Itinerary for a day in London - what to see (from morning to night)

A word of warning: 24 hours in London is clearly not enough to explore England's capital and even visit the main attractions. In this itinerary for a day in London, you'll be able to visit some of the most popular sites, but you'll also get a feel for the city. If you need more time, check out this three-day itinerary in London.

This route is also perfect for a weekend or a getaway in London, to see the main sites in a more relaxed way. And several of these places to visit in London are even free.

But prepare your body, your sense of smell and your mind, because this visit to London starts at dawn and only ends when the sun has long since gone down.

What I'm proposing is that you see London from various perspectives, not all of which are common to visitors. If you have more time, take a look at the itinerary I've prepared for three days in London.

Ready?

A day in London - an itinerary for first-time visitors or those returning to the English capital

See London at dawn - wake up with fish in your nose

I warned you that you'd have to get up early to start this tour of London. Getting out of bed is the hardest part, but once you've beaten the alarm clock, it'll be worth it.

And even if you're still sleepy, the first place I suggest you visit in London is sure to wake you up immediately.

In London there are markets to suit all tastes, from Old Spitalfields, to Borough Market, to Camden Town. However, none is as authentic as Billingsgate Market.

This market doesn't want to persuade tourists to buy food, as in Old Spitalfields or Borough Market, nor does it want to persuade them to buy trinkets, as in Portobello Market, or to get a tattoo, as in Camden Town.

At Billingsgate Market, fish reigns supreme. Billingsgate Market, located in East London, is the largest fish market in the UK.

The market is open from Tuesday to Saturday - from 4am - and an average of 25,000 kilos of fish are sold each year, with more than 150 species of fish on offer. Business is usually finished around 6.30 or 7.00.

It's advisable to take extra clothes or be prepared to change at the hotel, as it's very likely that you'll bring some of the fishy smell with you... This is a peculiar way to start a day's itinerary in London.

Nearest transport to Billingsgate Market

Canary Wharf (Jubilee Line) and Blackwall (DLR)

Morning in London - from the table to the altar

After the intense experience of visiting Billingsgate Market and seeing thousands of fish in front of you, it's time to head to the place I suggest for breakfast. Get on the train (DLR) at Blackwall station and head towards Bank station.

On the way out you'll find the Bank of England building. Take a photo or two, but don't waste too much time because breakfast and views from the Duck and Waffle await you. From the station you'll have to walk about ten minutes.

Breakfast at the Duck and Waffle is served from 6am and you can enjoy typically British food such as bacon and eggs, or something lighter like Greek yoghurt and porridge - all while enjoying the breathtaking view of London from number 110 on Bishopsgate or Heron Tower.

Nearest transport links to Duck and Waffle

Bank (DLR, Central, Waterloo & City and Northern Lines and Tube), Liverpool Street (Central Line)

With a full stomach, it's the perfect time to take your first steps around the city. By now you notice that many people in suits and ties are rushing through the streets to get to their jobs. After all, you're in one of London's financial arteries and the day starts early.

When you leave the Duck and Waffle, turn left onto St Mary Axe and you'll find one of London's iconic buildings - The Gherkin. The glazed, spiral-shaped building by British architect Norman Foster is a landmark.

It can be seen from various points in London, although in recent years it has become increasingly hidden due to the rampant high-rise construction that continues to advance in this part of the city.

If you walk a little further, you'll come across another renowned building - Lloyd's of London, by architect Richard Rogers. You can't visit this unique building, which was completed in 1986, but you can appreciate the architectural details on the outside.

It was classified as Grade I in 2011, making it the youngest building in the country to obtain this status, which protects it from being de-characterised.

My next suggestion is Leadenhall Market, one of London's oldest markets and one of my favourites, especially if you look at the colourful ornate structure and the cobbled street.

This is a place to enjoy from floor to ceiling. The market, which dates back to the 14th century, is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 6pm and sells mainly fresh food.

Nearest transport to Leadenhall Market and The Gherkin

Liverpool Street, Aldgate (Central, Metropolitan lines), Fenchurch Street (c2c - train)

By now, I think your stomach will be satisfied, so let's walk a little further and explore the Barbican Centre. The walk from Leadenhall Market is about 20 minutes, so if you prefer, you can get on one of the buses (76, 100 or 388), or get on the Metro at Bank station, take the Northern line, get off at Moorgate and walk the rest of the way.

The Barbican Centre is a performing arts centre in the City of London, set in an area of brutalist architecture. At the Barbican you'll find various forms of art, including dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. You can even watch a film off the Hollywood commercial circuit or explore one of the many exhibitions.

At the Barbican Centre, as well as at the Museum of London, less than five minutes away on foot, admission is free and you only pay for themed exhibitions. At the Museum of London, you can discover the history of London, from prehistoric times to the present day.

The museum has one of the largest collections of urban history in the world, with more than six million objects.

Nearest transport to the Barbican Centre and Museum of London

Barbican (Metropolitan, Hammersmith, Circle lines) and Moorgate (Great Northern - train), Liverpool Street (Central line)

O Museum of London está a apenas cinco curtos minutos a pé da Catedral de St. Paul, alegadamente a segunda maior catedral do mundo, apenas atrás da Basílica de São Pedro, em Roma. The Museum of London is just five short minutes' walk from St Paul's Cathedral, reputedly the second largest cathedral in the world, only behind St Peter's Basilica in Rome.

The symbolic building needs no introduction, but don't stop at the interior, stroll through the gardens and see St Paul's Cathedral from another perspective. Simply cross the street and visit the One New Change.

From the top of the building you can look down on the majestic religious construction from a fantastic angle (and one that many tourists don't know about). Entry is free and you can even enjoy a drink on the terrace bar.

If you're a photographer like me, you should know that tripods aren't allowed, but you can shoot without any problems - except for commercial purposes.

Nearest transport to St Paul's Cathedral

St Paul's (Central Line), City Thames link (Train)

Agora vamos caminhar mais um minutos e aproveitar para atravessar o rio através da magnífica ponte pedonal suspensa – Millennium Bridge. A assinatura da obra é a mesma do The Gherkin – Norman Foster. Now let's walk for a few more minutes and take the opportunity to cross the river via the magnificent pedestrian suspension bridge - Millennium Bridge. The signature of the work is the same as that of The Gherkin - Norman Foster.

Before you come across the bridge, you will have seen the imposing Tate Modern building and its new extension, both designed by Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron.

I've been to the Tate Modern dozens of times and each time I'm surprised by some of its details and provocative and daring exhibitions. The Tate is a museum of modern art and, if you're visiting London, it's a must-see.

You can buy interesting books in the shop at the entrance, have a coffee almost at the top of the building and enjoy the views of the city and the river.

Admission is free, with the exception of some temporary exhibitions. Tate Modern is open every day from 10am, closing at 6pm from Sunday to Thursday and at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Nearest transport to Tate Modern

Southwark (Jubilee Line), Blackfriars (District and Circle Line) and St Paul's (Central Line).

After an intense morning, between a strong experience at London's fish market and an infusion of art and architecture, it's time to walk around a bit more to whet your appetite for what's next.

When you leave the Tate Modern, walk to the right along the river, enjoying the street artists trying to make a living from tourists' donations.

Amateur performers are followed by professionals at Shakespeare's Globe. This open-air theatre is a reconstruction of Shakespeare's original from the 1600s. If you're tempted, buy a ticket for the next day, because lunch is now waiting for you at Borough Market.

Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London. Here you can indulge in a huge variety of delicacies.

You can buy food to make at home, but it's best to choose a stall or two and satisfy your gluttony right there.

I recommend a visit to one of the cheese shops and don't forget to try the sweets. There are several restaurants where you can also sit down if you prefer.

On my last visit to Borough Market, I opted for a suckling pig sandwich, but I also had my eye on goat, mussels and oysters.

If there's one thing Borough Market doesn't lack, it's variety - from ready-to-eat food to exotic meat - such as snake, camel, horse or frog legs. The market opens every day at 10am, except on Saturdays when the doors open at 8am, and is closed on Sundays. Borough Market is a must-see on a day trip to London.

Nearest transport to Borough Market

London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines, Southern, Thameslink, Southeastern (trains))

Afternoon in the English capital - setting the clock before your stomach gives out again

With a full belly, you can now climb to the top of The Shard. The 95-storey skyscraper, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is a five-minute walk from Borough Market.

Don't worry, there are several lifts to take you to the top of the building - you won't have to walk up.

The exterior of The Shard is covered in 11,000 glass panels and is one of London's newest attractions, having been the UK's tallest building since 2012.

From floor number 72 you can enjoy a fascinating view of a large part of the city. We recommend buying your ticket online. The entrance fee (£21.50) isn't exactly attractive, but you can stay as long as you like.

And there are ways to pay less money to visit The Shard or the London Eye and other tips for saving money in London.

Nearest transport to the Shard

London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines, Southern, Thameslink, Southeastern (trains), Tower Hill (Circle, District lines)

After the spectacular aerial view of the city, it's time to come back down to earth and take a closer look at the city's trade mark: Tower Bridge.

The bridge - which opens to let boats pass on the River Thames - was built between 1886 and 1894 and every day thousands of workers cross it on their way to and from work, while tourists stroll and (take) photographs.

Take a look at London's City Hall, right next to Tower Bridge, but don't linger, as there's a boat waiting for you - one of the most recommended moments of my day trip to London.

Nearest transport to Tower Bridge

London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern lines, Southern, Thameslink, Southeastern (trains), Tower Hill (Circle, District lines)

Get on the Thameslink or Southeastern train at London Bridge and get off further on (about 20 minutes) at Greenwich station. In Greenwich, you can visit various attractions - from the National Maritime Museum to the Cutty Sark - a Victorian era boat/museum. At the former, entry is free, but at the Cutty Sark you'll have to buy a ticket or just watch the boat from the outside.

But the best thing is to walk a little further and climb to the top of the hill where you'll find the astronomical clock and a point that marks the Greenwich Meridian - but don't be fooled, the meridian doesn't pass right where the red line is. Since the beginning of the 1980s, the meridian at latitude 0 has been shifted about 100 metres eastwards with the introduction of new geographical coordinate systems.

After exploring the beautiful park and the fantastic panoramic views over the river, the city and the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf, head back down the same way and on the way you'll find Greenwich Market, where you can buy a snack for the boat trip that follows.

Head for Greenwich Pier - you'll find signs directing you without any problem. The pier is less than 5 minutes away from the market where you bought your snack or savoured a tasty snack.

You'll have to buy the ticket in advance online or use the Oyster Card as payment. The ride on the Thames Clippers between Greenwich and the London Eye will cost you just over six pounds. Believe me, it's well worth it. On the boat you'll sail up the river, enjoying the cityscape, passing Canary Wharf, for example, and under the Tower Bridge deck. See if it pays to buy the London Pass.

The journey takes just over 50 minutes and there are boats docking every 20 or 30 minutes. You can check the timetables and route on the Thames Clippers website.

Nearest transport links to Greenwich

Greenwich, (DLR, Thameslink, Southeastern (trains), Maze Hill (Thameslink, Southeastern (trains))

As you approach the London Eye, you'll easily spot the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. If you wish, you can get on the wheel and have a different view of Parliament, but in my opinion it's completely unnecessary.

After the free panoramic views I've given you in this itinerary (at One New Change, at the Tate Modern in Greenwich) I can almost guarantee you'll be disappointed.

The view from the top of the London Eye isn't particularly impressive and the admission price is very uninviting - over £30 per person. Complete nonsense, in my humble opinion.

If you have time, take a trip to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, right next door, to take the obligatory photo. If you don't have time, you can try to come back the next day and visit Westminster Cathedral.

Nearest transport to the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

Waterloo (Bakerloo, Northern, Jubilee, Waterloo & City lines), South Western Railway (trains), Westminster (Circle, District, Jubilee)

Night on the town in London - musical, cinema and steam dinner

Now that the 24-hour tour of London is drawing to a close, enter the Tube in Westminster or take a bus from Parliament Street (12, 159, 493) and head for Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square or Soho. If you still have the strength after this long day, you can also take a walk through the beautiful St James's Park.

Before dinner you have to decide: would you rather go to the cinema or see a musical? Because musicals start early (for Portuguese stomachs) and having dinner before is very complicated. If you opt for a musical, such as Les Miserables, leave dinner until afterwards.

If you prefer to go to the cinema, then take the opportunity to fill your belly before thrilling to the giant screen of the Leicester Square cinemas.

There's no shortage of dining options in Soho or Leicester Square. The worst part is choosing. In Leicester Square, I recommend a Chinese restaurant - after all, you're on the doorstep of China Town.

The meals at Joy King Lau are delicious and the prices are not exaggerated. The best indication I can give you is that the times I've visited, most of the customers have been Asian and I've never been disappointed. I particularly like the steamed food, such as dumplings.

Shall we go to the cinema? You can choose to watch a Hollywood premiere at the Vue, Odeon or Cineworld chains. But you can see these films at any other time and in any other place.

My recommendation is that you buy a ticket to see a film on the alternative circuit at the Prince Charles Cinema. I remember, for example, seeing the film The Salt of the Earth, which portrays the life and work of the fantastic Brazilian photographer Sebastião Salgado.

Nearest transport to Soho, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square

Piccadilly (Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines), Leicester Square (Northern and Piccadilly lines), Oxford Circus (Bakerloo, Central and Victoria) and Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern).

And that's it, you've got enough for one day in London. This is my itinerary for 24 hours in London, but it could be very different, as the British city has so much to offer. Have you ever imagined starting your tour of the city with the intense smell of fish and ending up at the theatre or cinema in London? Don't forget to check out the best hotels in London.

Places and attractions to visit on a day trip to London

• Billingsgate Market
• Duck and Waffle
• The Gherkin
• Leadenhall Market
• Barbican Centre
• Museum of London
• St Paul's Cathedral
• One New Change
• Millennium Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Borough Market
• The Shard
• Tower Bridge
• National Maritime Museum
• Cutty Sark
• Royal Observatory, Greenwich
• London Eye
• Soho
• Leicester Square
• Piccadilly Circus
• Prince Charles Cinema

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