You lucky thing! You’ve got a full week in London. This gives you enough time to see the main sights, but also step off the beaten track a little.
With our full itinerary you’ll become well acquainted with the city, and leave feeling like you’ve really got to know London.
Day 1 – The most iconic sights
You probably have a bucket list of things to see in London – and you’re going to tick off a good chunk of them today.
Morning – Big Ben and Buckingham Palace
Start your week in London with sightseeing in Westminster, and arguably the most iconic sight in the city: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Wander over Westminster Bridge and soak in your surroundings – take your time here, you’ve been waiting a long time (and presumably come some way!) to see it!
Next stop is Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British royal family. If you’re here on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, try to time your visit to catch the Changing of the Guard at 11am. It’s a little snippet of all the pageantry that comes with royalty and is incredibly British.
Afternoon – Westminster Abbey and Trafalgar Square
If you’re feeling peckish, Bon Gusto is a nice Italian restaurant in the area – and that’s the thing about London, you can try any cuisine you want, you’re not limited to one culture’s food.
If you want Italian, get Italian. Texas BBQ? Sure. Korean food? No problem. It’s one of my favourite things about this city, so don’t believe the stereotypes of bad food – if you have a less-than-stellar meal, it’s because you’ve been unfortunate enough to land in a poor restaurant, not because all food in the city is bad.
Anyway, let’s get back on track! Westminster Abbey is up next. This monumental Gothic church has been the location of royal weddings, coronations and funerals since 1066. It’s also the final resting place of some hugely significant figures in British history, including Sir Issac Newton, Elizabeth I and Charles Dickens. It’s not the cheapest excursion, however, at £29 for an adult ticket.
Follow this up with a wander to Trafalgar Square (passing 10 Downing Street, home of the British Prime Minister) and explore the National Gallery, which is thankfully free to enter, and home to works from the likes of Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci.
Evening – Fish and chips by the Thames
If you want to see the glittering lights (and bursting crowds) of London’s answer to Times Square, make the trip to Piccadilly Circus. It’s quite skippable if I’m honest, so only do this if you really want to see it!
For dinner, grab some fish and chips (the kind that’s wrapped in a paper bag, not put on a plate) and head to the Thames to sit by the river and eat with a view. Rock and Sole Plaice or Ben’s Traditional Fish & Chips are the kind you’re looking for, and not too far away.
Day 2 – Historic London
It’s time to explore historic London.
Morning – British Museum and a hidden gem
There’s no place better to get a good dose of history than the British Museum. From the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon Marbles, there’s a treasure from every era in this immense collection of human history. And as an extra bonus, you don’t have to pay a penny to enter.
When you’re content with exploring the museum, hop on the Tube to Tower Hill and veer west to St Dunstan in the East. It’s a quick pitstop, and a little off the beaten track – the ruined church and surrounding garden is a peaceful spot to just relax and escape the city for a while.
Afternoon – The Tower of London
Head over to the 1000-year-old fortress on the bank of the Thames. Palace, prison, public record office – you name it, the Tower of London has given it a try. Join a free Beefeater tour for hilarious insight into the history – executions, murders and all – that have made the tower so notorious. Tickets for the tower are just over £30.
You can see Tower Bridge from the walls of the tower, but feel free to go for a closer look afterwards if you wish to!
Evening – Panoramic view of London
Treat yourself to a spectacular view of London in the Sky Garden, at the top of the Walkie Talkie building. You’ll need to book three weeks in advance, but it won’t cost you anything, and is well worth the effort. There are several restaurants at the top so you can enjoy a meal while looking over the city.
Day 3 – London’s East End
Explore London’s East End on your third day in the city.
Morning – Street art and bagels in Shoreditch
The East End is the artsy, edgy side of London (though there are other neighbourhoods with a similar vibe). It’s the place hipsters flock to looking for a new pop-up, or to find a gem while thrifting in the countless vintage stores. Historically a very deprived area, the East End has spent many years reinventing itself, leaning into its roots while bringing creativity and colour to its neighbourhoods.
This is one of the best areas in London for street art; the vibrant murals in Shoreditch, and Brick Lane in particular, are incredible. You can join a walking tour to learn a bit more about each one, or just set out on your own to locate them.
Now it’s time for some brunch; if you don’t want to stop for a sit-down meal, Beigel Bake is a bit of an institution in these parts and their cream cheese is to die for. Those looking for something a bit boozier are in luck – there’s several bottomless brunches around Shoreditch; Barrio is a good’un!
Afternoon – Vintage shopping and graffiti workshops
Continue your exploration of Shoreditch and Brick Lane, and do a bit of shopping. Have a look in the vintage shops, or stop for a coffee in a little independent place – just take it easy. If you’ve gone for a bottomless brunch and had a few mimosas, you probably don’t have a choice in the matter.
If you want to let your creative side out and are feeling inspired after seeing all the street art on show in the East End, you might have the urge to try it out yourself. A graffiti workshop is a unique, memorable way to spend the rest of your afternoon, and is the best way to learn more about the craft.
Evening – A cruise along the Thames
Finish the day in style with a boat ride on the Thames. I’d recommend a more mellow ride for the evening, but if you prefer a high octane speed-boat experience, that’s an option too! Cruising through the city at night means you’ll see some of the most iconic landmarks lit up after dark.
Day 4 – the South Bank
Morning – St. Paul’s and the Tate Modern
The iconic dome of St. Paul’s has stood tall in London for centuries, famously surviving the Blitz miraculously unscathed. You can explore the huge cathedral for around £20 – make sure to climb to the top. Don’t be put off by the number of stairs, the view is worth it.
Walk across the millennium bridge to the Tate Modern for some contemporary art – free of charge – and ponder the works of forward-thinkers from the 20th century until today.
Afternoon – Shakespeare, Borough Market and some free time
After leaving the Tate, you’ll stroll past Shakespeare’s Globe, a faithful recreation of the playwright’s theatre. If you’re interested, stop by for a tour or check for performances – if you stand, tickets are only £5. If not, carry on to our next stop for some lunch, Borough Market.
After lunch, have some free time to do whatever you fancy. You could head to Greenwich and see the historic ship, Cutty Sark. Or travel a bit further afield to Kew Gardens or the Tudor palace of Hampton Court. Or just rest up! Take the rest of the day to do whatever you feel like.
Day 5 – A day trip to Bath
When you have a whole week, there’s time to do a bit of exploring beyond the borders of London. Bath is a beautiful historic city only an hour and fifteen minute train journey away.
Morning – hot chocolates and honey-coloured architecture
Bath is distinctive for its honey-coloured stone, which is something you’ll notice immediately in the architecture when you enter the city.
But truthfully, finding a coffee shop is probably the first thing on your agenda, and luckily for you, Bath is full of great ones. Mokoko Coffee is good, but if you don’t like coffee, Mrs Potts Chocolate House does a dreamy hot chocolate.
Now you’re ready to explore Bath. The whole city is picturesque but there are two streets in particular that are famous for being so. The Royal Crescent and The Circus are two of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in England, and they’re only a few minutes walk from each other!
If it’s a nice day, follow this up with a wander through Royal Victoria Park. Otherwise head on to our next destination, the Jane Austen Centre. Celebrating the life and works of the writer of classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, this little museum is a charming way to spend an hour or so. Tickets are just under £15 for adults.
Afternoon – Roman Baths and Pulteney Bridge
If you didn’t get a hot chocolate earlier, now’s your chance. Mrs Potts is right by the most famous attraction in the city, and where Bath gets its name: The Roman Baths. Even closer is The Pump Room, which actually overlooks the hot springs – this is a good place to get lunch before heading into the baths.
The Roman Baths are world-renowned, and have 2000 years of history to discover. The baths are an absolute must-see for visitors, and though it’s not cheap, at just over £20 a ticket, it’s worth the entry fee. The architecture surrounding the natural hot spring is beautiful, and the history fascinating: it’s definitely the highlight of your day trip.
Your last attraction to see in Bath is Pulteney Bridge. It’s another piece of gorgeous Georgian architecture, designed in 1769 by Robert Adam. The bridge, which spans the River Avon, is lined with shops and feels like its own little indoor market. It won’t take long to explore but is lovely to visit regardless.
Grab dinner before you head back to London; I recommend Noya’s Kitchen for some delicious Vietnamese food!
Day 6 – Regents Park, Camden and Hampstead
Back in London for day six.
Morning – Regents Park and Camden
A stroll through Regents Park is the perfect way to kick off your sixth morning in the city. Perfectly manicured gardens and lush greenery accompany opulent fountains in Regents Park; it’s easy to forget you’re in central London!
After the park, head to quirky Camden for bold colours and character. This neighbourhood is bursting with personality, and always has a certain energy in its streets. Known for its markets, live music and eclectic shopping options, Camden is a fun area to explore that often gets skipped by visitors who only have one or two days in the city.
Afternoon – Hampstead Heath
Now you’re heading to a more relaxed part of London. Hampstead feels quite laid back compared to the busy streets of central, and should give you a breather after the hectic pace of Camden. There’s a little pizzeria not far from the Tube station that makes a great lunch stop (though Fri-Sun only!) – L’Antica Pizzeria.
Then on to Hampstead Heath, one of London’s most beautiful – and largest – parks. There’s a few hidden gems tucked away in the park, and The Hill Garden and Pergola is probably my favourite! If you’re in the mood for something a bit more daring, you could also try out outdoor swimming in the Hampstead Ponds.
Evening – Covent Garden
Go out with a bang for your final full night in London. Have a meal at the fantastic Indian restaurant Dishoom, or if you’re in a bit of a hurry, Seven Dials Market. Then catch a show on the West End; play or musical, it’s your choice! And, of course, finish it all off with a trip to the pub!
Day 7 – Notting Hill and souvenir shopping
And just like that, it’s your last day in London. But there’s still plenty more to see!
Morning – Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
You can start your morning in Notting Hill, the ever-chic and colourful neighbourhood made extra-famous by Hugh Grant’s and Julia Roberts’ doe-eyed romance.
Have a wander through the bright and cheerful streets in the area, popping your head in the odd bookshop or boutique along the way. A seemingly endless number of artisan coffee shops make this a good stop for the early morning – as does your next port of call, Portobello Road.
The world-famous Portobello Road Market is a charming collection of antiques, clothing, knick-knacks and food, and a great place to grab brunch. You can walk off your meal in nearby Kensington gardens and explore Hyde Park.
Afternoon – souvenir shopping in Soho
You’re well placed to step into the centre of London’s shopping district. Oxford Street and neighbouring Bond Street are the heart of it, so roll up your sleeves and get ready to push through the crowds and fight for your souvenirs.
You can end your retail therapy at the rather more genteel Harrods. This department store is renowned for its decadence and upmarket feel; it’s also a popular place to buy souvenirs. You can tick off one more classically English activity here, and go for a delicious afternoon tea.
To finish your time in London, I always recommend heading to the Thames and getting a final view over the river. As your trip in London is winding down, it’s time to start planning your next one!