London in a Day

London, England’s capital city tops the list of many people’s destinations to visit, while on vacation to Britain. London has more visitor attractions than any other city in the world and draws some 30 millions visitors each year. If you only have a day to get around them then you've a lot to cram in, but here is how it can be done…

Staying at a central London hotel can be as lavish or as affordable as you want. myguideBritain has a range of accommodation in London to suit any budget from just under $200 a night at London Bridge Hotel, The Paddington Court Hotel or the Mostyn Hotel. Or you could splash out for a stay in the elegant surroundings of The Goring (from $650 a night), The Stafford (from $481 a night) or the Royal Park (from $341 a night). Alternatively you could go self-catering with a stay at Astons Apartments from just ($192 per night).

If this stretches your budget a little you’ll be pleased to know that most of London's museums and galleries are free. These include the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, the V&A, Tate Britain, Tate Modern, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery.

If you're unsure of how to get around London, its worth taking a bus tours that will take you to all the main sights and cost around £12, otherwise get yourself a Zone One day ticket for the Tube for £6.20, or if you're feeling adventurous explore on foot, with a good pair of shoes and an umbrella - just in case!

Most people will start a tour of London at Buckingham Palace . The best time to get to Buckingham Palace is about 10.30 in the morning to see the Changing of the Guard at 11.30am - each day (if dry) throughout June and July. From Buckingham Palace make your way on foot down Birdcage Walk to Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey . Parliament is open to public view during the summer recess of August and September, but prior booking is strongly advised. To visit Westminster Abbey you may have to queue (and for quite some time during peak times) as it's capacity is strictly limited, but it is well worth the wait. All of Britain's Kings and Queens are crowned here, in this masterpiece of gothic architecture and many are buried here as well.

From Westminster, head down Whitehall past Downing Street to the official centre of London - Trafalgar Square . Here you'll find Nelson’s Column and the National Gallery containing some of Britain's greatest art treasures ranging from the 13th to the 20th centuries and boasting works from greats such as Botticelli, Da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Rubens, Rembrandt, Turner, Monet, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Round the corner, the National Portrait Gallery is a must, here you can put the faces to all the famous names throughout British history, that will keep cropping up as you visit London's historic attractions.

From here you may want to use some transport to get to the British Museum (Tube - Charing Cross to Holborn). If there is one visitor attraction you should see in London it is this, the British Museum contains around 6 million artifacts from the four corners of the globe outlining the history of world civilization. Here you’ll find the controversial Elgin Marbles, the sarcophagus of Cleopatra and a colossal statue of Rameses III.

From here head towards Tower Hill to see the World famous Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . If anywhere is worth spending your day's budget it's the Tower of London, its walls are packed with history, intrigue and even the odd ghost or two, not to mention the Crown Jewels. From here hop back on the Tube at Tower Hill to St Paul's where you'll get off to visit the stunning St Paul's Cathedral . The great catacombs of the cathedral are where many of the great and good of Britain are buried, while a climb up the 530 steps to the top of the central dome will grant you amazing views across the city of London and at a fraction of the price of the London Eye . From the top of St Paul's Cathedral you could watch the sun go down over London town.

A walk across the Millennium Bridge brings you to the national gallery of modern art at the Tate Modern or you could head ‘up West’ for the evening and take in a show at one of London’s famous West End theatres.

Where else in the world could you visit two cathedrals, three art galleries, one museum, a Royal palace and a number of World Heritage Sites in one day? Only in Britain and only in London.

For more information on a customized vacation to Britain or London please contact one of our guides.