It's ambitious. Very ambitious. But, it's possible to tour London, one of the biggest and most diverse cities on earth, in just one day. The structures and monuments of this vast city speak of a 2000-year history from the Roman occupation, the Norman invasion and the Magna Carta to the English Civil War, the British Empire and the 'Blitz'. Here you will find history around every corner. But that's not all. You will discover in today's London a success story of cultural diversity and coexistence. Every nationality, language, creed and culture is represented by the 10 million people who live and work in this vast and still-growing melting pot. There's little wonder this iconic city attracts up to 30 million visitors annually.
Our journey begins at The Tower of London, one of the UK's most iconic tourist destinations and a monument of British history, architecture, and intrigue. Founded by William the Conqueror as part of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the Tower has served variously as a royal palace and a fortress over its long history. It also has a dark history as a place of execution and imprisonment. Several figures from British history — including Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Thomas More — were executed within its walls or on Tower Hill. Today, the Tower is home to the Crown Jewels, a breathtaking collection of crowns, sceptres and other regalia used during the coronation of British monarchs and other royal ceremonies. Book your tickets here...
One of the most iconic and recognisable sights in all of London, Tower Bridge has stood since its completion in 1894 as a tribute to Victorian engineering and design. Built to ease road traffic while maintaining river access to the busy Pool of London docks, combining aspects of bascule- and suspension-bridge construction. Its bascules, or movable roadways, lift to allow ships to pass through, a process that still fascinates visitors 130 years after it was conceived. Cross the bridge on foot and head along the South Bank past Southwark Cathedral towards Shakespeare's Globe.
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is a faithful recreation of the original Elizabethan playhouse for which Britain's most famous playwright wrote his plays. The original theatre was built in 1599 and tragically burned down in 1613 during a performance. The current Globe was opened to the public in 1997, standing just a few hundred yards from the original site. The theatre is designed to replicate the open-air playing conditions of the 16th century, offering both standing and seated areas in a circle around a stage that is positioned in the middle of the space. Guided tours can be booked in advance.
Just a few metres along the South Bank, in what was once the Bankside Power Station, you will find the Tate Modern — one of the foremost contemporary art museums in the world. It houses an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art from around the world, spanning the 1900s to the present day. You can view famous works by Picasso, Rothko, Dalí, and Warhol for no entrance fee at all. Even if modern art is not how you would choose to spend your time in London, do allow at least a few minutes to head to the Blavatnik Building, specifically the viewing platform on its 10th floor. Here you can feast your eyes on panoramic views of the London skyline, the River Thames and St Paul's Cathedral.
As you cross the Thames using the pedestrian Millennium Bridge, you will see the dome of St Paul's Cathedral ahead of you. This is one of the most iconic sights in London and a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture. Conceived in the aftermath of the Great Fire of London (1666), the Cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710. Since then, it has been a focal point of British pageantry, hosting such events as the funerals of Lord Nelson and Sir Winston Churchill, jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria, and the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. For those who can stomach the 257 steps to the Dome, the famous Whispering Gallery is well worth the climb. This legendary space is famous for its remarkable acoustics, where a whisper against its walls can be clearly heard on the opposite side, 112 feet away. Book sightseeing tickets in advance here...
Walk along the river or take the Underground District and Circle line as far as Embankment. A short distance from the riverbank, you'll find Covent Garden — a vibrant and historic district known for its lively atmosphere, cultural institutions and diverse attractions. Originally a fruit and vegetable market in the 17th century, Covent Garden's history stretches back to Roman times. Here, you'll find the famous Market Building and piazza, the Royal Opera House and Theatre District. For us today, it's a great place to get lunch — Covent Garden is perhaps the best area of London to dine out. You will find every kind of food and drink here (except perhaps the cheap kind!). If the weather is nice, find a table on the pavement and enjoy listening to the buskers.
Spend some time exploring some of London's most celebrated outdoor spaces en route to the Houses of Parliament. With a history dating back to the 17th century, Leicester Square is today London's premier entertainment district — surrounded by cinemas, theatres, and casinos. Just along Coventry Street, Piccadilly Circus is famous for its neon signs, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, and the statue of Eros. It is also a gateway to some of London's best shopping streets, including Regent Street and the bustling areas of Soho. Head down Haymarket past the Theatre Royal, and turn left when you reach Pall Mall. Ahead you will see the dome roof of the National Gallery, signalling your arrival at Trafalgar Square. In many ways, the centre of London, Trafalgar Square is a traditional site for political demonstrations, New Year's celebrations, and other public gatherings. Home to Nelson's Column, the square commemorates Admiral Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
The most unmistakable sight in the United Kingdom is the Palace of Westminster, with its unmissable 'Elizabeth Tower', commonly but erroneously called Big Ben. In fact, Big Ben is the nickname for the Great Bell of the tower's famous clock. The Palace of Westminster serves as the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two chambers of the British Parliament. A stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, the Palace was designed by Sir Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin and rebuilt in the mid-19th century after a fire destroyed the original medieval palace. A 90-minute guided tour of the Palace can be booked in advance. Alternatively, there is a self-guided multimedia tour which should also be booked in advance.
There are three main routes from The Houses of Parliament to Buckingham Palace. The quickest is along Birdcage Walk — the most likely route for the Prime Minister to take on his or her weekly visits to see the monarch. The most scenic is through St James's Park, with its lake, manicured lawns and seasonal flora. But the most stately route is 'The Mall' — the tree-lined boulevard that leads from Admiralty Arch on Trafalgar Square to Victoria Memorial at the gates of the Palace. The official London residence of the British monarch since 1837, Buckingham Palace is a key site of political and royal events and a significant cultural landmark. Tourists will recognise the Household Guards with their distinctive bright red tunics and tall black bearskin hats. Palace tours can be booked in advance...
If you're looking to go a bit deeper, or a bit further afield, here are some other London attractions that may be of interest.
Hyde Park, a sprawling 350-acre urban park nestled in Westminster, Greater London, holds the prestigious Grade I listing. As a Royal Park, it reigns as the largest among its counterparts, forming a picturesque chain from Kensington Palace through Kensington Gardens.
Westminster Abbey is an Anglican church situated in the City of Westminster, London. Since the 1066, it has served as the venue for the coronations of 40 English and British monarchs, as well as a resting place for 18 monarchs from England, Scotland, and Britain.
Situated on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, the Science Museum stands as a significant institution. Established in 1857, it ranks among the city's top tourist destinations, drawing 3.3 million visitors annually as of 2019.
The Natural History Museum showcases a wide array of specimens from different areas of natural history. Situated on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, it stands as one of the three prominent museums in the area, alongside the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The National Gallery, situated in Trafalgar Square within the City of Westminster, Central London, serves as an art museum. Established in 1824, it boasts a diverse range of more than 2,300 paintings ranging from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Explore genuine film sets and delve into the behind-the-scenes mysteries at Harry Potter World London. Walk across the authentic stone flooring of the legendary Hogwarts Great Hall, encounter lifelike creatures, and wander through the captivating streets of Diagon Alley.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Adare is a small town in Co. Limerick, known for its quaint and colourful thatched cottages. Adare is considered to be one of Ireland's most beautiful towns so stop and take in the view. Don't forget your camera today - the perfect chance to capture the essence of old Ireland.
Explore Adare Village along the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take a journey through this once troubled city. See the murals of the Loyalist Shankill Road & Nationalist Falls Road. The Troubles took their toll on the economic life of Belfast, but the past ten years of peace have returned much prosperity while the genuine friendliness of the city never left.
Originally built in 1823, Blarney Woollen Mills was mainly used for the spinning and weaving of wool. After it closed in 1973, it reopened in 1975 — as an Irish heritage shop.
The Culloden Battlefield Visitor Centre commemorates the last pitched battle fought on British soil, in April 1746. Learn more about the Jacobite intent to overthrow the House of Hanover and return the House of Stuart to the British throne.
Located within Glenveagh National Park, Glenveagh Castle was built by Captain John George Adair between 1870 and 1873. Having made his fortune through land speculation in America, Adair return to Ireland and began large amounts of land in County Donegal. The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style and is surrounded by a garden and commands stunning views of the nearby mountains, lakes, woodlands and valleys.
About Highland Folk Museum is a museum and open-air attraction located in the Scottish Highlands. It is designed to showcase the domestic and working lives of the early highland people.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located alongside the River Shannon in County Limerick, on King's Island. Dating back to 922, to a time when Vikings were the inhabitants of the island (Thormodr Helgason, the Viking sea-king, built the first settlement here. The castle itself was built in 1200, under the instruction of King John of England.
Located close to the Killarney National Park, Moriarty's is an Authentic Irish Gift Store and Restaurant. Hand crafted Irish jewellery, Waterford Crystal and classic and modern tweed fashions and furnishings are all on offer at the gift store. The restaurant is an 85 seater offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Mount Congreve Gardens. Located in Kilmeaden, County Waterford, Mount Congreve Gardens is an 18th century Georgian estate and mansion. It was designed by the same architect that created both of Waterford's cathedrals, John Roberts.
Recently recognised as being one of the top 10 gardens in the world, Mount Stewart is a rich tapestry of planting plant life and stunning walking trails. The house dates back to the 19th century, and was the Irish seat of the Vane-Tempest-Stewart family.
Located on the grounds of the expansive and idyllic Killarney National Park. Muckross House, and its 11,000-acre grounds, was donated to the Irish state in 1932.
Located on the grounds of the picturesque Muckross House and its impeccable gardens. Take a step back in time and see the Irish farming lifestyle of the 1930s and '40s. A time when the horse was responsible for much of the labour and the weather was the be all and end all in terms of production.
The Quiet Man Museum. A reproduction of the quaint thatched cottage from the John Wayne starring, John Ford directed movie of the same name. all costumes, artefacts and furnishings have been recreated in precise detail, to reflect the setting of the 1952 classic. Located in the picturesque village of Cong, County Mayo.
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day adventure as you behold the most famous and captivating attractions that Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England have to offer.
Discover the best of Ireland and Scotland with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Compare the cultures of these historic Gaelic nations during a magical fortnight.
Discover the Island of Ireland, North and South with this unforgettable 14-day tour. Spend 4 days in Ulster, and 10 more in Eire.
Experience all that is Ireland in this 10-day adventure. Ireland's best-loved attractions and its best-kept secrets, including the Wild Atlantic Way.
Take in the essence of captivating Ireland as you embark on an unforgettable 8-day adventure, immersing yourself in the Emerald Isle's beauty and charm.
Experience the true essence of Ireland in under a week. Ireland's unmissable destinations and the Wild Atlantic Way in one unforgettable tour.
An exclusive tour capped at max. 8 guests, travelling through the idyllic scenes of The Wild Atlantic Way. Including an overnight stay in an Irish castle.
Embark on a unique and intimate journey through the Celtic heartlands of Ireland and Scotland on this exclusive tour designed for a maximum of 8 guests.
Live like royalty for 10 days across Ireland, staying in real Irish castles and country manors. Enjoy the finest all-inclusive tour Ireland has to offer.
Northern Ireland's natural beauty awaits on this six-day fully-inclusive tour of Ulster. Picturesque towns, untamed coastlines and friendly locals await.
Explore the wonders of Ireland and Scotland on this remarkable 9-day tour. Immerse yourself in the rich cultures of these historic Gaelic nations as you embark on a captivating journey.
As a local Irish company, we at My Ireland Tour are passionate about our country and our local community. We're thrilled that you're interested in visiting the place we call home. That's why we put together this definitive travel guide for anyone who wants to come to Ireland and discover this amazing place for themselves.
This is a completely free resource covering everything from top tourist attractions to the nearest yoga centre. We hope it helps!
