Hey there, fellow adventurers! Have you ever wondered if you can conquer London in just one day? Well, buckle up because we’re diving into the ultimate whirlwind guide to experiencing the best of London on a lightning-fast trip, especially if it’s your first stop after flying in from the USA. London is a city that never fails to dazzle with its iconic landmarks, rich history, and vibrant culture. And if you’re coming from Paris, whether by train, plane, or even a quick ferry ride across the Channel, this guide will show you how to make the most of your brief but action-packed visit. Let’s jump right in and discover how to see the highlights of London in a day!
Table of Contents
Introduction
A day trip from Paris to London can be a fun and rewarding experience. It gives you a taste of all that London has to offer without the need for an overnight stay. However, with limited time in the city, you’ll need to plan your day carefully to make the most of it.
The advantage of a day trip is that it can be done fairly easily and affordably from Paris. The Eurostar train takes just 2 hours 20 minutes each way, so you can be in London by mid-morning and back in Paris by evening. It makes for an exciting and manageable whirlwind tour.
The downside is that with just 8-10 hours in London, you will only have time to see a fraction of the city’s top attractions. It may feel a bit rushed trying to fit everything in. An overnight stay allows for a more relaxed pace and time to experience London’s famous nightlife.
For a successful day trip, focus on the highlights that give you a good overview of London. Top sights include the British Museum, National Gallery, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Trafalgar Square. Choose just 2 or 3 key attractions, take a quick walking tour by the River Thames, allow for some shopping or dining, and soak in the ambiance. With savvy planning, you can get a solid taste of London’s history, art, culture, food, and vibrancy.
Getting to London
The quickest and most convenient way to get from Paris to London is by taking the Eurostar train. The Eurostar offers several direct trains between Paris and London each day, with travel times of just 2-3 hours.
The Eurostar trains travel between Paris Gare du Nord station and London St Pancras International station. Tickets can be booked directly on the Eurostar website or through sites like Rail Europe. Standard fares start from around €40-60 each way. The earlier you can book your tickets, the cheaper they will be.
It’s recommended to book at least a few weeks in advance to get the best fares. You can save more money by being flexible on your travel times – midweek journeys and off-peak times are generally cheaper. If you’re under 26, you can also get discounted youth fares on Eurostar.
When traveling between Paris and London, Eurostar is faster than flying when you factor in travel time to the airports, security queues, etc. The train stations are also conveniently located in the city centers, so you avoid lengthy transfers. Once you arrive in London, the city’s attractions and sights are easily accessible by foot, metro, bus or taxi.
Transportation in London
Getting around London is easy with its extensive public transportation system. You have several options to choose from depending on your budget, time constraints, and interests.
The Tube
London’s underground train system, known as the Tube, is the fastest and most efficient way to get around. With 11 different lines and over 270 stations, the Tube goes to all of London’s top attractions. Purchase an Oyster card to save money on fares. While the Tube is quick, it can get crowded during rush hours.
Buses
London’s iconic double-decker red buses run all over the city. They are cheaper than the Tube but can get stuck in traffic. Buses allow you to see the sights along the way. Get an Oyster card and take advantage of bus-only lanes during busy times. Buses run regularly from early morning until midnight.
Taxis
The classic black cabs of London can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands. They are more expensive but provide a private ride directly to your destination. Taxis are best for short trips or times when the Tube and buses are not running. Agree on the fare beforehand to avoid surprises.
To get around London efficiently, purchase an Oyster card and use the Tube and buses. The Tube is best for long distances between top sights. Buses allow you to see the city and are good for shorter connections. Taxis fill in the gaps when needed. With its extensive transportation options, getting around London is a breeze.
Top Attractions
London is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks and attractions. Here are some of the top sights to see on a day trip from Paris:
British Museum
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. Its permanent collection spans over two million years of human history and culture, making it one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. Some of the most famous exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.
Tower of London
The Tower of London is one of the city’s most historic landmarks. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, it has served as a royal palace, prison, and place of execution. Today it is best known as the home of the Crown Jewels. Be sure to join a Yeoman Warder tour to hear tales from the tower’s dark history.
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace has been the official London residence of Britain’s monarchs since 1837. Visitors can experience the lavish State Rooms and Throne Room on a guided tour when the Queen is at home. Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace gates daily at 11 am.
Big Ben
The iconic clock tower Big Ben sits at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. The name actually refers to the bell inside the clock tower, which weighs 13 tons and strikes every hour. Big Ben is currently undergoing restoration work and is covered in scaffolding, but you can still see it and appreciate its grandeur.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church for British monarchs since 1066. The Gothic abbey church is home to the tombs of monarchs like Queen Elizabeth I and Charles Darwin. Visitors can tour the Abbey and Poets’ Corner, which honors famous writers like Shakespeare and Austen.
Walking Tours
Walking is one of the best ways to explore London’s neighborhoods and take in the sights. You can choose between self-guided tours using apps or maps, or join a guided tour led by a local expert. Some top themed tours to consider:
British History
- See landmarks like Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and more. Learn about British monarchs and key events.
- Stop for classic British tea and snacks along the way.
Harry Potter
- Visit film locations and places that inspired the books. See Diagon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, the ‘Leaky Cauldron’ pub, and other magical sights.
- Fun for fans of all ages. Costumes welcome!
Jack the Ripper
- Walk the streets of Victorian London’s East End and see sites related to the infamous murders.
- Learn about the unsolved crimes and theories on the killer’s identity. Not suitable for children.
Street Art & Graffiti
- Check out world-class street art in hip neighborhoods like Shoreditch, Camden, and Brixton.
- See works by Banksy and other top artists. Learn about urban art culture.
Best of London in 1 Day
- See top sights like Trafalgar Square, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Perfect quick overview for short trips.
For self-guided tours, apps like GeoTracker provide turn-by-turn directions and audio guides. Or print maps and information from sites like GPSMyCity. Guided tours typically last 2-4 hours and cost £10-30 per person. Check tour company websites for specific routes, schedules, and reservations.
Food
London is famous for its eclectic food scene, serving up dishes from around the world. However, no trip to London would be complete without sampling some classic British fare. Here are some iconic foods to try and where to find them:
Fish and Chips
Fish and chips is a quintessentially British dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with thick-cut chips (fries). Some top spots to sample authentic fish and chips in London include:
- The Golden Hind in Marylebone
- Poppies in Camden Town
- Fryer’s Delight in Holborn
Go for cod or haddock drowned in malt vinegar for the full experience.
Full English Breakfast
A full English breakfast is the perfect hearty start to the day. It typically includes bacon, sausages, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, tomatoes, and toast. Good places to try a full English include:
- Regency Cafe in Westminster
- E.Pellicci in Bethnal Green
- Granger & Co in Notting Hill
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea with finger sandwiches, scones, and sweets is a cherished British tradition. Splurge on afternoon tea at:
- The Ritz
- The Wolseley in Mayfair
- Peggy Porschen Cakes in Belgravia
Or grab tea and cake to go from Pret a Manger for an affordable bite.
London has an outstanding food scene. Don’t miss the chance to sample classic British fare like fish and chips, a full English breakfast, or afternoon tea on your day trip!
Shopping
London is a shopper’s paradise, with areas like Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Knightsbridge offering plenty of options. Here are some of the best areas and tips for shopping in London:
Best Areas/Streets
- Oxford Street – This major shopping street has over 300 shops, including flagship stores like Selfridges and Debenhams. Find anything from fashion to beauty and electronics here.
- Regent Street – Just across Oxford Circus from Oxford Street, Regent Street offers more flagship stores and luxury brands like Apple and Burberry.
- Knightsbridge – Head to Knightsbridge for exclusive high-end shopping at Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Nearby Sloane Street also offers designer boutiques.
- Covent Garden – In this central neighborhood, arcades like the Market Building offer British brands, while Neal Street and Seven Dials have a nice mix of boutiques.
Souvenirs
Typical London souvenirs include Union Jack items, tea, books, prints and posters, clothing, and more. Look for souvenirs at museum shops, markets like Covent Garden, or gift shops across the city. Some popular items are:
- Tea towels, mugs, tins with London icons or the British flag
- Books like Harry Potter, British classics, or travel guides
- Umbrellas with London motifs
- London Underground merchandise
- Paddington Bear items
Tax-Free Shopping
Visitors from outside the EU can get a VAT refund on purchases over £30 at shops displaying a Tax-Free Shopping sign. You must show your passport and have the items sealed in a special bag when leaving the EU. Get paperwork from the retailer, then have customs stamp it at your departure point to claim your refund. Many larger stores can deduct the VAT immediately.
Evening Entertainment
London’s West End is famous for its theatres and musicals. Some of the most popular shows include The Lion King, Wicked, and Hamilton. Most theatres are located around Leicester Square, Shaftesbury Avenue, and Covent Garden. Tickets can be booked in advance online or purchased on the day at the theatre box office.
For a lively night out, head to Soho which is filled with bars, pubs, and comedy clubs. Shoreditch is also popular for its hip bars, clubs, and live music venues.
To see London’s sights at night, consider an evening sightseeing tour. These tours often include a ride on the London Eye Ferris Wheel or a dinner cruise down the River Thames. You’ll get to see iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye lit up at night. Evening tours typically run from 6-9 pm.
Getting Back
Make sure to book a return Eurostar ticket in advance, as prices tend to rise closer to the travel date. The last Eurostar train back to Paris from London leaves between 9:30 pm and 10 pm depending on the day.
To avoid getting stranded in London, book a return ticket for a train no later than 9 pm. You can book Eurostar tickets on their website or mobile app. Have your ticket handy when you arrive at St Pancras International Station to go through security and passport control.
Make sure to arrive at St Pancras at least 30 minutes before your booked Eurostar departure time. Get through security and passport control, then head to the Eurostar departure lounge. Listen for announcements to board your train.
Day Trip Tips
A day trip from Paris to London can be an amazing experience, allowing you to sample the sights and sounds of this iconic city. However, to make the most of your brief time in London, it helps to plan ahead. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your London day trip:
Best Time of Year to Visit
When planning your day trip, keep the weather and crowds in mind. Late spring and early autumn tend to be good times to visit London. The weather is milder and the major tourist crowds have thinned out. The summer months can be quite crowded and hot. Winter is colder but decorated for the holidays. Avoid visiting on national holidays or during major events, when things will be more crowded and expensive.
Beating the Crowds
To avoid long lines, plan to arrive early at major sights like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Consider booking timed-entry tickets in advance when possible. Go early in the day to sights like Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral to beat the crowds. For a bird’s eye view of London with shorter lines, head to The Shard instead of the London Eye.
Money Saving Tips
Book trains early to get cheaper fares. Walk when possible versus taking taxis. Many of London’s top museums are free. Pack a lunch or eat at a market versus sit-down restaurants. Consider getting an Oyster card for discounted transportation fares. Take advantage of free walking tours. Time your trip to coincide with free museum days. Check websites for special offers and 2-for-1 deals on attractions.
Planning ahead helps make the most of your limited time in London. A well-organized day trip allows you to experience the magic of London without breaking the bank or getting overwhelmed.
Conclusion
As your whirlwind day in London comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the incredible sights and experiences you’ve soaked in. From the majestic Tower of London to the buzzing streets of Covent Garden, you’ve witnessed a snapshot of this dynamic city’s charm and history. While a single day can only scratch the surface of all that London has to offer, I hope this guide has inspired you to return and delve deeper into its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and delicious cuisine. Remember, London is always ready to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure. Until next time, happy travels!
For hassle-free trip planning, visit our Accommodation and Transportation pages. Find the best deals for a seamless London experience!