I’ve explored London more times than I can count since moving to the UK back in 2021. This 7-day London itinerary is what I recommend to my friends and family visiting London for the first time who want to see the very best of the city without getting overwhelmed.
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Know Before You Go: London 7 Day Itinerary
🛎️ Hotels: I find and compare London hotels and flat rentals on Booking.com.
🚆 Train booking: For day trips outside London, find the best ticket prices and book your tickets directly through Omio.
🎭 West End theatre tickets: I always find London Theatre Direct has the best prices and show availability.
🔌 Electronics: Make sure you can use your electronics in the UK with a universal travel adaptor.
📱 Phone data: Check maps, send messages and utilize your phone apps without surprise charges with an Airalo e-sim.
Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & the South Bank Walk
When I have first-time London visitors with me, I want to be sure that they see London’s most iconic sights. Here’s where I take my friends and family to kick off their city exploring.
- Start at the Tower of London. See the Crown Jewels, join a Beefeater tour, and admire the parade of armored horses in the White Tower. Don’t miss a visit with the Tower’s legendary resident ravens.
- Walk across Tower Bridge to Potters Fields Park for the best photos of Tower Bridge.
- Stop at Hay’s Galleria, then grab lunch at Borough Market (my favorite treat here is The Ginger Pig’s sausage roll).
- Walk along the Thames on the South Bank, stopping at Shakespeare’s Globe for a tour or performance.
- Cross the Millennium Bridge and admire the exterior of St. Paul’s Cathedral before a delicious dinner at Bread Street Kitchen.
Travel Tip: If you look closely while crossing Millennium Bridge, you may spot artworks by artist Ben Wilson scattered across the walkway! He turns old gum smashed into the path into tiny canvases.
Day 1 in London Photo Highlights
Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace
This day is all about royal London and historic institutions.
Travel Tip: See the best of today’s itinerary while guided by an expert local with a half-day guided tour that includes Westminster Abbey, St. James Park, Downing Street, and the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Self-guided itinerary:
- Start with Westminster Abbey (book tickets in advance). For breakfast, try Fresco Brunch nearby.
- See Big Ben and Parliament right next to Westminster Abbey. Take a detour across Westminster Bridge for a great photo of Big Ben with the Thames.
- Walk up Whitehall Road to Trafalgar Square, watching for 10 Downing Street and the Horse Guards along your way.
- Take in a unique lunch spot at the Cafe in the Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.
- Explore the art and architecture in the National Gallery, then walk down The Mall to Buckingham Palace.
- For a casual dinner, visit Market Halls Victoria, a lively food court with a full bar and enough food choices to please everyone.
Travel Tip: Visiting in July or August? Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors for a very limited time in the summer. If this is on your bucket list, be sure to book early. 👉 Click here to book entry tickets now 👈
Day 2 in London Photo Highlights
Day 3: Hampton Court Palace Day Trip
Time to experience the Tudor life at one of Henry VIII’s favorite palaces. This expansive historic complex has something for everyone and is just a short train ride away from central London.
- It’s easy to grab breakfast for the train on your way to Hampton Court Palace. Head to Waterloo Station and stop into one of the quick serve spots for a takeaway pastry and coffee. Black Sheep Coffee is a favorite of mine.
- Take the train from Waterloo to Hampton Court train station. You can tap in and out for this journey, but may find discounts from booking in advance on Omio. The train journey takes about 50 minutes.
- Once your train arrives, walk across the bridge over the Thames to find the palace entrance.
- Highlights of the palace include the Tudor kitchens, King Henry’s apartments, and the whimsical 17th century hedge maze.
- Grab lunch on site at one of the palace cafes. Kids can blow off steam in the Magic Garden play area.
- If time allows, walk through neighboring Bushy Park and look for deer.
- Back in London, stop by the National Theatre food stalls for dinner, people watching, and great river views.
Travel Tip: Extend your visit to Hampton Court Palace with a scenic boat ride along the Thames to Richmond Upon Thames, one of London’s loveliest riverside towns and the filming home for Ted Lasso. The cruise takes around 90 minutes and travels through the Teddington Lock. From Richmond you can head back to central London on the District Line.
Day 3 in London Photo Highlights
Day 4: British Museum, Covent Garden & the West End
As a theatre lover, I take this day’s plan very seriously. It’s time to mix culture with some quirky London charm and end the day with a London theatre experience.
- Start your day off right with pastries at Fortitude Bakehouse. The beignets here are famous, but I’ve never had a bad bite from this bakery so you really can’t go wrong.
- Explore the extensive British Museum. It is free to visit, but I recommend booking an entry time to limit your time in line to enter. This is a massive museum, so stop by the welcome desk for route tips to make sure you hit everything you want to see.
- Visit colorful Neal’s Yard and enjoy a delicious pizza lunch at one of my favorite casual London restaurants – Homeslice.
- Wander Seven Dials and the Covent Garden Apple Market for a little retail touring.
- Visit Somerset House and check out the absolutely gorgeous courtyard. Stop in Watch House in the courtyard for a coffee, or enjoy a cocktail on the terrace overlooking the Thames.
- Walk by the Royal Courts of Justice, and pop in for a shop inside the historic Twinings tea shop.
- End your day with a West End show. I recommend checking London Theatre Direct for advance tickets and last minute deals.
Travel Tip: Many restaurants in and around Covent Garden offer pre-theatre menus that are discounted and aware of your time constraints if you’re heading to an evening show. One of my favorites is Balthazar near the Covent Garden Piazza.
Day 4 in London Photo Highlights
Day 5: Museum Row, Hyde Park & Harrods
A perfect day for art, science, and some upscale shopping.
- Start your day in Sloane Square. This posh area is just slightly off the tourist track, so you can enjoy the lovely neighborhood without the largest crowds.
- Take a walk over to Pavilion Road for a stroll and breakfast. I recommend stopping in Bread Ahead for their famous doughnuts, but you’ll find several tempting spots along the road.
- Next, head to South Kensington’s Museum Row. Here, you can pick your favorite from the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Natural History Museum, or Science Museum. The cafe at the V&A is worth a visit even if you spend your touring hours elsewhere.
- Once you tire of museums, take a stroll through the nearby Kensington Gardens or along the Serpentine waterway in Hyde Park.
- Visit Harrods for a little retail therapy. I especially recommend the decadent Food Hall for a snack or edible England souvenir.
- Wrap up the day with dinner at CERU South Kensington for Mediterranean flavors.
Travel Tip: The museums on Museum Row are all free to visit, but you should book an entry time if you want to visit the Natural History Museum. Arrive at museums early to beat school groups, and book special exhibits ahead if they interest you.
Day 5 in London Photo Highlights
Day 6: Day Trip to Oxford
Visit Oxford to explore one of the world’s oldest universities and Harry Potter connections.
- Catch a morning train to Oxford from London Paddington. Trains depart about every 30 minutes and you can pre-book tickets with Omio.
- Once you arrive in Oxford (about an hour on most trains), walk into the city center and pick up a coffee from Love Coffee Co. on the high street.
- Set out on a guided walking tour to learn about the town and university past, as well as getting a chance to step inside one of the gated colleges otherwise off-limits to visitors. If there are specific spots you want to be sure to see – like Harry Potter film locations, be sure to select a tour that hits those highlights. I’ve been on several tours here and all have been worthwhile.
- Explore the 18th century Covered Market for a bit of shopping and lunch. My favorite cafe here is Taylors for their delicious focaccia sandwiches.
- Spend your afternoon visiting another college, admiring the Radcliffe Camera, or wandering through Oxford’s unique shops. Blackwells Books shouldn’t be missed.
- Before you head back to London, stop in for a pint at the Turf Tavern. This quirky pub is located down a twisting alleyway and is a favorite of students and tourists alike.
Travel Tip: See my full guide to visiting Oxford for even more things to experience in this historic university town.
Day 6 in London Photo Highlights
Day 7: City of London History & Epic Views
Dive into London’s ancient heart and end with a modern sky high view.
- Start your day outside the St. Paul’s Tube station. Pick up coffee and a delicious pastry from Buns From Home.
- Head inside St. Paul’s Cathedral. Don’t miss visiting the church crypt and climbing to the Whispering Gallery. If you’re brave, you can continue up to the Golden Gallery for 360 views from the top of the cathedral dome. 👉 Book entry tickets for St. Paul’s in advance
- Walk to the London Mithraeum to explore a hidden Roman temple under the modern Bloomberg building.
- Take a wander through Leadenhall Market. This Victorian arched marketplace has provided Harry Potter and Wonka film locations.
- Stop for lunch at Paradise Green, then visit the haunting ruins of St. Dunstan in the East. This 12th century church was damaged by the Great Fire of London and WWII bombing, but it’s pretty arches still persevere and have made a beautiful city garden.
- Walk by the Monument to the Great Fire of 1666, another creation of Sir Christopher Wren. You can even climb up to the viewing platform if you’re feeling brave and don’t mind some very twisty stairs.
- End your day with sunset views at the Sky Garden. This 43rd floor entertainment space and viewing area is free, but book your entry time in advance. Check for dinner reservations if you miss the free spots and still want to go.
Travel Tip: This area of London is the oldest and has many stories to tell. If you want to get the most out of this day, I recommend joining a historic walking tour so that you can hear the stories as you explore.
Day 7 in London Photo Highlights
Final Thoughts: Is 7 Days in London Enough?
Yes, but also no. A week in London lets you experience the top attractions and take a couple of great day trips, but it’s important that you don’t stress about trying to see everything.
I’ve lived here for years and am still uncovering gems within London. This 7-day itinerary gives you a balanced introduction to the city without feeling rushed. If you’re anything like me, it will leave you ready to plan your next London visit!
Where to Explore Next in the UK
These guides will help make your London trip smoother and build your UK bucket list for visits beyond the city.
- The Best Area to Stay in London for First-Time Visitors
- How to Use the London Underground
- London Travel Tips From Years in the City
- Castle Day Trips From London
- Brighton Day Trip Itinerary
- One Perfect Day in Bath England
- Three Days in the Cotswolds Itinerary
- 7 Day London and Edinburgh Itinerary
- London to Edinburgh by Train Review
- Guide to Renting a Car in the UK
