One Day in London Itinerary - Experience London in a Day for Under $100

Only have a day or two in London or just looking to squeeze in all the top sights in a limited amount of time? Follow our one day in London itinerary to see all the major highlights and experience the essential top attractions in London. This itinerary includes:

• Coca-Cola London Eye
• Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Tour
• St. Paul's Cathedral
• Photo Opp at Big Ben

Spending a few more days in London? Check out our 2 days, or 3 days in London itinerary for other fun ways to plan your trip.

Save on Attraction Admission

Many of the popular attractions in this itinerary are available on the London Explorer Pass. Visit the available attractions outlined here and save up to 35% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Remember, this one day London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the city. The London Explorer Pass offers the flexibility to choose 3, 4, or 5 attractions from over a dozen options, so you can tailor your London sightseeing experience to your own preferences.

Stop #1 - Coca-Cola London Eye

Plan to get to the Coca-Cola London Eye right at 10:00 am to avoid the crowds and get some of the best lighting for photos. You'll get a 30-minute ride around one of the city's most iconic landmarks, get 360-degree panoramic views from the glass pods, and when you reach the top, you'll have a bird's eye view of the city below from 443-meters above ground. Each capsule is equipped with interactive touch screen displays so you can explore the view and identify landmarks in the London skyline. When your ride comes to an end, be sure to stay and check out the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience for an alternative, multi-sensory media perspective on the city. Some of the sights you'll see include: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, the Shard, the River Thames, and more. Getting In: Coco-Cola London Eye tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #2 - Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

If you only have one day in London, this hop-on hop-off London bus tour is the best way to see all the top London attractions and iconic landmarks during your visit. You'll have the flexibility to hop-on or off at any of the 50+ stops along the way if there's anywhere you want to get a closer look at (such as the stops and attractions we lay out in this one day itinerary) or stay on the bus for the full tour loop. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2013, 2014, and 2015, their informative guides will make you feel like you experienced all the highlights of London with their comprehensive commentary and extensive list of stops along the way. Please note: To pickup your Big Bus London tickets, simply present your London Explorer Pass at any of the three bus stop locations below:

• Piccadilly – between Green Park underground station and The Ritz Hotel
• Victoria Station – on the forecourt in front of the railway station
• Baker Street – at the Big Bus kiosk between the exit of Baker Street underground and Madame Tussauds

Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #3 - St. Paul's Cathedral

Hop-off your Big Bus tour at stop # 16: "ST PAULS". Recognizable in the London skyline by its dome, which you can climb up for sweeping views of the city, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most visited attractions in London and offers visitors a fun and informative way to learn about the history that surrounds it. Get access to the Cathedral floor, the crypt, and the three art galleries in the dome. St. Paul's Cathedral offers expert-led, 90-minute guided tours, included with admission and subject to availability, four times throughout the day. Visitors can also choose to go at their own pace on a self-guided tour assisted by one of the touch screen multimedia tablet guides provided, available in 9 languages. Getting In: St. Paul's Cathedral tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #4 - Fish n' Chips at The Billingsgate Porter

Break for some classic English fare near St. Paul's Cathedral at The Billingsgate Porter. Known for their fresh, not-too-greasy fish n' chips, The Billingsgate Porter is one of the best places to chow down on some English classics. After lunch, hop-back on the bus at the same stop you exited and continue your guided bus tour of London.

Stop #5 - Photo Opp at Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & Parliament

Either ride out the remainder of the tour and/or hop-off at stop #22 - "PARLIAMENT SQUARE - Stop M, Abingdon Street" You'll be right in the middle of iconic Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament, a cluster of iconic building and structures where you can try and re-create the iconic photo shot with a classic London phone booth and Big Ben in one frame.

Westminster Abbey

This large, striking Gothic church located in the City of Westminster, London. Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in the 11th century, Westminster Abbey has served as the official coronation location for monarchs. It’s also been host to a number of Royal weddings, including that of William and Kate, and funeral services, including that of Princess Diana. Many famous historic figures are buried in the crypt, including Charles Darwin.

Big Ben

Actually the nickname of the bell inside the tower (the clock and tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower), the epithet Big Ben is one of the most iconic structures in London, often featured in films, TV, and other forms of media. Big Ben is actually the second largest four-faced clock tower in the world, second to Minneapolis City Hall.

Houses of Parliament

Also known as Westminster Palace, is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. Please note: admission to Westminster Abbey, and House of Parliament are not included with the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #6 - Indian Curry at Gymkhana

London might be better known for their Indian fare more than their own, so getting in a flavorful meal is a must do for your one day in London. Frequently topping the charts as one of London's best culinary destinations, Gymkhana is known for their creative, contemporary takes on classic Indian cuisine. If you're up for it, plan to walk from Westminster Abbey through St. James's Park, by Buckingham Palace and Gardens, and Green Park to make your way to Gymkhana, or, ride the Big Bus London bus back to red line stop #1 "GREEN PARK UNDERGROUND."

What a Day! Let's Recap

Whether you're looking for the most comprehensive one day in London itinerary or want to visit just the top attractions at your leisure throughout the whole week, this itinerary covers some of the most fun London attractions and takes you around the city to see all of the most iconic landmarks. You'll be able to enjoy it all, even with a limited amount of time for sightseeing! Remember, with a London Explorer Pass you can save up to 35% off combined admission to many of these attractions vs paying separately at the gates.