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What to see in Malta in 3 days
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Culture
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A journalist by training and digital at heart, she tells stories through what she sees, experiences, and feels, drawing inspiration from what unfolds in hotels, airports, and conversations.
Culture
London is one of the world's leading capitals and one of the largest cities in Europe, combining ancient history with the most avant-garde modernity, and where there is an endless number of things to see and plans to make. If you are planning an express getaway and would like to know what to see in London in 1 day, you have come to the right place.
In this guide, I bring you a list of places to visit in London in 24 hours, with an itinerary to discover the essentials of the city without wasting time on unnecessary travel, grouping the main points of interest by proximity.
A tour of London in 1 day that not only seeks for you to "pass through" the city, but for you to manage to understand the true London essence, squeezing every hour to take away a complete image of the British capital.
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| Area | Main places |
| Historic centre and River Thames | Palace of Westminster, Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden |
This 1-day tour in London begins in the political and monumental heart of the city, visiting its most famous icons on foot, concentrated in the same area without the need for public transport.
The Palace of Westminster is one of the essential places on any route to see London in 1 day. This imposing building on the banks of the Thames, a World Heritage Site, houses the two chambers of the British Parliament.
Its Victorian Neo-Gothic architecture, with its golden pinnacles reflecting in the water, offers one of the most majestic views of the capital. Walking around its surroundings allows you to delve into centuries of political decisions that changed the world.
From here you can reach the next point on foot in less than 2 minutes.
Right next door is the famous Big Ben, the name by which the Great Bell of the Elizabeth Tower is popularly known. Recently restored, its glass faces and blue hands look brighter than ever.
It is the heartbeat of the city and an undisputed symbol of British punctuality. The most famous clock in the world is a key point in any visit to London, which will allow you to take the most iconic photo of your trip.
You can continue the tour on foot by crossing Westminster Bridge in about 5 minutes.
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, offers one of the best panoramic views of the city at a height of 135 metres. Even if you don't want to or don't dare to board its glass capsules, the setting on the South Bank is ideal for seeing the contrast between medieval London and the most avant-garde architecture.
From here you can walk back towards the abbey in about 10 minutes.
Much more than just any church, Westminster Abbey is the pantheon of monarchs and the most illustrious figures in the United Kingdom. The scene of coronations since 1066 and royal weddings, its interior houses the tomb of Isaac Newton and Poets' Corner.
Including it in your 1-day itinerary in London allows you to touch living history and admire one of the most beautiful examples of English Gothic.
You can head to the next point on foot by crossing St. James’s Park in about 15 minutes.
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy in London and a mandatory stop on your tour. Although the Palace only opens its doors in summer, seeing the display of the royal guards from Victoria Memorial square is a purely London experience.
Its surroundings, surrounded by the greenery of St. James’s Park and Green Park, make it an ideal place to take a break in the heart of nature.
From here you can reach the next place on foot in about 15 minutes via The Mall.
Considered the geographical and social centre of the city, Trafalgar Square is a square presided over by Nelson's Column and guarded by four imposing bronze lions, commemorating the naval victory of 1805.
It is a meeting point where the National Gallery dominates the landscape, perfect for feeling the true pulse of the city and the energy of Londoners.
In just 10 minutes walking you will reach the next point.
The itinerary takes you to Covent Garden, one of the most charming and characterful neighbourhoods, where its old fruit market stands out, now converted into a gallery with glass ceilings, which houses exclusive shops and craft stalls.
The central square is famous for its street artists and its lively atmosphere at any time. It is the ideal place to take a break, enjoy a tea or simply get lost in the colourful adjacent streets like Neal's Yard.
You can continue exploring the area on foot without the need for transport.
The Soho district is the epicentre of creativity and nightlife. An old bohemian neighbourhood that is today a mix of West End theatres, restaurants from all over the world and neon signs that illuminate the streets.
Walking along Carnaby Street or dining near Old Compton Street is the perfect way to say goodbye to the city, enjoying its most cosmopolitan and fun side. Here is a guide on what to visit in Soho.
Enter Liberty London, its Tudor facade is the most iconic photo in the area.
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Here you have a map strategically organised by areas so you can follow this tour of London in 1 day without complications, reducing travel to a minimum and allowing you to make the most of your time in the city.
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The advice I can give you so that your 1-day experience in London is perfect is to plan your route well and go in time, because I can tell you that you are going to have to walk quite a lot. So, another tip is to wear good trainers, your feet will thank you.
In my experience, in case you don't have time to see everything, I recommend prioritising Big Ben, Buckingham Palace and Covent Garden, which are the "golden triangle" of the city
And, as always, the early bird catches the worm. Try to start around 8:30am at the latest to avoid crowds, especially in Westminster.
Other London guides by days:
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