Today we have another addition to my 24-hour guides: London! As you know, the 24-hour guides are my signature guides as I can’t stay in one place for too long. If I book a trip somewhere, it’s my opportunity to see all the countries that surround it, taking puddle jumpers whenever I can. Who else can relate? Here is how to spend 24 hours in London.
Breakfast & Coffee
Kaffeine
My favorite spot in London for a morning pastry and coffee is Kaffeine. They have two locations; their original location being on Titchfield Street. Their other location is literally only a few blocks away. Which ever location you choose, you’re going to have an amazing coffee that’s poured to perfection. Their pastries are on another level, and you should definitely choose the pastel de nata!
Sightseeing
Westminster
You cannot have a trip to London without visiting the Westminster area. If you’ve already been to London, then try these lesser known things to do instead. But, if it’s your first time, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament are must sees! Personally, I always have to stake a stroll through Westminster, no matter how many times I’ve been to London. There are so many great photo opps for the gram!
Markets
As an alternative to Westminster, you could also stop by the Netil Market or Old Spitalfields Market. Both markets have a variety of handcrafted goods, street food, and vintage finds. I would recommend Old Spitalfields for a vintage flea market vibe and Netil for a local artisan vibe.
Lunch
Shoreditch Grind
Find yourself at the Shoreditch Grind for a nice light lunch (you’ll want to save room for dinner trust me) and maybe a cup of coffee if you’re feelin’ it. I recommend the buttermilk chicken sandwich. The service here is amazing and the vibe is grungy London, but elevated with a modern take. I also recommend getting a can of beans to take home! Their coffee is fabulous and it’s roasted locally.
Shopping
Regent Street
Regent Street is a must if you want to shop the latest trends and have a very London-ish time doing so. It has all best high street fashion stores and the street itself is lively and decorated with British flags. You can mosey through the stores for hours. Also a great street to get your people watching in!
Selfridges
This department store is similar to a Nordstrom or Bloomingdales in the states. Selfridges is where all the high end and designer fashion is. I love strolling through here and looking at all the designer items. They literally have everything here, including a bag and coat drop, nail and hair salon, and a million restaurants. Spending a few hours here will make you feel like royalty.
Coffee Break
Soho Grind
It’s no secret that I love the Grind! This charming little shop is located in an alley off Regent Street and it’s the perfect stop for a small break after shopping your heart out. Pro Tip: definitely take your camera out here. The Soho Grind has the cutest interior!
Dinner
The Duck and Waffle
This place is one you’ll definitely need reservations to get in to. The Duck and Waffle is the highest 24/7 restaurant in London. Located on the 40th floor of 110 Bishopsgate, it’s quite a ride to get to the top, and that’s only the beginning. You’ll literally die once you see the views! And the food? Just as amazing. Honestly one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten in London.
33 comments
London is probably one of the most charming and stunning places in Europe and spending 24 hours there would be a dream come true for me, Emily. This is one exceptional guide and itinerary which I’m saving in hope to put it to use very soon! ๐
I hope you get to go soon! It’s a great city for a quick trip. There’s always something to see/do. ๐
The Duck and Waffle sounds so nice to eat while admiring the city ! Great post ! Thank you for sharing your recommendations !
https://thefrenchiestblog.wordpress.com
Thanks Alex! It’s such a good restaurant!!
That will be a fun 24 hours for me, I love the thought of insta worthy cafes and the cool shopping places.
http://www.busyandfab.com
Thank you Mercy!
It feels like you are living the best life! Eat, drink and lots of travel. LOL! Yes, I know the reality is not as pretty but I am living my dreams through your eyes.
Haha I try! It’s totally attainable though! I only travel out of the country about twice a year, I just make sure to hit all the places lol. Most travel bloggers I know travel full time. Now THAT’S the life. ๐
This is SO not what I needed to read right now! I have been trying to convince myself out of booking a flight to London and this isn’t helping! I completely agree about Westminster. There is always something new to discover!
Haha It’s so hard, I know! London is one of those places where there’s so much to do. I constantly want to return!
Love this London guide – even though that I have lived in London for over a decade I am always discovering something new. I’ve just been in Regent Street yesterday and just realised that I have never been to Grind.
Miriam xx
So jealous! Totally wish I could live there. Happy to help you still discover new places too. ๐
Girl, you’re always hitting up the best places wherever you go. Shoreditch Grind looks like a great place – I am 100% with the aesthetics. Ooh, I didn’t know that Selfridges is basically the Bloomingdales/Nordstrom of London. Glad you had an amazing time! I REALLY need to get my butt out to London some day.
Nancy โฅ exquisitely.me
Thanks Nancy! London has so many amazing places! It just make me look good because of it hahaha.
Brilliant little guide to London – there’s so much to do but I love how you summed it up so easily!
Heather xoxo
https://www.hefafa.me.uk
Thank you Heather! London is so full of things to do, and that’s why I love it!
I really want to go to duck and waffle next time I’m there! Have heard so many awesome things about that place!
xx Sofia | SOFIAADOT
Thanks Sofia! It’s definitely a must in London!
I have never been to London yet but always wanna visit there..it is on top of my list of places to visit..I like your idea of spending 24 hours… will definitely keep in mind places you mentioned…Thanks..โค๏ธ
http://www.geniusenough.com
Despite living an hour away from London and having been there multiple times, I was especially looking forward to reading this as I’m taking my boyfriend for the weekend for his birthday – I can’t believe I haven’t tried the Duck & Waffle! Would love to know your food recommendations?
Musings & More
Everything is good there! We got the whole roasted chicken as our main course and it’s perfect to split between two people, especially if you don’t get an appetizer. We did get the lentils as an appetizer and then finished off with an espresso. Too full to get dessert! Haha. Hope you guys have fun in London for the weekend!
Ahhh could this post come at any more of a perfect time?! MY boyfriend and I are going to Paris in the fall and might actually go to London for 24 hours! You’re totally a mind reader ๐
xo,
H
http://firsttimethings.com/
Yay! Hope you guys have a lot of fun! There are definitely some great stops on that list. ๐
Ah this is such a lovely post and I absolutely love London – loving the way you share how to spend 24 hours in different places, this is one of my favourites and definitely need to check out The Duck and Waffle, sounds like it’s a beautiful place!
Layla x
https://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
Thanks Layla!!
Lovely guide, I’d recommend all of these places too. Can’t not see Westminster as a first timer. I’ve never been to a Soho Grind though!! Not sure how I’ve managed that haha
Jenny | Local Leo
Thank you Jenny! The SoHo grind is amazing for sure.
GIRL. You are always hitting the most beautiful places. Glad to know you can spend 24 hours in London but I doubt it’ll be enough xD
โผ cabin twenty-four
Haha you could spend a lifetime in London! But, if you only had 24 hours, that’s a pretty solid day. ๐
Planning a London trip in few weeks so this post came at the right time. Thanks much for the tips. Nice photos!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
You’re welcome lady!
such a great place to visit!!
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Thank you!!