If you’re trying to cram London’s must-sees into just one day, a walking tour is the way to go. It’s busy, for sure, but it’s also rewarding because you get to see the in-between streets, stumble on hidden gems, and realize that sometimes walking is just as fast as hopping on the Tube or bus in central parts. What I did was start early and plan my stops so they looped rather than zigzagged across the city.
Here are the ten places I visited on foot, in the exact order I walked them, with a mix of history, views, and a few breaks along the way.
London in a Day – Walking Route to the City’s Top Attractions
Buckingham Palace
I started at Buckingham Palace, with the famous balcony, the guards, and right behind them the Queen Victoria Memorial, which is that large marble statue and fountain in front. It’s a grand welcome into royal London. You can join a tour to go inside the palace, which typically takes around two hours, but with a pricey admission fee, mixed reviews, and limited time, I decided to skipped it.
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| the Buckingham Palace and Queen Victoria Memorial |
Even though I didn’t go inside, I did enter the souvenir shop, which you can access without a full tour, to grab a few trinkets. The palace frontage is still impressive from outside, especially watching the guards and seeing the gates, the medals, and all that detail.
St James’s Park
Right beside Buckingham is St James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest parks. It’s peaceful amid the city, with ducks, squirrels, flowers, manicured lawns, and lovely views across the lake. I paused here for a bit just to sit and take in the calm.
Westminster Abbey
Next up was Westminster Abbey, a place heavy with history. With Kings and queens crowned here, poets buried here, all the big state funerals, walking around its exterior is humbling. I went inside, which costs £27 for adults, and admired the stained glass, the medieval architecture, and the tombs of famous writers and monarchs.
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| the facade of Westminster Abbey |
Inside, I was drawn to the chapels and memorials, each with unique details and carvings that hinted at the stories behind them. Walking through, it felt solemn but not lifeless – you’re very aware of the history while still seeing it as a place of worship.
Westminster Bridge + Big Ben + Houses of Parliament
From Westminster Abbey, I walked across Westminster Bridge toward Big Ben, also known as Elizabeth Tower. It’s cliché for a reason – that view of the Houses of Parliament across the Thames is iconic. On a sunny day with clouds, reflections in the water make it even more cinematic.
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| view of Big Ben and Houses of Parliament from Westminster Bridge |
Instead of crossing to the South Bank from there, I stayed on the north side of the river and headed east. Walking along the embankment gives you different angles, and you're not forced to cross the busy pedestrian bridges immediately. It also gives you more control over your pace, especially if you want to stop and look at statues or plaques along the way.
Riverside
This isn't really on any list of iconic spots, but this stretch along the north bank of the Thames, opposite the South Bank, is one of my favorite hidden walks. You’ll pass by monuments like the Battle of Britain Monument, located on Victoria Embankment, which honors the airmen of WWII. Nearby is also the Royal Air Force Memorial, dedicated to those who served in the RAF during World War I and II.
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| view of the London Eye from the riverside |
Walking here, you get river views, the silhouettes of the London Eye across the water, and quiet stretches. It’s a nice contrast after the busier tourist spots.
Covent Garden
Next I made my way to Covent Garden for lunch and a bit of wandering. The area is lively with street performers, quirky shops, market stalls, and plenty of cafés. I explored not just the main square but also the alleyways around Covent Garden, which had smaller boutiques and artisan stalls tucked away. Eventually, I picked a spot to sit down and have a proper lunch.
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| Neal's Yard - a quiant little spot tucked away around Covent Garden |
The vibe here is more relaxed compared to the Westminster cluster, which makes it a good place to recharge before continuing the walk. It’s the kind of area where you can easily lose track of time, whether you’re shopping, eating, or just people-watching.
British Museum
After lunch, I headed to the British Museum. Entry to the permanent collection is free, but you need to book in advance for a time slot. I stayed for a couple of hours, exploring galleries, which display Egyptian artifacts, the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and so much more.
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| the sculpture of Rameses II |
The museum is massive, so it helps to grab a map at the entrance or check the guide on their app. That way, if you’re curious about specific collections – like Asian art, Greek and Roman sculptures, or the Assyrian reliefs – you’ll know exactly where to go. Otherwise, it’s easy to get lost wandering through room after room.
Leicester Square
From the British Museum, I made my way toward Leicester Square, stopping at a couple of Harry Potter shops along the way (more on that later). The square itself is a lively spot with plenty to see, with posters of big shows, people trying to get your attention, snack stands, and even a couple of protests. There are statues of William Shakespeare and Harry Potter, which of course I had to check out.
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| statue of William Shakespear at Leicester Square |
Around the square, you’ll also find the giant M&M’s World store, along with other interesting shops and entertainment venues. It’s a fun area to wander through, even if you’re not shopping, just to take in the energy and variety.
National Gallery
A short walk from Leicester Square lands you in Trafalgar Square, but first, you can slip into the National Gallery, where you get free entry to the permanent collection. I spent maybe an hour wandering the halls and checking out some paintings. It’s another calming break in the middle of the busy day.
Trafalgar Square
I wrapped up the walk at Trafalgar Square, where you’ll find Nelson’s Column, the fountains, and plenty of impressive architecture all around. I spent a little time here just sitting by the fountains, people-watching and taking a breather before heading back. There were tourists snapping photos, kids chasing pigeons, and street performers keeping the atmosphere lively. It felt like a fitting end to a packed day of walking.
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| National Gallery at Trafalgar Square |
Yes, this was a packed itinerary and your feet might feel sore the next day, but it’s very doable if you start early and plan well. Walking between places lets you see more: alleys, hidden shops, corners you’d miss if you just took public transportation. Plus, with the crazy traffic in these areas, sometimes walking is just as fast.
If you try it, bring good walking shoes, your phone with handy Google Maps, and mental flexibility. London has a way of surprising you – the small moments often become your favorite memories.
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