1 day in London itinerary
One-day balanced loop through central London: start in Covent Garden for coffee, visit the British Museum, see Buckingham Palace and Westminster, then cross to the South Bank for modern art and riverside strolling before dinner near Borough Market. Mix of attractions, short transfers, meals and relaxed breaks with realistic pacing.
Highlights
- Monmouth Coffee in Covent Garden
- British Museum (Bloomsbury)
- Buckingham Palace & Westminster views
- Tate Modern and South Bank riverside
- Dinner near Borough Market
Itinerary
Day 1
Covent Garden → Bloomsbury → Westminster → South Bank → Borough Market
Breakfast & coffee at Monmouth Coffee (Covent Garden)
Start with high-quality coffee and a light breakfast in a local favorite roaster/café.
Local tips:
- Monmouth is popular — arrive early to avoid queues.
- Cash and card accepted; keep it light so you can snack later.
- Sitting space is limited; take-away and a short perch is normal.
Explore Neal's Yard (short wander)
Brightly painted small courtyard with independent shops — great for photos and a relaxed 20-minute stroll.
Local tips:
- Perfect for quick photos; many small food shops if you want snacks later.
- Very close to Covent Garden Piazza — easy to combine.
- Watch for uneven cobbles.
Walk to the British Museum
Leisurely 20-minute walk from Covent Garden into Bloomsbury — good chance to pass through small streets and bookshops.
Local tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes; streets are generally flat.
- If you prefer, take a short taxi or the Tube (Russell Square on Piccadilly line).
- Use this time to check the museum's free exhibitions online if you want to prioritize.
Visit the British Museum (highlights)
See Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures and core Egyptian and Asian galleries. Focus on 1-2 sections to keep the pace comfortable.
Local tips:
- Entry to permanent collection is free; special exhibitions may require tickets.
- Pick up a highlights map at the information desk to avoid walking aimlessly.
- Keep to a couple of galleries to avoid museum fatigue.
Walk to Buckingham Palace
30-minute walk crossing Bloomsbury and St James's — pleasant route past London squares and government buildings.
Local tips:
- If you prefer, take a short bus or Tube (from Holborn to Green Park).
- Keep an eye on time; Palace area can be busy mid-day.
- Bring a hat or umbrella depending on forecast — route is partly exposed.
Quick visit to Buckingham Palace forecourt
Photo stop at the palace forecourt and the Victoria Memorial; 30 minutes gives time to take photos and soak in the ceremonial atmosphere.
Local tips:
- If you want to see the Guard Changing, check timings in advance — it may take longer.
- Keep belongings secure — popular photo spot.
- There are nearby cafes if you need an extra drink.
Short walk to The Red Lion pub (lunch)
Five- to 10-minute walk to a classic Westminster pub — convenient spot for a relaxed lunchtime meal.
Local tips:
- The Red Lion is a traditional pub near Whitehall; it can be busy at lunchtime.
- If you prefer a quicker option, there are sandwich shops nearby on Whitehall.
- Reservations for lunch are helpful if you're in a group.
Lunch at The Red Lion (Westminster)
Traditional British pub lunch — good for fish & chips, pies or a hearty sandwich. Sit down and recharge for the afternoon.
Local tips:
- Try a seasonal pie or classic pub fish & chips.
- Order water and a drink to relax — lunchtime service is efficient but busy.
- Keep an eye on time to continue the planned route.
Walk toward Westminster Bridge (views of Houses of Parliament)
Short 15-minute stroll to the river for classic exterior views of the Palace of Westminster and Big Ben.
Local tips:
- This is an excellent photo spot; early afternoon light is good in summer.
- If you're short on time, skip the bridge and head straight to the South Bank via a quick Tube ride.
- Traffic on the bridge can be windy — hold hats and paper maps securely.
Take in Westminster riverside & cross to South Bank
30-minute riverside view and then cross Westminster Bridge to reach the South Bank cultural strip.
Local tips:
- Street performers and pop-up stalls are common along the South Bank.
- Keep an eye on pickpockets in crowded riverside areas.
- If tired, consider taking a short river boat to skip some walking.
Cross to South Bank (short transfer)
Ten-minute crossing and brief approach to the Tate Modern area — easy riverside route.
Local tips:
- Allow a few extra minutes for photo stops on the bridge.
- If mobility is a concern, there are lifts and step-free routes at either end.
- Head toward the Tate Modern's main entrance on the river side.
Tate Modern (highlights visit)
Explore the Turbine Hall and selected galleries of modern and contemporary art — focus on 1–2 collections or a special exhibition.
Local tips:
- Permanent collection entry is free; special exhibitions may require tickets.
- Take the stairs up to the viewing level for a city panorama.
- Turbine Hall installations can be large and immersive — allow time to sit and absorb.
Coffee break at The Swan (by Shakespeare's Globe)
Relax with a coffee or light snack overlooking the Thames with a view of St Paul's — pleasant mid-afternoon pause.
Local tips:
- The terrace offers great views; it fills up quickly on warm days.
- Consider a small sweet to try a British tea patisserie.
- Staff can advise faster service if you're on a tight schedule.
South Bank riverside stroll and street market browsing
One-hour relaxed walk east along the river past book stalls, performers and pop-ups — soak in views and atmosphere.
Local tips:
- The Queen's Walk is mostly flat and accessible.
- Street food stalls appear seasonally — a good chance to sample a small local bite.
- Keep a light pace; there are benches and grassy spots to rest.
Walk to Borough Market (short transfer)
20-minute riverside walk east to Borough Market area — pleasant approach with views of London Bridge and the Shard.
Local tips:
- If hungry, Borough Market has many small stalls; save room for dinner or sample a little.
- Weekdays are less crowded than weekends but still popular around dinner-time.
- Watch for cyclists on shared paths near London Bridge.
Dinner at Hawksmoor Borough
Hearty, well-sourced British steakhouse located a short walk from Borough Market — great way to finish the day with quality ingredients.
Local tips:
- Hawksmoor is popular — booking is recommended for evening service.
- Try a sharing cut if you're with others, and pair with a seasonal side.
- Portion sizes are generous; consider starters and a shared main.
Evening riverside walk to London Bridge (digest & views)
Short 30-minute post-dinner walk to take in nighttime views of the Shard and London Bridge — quiet way to end the day's touring.
Local tips:
- Evening lights are great for photos; walk slowly and enjoy the skyline.
- If you're catching trains, London Bridge station is right nearby.
- Public transport options from here are excellent for onward travel or return to hotel.