Feb 22 2012
How to make the most of 24 hours in London
An Advertising Feature
So you find yourself in London for just 24 hours in-between flights – how are you going to make sure that you get the most out of your time in one of the world’s most exciting cities? Here is our guide to how to cram as much as possible into your time in London before jetting off to your next destination.
Begin the day early with a stroll around Hyde Park, wander past the Serpentine and pay a visit to the Princess Diana Memorial. Stroll down past Hyde Park Corner and through Green Park on to Buckingham Palace.
After taking the obligatory tourist snap with the iconic guards at the Palace continue your walking tour of the cities green spaces with a stroll through St James’s Park and down to Trafalgar Square. Take in Nelson’s Column and battle the other tourists to climb up onto the imposing marble lions that guard the column.
Maybe refresh with a coffee and a snack and then head down Whitehall, past the impressive government buildings to see Downing Street which Prime Minister, David Cameron, calls home. Only a few more metres down the road you will come across the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey – some of the capitals most famous and beautiful buildings.
Just across the river is the London Eye. Yes, it is basically a giant ferris wheel but at 443 foot, each 30-minute ‘flight’ provides you with wonderful, uninterrupted views of the city.
Every visit to London should involve a stroll along the South Bank on the River Thames. It’s a great opportunity for some people watching and there are lots of street performers wowing crowds, book stalls to peruse and places to grab a bite to eat or a drink. Eventually you will stumble upon the imposing disused power station that has been converted into the Tate Modern, one of London’s most popular museums with locals and tourists alike.
When you can drag yourself away from the modern art, continue your walk along the South Bank taking in St Paul’s Cathedral on the other side of the river and on to Borough Market. This farmers market is a foodie heaven and after all your walking, you will deserve to treat yourself. Sample the cheese, bread, pestos and pastries on offer and wash it down with some traditional English cider.
By now, you will no doubt be weary from all the walking so it’s time to hop on a tube to Liverpool Street. From here you can wander through the stalls and trendy shops of Spitalfields Market on to Brick Lane where if you can fit it in, you can enjoy one of the best Indian curries in London. No doubt you will be exhausted but if you can manage it, the area around Brick Lane and Shoreditch High Street provides lots of great options for late night watering holes.
Your 24 hours in London will be tiring but it will also leave you wanting more. Be sure to visit again soon.