24 Hours in London: What Would You Do?

24 HOURS IN LONDON

Have you noticed how much I love to travel? I’m often asked what my favorite travel destination is and while the world constantly changes around me, one thing remains the same. I’m absolutely in love with London and it’ll always be my all time favorite city in the world. The city is electric, exciting, and feels more like home to me than anywhere else. If I had only 24 hours in London, what would I do in that short amount of time? Here’s what I’m thinking I’d do:

Take a Quick Nap

If I’ve taken an overnight flight, I’d probably feel a little tired and yes – cranky. While I could rent a hotel room and sleep away the day, why would I want to do that with only 24 hours in London? Before even arriving into the city, I’d stop for a quick nap at the YOTEL London Heathrow. Prices start from £37 for 4 hours or more in a Standard Cabin for one person. If I’m not tired upon arrival, I’m pretty certain I’ll be at the end of 24 hours, which means I might need to stop in before my departure.

YOTEL London Heathrow
Heathrow Airport (LHR), Terminal 4, Longford, Hounslow TW6 3XA, UK

Stand on Westminster Bridge to Get in a Few Good Pics

Doesn’t matter what time of year I visit, I have to go to this spot amongst all of the crazy tourists and take a picture of the River Thames, the London Eye, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. There’s something fascinating about how things change but in the end they always look the same and that’s why I love this spot.

Westminster Bridge
London SE1 7GL, UK

Go Bungee Jumping

That’s right — I said bungee jumping at the O2 Arena with the UK Bungee Club. Why not? Who wouldn’t want to jump 160 feet from a crane over an airbag so you can say you’ve done it at least once in your lifetime? This is a perfect way to have some fun during my 24 hours in London with a little danger, UK style.

The O2
Coach Park, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Spend an Hour (or Two) Shopping

But where would I want to go shopping? With only a little time to shop, I’d need to be organized and ready to multitask. How about visiting one of the many London markets like Camden Lock Market, Old Spitalfields Market, or Covent Garden? While there, I could easily grab a quick meal and a drink (or two) after browsing for great bargains like jewelry, clothing, and even art.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea

With only have 24 hours in London, I’ll need to carefully plan out my day and not omit anything important like afternoon tea. While I may not be British, this redhead loves tea as well as the unusual things in life. That’s why I’d combine them both and return to the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea at the Sanderson. Yes, it’s afternoon tea, but with a twist. The teas are as delicious as is the food which includes scones, sandwiches, and macaroons. Nothing is as it seems here, but that’s the appeal of the Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea.

Sanderson London
50 Berners Street London, W1T 3NG

Visit A Really Cool Bar

This girl loves a good cocktail and if you combine that with something unconventional, she becomes extraordinarily happy. How about a basement level bar like Basement Sate or a secret speakeasy-like bar like Cecil’s, or one of the many others I found on this list? I’m still hoping to get into the Evans and Peel Detective Agency, a secret bar that looks like a detective agency. Once inside, you enter through a secret bookcase into the 1920’s styled bar. See the appeal now?

Squeeze in Some Last Minute Duty Free Shopping

After I’ve exhausted myself by running around London, I’d definitely find a way to squeeze in some last minute shopping at the duty free and other shops at the airport. We’re talking big names like Bvlgari, Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Harrods, and more. Why wouldn’t I want to fill in my time waiting with some retail therapy?

Then, before I’d have a second to complain about how tired I am, it would all be over. I always want to spend as much time as I can in London, but if all I can get is 24 hours in London, I’ll gladly take it.

How would you spend 24 hours in your favorite city?