Spending 24 Hours in London: The Ultimate Guide for Solo Female Travelers
From Iconic Landmarks to Hidden Gems, Make the Most of Your Short Stay in the Heart of the UK
From the iconic Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, to the vibrant shopping hubs of Carnaby Street and Regent Street, there is plenty to see and do in London as a solo female traveler.
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Are you looking at a short trip to London but don’t know where to start? Not to worry, because this guide will take you through everything you need to know about spending 24 hours in London as a solo traveler.
Surprisingly enough, after living in England for several years, the only visits I have made to London have been very short ones—all under 48 hours, and all solo!
I am not here to tell you I did it all—because I truly didn’t on these trips. There is so much to do and see in London, and it would take a lifetime to do it all.
However, I am here to show you how to make the most out of your short time in London. We will cover what to see, where to go, and where to stay in London.
Make sure to check out the example itinerary at the end of this blog!
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Shortcut Links to Resources:
Hostels in London: Check out hostels in London on Hostelworld
Recommended Hotel in London: Victory House Hotel in Leicester Square
Vacation Rental London: Check out available vacation rentals in London on VRBO
The Best App for Train Travel in the UK: Download the Trainline App
Movie and TV Locations Guided Walking Tour: Check out this guided walking tour!
Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour: Check out this walking tour!
Is 24 Hours in London Enough?
Yes! Even though there is so much to see and do, you can totally visit and enjoy London even if you only have 24 hours!
However, the most important thing to keep in mind when planning your short trip to London is that you need to prioritize what you want to do during your time in the city.
Make sure to take your time and research the different London attractions . Curate an itinerary that will suit your wants and needs.
Good views are not hard to come by in London .
Is London Good for Solo Travel?
London is great for solo travelers!
The London Underground makes it so easy to move around the city, and there are so many things to see and do in London that are perfect for solo travel.
As a solo traveler in London, you will find that there are many friendly locals willing to help. Strike up a conversation with the people at your hotel or hostel, and I guarantee they will give you amazing recommendations.
London is a great city for solo travel !
Is London Safe to Travel Solo?
All of my visits to London have been solo, and I have never had a problem with safety. However, it is always important to take precautions when traveling, especially to a big city like London.
Here are a few tips for solo travelers in London:
Plan Your Day: Outline your day and general routes beforehand. While spontaneity is great, having a plan helps you stay aware of your surroundings.
Stay Alert: Avoid using your phone in crowded areas and stay mindful of what's happening around you.
Minimize Belongings: Keep your belongings minimal and secure.
Don't Panic if Lost: If you get lost, step into a nearby café with WiFi, like Starbucks, and take a moment to regroup.
Share Your Location: Share your real-time location with a trusted friend or family member via apps like Snapchat or Life360 to ease the stress of solo travel.
Covent Garden is the perfect base for a day of exploring London .
Where to Stay in London for Solo Travel?
I highly recommend staying close to Central London to be near the major attractions.
Personally, I have stayed at various hotels in Covent Garden and Piccadilly Circus. Both locations are vibrant, full of life, and close to many things to do.
The best neighborhoods to stay in London :
Each of the following areas in London makes this list due to the close proximity to major attractions.
There are multiple London Underground stations in each of these areas that will take you anywhere you want to go in London.
Covent Garden
If you are planning to catch a show in the West End, I recommend checking out this area of London for accommodation.
Soho/Leicester Square
When Leicester Square is not in "red carpet mode," a visit to Leicester Square is a movie fanatic’s dream, with statues of iconic British movie figures and tours of the most famous cinemas in the world.
Shoreditch
Trendy and vibrant nightlife with a multitude of dining options. You can also enjoy the ever-expanding street art scene.
Notting Hill
This charming and picturesque area in London is known for its Instagrammable spots and village-like feel.
You will find so much charm in each of London’s central neighborhoods.
Recommendations for solo-friendly accommodations in London :
Hostels
It is no secret that London is an expensive destination. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, hostels are the way to go in London. I have heard from fellow travel friends that they have enjoyed their stays in London hostels, and some of them are quite charming.
Vacation Rentals
Another option is a vacation rental using a platform such as Vrbo. While I do not have experience with Airbnbs in London, I know this has been a great option for many solo travelers.
Boutique Hotels
London is home to some of the most unique boutique hotels, such as Victory House Hotel in Leicester Square.
Keeping with the cinema theme, Victory House overlooks the iconic Leicester Square. If you are lucky enough to catch a movie premiere, you will have the best view on site!
Victory House Hotel is located right off of Leicester Square in London .
Transportation in London for Solo Travelers
Getting to London :
Airports
If you are arriving in London from outside the country, there are several airports you can fly into.
Heathrow is the most popular, followed by London Gatwick, London Luton, London Stansted, and London Southend.
Coach Bus
If you are coming from another city in England, you might consider taking a Flex or National Express coach. This is a budget-friendly way to travel in England.
Train Station
The easiest mode of transportation within the UK is trains. However, in recent years, train strikes have made it critical to do your research before planning transport around the UK. Make sure you plan your travel days around strike days, and keep in mind that trains might run slower on days after strikes.
I recommend downloading the Trainline app. It is super easy to plan your route and even buy and manage your tickets.
The London Underground is the best way to get around London.
Getting around London :
London Underground
The London Underground is the best option to get around London. The trains are fast, efficient, and well-connected. You can easily use your contactless payment (whether that be your card or phone) as you go in and out of the station.
Buses
You will undoubtedly know the red double-decker buses that are globally recognized. They are not just for show! These buses keep the city well-connected.
Check out the TfL Go app to help you plan your routes and find the best way to get to your destination.
Taxis/Black Cabs
The convenience of the tube and congestion on the streets make me recommend the Underground over taxis any day. However, sometimes taxis are unavoidable.
If you find yourself in dire need of a taxi, please, please, please check out Visit London before planning your taxi journey.
London is well connected via public transport, making it easy to get around as a solo traveler.
Things to Do in London for Solo Travelers
Whether you are looking to spend time in the iconic Hyde Park or take in centuries of history at one of the many stately and royal buildings in the city, there are countless attractions in London worth visiting.
As mentioned earlier, it's important to do your research and decide what matters most to you.
The beauty of solo travel is the freedom to do what you want at your own pace. Whether you prioritize seeing as much as possible or choose one or two things to savor the moment, it's entirely up to you.
Trafalgar Square is one of my favorite places in London. I enjoyed eating a picnic lunch on the steps overlooking the square.
Places to visit in London :
1. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace stands out as one of the most iconic London attractions. Home to the royals since the 1700s, this stately home is a magnificent sight to behold.
Visitors can tour parts of Buckingham Palace during the summer months.
2. The British Museum
Despite recent debates, The British Museum remains one of London’s most visited sites.
If you're planning a short trip to London, note that The British Museum often has long queues. Some recommend using the entrance on the Montague Place side for quicker access, though I haven't tried it myself.
The London Eye is one of the most iconic attractions in London. Here, you can view London from over 400 feet in the air.
3. London Eye
The London Eye offers an awe-inspiring experience. A trip to the top of this observation wheel provides brilliant views overlooking the city of London.
The experience takes about 30 minutes in total, and it's advisable to book tickets in advance here.
4. Camden Market
Camden Market can only be described as a burst of energy. With over 1,000 food and retail stalls, there's a wealth of things to do, eat, and experience here.
5. Hyde Park
This famous green expanse in the heart of London offers various paths to explore. Hyde Park is perfect for people-watching, offering vibrant life along its river and vast spaces.
Hyde Park is also a great way to traverse London, whether walking from Mayfair to Kensington or Westminster to Notting Hill. While the Underground is faster, exploring this epic park along the best paths is recommended.
Chinatown, London is a vibrant neighborhood with plenty to see and do.
6. Chinatown
The first time I stepped into Chinatown in London, I was captivated. This vibrant area of London is filled with life, offering numerous restaurants, shops, and year-round events that make it unmissable.
7. Trafalgar Square
One of my favorite spots in London is Trafalgar Square, especially on a warm, sunny day. This large square features several sculptures and fountains, with wide stairs leading up to the National Gallery. These steps were where I enjoyed a quick picnic lunch. From here, you can also get a fantastic view of Big Ben across town.
In The National Gallery, London, the building itself lives up to the standard of the master artwork it houses.
8. National Gallery
It is impossible to mention Trafalgar Square without highlighting The National Gallery.
The building itself mimics the master artwork it houses, with beautiful high ceilings that have been decorated with prestige.
Admission is free, and they are open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
The museum boasts a vast collection of celebrated works, including several by Vincent Van Gogh, such as his famous Sunflowers.
The National Gallery was one of my favorite stops in London, where I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed not only Van Gogh's work but also pieces from other artists featured in this beautiful gallery.
Unique Experiences in London :
1. Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a delightful way to savor your time in London, especially if it's your first visit to the UK. It's worth experiencing this fabulous afternoon tradition.
2. Street Art Tours
London boasts some stunning street art. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to visit and appreciate. A guided tour can enrich your experience by walking you through these special works of art.
3. Cinema, Movie, and Literature Tours
Are you a fan of Bridgerton, Harry Potter, Jane Austen, or Lord Byron?
If so, treat yourself and explore the tours dedicated to these iconic British entertainments.
It's a fantastic way to immerse yourself in their worlds alongside fellow enthusiasts.
4. Thames River Boat Tour
A boat tour on the Thames River offers one of the best ways to view London's sights. Several operators provide popular cruises along the River Thames, passing by the city's most iconic landmarks. It's also a unique alternative for getting around the city.
5. Shopping Hotspots
If you enjoy shopping (or even just window shopping), here are a few iconic places you shouldn’t miss while visiting London:
Oxford Street
Regent Street
Covent Garden
Portobello Road Market
Carnaby Street
Even with its modern shops and storefronts, Regent Street always seems to make you feel like you have travelled back in time to the Regency Era.
Example Itinerary for 24 Hours in London as a Solo Traveler
While many people prefer planning their itineraries hour by hour, I lean more towards a general plan. Breaking it up into morning, midday, afternoon, and evening allows you as a traveler more flexibility to enjoy the moment and adjust your plans as you explore London and immerse yourself in the city.
Here’s an example for those looking to maximize their time during a short visit to London:
Morning
Visit iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, or/and Big Ben
While there will still be plenty of tourists around, the morning might be the best time to visit some of the iconic landmarks you want to check off your bucket list, as there will be fewer people.
Again, I’m not saying it will be completely quiet. London is, of course, one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, so there will be a crowd no matter what time of day it is, but mornings are usually a little better.
Midday
Take the Underground to Charing Cross Station and use the Trafalgar Square exit for The National Art Gallery , then make your way to Chinatown for lunch.
Midday, especially in the summer or winter, might be a good time to head indoors to a climate-controlled area (with air conditioning or heating). A leisurely stroll through The National Gallery followed by a quiet picnic in Trafalgar Square, or alternatively, a walk to Chinatown for lunch, will make for a perfect midday activity.
Check out The National Gallery in London during your visit.
Afternoon
Stroll through Covent Garden, Soho, and Oxford Street.
As you make your way out of Chinatown, you will find yourself in Soho, where you can explore the shops, then head towards Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street.
Evening
Enjoy a West End show, dine at a trendy restaurant, or take a stroll through Hyde Park for a picnic dinner.
Imagine your version of the perfect evening; I guarantee London will have exactly what you're looking for and more.
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Just a quick note :
If you're visiting London in the winter season, keep in mind that it gets dark very early, sometimes as early as 4 PM.
A picnic dinner in Hyde Park is an absolute dream during the summer months, but be mindful not to get caught out in the dark and cold come January.
Summer in Hyde Park is something you can’t miss!
Conclusion
Seeing that you made it to the end of this post, I am assuming you are planning, or at least dreaming of, your own trip to London as a solo female traveler. I hope you enjoy your time and remember to prioritize what you is most important to you.
Most importantly, enjoy the moment! London is a city to explore and soak in the vibrancy of its culture and people.
I would love to hear about your thoughts, experiences, or questions! Feel free to leave a comment down below or email me at sierrabeargoessomewhere@gmail.com .
Planning a Trip? Check out these resources:
Hostels in London: Check out hostels in London here
Recommended Hotel in London: Victory House Hotel in Leicester Square
VRBO (Vacation Rental) London: Check out available vacation rentals in London here
Download the Trainline App: The Best App for Train Travel in UK
Movie and TV Locations Guided Walking Tour: Check out this guided walking tour!
Magical Harry Potter Walking Tour: Check out this walking tour!
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Discover London in 24 hours as a solo female traveler! With rich history, vibrant culture, and safety, London offers an unforgettable solo adventure. Perfect for female travelers, this guide ensures a memorable and secure day in one of the world's most exciting cities.