24 hours in London is 24 hours well spent

Are you lucky enough to have a stopover in London? Just 24 hours can be enough to get a real idea of ​​the place and realize that you definitely want to return one day. As long as you’re prepared to walk long distances, you can cover more ground than you think in a short time in London.

central attractions

Many of London’s top attractions are centrally located and within walking or cycling distance of each other. Yes, one way to see more of the city is to hop on the blue rental bikes that Londoners affectionately call ‘Boris Bikes’. The scheme works on an hourly basis, and bikes can be picked up and dropped off at different pay stations spread across the city.

A great route to take is the riverside path that runs alongside the Thames. As you walk on both sides of the river, you can see landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye, Tate Modern, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge. Stop for a bite to eat at the wonderful Borough Market, where you can get some of the freshest local and international produce, from cheese to full meals.

Other sights to include on a walking or cycling tour of central London include Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, and Buckingham Palace.

a bit out of the center

In many cases, it might be more practical to limit your visit to the outskirts of London. These areas can be closer to airports and can give a more genuine impression of London, as you are more likely to spend time in areas populated by locals and small businesses.

Kew and Richmond are on the right hand side of the city for anyone traveling to and from Heathrow Airport and Gatwick Airport. Kew Gardens are world-famous botanical gardens with a walkway through the trees and charming tea rooms for traditional British afternoon tea. Richmond Park is a sprawling park with deer and other living creatures grazing among the many trees. The park has wonderful views of central London.

Those traveling to and from Stansted Airport can stay in the north of the city to save time. The Camden area is worth discovering and is home to one of London’s most popular markets, with stalls selling everything from giant donuts to henna tattoos and hemp cloth clothing. It’s also a good destination for anyone looking for an affordable meal in the expensive city.

If you choose to venture into the city, check into a Tower of London hotel that’s close to tube and national rail stations to get you where you need to be on time. Alternatively, stay in an airport hotel, but these tend to be noisy and less comfortable.