If you’re pressed for time and want to see London as quickly as possible, we just might be able to help. We have some tips for maximising your time as well as a suggested itinerary that could be the fastest way to tour London and see the top sights in just one day. Of course, we highly recommend that you spend more time in our capital city since there is just so much to enjoy here. From our extensive history to our diversity of culinary and cultural treats…London has so much to offer!
If you’re keen to do as much as possible in a short amount of time, we’re happy to help. If your London visit offers a little flexibility, take a look at our tours of London to learn more about our fascinating places, stories, and people. And always feel free to contact us if you have any questions about our tours.
The Fastest Way to Tour London
Touring London efficiently is best done with a private tour guide. Not only will you get to see the top sights along the way, but an experienced tour guide will be able to share a wealth of insights and stories to give these locations even more life. Plus, a local guide will know the quickest way to get to each location, including walking shortcuts and local transport options.
If you’re looking for the fastest way to tour London while also getting to see and learn so much about the city, a private guided tour is the best option. You can customise your destinations according to your personal interests and make sure the tour fits within your tight schedule.
While a regular sightseeing tour will help you see the top spots and learn a bit about the stories behind their significance, a private tour of London allows you to ask questions, see the places you really want to see, and avoid anything extra that just doesn’t interest you.
We love showing visitors around our city and we’re always happy to cater to your schedule and interests to make your tour perfect for you. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
The Fastest Way to Get Around London
If you’re short on time but trying to tour around London on your own as quickly as possible, we have a few recommendations for you. First, as much as we love the bus system in London, it is not the fastest way to get around the city. You’ll most certainly encounter traffic and you cannot control that delay.
Alternatively, consider taking the Tube or taxis. If you take the Tube, you’ll want to ensure you know where you’re going and how to get there, so take the time to plan ahead. Just a local tip: the Circle Line is, indeed, a circle, so it is not typically the fastest way to get between points in London!
An even better way to get between points of interest in London is on foot or by bicycle. You could rent a bike for the day to get around the city even faster, sticking to scenic paths or taking the bike paths along the roads as it suits your itinerary. Bike rentals are quite popular and you can easily obtain one at the primary transport hubs around the city, like Paddington or Victoria Station, or King’s Cross or Euston Station.
A Fast London Itinerary to See the City
If you’re truly short on time and only have around a half-day to see London, there are plenty of places you could quickly visit to take some photos and briefly marvel at the iconic sights. We have a suggestion based on how quickly you could realistically get around on your own, so feel free to use this itinerary for a fast tour of London!
Start in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is in the heart of London, becoming a popular meeting and event location as well as having excellent access via various transport links. Start here and pop into the National Gallery if you have a few moments to spare. We love the museum and offer a full National Gallery Highlight Tour if you have more time to devote to this visit!
Walk to Buckingham Palace Along The Mall
This dramatic approach to the Palace will surely set the stage for one of the world’s most prominent royal families.
Walk to Westminster Abbey (Perhaps via St James’s Park)
St James’s Park is a beautiful area in this part of London that you won’t want to miss. If you have a few extra minutes to spare, walk through the park toward the Horse Guards Parade. You could then snap a quick photo of 10 Downing Street before heading to Westminster Abbey.
We think the Abbey deserves plenty of time, but we do understand you may not have that luxury. If you do, take a look at our Westminster Abbey Tour to learn so much more about this remarkably historic landmark.
Say Hello to Big Ben!
From the Abbey, it’s just a short walk to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament; we’d recommend walking out onto Westminster Bridge for the best views! This is also where a private local tour guide can be invaluable. Whilst looking at these iconic structures is lovely, getting the stories behind each gives you a much better understanding of London.
Hop on the Tube to Tower Hill
Not far from Big Ben, you can get onto the District Line (or Circle Line) at the Westminster Underground Station in the direction of Barking. You’ll get off after 11 stops at Tower Hill Station. From there, you’ll walk just a few minutes to the Tower of London and then you can walk to the water to see Tower Bridge, which is just next door. Note that Tower Bridge is the pretty one you’ll recognize, while London Bridge is, in fact, just a regular old bridge!
Taxi or Walk to St Paul’s Cathedral
It’s not a far walk through the City of London, though it may not be as exciting as other parts of the city so a ride in a classic Black Cab could be a lovely alternative. The Cathedral is a landmark most visitors will recognise. We love spending time in this stunning building rich with history. If you have extra time, join us for a St Paul’s Cathedral Tour!
Walk to Shakespeare’s Globe
From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk across Millennium Bridge to see Shakespeare’s Globe, the historic and iconic building named for our famous bard.
Grab a Bite at Borough Market
If you’ve done everything above in that order, then it’s time for a well-deserved treat! Walk to Borough Market for lunch or dinner and peruse the many stalls if you still have time.
Bonus: Views of London
If you still have a bit more time, then walk over to The Shard and head up to the viewing platform for 360-degree views of the city. It’s the perfect way to get a better view of all the places you just visited!
And that is how you do a fast tour of London to see the top sights! Of course, we hope you’ll spend much more time visiting our beloved city. There is so much to explore and uncover, so do take a look at our tours of London and join us!
