View of Tower Bridge

A Perfect Day: London in One Day

Marvel at the skyline from London’s highest garden, shop in Soho, and be captivated by a West End show: Stefanie Sauer shows just how diverse a day in London can be

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4 min read
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8 AM: Starting the Day at The Breakfast Club Soho

I love starting my day in London with pancakes and cream and berries at The Breakfast Club Soho. The Eggs Benedict is also highly recommended. The interior is vibrant and exudes a cozy retro charm. Although reservations aren’t possible, it’s definitely worth the short wait.

Sky Garden with a view of the London skyline
Exotic gardens above the rooftops of London and a free view of the skyline at the Sky Garden (© Shutterstock; Header-Bild © Westend61)

9:30 AM: Admiring the Skyline at Sky Garden

Next, it’s off to the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden in the heart of the financial district. The Sky Garden is a free, open-access, 360-degree observation deck with bars, restaurants, and a fantastic view of the Thames and the London skyline. Just book a ticket on their website and head over. The easiest way to get there is to take the Tube, London’s famous underground, to Monument station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the skyscraper, where the Sky Garden is spread out at the very top, on the 35th floor. A tip for early birds: sunrise yoga sessions are offered at 7 a.m. On weekends, the classes start at 8 a.m.

11 AM: Enjoying the Delicacies at Borough Market

Back on the ground, I stroll over to Borough Market. From London Bridge, there’s a direct view of Tower Bridge – perfect for a snapshot. Borough Market is a gourmet paradise with a long history: food has been traded here since 1756. Today, you’ll find everything from gourmet meals with champagne and oysters to local dishes like fish and chips, as well as street food from around the world – something to suit every taste and budget. Just be aware the market is closed on Mondays.

1 PM: A Stroll through Hyde Park

After soaking up the city’s atmosphere, it’s time for a short break, which I love to spend in Hyde Park. Originally established in the 16th century as a royal hunting ground, it’s now an idyllic oasis in the heart of London, with well-maintained paths and expansive lawns. It’s a great place for a stroll, bike ride, or a boat trip on the Serpentine.

3 PM: Shopping in Soho

Of course, no visit to London is complete without a little shopping spree. I love shopping in Soho, where the quirky, brightly painted shops make the area so diverse and lively. There’s something for everyone in Soho, from trendy vintage labels in small boutiques to luxurious designer clothing at the traditional Liberty department store.

5:30 PM: Experiencing Vietnamese Cuisine at Pho

For a tasty and light meal, Pho is the place to go. This Vietnamese restaurant has several locations across London and serves delicious soups, summer rolls, salads, and rice dishes. Many of the dishes are vegan.

Backyard in Soho with colorful flowerpots and pink-painted store
The creatively designed backyards of Soho: this was where vice once thrived (© Alamy Stock)
The sun shines on a street in Hyde Park surrounded by green trees
Hyde Park is one of the most famous parks in the world – and not just because Taylor Swift has played here (© Shutterstock)
Stage scene from the musical “Les Misérables”
This is where the music plays: the West End is known for its grand musical performances (© Johan Persson)

7:30 PM: Enjoying a Musical in the West End

To end the day, I love catching a West End show in the famous theater district. London is world-renowned for its top-notch theater productions, attracting millions of visitors every year. Popular and regularly performed shows include “The Phantom of the Opera” at His Majesty’s Theatre and “Les Misérables” at the Sondheim Theatre. My tip is to buy evening tickets on the same day at a box office, for example at Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus, where they are much cheaper.

Tip

Combine history with flavor on a guided food tour of Borough Market, which you can book directly via GetYourGuide. You will learn all about the traditional market and sample international specialties. 

About

Since 2023, Stefanie Sauer has been the owned media marketing manager at Lufthansa. She studied in London and Oxford and her passion for England, especially her favorite city, London, continues to draw her back to the island several times a year.

Classic London Experiences – Tips from the Lufthansa Editorial Team

  1. Take a boat trip on the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich with views of Tower Bridge and the Docklands.  
  2. Enjoy afternoon tea at the traditional Fortnum & Mason or in Covent Garden.  
  3. Head to the British Museum or St. Paul’s Cathedral for a dose of culture.  
  4. Enjoy the sunset at Primrose Hill or Hampstead Heath – with fantastic views of the skyline.

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