24 Hours in London: A Shoestring Budget Itinerary

  • 9:00AM: London Euston Station
    0 minutes (0 miles) from Euston Road

    Welcome to London! Start your day at one of the busiest stations in the city, London Euston Station. Get energized with a quick breakfast before starting your adventure.

  • 10:00AM: British Museum
    22 minutes (1.6 miles) from Euston Road

    The world-famous British Museum is an absolute must-visit. It is home to more than eight million works of art, spanning from ancient civilizations to the present day.

  • 12:30PM: Covent Garden Market
    20 minutes (1.6 miles) from British Museum

    Experience the charming atmosphere of Covent Garden Market with its street performers, shops, pubs, and restaurants. Grab a quick and cheap lunch from one of the eateries before you continue.

  • 2:00PM: Palace of Westminster
    13 minutes (1.2 miles) from Covent Garden Market

    The Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben, is a sight to behold. As a reminder, tours of the palace have been suspended due to COVID-19, an excellent photo op as it stands.

  • 4:00PM: Tate Modern
    23 minutes (1.8 miles) from Palace of Westminster

    Take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge to South Bank to the modern art museum, the Tate Modern. Admission is free, but take note that some exhibits may have an entrance fee.

  • 6:00PM: Camden Market
    16 minutes (2.3 miles) from Tate Modern

    Finish your day with a visit to Camden Market, a vibrant and diverse mix of stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to street food. Take the chance to interact with locals and enjoy amazing entertainment before returning to your accommodation.

Time and Costs Estimate

  • British Museum (2 hours, free)
  • Covent Garden Market (1.5 hours, £10 for food)
  • Palace of Westminster (1 hour, free)
  • Tate Modern (2 hours, free)
  • Camden Market (1.5 hours, £10 for food)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £20

Transportation

London is a large and bustling city, with an extensive public transportation network. The cheapest and most convenient way to get around is by the TfL (Transport for London) system, which includes buses, trains, and the Tube. You can buy daily tickets, an Oyster card or use your contactless or credit card.

Estimated transportation costs: £5.50 (daily ticket) or less than £10 (Oyster card)

Useful Tips

London has a lot more to offer than what we have included in this itinerary. You should adjust the itinerary according to your preferences or if you have more than 24 hours to wander around. Keep in mind that some places may have limited hours due to the pandemic. If this a priority for you, it may be prudent to check online to avoid disappointment.

Airports

The major airports serving London are Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and Stansted (STN), London City (LCY) and Luton (LTN). London Euston Station is 32 miles away from Heathrow, but several transfer options exist, such as the Heathrow Express, trains, and buses.

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