tab1179

I'm going to be in London on business and have one free day to tour. Any suggestions for a one day itinerary?

ribeirasacra

if it is raining...the pub.

bvlenci

Isn't there anything you've always wanted to see in London? I could suggest about six different one-day itineraries in London, but I don't know if we have the same interests.

gailscout

Do you know where you will be staying? Do you like walking tours or walking on your own? Historical sights, museums?

http://www.londonwalks.com have terrific walks. I would see if there is one of Westminster - near Big Ben, Parliament, Westminster Cathedral, Trafalgar Square. You could also include walking to Covent Garden and Buckingham Palace. Or seek out your own walking tour to include these sights. If time permits, walk along the Thames - crossing over Millennium Bridge to walk by The Globe Theater and St Pauls. Make a reservation at http://skygarden.london to a free overview of London - including looking down on the Tower of London.

Check on a map too see where these treasures are located and plot your route.

That is what I would do. I would not do a a bus tour as one doesn't really get a sense of what is where. Of course if it's raining......The National Portrait Gallery.

thursdaysd

"Of course if it's raining......The National Portrait Gallery."

My rainy day retreat is the V&A, but back up would be the British Museum. Or the British Library.

Is this your visit to London? Is so, any guidebook has a list of the top ten, twelve etc. sights and you can just pick the ones that fit your own interests. If not, what did you enjoy on previous trips?

jent103

If you've never been to London, have decent weather and like walking, and want to see the stereotypical London-y things, I'd do this:

- morning at the Tower of London (get there first thing)
- go to St. Paul's (quick visit if you like or just see the outside)
- walk across Millennium Bridge to the South Bank; pop a bit east to see the Globe, then keep walking west
- you'll see the Eye along the way
- cross Westminster Bridge, see Big Ben/Parliament/Westminster Abbey
- make your way past or through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace
- walk down the Mall to Trafalgar Square
- from there, make your way to Covent Garden

But that all assumes you'd rather tick boxes and see as many landmarks as possible than visit any museums, churches, etc (not to mention that you're fine with walking quite a few miles that day). That's a perfectly valid approach and I've done it in several places, but we don't know what sort of traveler you are.

tab1179

Thanks so much for all the helpful responses!! It's my first trip to London (was there once at the age of five but that doesn't count...) Staying at the Rosewood. I'm a walker so I don't mind a lot of walking. Given that I only have a day I'd like to see a few of the touristy stereotypical "must see" sites in London but would also love recommendations of anything you've seen and loved that's more in the category of "where the locals go." Your suggestions have all been super helpful! Thanks!

thursdaysd

I always like to have a drink in the Truckle's Wine Bar in Pied Bull Yard. I love the names, the wine list is extensive, and it's handy for the British Museum. Also, plan to visit an Indian restaurant one evening.

nytraveler

If you want the classic London you could do:

The Tower
Westminster Abbey - verger's tour
Big Ben and Parliament

Pick a museum from the list below based on your intersts and their opening hours on the day you have

British
National Gallery
National Portrait Gallery (a small gem)
The V&A
Tate or Tate modern

ElendilPickle

If you have free time in the evenings, check to see which museums stay open late and fit in a quick visit or two. Otherwise, you've gotten lots of good suggestions for your free day.

Lee Ann

tab1179

Thanks again! You're all awesome!