A view of the Thames including Tower Bridge and The Shard

Things to do in London during the day

By Ian Packham

There are so many potential things to do in London during the day that it can actually be quite difficult to know where to start. What’s hot, and what’s not? What’s worth your time – and money – and what isn’t?

If you’re feeling dazed by the sheer array of days out in London you can fill with exciting attractions, you’ll want to take note of our suggestions for the perfect day in and around the River Thames.

Top tips for enjoying London during the day

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Before we delve into the delights of all the things to do in London during the day, here are a few top tips that will help you make the most of your time in the capital.

  • Have a lie in

If you’re anything like us, the temptation after arriving into a new city is to wake up as early as possible to squeeze in as many attractions as you can. But for all London’s hustle and bustle, many popular attractions don’t open their doors until 10AM. Arrive any earlier than this, and you’ll not only be left hanging around outside, but you’ll also end up traveling during the morning rush hour.

Lasting from 7:30 – 9AM, it's not many people’s idea of a fun way to start the day. Public transportation is often uncomfortably crowded as people head to work, and you’ll be paying more for the privilege. Instead, enjoy a relaxed breakfast and kick off your day the right way.

  • Maps aren’t just for atlases

It can seem like you only have to walk a few steps before stumbling upon a noteworthy feature on the London skyline. Whilst many attractions are within walking distance of one another, many are much further apart. Don’t forget that London is one of Europe’s biggest cities. It’s therefore a good idea to have a vague understanding of where attractions are located. Dividing them between west, central and east London will suffice.

  • Bring a reusable water bottle

Concerns about single-use plastics are resulting in free water fountains popping up all over London. Many cafés will also refill a bottle for free, so save your cash for what really matters by bringing a reusable water bottle with you. They can also be a godsend when using the Tube in the summer.

The best things to do in London during the day

If you’re thinking about what to do with your time in London, you’re in for a treat! Although you can tackle the capital in any way you fancy, we’ve come up with what we think might be the very best day the capital has to offer.

Spend the morning in east London

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Start your exploration of the capital with your head in the clouds at the ArcelorMittal Orbit tower, standing at the southern end of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Relive the iconic moments from the 2012 Summer Olympics at the park’s famed venues, before rising to the top of the twisting structure – Britain’s largest artwork. Designed by sculptor Sir Anish Kapoor, not only are the views extraordinary, but it offers a very different tube experience, boasting the world’s longest slide at 178m long.

The various attractions of Greenwich, including the Royal Observatory and National Maritime Museum, lie to the south. Head roughly westward instead, through Jack the Ripper’s Whitechapel, and you’ll soon arrive at the Tower of London, which has guarded the banks of the Thames since 1066.

Palace, armory and prison in turn, the Tower can easily fill the rest of your morning. Take a tour led by one of the team of beefeaters to learn the stories behind highlights including Traitor’s Gate, the Crown Jewels and the building’s all-important ravens.

Enjoy lunchtime at St Paul’s

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Step aboard a Hop-on Hop-off sightseeing bus from outside the Tower of London for the short but culturally-rich journey to St Paul’s Cathedral. Along the way you’ll pass by the Monument to the Great Fire of London, standing just meters from its ignition point in a baker’s shop on Pudding Lane, as well as Mansion House – the impressive residence of the Lord Mayor of London.

A symbol of London for centuries, the views towards the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral are considered so important they are protected by law. Built by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire destroyed Old St Paul’s, it was – maybe ironically – paid for by a tax on coal.

From the crypt containing the mortal remains of Admiral Nelson, victor of the Battle of Trafalgar, to the Whispering Gallery, St Paul’s is one of London’s most ornate religious spaces. The location for a multitude of events of international importance, it has hosted the funeral of wartime Prime Minister Winston Churchill, the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and even a speech by Martin Luther King Jr on route to collecting his Nobel Peace Prize from the committee in Oslo, Norway.

Marrying new with old is the pedestrian Millennium Bridge, crossing the Thames from outside the cathedral steps. A landmark in its own right, it leads to Shakespeare’s Globe and the galleries of the Tate Modern.

Devote the afternoon to tea and cake

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Whilst it’s no longer entirely true that the capital grinds to a halt at around 3PM for tea, it is true that a traditional afternoon tea remains an excellent way to celebrate the city’s culinary history.

The Piccadilly area has some of the best choices, with the capital’s grand hotels like The Ritz welcoming those keen to sample the best snack you’ll probably ever have. Consisting of sandwiches and cakes, it was invented by Anna, Duchess of Bedford. A lady in waiting to Queen Victoria, she simply couldn’t endure the middle hours between lunch and dinner.

If jumping’s still possible after such a feast, jumping onto the Victoria or Piccadilly Line of the Underground from Green Park will have muggles at King’s Cross Station before they can mutter expelliarmus. As any Harry Potter fan will know, the Hogwarts’ Express departs from the station’s Platform 9 3⁄4, where you can get your photograph snapped beside a disappearing luggage trolley.

Similarly magical are the 1080 jets together making up the pavement fountains of nearby Granary Square. Dancing in time and displaying a range of colors, they make for a great place to relax during the summer months. At this time of year they take on the air of an urban beach and glow even brighter as dusk settles over another day in London.

Save on the top things to do in London

If you’re keen to follow our pick of the best things to do in London during the day there’s just one thing to do first, and that’s grab the London Explorer Pass. Doing away with the need for paper tickets, you’ll save at many of the city’s main attractions without having to do away with flexibility.

For a sneak peak of all you can experience be sure to check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook, where you can also share your vacation snaps. Don’t forget to smile!

Ian Packham
Go City Travel Expert

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Summer in London is a great time to explore on foot like this couple
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2 Days in London

Whether it’s a weekend away or a midweek sojourn, 2 days in London never disappoint. From the city’s world-famous landmarks to shopping in Oxford Street and Portobello Road, ultra-trendy Hoxton and the deer of Richmond Park, the range of attractions astounds even Londoners themselves. Plan it right and you’ll fill your days with delights, do it wrong, and you’ll end up spending all your time on the Tube. That’s why we’ve put together this handy 2 day London itinerary with easily interchangeable days just for you! Day 1Morning You could start your 2 days in London in a thousand different places. But we’d suggest heading to the gates outside of Buckingham Palace for the 11AM Changing of the Guard Ceremony. It takes place daily in the summer – when it’s also possible to enter the palace state rooms – and four times per week during the winter season. Combining pomp and tradition with stirring music and first-rate horsemanship, taking part is one of the biggest honors in the British military. Then slip by the pelicans of St James’s Park for views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, one of London’s four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Just opposite you’ll find Westminster Abbey, the church where all but two of England’s monarchs have been crowned since 1066. Afternoon Nearby Victoria Street has plenty of places to grab a bite to eat before you turn your attention to the thoroughfare known as Whitehall. Lined with grand government offices, stop by the easy-to-miss gates of Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister. Then continue on to Trafalgar Square, whose bronze lions have guarded Nelson’s column since 1868. On the square’s north side stands the National Gallery. Spanning centuries of western art, collection highlights include works by Leonardo da Vinci, Johannes Vermeer and one of Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, as well as providing an encyclopedic introduction to British artists that’s sure to keep you busy for the rest of the afternoon. Evening Crossing the Thames by Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges will bring you to an area of riverside packed with attractions. Time it right and you’ll drift over the London skyline inside a glass pod of the London Eye just as the sun begins to set over the capital. It’s a sight well worth making the time for. Follow it up by admiring the street art of Leake Street tunnel on route to Waterloo’s range of bars and underground clubs. The Roof Garden & Bar of the brutalist form of Queen Elizabeth Hall at the Southbank Center is a trustworthy spot whatever your drink of choice. Elsewhere, the bar at Sea Containers House will have its riverside views competing for attention with chic interiors recalling the golden age of travel. Day 2Morning With half of your trip to London in 2 days already gone, there’s no time to lose, so shake off any fuzzy heads you might have and start the morning amongst the beefeaters of the Tower of London as you gaze into the display cabinets of the Crown Jewels. They include the largest clear-cut diamond in the world, known as Cullinan I. The smaller but better-known 105 carat Koh-i-Noor diamond is relegated to the regalia of less senior royals than the king or queen, most recently set in the crown of Elizabeth, the Queen Mother. For a moment of quiet, head to St Dunstan in the East, a ruined church turned gardens, then cross the Thames at London Bridge for photographs of the much grander Tower Bridge. Continue straight on to Borough High Street, the old stomping ground of everyone from Charles Dickens to Jamie Oliver, whose street food stalls are sure to satisfy your stomach as it approaches lunchtime. Afternoon One of the hottest tickets in town remains The View from the Shard, offering vistas of London from 70 floors up which can stretch for 65 kilometers. In the summer months, spend the middle hours of the afternoon taking in one of Shakespeare’s comedies, tragedies or histories in the replica version of The Globe Theater. Outside of performance season, make some time for the contemporary art of Tate Modern instead, before heading to the pale stone walls of St Paul’s Cathedral, another of London’s important churches. It was rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of London in 1666. End the daylight hours with a little shopping, by jumping on the Central Line for the quick ride to Oxford Circus, gateway to the stores of Oxford Street and Regent Street. The latter is known for its designer stores and as the main location for Hamleys, the world’s largest and oldest toy store. It has stood on the same site since 1881, having been founded in 1760. Evening Well-to-do Soho, bordered by some of London’s most upmarket neighborhoods, has some of the capital’s best shopping. However, it’s the streets around Hoxton Square, including Shoreditch High Street, where bars and nightclubs come into their own. With something for everyone, from old-style British pubs serving up warm ales to LGBTQ+ friendly haunts with the latest in cocktails, this once unloved part of the capital has been reborn into an area that simply not to be missed once for a place to spend an evening in London. When it comes to dining, London has some of the best chefs of the moment battling behind the scenes to serve up incredible dishes. If you’re looking to round off your 2 days in London by splashing out, you’ve more than 60 Michelin-starred restaurants to consider. It’s still possible to eat well on a budget though, with Camden hosting a range of flavors from around the world and Brick Lane the hub of South Asian cuisine. How to spend 2 days in London Opt for 2 days in London and you’re in for an action-packed couple of days. But if you’re concerned about prices mounting up as quickly as a Central Line underground train fills at rush hour, there is an answer. That’s traveling with Go City. Do so and you’ll be able to make incredible savings on admission to many of London’s top attractions, meaning you can do more for your vacation budget than would otherwise be possible!
Ian Packham
best free museums in london
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Best Free Museums in London

No word sparks the minds of people quite like 'free.' The absence of payment can be a strong pull for us tax, rent, or mortgage payers who need to put oven chips on the table. We can all agree that getting something for nothing is awesome - especially if that free thing is culture. Culture can be inspirational, informative, and eye-opening in equal measure, giving us a look back into the past, allowing us to process the present, or helping us look forward to the future. So, if you're looking for a shot of free culture to go right into your veins, free museums are just the thing. But which ones? Why, these ones, of course! Here are the best free museums in London. Including: British Museum Natural History Museum V&A Museum Science Museum Museum of London and more! British Museum How does 2 million of years of free culture sound? Well, look no further than Britain's very own museum, the British Museum! Enter a world of other worlds, with sections dedicated to many eras of our planet. You'll find carvings and tablets from early man, artefacts from ancient Greece and Egypt, all the way through to Rennaissance paintings. And while you'll have to pay to enter some of the exhibits, on the whole, the bulk of the museum is absolutely free. Natural History Museum Do you want to see freaking dinosaur skeletons? Of course you do. Head over to the Natural History Museum and see them for yourself! Get a glimpse into the distant past as you explore creatures great and small throughout 65 million years of our planet's history. Meet giant sloths, extinct dinosaurs, and a big old blue whale skeleton that hangs over your head. And, other than a couple of paid exhibits, all of this is entirely free for you to explore. So go see some big bones, baby! Oh, and pick up a free guidebook and map combo while you're at it. V&A Museum A celebratory marriage of art, design, and history, the V&A Museum is one of the best free museums you can visit in London. Opened back in the 19th century, and named after then Queen Victoria and her husband Albert, the V&A Museum is an inspiring collection of over 5000 years of art artefacts. Art-efacts? Yes. You'll discover ancient clothes, jewellery, sculptures, and prints that will give you key insight into past cultures and their people. They also have some late events, if you're more of a night owl. Science Museum See how far science has come at a museum dedicated to it. The Science Museum is a mind-opening experience for any curious human, giving you a look back at how science and technology have changed our lives throughout history. From progress in medicine, to monuments to the space race, you'll find a world of wonder within. There are interactive exhibits, a massive collection of scientific artifacts, and much more. And yes, other than a couple of specific paid exhibitions, including the IMAX 4D cinema, you're free to wander and wonder, free of charge. Royal Museums Greenwich Discover the history of humanity's relationship with the oceans at the Royal Museums Greenwich. At the National Maritime Museum, you'll discover the origins of Greenwich Mean Time and timezones, the history of Britain's sea exploration, and heaps of seafaring artefacts. Then, head over to Queen's House, where you can walk up the famous Tulip Stairs, marvel at all the marble, and study some fantastic paintings from notable luminaries of the brush like Turner. And yes, as you may have gathered, it's all completely free. Museum of London Want to get a better insight into the history of the city itself? Then head on over to the Museum of London. There, you'll discover the capital's rich history, from Roman occupation all the way through to the 2012 Olympics. You'll discover how the Great Fire of London resulted in much of the city's redevelopment and redesign. You'll see artefacts from throughout the city's history, from Tudor dresses to medieval tapestries. If you want to learn more about the capital, it's definitely one of the best free museums in London! Imperial War Museum It appears that war is a sad, unavoidable part of human existence. At least, until we finally decide to put our difference aside and work together and transcend. Anyway, enough about that! For the time being, you might want to know a little more about war and the people who take part. Well, the Imperial War Museum is the perfect place to discover the modern history of war, and the horrors it has wrought. Step inside, and you'll find exhibitions dedicated to the First World War, the Second World War, the Holocaust, and how military technology has progressed since. Maybe not the cheeriest of visits, but undoubtedly interesting. And free, so it's perfect for this list! Museum of London Docklands Ever wondered what the life on the docks would be like? Well, there is an entire museum dedicated to dockworkers and their prowling ground. Head over to the Museum of London Docklands and learn about how boats, ships, and other sea-riding vehicles changed our lives forever. There is a load of free exhibitions available that explore the evolution of the docks, worldwide transportation of goods, and the technology that's responsible. If you're looking for free dockland fun, it's easily one of the best free museums in London! Horniman Museum & Gardens And finally, if you're looking for something a little more unusual in your free museum quest, give Horniman Museum & Gardens a gander. Inside, you'll find a comprehensive collection of anthropological artefacts, ancient musical instruments, taxidermied animals from across the globe, and much more. Right now, there's an entire exhibition dedicated to the untold stories of hair. It's called Hair: Untold Stories, because why not? There, you'll find an intimate range of stories and showcases from filmmakers and artists, exploring the history of hair and why it matters so much to us humans. It might sound strange, but it's worth checking out! And that's our list of the best free museum in London! Alongside fantastic museums there are plenty of other free things to do in London too. Take your pick, and enjoy free, cultural bliss.
Dom Bewley
best markets in london
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Best Markets in London

When you tire of shopping in shops, buying your produce in the same stale supermarket, or want to find things you won't get on the high street, your first port of call should be a market. They offer lots of variety, and usually have delicious food and drinks on offer to help you refuel. That way, you can focus on the most important thing of all; shopping. London has so many markets on offer, which one is best for you? Read on, and discover the best markets in London, so you can decide for yourself! Featuring: Borough Market Old Spitalfields Market Brick Lane Market Camden Market Covent Garden Market and more! Borough Market Borough is arguably London's best-known market. Head there, and you'll find countless street-food offerings, refreshing beverages, and a winding maze of both indoor and outdoor market stalls. Whether you're picking up some fresh ingredients for your kitchen, or grabbing some food on your lunch break, Borough Market is a foodie's paradise! Southbank Centre Market A stone's throw from Waterloo Station, the Southbank has become one of the best places to visit in the city. Full of unique culture and experiences, it's a must-visit for those venturing into London from out of town. And their market is no different, offering a wealth of pop-up street food offerings and delicious drinks all year round. And, if you're looking to dig into a good book while you chow down, head over to the nearby book market and discover new and exciting worlds to dive into! And when you've seen and bought everything you want, there's the BFI around the corner for your cinematic needs, and even music festivals in the summer. Definitely one of the best markets in London. Spitalfields Market On the colder, wetter days we inevitably get in the capital, perhaps an indoor market would be preferable? Look no further than Spitalfields Market. Along with a wide variety of gourmet food trucks and pop-ups, providing everything from burgers to Asian cuisine, there are also cutting-edge clothes shops and jewellery boutiques. You'll also find vinyl and antique markets down there at certain times of the week. Brick Lane Market Just a few minutes from Spitalfields is its scruffy uncle. Brick Lane is an uncurated utopia of odds-and-ends, second-hand homeware, vintage apparel, and everything in between. Every trip is an exciting adventure, and you'll never know what the next stall could be selling. Oh, and as usual, expect a wide variety of food stalls offering tasty and varied cuisines. Given the slap-dash nature of the market, they don't have a website. So, you'll just have to head to Brick Lane yourself and see what all the fuss is about! Brixton Village and Market Row Home of the famous Electric Avenue from the famous '80s song, Brixton is one of the most diverse districts in London. Ergo, you can expect an equally diverse collection of world foods to be on offer. You're bound to find some delectable Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian bites, and fish dishes all over the place. And, on top of all that, you'll discover arcades full of craft jewellery, amateur art, and so much more. If you like your food spiced and your shopping unpredictable, it's easily one of the best markets in London! Portobello Road Market Nestled in the famous Notting Hill, you'll find the largest antique market on the planet! That's right; we're talking about Portobello Road. Now well over 200 years old, it's one of the city's longest-running markets. Here, you don't just get one or two markets; you get five whole markets for the price of one! Whether you're looking for fresh food, vintage garments, second-hand nick-nacks, or the aforementioned antiques, Portobello Road Market's got you covered. It's a shopper's paradise. And, once you've perused and purchased to your heart's content, there are a tonne of bars and restaurants in the surrounding area that are worthy of exploring. After all that shopping, you deserve a rest. Easily one of the best markets in London. Camden Market Next is one that needs no introduction. Camden Market is well known nationwide as one of the biggest and busiest markets in the country. Every weekend, thousands of people travel there to buy odds and ends, mixtapes, vintage offerings, and everything in-between. But like Portobello Road, Camden Market is actually a collection of smaller markets that intersect with one another. Head down to the market in Camden Lock, for instance, and you're likely to find higher-end boutique offerings from designers and artists, whereas other avenues will offer their own unique shopping possibilities. While it's definitely worth exploring from time to time, always prepare to deal with surging crowds of marketeers. Given recent events, that might not sound as appealing as it once did! Victoria Park Market Victoria Park may be best known for its music festivals, as it's the site of Field Day and All Points East Festival. However, it's also home to a lovely market that comes out every Sunday. Here, backed by trees and other flora, you'll find plenty of stalls with fresh fruit and veg, and maybe even some tasty exotic treats you won't find at your local supermarket! On top of all that, you'll find craft drinks from local creators, and cakes and other sweet treats to nibble on. And, since the park's right there, it would be rude not to go and eat them on the grass. Maltby Street Market Arguably the baby on this list, Maltby Street Market has only been around for just over a decade. But don't let that deter you, because it's fast becoming one of the best markets in London! Featuring a curated list of vendors, you'll find plenty of ingredients to buy and food to try. With the likes of Duck Frites, who fuse duck with other interesting cuisines, as well as Bangers Catering, who make the best sausage sandwich you've ever tasted, it's no wonder Maltby Street Market has become so popular, so quickly! Covent Garden Market And finally, we arrive at Covent Garden Market. This indoor market in Central is one of the city's most famous, with its distinct Victorian architecture, glass dome, and curved teal supports. An Apple Market in times past, it has now become a haven for craft accessories, art, sculptures, and much more. One to visit if you're in the area and the weather is looking unfavourable! And that's our list of the best markets in London!
Dom Bewley

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