The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Culinary Travels
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Culinary Travels
  • Work With Me
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
The Sophisticated Life
No Result
View All Result
Home Blog

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See!

by Nadeen
September 22, 2019
A A
This post contains affiliate links. However, all opinions expressed here are original. If you click through on a link, you won’t pay a penny more, but I’ll receive a slight commission which helps me keep this information available to you. Thanks!

Jolly old England! I look forward to visiting London and England again to explore more sights and areas. However, during a trip to Paris I was able to spend 24 hours in London and it was marvelous! In such a short time you are able to see many national landmarks and famous sites as well as eat fish and chips of course. Whether you have a layover in London or visiting from a neighborhood country, here are my travel tips for 24 hours in London. (the pictures below are from a few years ago on an older camera so please excuse the less polished appearance)

24 Hours in London: What to do, see, & eat!

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
In front of Buckingham Palace

Traveling to London from Paris:

The Eurosta is a convenient, easy and comfortable way to travel from Paris to London and vice versa. The trip lasts approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes and cost $59 one way. We arrived in London and changed money into pounds which I highly recommend. If you want to see more of Europe, consider getting a Eurail Pass with which to discover Europe by train. This is probably the best transportation option in Europe and the UK.

We arranged to do a “hop on hop off” bus tour in advance and were escorted to their main station from the train terminal. There are many companies that offer this tour including Golden Tours by Grayline. A one day pass is currently only $33 dollars and it offers over 60 stops on 4 different routes. These tours are multilingual which is also great for non-English speakers. I was tickled that it was a traditional British double-decker bus with a Sex in the City ad on the sides!

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Double Decker Hop On Hop Off Bus

Since we only had 24 hours in London we reviewed the maps and picked major sights and monuments. We spent most of our time in the City of Westminster which is in the central area of Greater London.

Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard:

Of course this was our first stop during our 24 hours in London! I have always been fascinated with the British Monarchy. I remember waking up at dawn as a young child to watch Prince Charles and Princess Diana get married. This may be due to my Jamaican background. Jamaica was a British Colony and we still practice many traditional customs such as drinking tea. We were fortunate to see the changing of the guard while we were visiting and hopefully you are too. Unfortunately we did not spot any royals 🙂

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Visit National Landmarks:

Westminster Abbey:

We made a stop at Westminster Abbey and I marveled at the gothic architecture. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and most recently the site for the wedding of Prince William and Princess Catherine. I listed Westminster Abbey in my post of “The Top 10 Cathedrals in the World worth traveling to.” If you would like more details on Westminster Abbey and enjoy churches and architecture I definitely recommend this post.

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Can you see me on the bottom in the center?

Tower of London:

This enormous building is one of the most famous fortresses in the World. Over the years it has been a prison a palace and even a zoo! Go figure!

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
The Tower of London

Tower Bride:

The Tower Bridge in London is a sight to behold and easy to see during your 24 hours in London. It spans the River Thames and has been in existence since 1894. Did you sing the song “London bridge is falling down, falling down..” as a child? Well the pictures you see of the famous bridge in London is Tower Bridge not London Bridge. There have been several bridges over the years in the location of the London Bridge. Fun fact: the previous London Bridge was sold to an American oil tycoon who rebuilt it in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
The Tower Bridge

Big Ben:

Big Ben was formerly known as “Clock Tower” and was renamed the “Elizabeth Tower” in honor of the Diamond Jubilee of Elizabeth II. It is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster/Houses of Parliament. It is over 150 years and very unique so do not miss it!

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Standing in front of Big Ben

Houses of Parliament:

The Palace of Westminster is the meeting place for the two houses of parliament of the United Kingdom. It is located on the River Thames and the views from there are amazing! This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
A view of the Houses of Parliament from the River Thames

The London Eye: (More of an attraction vs a national landmark)

So this is interesting. I am just now reading that the official name is the “Coca-Cola London Eye”! After several names it became the Coca-Cola London Eye in January after a branding agreement. Since I live in Coca-Cola headquarters in Atlanta and it is as American as apple pie, this is a bit odd to me. Anyway, The London Eye is a giant Ferris Wheel located on the River Thames. It is the tallest Ferris Wheel in Europe and consists of sealed and air-conditioned capsules. Unfortunately I did not get to ride the London Eye but I have heard the views are amazing! If you want to ride the London Eye during your 24 hours in London, consider getting tickets in advance online.

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
The London Eye

Visit famous Sculptures:

Winston Churchill: We made a stop at the statue of one of Britain’s most famous leaders during our 24 hours in London. Winston Churchill aka Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill was an artist, an officer in the British army, and a writer. He won the Nobel Prize in Literature. Fun fact: he was the first person to be made an honorary citizen of the United States! His statue is located in Parliament Square.

24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Winston Churchill

Nelson Mandela: We also made a stop at the statute of this famous South African leader. I am sure I do not have to tell you about his accomplishments! His statue is also located in Parliament Square.

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Nelson Mandela

Stop By Trafalgar Square!

Trafalgar Square is also in central London in the City of Westminster and is an easy stop during your 24 hours in London. There is a lot of hustle and bustle in this square. Within the square there is a fountain, the National Gallery, a church and several statues and monuments. Look out for the four lion statues by Nelson’s column.

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 hours in London. Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square

Eat Fish & Chips!

I may have saved the best for last. During your 24 hours in London you must visit a pub for traditional fish & chips! We went to the Sherlock Holmes Pub and had an unforgettable meal of fish & chips. If you think it is the same as the ones in the U.S., trust me it is not. I have never had such well battered, flaky, thick juicy fish before or after. And best of all it is was not greasy!

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Sherlock Holmes Pub in London
24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!
Eating fish & chips with my Mom.

Here’s a list of cheap London hotels from 21$. Be sure to check this out if you plan to visit soon, as you won’t get a better deal elsewhere!

Most importantly, while spending 24 hours in London take it all in. Look out for the traditional phone booths and taxi cabs and double-decker buses. Enjoy the British accents and eat as much fish & chips that your stomach can handle!

Have you been to London? If so share your thoughts with us below!

N.S.W.



Pin this post for later reference!

24 hours in London, things to do in London, London sightseeing, things to eat in london, london travel guide,24 Hours in London: Things to Do & See! Eat fish & chips, visit Buckingham Palace, ride The London Eye and much more!

 

 

Sign up to learn about luxury travel with food + wine experts all over the world.

Curated small group trips where all you have to do is pack your bag, relax & enjoy!

+ Receive my free packing & to-do lists for International travel!

Thank you! Check your email for your checklists!

Tags: 24 hours in LondonbritisheuropeLondonLondon sightseeinglondon travel guidethings to do in Londonthings to eat in londonTravelunited kingdom
Previous Post

Top 6 Road Trips from Atlanta (includes a bonus link)

Next Post

Top 10 Dos and Don’ts of Air Travel!

Nadeen

Nadeen

Dr. Nadeen White is a "Blogger by Day, Physician by Night". She is an award-winning travel blogger, Amazon bestselling author and speaker. The Sophisticated Life Blog covers affordable luxury travel, culinary travel and wine. Her domestic and international travel guides gets people to the destinations of their dreams. So, if you are living the sophisticated life or desire to do so, this is the blog for you!

Related Posts

Duomo in Milan italy, how to spend one day in milan
Travel

How to Spend One Day in Milan Italy!

March 4, 2023
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting
Wine

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
flying during the pandemic, flying during covid19, tips for safe air travel during covid19, is flying safe during covid-19, covid19 travel tips tips for safe air travel, air travel during covid-19, travel tips during covid-19, flying during covid
Travel

Flying During the Pandemic? Tips for Safe Air Travel.

September 22, 2021
midtown atlanta travel guide, discover atlanta, visit atlanta, midtown atlanta, atlanta georgia, planning a trip to atlanta
Travel

Midtown Atlanta Travel Guide: Things to Do & See!

March 4, 2021
staycation ideas, canopy atlanta midtown hotel, hilton hotel, atlanta staycation, atlanta midtown hotel, hotel reviews
Travel

Atlanta Staycation Ideas: Canopy Midtown Hotel

September 22, 2021
things to do in atlanta for black history month, ebenezer baptist church, black churches in atlanta
Travel

Things to do in Atlanta, Georgia for Black History Month.

September 22, 2021
Next Post
Top 10 Dos & Don'ts of Air Travel! Flying tips for passengers! Know the simple etiquette rules for airplane travel.

Top 10 Dos and Don'ts of Air Travel!

Love Cork Screw Wine: An interview with founder Chrishon Lampley. A black female entrepreneur!

Love Cork Screw Wine: An interview with founder Chrishon Lampley!

Comments 27

  1. Logan Cantrell says:
    10 years ago

    We traveled from London to Paris on Eurostar as well and loved it! I miss London so much! It is so beautiful. You definitely included all of the main things to see!

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thanks Logan!

  2. Nicole Brewer says:
    10 years ago

    Wow! You managed to get a lot in within 24 hours nice job! I was So excited to see Big Ben when I went and you managed to see the changing of the guards. Just fabulous!

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thanks Nicole! It was great!

  3. Stephanie Pass says:
    10 years ago

    London is one place I’d love to visit. It looks like you got a lot done in just 24 hours.

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thanks Stephanie! I definitely did!

  4. Alli says:
    10 years ago

    I haven’t been yet, but you hit all the highlights on my to-do list when I do make it to London. I, too, watched the entire wedding of Princess Diana. Pinning to remember!

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thank you Alli! That wedding was so beautiful!

  5. Aisha Johnson Adams says:
    10 years ago

    Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It looks like you had a great time, and hit all the major landmarks in a short time. Also you took some great pictures.

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thank you Aisha!

  6. Melissa says:
    10 years ago

    What a great post! I’d love to see all of those sights in London. You must have been exhausted after visiting so many places in 24 hours 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Melissa yes but it was worth it!

  7. Kemkem says:
    10 years ago

    Aahhh..my favorite city! It never gets old. I have done it backwards the last 3 times or so. We set up in London and take the Eurostar to Paris for the day. Federico still says he would scrub toilets if he had to so we could live there.. :-). Ain’t gonna happen ..but love visiting though. Love these old photos ….

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      LOl Thanks Kemkem! I was definitely impressed with how expensive everything was!

  8. Patrice says:
    10 years ago

    What a great experience you had I alway wanted to go to London England to see Buckingham Palace and to taste the famous fish & chips everyone rave about . Looks like you had a great time with your mom. Someday !

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Yes Patrice I did! The fish & chips alone made it worth it lol

  9. Tyra (@BarrisTourista) says:
    10 years ago

    I so want to go to Buckingham Palace, see the Queen and see the changing of the guard. The London Eye looks amazing along with all of the sites!

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Yes Tyra-they have so many great things to see and do there!

  10. Laura says:
    10 years ago

    Hi! This is the a great post! I have always wondered how to people can see London and Paris under a limited amount of time. You have shown us some options that I may need to consider! Thanks.

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thank you for reading and commenting Laura! I am glad you enjoyed it!

  11. Siobhan (BeFree Project) says:
    10 years ago

    With only 24 hours to tour London, you’ve seen a lot! I love seafood so fish and chips is right up my alley. I know taking a picture with the Nelson Mandel statue was a rewarding feeling. Another great travel post per usual.

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thank you so much! Yes it was great seeing his statue there!

  12. Julian (@BoldFearless1) says:
    10 years ago

    I’ve always loved London. Thanks for bringing back some memories. It’s been awhile since I visited and the architecture was my absolute favorite part of the city. Once I got used to everything being half the size it was in the U.S., I really enjoyed my stay! Looking forward to visiting with my daughter soon.

    • Nadeen says:
      10 years ago

      Thanks Julian! I enjoyed the architecture as well! I am sure your daughter will love it!

  13. baliyan says:
    8 years ago

    This was really enjoyable to read. Having read this there seem to be some wonderful places to visit.Had a quick look at your blog and love it already. Have subscribed. Looks like you’ve spent time in many of the places listed in this post.

    • Nadeen says:
      8 years ago

      Thank you for reading and subscribing! I am gad you enjoyed the post and I am sure you will enjoy many others!

  14. Susan John says:
    7 years ago

    Great tips Nadeen! thanks for sharing the places to visits and things to be done in London in 24 hours.I wrote about my favorite tourist destinations in London as well:http://london-tourist-spot.blogspot.ae/

Black-Owned Businesses

black-owned businesses in asheville north carolina, hood huggers tours, black-owned business in asheville, asheville north carolina, black-owned restaurants in Asheville, downtown Asheville,

Black-Owned Businesses in Asheville, North Carolina.

September 22, 2021
black-owned rosé wine brands to sip on this summer, rosé wines, black-owned wines, rosé wines, summer wines, black-owned wines, black-owned wineries, mcbride wines, black girl magic wines, brown estate wines,

Black-Owned Rosé Wine Brands to Sip on this Summer.

April 27, 2022
atlanta black-owned restaurants, black-owned restaurants in atlanta, atlanta restaurants, brunch in atlanta, atlanta restaurants

45+ Black-Owned Restaurants in Atlanta You Should Support!

May 15, 2022
black-owned wineries, black-owned businesses, black-owned wines, black winemakers, black wines, black owned wines, black owned wineries, black podcasts, wine, wineries, winemakers. wine regions, napa valley, wine tasting

50+ Black-Owned Wineries & Businesses You Should Follow & Support.

March 15, 2022

Explore the U.S.A

san francisco golden gate bridge, most romantic cities in the us, valentines day

The Most Romantic Cities in the US for Getaways.

February 12, 2023
photo by Adam chandler courtesy of charleston wine and food festival

2022 Charleston Wine + Food Festival-Recap!

March 31, 2022
sonoma county wineries and restaurants, sonoma, california wine region, sonoma wines, wine tasting

Sonoma County Wineries & Restaurants.

December 13, 2021
things to do in malibu california, malibu restaurants, wine tasting in malibu, malibu beaches, shopping in malibu

Things to do in Malibu California this Weekend.

March 21, 2022
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
15 fun facts about quebec city canada, travel to canada, canadian

15 Fun Quebec City Facts

April 12, 2023
Myrtle Beach Restaurant Guide for Foodies!

The Best Myrtle Beach Restaurants: A Guide for Foodies!

April 12, 2023
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

April 12, 2023
Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers! Everything you need to know to attend this magical event! Includes information on purchasing tickets, preparing for the event, costs and what to expect at Diner en Blanc!

Diner en Blanc Guide for First-Timers!

September 19, 2019
Dubai Trip

Dubai Travel Guide for First Time Visitors!

How I spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi! A Desert Safari, Camel rides, Burj Khalifa, High Tea at Burj Al Arab, Shopping in Souks, Visiting the Grand Mosque and so much more!!

How I Spent 5 Days in Dubai and Abu Dhabi!

Visit Jamaica: Land I Love!

Cruising the Mediterranean Sea on Norwegian Epic!

marrakech, 2 day itinerary marrakech, marrakech morocco, best things to do in marrakech

2 day Marrakech Itinerary-things you must do!

February 23, 2024
morocco travel planning guide, morocco travel guide, morocco first time visitors guide, merzouga, the sahara, glamping

Planning a trip to Morocco: First-Timer’s Visitor Guide

July 29, 2023
luxury cruise lines, cruises, cruising, top cruise lines,

Top Rated Luxury Cruise Lines!

June 27, 2023
napa valley sign, black-owned wineries in napa and sonoma

Black-Owned Wineries in Napa and Sonoma.

June 19, 2023
The Sophisicated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2024 The Sophisticated Life

The Sophisicated Life

  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Travel
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • About
  • Travel
  • Food
  • Wine
  • Culinary Travels
  • Work With Me
  • Contact

© 2020 The Sophisticated Life