the West End – and beyond

London is one of the best places in the world to catch a show, so take the opportunity while visiting the capital. For the most famous faces and well-known productions, head to the West End . This area is synonymous with musicals; look out for classics like  Les Misérables or Mamma Mia! , family favorites such as Matilda,   The Lion King  or Wicked, and offbeat hits such as The Book of Mormon (definitely not family viewing!) .

If musicals are not your thing, get onto TodayTix and see what else is playing. Be sure to check out the edgy, small-cast shows at independent theaters such as the Donmar Warehouse and Soho Theatre , to catch up-and-coming talent for not much more than the price of a pint of beer.

Detour: If Shakespeare is more your thing, attend an Elizabethan-style performance at Shakespeare's Globe . You'll need to book ahead for a standing ticket as one of the all-weather "groundlings" who watch from the open-air yard in front of the stage (or you can pay extra for a seat in the gallery). Despite being the brainchild of American actor, Sam Wanamaker, the facsimile theater is a triumph of authenticity, right down to the nail-less construction, English-oak beams, original joinery and thatched roof (the sprinklers are a modern touch).

9. Relax in gloriously green Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London’s impressive array of urban parks is second to none and the city's eight Royal Parks are the place to see locals at ease and in their element. Hyde Park alone covers 142 hectares; throw in Kensington Gardens , and you have even more space to roam. Here, you'll find everything you could want from a London park: a central setting, a royal palace , deck chairs, boating lakes, open-air concerts, art galleries, towering centuries-old trees, a tasteful granite memorial to Princess Diana, and a magnificently overblown memorial to Prince Albert facing the iconic Albert Hall .

10. Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace 

No trip to the capital would be complete without a glimpse of what the Royals are up to. The simplest way to see a bit of sovereign ceremony is to watch the Changing of the Guard , a generations-old ritual in which soldiers in iconic bearskin hats swap shifts outside Buckingham Palace . Arrive early for a good view; the show starts at 11am, and it’s best to arrive by 10:15am (unless you happen to be very tall). If you hanker after more, you can tour the palace itself from July through September (the State Rooms are open for guided tours in the winter and spring, and for 10 weeks every summer).

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and then purchased by King George III, Buckingham Palace has been the Royal Family’s official London lodging since 1837, when Queen Victoria abandoned the old royal residence at St James's Palace . On a tour, visitors can get a peek at the State Rooms – a mere 19 of the palace's 775 rooms – and wander through the stunning gardens.

11. Drink a pint at a historic English pub

London minus its pubs would be like Paris sans cafes. Pub culture is a part of London's DNA, and the pub is the best place to see local people in their hop-scented element. Some London pubs – such as the character-filled, centuries-old  Lamb & Flag  and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – have been fixtures on the social scene for centuries, and a pub pint is the cornerstone of a good night out across the capital. They're also favorite stops for long, family-friendly weekend lunches; gastropubs dot London’s culinary cosmos, many rivaling the best restaurants. 

Local tip: If you have to choose one place in London for an evening out, make it Soho , a densely packed warren of after-dark delights. For centuries a bohemian quarter, Soho was once a seedy red-light district, but these days, it's better known as the hub for London’s LGBTIQ+ community . For an old-school pint or four, drop into the French House , Bar Termini , Yard or the White Horse .

12. See the world’s treasures at the British Museum

With almost six million visitors trooping through its doors annually, the British Museum in Bloomsbury is Britain’s most-visited attraction. It is crammed with such an array of treasures (many of which, controversially, were obtained from other countries by force or political sleight of hand) that you could probably spend your whole trip navigating the vast and hallowed collection of artifacts, art and age-old antiquity, and still not be done.

In fact, the collection was once even bigger, but some objects have been returned to their home countries (and others, unbelievably, were stolen by a light-fingered curator). Free eye-opener tours allow you to focus on specific parts of the vast collection, or you can take in the highlights by wandering through the Great Court, with its stunning glass-and-steel roof designed by Norman Foster, and checking out the closest exhibition halls. Don’t leave before you’ve seen the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, and the fascinatingly macabre Egyptian mummies (including mummified calves, birds and cats).

13. Sit down to a traditional afternoon tea 

The quintessentially English indulgence of whiling away an afternoon eating dainty sandwiches and cakes and drinking tea may give you the feeling you're being observed by Lady Whistledown herself. Venues serving afternoon tea abound, and despite looking like sets from a Bridgerton party, these establishments are perfectly welcoming to all sorts of travelers. There's no need to dress to the nines; smart casual attire is fine (in other words, no trainers, joggers or sweatshirts). 

For the classic experience, head to Claridge’s or the Ritz , or in the summer try the terrace at The Goring or the stately Orangery  at Kensington Palace. It's called afternoon tea, but you can have your tea at almost any time of the day. Pre-booking is highly recommended as slots can book out, especially on weekends and in the peak season.

Planning tip: Make sure you arrive suitably hungry. The spread might not look much in the pictures, but all those plates of delicate treats really do add up to a mini feast. 

This article was first published Mar 19, 2019 and updated Feb 25, 2024.

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BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: May 29, 2024

Visiting London, UK, for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your itinerary for such a short visit? In this guide, we share a detailed London 1-day itinerary that allows you to see many of the top sights in the most efficient way.

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most out of your time, but also keep it enjoyable and fun.

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and hidden gems in London that would make any visit more memorable… But unless you have much more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant that someone recommended…

With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sights that London is famous for.

So this is our no-nonsense guide to the VERY BEST things to see and do in London in one day . At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of our recommended 1-day London itinerary as well as a map indicating all the places that we mention in this guide. We also include some practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

Top 4 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio .

As you can imagine, there are millions of ways how you could spend a day in London. This is just one suggestion based on our personal experience. It includes some of the most important sights and must-see places that we think are worth your time the most if this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London.

Good to know: Our recommended London 1-day itinerary takes into account the locations and the opening times of the main attractions so that you can actually visit some of them if you want to. Although, keep in mind that with just a day in London, you will have to be very selective about the places you decide to visit inside. As you can imagine, this takes much more time and planning compared to just seeing the landmarks from the outside.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, we recommend that you do a Thames Cruise , plus take a ride on the iconic London Eye and/or visit the viewing decks at The Shard . The views are amazing from both! And because you can get timed-entry tickets (or fast-track tickets at London Eye) it’s well worth it, even if your time in the city is limited. You will find more information about these and other landmarks further below.

READ ALSO: London Travel Tips

Here’s what you could do in London in one day:

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is one of the must-sees in London.

Since you probably won’t be visiting the Palace inside (it’s only possible at the end of the summer/early fall – see here if interested), you can start your day in London here as early as you like.

The best place to be is Victoria Memorial , which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace.

2. The Mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen TV broadcasts of any of the official royal celebrations in London, this is the street where they start/end their trips with golden carriages and Royal Guard parades.

In fact, you could see the Changing of the Guards ceremony here, but it only takes place on certain dates and starts at around 11 am. So it’s not something I would recommend if you only have a day in London.

Instead, simply walk down the Mall and/or take a detour via the adjacent St. James Park . The next destination on this itinerary – Horse Guards Parade – is about 15-20 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

3. Horse Guards Parade

The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame’s Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located.

This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London. They are always around, so you can take a picture of them if you like.

In addition, there is also a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here at 11 am (at 10 am on Sundays). If your timing coincides with this, it’s nice to see, but I wouldn’t adjust the entire day’s schedule just for this. There are better things to do with just a day in London!

TIP: If interested, you could take a quick detour to the famous 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the UK’s Prime Minister. It’s located just nearby here. However, it’s now closed with high gates at the entrance of the street so you can only catch a glimpse of it in a distance.

4. Trafalgar Square

Next, head to Trafalgar Square which is less than 10 minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade. This is another must-see in London that you will probably recognize from many movies and travel guides.

In the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, stands a huge Nelson’s Column which is guarded by four bronze lions. There are usually lots of pigeons here too, plus tourists, street performers, etc. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs zooming in all directions.

It’s a very lively place, but if you come here early in the morning, it can be very quiet. Either way, don’t miss it as it’s always worth a quick visit. It’s a great place to simply sit back, do some people-watching, and soak in the typical London atmosphere.

Good to know: Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery . It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 am. If you feel like visiting a museum during your short trip to London, check it out.

5. Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional)

Depending on your interests and how early you start your day, you may want to take a quick detour and visit either Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden. Both of these areas are located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores such as M&M’s London or the LEGO Store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. If you are visiting London with kids you won’t want to miss this place! But this vibrant area is worth a quick look either way.

TIP: It’s also in this part of the city that you will find some of the most famous London theaters . If you are interested in seeing a show or a musical, you could easily adjust this itinerary a bit and come back here in the evening. In that case, check what shows are available and book your tickets well in advance !

Covent Garden is a cool bustling area just nearby. Here, you can visit the famous Covent Garden Market , with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here, so this could also be a good place for brunch or early lunch.

6. London Eye

Next, cross the river at Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges and head to the South Bank of London. On the way, you can enjoy great views from the bridge and the riverside.

There is a lot to see and do in this part of the city. The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye . The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London . From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks.

PRO TIP: The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several (!) hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground, and enjoy the views from The Shard at the end of the day (more info further below).

Additional suggestion: If you would like to get a glimpse of some cool places in London, beyond the main landmarks, make a short detour to the colorful graffiti tunnel, aka The Vaults. This is one of the hidden gems of London that is located so close to the popular sights but is overlooked by most tourists. I indicated it on our map below. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least half an hour extra for a quick detour here (it’s about 10-15 walk from the London Eye).

7. Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace

Next, walk to the iconic Westminster Bridge just nearby. From here, you also have a good view of the famous Big Ben Tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The view of the bridge with the beautiful gothic buildings of Westminster Palace is among the most recognizable images from London. This is the heart of the city that you really shouldn’t miss, no matter how long or short your visit is.

It’s not possible to visit the Big Ben Tower. There are tours of the Parliament, but – with just a day or even a few in London – it’s probably not the best use of your time. So this is mostly a photo stop, to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

8. Westminster Abbey

If you cross the bridge and walk just a bit further past Big Ben, you will soon see the famous Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important events. Every British monarch has been crowned here since the 11th century, many royal weddings and funerals take place here, etc. The Abbey is also the burial site of countless famous British historical figures, such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, just to name a few…

This Gothic building is remarkably beautiful and you can visit it inside. If you decide to do this, be sure to book the timed-entry tickets in advance! Keep in mind that you will need at least an hour to quickly visit the Abbey. More realistically, you should count at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

9. Thames Cruise

Next, take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower Bridge.

This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit, and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day in London.

Good to know: There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options that it can get overwhelming. This is the best ticket for this particular journey . The boat departs from Westminster Pier (we indicated the location on the map further below) and takes you to Tower Bridge. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

10. Tower of London

It will probably be late afternoon by the time you get to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . These are among the most important landmarks in the city, so you absolutely have to see them.

Whether it’s actually worth visiting any of them inside if you only have a day in London, I’ll let you decide based on your interests and how you choose to fill the rest of this itinerary.

Don’t take me wrong – they are both absolutely worth a visit. It’s just that everything usually takes a lot more time than you anticipate. And your itinerary for a day in London will be packed…

If you visit just one attraction inside, the Tower of London is definitely among the top choices. Built in the 11th century, the building served as a fortress, a prison, but also as a palace over its centuries-long history.

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy are kept (and can be seen inside, if you are prepared for an inevitable queue). The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the Jewels when the site opens.

Good to know: Be sure to get (timed-entry) tickets if you want to visit. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours inside (and it will be rushed).

11. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside (be sure to walk over the bridge too!).

It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city.

Also here, if you decide to actually visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance .

12. The Shard

After crossing the Tower Bridge, walk to The Shard following the river. It’s a nice walk of about 15-20 minutes.

The Shard is an iconic London skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and in the top 100 among the tallest buildings in the world. A visit to its open-air viewing platform Skydeck on the 72nd floor gives you easy access to some of the best 360° views of London. In addition, there are indoor viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors.

From the top, you can see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London nearby, plus countless other landmarks in the distance and the entire city at your feet.

Good to know: The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also here, you really have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy (and it usually is), the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

There are a couple of restaurants in the Shard Tower itself, but they are all quite high-end and definitely have to be reserved.

For dinner, you may want to look for a restaurant in the area around Borough Market . The market itself is closed in the evenings, but there are many eateries nearby. Also here, if you want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table.

READ ALSO: British Food: best dishes to try in the UK

Theater (optional)

Just like Broadway in New York, London is known for its world-class musicals, amazing shows, and concerts.

While this 1-day London itinerary is quite packed as it is, many people travel to the city just to see a specific show or a musical. So yes, it’s possible to add this experience to this itinerary as well.

In that case, be sure to first check what is available , at which theater, and at what time. Then adjust this itinerary to be sure that you can get there on time, and based on your interests.

London 1-Day Itinerary Overview

Below is an overview of what your day in London could look like.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll need timed tickets for most of these sites – if you actually want to visit them inside. There is no way you can visit all of these in a day. But you can definitely see them all and visit a few (max 2-3, depending on the place). So you’ll have to plan well and adjust this itinerary based on your interests.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for London:

• Buckingham Palace.
• St James Park.
• Trafalgar Square.
• Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional).
• London Eye ( book (fast track) tickets if you want to go up!).
• Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace.
• Westminster Abbey ( book tickets if you want to visit inside!).
• Thames River Cruise ( this is the best ticket for this itinerary ).
• Tower Bridge & Tower of London (book tickets – Tower of London and/or Tower Bridge – and be sure to choose timed-entry (!) if you want to visit any of these inside).
• The Shard ( book tickets if you want to go up!).
• Theater (optional – check what’s available for the day of your visit and adjust the itinerary accordingly if you decide to see a show).

My personal recommendation would be to visit Westminster Abbey and/or the Tower of London and do the Thames River Cruise. I would also probably opt for The Shard rather than London Eye, simply because it’s easier to plan it at the end of the day. The Shard is also open much later in the evening than anything else.

But everything is possible, so pick the sights that look most interesting to you , and plan your own perfect day in London!

Also, start your day very early! The sights that we recommend visiting first can be seen long before any of the landmarks even open.

London is huge but as you can see on the map, many of the major landmarks are located not too far from each other. So you can see and do quite a lot in one day.

To help you with the planning, we created this map indicating all the top places that we recommend visiting in London in a day. You can also see an approximate walking route suggestion. This should give you a better idea of where all these places are located and help you plan a perfect itinerary for your day trip to London.

If you decide to skip some sights or visit them in a different order, it’s perfectly possible too. This is just one of the possibilities, taking into account the opening times of some of the places that we think are worth visiting the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Tips

• If you follow this 1-day London itinerary exactly as it is suggested here, you will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes . This itinerary focuses on the main landmarks, many of which are located too close to each other to take a metro every time, but far enough to give you a good exercise. You’ll only take a boat to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
• Use a metro to get to the starting point of this itinerary and back to your hotel at the end of the day. It’s the fastest way to cover big distances in London.
• Be sure to pre-book timed-entry tickets (choose fast-track tickets where available) for any of the attractions that you want to visit. Otherwise, forget it and just enjoy the sights from the outside. With just one day in London, you really don’t want to waste time queuing at one or the other attraction for an hour or two before you can even get inside. Plus, in some places, walk-ins are not guaranteed at all.
• With just a day in London, it doesn’t matter that much where you decide to stay. Of course, it helps if you choose a hotel in a somewhat central location, also because you can explore a bit more of the days of the arrival/departure as well. A lot also depends on how you travel to/from the city. For example, Megaro Hotel is a good option next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations where the Eurostar train arrives from Paris , Brussels , or Amsterdam .

MORE INFORMATION: Where to Stay in London

So, this is our suggested itinerary for one day in London. As you can see, there are many possibilities and options, so use this as an inspiration to plan your own perfect day trip to London!

If this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with our recommended 2-day London itinerary .

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for London:

• Good to know: Tips for Visiting London
• What to see: Top London Sights & Attractions & Hidden Gems of London
• What to eat: Traditional British Food to Try in the UK
• Best views: Best Views in London
• Camden: Camden Town & Camden Lock Market
• Greenwich: Things to Do in Greenwich & Painted Hall & Queen’s House
• For families: London with Kids
• Outside the city: Best Day Trips from London & Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Day Trip to Liverpool from London

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: ewelinas85/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion/Depositphotos.com// dvrcan/Depositphotos.com.

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Paris (France)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Saturday 27th of April 2024

Amazing! It's a definite must. My first trip to London with my 2 boys so I will be using as a guide for our upcoming trip in June 2024 :) We're also there to see NY Mets Play. Any suggestions for places to do Afternoon Tea?

Sunday 28th of April 2024

Hi Rebecca, we went for Afternoon Tea at St. Ermin's Hotel. At that time, they had a very nice family-friendly offer. You can read about it here. I think they still have something similar. Most luxury hotels in London offer afternoon tea, also some museums, and even boat cruises. Nowadays, there are plenty of 'more accessible' options for all budgets - see some examples here. With kids, you may also want to check out this Harry Potter walking tour that includes afternoon tea, or this Paddington Bear afternoon tea on a double-decker bus. Have a great trip!

Nichole Walz

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! It's incredible helpful for our upcoming trip in May! XOXO

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

@Jurga, I am also going in May and this is a great help thank you we will be starting in Barcelona then and 11 night cruise ending in Southampton and staying a couple days in Soho

Glad to help, Nichole. Have a great time in London!

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Literally hitting all the places I want to see! THANK YOU for this.. it's almost too perfect! Curious what the ideal to start this in order to hit all these sites.

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Ali, it depends a bit on the season when you travel, but mostly on your interests (that is, which places if any you decide to visit). If you start around 9-10, you could probably watch the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade (10-11 am depending on the day), but that's really up to you. That way, you could also be at Leicester Square/Covent Garden at around lunchtime. On the other hand, if you want to go up the London Eye and also visit either Westminster Abbey or The Tower of London, then I would start earlier. So first decide which attractions you absolutely want to visit, read our tips for how much time you need, and that will help you figure out when to start your day. You'll also need to prebook timed entry tickets. Hope this helps. Enjoy London!

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hello, thank you so much. I used this post for a day in London and it was so wonderful! Thanks again

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your short visit to London, Susan. Happy travels!

Snehalata Tawade

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Thank you for your wonderful blog. I missed my flight connection and was in London just for a day and could enjoy the day perfectly visiting all the places you mentioned. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Keep it up. All the best wishes for your future endeavors.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Glad to help, Snehalata. It's great that you could turn a travel mishap into a fun day in London!

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The Best Times to Visit London, According to Local Experts

Here's when to go to London for good weather, smaller crowds, lower prices, and more.

• Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds

Best Times to Visit London for Good Weather

• Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices
• Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright

Worst Times to Visit London

London is one of the most visited places on the planet. Each year, the English capital welcomes upwards of 30 million tourists. They are greeted by iconic sites, like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. They come to catch a show in the West End. And, more recently, they arrive to explore world-class dining and cocktail culture. But they don’t all appear in equal numbers across the year. 

The Big Smoke is very much a seasonal destination. High season typically takes off in early June and extends through the start of September. Late April through May, along with September into mid-October, are the shoulder seasons on either side. And late October through early April bookends the lull of low season. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

But you’re not bound by these trend lines. The reality is there’s no bad time to land in London . And the “best” time is entirely relative. It merely depends on what type of experience you’re eager to achieve. Let’s find out what — and when — that is, exactly. Below, we break it all down, so you can discover your very own prime time to see the city. 

• High Season: Early June through early September
• Shoulder Season: Late April through May; September to mid-October
• Low Season: Late October through early April

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds 

The lion’s share of those 30 million annual visitors will touch down at some point during the summer months. You can’t blame them for being so predictable — London is consistently compelling throughout that time period, as gray skies and rain are rare. And the city’s 3,000 parks and green spaces are teeming with life.

“But the best time for me is spring,” according to Ross Corcoran, managing director of Lang Atholl , a bespoke tour company based in Scotland. “The weather is milder, the crowds are not as big, and hotel rates are not yet surging. It also allows you to get around the city with relative ease and use the Tube like a local rather than a tourist.”

Indeed, if you arrive in May, specifically, you might find you have the whole city to yourself. Although outdoor markets and street fairs are fully open, embracing the warming air, the international arrivals have yet to accumulate. Many native Londoners, meanwhile, step outside of town to take advantage of the multiple bank holiday weekends marking the month. 

“June and July definitely have the best weather,” says Chris Perone, general manager at NoMad London . “Long days and warm evenings are perfect for strolling the city’s endless, meandering pavements.”

To his point, as the summer equinox approaches in mid-June, it starts getting light before 5 a.m. and darkness doesn’t set in until well after 9 p.m. With more than 16 hours of sun to play with, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a lengthy morning walk alongside canals and greenery. Then, have a full English breakfast — or a legendary Sunday roast — before perusing the shops and restaurants of Mayfair. 

You can even parade primary thoroughfares such as Regent Street, which shuts down to vehicular traffic this time of year . Or, take off toward the River Thames and check out the city’s newest observation deck, Lift 109 , built into the chimney of the historic Battersea Power Station.

Then, return to green space in time for BST Hyde Park . The concert series, which runs nightly from the end of June through the beginning of July, carries with it world-class talent. Last year, headliners included Billy Joel, Pink, Lana Del Rey and Bruce Springsteen. 

Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices  

“August and January are undoubtedly when you can grab the best deals,” Perone confirms. “While August can be a bit hot, everything is open and the city just has this buzz with the pubs overflowing into the streets. January is dark and can be damp, but that’s when the fireside tipples are at their best.”

As it applies to the former, simply make sure you’re booking a hotel — like the NoMad — that has adequate air conditioning. Yes, August temperatures have been inching toward the 100-degree mark in recent years, but it’s never as muggy as, say, a New York summer. So, it’s worth contending with the climate in exchange for those precious reduced rates, which apply to everything from overnight stays to rental cars. 

As for January, you’re looking at an average of 12 days worth of rain throughout the month, with temperatures sitting squarely in 40-degree territory. It's not ideal, and yet, as a result, the indelible coziness of British pub culture is dialed up to its maximal value. It’s a fantastic month to mingle with locals in Chelsea and Belgravia. Make your way past the terraced alabaster townhouses and amble into any number of legendary gastropubs, including The Harwood Arms , the only Michelin-starred pub in London. Or, enjoy new venues such as Bóha , which delivers on the promise of one of the most satisfying Sunday roasts in town. Just make sure to pack an umbrella and jumper . 

Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright 

London is one of the most festive locales on earth come holiday season. Ornately lit Christmas trees populate public squares, wreaths and red ribbons dress doorways, and a diverse array of themed markets set up shop from Clapham to Clapton. 

There are too many memorable offerings to list them all, but if you’re staying in central London, Christmas by the River is one you won’t want to miss. It features more than 50 merchants alongside London Bridge City Pier, under the shadows of Tower Bridge. Leicester Square market is another optimal option. It’s one of the smaller ones in sheer size, but the level of festivity it extends is beyond measure. Most Christmas markets operate from the start of November through the first week of January.

If you’re looking for another sort of holiday spirit, book your trip during London Cocktail Week . What started in 2010 as an intimate showcase of the local drinks scene has ballooned into the world’s largest cocktail festival, underscoring this city’s standing as the international epicenter of cocktail culture. The confab includes some of the top names in mixology, who fan out across town to shake up all sorts of pop-ups, tastings, and speciality drink activations over a 10-day period in mid-October. 

“Contrary to popular belief, summer is the worst time to visit London,” says Corcoran. “If there's hot weather, the underground is almost unbearable, and if you're used to air conditioning, I would strongly recommend against it. You will feel stressed, rushed, hot, and flustered trying to get around the city with the warmer temperatures and stultifying foot traffic.”

You’ll also endure the highest airfare if booking your trip between June and July. If you're determined to battle the crowds, however, consider taking a train out to the countryside for at least a few days during your stay. The inclusive beach town of Brighton to the south, or the bucolic countryside of the Cotswolds to the west are ideal, if not predictable, summertime retreats. 

“July is a tough time in London,” adds Perone. “With so many events, hot weather, and lots of out-of-towners in general, London can feel a bit cramped and stuffy. “And the Tube network... it’s an oven.”

So-called “deep-Tube lines,” which include the most popular services, like Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, and Northern, are all free of air conditioning. Needless to say, it’s a challenging experience to be cramped among strangers in a 90-degree train car. But if you stick with the sub-surface network, the train cars are not only temperature controlled, they’re also more spacious. Primary examples include the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as the Wi-Fi-equipped Elizabeth line. 

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London, England   Travel Guide

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34 Best Things to Do in London, England

Whether you're keen to brush up on your history knowledge at the Tower of London , tour the home of the monarchy at Buckingham Palace or check out one of the city's many art galleries, London isn't short on things to do. Thespians will

• All Things To Do
• 1-Day Itinerary
• 2-Day Itinerary
• 3-Day Itinerary

Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace, King Charles III's London home, is open for touring (except for the king's private quarters, of course) from July to October. On the tour, you'll have access to the 19 State Rooms where the king and members of the royal family host guests for state, ceremonial and official affairs. Opulently accented with chandeliers, candelabras, paintings by Van Dyck and Canaletto, and exquisite English and French furniture, these rooms display some of the most magnificent pieces from the Royal Collection. Along with the grand interiors, the State Rooms, where kings and queens have entertained guests on both official and ceremonial occasions, are also a witness to history. Those who followed the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton closely will recognize the Throne Room, which served as the backdrop for the pair's official wedding photographs.

For tours in the summer, recent travelers suggested taking advantage of the multimedia guide (included with admission and available in multiple languages), so that you hear a detailed history of each room at your own pace. The palace advises you set aside at least two hours to see the State Rooms (and that you wear comfortable shoes), while recent travelers advised that you use the facilities prior to the start of the tour; there are no public restrooms available until you reach the garden. Except in the Garden Café, no food or drinks (except bottled water) are permitted in the palace.

Tower of London Tower of London

Although its exterior might be grim and even unimpressive (especially when compared to stately  Buckingham Palace ), the Tower of London's interior is always bustling with activity. Despite its name, the large complex has a long history as a palace, a fortress and a prison. Each exhibition and activity here explores this history.

If you're enchanted with the monarchy, don't miss the famous crown jewels exhibition. Among the items you'll see is the Imperial State Crown – which is still worn by the queen for each State Opening of Parliament – and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross. In 2020, Prince of Wales' Investiture Coronet joined the display in the Jewel House. For an oral history, take an entertaining tour led by the Yeoman Warders (tower guards). During the hourlong excursion (included in your admission ticket), the guards will regale you with tales of the tower's bloody past. The White Tower is one of the world's most famous castles and a recognizable London landmark. Inside, you'll find the 350-year-old exhibition, "Line of Kings," which includes suits of armor worn by Henry VIII, Charles I, and James II. Keep an eye out for the Tower's famous ravens, who are said to guard the structure.

Houses of Parliament Houses of Parliament

Step through halls where history was made time and again by visiting the British Parliament. Guided and self-guided tours (which come highly recommended by recent travelers) take visitors through multiple areas of the building, including Westminster Hall (the oldest building on the Parliamentary estate, which is more than 900 years old), the House of Commons Chamber and the House of Lords. If you're not interested in perusing the corridors that make up the U.K.'s governing body, many travelers say that simply admiring the iconic structure's impressive exterior is enough, and an absolute must-do for anyone visiting London. 

If you're one of many looking to snap your own photo of one of the most photographed buildings in the world, the best vantage point is from Westminster Bridge. But if you want a truly smashing shot, head on over to Lambeth Bridge or the Golden Jubilee Bridges on the South Bank for a view of Parliament and the London Eye together. Keep in mind that Westminster Bridge connects two of the city's most popular attractions ( London Eye  and Parliament), and as a result is almost always very crowded.

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Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey

This medieval church, graced by many royal weddings and coronations, offers a magnificent peek at London's far-reaching history. Westminster Abbey is generally busy – and the staff keeps you moving at a pretty swift pace – so do a little research ahead of time to avoid missing your personal must-sees. For instance, if you're a bibliophile, consider a visit to the Poets' Corner. This is the final resting place of famed authors Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens and Rudyard Kipling, among others. If you're fascinated by all the intrigue surrounding the British royalty, you might like to visit the shared tomb of enemies and half sisters Elizabeth I and Mary Tudor.

If you prefer to see the abbey at your own pace, but still want a little guidance on the history you're encountering, take advantage of the multimedia guides, which are included in the price of admission and available in 14 languages. Alternatively, you can take a guided tour (led by the abbey's vergers) and see special places inaccessible to the public, including the tomb containing Saint Edward the Confessor. If you decide to take this tour, you'll pay 10 pounds (around $14) on top of the general admission price.

British Museum British Museum free

The British Museum is both an architectural beauty and a trove of some of the world's most noted antiquities. In fact, many travelers say it's the best museum in all of London. What's more, it's free to visit. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Sculptures to Mesopotamian objects, the British Museum is a history buff's dream containing artifacts in the millions. The immense collection can make an initial museum visit seem overwhelming: Pick the exhibits that most interest you, and plan return trips if you feel so inclined.

If you want a little help navigating the museum's exhibits – the approximately 80,000 objects on display out of its collection totaling 8 million items – consider tagging along on a guided tour. Several, including the daily eye-opener tours and the LBGTQ-themed "Desire, Love, Identity" tour and Friday evening spotlight tours are free. You can also book an "Around the World in 60 Minutes" tour for 14 pounds (around $20). Audio guides, which cost 7 pounds (about $10), are also available to rent daily.

Covent Garden Covent Garden free

Though called a garden, Covent Garden isn't all about plants and flowers. Rather, it's a piazza and a collection of urban streets boasting numerous upscale stores as well as bars, restaurants, art installations and more. In other words, it's a bustling neighborhood within London's West End. Shops range from famous trademarks like Ralph Lauren and Mulberry to independent brands. In addition to conventional shops and boutiques, Covent Garden has a covered market area where vendors sell everything from antiques to crafts. Similarly, dining options range from foodie destinations like Sushi Samba and Balthazar to casual pubs. Given Covent Garden's open-air orientation, there are appropriately more than 1,000 seats for al fresco dining.

Covent Garden is also home to the Royal Opera House. Even if you're unable (or disinclined) to see an opera, you can tour the lavishly appointed Royal Opera House. Architecture-enthusiasts find the building, especially its glass atrium, stunning and the tours informative. General admission tickets are 19 pounds (about $24) for adults and 16.75 pounds (about $21) for anyone younger than 16. (Check the opera house’s website for dates and times.)

Piccadilly Circus Piccadilly Circus free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Wander over to nearby Chinatown to sample its slew of Asian restaurants and bubble tea shops, and continue on into Soho for some of the city's best LGBT-friendly bars. – Laura French

Regularly compared to  New York 's  Times Square , Piccadilly Circus is the meeting place of five busy roads and is the center of London's hustle and bustle. Whether it's people on their way to work in the morning, shoppers en route to the chain store-lined Oxford Street (just a few blocks north) or lively club and bar hoppers passing through at night, Piccadilly is always thrumming with activity. 

West End Theatre District West End Theatre District

U.S. News Insider Tip:  For a fun night out, buy tickets for a showing of Agatha Christie's "The Mousetrap," which is the longest-running play in history. – Nicola Wood, Senior Editor

Catching a show in London's West End theater district is just as necessary as watching a play on  Broadway  during a trip to  New York City . The quality is some of the best in the U.K., and the constant mix of new and classic productions with local and world-renowned talent (think: Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Angela Lansbury, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Benedict Cumberbatch) excites both visitors and locals alike. Even if you don't consider yourself much of a theater devotee, recent travelers said the atmosphere, specifically near the lively Leicester Square, where many of the theaters are concentrated, is worth a late-night wander.

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Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens free

U.S. News Insider Tip: A short stroll from Hyde Park Corner will take you to The Grenadier – a tiny pub hidden down a cobbled alley. It opened in 1818 as an officers' mess and now serves beers and classic pub fare in atmospheric, wood-strewn surroundings. – Laura French

Just north of the Royal Albert Hall and northwest of Buckingham Palace  sit Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens: a stretch of green bisected by West Carriage Drive. Hyde Park was once the recreational stomping grounds for King Henry VIII, but now this 350-acre swath of land is open to the public and a must-visit for travelers looking for a relaxing moment away from the city's hustle and bustle. Among Hyde Park's meandering foot and bike paths and flourishing flora and fauna, you'll find a few standout attractions that are worth exploring. Watch the swans and boats glide over the serene Serpentine Lake (or rent a vessel yourself), visit the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain or stop by the Speakers' Corner, a site for public speeches and debates since the 19th century (previously used by George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin, among others). For the sporting set, Hyde Park has tennis courts, football pitches (remember: football means soccer here) and a horse-riding arena.  

The London Eye The London Eye

The London Eye (the giant Ferris wheel found in many London panoramas) is on the River Thames and meant to deliver great views – not a thrilling ride. It circles around slowly, offering an unbeatable bird's-eye perspective of London's South Bank. However, those with a fear of heights should beware: When you're more than 400 feet high, the 360-degree views can be a bit disconcerting.

While some travelers say the London Eye is an absolute must-do, others found the experience to be overrated. Some recent travelers said the lines were too long (upward of a couple hours) and the ticket prices too high. However, many others were amazed by the views, especially  Parliament  and  Buckingham Palace . Visitors were keen to note that this ride is not a fast one, with the average rotation of the wheel at least 30 minutes long. You can also combine a ride on the London Eye with a guided boat tour.

Trafalgar Square Trafalgar Square free

For nearly 200 years, Trafalgar square has been a London institution. Flanked by the National Gallery , the square features two fountains, several busts and bronze lions at the base of Nelson's Column. The column, which honors Admiral Horatio Nelson for his success at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, stands 16 feet tall. At its base, bronze panels detail some of Nelson's battles and the two lions are there to protect the monument.

Recent travelers appreciated this famous London locale, noting that it's a great spot for photos and people-watching. However, know that aside from the National Gallery and surrounding shops and restaurants, there isn't much to do at the square itself.

St. Paul's Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral is arguably the second must-see church in London (the first, of course, being Westminster Abbey ). With its imposing dome – one of the largest in the world – St. Paul's forms a predominant spot along London's skyline. It's also a survivor: Although an older incarnation burnt during the Great Fire of London in 1666, the current dome (designed by Sir Christopher Wren and officially completed in 1711) survived numerous World War II bombings.

To make the most of your visit, reviewers highly recommended climbing to the top of the dome to the Golden Gallery. You'll have to hike up 528 steps, but after catching your breath you'll enjoy far-reaching views of the River Thames, the  Tate Modern , and Shakespeare's Globe . And once you've seen the top, head below ground to the crypt (the largest in Europe), where the tombs of notable figures such as Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington as well as Wren are housed. Though some reviewers are put off by the pricey admission, most agree that a peek inside is well worth the extra coin.

Natural History Museum Natural History Museum free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Before or after your visit, head next door to the Science Museum to browse interactive exhibits and live science shows, and catch a film at the IMAX, one of the UK's biggest screens (entry to the museum itself is free, though some exhibitions are extra). – Laura French

Located in South Kensington, this museum brims with data from 70,000 different species (from animals to tiny protozoa) and exhibits showcasing everything from dinosaur bones to simulated earthquakes. The Natural History Museum is also a favorite among families, so you'll find it crawling with kids.

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St. James's Park St. James's Park free

One of London's eight Royal Parks, St. James's Park is nearly 57 acres. It's surrounded by three palaces: its namesake St. James’s Palace, Westminster (now the Houses of Parliament ) and Buckingham Palace . The park's semi-circular flower beds – the Memorial Gardens – which sit beside Buckingham are one of its major attractions. The park is flanked one side by the Mall, a route for royal processions that bisects the gardens and on another by the Horse Guards Parade, a parade ground where the annual Trooping the Colour is held. Other notable buildings nearby include No. 10 Downing Street (the Prime Minister's residence) and the Churchill War Rooms . The park also features a portion of the 7-mile Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk and provides habitat for various animal species, including foxes and ducks as well as its famed pelicans. Additionally, runners race through St. James's park as the final leg of the annual London Marathon.

Visitors invariably find the park to be quite stunning and well-maintained. It’s deemed an excellent place for walking while admiring the many historical structures nearby.

National Gallery National Gallery free

Sitting in Trafalgar Square, London's National Gallery features a labyrinth interior so large that it requires a color-coded map to navigate. The museum features paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to early 20th centuries, including Italian Renaissance masterpieces and French Impressionist works. Among its 2,300 in-house pieces, visitors will find famed paintings, such as Botticelli's "Venus and Mars," Rembrandt’s “Self Portrait at the Age of 34” and Van Gogh's "Sunflowers." 

Recent visitors loved the variety of paintings at the National Gallery, saying that travelers may need more than a day to get a glimpse at all the masterpieces that grace its never-ending halls. They also commend the gallery's cafe.

Borough Market Borough Market free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Across from Borough Market sits the Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garrett: a tiny museum housed in an 18th-century attic of that's the oldest surviving operating theatre (think: operating room) in Europe. It displays intriguing artifacts about the gruesome medical practices of the past. – Laura French

The food-focused Borough Market is effectively three markets in one (with restaurants, bars and shops interspersed throughout). Three Crown Square features large producers and merchants while Green Market has smaller, specialty ones. You'll find everything from cheese to wine to pastries to produce. Borough Market Kitchen provides a platform for street-food vendors. The roughly 1,000-year-old market regularly hosts cooking demonstrations and classes.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

U.S. News Insider Tip:  Pick an early tour time and explore slowly. There is so much to see that you may miss small details if you go too quickly. And don't worry about time. Once you're inside, you can stay as long as you like (well, until closing). – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Located at the studios where all eight of the "Harry Potter" films were produced, this is a must for anyone wanting to learn more about the Wizarding World. Visitors can view original film sets – from the Great Hall to Gringotts, Diagon Alley to the Gryffindor Common Room – with hundreds of original props and costumes to browse. Glimpse the model used for Hogwarts Castle, learn about Hagrid's animatronic head, visit Platform 9 ¾ and board the Hogwarts Express; this is a comprehensive, interactive tour for the whole family that's well worth adding to your London bucket list.

Windsor Castle Windsor Castle

Home to more than 40 British monarchs and in use since the 11th century, Windsor Castle is a spectacular daytrip from London. Visitors can wander the elaborate state rooms, observe the famous Changing the Guard and admire the many artworks and collectibles on display. Should time allow, take a stroll along the Long Walk: a nearly 3-mile-long tree-lined road that is part of the castle's park. Though you'll find a cafe and souvenir shop on-site, Windsor (the town) offers a bevy of dining and shopping options.

Though always crowded, a visit to Windsor should not be missed. Time and again, travelers say that it is a wonderful place to see while in London, and many were repeat visitors. Additionally, travelers with mobility issues said they had little trouble exploring the castle.

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Shakespeare's Globe Shakespeare's Globe

U.S. News Insider Tip: If you're able, opt for a standing ticket at the performance. You'll get a more authentic experience, plus your proximity to the actors lets you admire their facial expressions and costumes. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

This is not the Globe Theatre of Shakespeare's time. The original Globe Theatre – which staged Shakespeare's plays and where the Bard wrote "Twelfth Night," "King Lear," and several others – opened in 1599 and burned down in 1613. The second Globe was erected in 1614 but was then torn down in 1644, after all theaters where shuttered by Parliament. The current incarnation – referred to as the Globe Theatre by its staff – has been in operation since 1997 and it is a celebrated performing arts venue dedicated to staging the Bard's plays. In a nod to its much older namesake, today's open-air theater has a thatched roof – the only one in the city – that does not cover the central yard. Seating is in the round. Or, for a truly memorable experience, you can choose to stand in the yard just below the stage to watch a performance (as many did in Shakespeare's time).  

Royal Albert Hall Royal Albert Hall

U.S. News Insider Tip: Come in December to see Carols at the Royal Albert Hall; it's a spectacular, sing-along show guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit. – Laura French

Royal Albert Hall is a concert hall where musicians of all genres perform. It also hosts special non-concert events, including sporting events and dance performances. The building's famed 20,000-square-foot iron roof was the largest unsupported dome in the world when it was installed in 1869 (two years before the hall officially opened). An 800-foot long, 5,200-square-foot mosaic frieze dubbed "The Triumph of Arts and Letters" encircles the structure's exterior. The hall can accommodate 5,900 people.

Victoria and Albert Museum Victoria and Albert Museum free

The palatial Victoria & Albert Museum, named in honor of the 19th-century royal couple, is known more commonly in its shortened form – the V&A. Located in South Kensington, this free museum is a compendium of applied art across a number of genres, disciplines and time periods. The collections are arranged by categories, such as sculptures, Chinese artifacts, and so on, making it slightly easier to navigate this mammoth museum. Among the permanent collections, the V&A also offers diverse temporary exhibitions and free weekly public lectures.

Recent travelers praised the variety and sheer enormity of the art offered here. Many described its permanent collection as surprise around every corner. If you've only set aside a few hours to tour the museum, consult the building's map before you go; a map will help you plan a route of the collections you'd like to see and maximize your visit.

Tower Bridge Tower Bridge free

Along with Parliament and Big Ben, Tower Bridge is London's next must-see architectural marvel, not to mention the most famous bridge that crosses the Thames. Construction on the bridge started in 1886, which means it's practically modern by London standards, but Tower Bridge stands out for its stunning detail and moveable roadways that lift up when large ships need to pass through. The views from the bridge are an added bonus. From the elevated sidewalks visitors get a prime view of the  Tower of London ,  St. Paul's Cathedral's iconic dome, the London Eye and The Monument.

If you're interested in viewing the city from a higher vantage point (about 137 feet above the Thames), consider a visit inside Tower Bridge, during which you go to the top of the bridge – equipped with a glass floor – as well as to the bottom to the engine rooms. However, recent visitors say that those who are afraid of heights might want to forgo walking across the glass floor.

Hampton Court Palace Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace, which Henry VIII acquired in the 1520s and subsequently expanded, features the Grand Hall (with Anne Boleyn's coat of arms carved in the ceiling and antique tapestries on the walls) and the largest kitchens in Tudor England (capable of producing 800 meals a day). Its grounds include 60 acres of formal gardens complete with the oldest surviving hedge maze in the country as well as the largest grape vine in the world.

Past visitors observe that there’s a lot to see and that the huge palace necessitates a lot of walking. They also recommend the audio tour, which is included in the ticket price. The gardens are frequently singled out as worthy of attention.

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Regent's Canal Regent's Canal free

Meandering just shy of 9 miles from Paddington in the west to the Limehouse Basin in the east, this charming river walk offers an idyllic escape from the bustle of the city. It passes several postcard-pretty spots, including Little Venice, where quaint cafes, pubs and restaurants sit on the waterfront; Regent's Park, one of London's most popular green spaces and the home of London Zoo; and Camden Lock, famous for its markets, street food stalls and antique shops. You'll also get to see the East End, including trendy Dalston, Victoria Park (home to a farmers market every Sunday) and Mile End.

There's history behind it, too; the canal opened in the early 19th century to transport coal, building materials and other goods from northern industrial cities to King's Cross – a long-standing center for trade – and operated for more than 140 years.

Camden Market Camden Market free

Londoners and out-of-towners alike enjoy spending a morning (or afternoon) at the Camden Market. Camden Market is actually multiple markets spread out in the neighborhood of Camden. It sprawls with more than 1,000 stalls, shops, bars and cafes carrying close to everything, from furniture to food and lots of fashion. Looking for cheap graphic T-shirts and dresses? Head over to the first set of Camden Market stalls located closest to the Tube station. If you're looking for more of a mix of items, walk over the bridge to the lock market, situated on the peaceful Camden Lock. You'll find stalls filled with antiques, clothing, souvenirs and a variety of food stalls. Food on offer ranges from traditional fish and chips to Middle Eastern fare, hot dogs and Portuguese tarts. This area gives way to the long and winding stables market, consisting of vendors selling vintage home decor, leather goods and clothing.

It's easy to get lost in this market, but with all it has to offer, including cool restaurants and bars tucked between nooks and crannies, visitors agree it's also very fun. The only grievance travelers had concerned the massive crowds that form during the weekend. If you don't want to be shopping amidst wall-to-wall people, consider visiting during the week. Even if you're not intent on shopping, many visitors recommend the market for its diverse food stalls. You can find the Camden Market off of the Camden Town, or Chalk Farm Tube stops, as well as the Camden Road Overground stop. Bus routes nos. 24, 214, 274 and 393 also stop in the area.

Tate Modern Tate Modern free

Located on the South Bank along the Thames, the Tate Modern is part of a group of four museums (all named Tate) which house the 70,000 artworks that comprise the national collection of British art. As its name suggest, this Tate holds the more contemporary-style pieces than its three other counterparts, making it more of a hit or miss among travelers. Dalí and Picasso, as well as many British artists, are represented inside this repurposed power plant – but you'll find the works are scattered. Art is grouped by theme rather than by artist.

Recent visitors said if you're a fan of contemporary and modern art, you'll enjoy the Tate Modern. If you're partial to antiquities or the more traditional works of art, you'll probably be better served at the  British Museum  or the  National Gallery . Art aside, the eateries located within the museum may be enough of a reason for travelers to visit. Both the Espresso Bar and Kitchen and Bar at Tate Modern afford stunning views of  St. Paul's Cathedral , which is situated on the other side of the river. At the very least, take a stroll along the Thames to view the museum's impressive exterior.

Greenwich Greenwich free

U.S. News Insider Tip: Skip the tube and hop on an Uber Boat to arrive in Greenwich by water – they depart from various stops along the Thames, including Tower Bridge, London Bridge, Westminster and the London Eye, with single fares from £5.20. – Laura French

Sitting southeast of central London, Greenwich is a great daytrip within city limits and well worth the trek. Greenwich's claim to fame is undoubtedly the Royal Observatory, where the prime meridian bisects the institution and travelers can stand on both the eastern and western hemispheres. Other favorite museums and attractions include the Greenwich Market, the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Greenwich Market. 

Madame Tussauds London Madame Tussauds London

Famous for its waxworks, this was the first Madame Tussauds museum in the world, established in 1884 on Marylebone Road to display works by French sculptor Marie Tussaud. During the French Revolution, Tussaud was forced craft works of executed nobles – including King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette – to prove she was loyal to the crown. Following the end of the revolution, she left France and traveled to Britain, bringing the waxworks with her, in the early 1800s. Today, the museum upholds the waxwork tradition, with more than 150 realistic-looking figures displayed across 11 zones – from Leonardo DiCaprio to Lady Gaga, Brad Pitt to Harry Styles and Barack Obama to King Charles III.

Recent visitors were impressed and said they enjoyed exploring the different themed areas – from "Star Wars" to "Marvel" – as well as the new Chamber of Horrors room, which explores London's historic criminals. The taxi-themed ride and Marvel 4D show were also a hit, and many recommended it for families, especially those with teenagers. Several commented that lines can be long, even with pre-booked tickets, and it can get crowded inside.

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Up at The O2 Up at The O2

U.S. News Insider Tip: Go early in the morning for crisp air and fewer crowds. Afterwards, head southwest to Greenwich for some food and shopping at Greenwich Market. – Marisa Méndez, Senior Editor

Climb over the roof of The O2 – London's arena for major musical and sporting events – for unparalleled views of the city. The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf are among the sights observable from the 170-foot apex. Excursions generally take about 90 minutes, with an hour of walking that travelers typically find rewarding.

Portobello Road Market Portobello Road Market free

Locals and tourists alike tend to adore Portobello Road Market. Located in the posh Notting Hill neighborhood (made famous by the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie of the same name), the market stretches down the long Portobello Road, which is considered to be the area's high street (or main street). The market is filled with hundreds of merchants of all kinds selling a variety of common flea market items including antiques, art, jewelry, clothing and food. But what stands out about Portobello Market (aside from its adorably colorful location) is its collection of antiques and quintessentially English items. In just a few blocks, visitors can find a wellie shop, scores of vintage tea sets, quality London souvenirs and Banksy recreations. The market is also billed as being the largest antiques market in the world. If you have a penchant for fashion, the best sampling is found at the end of the market near the Ladbroke Grove Tube stop. There, visitors will not only find the greatest concentration of locals but a great selection of vintage attire as well.

Recent visitors loved Portobello Market for its lively atmosphere, wide selection of items and cheap food stalls. Although many lauded the quality found at the food stalls, some urged visitors to check out nearby restaurants, as many serve exceptional British and international fare. Others also advised visitors to pay close attention to their belongings. Portobello Market is not only very crowded, but concentrated on a narrow street, creating an easy opportunity for pickpockets to strike. 

The London Dungeon The London Dungeon

Delve into London's macabre past at this interactive attraction, which explores the history of Jack the Ripper, Guy Fawkes, Sweeney Todd and other criminals through live actors, exhibits and rides. Smell, see and hear the city of yesteryear as you wander through the underground vaults of County Hall on the South Bank, exploring a darker side to this bustling city.

Travelers said the London Dungeon was a great way to get a glimpse into the history of the city and were impressed with the quality of acting and special effects. Many enjoyed the rides and other surprises, although some noted it can be frightening for younger children (a minimum age of 12 is recommended). Some also said it was expensive, but discounts are available when tickets are combined with entry to nearby attractions, including Madame Tussauds and the London Eye.

London Transport Museum London Transport Museum

Step inside the London Transport Museum to explore the history of getting around London. Exhibits detail the first London Underground, how the city expanded, Victorian-era transport and much more. Plus, there are multiple hands-on exhibits to keep young ones entertained.

Overall, travelers were pleased with their visits to the museum and found the history fascinating. Others note it's very family-friendly, so you should expect tons of kids during a visit (unless you visit in the late afternoon, when the museum says it's a bit quieter). 

The Wallace Collection The Wallace Collection free

The collection here includes works by renowned artists such as Titian, Velazquez and Van Dyck as well as various medieval and Renaissance objects. The collection was assembled in the 18th and 19th centuries by the Marquesses of Hertford and Sir Richard Wallace and then donated to Great Britain. The permanent collection centers on European paintings from the 14th to 18th centuries and includes notable French paintings and decorative arts from the 18th century. Special exhibits tend to focus on individual artists, such as Frans Hals and Peter Paul Rubens. Before going to see the fine and decorative arts on display in person, you can explore more than 400 items using a free digital guide available from the museum's website .

Art lovers generally find much to enjoy here, and many suggest it merits repeat visits. Some opine that the signs could provide more information about the items on view.

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Churchill War Rooms Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are the underground bunker that Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his war cabinet used to shelter from bomb raids and plot their steps during World War II. The maze-like corridors tell the story of this volatile time period, centering on the larger-than-life leader that Churchill was.

Travelers describe the Churchill War Rooms as fascinating, and more than one traveler calls it a favorite London attraction. Some say that the rooms are much bigger than they had imagined and that people tend to spend a lot of time soaking in the exhibits and information. Others say that the exhibits have a strange layout, which can lead to confusion when trying to follow the sequence of events. Additionally, this popular spot gets crowded, so most museumgoers recommend that visitors get to the Churchill War Rooms early to avoid a long wait.

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The Ultimate Cheat Sheet for Your First Trip to London

Are you planning your first trip to London?  

This global city is endlessly popular with travelers from all over the world. With its famous landmarks and iconic sights, the number of things to see and do in London can easily excite and overwhelm first-time visitors.

In this post, you’ll find a cheat sheet compiled over 3 separate visits to London packed with information about how to get to London from the airport, where to stay in London, how to get around once you arrive, and best of all,  mapped-out London itinerary planning tips .

Are you ready to make your first trip to London a success? 

How to Plan a Trip to London

It can seem daunting to get started on your London trip plan. It’s a huge city with lots of iconic sights and experiences. In fact, I think it’s often underestimated by travelers who often write to tell me what a great time they had in London and that the city was such a surprise…in a good way!

So, as any good teacher will tell you, start with an outline. In this case, you want to break down each step you’ll need to do to plan a trip to London and then work on filling in all the details.

Start with deciding when you want to visit London and how many days you’ll stay. (I recommend at least 3-4 days.)

Once you know this, you can work on booking your London accommodations. (I recommend staying in a central-ish area within walking distance of a Tube station. Keep reading for more below) The further out you book your London hotel, the more available options you’ll have with competitive pricing.

ProTip: If you have flexibility, you might even look at London flights and hotels first to find the cheapest combination of dates and rates. In this way, you’re letting the deals decide when you travel versus looking for a deal on the dates you need/want to travel.

Once you’ve got the major logistics set, it’s time to work on your London itinerary. (I’ve got specific itinerary ideas below so keep reading!)

At this point in your planning a trip to London, you’ll want to make a list of the London sights and attractions that are your must sees and dos. Then, using the maps below (or Google Maps), start grouping them by area.

One really important thing to know as you plan your London trip is that the city is huge. The distances between places can be far, and with limited days, you don’t want to backtrack or plan activities on opposite ends of the city on the same day.

From here, figure out what can be booked ahead…and actually book it ahead! London is a popular destination. It’s normal for there to be lines at top sights and restaurants that are completely booked.

You can use sightseeing passes like The London Pass (my complete review) to pre-plan and save money. Or you can book individual tickets through a platform like Get Your Guide .

Once you know where you’re staying and what you’ll be doing each day, you can round out your London trip planning by looking at the Tube Map to orient yourself and decide how you’ll get from the airport to the city center. (More tips on this below!)

What to See and Do on Your First Trip to London

This London trip planner is set up in different sections to help you plan a trip to London from start to finish. The first part helps you get ideas about how to plan your days in London with landmarks, attractions, museums, markets, and activities in a logistically sensible way.

You want to maximize your time in London without backtracking or zigzagging around the city. These ideas can also help you piece together a complete day because not all of them require a full day.

You also note that I’ve included the Tube stops for individual attractions. This is to help you in case you visit these places outside of the order I’ve suggested in the Google Map for each itinerary idea.

After these itinerary ideas for planning your trip to London, you’ll find tips and helpful information so you can navigate the city confidently.

Are you ready to plan your trip to London?

London Itinerary Planning Idea #1 – History Buffs and Foodies

Tower of London – Tower Hill Tube Stop – Circle and District Lines

The  Tower of London  with its crown jewels is an absolute must with its thick, ominous walls, dark past, resident black ravens, and informative Beefeaters. The Tower and the nearby Tower Bridge sit stalwartly as a link to the past when Kings and Queens sent prisoners to “think” about their choices and to wait for the inevitable… execution.

The Tower of London was the inhospitable home to infamous gangsters, spies, Dukes, Bishops, Princes, and even Queens!

Undoubtedly the most famous Queen of them all was the ill-fated Anne Boleyn. The Tower of London is where Henry the VIII’s executioner beheaded her on charges of adultery and conspiracy, however, Henry actually blamed her for not producing a male heir.

Today, visiting the Tower of London is like stepping back in time. The daily traditions involving this historic castle have continued for hundreds of years. The resident Beefeaters live at the Tower of London and maintain the rituals and routines of the past. But they also offer free tours (once inside) and comically share their vast Tower of London knowledge.

These tours begin every 30 minutes starting at 10:00 a.m. and finishing with the last tour at 2:30 p.m.

Pro Tip:  Arrive in the morning when the Tower first opens. It becomes quite crowded later in the day. Use your  London Pass  to get Fast Track Entry and bundled savings when compared to buying attraction tickets individually.

Tower Bridge & Borough Market – London Bridge Tube Stop – Northern and Jubilee Lines

After a morning at the Tower of London, time your escape for lunch at  Borough Market . It’ll be easiest to walk from the Tower of London. Walk across Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge as shown on the map above. The walk is a bit longer than crossing London Bridge, but historic Tower Bridge is a sight in its own right.

You can tour the Victorian-era engine rooms, as well as climb to the bridge’s upper walkways for gorgeous views over London and the River Thames. Get your Tower Bridge ticket in advance or use The London Pass to visit the bridge.

You can also cross the River Thames with a river bus using your Tube Oyster Card (more on these below) from Tower Pier to London Bridge City Pier.

Once at Borough Market, the market lanes are lined with food and grocers selling every imaginable food item. It’s a great place to sample a variety of foods from all types of global cuisines. Not to mention, no London trip is complete without taking advantage of the city’s amazing international food scene!

From famous falafel to perfectly spiced Indian food, huge skillets of paella, and savory British pies from Pieminster, you’ll be thankful to visit with an empty stomach on your first trip to London and every time you return like I do!

Restaurants and cafes fill the upstairs level and the surrounding streets (in case you’d prefer to sit rather than sample and roam) making this Southwark neighborhood a foodie’s delight.

ProTip: From Borough Market, you’re just a 5-minute walk to The Shard , London’s tallest glass skyscraper to see the highest views over the city. If you have it, you can use your London Pass for access. Be sure to follow the pass instructions to pre-reserve a time.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #2 – Royalty and High Tea

Westminster Abbey – Westminster Tube Stop – Jubilee Line

Coming out of Westminster Station, you’ll immediately be in the shadow of Big Ben and London’s iconic Parliament Building. You can walk back onto the Westminster Bridge to capture fuller photos of these London landmarks. If you’re lucky, you just might get a classic shot with a red doubledecker bus!

Continue on to  Westminster Abbey , just a couple of minutes walking from Big Ben. Westminster Abbey is open to visitors Monday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m until 3:30 p.m. The Abbey is closed on Sundays so keep this in mind when planning your London trip.

Use your  London Pass  to gain access to Westminster. Once inside, admire the architecture and the Abbey’s gorgeous choir room. Westminster is also the final resting place of numerous kings, queens, and dignitaries. You can see the monuments in their honor, as well as learn about their place in history.

If you’re a fan of the Royals, you’ll be visiting the spot where Kate and William were married.

Pro Tip:  If you want to take a ride on the London Eye , it can be included with the stops you make in and around Big Ben because it’s just a short walk over the bridge you see in the photo below. Avoid the lines by choosing the fast-track ticket option. It’s also quite popular to depart from the Westminster Pier for a cruise along the River Thames to take in the sights of London from the water.

History buffs won’t want to miss the Churchill War Rooms. They’re not far from Westminster Abbey, along the edge of St. James’s Park. These rooms served as the secret headquarters for Churchill during WW2. The rooms have been preserved just as they were during the war and give a fascinating look at how Churchill operated and made decisions during this dark time in history.

If your trip to London is 3 days or less and it’s your first visit, this WW2 museum may not be a top priority. But if you or a travel companion is interested in visiting WW2 sights and museums in Europe, The Churchill War Rooms are a great way to divert from the typical first time in London sights.

Buckingham Palace-Green Park Tube Stop-Jubilee, Victoria, & Piccadilly Lines

Next, make your way to  Buckingham Palace  where the  Changing of the Guards  happens.

The ceremony is all pomp and fanfare. The King’s Guard outside the castle has been on watch for hours and the new guard comes to take over in grand style! A marching brigade of guards along with a mounted cavalry and a marching band head up The Mall and through the palace gates.

This ceremony draws a crowd so it’s best to arrive ahead of time so that you can get yourself in a position to see the fanfare. I’ve watched from both the gates of Buckingham Palace and the Queen Victoria Monument directly opposite the palace gates.

You’ll have to choose the location you want because it’s typically too crowded to move from place to place. To get a spot along the fence at Buckingham Palace, be prepared to arrive up to an hour early and wait.

If this is the case, you also may need to reverse the order and visit Westminster Abbey after so that you can stake out your Changing of the Guard spot in the morning.

Pro Tip:  Check the  Changing of the Guard schedule  before you go to make sure the ceremony is planned for the day you intend to visit.

Hyde Park – Hyde Park Corner Tube Stop – Piccadilly Line

When the ceremony is finished, keep those royal juices flowing for a stroll around  Hyde Park . It’s one of the largest parks in London, as well as one of the Royal Parks. Enjoy its monuments, bridges, fountains, gardens, and lake, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Finish up with a classic afternoon tea experience at  The Dorchester Hotel .

No doubt, it’s a luxurious splurge, but after having experienced life as a royal, it’s the perfect way to properly finish the experience. From finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream, sweets, and of course, tea, you’ll have had a quintessential London outing.

Alternatively, if you plan afternoon tea for another day, you might want to visit London’s Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace on the other end of Hyde Park.

The latter has been a royal residence for hundreds of years and was where Princess Diana lived with Princes William and Harry. Today, you can tour the apartments and staterooms and see the sunken gardens where there is a statue of Princess Diana commemorating the 20th anniversary of her death.

While the Natural History Museum displays animal specimens, dinosaurs, and exhibitions about the history of the natural world and the people who evolved in it.

If you intend to walk into Hyde Park and casually make your way towards Kensington Palace or the Natural History Museum, the walk will be broken up by the time spent in the park.

Otherwise, if your aim is to get to either of these sights without a long walk, use the London underground. The Queensway stop along the Central line is the closest to Kensington Palace and the South Kensington stop along the Circle and District lines is near to the Natural History Museum.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #3 – Architecture, Theatre, & Art

St. Paul’s Cathedral – St. Paul’s Tube Stop – Central Line

Start off at  St. Paul’s Cathedral  to admire this Anglican Church’s architecture. You can explore the crypt or head in the opposite direction and climb the dome’s 528 steps for spectacular panoramic London views.

If you have it, entry is included with your London Pass .

Take your time crossing the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge on your way to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This is a great spot to watch boat traffic along the River Thames.

Tate Modern & The Globe Theatre-Blackfriars Tube Stop-Circle & District Lines

These 2 London attractions are just next to one another.

The  Tate Modern  has a vast permanent collection of modern art by the likes of Henri Matisse and Jackson Pollock, as well as temporary exhibitions. There are beautiful views looking back on St. Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, as well.

It’s free to enter the museum and there’s no need to book ahead, unless there is a specific exhibit you’d like to see that requires a reserved space.

The nearby  Globe Theatre  is a replica of Shakespeare’s original which burned in a fire many years ago after the thatched roof was ignited during a production of Henry VIII.

For your first trip to London, you’ll want to use your  London Pass  to tour the theater during the day and hear about its historic past. The Globe also has evening performances during the spring, summer, and fall seasons. The ambiance of the open-air theater makes for a fantastic night out!

Pro Tip:  Check times to coordinate visits to both the Tate Modern and The Globe in a way that lets you see one after the other. The Globe performance tickets sell out so purchase them in advance, especially if you want to see a play on a specific date.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #4 – Artifacts, Landmarks, and Shopping

The British Museum – Tottenham Court Tube Stop – Central & Northern Lines

No trip to London is complete without a stop at The   British Museum . The art and artifacts on display are open free to the public beginning at 10:00 a.m. each day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, sculptures from the Parthenon, and a vast Egyptian collection including mummies.

It’s worth checking for any special, limited-time exhibits during your stay. If there’s one you’d like to see, it’s worth buying tickets online or at the museum when you first arrive.

After the museum, spend the afternoon strolling through  Covent Garden  or head over to  Soho  and  Oxford Street  for a shopper’s paradise. Covent Garden is in London’s West End, home to theaters, restaurants, and shops. You’re sure to find anything you’d want to buy from the numerous chain stores, boutiques, and markets.

Pro Tip:  There are many classic London pubs in these neighborhoods. If you haven’t had a plate of fish and chips yet, now’s the time. You can also join a historical pub walking tour to visit some of London’s most iconic pubs.

Leicester Square – Leicester Square Tube Stop – Piccadilly & Northern Lines

Make your way to  Leicester Square  and the heart of London’s Theatre District. It’s super touristy here. Think Times Square-esque…a place where you take a few photos before moving on.

But if you plan to see a musical or a play later (and you certainly should!),  get your discounted tickets at the TKTS booth right in the square for performances that day or night.

There’s crossover between shows in London and New York’s Broadway district. Sometimes, you can even catch a performance in London before it heads to New York City.

Trafalgar Square – Charing Cross Tube Stop – Bakerloo & Northern Lines

Finish your walk at  Trafalgar Square . This iconic London crossroads has monuments, historic buildings, museums, and street performers. It’s an absolute beehive of activity and perfect for taking more classic London photos complete with red double-decker buses passing by on the streets in and around the square.

With any luck, you’ll have time to check out the  National Gallery  right in Trafalgar Square which houses famous paintings by the likes of Vermeer, Monet, Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Leonardo Da Vinci.

Best of all, it’s free to visit, and you can use your  London Pass  Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus ticket to reposition yourself closer to your hotel when you’re done.

London Itinerary Planning Idea #5 – Harry Potter Fans

Harry Potter Studio Tour Meeting Point – Victoria Station – Circle, District & Victoria Lines

Are you traveling with a wannabe wizard dying for a Hogwarts adventure?

Plan a visit to the  Harry Potter and Warner Brothers Studio . Buses leave from Central London and travel to the magical sets of the famed movie and book series. The closest tube stop to the meeting point is Victoria Station. From there, it’s just a few minutes on foot.

You’ll have 4 hours to see places like the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, Diagon Alley, and more! Plus, get to see some of the most famous props and the costumes worn by Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

If you’ve wanted to visit Platform 9 ¾, ride the Hogwarts Express, and attempt to ride a broomstick, then you definitely don’t want to miss escaping the world of Muggles for just a bit on your visit to London!

ProTip: If you want to sprinkle some Harry Potter into your London trip but don’t want to commit a full day to the experience, this Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour is a popular alternative.

Out-of-Town Must-Sees on your First Trip to London

From London, many parts of Britain and the U.K. are easily reachable by train. This makes it possible to visit a couple of popular sites with even just a half day’s worth of time.

Trains run from London to both  Windsor Castle  and  Hampton Court Palace . From their respective train stations, it’s just a few minutes on foot to reach the entry points.

The exquisite staterooms at Windsor Castle are open to the public when the King is not in residence. These rooms are some of the most spectacular castle rooms you’ll see anywhere in the world.

St. George’s Chapel, within the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting spot of Henry VIII and several other Kings and Queens. It’s also where Meghan and Harry were married and the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II.

Hampton Court Palace is full of Tudor history, as it was a regular stop for Henry VIII and his royal court. The palace creates a historical experience by revealing the inner workings of how the palace operated in its heyday. It’s undoubtedly one of the most interesting and well-preserved looks at Tudor history, as well as what life was like during this period.

Look out for King Henry VIII himself, as visitors can watch the King interact with Anne Boleyn or flirt with his soon-to-be next wife, Jane Seymour. Leave some time for the palace’s gardens and maze.

Pro Tip:  Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace are both included with the  London Pass . Get Fast Track Entry at Hampton Court to maximize your time and avoid any entry line.

If you have extra days in your itinerary, consider a London day trip to:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath
• The Cotswolds
• Highclere Castle (Downton Abbey) & the Filming Locations

If you’re planning a trip to England, rent a car and drive into the English countryside when your time in London is done. I’ve done this to spend time exploring places like Stratford-Upon-Avon , the Cotswolds villages , and Warwick Castle .

It’s a perfect way to add on to an England itinerary and explore more of what the country has to offer beyond London.

Best Area to Stay in London

Where to stay in London is one of the most frequently asked questions for anyone planning a trip. It’s understandable. You want to be somewhere conveniently located, safe, and within your travel budget.

London’s neighborhoods and districts each have their own unique charm and flavor. And while some might say you should absolutely stay in the heart of the most touristy areas of the city, I think the most important thing when choosing where to stay in London is to  stay somewhere with convenient access to the Tube. 

You shouldn’t be hesitant to book a hotel or rental accommodation that’s a few Tube stops away from popular attractions. You can truly get nearly anywhere in London very quickly by using the underground train system.

That being said, you don’t want to stay too far from the heart of London, either. The city is big and the Tube rides from London’s outer neighborhoods can take upwards of an hour back to the center.

Ideally, you want to find a London hotel that matches your travel budget, close to a Tube station, in a relatively center-ish location. Example neighborhoods include Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and near Southwark along the south bank.

Below, I’ve shared a couple of hotels where I’ve stayed. They’re in different budget categories and neighborhoods, and they have convenient Tube access.

I’ve had excellent hotel points and paid stays at several London hotels including the ones listed below.

Radisson Blu Edwardian Mercer Street Hotel  – The hotel is located in the Seven Dials neighborhood near Covent Garden, the West End’s Theatre district, pubs, and my favorite Indian restaurant, Dishoom. Rooms are a classic modern boutique style for which Radisson Blu hotels are known.

Holiday Inn Express London-Southwark  – Just a 10-minute walk to Borough Market, the Tate Modern, or the Globe Theatre, with a Tube station nearby. This hotel is on the south bank of the city not far from the Southwark Tube station.

London Rental Accommodations

During my travels, I’ve also opted for apartment and home rentals. You feel more like a local and oftentimes can save money because you’re able to prepare your own breakfast or share the overall cost with family members or friends. Not to mention, you can find truly unique places to stay with awesome views or even discover a new neighborhood!

London is the perfect destination to consider a rental accommodation over a hotel because hotels aren’t cheap(!) and London is well-connected with its underground trains.

My go-to place to search for rental accommodations is Plum Guide . They vet the properties on their site using “Home Critics” and only select the best properties in a variety of price brackets. Plum Guide even offers phone support 24/7 should you need any help or have questions.

How Many Days to Spend in London

As with most places, you can spend an extended period of time and still not see and do everything a fantastic city like London has to offer.

If it’s your first time in London, you likely will focus on the most popular attractions and experiences that interest you. For this, you’ll need 3-4 days to explore and make use of the London itinerary ideas in this guide.

With 4+ days in London, you can also use a day to visit a popular sight just outside of London or even  get off the beaten path .

London is a great city to explore. It’s also the perfect jumping-off point for future trips to Europe. It’s not complicated to add a couple of days in London as a stopover before continuing on to another destination in Europe.

Arrival into London

The  Heathrow Express  is a quick and efficient way to get into the city from London Heathrow Airport. The train leaves every 15 minutes and arrives in just about the same time to Paddington Station.

You can book your tickets online or using the Heathrow Express App. Not only will this save you any hassle at the airport, but you’ll also save money. Heathrow Express prices are lower the further you book in advance.

Gatwick Airport also has an  express train  which arrives at Victoria Station. Trains run every 15 minutes and take a half-hour to reach London.

Similarly, the express train from Gatwick offers considerable discounts for booking online and ahead of time.

The airports also have commuter trains, buses, and taxis to get you into London. Except for the taxis, these options are less expensive than the express trains mentioned above but do take more time.

You can check prices and schedules for  Southern Railways  from Gatwick to compare.

In addition, from London Heathrow, you can take the Tube. Trains along the Picadilly and Elizabeth lines connect terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5. The ride takes between 45-50 minutes to reach central London but is less expensive than the Heathrow Express.

From Paddington and Victoria Stations in London, you’ll have access to the  London Tube  with lines spreading across the city, as well as a taxi queue at ground level. Most taxis take credit cards but be aware of the occasional cash-only sign in a taxi’s window.

Pro Tip:  My recommendation is to use an express train or the Tube (from/to Heathrow), for a quick and easy trip to London’s city center or even directly to your hotel. Avoid London traffic and expensive taxi rides.

If you’d prefer to arrange transportation and/or avoid taking the trains, consider booking a car with Welcome Pickups  to transfer to the city. Although I’ve only used the trains to get from Heathrow to London, I’ve used Welcome Pickups in several other European cities and always had a great experience.

This will be a much more affordable option compared to a London taxi. The price will be a flat rate, as opposed to paying based on the taxi’s metered fare which can get quite high with even the smallest amount of traffic

How to get around London

London is very pedestrian-friendly and you’re bound to do a good amount of walking during your London trip. Remember, cars are on the opposite side of the road compared to the U.S., so you need to LOOK RIGHT when crossing the road. When in doubt, just look both ways before crossing.

Along the Thames, the riverwalk is a clear path connected with several bridges to help you cross to the other side as frequently as you need.

In addition, London’s Tube (subway) is reliable, easy to navigate, and stretches across the city. The announcements are clear and the lines are identified with colors and names, like Central, District, and Piccadilly. Given how big London is, you’ll need to rely on public transportation to maximize the time you have rather than always walking long distances.

As with getting to London from the airport, taxis are expensive in London and get even pricier when traffic is heavy. It’s best to go underground to save time, money, and patience.

Visitors staying for a few days can get an Oyster Card for easy use and refills in the Tube. Your Oyster Card is good for your first trip to London and every return trip thereafter!

London Pass  purchases come with the option to add a visitor’s Oyster Card. I would skip this option because the card takes several weeks to be physically mailed to you. You can also save more money by simply using a regular Oyster Card or the Tube’s contactless payment system because it will cap how much you’ll pay each day automatically.

Use a contactless credit card to pay to enter the Tube, as well as a mobile device like a smartphone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay. Just be sure you’re using a card with no foreign transaction fees.

A few things to keep in mind when paying to access the Tube.

• Use the same card or device when you touch in and out at the yellow card readers. The London Tube caps how much you’ll pay. So, you can ride as much as you want in a day or a week and you’ll never pay more than the capped price.
• If you don’t use the same card or device, the Tube card readers won’t be able to accurately cap the amount you pay.
• If you’re using a device like a smartphone, be sure you have enough battery power. You need to touch in and out of the Tube. You also need to use your phone all day otherwise the system can’t cap the amount you pay.
• You can pay for another person if you are traveling together. (They will need to touch out of the Tube and can’t do it without your card or device.) You’ll need to pay for yourself with a separate card or device.

London Tips for Your First Trip

As you plan things to do in London and where to stay in London, also take into consideration the tips below. They’ve come from 3 separate trips to London and a lot of travel experience overall.

The best time to visit London is during spring and fall.

Visiting London in the shoulder/winter season months, April-June and September-November, are the perfect combination of moderate to cool temperatures and fewer visitors. January to March can also be a good time to visit if you’re not bothered by colder temperatures and prefer to visit during the least busy time of year.

Summer can be very busy, making the next London travel tip even that much more important.

Book as many things as possible in advance.

Not only will things like the London Pass or advance fast-track tickets help you save time and money, but it’ll eliminate indecisiveness about what to do while you’re in London and who to trust when you eventually buy the tickets, tours, and passes you want.

Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

London isn’t a budget destination. The last thing you want to add to the currency exchange are fees from your credit card once you get your bill back home.

Credit cards are widely accepted throughout London and also remove the necessity to convert and carry large amounts of dollars to British pounds.

ProTip: When paying by credit card or using your debit card to withdraw money at an ATM, always pay in the local currency (Pounds) and/or decline the currency conversion. This is a sneaky way to convert your money at a less-than-desirable rate.

Wear comfortable walking shoes.

I know this seems obvious but it truly can’t be understated. As someone who lives in New York City, I can always recognize a visitor who’s regretting his/her shoe choice.

These are the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn. I wear them walking around New York City and they’re a staple I pack for nearly every trip I take. You can walk miles without any irritation or blisters.

Check for service charges.

Tipping isn’t obligatory in London. In fact, service charges are often added to bills at restaurants and pubs. That being said, if you’re happy with your service, you always leave a small amount as a gesture of appreciation.

Pack the right electrical converters.

Most commonly, you’ll need a Type G converter to plug into the outlets throughout the U.K. I’ve encountered one place where this wasn’t the case. So, it’s smart to also have a universal adapter with USB ports, too.

London Trip Planner FAQs

How do i start planning a trip to london.

To plan a trip to London, first, decide how many days you’ll spend in the city. Then, book your hotel. You’ll find more options and competitive pricing the further in advance you book. After this, plan your London itinerary. Make a list of the sights and activities you want to see and do. Then, group them by area to logically plan what to do without backtracking. Be sure to book ahead as many things as possible to save time and to ensure you can visit places on the days that make sense for your London itinerary.

How many days should I plan for London?

As you plan a trip to London, you’ll need at least 3-4 days to comfortably see the city’s top sights and attractions. London is a very large city with an endless number of things to see and do. You can easily plan a trip to London for a week and have plenty to fill your itinerary.

What time of year is best to go to London?

The absolute best months for a perfect combination of weather and number of visitors is from April to June and September through November. January to March can also be a good time to visit London because fewer people are visiting during this time. Summers come with big crowds and long lines.

What is the best area to stay in London?

The best area to stay in London is in the heart of the city, especially if you’re visiting London for the first time, and within walking distance of a Tube station. These include neighborhoods like Seven Dials, Covent Garden, Westminster, Soho, and along the south bank near the Southwark area.

Where should I go on my first trip to London?

For your first London trip, plan to see the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Covent Garden, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Buckingham Palace, and the iconic view of Big Ben and Parliament from Westminster Bridge. You should also plan to have afternoon tea, eat at Borough Market, go to a play or musical, and glimpse London from above at the London Eye or the Shard.

First Trip to London – Bottom Line

You have chosen a fantastic city to visit, full of important landmarks, historic sights, good food, and fun experiences. With some advance planning, you’ll arrive in London prepared with your itinerary and know-how to navigate the city confidently for an unforgettable trip.

So, what questions do you have about your first trip to London or about planning a London itinerary?

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76 thoughts on “the ultimate cheat sheet for your first trip to london”.

I have been to London several times, but I found your guide and itineraries very helpful!

I’m so glad, Chrysoula! Thanks for reading. 🙂

Such a great guide! I’ve been to nearly 50 countries and still not the UK, so I’ll have to remember to come back to this article when I finally make it to London 🙂

Thanks, Tamara! 50 countries is quite an accomplishment! Awesome. Glad the guide will be useful when you make it to London. 🙂

Somehow I wish I’ve read this post before my first trip to London. Then I wouldn’t have skipped many experiences listed here) Thank you for putting this up! I’ve pinned it as well (maybe I’ll visit London again, then I’ll need it for sure)

Thanks for reading and sharing on Pinterest, Natalia. 🙂 Here’s to hoping you make it back to London soon!

Love the Pro Tops plus how you broke each day down into categories. What a great way to see London! I also like how you included things to see if it is your first time there. Going anywhere for the first time can be so overwhelming!

Especially in a big place like London, Bryanna. It’s nice to break it up and make the most of your time.

You made me want to visit London again! Love the way you divided the itinerary with themes and suggestions for good food. London is such a huge city and planning a trip there for the first time can be overwhelming, you just make it so easy! Cheers,

Thanks, Natalie! Sometimes, it’s just easier to work on trip planning in small chunks. 😉

I’ve been to London a few times, but I’ve never made it to the Windsor Castle or the Hampton Court Palace. There is just so much to do in the city and its surroundings, but you’ve highlighted the must-sees in a very comprehensive and informative post. I’d love to go back and take more advantage of the free museums, especially the National Gallery!

Next trip, Erika, take some time for Windsor Castle and/or Hampton Court Palace. They’re well worth your time. 🙂

Wish I had your cheat-sheet on m first trip to London! You certainly covered all the hot spots and then some. I can’t wait to go back and hit the places I missed.

Thanks, Sue. A return trip to London is always a good idea. 🙂

Loved your tips! I’ve pinned and will reference during my London trip planning. Can you share a bit more about the oyster card?

Thanks, Amanda! I’m so glad the post is helpful for planning your London trip. The oyster card is a plastic card you can use for quick and easy entry to the London’s metro, buses, and many commuter trains. The card is 5 pounds to buy, after which you load some money onto it. The fare you’ll pay for a metro ride with the oyster card will be cheaper than if you had simply purchased a single ticket for the ride. The Oyster card also caps off what you’d pay in a day making sure you never pay more than had you bought a day pass travel card. Hope that helps! 🙂

I love the addition of the pro tips, especially times of day best to visit. I do love London, but timed a few things wrong, ending up in bigger crowds than I like.

Thanks, Rhonda. I certainly know that feeling of being in a crowd and wanting to be anyplace but there! Glad the pro tips will help for your next London trip. 🙂

Hi Jackie! Any tips for going to London with a toddler? Going to London this Wednesday and I’m going to use your cheat sheet! Thanks!

Hi Jen! So exciting to hear about your trip. 🙂 I’d definitely do the London Eye, but book tickets ahead of time online to skip the line. The Changing of the Guard with its parade, music, and horses are also toddler-friendly. He’ll get in free to the London underground, but if you don’t want to do that, go for the Hop on Hop off Bus Tour. The pirate-themed Princess Diana Playground in Hyde Park is also supposed to be a big hit. Not sure if he’s too young, but the I’d also look at the Natural History Museum, the National Maritime and/or Transport Museum, and maybe a show like Lion King. If that show is too long, how about The Gruffalo? It’s based on the kids book and is less than an hour long. Let me know if you have any more questions and have a great trip!! 🙂

Awesome, thank you for this! I printed out your cheat sheet & 8′ using it for our guide! Thanks!

Great! Hope you have a fantastic trip, Jen!

I’m actually from London, yes all these places are great, but you haven’t mentioned how expensive they can be. Most museums and art galleries are free and fantastic but eating at fancy hotels is only for the rich! Try to go to restaurants and pubs that are not in the tourist areas and you’ll be much better value for your money. As for traditional fish and chips, there is a great place in Waterloo road called Superfish. It’s the best around and very reasonable. Lots of London Taxi drivers eat there, so you know it’s good!

Hi, Joanne and thanks for the tip about Superfish! It’s so great to get that from a local. Totally agreed about eating in hotels, too expensive. I only splurged on the Dorchester Tea because we wanted to have a fancy afternoon. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

Hi, thank you for your tips. We’re going to London ne te may, my husband and I. Do you recommend Stonehenge ?

Hi Helene, Thanks for reading and commenting. You know, as many times as I have been to London, I have not made it to Stonehenge. To help you, I’m linking to another blog post all about visiting Stonehenge written by a blogger friend of mine. She’s got some great tips. Hope that helps! 🙂

There are some great tips here. I’m planning a trip to London during the high season with a variety of ages from grandmother, 4x 30 year olds, 4 kids between the ages of 8-3, and 2 newborns. Aiaiai. Just trying to get a place to eat together will be challenging. I loved your tips about the Oyster card, and pre-booking tickets, It saves lots of time to book in advance so that you are not waiting in line for tickets, and then waiting in another line for entry. Depending on how early you book it also puts that block of tickets on separate credit card bill instead of all at once. Just a tip from how I travel with all the children and trying to be budget concsious, I usually stop in a local grocery store and grab the 3 (pound, I don’t have the symbol on my keyboard) meal deal, Its filling and usually healthy. If you have any more kid friendly tips I’d love to hear them. Thanks for the guide, I found you on Pintrest, and will make sure to repin.

Thanks for reading, Erin, and for repinning on Pinterest. I appreciate it. 🙂 Sounds like your trip is set to make some amazing multi-generational memories. Thanks for sharing your food tip. London has great parks to make use of when the kids need a break. Hyde Park has paddle boats for rent and a great playground and fountain. St. James Park also has a popular playground. Enjoy your trip!

Do you have more ideas? We will be in London for 10 days. We will do all you mention but we need more?

Hi June, Thanks so much for reading and so exciting about your upcoming trip to London! 🙂 A couple other sites/places I’d recommend is Kensington Palace and if you’re at all a history buff, the Churchill War Rooms. If you’re doing all of that plus these last 2, check out the London Pass to save some money. Also, check out Free Tours by Foot and Sandeman’s free walking tours. If you’re interested in street art and/or learning more about London’s ethnic food scene check out a tour in the Shoreditch neighborhood. With 10 days, you can also plan day trips out of the city if you want. The Cotswolds Warwick Castle , and/or Stratford upon Avon are just a couple of hours drive, as are Stonehenge and Bath. Even Paris is a doable day trip with the Chunnel train taking just 2ish hours. Good luck and enjoy your trip!

Thanks for the tip about the London Pass! We went last year and no one told us about it, and we are going back in October and still want to do many of the activities included in the pass. Sounds like a great value!

Fantastic, Dana. I hope your trip is fantastic and enjoy the London Pass! Thanks so much for reading. 🙂

The best North Indian food is in southall (West London), trains run from Paddington. Brilliant Restaurant highly recommended..

Thanks Preetvan for the tip! 🙂

It’s ravens that you find at the Tower of London, not crows!

Thanks for that! I have no bird ID skills! 🙂

Thanks for your post; definitely adding it to my Pinterest board. I’m heading there for Spring Break with my husband and three teenage girls. We have eight days (flying into Gatwick and out of Paris-CDG). How do you suggest we split the days between London and Paris? And what would your top recommendations be?

Thanks for reading, Sheath. So exciting about your upcoming family trip to London and Paris. Both cities have so much to see and do, it all depends on your interests. You can easily split your time in half, although the Francophile in me says to give yourself an extra day in Paris. Not sure if you’re into theatre, but a night out to see a show in London’s West End is unforgettable. Tower of London, Shakespeares Globe, Borough Market, high tea are all at the top of my London first time list. For Paris, visit the top of Notre Dame in the morning, Arc de Triomphe at dusk, Sainte-Chappelle, Musee de l’Orangerie, and wander through 4th, 5th, and 6th arrondissements for tucked away shops and cafes as a start to your Paris visit. Hope that helps and have soo much fun! 🙂

Thank you for this cheat sheet. Great tips and ideas. My best friend and I are traveling to Europe for our 40th birthdays in March. We are spending about 2 1/2 days in London. It seems you were recommended traveling by way of the tube for most everything. I had been looking at the Hop On and Off Bus before reading your cheat sheet. Would you recommend skipping the bus and just using the tube?

Hi Heather, Thanks for reading. London is such a great city for a friends birthday trip! I would still recommend the Tube. The traffic in London can be horrible and Hop on Hop off buses can get stuck in it with the rest of the vehicles. With 2 1/2 days, getting underground will help you maximize your time getting from place to place. Enjoy your trip! -Jackie

Do you have any recommendations for visiting in December (just prior to Christmastime)? My family and I will be arriving on a Monday and departing on Thursday (for Germany), flying in and out of Stansted. It will be myself, my husband, and our 2 kids, ages 20 and (will turn while we’re in London) 17 year old (boy and girl). My husband is normally into things like the museums, but he’s the type that would need several days in any one museum (he literally reads each and every plaque, and doesn’t miss a display, LOL). So, because we’re limited on time, we’ll probably skip museums until another time. My husband and I are doing Harry Potter/WB Studios on Tuesday (I’m a big fan, kids not so much) and we’re letting them go off on their own. Will definitely be getting Oyster Cards.

Any other recommendations, especially since will will be cold weather? Thanks!

Thanks for reading, Cammi. I’d definitely try and see a show, be it one in the west end or a special Christmas themed show or concert. I’d also like to see the seasonal attractions like the winter wonderland in Hyde Park and all the lights around the city. I’m a cold weather gal so I love to get outside. But just in case of super cold weather, I’d have 1 museum in mind just as a back up if you need to warm up. Not sure if your hubby has seen the Churchill War rooms not far from Westminster, but I highly recommend. Enjoy your trip!

My husband and I leave for our first ever trip abroad, London, in less than a week! The ironic and very strange thing is that as soon as I read the title of our article was that the authors last name is Sills. That is MY maiden name and some of my father’s family still lives in England! Dad himself, Charles Sills, was actually born in London! We will be visiting some Sills relatives in Suffolk on our trip!

Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Sincerely, Elizabeth (Sills) Hurd

Hi Elizabeth, Thanks for reading and omg! My maiden name is Sills as well! I have done a ton of family research but always run into a dead end trying to figure out more about the George Sills who came over from England to the U.S. back in the 1800s. That’s so amazing you’ll be combining your tip with some ancestry travel. I hope you have a great trip and enjoy meeting your relatives! Thanks again for reading the blog. 🙂 Jackie

Nice tips overall. Anyway, thanks for the great articles!

Thanks for reading, Brandy. 🙂

I must say this is an ultimate post for travelers who are looking for trip to London at affordable cost. You have covered everything in your post such as best places to stay, which is really helpful.

Thanks for reading, Sandeep. Happy travels to London!

Your blog is amazing – thanks for all the incredible ideas. We are considering going to London for Spring Break (March 8-17, 2019). Would you recommend going at his time ….will the weather be agreeable? Thanks, Stacey

Thanks for reading, Stacey, and for your kind words. So, it’ll likely still be chilly, but I’d say yes, go! Take this with the knowledge that I live in NYC and walk around in all kinds of weather and that I love visiting Europe in the off-season. I’d rather have cooler temps and fewer crowds. Plus, with London’s Underground/Subway, you can so easily pop underground and get around if you needed to escape the weather for a bit. Not to mention with delicious tea, scones, English pies, and Indian food, there’s plenty to warm you up! 🙂 Thanks again for reading.

very informative blog love to read it. i got so many new ideas about London. Thanks for sharing and it will help me during my visit to London. [LINK EDITED OUT]

Thanks for reading, Mickey. Enjoy London. 🙂

Love this guide and the one for Portugal also. Now if I could print it and store it in my travel file folder for easier access when I go to London. Thanks for writing these detailed trip reports – they are extremely helpful

Thanks do much for reading, Jane. You can download the London cheat sheet to help with your travels. 🙂

Going to the Harry Potter Studios by bus from Central London is the silliest thing to do. It takes too long AND you can only stay at the studios until the time your bus would take you back (about 4 hours) – not enough time for a true Harry Potter fan. It is fastest and easiest to go by train from Euston Station to Watford Junction (Oyster can be used) and takes about 30minutes. The studio has buses at Watford Junction to take you there – it takes just about 10 minutes. We stayed over 7 hours at the studios – my kids would start a riot if we had to leave after some 4 hours only!

Thanks for reading, Deesi! And great tips! Appreciate you sharing. 🙂

Your blog is amazing. How do I download the cheat sheet??

Thank you ~Alison

Thanks so much for reading, Alison. All you need to do is fill in the fields on the cheat sheet sign up box. It’ll get sent to you. 🙂 So glad the blog has been helpful for you.

If you have enough time you should certainly consider Kew Gardens and Greenwich. You can take the clipper down the river to Greenwich. Also Kenwood is free to visit and set in beautiful grounds on Hampstead Heath. Don’t pay to go up the Shard. Book the free tickets for Skygarden three weeks ahead. Or go up the tower at Tate Modern. Children like all these places but as other people have said the parks are lovely and all different. It’s lovely to see this thread still working and growing after such a long time. Well done!!!

Thanks for reading and sharing your London tips, Marian! I didn’t know that about the Shard!

The Dorchester is indeed a great hotel, but the very best Afternoon Tea has to be the Ritz.

Thanks for reading and sharing, David. I have heard great things about the afternoon tea at the Ritz. I’ll have to try it next time I’m in London. 🙂

Thank you for sharing this info about London. I am planning to visit in a neaxt month.

Thanks for reading, Alina. Have fun in London. 🙂

Amazing. you have told very easy and splendid ways for exploring London. London is my favourite place to travel and for food too. I love the food Enjoy!

Thanks for reading, Amy. Glad you had great travels to London. 🙂

My niece and I want to go to London. We’ve considered a tour group, but the itinerary is limited, I enjoyed reading your cheat sheet. It was interesting, and we got very excited at the thought of actually visiting the sites, Have you ever traveled there in December? I am a teacher and my big break is in the month of December, I don’t want to go and freeze! The travel dates would be between December 14th and December 24th. Any tips would be appreciated. Thank you.

Rebecca and Brooke

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. I haven’t been to London in the winter but I’ve been to many other cities in Europe in winter like Paris, Prague, Budapest, Munich, and more, also during my winter school breaks! I’m probably not the most objective person on this as I live in NYC and walk around outside all winter long. But I love European cities around Christmas. Yes, it’s chilly. But if you dress right the charm and the ambiance is unforgettable. I’d highly recommend a London Christmas visit! If you want some freedom to explore mixed with a few organized activities, plan a couple of day tours instead of something more comprehensive. The London Pass is also a great way to see what’s popular while saving money by bundling sightseeing costs. Hope this helps and you have a great trip! 😉

Thank you so much. We are moving ahead with our plans. I agree, if you dress appropriately, the weather will not be a factor.. Again, I really learned a lot from your cheat sheet and have read it many times.

Thanks for reading, Rebecca and Brooke. 🙂 So glad to hear the cheat sheet was helpful. I hope you have a wonderful trip to London.

Heathrow express!! Saved me so much time! So glad I read this.

Thanks for reading, Scott. Yep, the Heathrow Express makes things super easy! 🙂

Thanks for informative sharing. I must say that your shared information is very useful for me as well as other readers.

Glad to hear it, William. Thanks for reading.

Hello Jackie, I am at the beginning of planning a second Girls Trip to London, and the country side of England. The first was with a group of high school girls friends,(tons of fun) and this one will be with all my sister in laws. Both groups are in their early 60’s. I appreciated the link to the GO transportation site. I like the idea of a van to haul us all to the hotel from Heathrow. There will be six of us in this up coming trip. There were only four on the high school trip. We all squeezed into one cab, and shared the cost. I don’t think we can squeeze six ladies and luggage into a cab, so the van idea sounds good. I suggested a cab for the HS group, knowing it is the more expensive way to get from the airport. I knew we would be sharing the cost AND also with the age of the group, didn’t think we (or I ) would want to be dragging our luggage in and out of tube trains. They were all ok with the idea of a cab. Also one thing I tell anyone I know who is on their way over, WEAR COMFORTABLE SHOES!!! I know they aren’t always the most fashionable, but gee, your feet will thank you at the end of the day. No new shoes that haven’t been wore in yet either. One last thought– the HS trip was a full week in London, so we all decided that the London Pass would be a good idea– and it was! The Shard visit alone would have cost 50 pounds for one person to enter. The payable sites do add up. All worth seeing, but can get pricy. Not so sure it will be worth it for this sister in law trip, we won’t be spending as much time in London. Thanks for the time and research you put into this travel blog. Very enjoyable read. 🙂

Thanks so much for reading, Deborah! So exciting to be planning another trip (and a Girls Trip, even better!) to London. Thanks for sharing your experiences, too. Totally agree on comfortable shoes! My go-to’s for lots of walking (live in NYC) and traveling (one pair is with me on every trip) are Allbirds . In fact, I just bought 2 new pairs (Tree Runner & Wool Runner) since I’ve worn my others out. If anyone in your group or you are looking for something comfy, definitely give these shoes a look. Enjoy your trip to London and come back if there are any questions I can answer. Thanks again for reading. 🙂

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Ian McKellen taken to hospital after fall during London performance

Ian McKellen was taken to the hospital after he fell as he was performing Monday evening in London's West End.

McKellen, 85, fell from the stage during a production of "Player Kings" at the Noël Coward Theatre, spokespeople for McKellen and the play said in a statement.

McKellen is playing Sir John Falstaff in the new version of Shakespeare's "Henry IV," which began its 12-week run at the theater in April.

Medical professionals expect McKellen to "make a speedy and full recovery," according to the statement, which doctors determined "following a scan."

The statement added that McKellen is in "good spirits."

"Player Kings" will be canceled Tuesday "so Ian can rest," the statement said.

The statement also thanked "doctors Rachel and Lee who were on hand in the audience and to all the venue staff for their support."

The BBC reported that McKellen was performing a fight scene involving the Prince of Wales and Henry Percy when he lost his footing and fell off the front of the stage.

He cried out in pain, and staff members rushed to help him as the house lights came up over the theater, according to the BBC. The audience was told the rest of the show was canceled and was evacuated from the theater.

McKellen has appeared in a number of Shakespeare adaptations on screen and onstage in his decadeslong acting career. He is perhaps most famously known as Gandalf in the "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit" movies.

His acting credits also include roles in the "X-Men" movies and in "Beauty and the Beast" and "The Da Vinci Code."

Rebecca Cohen is a breaking news reporter for NBC News.

Diana Dasrath is entertainment producer and senior reporter for NBC News covering all platforms.

Actor Ian McKellen, 85, Is Looking Forward to Returning to Work After His Fall off a London Stage

Veteran actor Ian McKellen says he is looking forward to returning to work after toppling off a London stage during a play and being hospitalized

Michael Sohn

FILE - Actor Sir Ian McKellen speaks during the press conference for the film "Mr. Holmes" at the 2015 Berlinale Film Festival in Berlin, Germany, Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015. McKellen has been hospitalized Monday, June 17, 2024, after toppling off a London stage during a fight scene in a play. The 85-year-old actor known for playing Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” films and his many stage roles was playing John Falstaff in a production of Player Kings at the Noel Coward Theatre. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn, File)

LONDON (AP) — Actor Ian McKellen said Tuesday he is looking forward to returning to work after he toppled off a London stage mid-performance and was hospitalized.

McKellen, 85, said he was "hugely indebted" to medics who treated him after the tumble on Monday night during a performance of “Player Kings” at London's Noel Coward Theatre.

“They have assured me that my recovery will be complete and speedy and I am looking forward to returning to work,” he said on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter.

Performances on Tuesday and Wednesday were canceled after the accident and are scheduled to resume on Thursday.

The stage and screen veteran, who played Gandalf in the “Lord of the Rings” films, cried out in pain after the fall, according to a BBC journalist at the theater. McKellen was playing the roguish John Falstaff in “Player Kings,” an adaptation of William Shakespeare's two “Henry IV” history plays, directed by Robert Icke.

Theatergoers were startled when McKellen lost his footing and fell off the stage in a fight scene involving Toheeb Jimoh's Prince Hal and Henry Percy, played by Samuel Edward-Cook.

“Sir Ian seemed to trip as he moved downstage to take a more active part in the scene,” audience member Paul Critchley told the PA news agency, saying it was a shock. “He picked up momentum as he moved downstage which resulted in him falling off the stage directly in front of the audience.”

Staff and two doctors in the audience helped the actor, the theater said in a statement. The theater was evacuated and the performance was canceled.

McKellen played Magneto in the “X-Men” films and is one of Britain's most acclaimed Shakespearean actors, with roles including Richard III, Macbeth and King Lear.

He has won a Tony Award — for “Amadeus” — several Olivier Awards, and has been nominated for two Academy Awards, five Emmys and several BAFTA awards.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Falling Off Stage During West End Performance

By Ethan Shanfeld

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Ian McKellen was hospitalized after falling off stage during a performance of “Player Kings” at the Noël Coward Theatre on the West End in London, according to the BBC .

McKellen was reportedly in a battle scene when he lost his footing and fell. The audience was evacuated from the theater and the evening show was canceled. A representative for the theater shared a statement that McKellen will “make a speedy and full recovery” and that the 85-year-old actor is “in good spirits.”

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McKellen plays John Falstaff in “Player Kings,” which is a production of William Shakespeare’s “Henry IV, Parts One and Two.” It started its 12-week run on the West End in April. After circling a fight scene involving two other characters, McKellen apparently fell off the front of the stage. Per the BBC, “As the house lights came up, the actor cried out and staff rushed to help.”

An audience member speaking to the BBC called the incident “very shocking,” adding, “As far as I saw, he was conscious because he was asking for assistance.”

Charlie Johnson, a London-based journalist who attended the show, posted on X , “Just witnessed Ian Mckellan severely injure himself after falling off stage at Noel Coward Theatre. Sir Ian could be heard screaming in pain as ushers rushed to his aid. Show cancelled as he is treated by ambulance crews. Wish him all the best.”

McKellen is a frequent Shakespeare actor, with stage roles including Macbeth, King Lear, Richard II, Coriolanus, Iago and Richard III. He also played Hamlet this year in a film adaptation from director Sean Mathias.

In 2018, McKellen canceled a matinee performance of “King Lear” after he sustained a leg injury due to falling while running to catch a train. Instead of performing Shakespeare, McKellen treated the London audience to a Q&A.

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Euros 2024 – Articles

Richard Gadd clearly ‘living best life’ at Euros 2024 despite fresh warning over $170million Baby Reindeer court case

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Baby Reindeer ’s Richard Gadd wasn’t going to let a looming $175,000,000 court case ruin his fun at the Scotland vs Switzerland Euro 2024 match.

The writer and actor behind the most successful Netflix smash of 2024, shocked fans watching the game live on ITV last night when he was spotted cheering Scotland from the sidelines.

His team drew 1-1 with Switzerland after a disastrous start to the tournament when they lost 5-1 to Germany in their opening match.

Regardless, Gadd was clearly in high spirits with one of the best seats in the stadium, wearing a patriotic Scotland football shirt, clenching his fist and cheering his side on through waves of tension and elation in equal measure.

And there were plenty of fans distracted by Gadd’s surprise appearance.

Posting a screen grab of the actor looking tense, Summer Ray wrote on X: ‘Is it just me or was that Richard Gadd in the crowd?’

Influencer James Barr added: ‘Just seen Richard Gadd at the Scotland game.’

Author Nooruddean Choudry said Gadd looked like he was ‘living his best life’.

Gadd responded to the fuss confirming on his Instagram: ‘Yes, it was me. What a game! Proud of the Scotland National Team tonight.’

His night out comes after Fiona Harvey, who claims to be in the inspiration behind Martha in Baby Reindeer, has filed as $170,00,000 (£134,000,000) lawsuit against Netflix, alleging defamation, intentional infliction of emotional distress, negligence, and violations of her right of publicity.

The seven-part series claims to be a ‘true story’ based on Gadd’s real-life experience with a stalker, who in the show is called Martha (played by Jessica Gunning).

During an appearance on Piers Morgan’s Uncensored, Harvey’s lawyer Richard Roth warned Gadd he will be expected to testify in court.

Roth said ‘there is a lot of money to be made’ for Harvey by taking legal action.

The lawyer believes he has a ‘very, very strong case’ and concluded that it ‘could be a watershed moment for streaming TV’.

Netflix has previously stressed it ‘intends to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadd’s right to tell his story’.

Harvey has said she had ‘no doubt’ the character of Martha was intended to be a portrayal of her.

‘Nobody ever asked for my permission to present me in this way or to use my image at all,’ she said.

Baby Reindeer is now one of Netflix’s most popular shows of all time, being the 10th-most-watched programme in its history.

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The stage set was haunting in its stark simplicity. Panels of jagged crossbeams evoked skeletal ruins. Lengths of white fabric fluttered like shrouds.

For almost any theater troupe in the world, it would be daunting to stage a Shakespeare production in Stratford-upon-Avon — the Bard’s birthplace, home of the venerable Royal Shakespeare Company, hallowed ground to devotees of the playwright and his works.

All the more so if the players in question were amateur actors. Even more if the play happened to be “King Lear” — one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, and also one of the thorniest and most challenging.

And finally: if the performance was entirely in Ukrainian . Without subtitles.

That’s the task a provincial Ukrainian theater company set for itself — a wartime feat that sprang from luck and determination, warm collaboration and cool nerves, taxing logistics and small, hard-won triumphs over trauma.

Outside, a soft rain fell. Inside, a storm raged. On a stylized heath, the mad king howled his wounded howl.

“Blow, winds!” shouted actor Andrii Khomik, as Lear. “Rage, blow!”

The amplified thunder roared. The stage all but shook. The audience sat rapt.

1. Ahnesa Tsvilodub performs as Regan during a rehearsal of “King Lear” at the Other Place theater in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on June 14, 2024. 2. Andrii Khomik as King Lear and Olena Aliabieva as the Fool perform onstage. 3. Andrii Khomik, center, conjures a formidable but vulnerable king. The former museum worker and his family fled Crimea for western Ukraine after the peninsula was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, an act that most Ukrainians consider the true start of this war.

Twenty-four hours earlier, on the eve of Saturday night’s performance, director Viacheslav Yehorov, 51, stared down at his tightly clasped hands.

Exile and loss, battle and betrayal, disinheritance and vengeance, old age and human frailty — of all the grandeur and pathos of “King Lear,” one theme had always stood out for him.

“That without love,” he said, “we are nothing.”

— King Lear, Act III of “King Lear,” by William Shakespeare

Uzhorod, the troupe’s Ukrainian home city, lies in the shadow of the Carpathian Mountains, close by the border with Hungary . Today, that frontier with the European Union is a dividing line between war and peace.

After Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022 , the small city in Ukraine’s far west, home then to about 120,000 people, swelled to triple or quadruple its former size. Every day, from front-line towns and cities across the country, trains disgorged throngs of desperate people seeking safe haven.

“It was very difficult at first,” said 23-year-old Myroslava Koshtura, who shares a rotating role as the king’s faithful youngest daughter, Cordelia. She, her two brothers and their parents — plus two dogs and a cat — initially lived in a single room in Uzhorod after they fled their home in the bomb-pummeled southern port city of Odesa.

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For the city’s newly displaced, life settled into a daily round of picking through donated clothing, volunteering in soup kitchens or weaving camouflage nets, scrolling through messaging apps for word from faraway loved ones.

The war, now in its third year, was only months old when, one by one, Koshtura and others spotted fliers posted by Yehorov, who worked in children’s art therapy at a local film school: Actors wanted. No experience needed.

1. Viacheslav Yehorov gives the cast directorial notes in the dressing room during a break between rehearsals of “King Lear.” 2. Yehorov holds his notes.

“I thought: Could I do this?” said Olena Aliabieva, 38, a visual artist from the devastated northeastern city of Kharkiv . She could: She plays the Fool — usually a male role — the court jester whose comic antics soften the sting of bracingly honest commentary. Through the character’s eyes, the audience sees Lear’s catastrophic error in trusting his flattery-dispensing elder daughters rather than the youngest, who truly loves him.

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Yehorov — portly, rumpled, intense — wasn’t looking for professional polish. Instead, he asked would-be players to tell him their war stories. And they did: sons or fathers dead on the battlefield, obliterated hometowns, old lives left irretrievably behind.

“I felt that these people were already actors in a real tragedy,” he said.

Some of those who joined in this odd new theatrical endeavor — doctors, laborers, lawyers, accountants — had never read Shakespeare. None had imagined themselves taking to the stage.

“For 20 years, I worked in a museum,” said Khomik, 65, whose white beard and regal bearing conjure a formidable but vulnerable king. As does the exile he has known; he and his family fled Crimea for western Ukraine after the peninsula was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, an act that most Ukrainians consider the true start of this war.

Soon enough, as the company coalesced, a paradox developed: The amateur actors came to see performing as a therapeutic balm — even if the play’s turbulent content sometimes summoned up their own sadness and fear.

For some, depression lifted: Painter Aliabieva, who had previously worked in black and white, found herself drawn to use of vibrant color in her visual compositions.

But resilience can be fragile. After arriving in Stratford-upon-Avon, the cast had an outing to “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” currently in the Royal Shakespeare repertoire. The sound of simulated gunshots unnerved one of the Ukrainians so badly that she had to leave the performance.

“Even if we seem fine, sitting here, we all have triggers that affect us,” Yehorov said.

At the heart of the theatrical endeavor, though, is a spirit of defiance in the face of a war that has taken so much from so many.

Watching white swans transverse the tranquil river in front of the theater, Khomik said his portrayal of Lear was meant to convey not only suffering, but also a sense of fortitude.

“What we hope is that people will understand our soul,” he said.

1. Veronika Hromadska helps Olena Aliabieva put on her makeup as the Fool in “King Lear.” 2. Ahnesa Tsvilodub makes up Andrii Khomik before he goes onstage as King Lear.

— King Lear in Act III

More than a year after the Russian invasion, a British humanitarian aid worker who traveled often to Ukraine returned to his Stratford base, bearing — with a measure of Shakespearean brio — extraordinary tidings.

He told a contact at the Royal Shakespeare Company, or RSC, about a theater troupe made up of war-displaced amateur actors staging well-received performances of “King Lear” — but so far, only in Ukraine.

To Zoe Donegan, the RSC’s head of producing, the notion of forging some sort of partnership with the Ukrainian troupe was irresistible.

“I suppose it resonated because of the way that even at times of extreme stress and extreme fear, people turn to Shakespeare, to theater, to these words that were written four hundred years ago,” she said.

With the assent of the RSC’s senior leadership, talks began.

“We were stunned,” Yehorov said of the British overture. “It was like a dream, a fairy tale.”

But the work had only begun. Over the months, as the war ebbed and flowed, the Uzhorod troupe and RSC representatives held regular Zoom meetings, brainstorming ways to bring the production to Stratford-upon-Avon.

They initially set a target date at the start of this year and couldn’t quite make it work. But no one wanted to walk away from the idea, however quixotic it sometimes seemed.

They wrestled with the question of whether to stage the play with subtitles, deciding not to in the end. Both the Ukrainian company and their British hosts believed that theatergoers familiar with the play — and even those who weren’t — would be able to not only follow along, but to also engage emotionally with the actors.

“To add subtitles would change the experience,” Donegan said. “I think it’s a universal language.”

The play and players, meanwhile, were gaining fame and traction. They were featured in a Ukrainian-produced documentary , “King Lear: How We Looked for Love During the War,” which had its international premiere in May 2023 in Los Angeles.

This spring, Donegan was able to procure permission for 15 members of the rotating cast and crew to come to Britain. The Ukrainian visa recipients had to travel to Kyiv, the capital, to claim them in person, a 500-mile journey through a wartime landscape.

And special permission was needed for Yehorov to leave the country; Ukrainian men in their 50s are still considered to be of military age , and only rarely allowed to depart. (At 65, Khomik was exempt; a previous, younger Lear was not.)

1. Ukrainian cast members put their fists together in a circle to form a crown. 2. The cast members embrace in a warm-up circle. 3. A group back rub is part of the warm-up for the displaced Ukrainians.

Because most men were fighting , the play had already been adapted in female-centric fashion, with four of the five speaking parts played by women, and most male roles eliminated, save for the king.

On June 10, when the troupe was finally ready to travel to the Hungarian frontier, the RSC team anxiously tracked the Ukrainians’ progress from 1,500 miles away.

At last, word came: They were safely out — all of them. Donegan and her colleagues cheered.

From Hungary , the Ukrainians flew to Luton airport, outside London. By that evening, they were in Stratford-upon-Avon.

The white swans glided. The stage lights beckoned.

— King Lear in Act IV

From its earliest stagings — scholars date the first to a performance at King James’ court in 1606 — “Lear” was considered famously difficult. Over the years, some of Britain’s most storied actors have balked at taking on the role.

Even theatrical giant Ian McKellen , in the telling of the Guardian newspaper, asked plaintively in 2005, “I don’t have to do Lear, do I? Everybody expects me to.” Soon after, he agreed to play the part for the RSC .

Lear lore abounds. There have been female kings, stagings in innumerable languages, productions set in Viking times, or in a modern-day nursing home with Lear’s madness depicted as a senescent dream.

During the reign of Britain’s King George III, who suffered bouts of mental illness, the play was thought to cut too close to the bone. A decade-long ban on performances ended only after his death in 1820.

Other key characters and scenes came and went: For a century and a half, beginning in 1681, the crucial role of the truth-telling Fool was excised, and Victorian theatergoers were spared the awful spectacle of Gloucester’s blinding.

Over the centuries, as Shakespeare’s reach extended worldwide, Ukraine, under the sway of the Russian Empire, entered its own fraught relationship with the playwright and his works. For a time in the 1800s, Ukrainian-language translations and staging of Shakespeare’s works were forbidden by Russian overlords.

Since the 2022 invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sometimes turned to Shakespeare to rally his compatriots — and to try to convey to the outside world the existential nature of the threat.

In a virtual address to British lawmakers soon after the war’s outbreak, Zelensky quoted “Hamlet,” with its best-known line, so often reduced to modern cliche, now laced with urgent peril.

“To be, or not to be?” he asked.

— King Lear, in Act V

Showtime. At last.

After a final round of rehearsals, and a special performance staged for invited members of the Ukrainian community in and near Stratford — ranks swelled by refugees — the company was ready to take the stage on for its short public run: a single matinee, followed by an evening performance.

In the 232-seat theater, one of the RSC’s smaller venues, cramped backstage quarters spoke of intimate bonds. The cast enacted its pre-performance rituals: a circle of determinedly clenched fists, neck rubs dispensed and received, plenty of fussing with one another’s hair.

The hours before had been a mix of tension and giddiness. Lear felt a cough coming on, and spent part of the day huddled under a blanket on a backstage couch. One of the Cordelias was missing her boyfriend.

Yehorov, pulling a sheaf of stage notes from his pocket, dropped a container of toothpicks that hit the floor and scattered everywhere. The cast burst out laughing.

Soon enough, though, the mood turned edgy and somber.

War may be universal, but the play’s opening moments carried unmistakable allusions to the conflict in Ukraine. The sound of a piping flute — a familiar hallmark of Shakespeare productions — gave way to the shriek of train whistles, the thud of pistons, and Ukrainian-language announcements of trains arriving from battered cities across the country .

The cast made its first appearance in close-fitting long johns, solemnly retrieving outer costumes from big silver trunks — a gesture that recalled the hurried flight of so many war-displaced with little more than the clothes on their backs.

1. Ahnesa Tsvilodub hugs Myroslava Koshtura, holding flowers, after their performance in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. 2. Members of the audience listen to director Viacheslav Yehorov, right, give a toast to his cast and crew.

Then the players plunged into Shakespeare’s oft-told story, in their own telling, and their own way.

The supercilious elder sisters preened. The Fool capered and unleashed unrelenting verities. The battle scenes were abstract but chilling: smoke and blood-red light, the grinding clash of metal on metal.

When it ended, the audience rose to its feet, applauding.

The stage floor was illuminated with the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Yehorov and the actors looked happy, and spent.

The players accepted bouquets and posed for pictures. Cast and crew repaired to an 18th century pub a few doors down, where thespians traditionally raise a raucous toast to a play’s successful run.

In the morning, the company packed up and left Stratford-upon-Avon; after a stint of London sightseeing, its members headed home. Home to the war.

On the performance’s eve, the youngest cast member, Koshtura, said she sometimes thought about how and when the fighting might end.

“Life will go on, but it won’t be the same,” she said. “We are different now. Everything has changed.”

It’s possible, these players have come to believe, to imagine an aftermath. But in life as in “Lear,” there are times when there is no going back.

Read more coverage of the war on Ukraine .

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Laura King is a Washington, D.C.-based reporter for the Los Angeles Times. A member of the Foreign/National staff, she primarily covers foreign affairs. She previously served as bureau chief in Jerusalem, Kabul and Cairo.

Marcus Yam is a foreign correspondent and photographer for the Los Angeles Times. Since joining in 2014, he has covered a wide range of topics including humanitarian issues, social justice, terrorism, foreign conflicts, natural disasters, politics and celebrity portraiture. He won the Pulitzer Prize for breaking news photography in 2022 for images documenting the U.S. departure from Afghanistan that capture the human cost of the historic change in the country. Yam is a two-time recipient of the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Journalism Award, notably in 2019, for his unflinching body of work showing the everyday plight of Gazans during deadly clashes in the Gaza Strip. He has been part of two Pulitzer Prize-winning breaking news teams.

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