GRANT AND MARISA

London is one of those cities that captivates your heart and stays with you forever. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re a frequent traveler, there’s always something new to discover.

Recently, a friend asked us what we would do if we had just 24 hours in London. Inspired by this question, we decided to put together a blog post sharing our perfect one-day itinerary in this vibrant city.

Morning: Iconic Sights and Hidden Gems

Arrive and Start the Adventure: Assuming you’re flying into Heathrow, take the Piccadilly Line to Piccadilly Circus. Known as London’s equivalent to Times Square, Piccadilly Circus is a great starting point for your adventure.

Trafalgar Square and The Mall: From Piccadilly Circus, walk to Trafalgar Square. This historic area is home to the National Gallery and Nelson’s Column. Continue your walk down The Mall, a grand tree-lined avenue that leads you to Buckingham Palace.

Buckingham Palace: Take a leisurely stroll around Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.

St. James’s Park and Birdcage Walk: Walk along Birdcage Walk through St. James’s Park. This beautiful park is perfect for a morning walk and offers lovely views of Buckingham Palace.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye: Continue your walk to Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. This area is a photographer’s dream, offering iconic shots of London’s most famous landmarks.

Late Morning: Exploring Central London

Parliament Street and Downing Street: Walk up Parliament Street, passing Downing Street, where the Prime Minister resides. You can catch a glimpse of the famous black door at Number 10, though it’s heavily guarded.

Leicester Square and Covent Garden: Head to Leicester Square, a bustling area known for its cinemas, theaters, and street performers. From there, it’s a short walk to Covent Garden, a vibrant district filled with shops, cafes, and street entertainment.

Covent Garden Lunch: By now, you’ll probably be ready for lunch. We recommend Buns & Buns in Covent Garden for delicious bao buns. The atmosphere is fantastic, and the food is even better.

Afternoon: More Sights and Sweet Treats

Covent Garden to Chinatown: After lunch, walk over to Chinatown, just behind Piccadilly Circus. This area is great for exploring and offers some fantastic dessert options.

Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream: While In Chinatown, stop by Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream for a unique treat called a “bilog.” This Filipino dessert is a fried pastry filled with ube (purple yam) ice cream – it’s delicious and Instagram-worthy.

Borough Market: Next, head to Borough Market for more food adventures. One must-try is Humble Crumble, where you can customize your crumble with different fruits and custards. Another favorite is a traditional British meat pie – perfect for a savory snack.

Late Afternoon: Unwind and Enjoy

Relax in a Pub: No trip to London is complete without visiting a traditional pub. Find a cozy spot, order a pint, and relax. Pubs in London are often quiet and perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Hyde Park or Oxford Street: If you have some extra time, consider a walk in Hyde Park or a shopping trip down Oxford Street. Both are iconic locations that offer a bit of everything – nature, culture, and commerce.

Evening: Dinner and a Show

Dinner at a Local Pub: For dinner, head to another pub (there’s literally thousands of them in London) to try the famous Sunday roast if you’re visiting on a Sunday. This traditional meal usually includes roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables, gravy, and Yorkshire pudding – a delicious pastry perfect for soaking up the gravy.

If it’s not a Sunday, don’t worry, you’ll still have amazing pub staples on offer like Fish and Chips or Steak and Ale Pies.

Watch a West End Show: This one will depend on if you have to leave London early the next day (as a West End show can be a commitment of several hours) but if you can, definitely try and squeeze one in. You can often buy tickets for many popular shows the day of the performance for a fraction of the price.

Final Thoughts

London is a city that can be explored for days, weeks, or even years, but if you only have 24 hours, this itinerary ensures you hit the highlights while also experiencing some hidden gems.

From iconic landmarks to delicious food, and cozy pubs, you’ll get a true taste of what makes London so special. So pack your walking shoes and get ready for an unforgettable day in one of the world’s greatest cities!

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