London · One-day itinerary

A day in London.

London is impossibly large. This itinerary is one slice through the historic and cultural center, many other slices exist (East End, South Bank, Notting Hill, etc.) and all have their charms. The Underground is fast; walking is slow but more rewarding for sightseeing.

Time
Full day
Distance
4-8 km
Food stops
3
Sites
8
The walking route

Hour by hour.

A suggested order, feel free to swap, skip, or take it in reverse.

1

09:30 · Start at Tower of London

Begin your day at Tower of London. Arrive early to avoid crowds and see it in the morning light.

2

11:00 · British Museum

Walk to British Museum, one of the city's defining landmarks. Take your time, this is the kind of place you can't rush.

3

13:00 · Lunch at Blacklock Soho

Long lunch at Blacklock Soho. Locals eat late, by 1:30pm you'll be at the heart of the lunch service.

4

15:00 · National Gallery

Walk off lunch with a visit to National Gallery. Allow at least an hour.

5

16:30 · Westminster Abbey

Continue to Westminster Abbey. By now the harsh midday sun has softened, best time for photos.

6

18:30 · Drinks at Milk Beach Soho

Aperitivo or evening drink at Milk Beach Soho. Soak in the local rhythm.

7

20:30 · Dinner at The Soho Social

End the day at The Soho Social. Book ahead if possible.

Where to eat

Picks for the day.

The food stops on the route, plus a couple of alternatives if your timing doesn't match.

Blacklock Soho

Address: 24 Great Windmill St

Milk Beach Soho

Address: 14 Greek St, James Court

The Soho Social

Address: 9 Berwick St

Sites & sights

What to see along the way.

Tower of London

Address: St Katharine's & Wapping

British Museum

Address: Great Russell St

National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square

Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yd

Tate Modern

Address: Bankside

Buckingham Palace

Address: Westminster

St Paul's Cathedral

Address: St Paul's Churchyard

Tower Bridge

Address: Tower Bridge Rd

Practical notes

Tips before you go.

  • An Oyster card or contactless card is essential for the Tube and buses, paper tickets cost twice as much.
  • Many museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A, Natural History) are free.
  • Pub culture is real, most pubs serve food until 9pm, drinks until 11pm. Sundays they often close earlier.
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