One Day in London - How to Maximize Your Time During a 12-Hour Layover
My husband and I took a summer 10-day trip to the Greek islands during the month of July. We flew from San Francisco to London and then onwards to the island of Santorini. On the way to Greece we had an 8 hour layover in London, on the way back we had a 17 hour layover in London. Both times we wanted to maximize our time in England so we left the airports to do some sightseeing.
Yes, I know what you're thinking - those two long layovers in London are definitely not enough. You're right! Even a week might not be enough to experience the city, take in all the incredible sights, and marvel at London's beautiful architecture. However, if you're there already and have the opportunity to spend the day exploring, you should unquestionably take advantage of it.
Because there are so many things to see and do in London, you may be overwhelmed by the options, which is why I made this guide. It will help you make the most of your time in the city by offering tips for where to go and what to do during your one day in London.
How to Get Around London with My Top Transportation Tips
How to Get from Heathrow to Central London
Heathrow is one of the largest and busiest airports globally, handling over 80 million international passengers annually and thousands of flights daily. So if you’re flying into Europe or have to take a connecting flight, it’s highly likely that you’ll find yourself in Heathrow.
Here are the best ways to get to the city center:
Heathrow Express Train - This is the fastest method you can use to get into the center. It runs every 15 minutes and drops you off at Paddington Station, next to Hyde Park, where you can start your sightseeing journey. Tickets for a one-way trip are around £25 and you can secure your seat by booking in advance.
London Underground - If you're looking for something more affordable, the London Underground would be your next choice. The journey from the airport to Earl's Court Station, the closest and cheapest station near the center, takes around 40 minutes and trains run about every 5 minutes. Most of the journey is overground, so you’ll get to gaze out into the suburbs.
London Black Cab or Uber - If money is no issue and you have plenty of time on your hands, an Uber or taxi is a great option. However, keep in mind that it can take over an hour to reach the center due to the heavy traffic, making it one of the slowest methods so far.
Big Ben
Buckingham Palace
How to get from London City Airport to Central London
London City Airport is one the closest and most convenient airports to land in, located only around 6 miles away from the city center. You can opt for a cab or a bus, however, because of traffic the best and fastest way is “The Tube” (local nickname for the London Underground).
Docklands Light Railway (DLR)
The DLR is a light-rail system that runs through the Docklands in East London, and it’s integrated within London’s Underground system so the ticketing will be the same. Services run every 15 minutes at the latest, and it connects to Canning Town, Stratford, and Bank stations that give you easy access to the top attractions of London.
Pro Tip: London is a very big city! Make sure to account for any delays and leave plenty of time to get back to the airport so you don’t have to worry about missing your flight!
London Black Taxi Cabs driving near Buckingham Palace.
Attractions to See During Your One Day in London
Your one day in London is going to be a whirlwind of sights, sounds and new experiences. While it's tempting to try to cram everything into this one day, I would recommend picking out a few of your favorite attractions so you can spend the day stress-free. Here are some of my favorites that I went to see during my layover.
Buckingham Palace
Top 5 Sights to see on An Easy Self-Guided Walking Tour of London
If you’re short on time, try grouping the five following as they are the closest in proximity to each other and will only take a few minutes to walk between each:
London Eye
The London Eye is located on the Thames River and is the world's tallest observation wheel. Standing 135m tall at its highest point, you can catch a glimpse of London's gorgeous skyline and gaze out right across the city, and its iconic landmarks. It's definitely worth the visit if there are no heavy clouds on that day. The London Eye was formerly called the Millennium Wheel.
Buckingham Palace
Big Ben
You'll find the famous Big Ben clock tower, attached to the House of Parliament, just a short stroll away from the London Eye. It's one of the most iconic buildings in London and well known for its striking architecture and accuracy. Even though you've probably seen it on screen, nothing can compare to the in-person experience. The tower has undergone an extensive five years of restoration and now features new intricate details of emerald and blue.
House of Parliament
The first thing you will notice when visiting the House of Parliament is the sheer size of it and its stunning Gothic architecture, which dates back nearly 1,000 years. Booking a guided tour is a great option to learn more about its exciting history and marvel at the beautiful interior decorations.
Buckingham Palace
Westminster Abbey
If you're looking to immerse yourself in London's history, this is the place. Westminster Abbey was built in the 11th century and has been the site of nearly every coronation of British Monarchs and 16 royal weddings. Kings, queens, and over 3000 other historical figures like Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, and Darwin are buried there. Don't miss out on an awe-inspiring visit to the church!
Buckingham Palace
Have you ever seen those videos of people messing with some very serious guards? Well, this is the place, and those are the Queen's guards. These guards are meant to be like statues, without any movement or expressions and they cannot react to the crowd. Growing up I always liked to watch the daily ceremony of the "Changing of the Guard" outside of Buckingham Palace. You can book a walking tour to get the best view of the Changing of the Guard.
The centerpiece of the monarchy, Buckingham Palace, is where the Queen currently resides and has been the principal home of British monarchs since Queen Victoria's reign.
The Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace.
The Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace.
More to See on an Extra Long Layover in London
If you have a bit more time to kill during your long layover in London, don’t miss out on these popular attractions:
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of London's most popular meeting places and a hub for entertainment, pubs, and restaurants. With its bright lights, bustling crowds, and iconic statue of Eros Fountain, it's just plain fun to be there!
Buckingham Palace
Tower of London
The Tower of London is an exceptional educational experience for any history buff. The fortress has served many purposes over the years, such as a royal palace, prison, armory, and a royal mint. Inside, you can find crown Jewels, armor, weapons, and other cool stuff from history that travelers of all ages would find fascinating.
Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is the very grand suspension bridge located adjacent to the London Tower. Many tourists who are new to London confuse this bridge with the much less impressive London Bridge simply because of the popular nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” It is free to walk across the Tower Bridge and you can see some amazing city and river views. If you plan your visit accordingly, you can walk on the upper level during a scheduled bridge lift time for an extra special experience.
The Victoria Memorial Statue outside Buckingham Palace.
Notting Hill
There are many things to do in London's quirky and incredibly Instagrammable neighborhood known as Notting Hill. Whether you want to shop at one of the many boutiques, eat like royalty at one of the best restaurants in town, or take pictures around the pastel-colored house, it's all right here!
Hugh Grant and Julia Robert fans can find the famous Notting Hill house with the bright blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road in West London. Many other parts of the movie where filmed nearby at Portobello Road.
Harrods
The Harrods department store has been around for more than 150 years and is the biggest in Europe. It's known for its high-end merchandise and incredible food hall serving everything from caviar to live chef-made delectable chocolates. Harrods is it if you're looking for a place to eat, shop, or just tour the gorgeous building itself!
Pro Tip: London is a city of world-class museums, galleries and attractions so if there’s something you don’t want to miss and is further away make sure to book beforehand and do your research on how to get there.
And if you plan to actually have a proper London vacation on your next travel, our friends from Sanctum London created this very helpful guide for a week's stay in London.
Must-Try British Foods to Eat During your Long London Layover
If you're more of a foodie and less interested in the city's historical monuments or just need some brain fuel to get you through the jet lag and keep you going, these British foods will surely do the trick!
Fish and Chips
This is an absolute British classic! It’s basically batter-fried fish with french fries (or chips as the British call them) on the side. You can get it with different types of fish, but cod is the most common. It also makes for an excellent snack on the go if you’re pressed for time.
Traditional English Breakfast
The traditional English Breakfast is a little bit of everything, eggs, bacon, British sausages (known as bangers), baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. It’s like a mini feast in your stomach that will fill you with all the protein and energy you need to explore London.
Double Decker Red Buses in London.
Toad in a Hole
Toad in the hole is basically sausage baked into a Yorkshire pudding batter, which makes for an amazing combination of crispy outside and soft inside textures with lots of flavor from both ingredients! It’s served with vegetables and gravy for the full experience!
A Pint at an English Pub
Frequenting and socializing at the local watering hole (known as the pub) is a time honored British tradition. When you’re on a long layover in London, sometimes the best thing to do is just head for the nearest pub and drink a pint of ale.
Palace of Westminster and House of Parliament.
Cornish Pasty
A Cornish Pasty is a savory golden flaky pastry filled with meat and vegetables. While they are originally from Cornwall which is located on the west side of England, you can still find them in London. Here’s a guide to finding the best pasty in London.
The Kensington Palace Royal High Tea
Tea time is one of the most quintessential foodie things to do in England. You can actually book a royal high tea at Kensington Palace where Prince William and Kate Middleton live. Enjoy an afternoon of refinery with tea cups, snacks and a tour of the grounds.
Palace of Westminster and House of Parliament.
Should You Book a Hotel for a Long Layover in London?
Whether or not to book a hotel is a tough call to make when you’re planning out your travel itinerary.
Consider the following criteria:
Is Your Layover Long Enough to Book a Hotel?
For myself, I wouldn’t book a hotel if my layover was less then 10 hours. But for layovers that are longer than 10 hours, I may consider it. I definitely would get a hotel for a layover that’s closer to 24 hours.
For our first 8-hour layover we just powered through and tried our best to rest in the airport and on the plane after we’d been out exploring the city.
For our second 17 hour layover in London we had already been traveling for two weeks at this point and we felt a bit drained. We booked a hotel in the center of London so we could get some rest, leave our bags in the room and then do a little more sightseeing on foot before we headed back to the airport.
We definitely felt that the hotel stay for our second layover was worth it. We ended the trip on a high note and come home well rested.
Is it a Daytime or Nighttime Layover?
Another big factor is if your layover takes place during the daytime or nighttime. If everything is going to be closed then you might as well relax in comfort and catch some sleep.
Be Aware of Check-In Times at Hotels
Some hotels are very strict about the time slots they allow for check-in. If your layover falls under odd times, then you may not be able to check in to your hotel soon enough to make it worth it. Be aware of time zone changes and make sure you’re always doing your calculations in local London time.
I once had a long layover in New York City and I arrived too late to check into my hotel and I was charged for the room but was never able to use it.
Book a Hotel Near the Airport
If you want to make sure you won’t be frantically rushing back to the airport to catch your next flight, you may want to consider booking a hotel located close to your airport. You can do your sightseeing and then take a nap before heading back to the airport.
Some great hotel options near Heathrow Airport are:
Some great hotel options near London City Airport are:
How Much Should You Spend on a Layover Hotel in London?
If you’re on a budget and you’d rather just tough it out by sleeping in the airport and on the plane then you probably wouldn’t want to spend the extra money on a hotel. Or you could compromise and find a cheaper hotel, just make sure you stay in a safe neighborhood with a reputable hotel.
Browse These Central London Hotels:
Colorful doors found in London.
Things to Remember to Prepare Before your Layover in London
A long layover in London can be both exciting and intimidating, but with a few tips and tricks, you’ll be able to make the most of your time there. When you arrive in London, you don't want to spend your layover worrying about what you need to do. Instead you want to be able to enjoy yourself and be ready for your adventure!
Here are some things to remember before your layover in London that will help you stay organized and prepared.
Sleep on the Plane
The best way to avoid fatigue during your layover is by getting enough sleep on the plane. Bring an eye mask and ear plugs with you so that you can get some shut eye before you arrive.
If sleeping on a plane is a challenge for you, check out my pro hacks to surviving long-haul flights.
Prevent Worsening Jet Lag Symptoms By Staying Hydrated
When you’re globe trotting all over the world, you’re surely going to experience some jet lag. One of the best and healthiest ways to reduce the negative effects of jet lag is to stay hydrated. You should be drinking water during your flight and also during your layover mini stay in London. You can also add hydration packets such as electrolyte powder to your water consumption.
Try to minimize the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume, even when you’re really tired and just want to keep drinking coffee. Keep it to just one cup and let your body adjust to the new time zone.
Pastel houses in Notting Hill.
Pastel houses in Notting Hill.
Freshen Up on the Plane or at the Airport
Bring travel sized toiletries such as face wash, moisturizer, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste. Either right before landing or immediately after landing, take a little bit of time to freshen up and put yourself together.
You can also bring an extra change of clothes just in case you spill something on yourself or you’re feeling like you need to freshen up your wardrobe. Of course you want to feel fresh and look good for those Instagram pics!
Bring Weather Appropriate Clothes
Regardless of where your final destination will be, make sure you have appropriate clothes for the current climate in London. I was once on a trip to India but I had a 24 hour layover in London. I had mostly only packed my clothes for my trip to India which has a very warm climate, but it was snowing in London. Rookie mistake!
Enjoying a fish and chips dinner in Notting Hill.
Bring Comfortable Walking Shoes
Most of the attractions around central London are within walking distance. Walking around instead of taking the tube is a great way to familiarize yourself with the city and its sights. So you’ll surely be in for a bit of walking, and the last thing you want to worry about is blisters or uncomfortable shoes.
Pack Light with Carry-On Bags
Do your best to pack your bags as light as possible so that you aren’t carrying big luggage around the city with you. If you can manage to fit everything into carry-on bags that would be stellar. Many streets in London are made of cobblestone and are really a pain to roll your suitcases along beside you.
Pub food, fish and chips and a lovely red door in London.
London Eye Ferris Wheel.
Tips for Americans Traveling in England
England is a great place for Americans to visit because of the similar cultures and the fact that we both speak English. But even with these things we have in common, there will be a few surprises you’ll discover during your visit.
The Exchange Rate from Dollars to Pounds Will Make Your Trip More Expensive
London is an expensive city and for us Americans it becomes even more expensive quickly because of the unfortunate exchange rate. The British Pound is almost always stronger than the dollar so you’ll be paying a higher rate than the sticker price.
Credit Card International Fees
When I got home from my trip and I started going through my credit card statements, I noticed that each transaction I had made with my credit card had an additional international fee. I hadn’t done my research ahead of time by looking into the policies of Visa and American Express. Call and confirm the process and fees of using card abroad.
Tower Bridge.
Notify Your Bank That You’ll Be Traveling Internationally
Along with calling your credit cards to inquire about fees, you should also notify them and your bank that you’ll be traveling overseas. If they see a suspicious transaction on your account that was processed in another country, they could freeze your account. This could potentially leave you without money until you are able to get it resolved.
Watch Your Step with Traffic
In England they drive on the other side of the road from how we drive in the US. This also means that traffic moves in different patterns than we are used to. It can be easy to get disoriented and accidentally walk into fast moving traffic. Always take a pause and look both ways when crossing the street. My husband and I almost got hit by a taxi in London because we went on auto pilot and only checked to our right side because we assumed that’s were the cars were coming from.
Westminster Abbey
Beware of Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is unfortunately very prevalent in Europe and London is a hotspot for pickpockets. These stealth criminals can steal your wallet, phone, important documents, jewelry, etc. so quickly without you knowing it.
On a trip to Paris I had my wallet pickpocketed from my backpack zip pocket. I suggest investing in an anti-theft backpack or purse.
I also suggest that you make photocopies of all important documents and cards such as your passport, ID, credit cards and travel itineraries. Keep these printed documents separate from the originals in case somehow you do fall victim to a pickpocket.
Piccadilly Circus
Big Ben
Westminster Abbey
London The Tube Underground Subway Piccadilly Circus stop.
See Our Favorite Modern & Trendy Hotels in London:
At the NYX Hotel London you can opt for sightseeing and then a quick dip in the fancy Roman pool. The hotel is located in the glamorous Bloomsbury district of London and is walking distance to many noteworthy spots.
Often times airport hotels tend to be a bit on the drab side with just the bare necessities. The Moxy Hotel is very close to the London City Airport and it is fully designed in fun and whimsical modern decor.
This hotel is conveniently located in the Westminster Borough where you’ll find top attractions such as Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey.
Shop Travel Essentials for Your Vacation:
Use a lightweight canvas backpack to conveniently carry all your essentials around with you while on vacation.
I mentioned above that if you can manage to fit all of your travel packing into a carry-on bag, you’ll really save yourself the hassle of lugging big suitcases all over London. Samsonite makes durable and stylish luggage that makes travel a bit smoother.
You can be an eco-friendly and savvy traveler with these TSA-friendly refillable liquid pouches and bottles.
