London is a big city, and for first-time visitors it can feel overwhelming. The city has so many neighborhoods you’ll want to explore, so many attractions you’ll want to see – it can become a tricky situation narrowing your choices down and knowing which are the best suited to your trip and your own specific interests.
In this guide we’ve tried to break everything down for you, so you can pick and choose which London attractions you definitely want to make time for. So grab a notebook and a pen, and start jotting down ideas!

IF YOU ONLY HAVE 24 HOURS in London…

If you’re only in the city for 24 hours – which iconic London attractions should you ensure you’ve scheduled in? This section will highlight those famous London landmarks and London attractions that simply can’t be missed. The best way to experience London in this short time is with a London in a Day Tour where you can see it all with ease.

Experience the quintessential sights of one of the world’s most fascinating and dynamic cities on this full-day London walking tour. From Westminster Abbey to the Tower of London and even the River Thames, this London city tour is proof that limited time doesn’t have to mean a limited view of the UK capital. Soak up London’s key attractions in just one action-packed day, with all the logistics handled for you as you explore in the company of a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide.

See London from every angle on this complete, full-day tour, exploring on foot, by water & even from above. This tour covers more ground than any other.

Your morning starts near Westminster Abbey, where you’ll catch a glimpse of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, before entering the Abbey at opening time to go directly to the Coronation Chair. Learn about the history of the building—England’s most important church—and visit the final resting places of a few of the countless monarchs and luminaries buried inside, from kings and queens to great writers and scientists.

It’s a short dash from there to Buckingham Palace, where you’ll catch the Changing of the Guard if it’s taking place on the day of your tour. As the crowds gather in front of the palace, your guide will take you to a great alternative viewpoint to witness this historic ceremony. You’ll also swing by the Horse Guards Parade—home to the lesser-known but arguably more impressive King’s Life Guard—before visiting Trafalgar Square.

After a break for lunch, you’ll board a Thames sightseeing cruise complete with lively and entertaining commentary from the crew. It’s a fun and relaxing way to journey to your last visit of the day, one that’s sure to be a highlight: the Tower of London. With pre-reserved tickets, you’ll get inside quickly to enjoy a tour of its fascinating (and sometimes gruesome) history.

Your full-day London tour comes to an end at the Jewel House inside the Tower. While your guide can’t accompany you inside to see the Crown Jewels, they’ll give you a primer on the top pieces to look out for and their significance so you can check them out on your own

Experience London from the Water 

Of course, the river Thames has been around longer than the city itself – so no trip to London would be complete without taking a cruise along the water. Lots of London’s most historic landmarks were actually build alongside the riverbanks – because the river was so central to trade and economy back then. The best way to see these landmarks? Take a Lunch, Dinner, or Afternoon Tea Cruise along the Thames and enjoy the views of the city from a boat. This is a fantastic way to see all the beauty that the city has to offer while relaxing and giving your legs a bit of a rest in the most unique and enjoyable way. This is also a fantastic opportunity to snap instagram photos with gorgeous backdrops!

Soak in London’s Parks and Views

If you don’t mind jumping on the tube (and changing onto a light railway), then a day trip to Greenwich Park (one of the nicest London suburbs) is a fabulous idea. The local park there is on a hill, and offers up some of the most incredible city views of London. Boat companies offer trips to Greenwich and City Cruises’ boats offer great views on the way as well.

FREE THINGS TO DO iN LONDON

London can be an expensive city to visit, so any chance you get to save money is always good. This part of the guide will talk you through some of the best things to do in London that won’t cost a penny. So you can save money for dining out, or perhaps shopping! The choice is yours!
Trafalgar Square is one of the biggest squares in London, this is a haven for tourists and people-watching. The beautiful buildings that surround it will have you awe-inspired, and the fountains are great fun to watch too. If you’re feeling brave you could even try and climb on one of the famous Lion statues for a perfect photo-opportunity.

There are loads of street performers that perform every day in Covent Garden, and it’s great fun if you fancy soaking in a bit of culture and watching lots of fun actors and performers do their thing. It’s totally free to stroll around and watch, however a donation is recommended (just a £1 will do!) if you stop and watch some of the longer performances.

One of London’s biggest museums, and certainly one of the most famous is the Natural HIstory Museum. This great museum is amazing for kids of all ages (and adults too!) and will keep you busy all day long. You may have to queue at weekends (as it can get pretty busy) – but it’s definitely worth the wait and you’re sure to learn a thing or two inside.

If art is your thing, then a trip to the National Portrait Gallery certainly won’t disappoint. There is artwork spanning centuries inside, and you can walk around at your leisure and enjoy each painting piece by piece. They also offer audio guides and in-person guides, if you fancy digging a little deeper and learning a little more.

This famous fictional landmark is now a real landmark, thanks to some creative minds and a bit of space in King’s Cross Station. Hunt it out and have your photo taken vanishing into the magical realm at Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross

Piccadilly Circus is a bustling area of London is known as the city’s version of Times Square. It’s much smaller of course, but it’s just as dazzling, and it makes a great spot of people-watching and grabbing lunch.

If you’re a fan of British music, then the iconic Abbey Road in London should ring a bell! Made famous by The Beatles, this is a classic photo-opportunity that’s hard to turn down!

London is an amazing place for shopping, and there are some beautiful shops and shopping districts in the city you definitely won’t want to miss out on. Here are our top picks!

Harrods is one of the most luxurious and iconic shops in London, and you could spend hours looking around and exploring inside. We suggest you do just that! It doesn’t cost a penny to enter, and you’re free to look around and enjoy the shop at your own leisure – with no pressure to buy anything. Window shopping can be just as much fun as normal shopping sometimes!

Another shopping experience – but this time in a market setting and for mainly food produce. Borough Market is a bustling, fun, exciting market that sells all kinds of fresh food and veg, as well as food vendors selling incredible recipes and ready-made concoctions. If you need a cheap lunch, Borough Market is great (a lot of the food vendor prices start around £4) and there’s plenty of places to sit and enjoy your food nearby.

Another iconic shop in London, but this is one for the kids! Hamleys is perhaps one of the most magical toy shops around, and almost feels like Santa’s workshop! The shops is set across multiple floors, each floor having a different theme, and different toys to explore. Expect live toy demonstrations, cuddly characters to interact with, and all sorts of magical decorations hanging from ceilings and walls. It is truly a wonderland for the imagination.

This quirky market is located in North London and is famous for offering an alternative shopping experience. The markets are home to all kinds of vintage, quirky, independent shops – and you’ll love discovering all kinds of treasures there. Camden Market has grown lots in recent years too, so there are now some more mainstream shops available, as well as loads of food stalls too.

If designer shopping is your thing, then a trip to Sloane Square might be just your cup of tea. This area of London (known as Chelsea) is where many celebrities like to do their shopping – and even The Princess Kate has been known to shop there occasionally.

We couldn’t have a shopping section without mentioning Oxford Street. Probably the best known shopping district in London, this street is full of the huge flagship stores for most major brands. Expect it to be busy, and expect crowds!

If you love antique shopping, then we think you’ll adore Notting Hill. Made famous by the movie of the same name, this little area in West London has a world-famous antique market every week. It’s always busy – but the atmosphere is really fun, and the shops certainly won’t disappoint.

Exploring London in a Day: A Scenic Journey with City Cruises

If you only have 24 hours to spend in London, City Cruises offers a unique and memorable perspective of the city’s iconic landmarks. From the majestic Tower Bridge to the historic Houses of Parliament, each sight along the Thames River tells a story of London’s rich heritage. The comfort and convenience of a cruise allows you to relax and enjoy stunning views without the hustle and bustle of the city. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, City Cruises is a delightful way to immerse yourself in the charm and grandeur of the capital.

Original Post Date: May 1, 2020