Whether you’re a first-timer eager to check off every iconic landmark or a seasoned globetrotter on the hunt for hidden gems, England’s vibrant capital city has something for every type of traveler. From British royalty and world-class theatre to secret canalside dinners and indie music lounges, here are two standout ways to spend your day in London, England.
Day 1: Local Vibes and Under-the-Radar Adventures
Morning
Start your day at Bageriet, a tiny Swedish bakery tucked away on a quiet pedestrian street in Covent Garden. You’ll know you’ve found it when you see the blue-and-yellow flag above the door. Savor a freshly made cinnamon bun, blueberry bun, or chocolate biscuit. Pair your decadent pastry with a chai latte or rich drip coffee, and grab a seat (if you’re lucky) at one of the few tables on the terrace to soak up the Scandinavian charm.
Head to Camley Street Natural Park, a two-acre oasis hiding in plain sight right by King’s Cross Station. Stop by the visitor center for a map and check the wildlife boards to learn more about the critters living in the park. Stroll the lush nature reserve to discover wetlands, meadows, and winding woodland trails. Admire vibrant blooms like marsh marigolds and spotted orchids. Bring binoculars—the botanical hideaway offers great birdwatching opportunities. Cross the footbridge into Gasholder Gardens for panoramic views of the canal.
Continue your peaceful walking tour along Regent’s Canal, a 9-mile waterside path that weaves through some of London’s most creative neighborhoods and historic areas. For a quieter route, take the stretch from King’s Cross to Camden Market. Pass by colorful houseboats, floating cafés, urban art murals, and locals on morning jogs. When you get to Camden, hop on a classic narrowboat for a relaxing 45-minute cruise to Little Venice.
Visit The Cinema Museum to join a pre-booked guided tour or attend a silent film screening. Step inside the former Victorian workhouse where Charlie Chaplin lived as a child, now an eccentric treasure trove of cinematic history. Discover vintage movie posters, elaborate usher uniforms, century-old cinema projectors, and millions of feet of film. Stick around afterward to grab a pint from the museum bar.
Afternoon
Grab lunch at Rochelle Canteen, one of London’s best-kept secrets. Find the unmarked courtyard door that leads into a former school’s bike shed, transformed into a simple yet elegant foodie destination. Expect classically British dishes that rotate with the seasons, like grilled quail, beetroot soup, and fried rabbit leg. Dine on the covered terrace under the leafy canopy and pair your meal with a Negroni or a glass of wine. Book your table in advance or arrive early—tourists may not be privy to this hidden gem, but it’s popular among the local art crowd.
Up for a shopping break? Stop by Coal Drops Yard, a 19th-century coal depot that’s been transformed into a design-forward retail destination. Embrace the mix of old-world brick arches and sleek, modern storefronts. Shop for vintage clothing at Shelter Boutique, sift through handmade ceramics at STORE, or dig through vinyl at Honest Jon’s. With nearly 60 independent shops, there’s plenty to explore without the Oxford Street crowds. Before you go, check the plaza for pop-up art installations and maker markets.
Head underground (literally) to the Leake Street Arches, just behind Waterloo Station. Explore London’s longest legal graffiti tunnel, often called the “Banksy Tunnel” after the mythic artist who started the initiative. Soak in the edgy, creative energy in a living art gallery where the murals change daily. Watch local and international artists hard at work, or pick up a can and spray-paint your own masterpiece. While you’re down there, grab a beer at Passyunk Avenue—a Philly-themed dive bar serving both local and US-based brews.
Evening
Climb aboard Caravel for dinner in a converted barge set along the canal. Grab a table inside the intimate space, complete with vintage glassware, white tablecloths, and glowing candles to set the mood. Bask in the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of the waterside bistro that’s become a date-night favorite among the locals. Indulge in luxurious dishes like white crab gnocchi, roast cod, or grilled lamb leg. Reserve your spot in advance—it’s a small space that fills up fast.
Enjoy a nightcap at The Seven Stars, a pint-sized pub just behind the Royal Courts of Justice. Immerse yourself in the cozy wood-paneled interiors and eccentric decor of one of England’s oldest pubs. Raise a glass in the place where lawyers have been coming to toast case closings for centuries and chat up the locals. Keep an eye out for the pub’s resident cat, and don’t be surprised if he’s donning legal robes.
Alternatively, end your night with live music at Servant Jazz Quarters (SJQ). Enter the low-key basement venue in east London’s Dalston neighborhood, where you’ll find a speakeasy and jazz club rolled into one. Grab an espresso martini or a Mezcalita upstairs, then slip into the candlelit lounge downstairs, where velvet chairs and vintage décor set the mood. Enjoy a live performance of jazz, blues, folk, funk, or alt-pop—depending on when you go.
Day 2: Can’t-Miss Tourist Attractions
Morning
Kick off your morning with breakfast at Duck & Waffle, a bucket list-worthy spot on the 40th floor of a skyscraper. As the UK’s highest restaurant, it delivers sweeping views of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Gherkin. Order the spicy ox cheek benedict, or go for the signature duck and waffle—crispy duck confit over a waffle with a fried egg, drizzled in mustard maple syrup. Book in advance and ask for a window seat to soak up those floor-to-ceiling views.
Ready for some sightseeing? Start your adventure at the Tower of London, a legendary fortress that’s been around for nearly a millennium. Visiting in the morning means beating the afternoon crowds, so don’t forget your camera. Meet the famous ravens guarding the castle and marvel at dazzling gems in the Crown Jewels exhibition. Journey back to the Middle Ages inside the Medieval Palace and learn the eerie tales of the Bloody Tower. After your tour, stroll across the Tower Bridge for thrilling views of the Thames beneath your feet from the glass walkways.
From there, continue along the Tower Bridge to Borough Market. Throughout the 15-minute riverside walk, admire some of London’s most iconic sights: Shakespeare’s Globe, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, and the Southbank Centre. Watch for street performers and embankment gardens along the way as you take in your culturally rich surroundings.
Afternoon
Refuel at Borough Market, London’s oldest and most beloved food market. Dating back to the 12th century, it’s now a feast of global flavors. Try a sausage roll from Ginger Pig, fresh oysters from Richard Haward’s stall, or Taiwanese street food from Bao Borough. For something heartier, grab a meat baguette from Hobbs Roast or gooey raclette over potatoes from Kappacasein. With more than 100 stalls to explore, you’ll want to pace yourself and try a few.
Hop on the Tube to Buckingham Palace for a glimpse of British royalty in all of its grandeur. Time your visit with the Changing of the Guard, a 45-minute ceremony no first-time tourist should miss. Admire the beautifully manicured gardens and ceremonial architecture. Visiting during the summer? Tour the palace interior to see 19th-century decor and paintings by famed artists like Vermeer and Rembrandt.
Take a 10-minute walk to Westminster Abbey, the breathtaking royal church where every coronation since 1066 has taken place. Catch a choral service in the Quire, see intricate murals in the Chapter House, and explore memorials of literary figures like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare in the Poets’ Corner. Visit the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries to discover long-hidden treasures like Prince William’s royal marriage license and Henry VII’s effigy head. Keep in mind: you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket to enter the Galleries.
Wrap up your afternoon sightseeing tour with a ride on the London Eye. Soak up 360-degree views of the city from high above the Thames. Book your ticket ahead of time to skip the line and enjoy a 30-minute rotation inside a glass pod. Spot Big Ben, the Shard, and even Windsor Castle if the weather permits. Looking to splurge? Upgrade to a Champagne Pod or private capsule for a more luxurious ride with plenty of photo ops.
Evening
Treat yourself to old-school glamour and traditional British fare at Rules, London’s oldest restaurant. Start upstairs with drinks at The Winter Gardens to sip a Hemingway, where Edward VII used to privately dine with his mistress. For dinner, head down to the opulent dining room and slide into a leather booth. Indulge in dishes like the steak and kidney pie or cider-braised pork cheeks. Save room for the sticky toffee pudding, or you’ll wish you had.
Round out your day with a world-class show in the West End, London’s legendary theatre district. Score seats to shows like Hamilton, Wicked, or Les Misérables. Embrace the electric atmosphere, buzzing crowds, and timelessly elegant interiors. Whether you catch a performance at Lyceum, Adelphi, or Her Majesty’s, each theater is iconic in its own right. Booking early is best, but same-day purchases can mean great deals if you’re flexible.
Prefer something more laid-back? Go on a historic pub crawl through Soho. Set out on a self-guided tour of storied spots like The French House, The Blue Posts, Waxy O’Connor’s, and John Snow. Enjoy drinks in the same watering holes where The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and The Rolling Stones made their mark. For a more informed experience, opt for a small-group tour where you’ll make new friends and hear mesmerizing tales from a local guide.
