One day in: Iconic London

London is such a massive city that you could easily spend weeks seeing the sights and exploring. But what should you do if you only have one day to explore the capital? Whether you're a first-time visitor or need to refresh your memory of the city’s sights after some time since your last visit, here is one day in iconic London.

You'll need your most comfortable walking shoes and a trusted umbrella to make the most of a full day of exploring. Here is my guide to getting a taste of London even if you're short on time.

Morning

By far the busiest and longest stretch of the day, but it's worth it.

Start your morning by grabbing coffee and breakfast in Notting Hill, known for its vintage market, lovely cafes, quirky shops, and row upon row of gorgeous townhouses. It gets very busy during the day, so arriving in the morning will give you a chance to wander without navigating big crowds.

Stumbling upon interesting cafes and shops is an essential part of the Notting Hill experience, so I highly recommend allowing yourself to get a little lost in this part of the city. Look out for Kuro Coffee, The Notting Hill Bookshop, and Alice's Antique Shop.

After breakfast and a wander, get the Tube or a bus to Oxford Circus. As London's major shopping area, you'll find popular brands and incredible architecture. You'll also find a busy crowd if you arrive later than 10:30 or 11, so definitely make this a morning stop if shopping is on the agenda. There's an overwhelming amount of stores, but highlights include the historic Liberty London department store and the trendy shops and restaurants on Carnaby Street.

Continue your route along Regent Street until you reach Piccadilly Circus, the Times Square of London. Stop for a moment to see the iconic billboards before quickly escaping the chaos to walk down Piccadilly towards some of London's most historic shops. Pick up a new read at Hatchards, the oldest bookshop in England, or buy some tea to bring home as a souvenir from Fortnum and Mason department store.

At the end of Piccadilly, you'll reach Green Park station, where you can either get the Tube to Westminster or take the scenic route on foot through Green Park and St. James's Park. If you choose to walk, you'll easily be able to stop by Buckingham Palace. However, unless you time your visit perfectly with the changing of the guards at 10:45 (doubtful if you’ve been shopping), I recommend only stopping for a quick photo and conserving your energy for the busy day ahead. The surrounding parks offer impeccable gardens and glimpses of London landmarks throughout.

While it is perhaps the most touristy activity in the city, no trip to London is complete without seeing Big Ben. When you arrive in Westminster, brace yourself for crowds of tourists. For a calmer experience, walk to Victoria Tower Gardens South, where you'll find a quiet park with a spectacular view of the Houses of Parliament and other landmarks along the Thames. Take in the sights of Parliament and Westminster Abbey before heading to Westminster Pier.

To get to your next destination, you could take the Tube or you could take a river cruise. While a guided boat tour might take up too much of your limited time, the Uber Boat will give you a scenic river cruise while transporting you from Westminster to London Bridge in less than 25 minutes. You'll see the London Eye and other riverside monuments, all while resting your legs.

Afternoon

You can start to relax a little here.

After a long morning of walking, you'll be hungry by the end of your river voyage - luckily, London Bridge City Pier is only moments away from London's biggest food market, Borough Market. Here you'll find every cuisine imaginable, so take your time sampling the many stalls, enjoy a drink or two, and put your feet up for a while. If the weather permits, take your food to Potter Fields Park for a riverside picnic with a great view of Tower Bridge. However, if you get caught in the rain, hop on a red double-decker bus to take you across the Thames.

Next, head to the iconic Tower of London for an insight into London's rich history. If you only have time for one tour on your visit, I suggest prioritising this one. As one of the oldest landmarks in the city, you'll get a good overview of London's history told by the Tower's guards. Be sure to arrive before the last tour timeslot at 15:30.

Evening

It's time to reward yourself for all that walking with a few drinks, and a delicious meal.

To wrap up your day in London, treat yourself to a gourmet dinner high above the city. From the Tower of London, walk to the Sky Garden, a bar and restaurant at the top of one of London's skyscrapers. A popular spot for tourists and locals alike, I highly recommend booking a reservation at Darwin Brasserie to ensure you get the best skyline views. The reservation also acts as your ticket to the gardens, where you can have a drink surrounded by lush greenery and panoramic views.

If you'd rather experience a pub for dinner, head to The Counting House, an elegant hotel and pub in a transformed bank. The Counting House offers a menu of traditional pub favourites like savoury pies and fish and chips. Wash it all down with a pint.

If your legs haven’t given out yet, end your time in London with a stroll towards St. Paul's Cathedral, which is beautifully lit up at night. Stop along Watling Street to grab one last pint for the evening and enjoy a view of St. Paul's framed by the street of quaint pubs.

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