Spending 7 days in London offers the perfect amount of time to see both the highlights and hidden gems of the city. As a travel blogger, I’ve planned many trips for my readers, and I can say with confidence that 1 week in the UK capital is the ideal time to dive into all the sights and attractions.
Whether you’re interested in famous landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, or you want to explore local places that Londoners love, there’s something for everyone. The beauty of this itinerary is that you can easily adjust it based on your interests and travel style.
During your 7-day journey, you’ll get a solid overview of the city’s rich history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere. From the main attractions such as Westminster Abbey and the Harry Potter Studio Tour, to relaxed moments like strolling through Covent Garden or enjoying a leisurely meal, this plan has it all.
I’ve made sure to include some day trips to places further afield, like Stonehenge and Bath, so you’ll experience a well-rounded trip that covers both the iconic and the off-the-beaten-path.
Each day is designed to give you a blend of sightseeing, history, and culture. Whether it’s watching a West End show, visiting Windsor, or exploring the streets where locals hang out, you’ll discover the true essence of London.
And if you’re traveling with family, this itinerary offers enough flexibility to keep everyone entertained without feeling rushed. Spending your time wisely, you can even venture outside the city to enjoy a taste of England beyond London.
The best part? This official Lady in London itinerary is full of practical advice, tips, and insights to help you make the most of your time. So, if you’re ready for a trip filled with unforgettable memories, follow this guide for the perfect week in London.
Does 7 Days in London Itinerary- The Short Answer
7-day London itinerary is the ideal way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks, rich history, vibrant culture, and local favorites without feeling rushed. This guide shows how one week lets you balance must-see sights like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the Tower of London with hidden gems, free museums, great food, and flexible day trips beyond the city, making it perfect for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike.
Where to Stay in London
When planning your 7-day trip to London, choosing the right accommodation is crucial. The city offers a wide range of options, from hotels to apartments and even hostels, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place that fits your style. Given how big London is, it’s a good idea to base yourself in or near the heart of the city.
This way, you’ll be close to many famous sites like the London Eye and Tower Bridge, and you can easily explore top cultural attractions while deciding highlights such as the National Gallery vs the British Museum during your London itinerary.
To help with your decision, I’ve published blog posts covering the best areas to stay in London depending on your interests. Whether you’re looking for quirky hotels or places with a bit more charm, like pubs with rooms, many choices will make your stay memorable. The key is to find accommodation that offers the perfect fit for your needs while giving you a chance to enjoy everything London has to offer.
You’ll find plenty of deals online to help you book your accommodation at a great price. Whether you want a luxurious hotel or a more affordable hostel, there’s something for every style. Just make sure to choose places near the landmarks you want to visit, so your time in the city is spent exploring instead of commuting.
Overview of our one week in London
- Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace and Westminster
- Day 2 in London: South Bank and the City of London
- Day 3 in London: Notting Hill and the West End
- Day 4 in London: Day Trip
- Day 5 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, and Local Areas
- Day 6 in London: St James’s, Mayfair, and Marylebone
- Day 7 in London: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace and Westminster
On your first day in London, start by visiting Buckingham Palace, the monarch’s residence. Try to time your visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which is a must-see experience. If you’re visiting during the annual opening, you can take a tour inside the palace, where you’ll get to explore the stunning state rooms and gardens.
Afterward, take a leisurely walk through St James’s Park, which leads you to Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall, home to some of the most important landmarks in London.
From here, make your way to Westminster, where you’ll find Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. These attractions are a must on your 7-day London itinerary. If you have the time, you can also tour the abbey and the parliament. For a deeper dive into the area, I recommend my self-guided Westminster walk, which will show you some hidden spots, like the side streets and tucked-away spaces where locals love to spend time.
As the day winds down, head back to where you’re staying for a casual dinner. If you’re feeling a bit jet-lagged or tired from waking up early to travel, you might want to relax. But if you still have energy, consider taking an open-top bus tour for an overview of London. This will give you a great introduction to what the UK capital has to offer, especially at the start of your week.
Day 2 in London: South Bank and the City of London
On your second day in London, start the morning by walking along the South Bank of the Thames. This area is perfect for admiring the views of the London Eye and browsing the book market by the riverfront. There are often street performers, pop-ups, and festivals that make this walk even more exciting. As you stroll, you can see what’s happening while taking in the sights of the city. If you’re planning to visit the London Eye, be sure to book tickets in advance.
Next, walk east from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, passing by two of the most beloved sites in London: the Tate Modern and Borough Market. You can take your time at the museum, which is a popular place to visit, and the best part is, entry is free. Afterward, head to Borough Market for a delicious lunch.
The market offers a wide variety of stalls selling everything from burgers to baked goods. You can take a moment to soak up the colors and scents around you while you explore.
In the afternoon, head over to the City of London, where you’ll see landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and the historic lanes around Bank Station. If you’re keen to learn more about the area, take my self-guided City of London walk to discover hidden gems. Don’t forget to visit the Tower of London and Tower Bridge – you can either tour them or simply enjoy the views from outside.
As the evening comes, cross Tower Bridge and head to Bermondsey Street, where locals enjoy fun pubs and excellent restaurants offering everything from tapas to fish and chips.
Day 3 in London: Notting Hill and the West End
On your third day in London, start by exploring Notting Hill, a vibrant area in west London. It’s one of the most famous local areas in the city, known for its charming shops, markets, and picturesque mews. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, be sure to check out the iconic Portobello Road Market, which will be in full-swing.
Arrive early to avoid the growing crowds as the day goes on. Even if it’s not a Saturday, you can still enjoy the market’s stalls and shops, with something happening every day.
Next, take a self-guided Notting Hill walk to see the best of the area, including high streets, tucked-away lanes, and famous filming locations. After exploring the neighborhood, head over to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for a relaxing afternoon. You can take in the views of the Serpentine Lake, visit the art galleries, or explore Kensington Palace.
As the evening approaches, make your way through Mayfair to Soho and Covent Garden. These are some of the most popular places in central London, known for their excellent eating and drinking spots.
You can enjoy dinner in the West End, whether at a quintessential restaurant like Rules, a classic spot in Chinatown, or one of the trendy new cafes. The West End is also home to numerous musicals, plays, and comedy shows, offering a wide range of performances to cap off your day.
Day 4 in London: Day Trip
On Day 4 of your 7-day London itinerary, take a day trip to explore places outside the city. While London has enough to see for a lifetime, there are plenty of nearby destinations that make for a special trip. If you love the seaside, consider visiting Brighton, Hastings, or Deal. These coastal towns offer beautiful beaches, charming shops, and great restaurants. They’re just a short train ride away from London, making them perfect for a quick getaway.
For those who enjoy the English countryside, a visit to the Cotswolds is a must. You can go independently, with or without a car, or join a day tour to explore the region.
Some of my favorite towns in the Cotswolds include Painswick, Castle Combe, Upper Slaughter, and Bibury. These towns offer stunning views, traditional charm, and a relaxing atmosphere, making them ideal for a peaceful day out.
If you prefer history, places like Winchester, Bath, and Canterbury are excellent options. You can easily reach these destinations by tube or train. Oxford and Cambridge are also great choices if you want to visit famous university cities.
For those feeling ambitious, you could even take a day trip to Paris, or head to other exciting European cities like Brussels, Lille, or Amsterdam. Whatever you choose, there’s plenty to discover on a day trip from London.
Day 5 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, and Local Areas
On Day 5 of your 7-day London itinerary, start your day by exploring Bloomsbury. This peaceful area is perfect for a relaxed morning walk. You can visit the British Museum or simply stroll through the leafy squares. If you’re looking for a bit of history, my self-guided Bloomsbury walk will show you the highlights of this charming neighborhood.
From Bloomsbury, it’s a short walk to Clerkenwell, one of London’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Known for its design district, you can explore places like Exmouth Market, Leather Lane, and St John Street.
These areas are full of great restaurants and cafes, with St John restaurant being a personal favorite. If you enjoy a pint, be sure to stop by the Fox & Anchor pub, which is just around the corner.
After lunch, you can join my Clerkenwell walking tour to discover hidden spots in places like Smithfield and Holborn. From here, you have two options: you can either head to the East End and explore Shoreditch, known for its trendy vibe and nightlife scene, or take a short walk to King’s Cross to explore north London and the surrounding areas.
Day 6 in London: St James’s, Mayfair, and Marylebone
On Day 6 of your 7-day London itinerary, start your day in St James’s, a charming and upscale part of the city. It’s home to the historic royal palace and features a mix of men’s shops, luxury hotels, art galleries, and members’ clubs. A leisurely walk down Jermyn Street and Piccadilly will take you past famous department stores like Fortnum & Mason, where you can pop in and browse.
From St James’s, head towards Mayfair, another high-end area known for its luxury goods shops, fine dining restaurants, and the iconic stretch of Regent Street. If you’re interested in exploring more, you can do my Mayfair walk to discover the best spots in the area.
Mayfair is perfect for a relaxing meal or afternoon tea, with options ranging from casual spots on Heddon Street to Michelin-starred restaurants offering tasting menus. For tea, I highly recommend Brown’s Hotel or the fabulous yellow room at Sketch on Conduit Street.
Afterward, head to Marylebone, one of my favorite neighborhoods in London. Marylebone High Street is known for its great restaurants, cafes, pubs, and shops, offering a perfect mix of culinary delights and retail therapy. Don’t miss Daunt Books, one of the most beautiful independent bookshops in the city.
If you have time, try my self-guided Marylebone walk to explore hidden mews, gardens, and the stunning Regent’s Park, which is great for a wander, especially in summer when the rose gardens are in full bloom. Later, you can enjoy dinner in Primrose Hill, Camden, or Fitzrovia.
Day 7 in London: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, and South Kensington
On your 7th day in London, start your adventure in Belgravia, a luxurious neighborhood known for its beautiful cafes, shops, and peaceful streets like Elizabeth Street. You can take a self-guided Belgravia walking tour to discover the highlights of this area, including leafy squares and hidden mews. Some must-see spots are Motcomb Street, Pimlico Road, and Belgrave Square.
After exploring Belgravia, take a walk to Sloane Square and King’s Road in Chelsea, two of the best places to shop and dine. If you’re visiting on a Saturday, don’t miss the food market at Duke of York Square.
It’s a great place for lunch, or you can stroll along King’s Road, one of London’s top shopping streets. For a deeper experience of Chelsea, you can join my self-guided Chelsea walk, which will lead you through side streets, past colorful houses, and down to the riverfront.
Next, head to Knightsbridge, a famous area known for department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. You can either explore the shops around Knightsbridge with my self-guided Knightsbridge walk or make your way over to South Kensington to visit some of London’s top museums, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and V&A.
The best part is that all of these museums offer free entry, so you can take your time exploring their amazing exhibitions.
End your day by grabbing dinner at one of the many casual restaurants near South Kensington tube station, where you can choose from a variety of cuisines. If you’re in the mood for some fun, the area also offers great nightlife around Walton Street and King’s Road, with plenty of pubs, bars, and stylish clubs to enjoy.
London Itinerary for 7 Days
This 7-day London itinerary is perfect for anyone looking to explore this amazing city. London is safe for solo female travelers, making it an excellent destination whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning after years of living in the UK capital. There is always something new to see and do. For those interested in learning more about hidden gems, check out Secret London – An Unusual Guide, which offers additional ideas and unique places to explore across the city.
You can get the guide both in the UK and the US. I hope this guide has been helpful for planning your trip and that you have happy travels while you discover everything London has to offer.
Tips for Foodies
If you’re a foodie visiting London, you’ll love the wide variety of options to explore. For some of the best foods in the city, be sure to check out my Food Diary: Eating Our Way Through London, where I share all the details, photos, and feedback on the foods I’ve tried.
You’ll find a list of my favorites along with addresses and website links to help you plan your food stops. One of my top picks is Borough Market, known for amazing treats like Turkish delight, burgers, seafood, exotic meats, and cider.
If you’re looking for a hearty meal, head to The George Pub on the Strand for the best fish & chips in town. Another spot I recommend is Gordon’s Wine Bar in Westminster, where you can kick up your feet, snack on tapas and a cheese board, and enjoy a glass of good wine. For dessert, stop by Earl of Lonsdale in Notting Hill for sticky toffee pudding with custard.
If you’re into craft beers, BrewDog Shoreditch and Tower Hill offer the best beers in London along with eclectic food options, including many vegan offerings. And for those craving delicious Indian food, visit Indian City in the City of London, where you’ll be welcomed by friendly staff and a range of tasty dishes.
FAQ
Is 7 days enough to visit London?
Seven days in London is a perfect amount of time for a one-week getaway, especially if you’re someone who tends to be a fidgety traveler. You’ll have enough time to explore the sights and get a good feel for the city. Although you won’t be able to see every tourist destination in one visit, seven days allows you to enjoy the most popular spots and still have some luck finding hidden gems. It’s likely that after spending seven days in London, you’ll be eager to return to see even more!
Where to go in London for first-timers?
If it’s your first-time visiting London, there are plenty of must-see iconic landmarks like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace that you shouldn’t miss. For a mix of history and modern charm, you can visit the London Eye for breathtaking city views and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Covent Garden. Don’t forget to check out free, world-class museums like the British Museum and the Natural History Museum, which offer fascinating exhibits. Lastly, take a stroll through Borough Market for some of the best food in the city, where you can indulge in a variety of delicious treats.
What is the best month to go to London?
The best months to visit London are May, June, and September. These months offer the perfect balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, making them ideal for travelers. Both May and September are considered shoulder seasons, which means you’ll experience mild temperatures, beautiful blooming flowers in May, and stunning autumn colors in September. These months also allow you to avoid the peak summer heat, higher prices, and larger crowds that often come with the busy summer months.
What is the number one thing to do in London?
The number one thing to do in London is visit its iconic landmarks. Check out Tower Bridge (4.6), the Natural History Museum (4.5), and the V&A (4.6) for art and history. Don’t miss Westminster Abbey (4.6) and the National Gallery (4.7) for cultural exploration. For great views, visit the Sky Garden (4.5) or stroll through Covent Garden and Camden Market for food and shopping. These points of interest are a must for any traveler in London.
