How to Spend 24 Amazing Hours in London

Posted May 30, 2022

 

You’ve just landed at one of London’s many airports. You arrive at our hostel, leave your bags in the luggage room, and off on your adventure. But what do you do?

London is one of those cities that seems smaller than it is, but there’s so much to see and do. 

We have created the best, unforgettable itinerary for your 24 hours in London.

9:55 am – Book Your Day Tickets

This section is only for theatre lovers, so read the next paragraph if that’s not you. 

If you want to see a show on the famous West End of London, I recommend getting a day ticket/rush ticket through the app TodayTix. At 10 am every morning, they release last-minute tickets for that day’s performances. 

You have to be quick, though. Many people use this app and are ready with the app open for the ticket release.

We’ve got front-row tickets for The Book of Mormon for only £25! A bargain! 

 

 

 

10 am – Free Walking Tour

Start your day by getting your bearings and seeing many of the big sites in one go! We recommend the Sandeman’s New Europe Tours, which covers many neighbourhoods. Have your cameras ready as you walk past Westminster Abbey and the Big Ben, and see where the Queen and Prince Charles are at Buckingham and St. James’s Palaces. On this 3-hour free walking tour, you will tick off many of London’s must-see sites.

You meet your guide in front of the Apple Store in Covent Garden (a 10-minute walk from Astor Museum Hostel) and finish the tour by Westminster Abbey.

You can book the tour via their website or with our receptionist at the hostel.

 

 

1 pm – Pub Lunch

After walking around, you will need a refill and refuel. So why not sit down for a proper English pub lunch and a freshly pulled pint of beer?

Our recommendations for pubs near Westminster:

  • Red Lion Westminster – a traditional pub with good pints and pies
  • The Marquis of Westminster – a great food spot
  • Marquis of Granby Westminster – offers some tasty classic pub grub

 

 

 

3 pm – The Sky Garden

The Sky Garden is one of London’s best free things to do. It is London’s highest public garden with 360-degree views of London’s skyline. 

The Sky Garden is free of charge, but you must book a ticket in advance as spaces are limited. You can book your tickets here up to three weeks in advance. 

Location: Sky Garden, 1, Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF

 

 

 

5 pm – Happy Hour O’Clock?

After all that sightseeing, you need a cocktail or beer to get the evening started!

Our recommendation is Simmons Bar, as they have one of the best happy hours in London (in our opinion!). And even better, there is one right next to the Sky Garden building (you can thank us later).

From 4 pm – 9 pm Sunday-Friday, you can indulge in:

  • £2.50 bottles of beer, spirit and mixer, glasses of wine
  • £12 bottles of wine
  • 2 cocktails for £10
  • £15 cocktail teapots (can you get more English?)

Location: Simmons Bar Monument, 35 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DE

 

 

 

The Evening

Whether you booked theatre tickets or not depends on your plans for the evening.

If you did book theatre tickets and are off to see a West End show, we recommend heading towards Covent Garden or Leicester Square and grabbing a bite to eat before the show. 

Cote Brasserie is a great option to get great food at a reasonable price. They offer prix fixe menus for 2 courses for £16.95 or 3 courses for £20.95 (served Monday – Thursday 12 pm-close, Friday 12 pm – 7 pm). 

You can order food such as steak frites, poulet grille, pear and goat’s cheese salad, berry pavlova or tarte au citron. 

Cote Brasserie offers an excellent deal for delicious food. 

Locations: Soho, Covent Garden, St Martin’s Lane

 

If you are looking for something to do apart from theatre, the Top Secret Comedy Club is always a great option. Depending on what day you go, you can get tickets for as little as £1 (free if you have a student card!). 

There are multiple shows from 6 pm every evening. You can see upcoming comedians and world-famous acts trying out new material. 

Location: ​​Top Secret Comedy Club, 170 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5PD

 

The Late Night – Party Time!

If you love to party, London is the place to be. Whatever mood you are in, you will find a bar or event that suits your music taste or party vibe.

We recommend looking at Design My Night, which has all the latest info for parties and events and gives you a price indicator to filter out the REALLY expensive places!

London’s nightlife has everything, from G-A-Y-Late for the best cheesy party tunes to Barrio Soho for Latin vibes.

 

 

 

 

We hope you enjoy your 24 hours in London and are inspired to come back maybe and revisit us! 

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