1 Week in London Itinerary
Today I want to share my itinerary for 1 week in London with you. 7 days is a great amount of time to discover the highlights of the UK capital and take a day trip or two. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or you’ve been to the city before, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time in London. I’ve put together an ideal itinerary for a trip that covers the big sights and local areas alike.
1 Week in London Itinerary
One of the things I love about having a career as a travel blogger is helping people plan trips. Whether it’s through itineraries like this one or my travel planning services, it brings me joy to know that my readers and followers have had a richer experience traveling to London or abroad.
I often get asked how to spend a week in London, and today I want to share the official A Lady in London guide for it. I’ve created lots of other London itineraries as well, and I hope you’ll find this one as helpful as you’ve found the rest.
If you want additional inspiration or have a specific interest, there are more ideas for things to do in the city in the book Secret London – An Unusual Guide. You can get it on Amazon here.
Furthermore, you can check out my London travel guide to find things you’re passionate about and see what seasonal events and festivities are on when you’ll be in town.
The bottom line is that there’s no right or wrong way to spend your time in London. This itinerary will show you a balance of the major London landmarks and local areas Londoners spend time in.
You can tweak the schedule to tailor it to your interests and style, but I hope it gives you a good overview of what you can do and see in this amazing city in 7 days.
Where to Stay
If you need a place to call home-away-from-home while you’re visiting, there are lots of options for accommodation. Whether you prefer to stay in a hotel, hostel, apartment rental, or something else, the city has a broad range of styles to choose from.
Given London is enormous, I recommend basing yourself in or near a central location. You can read through my blog posts about the best areas to stay in London, the best hotels for your style, and hotels near London attractions for ideas. I’ve also written about quirky hotels and pubs with rooms if you want something unique.
Additionally, you can find deals and book a place to stay in London here. With so many good options, you’re sure to find a great fit for your travel style, budget, and preferences.
How to Pack
Once you’ve decided when to visit and where to stay, you’ll need to pack for London. Depending what time of year you travel to the UK, that will mean different things.
I’ve published packing lists for autumn, winter, spring, and summer that can help you choose what to wear in London. I’ve also drawn up a general packing list of items that are wise to bring at any time of year. It has a free downloadable checklist.
If you’re flying into London, you can also take a look at my long-haul packing list and my guide to how to pack with just a carry-on for more tips (I was interviewed by The New York Times about the latter).
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
Once you’ve arrived in the city and settled into your accommodation, you can start your trip to the UK capital at Buckingham Palace.
If you want to, you can plan your visit to coincide with the Changing the Guard ceremony, which takes place several days a week (you can see the calendar here). If not, you can just admire the monarch’s London residence from outside the gates.
If you’re in town during the seasonal opening, you can tour Buckingham Palace. It will give you the unique opportunity to see the state rooms, grounds, and gardens. If that appeals, you can book tickets here (book well in advance).
After seeing Buckingham Palace you can continue your first day in London with a walk through St James’s Park. This famous green space is stunning with its lush gardens and Tiffany Fountain. There are eye-catching views from the footbridge over the water as well.
From the park it’s a scenic walk through Horse Guards Parade, down Whitehall, and into Parliament Square. This part of Westminster is home to some of the UK capital’s most recognizable landmarks, including Elizabeth Tower and its bell, Big Ben.
You’ll also see Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament here. If you have time and you want to go inside, you can tour the abbey and parliament. You can book tickets here.
Alternatively, you can take my free self-guided Westminster walk if you want to discover the neighborhood beyond the big attractions. It will lead you to some of the side streets and hidden spaces locals spend time in. It’s a great option if you’ve been to London before and want to see something different.
In the evening, you can have a casual dinner near where you’re staying. If you’re feeling jet lagged or you had to wake up early to travel to the UK, you’ll likely be tired. You can take a look at my recommendations for where to eat in London if you need inspiration for a place to go.
If you have energy left after dinner, you can take an open-top bus tour to get an overview of the city’s major sights. It’s an easy way to see what London has to offer at the start of your trip. You can book tickets here.
Day 2: South Bank & City of London
The next morning you can continue your itinerary by exploring the South Bank. Situated along the River Thames, this is a fun area to walk around, shop at the outdoor markets, and soak up the waterfront scene.
You can take a trip on the London Eye while you’re here, too. It offers some of the best views in the city. You can book tickets here (book well in advance, as it sells out).
Additionally, there are always street performers, pop-ups, and seasonal entertainment on the South Bank. They make it a treat to meander along the Thames and see what’s taking place while you’re visiting.
As you walk from Westminster Bridge towards Tower Bridge, you’ll pass Tate Modern. This landmark art museum in the Bankside area is a popular place to pop into. The fact that it offers free entry means you can visit for as long or little as you choose. There are sweeping views from the higher floors as well.
Not far from Tate Modern, you’ll find Borough Market. It’s the most famous food market in London, and it’s the ideal place to get something for lunch. Whether you opt for a meal from a street food stall or sit down at a restaurant, there are lots of options.
After lunch, you can walk across London Bridge to get to the City of London. If you stick to the right side, you’ll see great views of Tower Bridge on the way.
When you reach the City, you’ll be able to explore everything from St Paul’s Cathedral to contemporary viewing platforms like the Sky Garden and Horizon 22. This part of the UK capital contains a lot of old and new architecture, so there’s plenty to see.
If you want to, you can follow the route of my free self-guided City of London walk to take in the highlights. It will lead you around and show you hidden lanes, famous landmarks, and tucked-away places like Temple.
After exploring the City, you can head over to the Tower of London. You can take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels if you want to, or just take in the historic fortress from outside. You can book Tower of London tickets here.
Afterwards it’s a short walk to Tower Bridge. This stunning feat of Victorian engineering is one of the most famous sites in London. You can walk across the bridge, or head up to the top on a self-guided tour. You can book tickets here.
For dinner, you can continue your walk across Tower Bridge and head to Bermondsey Street. This is a local favorite, and there are plenty of great places to choose from. Whether you want a tapas bar or a classic pub, you can find it here.
Day 3: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & West End
The next morning you can continue your London itinerary in Notting Hill. This part of the city is full of life and color. You’ll find everything from the boutiques to the mews a delight.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be able to experience the famous Portobello Road Market in all its glory. I recommend arriving early to avoid the big crowds that descend as the day goes by.
If it’s not a Saturday, I still recommend going and exploring the market stalls and shops that are open when you visit. There’s a market of some kind taking place here nearly every day of the week.
Beyond the market, my free self-guided Notting Hill walk is a fun way to discover the neighborhood’s highlights. It will take you around to see everything from the high streets to the shops, colorful houses, and hidden mews.
You can have lunch in Notting Hill, then walk down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for the afternoon. There’s plenty to see and do in these neighboring green spaces, from Kensington Palace to the Serpentine lake, the Italian Gardens, and the small art galleries.
When evening approaches, you can walk through Mayfair or take the tube to get to Soho and Covent Garden. They’re some of the most exciting places in central London, and they come alive as the sun goes down.
There are lots of options for eating and drinking here, and Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, the Covent Garden Piazza, and Leicester Square are always fun places to be in London at night.
When you get hungry, you can have dinner in the West End before or after going to a show. Whether you choose a classic restaurant like Rules or one of the many new spots popping up all the time, you can’t go wrong in this part of the city.
As far as theater goes, there are always lots of plays, musicals, and comedy acts on. Seeing one is a great way to end a day of exploring London. From dramas to farces, you have plenty of choices when it comes to what to see.
If you’re up for going out afterwards, Soho and Covent Garden are packed with bars, pubs, and clubs. They’re ideal places to get into the nightlife scene in London.
My favorite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy right off Carnaby Street. It’s one of my top picks for travel-themed bars in the city, and it’s a unique place to end your third day in London.
Day 4: Day Trip
I recommend taking a day trip from London on the fourth day of your trip. There are lots of places near the city that are easy to get to by train, car, or guided tour.
If you want to see classic university cities, my top picks are Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the most popular days out from the UK capital, and they’re both easy to get to by rail.
If you’re interested in castles, there are plenty of castles near London you can visit. From Windsor Castle to Scotney Castle, Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Warwick Castle, and Dover Castle, there’s no shortage. They’re some of the best castles in England, and they’re easy to reach via train, car, or guided tour.
If the seaside is your thing, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are some of my favorite places to be by the water. They all have plenty of beaches, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. They’re easy day trips from London by train as well.
If you want to see the English countryside, a day trip to the Cotswolds is for you. You can travel independently with or without a car, or take a guided day tour. You can see options and book a tour here.
There’s no shortage of pretty towns and villages in the Cotswolds. My favorites include Painswick, Bibury, Upper Slaughter, and Castle Combe, but it’s hard to go wrong.
If you want to visit historic mansions, there are plenty of stately homes near London to choose from. Downton Abbey fans will love touring Highclere Castle, and royal lovers will enjoy Polesden Lacey and Hatfield House.
Then there are impressive places like Blenheim Palace, Burghley House, Petworth House, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Castle with its famous gardens.
If you’re into history, Bath, Canterbury and Dover, Winchester, Hampton Court Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you.
Amersham is so close you can take the tube. It’s a great half-day trip from London if you’re looking for something that doesn’t take too much time. There are great walks you can do in the area, too.
If cathedral cities pique your interest, my top picks are Canterbury in Kent, York in Yorkshire, Norwich in Norfolk, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. They all have important historic churches and stunning city centers.
If you want to go further afield, you can take a day trip from London to Europe. Popular ones include Paris and Lille in France, Brussels and Bruges in Belgium, and Amsterdam in Holland.
If you’re interested in seasonal trips, you can take a look at my guides to autumn, winter, spring, and summer day trips from London for ideas.
Day 5 : Hampstead, Camden Town & King’s Cross
The next morning you can continue your week in London with a trip to Hampstead. This is my favorite place in the city, not least because it feels like a village.
With charming streets, tucked-away pubs, and one of the city’s largest parks, Hampstead is an exciting place to explore. I lived here for years and I still go back every chance I get.
While you’re in the area you can walk around the village, follow the route of my free self-guided Hampstead walk, or go on one of my Hampstead Heath walks.
Whatever you choose, I recommend having lunch at one of the local pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead High Street. My favorites include the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are fun, too, but the lines can move slowly.
After lunch, you can head down to Camden Town. This place is home to famous markets, including Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, and Buck Street Market.
You can browse the stalls in any or all of them when you get here. They’re ideal places to buy gifts and souvenirs. There are lots of food stands if you want a snack or a sweet treat, too.
After exploring the markets, it’s fun to stroll along the Regent’s Canal towpath to get to King’s Cross. The area around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard is packed with shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars. It’s a great place to get dinner.
If you have time before or after eating, you can walk down to the area’s beloved train stations. King’s Cross is famous for its interior architecture and Harry Potter connections. You can pose for photos at the Platform 9 3/4 sign or pick up a souvenir from the Harry Potter shop next to it.
Across the street from King’s Cross station is St Pancras International. This place is known for its gorgeous exterior. Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the most beautiful buildings in London. There are shops and restaurants inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was also used as a filming location for one of the Harry Potter movies. You can find out which one in my blog post about Harry Potter locations in London.
If you want to go out at night, there are plenty of pubs and bars around the area. From the ones on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to local spots in nearby Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, you have a lot of options.
Day 6: St James’s, Mayfair & Marylebone
You can kick off the sixth of your 7 days in London in St James’s. This traditional part of the city is known for its historic royal palace, classic men’s shops, luxury hotels, and members’ clubs.
While you’re in the neighborhood, you can walk down Piccadilly and Jermyn Street, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic department stores like Fortnum & Mason.
When you’ve finished exploring, Mayfair is just across Piccadilly from St James’s. This upscale area is home to fine-dining restaurants, luxury goods shops, and the iconic curve of Regent Street (home of the famous Liberty London department store).
You can go on my free self-guided Mayfair walk if you want to explore the area in detail. It will show you everything from the high street to the hidden mews and local pubs.
Mayfair is a fun place to have a meal or afternoon tea, too. Whether you go to a casual cafe on Heddon Street, splurge on a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, or head to a classic pub, there are lots of options for lunch.
When it comes to tea and cake, I love Brown’s Hotel afternoon tea and the iconic yellow room at Sketch.
After lunch or tea, you can walk across Oxford Street to Marylebone. This is another of my favorite London neighborhoods, not least because it’s home to one of the best high streets in London.
There are lots of fun shops on Marylebone High Street, not to mention Marylebone Lane and St Christopher’s Place. They’re fun places to get into London’s retail scene.
From boutiques to high street numbers, there are plenty of stores to choose from. My favorite spot to shop in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s one of the most beautiful independent bookshops in London.
If have time and inclination, you can go on my free self-guided Marylebone walk to see more of the area. It will take you around to hidden mews, grand squares, side streets, and gardens that make this one of my favorite parts of the city.
After exploring Marylebone, make your way to Regent’s Park. This is one of the best green spaces in the city, and it’s fun to walk around. If it’s summer, don’t miss the colorful rose gardens.
When sunset approaches, you can head back to Marylebone High Street for dinner, or leave via one of the other exits of the park and eat in pretty Primrose Hill, fun Camden Town, or on buzzing Charlotte Street.
Day 7: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge & South Kensington
Start the final day of your week in London in Belgravia. This elegant area is littered with cute cafes and shops, particularly those on the famous Elizabeth Street.
You can follow the route of my free self-guided Belgravia walk to see the highlights of the neighborhood, or just stroll around the leafy squares and mews. Highlights include Pimlico Road (there’s a food market here on Saturdays), Belgrave Square, and Motcomb Street.
After exploring Belgravia, you can walk over to Sloane Square and the King’s Road in Chelsea. This is a fun place to shop and eat, and you can find lunch at any number of restaurants in the neighborhood.
If it’s a Saturday, the food market in Duke of York Square is a must. If it’s not, there’s still a lot to do and see. The King’s Road is one of the best shopping streets in London, and there are plenty of places to get your retail therapy fix.
If you want to see the places locals love, you can take my free self-guided Chelsea walk to see the area’s side streets, colorful houses, and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you can make your way to Knightsbridge for some shopping at landmark department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols. Alternatively, you can walk over to South Kensington to explore the museums.
The V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum are right next to one other. They all offer free entry, so you can spend as much or as little time exploring them as you choose. They’re huge, so make sure to pace yourself.
In the evening you can head to dinner at one of the many restaurants outside the South Kensington tube station. There are plenty of cuisines to choose from, so you’re bound to find something that tempts your taste buds.
If you want to end your trip in style, there’s great nightlife around Walton Street and the King’s Road. From pubs to bars and clubs, you have a lot of options for your last night in London.
1 Week in London
I hope you’ve found my itinerary for spending 1 week in London helpful for planning your trip to the city. It’s an amazing place, and there’s loads to do and see while you’re in town.
Find this post helpful? Buy me a coffee!
New here? Join thousands of others and subscribe to the A Lady in London blog via email.
Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on them and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support the A Lady in London blog.
Pin it!
