When I was younger, I had so many places I dreamed of traveling to and London was never on the list. Being from New York, I’d always thought that it was similar and just another big city where everyone speaks English. So when I first visited back in 2015, the last thing I expected was to fall in love. Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to visit London a few times, and each time I go, it steals a bit of my heart. Having had the opportunity to live in London for three months, I can now confidently say that London is one of my favorite cities in the world. There’s something special about it that makes me feel right at home, and I’d move there in a heartbeat if I could!
London is one of those cities where you can explore for days on end — there’s just so much to do, from historical buildings and museums to endless neighborhood gems. But if you’re visiting for the first time or if you only have a day to spend there, save this post for the perfect walking tour itinerary of tourist highlights to make the most of your trip. Put on some comfortable walking shoes, because we’re about to get our steps in!
Begin your day at Bonnington Square and grab breakfast at Italo deli. I may be biased because I lived here, but Bonnington Square is one of the best hidden gems in London, a nature oasis tucked away in the middle of Vauxhall. It’s so peaceful that it’s hard to believe you’re still in Central London! Known for their coffee, pastries, and sandwiches, Italo was rated one of Financial Times’s best 50 delis in the world. Florence Welch from Florence & The Machine even said that it’s her favorite secret spot in London! Just a short walk away, the Tea House Theatre is another favorite of mine — this cozy shop is the perfect place to get a slice of cake and pot of tea. Their marble cake with peanut butter and Nutella is hands down one of the best slices of cake I’ve ever had in my life and I still dream about it to this day!
Next, walk down Albert Embankment and follow the path eastward along the Thames to pass London’s most iconic landmarks. First up, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament! No matter how many times I’ve taken this walk, this view takes my breath away every time. Pro tip: Westminster Bridge and the arch right under it will be super crowded with people lining up for photos, but the view is almost identical just a few steps away and no one will get in your shot.
After taking in the view, cross Westminster Bridge and head over to Westminster Abbey. From there, walk about 15 minutes until you reach Buckingham Palace. Take a stroll through St. James’s Park and stop by Fortnum & Mason to pick up some delicious treats and souvenirs. I could spend hours browsing around, but their lavender milk chocolate, pistachio clotted cream biscuits, and apricot, honey, and lavender tea are my favorites.
Next, make your way back towards the Thames and walk along Victoria Embankment for the famous view of the London Eye framed by two red phone booths. Continue along that path until you reach Covent Garden. Explore its many markets and stalls — be sure to check out Neal’s Yard, a colorful courtyard hidden in an alley, and Cecil Court, a street of vintage bookshops.
And back towards the river we go! Keep on walking east until you reach St. Paul’s Cathedral. Cross over Millennium Bridge and take in the skyline. Reflection Garden is also a quiet place to sit, take a break, and enjoy the view of the cathedral.
Finally, it’s lunch time! Cross back over Millennium Bridge and walk a little further down the Thames until you reach Borough Market. This place is always packed and can be a maze, but it has so many delicious stalls to grab a bite to eat. My personal favorites are the handmade pastas from Padella, the “best one” sandwich from The Black Pig, the chocolate covered strawberries from Turnips, and the custom crumbles from Humble Crumble.
Once you’re fueled up, walk down the Queen’s Walk until you reach Tower Bridge. Cross over and you’ll find yourself at the Tower of London. While I haven’t been, I hear the Crown Jewels is a cool exhibit to check out!
Nearby, head up Sky Garden for one of the best birds-eye views of the city. Tickets are free but sell out way in advance so make sure to book early to get your desired time slot. Pop by Leadenhall Market to be transported to the wizarding world of Harry Potter!
After all this walking, treat yourself to a nice dinner in Soho. Dishoom is my all-time favorite restaurant in London and requires a reservation, so snag one early or else you’ll end up waiting a long time in line. The Carnaby location is the best in my opinion, but there’s a few scattered around the city. While everything on their menu looks amazing, I highly recommend the chicken ruby, house black daal, pau bhaji, okra fries, roti, and garlic naan. Bancone is also a great option if Italian food is more up your alley.
To conclude your night, catch a show on the West End. Going to the theatre here is so much more affordable than Broadway in NYC, and with TodayTix, you can get even better deals. Six is a great option for a quintessential British experience, and Mamma Mia is always a good time! As a final treat, get some gelato at Bilmonte (the double pistachio is heavenly) or the ube bilog at Mamasons Dirty Ice Cream — you won’t regret it!
And there you have it! The ultimate one-day walking tour of London. Also check out my two-day, three-day, five-day, and 1 week itineraries if you’re planning on staying in London for longer, as well as my recommendations on the 10 best restaurants in London and most Instagrammable places in London.
From London with love,
