StayAreasOne day in London: the perfect itinerary
One day is enough to see London's greatest hits if you stay central and walk. This route follows the river from Westminster to the City, about 6 km with stops.
Morning: Westminster
9:00 Westminster Abbey
Be there at opening. Allow an hour and a half.
Tip: Book online the day before.
Stay nearby: Westminster · ~$320/night10:45 Big Ben and Parliament SquareFree
Photos from Westminster Bridge, then walk through St James's Park.
Stay nearby: Westminster · ~$320/night11:15 Buckingham PalaceFree
On a Changing the Guard day, arrive by 10:30 instead and swap the order.
Stay nearby: Westminster · ~$320/night
Midday: Trafalgar Square and Covent Garden
12:00 National GalleryFree
Walk up the Mall to Trafalgar Square and pick five or six paintings in an hour.
Stay nearby: Covent Garden · ~$360/night13:15 Lunch in Covent Garden
Street performers in the piazza and lunch around Seven Dials.
Stay nearby: Covent Garden · ~$360/night
Afternoon: the South Bank
14:30 Cross the Golden Jubilee BridgesFree
Views both ways, then walk east along the river.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night15:00 Tate ModernFree
The Turbine Hall and the free viewing level.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night16:15 Millennium Bridge to St Paul's
Climb the dome if you have energy left.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night
Evening
18:00 Borough Market or a riverside pub
Walk back along the river to London Bridge for an early dinner.
Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night19:30 A West End show
Or Sky Garden at sunset if you booked a slot.
Stay nearby: Soho · ~$360/night
Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides