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.

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!

How to Spend 24 Hours in London

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.

How to Spend 24 Hours in London

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.

How to Spend 24 Hours in London

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!

How to Spend 24 Hours in London

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

  1. Lydia

    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! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Emily

      I hope you get to go soon! It’s a great city for a quick trip. There’s always something to see/do. 🙂

      Author Reply
    1. Emily

      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. 😉

      Author Reply
  5. Kasie

    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!

    Reply
    1. Emily

      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!

      Author Reply
  6. Miriam

    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

    Reply
  7. Nancy

    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 ♥ exquisitely.me

    Reply
  11. Emily

    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

    Reply
    1. Emily

      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!

      Author Reply
  14. Jenny

    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

    Reply
    1. Emily

      Haha you could spend a lifetime in London! But, if you only had 24 hours, that’s a pretty solid day. 😉

      Author Reply

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.