Make your whirlwind trip around London an unforgettable one with this jam-packed itinerary.
Friday evening
You’re in London at last! As you step into the city bleary-eyed from a long journey, you’re probably feeling a bit worse for wear. Drop your bags off wherever you’re staying and then go grab some food close by.
When setting foot into any world-famous city, I always think it’s nice to see the most iconic sight straight away, as if to confirm you’re actually, finally, here. In New York, that might be the Statue of Liberty, in Paris, the Eiffel Tower – in London, well, it’s got to be Big Ben, hasn’t it?
Once you’ve got your bearings and settled your hanger, it’s time to head to the South Bank of the Thames. You might be able to walk there, but if you’re not near, hop on the tube to Waterloo Station. This will put you in a great position to walk to Westminster Bridge and see one of London’s best views.
Watching the famous red double-decker buses cross the bridge, framed in the background by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament is something you will never forget. If there’s a better way to start your trip in London than watching the sunset over Big Ben, I’d like to hear it!
Saturday morning
Westminster
Start where you left off at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. From there, it’s only a short walk to one of the most famous churches in England, Westminster Abbey, which opens at 9am. You have to pay to enter, but it’s well worth the fee.
Besides the majestic Gothic architecture, you will see iconic markers of England’s history within the abbey. From the coronation chair – where kings and queens have been crowned for over 700 years – to the final resting places of figures like Charles Dickens and Elizabeth I.
Buckingham Palace
Once you’ve had your fill of exploring the abbey, you can walk to another famous British institution: Buckingham Palace. The official residence of the monarch, Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable buildings in London and the centre of all the pomp and ceremony that revolves around the royal family. If you really want to see the famous Changing of the Guard – and you aren’t travelling to London in June or July, when it occurs daily – you might want to swap this visit to Sunday.
Kensington
Next, head over to Kensington (either on the Tube or by walking through Hyde Park) and see Kensington Palace and Gardens, and, if you have time, stop at one of the many museums in the area. The Natural History Museum is my pick of the bunch!
There are lots of great cafes in Kensington, perfect for grabbing a light lunch; LIFT COFFEE is a personal favourite.
Saturday mid-day to evening
No trip to England is complete without a visit to a pub. Pubs are all about their character, and The Churchill Arms has it in spades. Its eye-catching floral displays and quirky Winston Churchill-themed interior has put this Kensington pub on the map – make sure to stop for a pint while in the neighbourhood.
The British Museum and Trafalgar Square
Next on the agenda is the British Museum, which means hopping back on the Tube for a few stops – don’t worry too much about fare costs, as there’s a daily cap on spending – and heading to Holborn.
The British Museum is world-class, comfortably sitting in the same bracket as the likes of the Louvre and the MET, and is free to visit. There are historic treasures from ancient civilizations, including the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Sculptures, and thousands of artifacts from British history, like the Sutton Hoo helmet.
The amount of time you spend in the British Museum can vary hugely depending on your interests. If you only spent an hour or so in there, heading straight for the most memorable exhibits, you probably have time to visit Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, home to works from Van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci. The National Gallery, like the British Museum, is free to enter – it closes at 6 pm, so bear that in mind if you’re rushing over.
Covent Garden and the West End
From Trafalgar Square, you can slowly meander your way over to Covent Garden, less than a ten-minute walk away. After a busy day running around London, you need a good, hearty meal. Buzzy Indian restaurant Dishoom is an excellent choice. Indian food is hugely popular in the UK, and there are few places in central London better to try it than Dishoom.
If you fancy dessert, the nearby Seven Dials Market is open until late and has some amazing vendors for sweet treats.
You’re perfectly placed in Covent Garden to go and see a play or musical on London’s West end. Sometimes tickets are available at cut prices on the day, but if you’re picky about what to see, it’s better to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Sunday morning and afternoon
London’s East End
Wake up and smell the roses! Your Sunday morning is going to start in east London, at the Columbia Road Flower Market.
For well over a hundred years, this flower market has appeared every Sunday on Columbia Road, filling with stalls of brightly-coloured, sweet-smelling flowers to sell. It opens at 8 am, and I’d advise getting there for as close to that time as you can – too much later and the crowds make it a little less rosy.
For breakfast, you should wander over to Beigel Bake on Brick Lane. The bagels here are delicious, and the cream cheese is to die for.
On Brick Lane, you’ll be able to see plenty of the street art the area is so famous for. Exploring Shoreditch and the East End for colourful murals and thought-provoking art is one of my favourite things to do in London. While you’re there, you should also pop into a few of the vintage stores and independent boutiques – you might find the perfect souvenir to take home with you.
Tate Modern
If you catch the tube to Blackfriars, you’ll be able to cross the Thames via the pedestrian Millennium Bridge. On your way over to the South Bank, you’ll be able to see all across the river – turn around and look behind you halfway to see a spectacular view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Once you cross the bridge, it’s only a few minutes walk to the Tate Modern. This modern art gallery is, again, free to enter, and has the work of world-renowned artists on display. You could easily spend an hour or two here. If modern art’s not your thing, you might be interested in a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe, which is right next door.
Borough Market
After another busy morning, it’s finally time for lunch! Borough Market is the most famous market in London, and has a rich heritage that spans almost a thousand years. There are dozens of fantastic food stalls to choose from, with cuisines from all over the world, so you’re certain to find something that tickles your fancy.
Tower of London and Tower Bridge
London’s long history is never more apparent than at the Tower of London. This imposing fortress has towered (sorry!) over the city for a thousand years. It’s been both a palace and a prison and has been the site of some of the most notorious royal misdeeds in English history.
From the Princes in the Tower to Anne Boleyn, you’ll learn all about the monarchy’s rather sordid past. You will also see their obscene jewellery collection, the Crown Jewels. Go on a Beefeater tour (free and regularly scheduled near the entrance) for a humorous, but very insightful, tour of the Tower.
You will have a great view of Tower Bridge from the walls of the tower, but you can go for a closer look if you wish to after you exit.
St Dunstan in the East
This is a bit of a hidden gem compared to many of the heavy hitters in this itinerary. A peaceful sanctuary in the heart of London, St Dunstan in the East is a ruined church, severely damaged in the Great Fire of London, and garden that offers a lovely respite from the busy city.
If you have some time on your way over to the Walkie-Talkie building, it’s well worth a stop.
Sunday evening
Your final stop on your trip to London is the Walkie-talkie building, and, more importantly, the Sky Garden that sits at the very top. This skyscraper offers one of the best views of the city and you don’t even have to pay to enter.
Book three weeks in advance (tickets are released on a Monday morning) to get your ticket. If you’re not a huge fan of heights or have missed the window to book a ticket, a lovely way to end your trip is simply with a walk along the Thames.
Soak in all the views of London one last time before you leave – and start planning for when you’ll next be able to come back!