One-Day Itinerary for Exploring London

Introduction to a one-day itinerary for exploring London's top attractions! I recently visited London, the capital of the UK! Since I had limited time and stayed near the airport, I’d like to share a one-day plan to enjoy downtown London. Please use this as a reference! ☀️ [Around 9:00 AM] Arrival at London Heathrow Airport 🛬 Due to time constraints, I took the Heathrow Express from London Heathrow Station to Paddington Station downtown. Surprisingly, what would take an hour by regular bus or train only took 15 minutes! So fast! 👏 (Ticket Info 🎫: Instead of buying a ticket, it’s quicker to use a contactless credit or debit card directly at the gate. Many people were queuing to buy tickets at the airport, so make sure to bring a contactless card ⭐️) ↓ From Paddington Station, I took a bus to Green Park. This large park is located right next to Buckingham Palace! I bought a sandwich at Paddington Station and had breakfast at Green Park ☀️. This park is rich in nature and full of squirrels 🐿️❤️. I sat on a bench to eat my breakfast, but bringing a picnic mat and dining with the squirrels would also be a great idea 💭! Don’t worry, there are plenty of trash bins in the park. [Around 10:00 AM] Walk to Buckingham Palace I wanted to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place daily around 11:00 AM during this season, so I went early to secure a spot! 💂🎵 The area in front of the palace and near the fountain was already crowded, so I decided to watch from The Mall, a ceremonial road used for royal parades and state events. This red-carpet-like road offers a great view of the procession after the guard change at Buckingham Palace, around 11:30 AM. It was incredibly impressive and very cool! (Note: April–July: Daily; Other months: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun. Be sure to check the schedule in advance 💡) After the ceremony, I walked to Big Ben, which is about a 10-minute walk. I recommend walking through the park to get there! My favorite photo spot is the "K2 Telephone Box," a red phone booth. While the view of Big Ben from the park is lovely, photos taken from this phone booth give off a quintessential London vibe. Be sure to take a picture here! ↓ Next, I took the subway (Westminster Station → London Bridge Station) to Borough Market, arguably London’s most famous market ☀️☺️. This market offers a wide variety of items, from locally sourced cheese and London specialties to baked goods and international cuisine! You can pay for everything with a credit card, so cash wasn’t necessary 🥰. Find your favorite stall and enjoy! ↓ Walk to Tower Bridge This iconic bridge has a lower section that lifts to allow ships to pass through! I was lucky enough to witness this 🤞. Spend some time here to catch this rare sight! There are nearby cafes, supermarkets, and grassy areas perfect for a picnic. ↓ [Around 2:00 PM] Feeling peckish and craving authentic scones, I headed to Maison Bertaux, a charming scone shop! The interior is adorable, and on sunny days, you can enjoy the terrace. I tried two types of scones with a cup of British tea ❤️, enjoying a mini afternoon tea 😊. ↓ This area is close to the British Museum and has many cute shops. Just strolling around is delightful, so if you have extra time, explore the streets and enjoy the atmosphere! Lastly, on another day, I visited Flat Iron, a popular steakhouse in London. This restaurant offers affordable yet authentic steaks ☀️😊. Plus, they serve free popcorn and ice cream 💭. So generous 🥺❤️. I ordered a well-done steak with a side of creamed spinach 🥰. Be sure to check out Flat Iron! (Note: This chain has multiple locations, so visit the one closest to your itinerary!) I hope this blog serves as a helpful reference for someone ☺️. Enjoy your trip to London!