Stepping into the most exciting city in the world spells endless possibilities whether it’s cuisine, nightlife, art and culture, or just some good old sightseeing- there’s something new around every corner.
While it may seem like there’s no reasonable way to mark off everything, we’ve put together a guide to help you navigate a week around London, ensuring you cover key experiences and make the most of your time in the city.
First things first- London is separated into different boroughs and neighborhoods and each one offers its own interesting take, adding flavor to this eclectic city.
ET Tip #1: Plan you days around boroughs so that you know you’re not repeating an area for one missed sight.
Let’s start!
Day 1- Hello, London! The city and its main sights
Begin at Trafalgar Square, nice and early. You have The National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery (free of charge) on either side in case you fancy a visit.
Here’s your ideal routing, you can thank us later.
– Walk along The Mall or through St. James’ Park, by the ponds, and onward to Buckingham Palace.
– Aim to be at the Palace by 10:45 AM so that you can watch the Changing of the Guard at 11 AM.
– Detour toward Birdcage Walk to arrive at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
– Around the corner, you have Westminster Abbey- the home of coronations and royal weddings – the heart of history beats strong inside this UNESCO site.
– Cross Westminster Bridge and take in stunning views of London and the snaking Thames. From here, you have a clear view across the River of the London Eye.
Stop by Seven Dials Market, Covent Garden for a delectable afternoon lunch. Alternatively, the area has a plethora of cuisine options to choose from.
– Continue walking past London Eye and you’ll pass by Waterloo. Stop in front of the Millenium Bridge for a quick photo-op and walk across to St. Paul’s.
– From St Paul’s it’s a quick 15-minute walk to the Tower of London.
ET tip #2: If you’re keen on covering the Tower of London in detail and meeting the Beefeaters (Guardians of the Tower), make sure you sign up for a guided tour and reserve half a day for the visit.
End with a feast in Borough market, one of the largest and oldest food markets in London or end in style, atop The Shard, with the best city views to accompany your glass of bubbly.
ET tip #3: Make reservations at Hutong (Level 33 of The Shard) for an unforgettably fiery Northern Chinese experience.
Day 2- A day in Greenwich
Today, travel towards Greenwich (approx. 1hr away on the tube). You can take the DLR to Greenwich station or a boat from the London Eye.
Spend the day at Cutty Sark and the glass museum, Greenwich market, National Maritime Museum and the Queen’s house, Greenwich Park (with a picnic in tow), Royal Greenwich Observatory and the Prime Meridian.
Walk up the hill to the Observatory for views of London’s skyline at sunset.
Day 3- Museums, Cricket, Afternoon tea and local markets
After 2 days of shuttling between Westminster and the city of London, it’s time for a more leisurely approach to the city. Venture into South Kensington and choose the museums that best pique your interest.
ET tip #4: In order of proximity, visit the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A (for Modern Art).
Alternatively, if museums aren’t your thing, head over for a morning tour of Lord’s cricket ground.
For lunch, prepare for an afternoon foodie trail through Portobello and Camden Market.
Complete your afternoon city experience with a classic high tea at Claridges or The Ritz.
Day 4- Engage your senses: Food, Theatre, Retail, and Art
Engage your senses with a trip through Chinatown, shop across the boutiques of Chelsea or across Oxford Street and Piccadilly Circus, stop by exhibitions at the TATE and others and end with a dazzling evening at the West End.
Day 5- Beyond Mayfair- Day trips through the coast and countryside
Step beyond Mayfair with day trips to the coast or across the countryside.
Day trip options:
Take a Small Group Tour to Oxford, Entry to Shakespeare’s Birthplace and the Cotswolds.
Shopping at Bicester Village (and we’ll get you special VIP amenities when you visit!)
Head to the coast in Brighton or further out to Swanage and the Jurassic coastline (if you’re looking for an overnight trip).
Spend a day in and around Surrey/ Virginia Waters.
Day 6- Suburbs and nature
Spend a magnificent morning at the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. You can also travel a short distance and visit Richmond Park where hundreds of deer may end up being surprise guests to your picnic. Richmond Park is 30mins from Kew while using public transport (bus) or 10mins by taxi.
If you want to engage in a few last-minute buys, take the bus to Shepherds Bush for a stop at London’s massive Westfield shopping mall. Post this, continue for an early evening in Notting Hill, coffee or hot chocolate in tow. End in Notting Hill and take a taxi back to your hotel.
Day 7- Evening farewells to the city
Spend this day at leisure with a closing toast by the Thames, at the cozy igloos of CoppaClub.
And that’s it! 7 perfect days in London- planned to show you every highlight, with enough time to explore at your own pace too.