London in a Day- Your Whirlwind Guide to the Capital’s Top Five Must-Sees

London. Doesn’t it make you think of the red double-deckers running in that absolute cultural melting pot of a city? Rich in history, this place is also filled with new and improved technology, beautiful restaurants, and lush greenery. It draws tourists like moths from around the globe. In this article, we will give you a well-planned day to ensure that you get a taste of most of London’s landmarks and sights.

Before you can even start dreaming about those iconic landmarks, there is one practicality to address for most international travelers: acquainting yourself with the visa requirements. With recent Visa Policy Changes in most countries, and most notably the UK, being prepared is more necessary than ever before. That’s where UK eTA Portal steps in to help.

We offer an e-visa service that simplifies the typically laborious application process, allowing you to focus on preparing to enjoy London. So, with a passport (and, hopefully, a valid visa!) in hand, our focus shifts to maximizing a day trip to London by air.

Your London Day- A Strategic Scouring of the Top 5

London in a day requires focus, good transportation, and planning.

1. The Westminster Powerhouses

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament & Westminster Abbey- This place is simply the hub of British tradition and democracy.

 Start your day early in Westminster. This cluster of sights is so handy for a quick visit. You’ll be faced first with the beautiful Houses of Parliament, their Gothic Revival facade, and all of it will be nothing short of breathtaking.

And, of course, there’s the clock tower. Popularly (and confusingly) named Big Ben, its actual official name applies to the bell inside. Snap your photos from Parliament Square to remember your day.

Make sure to squeeze in Westminster Abbey, a building that holds too many years of history. Be it coronations or royal weddings, all of it was done here.

2. Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the Monarch and a bastion of royal pomp. It’s a short walk from Westminster (10-15 minutes) down St. James’s Park, which is pleasant and generally has squirrels ready to have their photos taken.

You’ll soon find yourself in front of Buckingham Palace if you continue with that walk. If you time it right (book ahead, since it’s not every day in July), the Changing of the Guard ceremony is a potent display of British pomp and ceremony. Ceremony or not, the sight of the iconic palace gates and stern-faced King’s Guard is a quintessential London experience.

3. The Tower of London & Tower Bridge

Medieval castle, royal palace, grisly prison, and engineering achievement. After Buckingham Palace, you will need to get on the underground Metro to get to Tower Hill station. Here, you will also spot a UNESCO heritage site called the Tower of London. It was a prison and an execution place once upon a time, but now it holds the Crown Jewels.

Again, a good visit will take over an hour, but you can easily just do an outside stroll around. Get the feel of the place and admire the White Tower view. And from there, you also have a great view of Tower Bridge, London’s most iconic bridge.

Stop to take some great photos of this engineering marvel, hopefully even catching its bascules opening for a ship to travel through if you’re so lucky!

4. The British Museum- A World Heritage Glimpse

With a huge collection of world art and artifacts. Then get on the Tube again (e.g., from Tower Hill to Russell Square or Tottenham Court Road) to the British Museum. One of the world’s finest museums, it’s crammed with millennia and world wonders. Check out the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies.

Therefore, you can’t hope to see it all in a day.

Our suggestion: pick one wing or three things you need to view.

Pick those, spend an hour, then split. It’s a question of appreciating the grandeur and significance, not viewing everything.                                                                           

5. Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery-  Culture in the Heart of London

If you are considering history and art, then this crowded public square is the final destination is for you . Trafalgar Square isn’t far from Nelson’s Column and is also enveloped by the iconic lion statues. You can feel the pulse of the city and have a visitation to the National Gallery.

Did you know that you get to view the collection here for free? Make the most out of this year to your heart’s delight.

Stuff to Do in London in One Day

Morning

This is how you can organize your busy day, mixing these top 5 sites with other classic London experiences.

Start at Parliament Square for photos of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben.

Walk through St. James’s Park to Buckingham Palace for a few more photos (if you’re lucky and time it right, then you could even catch the Changing of the Guard).

Break in a nearby café for coffee and a pastry.

Lunch

Pick up a quick lunch to eat on the go! You could go to a historic London pub in Westminster, or ride the Tube to your next stop and buy some street food at a market (like Borough Market if you have time for a side trip).

Afternoon

Take a closer glance at the Tower of London and get some photographs of Tower Bridge.

Take a short ride on the London Eye for a bird’s-eye view of the city (purchase tickets in advance online to avoid long queues!). It offers a fresh new angle on existing sights.

Or, if you prefer, then take the Tube to the British Museum for your chosen hour-long tour of its highlights.

Evening

Head to Trafalgar Square. Take in the atmosphere, people-watch, and if you have 30 minutes to spare, then check out the National Gallery.

It’s also a good opportunity to do any last-minute souvenir shopping in the area.

For dinner, London evenings are for enjoyment! Eat out at one of London’s many restaurants. You’ll also discover every cuisine, from trendy restaurants in Soho to international cuisine in Covent Garden. If TV is not your thing, take a relaxing evening Thames River cruise and see the famous landmarks.

London is fabulous, but don’t miss the remainder of Great Britain! There’s culture and music in Liverpool, history in Edinburgh, and much, much more. However, this day-trip guide is just a sample of many more fantastic vacations throughout the British Isles. Therefore, Check out some of our other articles!

Last-Minute Tips for Stress-Free Travel

Making your London day trip wish a reality starts long before you step onto an airplane. For most people, acquiring the proper tourism visa is the first hurdle. Always check the latest entry requirements for your country.

It prevents any unwanted surprises when you get there. For a basic step-by-step guide to getting your visa, evisaprime.com is the place for you. So,  Apply for your e-visa now!

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Referring the Online UK Visa eligible countries helps travellers to determine the need to get Online UK Visa and its requirements for their UK trip. Learn more at Online UK Visa Eligible Countries.