Places to visit in London in one day! Top places to visit in a day

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most of your time and keep it enjoyable too. With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sites that London is famous for. 

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and some hidden gems in London. Still, unless you have much more than one day you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant. Listing the best places to visit in London in one day. 

So this is our guide to the very best places to visit in London in one day. It includes some of the most important sites and must-see places that are worth your time. Most of this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London. So pack your bags, lace up your walking shoes, and be prepared to lose yourself in the magic of London where every street corner holds a new adventure and every moment is your chance to create memories that will last a lifetime through a Europe tour package!

Top 12 places to visit in London in one day

• London Eye
• Buckingham palace 
• The mall & St. James park
• Horse guard parade
• Trafalgar Square 
• Leicester Square
• Westminster Abbey 
• Thames cruise
• Tower of London
• Tower Bridge
• The shard
• St Paul cathedral

1. The London Eye

The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye and the best places to visit in London in one day. The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London. From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks. The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance. We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground. 

The largest structure in Europe, the glass capsules will hoist you 443 feet above the Thames. We hope you’re not afraid of heights. Even if You Are, we would recommend you take the ride for an experience you will cherish forever. While the wait in line can be long, a 30-minute ride on the London Eye is worth the wait.

Entry fee: 3500 INR onwards

2. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is not only the official residence of the British monarch but also a symbol of the nation’s monarchy and heritage and a must-visit places to visit in London in one day. When you look at the spectacular building, check out the flagpole on the top. When it flies day and night, it implies that the Queen is at home. 

If you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of her or other members of the royal family on the central balcony. When the Queen is away, especially when she visits her summer Palace in Scotland, you may visit the Queen’s Gallery and staterooms. The best place to be is Victoria Memorial, which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace. 

Entry fee: 3000 INR onwards

3. The mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, the mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen in TV broadcast of any official royal celebration in London, this is the Street where they start and end the trips with golden carriages and royal guard parades. Simply walk down the mall or take a tour via the adjacent St. James Park.

Entry fees: Free

4. Horse Guard Parade

Horse Guards parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of Saint James Park. This is also where the Household Cavalry Museum is located. This is one of the best places to visit in London in one day. They are always round so you can take pictures of them if you like. There is also a daily changing of the guard ceremony at 11:30 AM.

Entry fees: Free

5. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is less than a 10-minute walk from the Horse Guards parade. This is another must-see places to visit in London in one day. The centre of the square is surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, and stands a huge Nelson’s column which is guarded by four bronze lions. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs. It is a very lively place. Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery. It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 AM. 

Entry fees: Free

6. Leicester Square

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores like the LEGO store, and M&M store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. There is Covent Garden nearby. Here you can visit the famous Covent Garden market with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. 

Entry fees: Free

7. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of the most iconic and historically significant religious buildings in the United Kingdom and a mandatory places to visit in London in one day. One of London’s most important UNESCO World Heritage sites, Westminster Abbey was originally founded as a Benedictine monastery in the 10th century and has been the coronation church since 1066. Countless monarchs have been buried here and it is also the site for many royal weddings and other ceremonies. 

The architecture of Westminster Abbey is a stunning example of the Gothic style with its intricate stonework, vaulted ceiling, and stained glass windows. It’s also the final resting place of numerous monarchs including Queen Elizabeth One. Guided tours are available, providing insights into the abbey’s significance and stories behind its many features. Westminster Abbey remains an active place of worship, hosting daily services, special events, and concerts.

Entry fee: 2800 INR onwards

8. Thames Cruise

Take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the tower bridge. This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day. There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options available that it can get a bit overwhelming. The journey from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge takes around 30 minutes. 

Entry fees: 1343 INR per person

9. Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and one of the mandatory places to visit in London in one day. Originally built by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, it has served variously as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. Inside the tower of London, you will discover a royal palace, extensive Armoury, and a formidable fort. 

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British monarchy are kept. The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the jewels when the site opens. Be sure to get a timed ticket if you want to visit.

Entry fees: 3000 INR onwards

10. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside be sure to walk over the bridge too! It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city. Also, if you decide to visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance.

Entry fees: 1395 INR per person

11. The Shard

The shard is an architectural marvel that stands as a beacon of modern-day innovation in the heart of London. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, this gleaming glass skyscraper pierces the skyline at 310 m, making it the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the tallest in Europe. Completed in 2012, the shard houses a mix of offices, luxury residences, restaurants, a hotel, and an observation deck offering unparalleled views of London. 

Visitors can see the 68th, 69th, and 72nd floors where they can see the breathtaking views that stretch for miles in every direction, making it a must-places to visit in London in one day. 

The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also, you have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy which it usually is the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

Entry fees: 3870 INR onwards

12. St Paul Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic symbol of the London skyline, a masterpiece of architecture, and a place of worship and best places to visit in London in one day. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren after the great fire of London in 1666, it stands as a testimony to resilience and renewal. The cathedral’s stunning dome is one of the largest in the world and dominates the cityscape. Visitors can explore the intricately decorated cathedral including the whispering gallery and crypt where notable figures are buried including Sir Christopher Wren.

Entry fees: 2616 INR Onwards