[Local’s Recommendation] Half-Day Sightseeing Itinerary in London in 2024– Enjoying Food and Night Views to the Fullest

Hello, I’m Dice, a Japanese resident living in London. As we’ve entered November, the sunset time in London has shifted to around 4:30 PM, and the days are getting shorter.

In this blog, I’ll be introducing a model itinerary for sightseeing in central London for half a day. Since everyone’s travel goals are different, this model course is aimed at those who: 1) want to enjoy delicious and reasonably priced meals in London, and 2) want to make the most of the beautiful night views. I’ll share a recommended half-day sightseeing route in London from a local’s perspective!

In Japan, you may often hear that British food isn’t very tasty, or that London has limited tourist spots. Compared to Tokyo, it’s a fact that dining out in London is expensive. As of November 2024, the exchange rate is around £1 ≒ ¥200, but from a Japanese perspective, many feel that £1 ≒ ¥100 would be more reasonable.

However, London is far from a small world. There are many places offering quality that will leave you satisfied, saying, “I can totally accept this!” So, today, I’m introducing a package for a half-day sightseeing tour that guarantees no disappointment for visitors to London. This itinerary focuses on enjoying food and night views to the fullest. From 12:00 PM to 21:30, we’ll explore the attractions and spots around 1) London Bridge Station and 2) Westminster Station.

[12:00 PM]Borough Market -Takes two hours-

It’s about a 3-minute walk from London Bridge Station, and you’ll see the sign for Borough Market.

I’ve posted the most stunning image, but the entrance near London Bridge Station looks more like a sign for an underground shopping mall. This market is the largest wholesale and retail food market in London, with a history spanning over 1,000 years. It boasts around 100 stalls offering a wide variety of global cuisines, ingredients, sweets, and condiments. This vibrant market allows you to enjoy a wide range of international food and ingredients, and it’s something you can’t miss, especially since Tokyo doesn’t have an international food market of this scale. Just walking around is guaranteed to be fun! The market is open on weekdays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Located in the heart of London, this is a spot where you can enjoy delicious meals for around £10–£15 (¥2,000–¥3,000) per dish. While it’s slightly more expensive than dining out in Tokyo, the taste is excellent, and the portion sizes are reasonable, making it a satisfying option for a meal in central London. In this model itinerary, I highly recommend two popular stalls at Borough Market: 1) Bomba Paella (a paella stall), and 2) The Black PIG (a sandwich stall). Many of the stalls don’t have seating, but there are tables and chairs scattered around the market, so be sure to look for one. There are plenty of other delicious dishes to try, so if you’re interested, check out the market’s website for more details.

Also, I’ve posted a video on YouTube showcasing the atmosphere of Borough Market, so be sure to check it out!

[14:00]The Folly -Takes one hour-

After filling up at Borough Market, take a break from all the walking and enjoy some British tea at The Folly. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Borough Market. Even though it’s only November, the place is already decked out for Christmas! This is a great spot for those looking to enjoy British tea in a stylish setting at a reasonable price. The cost is around £3–£5 (¥600–¥1,000) per person.

[15:30]St. Paul’s Cathedral -Takes 30 minutes-

A 15-minute walk from The Folly takes you to St. Paul’s Cathedral, beloved by Londoners as the “People’s Cathedral.” You can enter the building for free. You’ll surely be captivated by the solemn atmosphere and the stunning decorations inside!

[16:20]Leadenhall Market -Takes 20 to 60 minutes-

It’s about a 20-minute walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral to Leadenhall Market. This market is located in the pub district around Bank Station, which also served as a filming location for Harry Potter! It’s a popular spot where both businesspeople and tourists gather to enjoy a drink.

[16:40]Walk around Tower Bridge -Takes one hour-

It’s about a 20-minute walk from Leadenhall Market to Tower Bridge, one of the best areas in London to enjoy stunning night views. The view from the bridge is beautiful, so be sure to walk across it!

Apart from Tower Bridge, there is also another bridge called “London Bridge.” It’s just a plain bridge, so make sure you don’t get confused!

[18:15]Big Ben -Takes five minutes-

From Tower Bridge to Westminster Station, where Big Ben is located, it’s quite a distance, so I recommend taking the bus or the train. The bus costs £1.75 (¥350), and you can travel anywhere along the route. The train is usually faster than the bus, but it costs at least £2.75 (¥550).

Once you arrive at Westminster Station, you’ll see Big Ben, the famous clock tower attached to the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament). As one of London’s iconic landmarks, it’s a must-see. At night, it’s beautifully illuminated in golden light! While this itinerary takes you there in the evening, I’ve also included a daytime photo.

Additionally, I’ve posted a video on YouTube showcasing the atmosphere of Big Ben, so be sure to check it out!

[18:25]5London Eye -Takes five minutes-

Just a minute’s walk from Big Ben, across the River Thames, you’ll see the famous London Eye. The brightly lit Ferris wheel and its surrounding area have an undeniable charm that’s captivating to watch, no matter how long you stay.

In this area, you’ll often be approached by people dressed in costumes asking to take pictures together, or offering rides on colourful bikes. Be cautious, as agreeing to these offers can result in unexpectedly high charges.

Additionally, I’ve posted a video on YouTube showcasing the atmosphere around the London Eye, so be sure to check it out!

[18:30]Thattershall Castle -Takes one hour-

If you walk north for about five minutes while enjoying the view of the London Eye, you’ll come across the bar on a boat, Thattershall Castle. It offers a luxurious space where you can enjoy a drink while overlooking the beautifully lit London Eye and Big Ben. It’s a wonderful bar where you can savor a good drink in a charming setting—definitely worth a visit.

Additionally, I’ve posted a video on YouTube showcasing the atmosphere of Thattershall Castle, so be sure to check it out!

[20:00]The Old Bank of England -Takes 1.5 hours-

The final stop on this tour is The Old Bank of England, which is about a 20-minute walk from Thattershall Castle. This bar is housed in the former Bank of England (Central Bank), which has been beautifully renovated. The interior is incredibly luxurious, making it a place you can easily spend hours in without getting bored! It’s a truly unique spot, considering it’s like turning the Bank of Japan in Japan into a bar.

Even if you order fish and chips, a side dish, and two cocktails, the total won’t exceed £50 (¥10,000), making it a must-visit spot when you’re in London. It’s highly recommended!

Additionally, I’ve posted a video on YouTube showcasing the atmosphere of The Old Bank of England, so be sure to check it out!

Conclusion

How is it？

This time, I introduced a half-day sightseeing model itinerary in London, aimed at those who: 1) want to enjoy delicious and reasonably priced meals, and 2) want to make the most of London’s beautiful night views, all recommended by a local resident. There are still many more attractive spots in London, and I will continue to share recommendations and model itineraries tailored to different travel goals, based on my experiences as a Japanese resident. Be sure to check out my other blog posts as well!

Additionally, we share our life in London and travels around Europe on YouTube. Through our videos, you can experience real-life moments, beautiful scenery, and the atmosphere of the places we visit, which may not always come across in my blog. Please feel free to visit our channel!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mriiy15