11-Part Way to Spend a Delightful Day in London, UK

London is absolutely my new favorite place in the world. The city is so clean, sophisticated, and diverse with rich history and stunning architecture. In this blog post, I will guide you through how to spend one delightful day in London, UK. This jam-packed itinerary highlights some must-visit attractions and ensures you make the most of your time in this remarkable metropolis. Each area is easily accessible by the subway, or the “tube!”

Early Morning

Visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Start your day by arriving at Tower Hill Station marveling at the grandeur of the Tower of London, a magnificent castle that has stood on the banks of the River Thames for over 900 years. We only saw it from the outside but you could book an early tour in advance if you have more time to explore the ancient walls, discover the Crown Jewels, and delve into the stories of prisoners and executions that echo through its halls. Adjacent to the Tower of London is the iconic Tower Bridge. If you end up at London Bridge coming off Monument Station instead, it is a normal-looking bridge with a distant view of what you actually want to see, but it’s a nice walk to along the Thames to Tower Bridge from there. On the other side of the river you can catch a glimpse of The Shard.

Late Morning

Marvel at Big Ben, the Parliament Building, Buckingham Palace

Take the tube to Westminster Station and visit the legendary Big Ben and the Gothic detailing of the Parliament Building. Standing tall on the banks of the River Thames, these iconic structures are not only architectural marvels but also symbols of British history and democracy. As you stroll along the river, you’ll be immersed in the aura of political significance and timeless beauty. From here you can also see the London Eye which we skipped but would offer an amazing view of the city.

From the Parliament Building, make your way to Buckingham Palace. This is the official residence of the British monarch and a must-see during your one day in London, UK! Start at the Horse Guard’s Parade to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential British tradition. We actually caught the Guard on a day of parade rehearsal for the King’s birthday which was a sight to see. Take a leisurely stroll through St. James’s park to get to Buckingham palace itself. We skipped Kensington Palace and Hyde Park which is a good 45 minute walk from Buckingham Palace. Although Hyde Park is nice, Regent’s Park (see below) is much more worth seeing.

Window shop in St. James’s

After the grandeur of the royal landmarks, embark on a walk through London’s most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods. Stop into an iconic bright red British phone booth on the way, here is me from 2019 and 2023, not much has changed! Begin your journey in St. James’s, known for its elegant streets and upscale shops. Be sure to stop inside the ornate, multi-story Fortnum & Mason for the most ridiculous variety of teas you’ve ever seen!

Stop by Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square

Move on to the bustling Piccadilly Circus, a vibrant entertainment hub that is the Times’ Square of London. Marvel at the dazzling billboards, soak in the energy of the bustling streets, and snap a photo with the iconic Eros statue. A short walk away, Leicester Square is a bustling landmark where something different is always happening, like these giant Transformers figures we saw!

Early Afternoon

Eat delicious food in Chinatown

Just the next street over from Leicester Square is the entrance to Chinatown. Take a stroll through the busy streets filled with authentic Asian restaurants with vibrant red lanterns above. We stopped by Old Town for yummy take-away lo mein and garlic bok choy. Boba from BOBA Bubble Tea was delicious and worth it just for this cute boba plush wall pic! If you are just outside Chinatown another Asian option is the European staple Wok to Walk, which I had for the first time years ago in Amsterdam – it’s like the Chipotle for Asian food!

Go Shopping in Soho

Venture into the sophisticated neighborhood of Soho, not too different from Soho in New York! The narrow streets are lined with independent shops, art galleries, and trendy cafes. My long-awaited destination here was the athletic-wear Sweaty Betty flagship store complete with a restaurant and salon on the second floor.

Mid-Afternoon

Grab a pint and a dessert strolling through Marylebone

The district of Marylebone is charming, characterized by its picturesque streets and artisanal foodie spots. You can’t miss hitting up London pubs in this area during your one day in London, UK, especially for a Guinness on tap! We enjoyed The Blue Posts in SoHo and Devonshire Arms in Marylebone.

The variety and quality of vegan sweets may have been the most exciting part of the day at Vegan Crosstown and Buns from Home. British Krispy Kreme even has delectable vegan donut options! We also stopped by a British McDonald’s to give their new plant-based burger a go and it did not disappoint.

Stop by 221B Baker Street in Mayfair

Marylebone blends into Mayfair, an affluent neighborhood where the elegant shops and restaurants continue. We skipped the iconic Sherlock Holmes 221B Baker Street residence this time but here is me there in 2019!

Late Afternoon

Enjoy the beautiful Regent’s Park

Join people hanging out and picnicking in the serene ambiance of Regent’s Park – this would be a great spot to bring food and relax, weather permitting. The highlight of the park is definitely the magnificent Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, and there is also the tiniest Japanese Garden Island (my fourth Japanese Garden outside of Japan after San Diego, Phoenix, and Boston!).

Evening

Explore the Eclectic Camden Town

Exit The Regent’s Park at the north end and walk 10 minutes to Camden Town for its street markets, coffee shops, and graffiti street art. We skipped Camden Town this trip but it’s definitely worth exploring if time allows during your one day in London, UK, especially for the well-known Camden Market. Sadly, one of the coolest bars called Cereal Killer Cafe no longer exists, but this is just a taste of the unique spots located in Camden Town!

Night

King’s Cross: An Upscale Industrial Gem

King’s Cross, once a gritty industrial hub, has transformed into a vibrant and upscale area. It may be most familiar to you as the location of Platform 9 3/4 in Harry Potter which you can visit at King’s Cross Station! Restored buildings have been transformed into trendy shops, chic boutiques, and upscale residences. There is plenty of seating area to hang out, even on the water of the canal at a spot called Canalside Green Steps.

End the night with dinner at Dishoom, a renowned Indian restaurant open late that will tantalize your taste buds with its authenticity. As you step into the restaurant, the inviting atmosphere is reminiscent of old Bombay cafes. Crafted cocktails inspired by Indian flavors and a variety of mouthwatering dishes showcasing the diverse regional cuisine. There are other Dishoom locations but this one is definitely the most impressive.

This post was all about how to spend a delightful one day in London, UK! The best part of London is exploring abundant and exciting neighborhoods. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, London offers a plethora of experiences that will leave you enchanted. Check out my posts for Geneva, Mykonos, and Santorini from the same trip!