Photo: Pajor Pawel/Shutterstock

What Do to With a Day in London

London Insider Guides
by Matador Creators Mar 22, 2017

London is so jam-packed full of things to see and do, that you could never see all of it in just a day. However, if you did only have 24 hours in the capital, what would be the best way to spend them?

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

6.00 am — New Covent Garden Market

While the rest of London is still fast asleep, New Covent Garden Market is a buzzing hive of activity. It’s the city’s largest wholesale flower market, and where florists come to barter for their stock, and is worth a visit whether you want to pick up a bouquet yourself or just do some people watching.

7.00 am — Hearty breakfast at Caravan

 CaravanLondon, United KingdomBest brunch spot in the area. Don’t miss the baked eggs! #brunch #lunch #coffee #free-wifi #open-late #food #casual

Once you’ve done exploring the market, head out and fuel yourself up for the morning.

8.00 am — Houses of Parliament

 Houses of ParliamentLondon, United Kingdom#history

If you are here early enough, while parliament is being prepared for the day ahead, you may be able to take in a guided tour and see sights such as the Commons Chamber, Queen’s Robing Room and Royal Gallery.

9.00 am — London Eye

Across Westminster Bridge, you’ll come to the magnificent London Eye. The Eye is a must visit for tourists, but it’s especially great if you can bag an early morning visit and see London stir into life from above.

10.00 am — Southbank Centre

 SouthbankLondon, United KingdomNothing makes London feel more alive than a stroll along the South Bank of the Thames in London.

Just next door you’ll find the Southbank Centre, one of London’s cultural hotspots, where you can visit the world-renowned Hayward Gallery or grab a coffee at one of the many cafes.

11.00 am — TATE Modern

 Tate ModernLondon, United KingdomWhat makes good art? I don’t have a clue but some of it here is adequate, I guess! only modern art, so traditionalists go elsewhere. Hit the free exhibitions if you are trying to do London cheaply (that’s impossible btw). Pro tip: walk across from st pauls (on the bouncy millenium bridge). #gallery

The gallery is home to a range of international modern and contemporary art, with various temporary and permanent exhibitions.

12.00 pm — Lunch with a view

If you want to treat yourself to a swanky lunch with a view, head over to the Millennium Bridge to the Northbank Resturant and Bar. This restaurant boasts incrediable views over some of the city’s most famous landmarks such as the Globe, Tate Modern and the Shard.

1.00 pm — St. Paul’s Cathedral

Photo: Genaro Bardy

For a quick detour north of the Thames, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral where you can explore the impressive architecture, three galleries in it’s dome and the crypt.

2.00 pm — Shakespeare’s Globe

 

Photo: email151

If you don’t have time to catch a show, you can visit the threatre’s own exhibition and museaum.

3.00 pm — Borough Market

 Borough marketLondon, United KingdomThe vibrant Borough Market with its wide array of food and selections on a cheery Saturday morning won our affection unanimously!

#cheap-eats #bargins #coffee

Located a stone’s throw from London Bridge is the Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and biggest markets. Serving the people of Southward since the 11th century, the market has you covered for almost any kind of food that you can think of and is a must visit for any true foodie.

4.00 pm — The Shard

 The ShardLondon, United KingdomLooming amidst history

Where you choose to head up to the viewing platform to enjoy the best views across the city, or if you simply want to admire it from below, the Share is a truely impressive piece of modern architecture.

5.00 pm — Natural History Museum

If you take the Tube over to South Kensington you’ve got just about enough time to pop into one of the many museums in the area such as the Science Museum or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Our recommendation is the Natural History Museum, featuring the world-famous dinosaur gallery.

6.00 pm — Hyde Park

 Hyde ParkLondon, United KingdomBeautiful hyde park in autumn

As most of the attractions and museums begin to close down, take the short walk north to Hyde Park and chill out for a while. The park is one of London’s best known green spaces and is an excellent spot to recharge your batteries after a long day.

7.00 pm — Indulge in some retail therapy

Photo: Genaro Bardy

Just over the road from the park, you’ll find the famous Harrods department store, with a whopping 330 departments over one million square feet of retail space.

8.00 pm — Catch a show

 Piccadilly CircusLondon, United KingdomShopping!

Once you’re feeling ready to get going again head to Piccadilly Circus and catch a show. From classics such as Les Miserables and Wicked and newer shows such as The Book fo Mormon and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, London has a rich theater history that has to be experienced at least once.

9.00 pm — Dinner at J. Sheekey

This Covent Garden fish and seafood restaurant is the perfect place to round off your day. Tucked away off the beaten track, it’s great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and you might even spot the odd celebrity, although it’s on the pricier side.

10.00 pm — Hop a double decker bus to Shoreditch

Once you’re well fed, head to Shoreditch. Take another iconic mode of London transport a red double decker bus.

11.00 pm — See a gig

Shoreditch is home to loads of music venues such as Rich Mix, The Old Blue Last and Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen.

12.00 pm — Shoreditch bar crawl

 

Photo: kato84

Now for the home straight! Shoreditch is one of the most popular areas for nightlife in London. Whether you want to find your own way or take part in an organised pub crawl, the area is full of pubs, bars and clubs suiting every kind of music taste and crowd.

5.00 am Breakfast at the Duck & Waffle

If you’ve make it this far, first things, first, well done! While you could slink off to one the area’s delightful kebab houses, if you want to see the sun come up in style, head to the Duck & Waffle. The 24/7 resturant is found on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopgate, and is the ideal place to nurse your hangover as the sun rises over the city.

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