We know there are a million different ways you could spend 24-hours in London, but here’s what we’re suggesting. Cram your day (and night) with stunning views, lots of culture, coffee, waffles, cocktails, murder stories, and dancing.
Catch the sunrise at the One New Change roof terrace (7.30 – 8.30)
Offering fantastic views of St Paul’s Cathedral and the London skyline, the roof terrace at One New Change is the perfect place to watch the daybreak.
[6 min walk]
Postman’s Park (8.30 – 9.00)
Postman’s Park displays dozens of plaques with stories of everyday heroes who sacrificed their lives while saving others. It’s a hugely moving memorial.
[15 min walk]
Have waffles for breakfast at Duck and Waffle (9.15 – 10.30)
It’s 40 floors up, so you can guarantee more great views of the city. Opt for The Full Elvis with PBJ, banana brȗlée, chantilly cream and all the trimmings. Or, if you’re more of a savoury type, try a smoked salmon royale with a waffly twist.
[16 min on a Boris Bike]
Grab a coffee at Fuckoffee (10.45 – 11.10)
An indie coffee shop in Bermondsey with rude mugs and fantastic cuppa joes.
[16 min walk]
Have lunch at Borough Market (11.30 – 12.40)
You could spend hours perusing the stalls at Borough Market (but there’s no time for that). Take your pick of delicious foods from all over the world. Trust us, if you find it easy to decide, you’re doing it wrong!
[20 min train]
Go to a free lunchtime concert at St Martin-in-the-Field (13.00 – 13.45)
During the week, this beautiful church hosts free lunchtime concerts showcasing world-class classical music. Check out the East Window while you’re there!
[13 min walk]
Stroll along Carnaby Street and finish at Liberty (14.00 – 14.25)
Carnaby Street is crammed with great shops and — bonus! — it’s near to Oxford Street but it’s not Oxford Street. You’ll end up at the gorgeous Liberty building, which is great for browsing and buying things you really don’t need (unless you *need* an extravagant silk scarf, of course).
[2 min walk]
Enjoy a quirky Afternoon Tea at Sketch (14.30 – 15.30)
Sketch is a pretty powder pink restaurant which doubles up as David Shrigley’s art gallery. It has amazing futuristic toilets and a cracking afternoon tea!
[14 min tube]
Admire St Paul’s Cathedral (15.45)
You’ll exit the tube and be faces with the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral. Take some quick snaps before heading down towards the river and crossing Millennium Bridge.
[13 min walk]
Catch the sunset at the Tate Modern‘s viewing platform (16.00 – 16.30)
The new(ish) viewing terrace at the Tate boasts 360-degree views of the city, making it the ideal spot to watch the sun set over the city.
Stick around and take a look at Elton John’s Photography collection (16.30 – 17.30)
The Radical Eye is an excellent exhibition showcasing modernist photography from Sir Elton John’s personal collection. It’s around until May 7.
[24 min walk]
Discover the magic at Leadenhall Market (18.00 – 18.15)
This beautiful Victorian market is where they filmed the Diagon Alley scenes in Harry Potter. You’ll even find the entrance to The Leaky Cauldron pub down Bull’s Head Passage. (Hint: it’s actually an Opticians).
[6 min walk]
Have a bubble bath at The Alchemist (18.20 – 19.20)
That’s a cocktail, of course. It’s made with gin, aperol, Chambord, lemon, apple and Fairy Liquid (we’ll assume they’re kidding about that last one). You can also get smoky sciencey cocktails, colour changing cocktails and, er, kale cocktails.
[10 min walk]
Jack the Ripper Tour (19.30 – 21.15)
Learn the gruesome history of the ghastly Ripper murders; retracing the steps of the murderer who ran free. For more info and to book, go here.
[40 min tube/walk]
Head to Hackney Wick (22.00 – 1.00)
Hackney Wick is the ultimate trendy East London location. Grab a pint and a pizza at CRATE Brewery and enjoy the buzz of Mick’s Garage next door.
[25 min Uber]
Party at the world-famous, and newly reopened, fabric nightclub (1.30 – 6.00)
Now that fabric has finally reopened, its one of those bucket list activities every Londoner should tick off. Find out what’s on and buy your tickets here.
[20 min tube]
Sober yourself up with a Full English at VQ in Bloomsbury (6.30 – 7.30)
VQ serves breakfast 24/7, so it’ll be ready for you whenever you’re done dancing. Sober yourself up with a Full English, or fill up on buttermilk pancakes. And then maybe catch some zzzs?
Feature Image: Flickr/Eric Hossinger
Also published on Medium.