There are so many reasons to visit London – whether you’re a fan of the city’s vibrant arts scene, want to try the food and drink, or to learn more about the history of the UK Capital. The city is packed with things to do and its a great city to spend a weekend or even a few weeks!
However, if you have minimal time there, you can actually do a lot in London in just 24 hours or one overnight trip. With that in mind, here are some top tips for spending one day in the big smoke.
Be strategic with your time
If you’re working within a limited timeframe, be as strategic as possible with your plans. This will allow you to make the most of every moment, instead of wasting time deciding where to go next or how to get there. Planning is key!
You could write down a list of places you’d like to visit ahead of time so that you can put together some kind of schedule or itinerary. Jot down in your phone the key places you don’t want to miss. History-buffs might want to head in the direction of Westminster. Whereas fashion-lovers should head to Camden market to indulge in some retail therapy. Consider the locations of the key destinations too, especially if you’re trying to cater to several people’s needs.
Another thing I found helpful is to find a some storage space, such as luggage storage kings cross. This is super handy if you arrive early in the morning and are unable to check into your hotel for several hours. This means that you can adventure freely without having to carry your suitcase or bags around with you. This makes all the difference when getting on and off the tube!
Sign up for a free walking tour
If you want to explore the city on foot but aren’t sure where to begin, consider signing up for a free walking tour. This way, you’ll be joined by a friendly and experienced guide who can take you to some of the most popular spaces in London. Whether you’re on a historical landmarks tour or something a little more child-friendly, such as a Harry Potter walking tour. While many tours operate completely free of charge, be sure to tip your guide at the end of your time together to show your appreciation!
Catch a show.
Each year, millions of people visit London in order to watch a show on the West End. However, London also boasts an exciting fringe theatre scene, meaning that you have plenty of options to choose from. If you’re looking to save money, look into Rush Tickets through TodayTix. At 10am each day, a select number of tickets for hit shows are released for just £25 each, so act quickly before they are snapped up! There are a bunch of other deals on the site too so if you miss out on the early birds then you still have a chance to grab a bargain!
Visit a Food Market
While there are plenty of amazing restaurants to visit in London, don’t forget to try and visit some the many food markets too. Here, you can enjoy a wide range of dishes from across the world; whether you’re looking for a sweet treat or an evening meal. While there are plenty to choose from, Borough Market is one of the best. Alternatively, you could head to Mercato Metropolitano, which is situated inside an old cathedral.
Keep an eye out for free things to do
You’d be surprised about how much fun you can have in the city without spending a single penny! Take a walk through one of London’s many green spaces and parks. Some great ones are Richmond Park, Greenwich Park, and Hyde Park. All of which are particularly lovely when the sun is shining. You could even pop to the local Ocado and grab yourself a little picnic to eat on the grass! They also have a tonne of branded deals on at the moment so this could be a great way to keep the budget down.
The majority of museums also do not charge an entry fee. Although you may have to book a visit online ahead of time. Again, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to museums in London, but some of the most popular include the British Museum, the National History Museum and the Science Museum.
If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can also visit London’s Sky Garden for free during the daytime. (At night, there’s a minimum spend applied to drinks and food). The sky garden is a panoramic viewing platform located on the 38th floor of a skyscraper. It’s the perfect way to see the city in a new light and a great spot for photos!
Hit The Shops
London has some great shops, and since its the capital, it has lots of flagships and stores you can’t find in other cities. Make the most of the exclusive stores and the great shopping experiences. One of my faves is Boden, who have their only store in London, which also happens to be an outlet, so you can grab some bargains too! Have a look online before you go and join the Boden grapevine to get 15% off your first order.
Have fun!
No matter how little time you have in the big city, you’re sure to have fun! Remember to take a break when you need one, too, whether that means stopping for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee to keep you going.
LL x
*This is a contributed post. As ever, all opinions are my own.
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