Heading to the big smoke but have limited time on your hands?
While it’s a great spot for a day trip, it can be hard to decide exactly how to spend your time when there’s so much to see and do! Fortunately, that’s where this guide comes in.
Read on to discover the perfect itinerary for a day-long trip to the UK’s capital city!
- Arrive Early. Try to arrive as early as you can. While nobody likes waking up early, this means that you have more time on your hands, and you can always treat yourself to a lie-in the following day!
Once you’ve arrived, purchase a 1-day travel card. This is often cheaper than tapping in and out using your card and can be used when traveling by tube, train, bus, and even UberBoat. If you are not sure how to navigate through the city, or feel a little overwhelmed, use Citymapper to plan out the most convenient route. This will allow you to make the most of every second of your time in the city.
- Grab A Coffee and a Pastry. In need of an energy boost? Stop by one of London’s many independent coffee shops en route to your first destination for a coffee and fresh pastry. This will ensure that you are well-fuelled for the adventure that lies ahead. Of course, if you’re on the lookout for something a little more substantial, there are plenty of great brunch spots scattered throughout the city.
- Spend the Morning at a Museum. Whether you’re exploring the National Gallery or learning more about London’s history at the British Museum, you’ve got plenty of options to choose from regarding Museums in the city. Visiting these spaces in the morning often means that you can avoid the crowds later in the day, meaning that you can see everything you’d like to see without wasting time in queues. While they are often free to enter, you can book your place in advance, which can also help you to save time while traveling.
- Stroll through central. Once you’ve visited your museum of choice, spend some time strolling through the city center. This will allow you to take in some of London’s famous sites, whether that’s Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral or Buckingham Palace itself. If you want to see the Changing of the Guards, this takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 am. Arrive early to ensure you have a good view!
If you’d like to find out more about local history while walking through the city, consider joining a walking tour. Not only will your guide be able to tell you everything you need to know about the city, but they could also provide you with further advice and guidance on how to spend your time in London.
Strolling through the city also provides you with ample opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy, especially if you find yourself on Oxford Street – which is often found to be the busiest shopping street in Europe. Don’t want to carry your bags around with you for the rest of the day? Many of the designer stores in the area will ship your purchases to your home for a small fee, which means that you can use this as an opportunity to shop til you drop.
- Stop for Lunch. There are plenty of places to eat in London. If you’re looking for something relatively low-cost, stop by one of the markets. This will allow you to enjoy cuisine from all over the world, which is sure to be a treat for your tastebuds. Alternatively, you could enjoy something a little more high-end if you feel like treating yourself, such as an Afternoon Tea at a local hotel. Use websites such as The Fork to gain access to exclusive discounts when dining out, which can help you to get as much as 50% off your food bill!
- Visit the London Dungeons. Looking for something to do that’s both fun and educational. Stop by the London Dungeons. This is an immersive experience that puts you at the heart of London’s history, led by some of the city’s most infamous historical figures. Book online in advance to get the best possible price; however, you can also buy tickets at the door if necessary.
- Head to the Sky Garden. The Sky Garden, as the name suggests, is a stunning garden located in the ‘sky’ (aka 35-27 stories high). While there are numerous bars and restaurants on-site, the gardens are entirely free to enter, but you do need to book in advance. On a bright, clear day, you can see for miles from the viewing platform!
If you aren’t in the vicinity of the Sky Gardens, you could stop by the free roof terrace at One New Change, which boasts fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral, or Horizon 22, which is even higher than the Sky Garden at 58 stories. No matter which spot you choose, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city!
- Enjoy a cocktail (or two). After a busy day exploring, head to one of the best bars in London to relax and unwind. Whether you’re hoping to enjoy a classic cocktail on a rooftop bar or a truly unique speakeasy experience, you have plenty of options to choose from throughout the city. Some of the best bars include Funkidory, the Coral Room, and Bobby Fitzpatrick! Many of the bars also serve food, but if not, be sure to grab a bite to eat before heading home for the evening!
Final thoughts. In short, there are many steps that you can take to ensure that your day trip to the big smoke is as unforgettable as possible. Following this guide means that you’ll always have a smile on your face from the moment you arrive.
However, do not be afraid to go with the flow during your trip, either. Remember, even the most strict of itineraries can be altered if you discover something new to do along the way!
