Classic full English in an art-deco café near Westminster; a hearty start before sightseeing, popular with locals and film crews. Check opening hours (typically from 7:30am) as they can vary on bank holidays.
See iconic London landmarks on foot; Westminster Abbey usually opens for visitors around 9:30am — arrive early to avoid queues and attend the exterior viewing first if the Abbey is closed for a service. Note: entry to Westminster Abbey is ticketed and times change for services.
Explore the artsy riverside: Tate Modern has free collections (special exhibitions charge), and the Southbank Centre often has pop-ups and street performers; Tate Modern typically opens at 10:00am — check current exhibition times.
A short walk east along the Southbank brings you to Borough Market — a top pick for diverse street food and fresh produce; most stalls operate from about 10:00am to 5:00pm, but some open earlier or later.
Choose a riverside experience: the London Eye offers panoramic city views (typical opening 11:00am–7:00pm in summer) while river cruises depart regularly from nearby piers for a relaxed city overview. Book tickets in advance for the Eye to skip queues.
Head north to Covent Garden for street performers, boutique shops and market stalls; shops and market stalls are usually open from about 10:00am to 8:00pm depending on day.
Dine in Soho with options like Dishoom for modern Bombay cuisine or The Palomar for contemporary Jerusalem dishes; both are popular so reserve ahead, especially on weekdays and weekends.
Catch a West End performance — typical curtain times are 7:30pm with many theatres offering late evening shows; ticket prices vary widely and booking in advance is advised.
World-class decorative arts and design collections; the V&A typically opens at 10:00am, but check special exhibitions for different times — allow 1–2 hours for highlights.
Choose the Natural History Museum for dinosaur and geology displays or the Science Museum for interactive exhibits; both are free to enter (special exhibitions charge) and usually open at 10:00am.
Enjoy a pub lunch at the Churchill Arms for classic British fare or Ottolenghi for modern Mediterranean small plates; most sit-down venues are open from noon for lunch services.
Visit Kensington Palace (opens around 10:00am with ticketed entry) and stroll the formal gardens and Kensington Gardens for a peaceful break and photo opportunities.
Wander the colourful streets and antiques market on Portobello Road (main market days are Saturday; weekdays have many independent shops), great for pictures and boutique finds.
Historic fortress with Crown Jewels and centuries of history; Tower of London typically opens at 9:00am — arrive early to join one of the Yeoman Warder tours included with entry.
Climb the high-level walkways for views and learn about the bridge's mechanics in the engine rooms; the exhibition usually opens from 9:30am to 5:00pm but check seasonal times.
Photograph St Paul's from the Millennium Bridge and stroll into the City — St Paul's is ticketed for internal visits (typically opens 8:30/9:30am) but exterior views are free.
Wander Brick Lane and Shoreditch to see street art, vintage markets and Jewish bakeries; Brick Lane market is busiest on Sundays but many shops and galleries are open daily.
Finish with a vibrant dinner — Brick Lane offers some of the best curry restaurants in London, while Shoreditch has contemporary gastropubs and small-plate venues; most dinner services start around 6:00pm.
Cap the trip with skyline views; Sky Garden is free but requires advance booking, while independent rooftops usually charge for drinks only and open into the evening.