London in 1 day: itinerary with walking times
Spending one day in London? This plan fits 7 sights into a single day, ordered so you walk as little as possible. Highlights include Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and St James's Park. Every stop lists opening hours, prices, the walk to the next one and good places to eat nearby.
Last updated: 22 October 2026
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Day 1 Westminster & St James's · West End
Photo: Christian David · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia
Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament
The Elizabeth Tower and the Gothic Houses of Parliament, best seen from Westminster Bridge; guided tours can be booked.
Opening hours: Always open (view from outside)
Price: FreeEat nearby: St Stephen's Tavern (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 2 min walk
The Red Lion (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 3 min walk- 🚶 0.4 km · 5 min walk → Westminster Abbey
Photo: Antiquary · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia
Westminster Abbey
The coronation church of English monarchs, with royal tombs, Poets' Corner and a multimedia guide.
Opening hours: Mon–Fri 09:30–16:30, Sat 09:00–16:00 (last entry 1 h before closing); Sun services only; hours change for services
Price: £32Eat nearby: The Cellarium Café (British · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 1 min walk
The Westminster Arms (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 4 min walk- 🚶 0.8 km · 10 min walk → St James's Park
Photo: Colin · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia
St James's Park
The oldest Royal Park, with a lake, pelicans and views to Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards.
Opening hours: Daily 05:00–24:00
Price: FreeEat nearby: The Two Chairmen (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 5 min walk
Old Queen Street Café (British · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 6 min walk- 🚶 1.0 km · 12 min walk → Buckingham Palace
Photo: Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia
Buckingham Palace
The King's London residence, seen from the Victoria Memorial, with the Changing of the Guard on set days.
Opening hours: Always open (outside view); Changing of the Guard Mon, Wed and Fri 11:00
Price: Free (outside view)Eat nearby: The Cask & Glass (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 6 min walk
Bag O'Nails (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 6 min walk- 🚶 1.6 km · 20 min walk → Trafalgar Square
- Lunch suggestion The Cask & Glass (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's)
near Buckingham Palace · 🚶 0.5 km · 6 min walk Photo: Diliff · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia
Trafalgar Square
London's grand square with Nelson's Column, the fountains and the lions, right next to the National Gallery.
Opening hours: Always open
Price: FreeEat nearby: Café in the Crypt (British · £ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 1 min walk
Old Shades (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 3 min walk- 🚶 0.2 km · 3 min walk → The National Gallery
Photo: Diego Delso · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia
The National Gallery
Western European painting from Van Eyck to Van Gogh, with Turner, Constable and Monet; free entry.
Opening hours: Daily 10:00–18:00, Fri until 21:00
Price: FreeEat nearby: Café in the Crypt (British · £ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 3 min walk
The Chandos (Pub · ££ · Westminster & St James's) · 🚶 3 min walk- 🚶 0.7 km · 9 min walk → Covent Garden
Photo: Diliff derivative work: SilkTork (talk) · CC BY 2.5 · Wikimedia
Covent Garden
A historic piazza with street performers, covered market stalls, shops and the London Transport Museum nearby.
Opening hours: Piazza always open; market and shops daily about 10:00–20:00
Price: FreeEat nearby: Rules (British · £££ · West End) · 🚶 3 min walk
Dishoom Covent Garden (Indian · ££ · West End) · 🚶 5 min walk- Dinner suggestion Rules (British · £££ · West End)
near Covent Garden · 🚶 0.2 km · 3 min walk
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