24 Hours in London: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
London, England | Europe
How to spend 24 hours in London
Plane tickets to London can be surprisingly cheap, so why not turn a budget flight into a quick city break? If you only have 24 hours in London, you can still see some of the city’s most iconic sights, enjoy a West End show, explore Notting Hill, and eat your way through Borough Market. It will be a busy day, but that’s part of the fun!
Morning: Big Ben, the London Eye & Coffee
Arrive in London early and head straight into the city. Start with a strong coffee and a quick breakfast before beginning your sightseeing.
Your first stop has to be Big Ben. It’s one of London’s most famous landmarks, and no first visit feels complete without seeing it. Take some time to walk around Westminster and get those classic London photos. From there, head to the London Eye. The giant observation wheel offers amazing views across the River Thames and central London. It’s a great way to get a different perspective of the city, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Afternoon: Shopping or Museums
After your morning of sightseeing, spend the afternoon exploring London at your own pace.
If you love shopping, head to Oxford Street. With hundreds of shops along the street and plenty of nearby stores, it’s an easy place to spend a few hours.
Not a big shopper? Swap Oxford Street for one of London’s museums instead. The British Museum, Natural History Museum, and Tate Modern are all great options.
With only a short time in the city, choose one museum rather than trying to see everything. London is much more enjoyable when you don’t spend your entire afternoon rushing from one attraction to another.
Evening: Dinner, a West End Show & Pubs
After a busy day, it’s time for dinner. Choose a cozy restaurant or grab something quick before heading to London’s famous West End.
Seeing a musical is one of my favorite things to do in London, and we watched Hercules during our trip. It was absolutely amazing and made the evening feel extra special. Once the show is over, end the night the London way: with a drink in a traditional pub. One of my favorites is Mr Fogg’s, which has a fun and quirky atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to have a drink and toast to a very full day in London.
Next Morning: Full English Breakfast & Notting Hill
If you’re staying overnight, start your second morning with a proper Full English breakfast.
Think bacon, beans in tomato sauce, hash browns, eggs, and all the other essentials. You’re in London, so you might as well embrace the full experience!
After breakfast, take the Tube to Notting Hill. This colorful neighborhood is one of my favorite places to explore when you want a slower start to the morning.
Wander through the streets, browse the independent shops, check out the markets, and stop at one of the many cafés or food spots. And if you’re a fan of the movie Notting Hill, don’t miss the famous bookshop location.
I honestly found Notting Hill one of the most fun areas to explore. If you love shopping, vintage finds, and flea markets, you could easily spend several hours here.
Final Stop on your 24 hour in London trip: Borough Market
Before heading back to the airport, make one last stop at Borough Market.
This famous food market is the perfect place to finish your London trip. You’ll find everything from street food and freshly baked treats to international dishes and sweet snacks.
Grab something delicious for the journey and enjoy one final taste of London before heading to the airport.
And then it’s time to say goodbye to London. Hopefully, you’ll get some sleep on the plane home!