England

If you need to ask about reasons to visit London, chances are, this is going to be your first visit. Whether you plan to be in town for several days, or maybe just hoping to see London in a Day, you’ll never run out of things to see and do in this crazy, fun city.

Fortunately for you, London has a great public transportation system, so getting around the city will be nice and easy. This means you’ll get to see a lot, even with limited time to explore.

So what are we waiting for?

Here are my Top 10 Favorite Reasons to Visit London.

1. British Culture

Some of the most well known aspects of British culture involve the monarchy and royalty. The Queen of England is easily the most famous monarch in the entire world.

Many tourists and first time visitors to England will prioritize a visit to Buckingham Palace in order to see the famous Changing of the Guard.

The British are also known for thier lively and fun pub culture. You’ll find pubs all over England, and I strongly encourage you to find yourself inside one at least once during your visit. Order the fish and chips and a pint and just have a good time.

In addition to the above aspects of British culture, they are also known for their incredibly good manners and high-brow sense of humor, both of which are prefectly paired with a dash of attitude. The Brits are fun, and they want you to know it.

What’s especially awesome about British cutlure is their exceptional level of tolerance for all kinds of people. British society is very progressive when it comes to the inclusion of all indivicuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, etc.

Their openness makes London a great place to be if you’re part of the subcuture or counterculture. Which partially explains why so many amazing artists and musicians are from here.

Another important aspect of British culture is the tradition of afternoon tea, which brings me to one of my other favorite reasons to visit London.

2. Afternoon tea

Afternoon tea in London is a cultural institution. For visitors from North America, or elsewhere in the world, afternoon tea is a unique and fun experience for those looking to enjoy a part of the local culture that they don’t have back home.

All over London there are thousands of restaurants that serve afternoon tea, each with its own character and atmosphere. Many of the most popular spots for afternoon tea require reservations in advance.

It should be noted, smart casual attire is suggested for the higher end afternoon tea experiences.

Other afternoon tea experiences are more casual and walk ins are easily accepted. Either way, you’ll want to plan accordingly for the experience you want to have. If you plan to partake in afternoon tea at The Ritz or The Shard, make those reservations in advance.

But if you don’t take your afternoon tea so seriously, you can likely find a spot offering a more local experience just by walking around the city. You can always ask the front desk at your hotel for suggestions as well.

No matter which experience you decide to go with, please don’t skip afternoon tea. Those little sandwiches and desserts are fun to eat, you don’t want to miss out.

3. The music scene

Another one of my favorite reasons to visit London is for the incredible music scene you can find here. No matter what type of music moves you, you’ll have no trouble finding it in London.

Visitors to London can enjoy music in the city’s major concert venues, punk clubs, large arenas, bars and pubs. From the O2 Arena and Wembley Stadium, to smaller venues like the Roundhouse or Electric Ballroom, there’s always plenty happening on any given night.

Since music tastes are so varied, I won’t make suggestions here, but I encourage you to do a little research before your visit to London. See if any of your favorite bands happen to be on tour.

If so, they probably have a London date in there somewhere. See if you can line up your travel dates with their concert. It’s the perfect way to put a personal touch on your London trip.

4. Museums

Exploring the city’s many musuems is one of the most educational reasons to visit London. It almost seems as though London has an endless supply of museums and art galleries to explore, you’ll surely never get to them all on just one visit.

London is home to some of the most famous museums in Europe, and the world. Travelers to London are encouraged to visit The British Musuem, The National Gallery, Tate Modern, and the Natural History Museum, if time permits.

If not, try to squeeze in a visit to at least one of them. Pick any one, you can’t go wrong.

5. The shopping

The shopping in London is incredible. No matter your style, price point, or favorite designer, there’s a shopping area or boutique just for you.

If you’re looking for high end shopping with lots of options, head over to New Bond Street near the Mayfair neighborhood. This is where you’ll find all the major designer shops like Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, and Prada.

If you are looking for mid range brands and department stores, head to Oxford Street in SoHo. Here you’ll find stores like Top Shop and Urban Outfitters.

And if you’re looking for more unique clothing and local boutiques, head to artsy neighborhoods like Shoreditch. Then just walk around and see what you find.

6. The restaurant scene

Generally speaking, London has never been known to have great food. However, that perception is slowly changing.

While I definitely encourage first time visitors to try the classics, like fish and chips, bangers and mash, and Yorkshire pudding, I also recommend trying modern dishes at some of the city’s trendier restarants and food stands.

If you’d like to find a ton of great food stands in one place, pay a visit to Camden Market in Camden Town. There’s hundreds of great food options there, plus you can stroll through all the cool shops selling everything from clothing to records.

7. The pubs

London is a city of great pubs, which is one of the best reasons to visit London. Well, at least it’s one of the most FUN reasons to visit London.

You’ll have no trouble finding a pub in this city, they are everywhere. Even if you’re not a big beer drinker, or drinker in general, make at least one visit to the pub during your time in London.

Pubs are a big part of the local culture and a fun way to spend an evening. Depending on where in the city you are, pubs can get a bit rowdy on weekend nights or when sporting events are happening, but if you arrive on the early side, you can generally beat the crowds.

While pubs are traditionally known for serving beer, most have a full bar, so you can order just about anything you want. Most will also serve food, so you can get dinner there too.

8. Historical landmarks

London is a capital city overflowing with historical landmarks, tourist attractions, and fun stuff to do.

If you just walk down the street in the city center near Hyde Park you’ll find plenty of unique and interesting places to visit.

This is the area of the city where you can see Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and across the river, the London Eye.

All of these stops, and many more, are within walking distance of one another. So if you’re on a short trip, you can see all these major landmarks in one visit.

If you want a closer look at any of these destinations, I encourage you to book tickets ahead of time. Lines for just about all them can be incredibly long. You don’t want to waste your time in London standing in a line.

9. Shoreditch

My favorite neighborhood in London is Shoreditch. It’s trendy, it’s artsy, it’s got great cafes, fantastic bars, and good food.

If you like street art, you’ll definitely want to make time for a visit to Shoreditch. The nieghborhood is dotted with colorful murals and paintings. Consider taking a London street art tour to learn more about the neighborhood, the art, and local artists.

Shoreditch is also where you’ll also find the super trendy Hoxton hotel, which makes an affordable and fun homebase as you’re exploring the city. By affordable, I mean about 200 Euros per night. Don’t forget, London is expensive.

If Shoreditch isn’t your scene, you can explore some of the city’s many other neighborhoods as well. Some to conisder are Notting Hill, SoHo, Peckham. Farringdon, or Covent Garden, just to name a few.

10. Tower Bridge

One of the more popular reasons to visit London is to see Tower Bridge.

The iconic Tower Bridge is one of the most visited landmarks in London. It’s unique and photogenic design draws tourists at all hours of the day.

You’ll get the best views and best pictures of Tower Bridge from Potters Fields Park on the south side of the River Thames. The view is especially gorgeous around sunrise and sunset.

If you’re like me and you prefer to have the place to yourself, aim for sunrise.

For those wanting to learn more about the bridge, head to the Tower Bridge Exhibition. For a small entrance fee you can learn about the history and consturction of the bridge.

What’s cool though, is that you get access to the top section of the bridge. Once you’re up there, you can look down at the boats and the river through the glass floor. It’s totally worth the cost of admission.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this list of My 10 Favorite Reasons to Visit London. I also hope they’ve helped inspire you to visit and given you some ideas for your itinerary. If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it with your friends, it really helps me a lot.

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Making your first trip to England? If so, use these 12 Practical Travel Tips for England to make sure your trip goes off without a hitch.

Hopefully, you’ll get the opportunity to spend at least a few days in London before heading off the see the rest of the country. There’s so much to see and do, you’re going to have an incredible time.

If you’re ready, let’s get into these 12 Practical Travel Tips for England.

1. Take the train from the airport

If you’re looking at travel tips for England, you’ve likely booked a flight into London. This means you’ll be arriving at either Heathrow, Gatwick, or slightly less likely Stanstead.

You can catch a train directly from the airport if you’re flying into Heathrow and Gatwick. From Stanstead, you’ll need to take a bus to a nearby train station.

Depending on where your accomodations are (and which airport you arrived at), it will take you about an hour (maybe a bit longer) to get to where you are staying.

I encourage you to take the train because it is by far the least expensive option. Plus, it’ll give you the chance to pick up your Oyster Card and get familiar with how the trains work.

Just for reference, it will cost less than $10 (USD to take the train from the airport into central London. If you take an Uber or a taxi, you’re looking at spending closer to $60 or $70 (USD).

A quick word of warning. It kind of sucks to take your luggage on the trains during rush hour. The trains get packed and many train stations have lots of stairs. They may have had elevators, but I sure could not find them.

So just be prepared for the crowded trains and the annoyance of having to carry your bags up and down lots of stairs. But otherwise, the trains are great.

Also, be mindful of the seating designated for the elderly or those with disabilities. I missed the sign behind my seat and thought I’d found the perfect spot on the train.

That is until the train filled up and someone snapped at me to move when an older lady boarded. I moved immediately and apologized, but not before the lady grumbled at me too.

2. Get an Oyster Card

Since you’ll be taking the train from the airport anyway, pick up an Oyster Card when you get your ticket. The Oyster Card is what you’ll use to take the London Underground around the city to get from place to place.

When you pay for your Oyster Card, be sure to load it up with the approximate amount you will need for the time you’ll be in London. This way, whenever you need to ride the train, you can just swipe your card and go.

When I visited I was in town for 3 days and just put $30 Euro on the card. I didn’t use nearly that much but kept my Oyster Card and plan to return soon anyway.

3. Carry some Pound Sterling

The local currency in England is the Pound Sterling. I encourage you to pick up a small amount to have on you during your visit to England.

Yes, most places will take credit cards and that is typically how I’d advise you to pay for most things. This is especially the case if you use a good travel credit card, which you absolutely should.

However, having a small amount of Pound Sterling for smaller purchases will make things easier. For example, if you want to try some street food, pick up a small souvenir, or leave a tip, it’s best to have some of the local currency.

In the event that you pull out too much and are reaching the end of your trip, just make your last few purchases in Pound Sterling instead of on your card. Worst case scenario, you will have to return some day.

4. Get outside of London

Yes, London is an incredibly fun, cosmopolitan city with endless things to do. BUT, you don’t want to spend all your time in the city.

England is a big place and it’s covered in natural beauty. So plan a few day trips from London or maybe just rent a car and hit the road for a few days.

Depending on how much time you have, you may wish to consider visiting Manchester, Liverpool, Snowdonia National Park, or maybe even the Lake District (pictured above).

Many of the other large cities in England are just as fun as London, but much cheaper. Take advantage of the affordability while you’re there.

No matter which destination you choose, you’ll see so much more of England than can be seen by staying in London. I’m sure you won’t regret it.

5. Make reservations for afternoon tea

A list of travel tips for England would be complete without some advice for afternoon tea.

I strongly encourage you to make reservations for afternoon tea if you’d like to visit one of the fancier restaurants for this experience. Many of the most popular spots in London do require reservations, though many will also allow you to put your name on the waiting list, but the wait can be quite long.

There are so many different options for afternoon tea, each offering its own unique experience. If there’s a place that’s calling your name, make that reservation in advance so you don’t get left out.

Here are the afternoon tea locations I like to recommend:

• Afternoon Tea at the Ritz: A classic with old school glamour and charm.
• Afternoon Tea at Sketch, in the Mayfair – It’s trendy, lively, and so very pink. A perfect spot for the younger crowd.
• Afternoon Tea at Oblix West, in The Shard – Fancy pants afternoon tea with a view from the 32nd floor of the The Shard.
• Afternoon Tea at By Chloe – Located in Covent Garden and it’s perfect for Vegans.

I promise afternoon tea is fun, so try more than one.

If you’re looking for a more local afternoon tea experience, I encourage you to ask the concierge or front desk at your hotel, they will likely have some great suggestions too.

If you’d like to see other great ideas for afternoon tea, watch this short video for additional suggestions.

6. Budget your trip

There’s no getting around it, England (especially London), is an expensive destination. You’re going to spend a lot on transporation and accomodation while traveling around the country.

My advice here is to just be prepared for this before you leave. Make sure you have an idea of what your trip will cost you. There’s nothing worse than being on vacation only to realize you’re spending way more than you can afford.

If you want to visit England but you’re on a budget, consider exploring London in a Day, then moving on to more affordable destiantions around the country.

Other ways to save money and reduce your expenses are to book your hotel away from the city center, limit your alcohol purchases, and reduce the number of meals you eat in restaruants.

You should also consider taking advantage of free things to do in London. Many of the major sights are perfectly visible from the street, so there’s no need to pay admission fees to everything.

For starters, both The British Musuem and The National Gallery have free admission. These musuems are large as well, so they’ll likely take up a good amount of your day.

Also, if you’re from the United States, take a look at flights into Gatwick airport instead of Heathrow. There tend to be better deals into Gatwick, and you can still take the train into central London.

Just one more thing, look to visit England in the off season as well. Hotel prices and airfare are significantly lower in the early spring and late fall.

7. Don’t skip the touristy things

As any good England travel guide will tell you, don’t skip the touristy things.

There are many attractions in London that draw a large crowd. While I often consider myself a master at avoiding crowds, there are certain times one needs to put their preferences aside and just deal with the minor discomfort.

For example, I think it’s more than worth the annoyance of large crowds in order to see The British Musuem, The View from the Shard, and maybe Buckingham Palace.

Besides, many of the busiest attractions in London are unique to the city and culture of England, so they are worth seeing, especially if this is your first visit.

My point is, don’t skip these things just because it will be crowded. If you really hate the crowds that much, get in and get out, or just get up early. Which brings me to my next point.

8. Get up early

If you’re visiting London for the first time, or just plan to visit some of the popular tourist attractions, plan to get up early.

You would not believe some of the places I’ve found myself alone at because I was willing to get up early. The Sacre Coeur and Trocadero in Paris and Nyhavn in Copenhagen just to name a few. Also Buckingham Palace as shown in the picture above.

But enought about me. I encourage you to get up super early whenever you can when traveling. It honestly feels wonderful to have these world famous destintions all to yourself. It’s magical actually.

But also, it’s the perfect opportunity to get nice photos of the places you’re visiting. It also extends your travel day. You get some major sights checked off your list before most people are even out of bed.

You can thank me later for this one.

9. Get travel insurance

As just about any travel blogger on the internet will tell you, don’t forget to purchase travel insurance. This is especially important if you’re participating in adventurous activities as you travel around England and the United Kingdom.

Accidents can happen, and they can happen anywhere. You don’t want to be injured in another country and not have health insurace, it can be very, very expensive. This type of situation can also ruin your trip, and we don’t want that to happen.

I personally use World Nomads, but there are a few other options out there as well. Travel insurance usually ends up costing just a few dollars per day, but it does depend on where you’re traveling and what you’ll be doing.

At the very least, get a quote and see what it might cost.

10. Spend at least one night at a local pub

Pubs in England are part of the culture, and truth be told, they can be really, really fun. They are especially great after a long day of running around and sightseeing.

Pubs vary in their ambiance, some are quiet, some are rowdy, some fall somewhere in between. No matter your preference, there’s a pub out there for you.

It’s not necessary to make reservations in advance, most of the time you can get a table or spot at the bar with a short wait or no wait at all, depending on the time of your arrival.

If you’re in central London and you want a more local experience, you’ll need to make a beeline away from the city center towards the local neighborhoods. But, there are plenty of fun and interesting pubs in central London too.

So don’t think you’ve got to go far to find a good spot for dinner and a beer.

I’m not going to give you pub suggestions because I think the one you find on your own is the best one. So get out there, walk around, and you’ll see what I mean.

11. Try the local food

Everybody’s favorite of my travel tips for England.

Be sure to try the local food. While England’s reputation for tasteless and unappetizing food remains, it’s safe to say the food is getting better. But even if it’s not, you should try it anyway.

Here are some of the most popular dishes you need to try while visiting England:

• Bangers and Mash: A serving of pork, lamb, or beef sausages served with mashed potatoes.
• Fish and Chips: This is battered and deep fried fish served with french fries.
• Yorkshire Pudding: A pudding made from a batter of eggs, flour, and milk or water.
• Toad in the Hole: Sausages served in Yorkshire Pudding batter. It is usually served with onion gravy and vegetables.
• Black Pudding: This is a pork blood sausage made with pork blood, pork fat, and usually oatmeal.
• Shepard’s Pie: This is a minced meat pie with gravy and vegetables served with mashed potatoes on top.
• Steak and Kidney Pie: This is a meat pie with diced beef, diced kidney, fried onion, and gravy.

Some of these dishes are a bit too adventurous for me, so I went with the fish and chips. But you should totally try them all then let me know how it goes.

12. Drive, walk, and bike on the left

This is likely the easiest to forget of these travel tips for England, but also one of the most important, especially if you’re driving.

Make sure you stay to the left when driving on the roads. You’ll be in for quite the surprise if you end up on the right.

It’s also important to stay to the left when walking along the busy treets and in train stations.

I’ll be honest, I completely forgot about this during my trip. It certainly explains why I had so much trouble getting to my hotel on the busy SoHo streets.

But anyways, be sure to walk on the left at all times, especially in congested areas. It will make your movements easier and far less annoying to thers I would imagine.

I hope you’ve enjoyed these travel tips for England and found them useful for planning a trip of your own. If you enjoyed this post, please share it with your friends. It really helps me a lot. Thanks for reading.

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Planning a visit to England and need to see London in a day? Well keep reading, this post is for you.

I put together this travel guide for those of you short on time but ambitious enough to try and see it all.

This is a no nonsense guide to get you in front of all the major tourist spots in the city. This is perfect for those who have never been to London before and want to see the biggest landmarks.

Hopefully you’ll get the chance to return one day. When you do, you won’t have to worry about doing these touristy things.

So let’s get to it. Here is my recommended itinerary of the Top 14 Things to Do in London in a Day.

Top 14 Things to See in London in a Day

To navigate London in a day you’ll want to have comfortable shoes and a fully charged cell phone.

You’ll be using Google Maps to get walking and transit directions in between destinations.

Also, be sure to pick up an Oyster Card (the metro card for London) as soon as possible so you can just hop on the train when you need to.

If you’re not comfortable using the tube to get around from place to place, you can always use Uber or hail a taxi to get to your next destination.

The destinations on this itinerary are in order based on location to make it easy for you to visit them all.

However, feel free to move things around as you see fit. If you think I’ve included a destination that sounds boring, skip it. This is your trip, make it your own.

1. Buckingham Palace

We start this visit to London in a Day at Buckingham Palace because it’s nice to see early in the morning before all the crowds arrive.

It also gives you the opportunity to get a nice picture, such as the one above.

For those who don’t know, Buckingham Palace has been the principal British royal residence since 1837.

It has a total of 775 rooms and is home to several royal couples, including Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip.

Buckingham Palace is also the location of the famous Changing of the Guard, which is held several times per week most of the year, and daily during the summer months.

The Changing of the Guard occurs around 10:45 a.m., so you’ll want to come by later in the morning if this is something you need to see.

If you want to go inside Buckingham Palace, guided tours are available. However, if you want to see London in a day, you’ll need to skip this for now.

Next Stop – St. James Park

Once you’re done snapping pictures of yourself alone in front of Buckingham Palace, simply turn around and begin walking. You’ll find St. James Park just across the street.

2. St. James Park

St. James Park is a large 57 acre public park located in Central London. The park is bordered by Buckingham Palace to the west, the London Mall, Horse Guards, and Birdcage Walk to the south.

Inside the park, visitors will find St. James Lake, home to two small islands with large waterfowl populations, including a colony of pelicans.

St. James Park also features several walking paths, a bridge, a fountain, a children’s playground, and a sandpit.

If you happen to be visiting London in the fall, St. James Park is a perfect destination for fall foliage. The park has beautiful fall colors on display all over the park, especially near the lake.

Next Stop – Westminster Abbey

Once you’ve made your way through St. James Park, pull up walking directions to Westminster Abbey. It will be a short seven to ten minute walk from the park.

3. Westminster Abbey

The Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, otherwise known as Westminster Abbey, is a large gothic church in central London.

Westminster Abbey is the most well known church in London and has been the location of 16 royal weddings.

Most recently, Prince William married Catherine Middleton at Westminster Abbey on April 29, 2011.

Westminster Abbey is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hours vary on Saturdays depending on the time of year.

They generally open at 9:00 a.m. and close at either 1:00 p.m. or 3:00 p.m. Services are held on Sundays.

Admission tickets should be purchased in advance and will cost $21 Euro per person for adults.

Since Westminster Abbey doesn’t open until 9:30 a.m. and you’ve only got one day in London, you should skip this for now.

Next Stop – Palace of Westminster

Once you’ve finished admiring Westminster Abbey, bring up walking directions to the Palace of Westminster. It’s basically just across the street, so it will only take you a few minutes to get over there.

4. Palace of Westminster

The Palace of Westminster, more commonly known as the Houses of Parliament, is also where you can find London’s most famous landmark, Big Ben.

This is the building where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. It’s the home of English politics and where the day to day business of the country is conducted.

Guided tours and audio tours are available starting at around $20 Euros per person.

The tours run on different days and times throughout the week, be sure to check their website prior to your visit for more information and to plan your visit.

Ticket lines can get long. You should also account for the security line, which can take up to 45 minutes or longer, depending on the crowds that day.

I include information about ticketing and admission so you know how to go about it, but the lines are too long for a London in a Day itinerary.

We’ll skip the inside tour for now, we’ve got more to see.

Next Stop – Big Ben

Once you’re done viewing the Palace of Westminster, head down the block towards the River Thames.

You’ll actually get the best view of Big Ben from across the river. Bring up walking directions for CJD Memorial Plaque, located in the St. Thomas Hospital Gardens across the Westminster Bridge. This will be about a 5 minute walk across the bridge.

Quick note, while you’re crossing the bridge, be sure to snap a picture of the London Eye on the opposite side of the bridge. This is one of the best places to get pictures of the full wheel before you get closer.

5. Big Ben

A one day London itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a stop to see Big Ben.

However, Big Ben is currently undergoing renevations, so getting a glimpse of the world’s most famous clock tower isn’t as exciting as it used to be.

Big Ben is slated to return to his original glory some time next year (in 2021). In the meantime, London visitors can observe the renovations from afar.

The official reopening of Big Ben will be announced closer to the conclusion of the renovations.

For those who don’t know, Big Ben is actually the nickname of the largest bell inside the clock tower.

It is one of five bells housed in the Elizabeth Tower. Big Ben is said to be about 160 years old.

Next Stop – The London Eye

Once you’re finished snapping pictures of Big Ben, head down the path along the River Thames called The Queens Walk. After a short 5 minute walk, you will arrive at the popular London Eye.

6. The London Eye

The London Eye has become one of the most iconic sights in London since it opened back in March 2000.

The massive observation wheel sits along the south bank of the River Thames near central London.

The London Eye is so popular that it’s the busiest paid tourist destination in all of the United Kingdom. It gets over 3.75 million visitors annually.

If you’re looking for an impressive view of London, this is one of the best places to go.

Due to its popularity, it’s advised that you purchase tickets in advance and plan to arrive early. If at all possible, plan to arrive right when they open.

The London Eye consists of 32 capsules which hold up to 25 people each. Seating is available inside but guests are free to walk around the capsule as it makes it’s way around.

It takes 30 minutes for each capsule to make a full rotation back to the boarding area.

If you’re on the mission to see London in a day, you’ll want to plan ahead for this one. Book your ticket online in advance and select the Fast Track option so you don’t have to wait in line.

The hours of operation vary depending on the day and time of year. In general, the London Eye is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Standard tickets cost about $27 Euro while Fast Track tickets start at about $37 Euro. If you’d like your own capsule, that will cost you $450 Euro.

If you want to complete the full London in a day itinerary, I recommend doing either the London Eye, or going to the top of The Shard. I would just pick one, but not both.

Next Stop – The Shard

After you’ve completed your spin around The London Eye, catch a train or request an Uber to take you to The Shard.

It will take you about 15 minutes to reach The Shard by car or train. If you prefer to walk, it will take you approximately 35 minutes.

7. The Shard

If you’re in search of an even better view of London than the London Eye can provide, make your way over to The Shard.

The Shard is a 95 story skyscrapper that stands 1,016 feet high. In fact, it is currently the tallest building in the entire United Kingdon, you really can’t miss it.

It sits on the south side of the River Thames and is located a short walk from London Bridge.

The observation deck, appropriately named, The View from the Shard, opened to the public back in February 2013.

The View from the Shard sits on the 68th floor of the tower. There is a second observation deck on the 72nd floor as well.

The main viewing gallery sits on the 69th floor and takes up 3 levels. There are 360 degree views and visitors can see up to 40 miles in every direction, weather permitting of course.

On the 72nd floor, visitors can enter a partially open air observation deck. This platform allows for 360 degree views and guests can see the pinnacle of the buidling.

If you want to spoil yourself, the five star Shangi-La Hotel is found inside The Shard on floors 34 to 52.

The View from the Shard is open daily at 10:00 a.m. Closing hours vary depending on the day of the week and time of the year. In general. closing times will range from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Admission prices for The View from the Shard vary as well, but advance tickets begin at $25 Euro per person.

Next Stop – Tower Bridge

Once you make your way back down to Earth from The View from the Shard, plug in walking directions to Potters Fields Park. This park borders the River Thames and has a spectacular view of Tower Bridge. This walk will take you about 15 minutes.

8. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in London and one of the most famous bridges in the world.

The bridge is a suspension and bascule bridge built between 1886 and 1894. Visitors can cross the bridge on foot on the sidewalks on the main level free of charge.

There is also a Tower Bridge Exhibition that teaches guests about the bridge’s construction and history. The exhibition also features access to an upper level walkway with a glass floor.

The Tower Bridge Exhibition is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets are $9.80 Euros per person.

Guided tours are also available. It is recommended you purchase your tickets online in advance in order to avoid the lines.

Even if you’re doing the full London in a Day itinerary, you should have plenty of time for this one. Get your tickets in advance and don’t linger too long.

Next Stop – Tower of London

If you’ve made your way across Tower Bridge, you’re just a short walk from the Tower of London. You’ll find a walking path on the left just as you cross the River Thames.

Follow that path a short distance along the river and you’ll arrive at the Tower of London. From the bridge, this should be just a 5 minute walk.

9. Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames.

The first portion of the castle (the White Tower) was built back in 1078, with several more recent additions being constructed in the 1300s.

The Tower of London has had a variety of uses over the years, from a royal residence to a prison.

Today the Tower of London is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still used to house the Crown Jewels.

Visitors to the Tower of London can view the famous Crown Jewels, a collection of 23,578 gemstones, many of which are still used in royal ceremonies today.

The Crown Jewels are held in a section of the Tower of London called the Jewel House, which is watched by armed guards. You can also see when certain pieces are in use as there will be a sign in its place.

Opening hours for the Tower of London vary. Weekdays from Tuesday though Saturday they are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

(They close at 4:30 p.m. in the winter from November through February.) Sundays and Mondays they open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 5:30 p.m. (4:30 p.m. in the winter).

Admission for adults is about 25 Euros per person. As with all major tourist destinations, you are advised to purchase your ticket online in advance.

Next Stop – Afternoon Tea in London

Once you’ve finished exploring the Tower of London it should be about lunchtime. This means it’s time for afternoon tea.

Select from one of the many options in the city and make your way there via the tube or the rideshare service of your choice.

10. Afternoon Tea in London

You are encouraged to plan ahead for afternoon tea in London. Many of the most popular locations for afternoon tea require reservations or have a long wait.

You can save yourself the hassle and a significant amount of time by making your reservation before you arrive.

The British take their afternoon tea very seriously, so it’s quite the affiar. Be sure to arrive on time and dress appropriately. Think smart casual.

In case you are unaware, afternoon tea in London is also served with small sandwiches, scones, and sweets. There is typically plenty to hold you over until dinner.

Here are a few of popular spots for afternoon tea in London:

• Afternoon Tea at the Ritz: A classic with old school glamour and charm.
• Afternoon Tea at Sketch, in the Mayfair – It’s trendy, lively, and so very pink. A perfect spot for the younger crowd.
• Afternoon Tea at Oblix West, in The Shard – Fancy pants afternoon tea with a view from the 32nd floor of the The Shard.
• Afternoon Tea at By Chloe – Located in Covent Garden and it’s perfect for Vegans.

Reservations at the above mentioned spots are highly recommended. Prices vary depending on location but you can expect to pay anywhere from $40 to $60 Euros per person.

Next Stop – The National Gallery

Make your way from wheverer you had afternoon tea to The National Gallery. The nearest underground stations will be either Charing Cross or Leicester Square if you’re taking the tube.

11. The National Gallery

The National Gallery is a beautiful art museum located in Trafalgar Square in central London.

The museum’s impressive collection includes over 2,300 paintings dating from the 13th Century to the 1900s.

It is one of the most visited musuems in the world, after the Louvre, the British Museum, and the MET in New York City.

The National Gallery’s collection features paintings from artists such as Rembrandt, van Eyck, Van Gogh, Michelangelo, and many more.

Audio and guided tours are available for those who would like a more immersive experience.

Admission to the main collection is free of charge. The National Gallery is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. They are open late until 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Next Stop – Piccadilly Circus

If you want to take a quick look at Piccadilly Circus while you’re in London, it’s just an 8 minute walk from The National Gallery. Use your Google Maps for the walking directions.

12. Piccadilly Circus

To be honest, Piccadilly Circus wasn’t the most interesting London attraction to me. It’s basically just a traffic circle with tons of traffic, advertisements, stores, and crowds.

It pretty much reminded me of a smaller version of Times Square in New York, which I don’t like much either.

I’m including Piccadilly Circus in my one day in London itinerary because if you’re passing by, it’s worth a look.

It’s located in the SoHo neighborhood, which is where many of the most popular hotels and restuarants are, so it’s not much of a hassle to get to.

However, I would not make a special trip just to see Piccadilly Circus. You will likely be disappointed.

Next Stop – The British Museum

You can get from Piccadilly Circus to The British Museum in about a 20 minute walk or a 16 minute train ride. Take whichever method of transportation sounds easiest to you.

And congratulations, you’ve almost made it through this marathon of a one day in London itinerary.

13. The British Museum

The British Museum is a public institution in London that showcases human history, art and culture.

The museum holds over 8 million works and is the largest in existence. It was also the first public museum in the world.

The musuem was created back in 1753 and obtained most of its collection during the time of the British Empire.

I won’t get into the details of their collection here, but you can expect to see art and artifacts from all over the world.

The British Museum makes for a fascinating time. While you will not have time to see it all, spend at least an hour here if you can. You won’t be disappointed.

The British Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Next Stop – Beer

That’s it. You did it. You’re done. Now let’s find you a pub so you can celebrate with dinner and a case of beer.

14. Visit a pub

There are hundreds (maybe thousands) of great pubs in London. From local neighborhood pubs to trendy hipster pubs. No matter which you choose you’re bound to have a good time.

Order the fish and chips and a beer for the perfect end to your one day in London trip.

Here are a few pub suggestions in central London to get you started:

• The Ship Tavern: A 16th century pub with an extensive drink list and upscale dining menu.
• The Harp: Lively pub with great beer and traditional ciders.
• The Star Tavern: Traditional neighborhood pub with a cozy atmosphere.
• The Dog and Duck: Lively and fun pub with an extensive drink menu, including several ciders, and traditional food menu.

If none of the options on my list sound good to you, just walk around for a bit. You’re sure to run into a place.

10 Tips for visiting London in a day

Here are some additional tips to help your visit to London in a day go smoothly.

1. Get an early start – You’ll need to be out the door and ready to go around sunrise if you want to see everything on this list.
2. Dress in layers – London can be chilly depending on the time of year you visit, but you will warm up as you’re walking around from place to place.
3. Don’t linger too long – You’ll need to keep moving if you want to hit all the spots on this list.
4. Bring water: Since you’ll be doing a lot of running around, you’ll want to stay hydrated.
5. Use a travel credit card – Use a good travel credit card to make your purchases throughout the day. This way you’ll be earning points for your next trip.
6. Make reservations for afternoon tea – If you plan to enjoy afternoon tea during your visit, be sure to make reservations in advance.
7. Consider purchasing a London Pass – If you’re looking to save money during your visit, look into getting a London Pass which gives discounts on transportation and entrance fees to local attractions.
8. Take advantage of sunrise and sunset – These are the best times for pictures, so try to be somewhere you can take advantage of the great lighting during these times.
9. Book a hotel just outside of the city centre – London hotels are crazy expensive. Try looking for deals just outside central London.
10. Don’t skip the pub – Pubs are a big part of the culture in England, so stop in to at least one pub during your visit and have a beer.

I hope you’ve found this London in a Day itinerary useful and that it makes your visit to the city more enjoyable.

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Frequently Asked Questions about London

1. Is London a day trip from Paris?

Well it certainly could be. However, it depends on how much time and energy you have when traveling.

It’s about a 2 hour and 20 minute train ride from central London to central Paris.

If you plan to do this I recommend getting on the first train from Paris at 7:13 a.m. This will put you in London at about 8:30 a.m.

London is in a different time zone so you’ll gain an hour on the way there. Just don’t forget you lose it on the way back.

The last train departs London at 8:00 p.m. This will place you back in central Paris at about 11:30 p.m.

If you do visit London in a day on a day trip from Paris, you can visit all the stops in this itinerary, but you’ll need to move at a good pace.

Does London observe daylight savings time?

Yes.

In March clocks in London will be turned forward one hour. In October clocks in London will be turned back one hour.

Can you DO London in a day?

Nope.

There’s a lot more to London than just a list of popular tourist destinations. So while you can’t DO London in a day, you can GET TO KNOW London in a day.

Hopefully, you’ll get to come back again sometime and get to know London even better.

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