7 day itinerary london

So you’re planning your trip to London and you’re a little overwhelmed because there’s so much to do and you just need someone to help you figure it out. I’m here to help you. I’m Sahil. I’ve covered a lot of things about London. It’s all about transportation but this is the fun part where we can actually plan what we’re going to do. So I’ve put together a 7 day itinerary London and I’ve divided it up by the days of the week because there are some things I’m going to mention and I’ll tell you which ones are the ones that only happen on those specific days but if you have a different schedule you can change it

You can arrange it however you want. Sirens love being in London

Check the post for where to stay in London.

full guide 7 day itinerary London for first time traveler

DAY 1

Our first day starts on Monday, and we will begin the day at Westminster Abbey. Now, it’s up to you whether you want to go inside or not.

• The entrance fee for adults is £27, and I believe it’s £12 for children.
• It is a bit expensive, but if you decide not to go inside, it’s still worth seeing from the outside.
• Westminster is a great place to start our day’s journey.
• Westminster Abbey is located at Parliament Square (ABY), and if you cross the square, you’ll find the classic red phone booths with an amazing view of Big Ben—perfect for a photo opportunity.

I’ll include some pictures of my family that we took when we were there because I think it’s an ideal spot for photos.

After taking our photos, we will start walking directly towards Westminster Bridge. I recommend walking on the right side of the bridge so you can stay close to Big Ben and capture some more pictures as you walk. Once you cross the bridge, you can go down the stairs and take a great photo by the River Thames with Big Ben in the background.

From there, we will continue walking along the South Bank. This is one of the best walks in London, as you get to see so much. The first major attraction we’ll come across is the London Eye. Again, it’s up to you whether you want to go on it or not. Tickets cost around £30 if booked in advance, and it can be quite pricey. If it’s a cloudy or overcast day, I wouldn’t recommend it, as the view won’t be as good. However, if you’re in London and want to experience it, go for it!

As we continue walking east along the South Bank, you’ll come across many interesting spots. The first major landmark we’ll reach is the Millennium Bridge. It’s a beautiful, modern-looking bridge, and from here, you’ll have a clear view of St. Paul’s Cathedral across the river. If you want to experience crossing the bridge, it’s a great photo opportunity. However, after crossing, I’d suggest returning to the South Bank because we still have more to explore on this side.

If you’re interested in modern art, the Tate Modern is along this route, and I believe entry is free. You can take a quick look inside if you’d like. Otherwise, we can keep walking.

Next, we’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original theater where Shakespeare’s plays were performed. If you’re a big Shakespeare fan, this could be a great stop. The entrance fee is around £17, but I haven’t personally been inside, so I can’t say for sure whether it’s worth it. However, since we’ll be passing by, you can decide if you want to explore it further.

By this time, it’ll be time for lunch. One of my favorite places to eat in London is Borough Market. There are many food vendors offering a variety of dishes, along with stands selling jams, fruits, and other goods. It’s a really fun place to explore, with great photo opportunities and plenty of delicious food options.

If you’re not in the mood for market food, there are also some great pubs nearby. One famous pub is “The George,” and there are also several sit-down restaurants just outside Borough Market.

After finishing lunch, you can cross London Bridge to the north side of the river. London Bridge itself isn’t the iconic bridge that most people think of—that’s actually Tower Bridge. However, from London Bridge, you’ll have a fantastic view of Tower Bridge, making it a great spot for photos.

Here’s your rewritten text in English with key points highlighted:

I recommend crossing London Bridge and continuing our walk. Along the way, we have a few stops before heading towards Tower Bridge. As we approach the Tower of London, there are two optional stops worth considering:

1. St. Dunstan in the East – This is a beautiful churchyard that was originally a church but was damaged during World War II and never rebuilt. The ruins remain, covered in moss, giving it a unique and mystical look. It’s a fascinating place to explore for a little while.
2. Leadenhall Market – A historic covered market, it has an old-school charm and was even used as a filming location for Diagon Alley in Harry Potter. It’s a small but picturesque spot worth checking out.

I have a confession—despite living in London for one and a half years, I still haven’t been inside the Tower of London! It’s high on my list, and I recommend visiting because you can see the Crown Jewels, which is a significant cultural experience. The entry fee is £29.90 for adults and £14.90 for children.

Ending the Day with a View

To end the day with a stunning view, there are two free options:

1. Sky Garden – This requires advance booking, but it’s free. If you want to dine there, the restaurant isn’t free and needs separate reservations.
2. The Garden at 120 – If you didn’t book Sky Garden, don’t worry! This rooftop garden is completely free and doesn’t require advance booking. You can simply walk in and enjoy the view.

Day 2: Exploring Greenwich

I don’t want you to get lost here because this might be something you haven’t heard about before. You might not have planned for it, but I strongly recommend visiting Greenwich.

Greenwich is in southeast London and is one of the most beautiful areas in the city. It has a historic, small-town feel, even though it’s still part of London. I might be biased because I went to school in Greenwich and lived there for nine months, but every time I bring visitors here, they always love it!

We’ll take a boat ride to Greenwich, either via Uber Boat or Thames Clipper. If you’re staying west of the Tower Bridge area, I highly recommend taking the boat because you’ll get to sail under Tower Bridge and enjoy a fantastic river journey.

Things to See in Greenwich

1. Cutty Sark – The first thing you’ll see after getting off the boat is this huge historic ship, which was once the fastest of its time. You can visit the museum or just admire it from the outside.
2. Greenwich Market – A charming indoor market filled with food vendors, handcrafted goods, and boutique shops. It’s a great place for a casual stroll and a snack.
3. Royal Naval College – One of the most stunning buildings in London. It was historically a hospital and naval college and is now part of Greenwich University. The grand columns and domes make it a perfect photo spot!
4. The Queen’s House – This is not Queen Elizabeth’s house, but rather a historical residence for various queens throughout history. It’s free to enter and features iconic architectural elements like elegant corridors with beautiful columns. From here, you’ll get a great view of Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory.
5. The Trafalgar Tavern – A classic riverside pub where you can relax and enjoy the view. If you visit in the warmer months, there’s outdoor seating as well.

Greenwich is a hidden gem in London, offering a mix of history, nature, and breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a unique experience away from the usual tourist spots, this is a must-visit!

Exploring Greenwich and Beyond

Next to The Queen’s House is the National Maritime Museum, and if you’re interested in ships, naval history, and that sort of thing, I highly recommend visiting – it’s free! There’s also a small café and a public restroom nearby, so you don’t have to worry about finding facilities.

Adjacent to the museum is Greenwich Park, one of my top five favorite places on Earth. You can easily spend hours wandering around, but I’ll highlight some key spots.

1. Ranger’s House – Featured as the Bridgerton House in the popular show Bridgerton. If you’re a fan, it’s a must-see! Outside, there’s a beautiful Rose Garden, which looks stunning, especially around April and May.
2. Royal Observatory – You can view it for free, but if you want to go inside, they have a planetarium, a museum, and the Prime Meridian Line. Otherwise, just walking up to the hill offers one of the best views of London.
3. Sunset Spot – Staying here for sunset is magical, and after that, you can walk down to one of Greenwich’s many pubs or restaurants before heading back to Central London.

I really hope I’ve convinced you to visit Greenwich!

Day 3: Royal London Walking Tour

On Wednesday, I highly recommend an exclusive walking tour that only happens on this day – Royal London Walks. There are several tours available, and if you love guided tours or learning about London’s history, this is a fantastic option.

• Price: £15 for adults, £10 for students (and they have a loyalty card for discounts on future tours).
• Timing: 10:15 AM – 12:30 PM
• Highlights:
  • Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace – One of my family’s favorite things to do in London. You get to walk alongside the band as they march toward the palace.
  • Exploring iconic royal landmarks – A great way to immerse yourself in British history.

Since the tour ends around 12:30 PM, you’ll have the afternoon free. Here are two ways to spend it:

1. Shopping Day – My top picks:
   • Liberty London
   • Fortnum & Mason
   • Harrods (best for its food hall and gift shop)
   • Selfridges (for a classic department store experience)
2. Museum Day – My favorites:
   • National Gallery
   • Victoria & Albert Museum
   • Tate Modern
   • British Museum

For dinner, I recommend Mercato Mayfair – a beautiful old church transformed into a food hall with a great selection of food stalls and bars.

Day 4: Little Venice

On Thursday, we start the day in Little Venice, one of London’s most picturesque areas with charming architecture.

• Why is it called Little Venice? Because of the Regent’s Canal, which runs through the area, lined with houseboats and cozy cafés.
• Where to eat:
  • Waterside Café – A floating café on a houseboat!
  • Clifton Nurseries Café – A charming hidden gem.
  • The Prince Alfred Pub – Opens at 11:00 AM if you prefer a late start.

Little Venice is a relaxing and underrated part of London that’s worth exploring before heading to your next adventure!

I’ve been there before, and it’s really great now. From here, you have two options: you can either take a boat ride or walk to Camden Market.

• The boat ride takes 45 minutes and follows the canal. I recommend choosing the London Waterbus Company.
• The cost is £4.50 for adults and £11 for children.
• The journey is narrated, highlighting points of interest along the way.

The walking option takes about one hour and passes through Regent’s Park. If you want to visit Regent’s Park, this is a great way to do it before reaching Camden Market.

Camden Market is a fantastic place with lots of food stalls and vintage shops. You can easily spend a few hours exploring.

Nearby, there are some great places to visit:

• Primrose Hill – One of the most beautiful neighborhoods in London with stunning views.
• Chalcot Crescent – A charming street famous from the Paddington films, lined with colorful houses.
• Primrose Hill Viewpoint – Offers a spectacular panoramic view of London.
• Word on the Water – A bookstore on a canal boat, a peaceful and cozy spot.

Once you’re done exploring, you’ll be close to King’s Cross Station, where you can catch a train or explore Coal Drops Yard, a trendy area with restaurants and shops.

Day 5: Exploring Central London

We start the day at Trafalgar Square, a perfect spot for photos with views of The London Eye and Big Ben.

• The lion statues and the National Gallery make this area even more scenic.
• If you missed visiting a museum on previous days, the National Gallery is right here.

Next, I recommend heading to Covent Garden, a vibrant area filled with:

• Markets, shops, and restaurants
• Street performers creating a lively atmosphere

From Covent Garden, walk to Seven Dials, a great shopping and dining district.

• Seven Dials Market is a must-visit for food lovers, offering a variety of options like pizza, bao buns, and more.
• Nearby, check out Neal’s Yard, a hidden alley with colorful buildings and outdoor cafes.

If you’re in the mood, you can explore:

• Piccadilly Circus
• Chinatown
• Soho – known for great nightlife and restaurants

For the evening, I highly recommend watching a West End show.

• Book tickets in advance or check for last-minute deals.
• Have dinner in Soho before heading to the theater.
• This combination of dinner and a show is one of my top three things to do in London!

Day 6: Portobello Road Market & Notting Hill

On Saturday morning, we start at Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill.

• While the market is open on other days, Saturday is the busiest and most vibrant day with the most vendors.
• If you dislike crowds, you might prefer visiting on a Friday instead.

Portobello Road Market is one of London’s most famous markets, offering:

• Vintage items
• Food stalls
• Unique antiques

A must-visit shop is Alice’s Antiques, a famous spot in Notting Hill.

(There’s more to explore in Notting Hill, but this gives a solid start to the day!)

The Electric Cinema is believed to be the oldest cinema in London. I’ll fact-check this and correct it if necessary. Buns from Home is a popular dessert place, and I can personally vouch that their treats are delicious.

The Notting Hill Bookstore is still there, but unlike in the movie, it is no longer a travel bookstore—it’s now a souvenir shop, but it’s still great for a photo op. Of course, the famous blue door from Notting Hill is also in the area. Strolling around Notting Hill is a wonderful experience before heading to your next destination.

After exploring Notting Hill, you can visit Kensington Palace, which is the official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Princess Diana also lived here, and outside the palace, there’s a Princess Diana Memorial Garden, which is free to visit. However, entry into the palace itself costs around £25.

Some highlights of Kensington Gardens include:

• Kensington Palace and the pond
• The Albert Memorial, from where you can also see Royal Albert Hall
• The Italian Gardens, which feature stunning ponds and beautiful landscaping

From there, you can make your way into Hyde Park. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are technically one large park, but they are separated by a road. It’s a great spot for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

Another one of my favorite things to do in London is experiencing afternoon tea. A great, affordable tea room near Kensington Gardens is Candela Tea Room. It’s small, so booking in advance is necessary, but they offer a great selection of teas and delicious scones. If you’re looking for another option, The Wolseley is a bit more expensive, but still relatively affordable and located in a beautiful setting.

If you haven’t visited Harrods on your shopping day, you’ll be close to it by the time you reach Hyde Park. You can explore Knightsbridge, a posh neighborhood filled with luxury stores and high-end shopping destinations.

Final Day in London: Hampstead Heath & Highgate

For your last day in London, I highly recommend visiting Hampstead Heath, one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city. It’s a large park surrounded by a charming village-like area, making it a unique escape from the busy city.

Some great places to eat in Hampstead Heath include:

• The Holly Bush Pub
• The Flask
• The Spaniards Inn
• Euphorium Café

Each option depends on which part of the area you enter from, but all are fantastic choices.

My top recommendation in Hampstead Heath is the Parliament Hill Viewpoint. This spot is amazing because on one side, you see a charming countryside-like landscape, and on the other, you get a breathtaking view of the London skyline.

While you’re in the area, I also suggest visiting Highgate, another part of London that feels like a small, picturesque village. It’s a peaceful and beautiful area to explore. Although it may sound unusual, I highly recommend a tour of Highgate Cemetery—it’s surprisingly fascinating and well worth visiting.

If you’re in Highgate, The Flask (Highgate) is another great pub to check out. Fun fact—Taylor Swift has been spotted here, so you never know who you might run into!

This itinerary covers some of the best experiences London has to offer, but of course, there’s so much more to see and do. Even after living here, I still feel like there’s always something new to explore! If you only have seven days in London, this plan ensures you experience the best of the city.

Highgate feels like a small village within London, and it is truly beautiful. I know this might sound like an unusual recommendation, but I went on a tour of Highgate Cemetery, and it was fascinating. I genuinely enjoyed the experience, and I highly recommend it to others.

There are also some great places to visit in Highgate, including The Flask (Highgate)—not to be confused with The Flask in Hampstead Heath. If you’re in Highgate, make sure to visit The Flask (Highgate). Fun fact: I’ve heard that Taylor Swift has been spotted here, which makes it an even more interesting place to check out.

Another fantastic spot to visit is The Grocery Post. It may look like a small grocery store, but it has a great selection of tea and coffee. Although it doesn’t have seating like a typical café, it’s still a cozy and unique spot to explore.

On your last day in London, visiting Hampstead Heath and Highgate will give you a relaxed yet fulfilling experience. Of course, London has so much to offer, and even after spending a lot of time here, I still feel like there’s always something new to discover.

If I had seven days in London and was showing a first-time visitor around, this is exactly the itinerary I would follow.

• Part One covers how to get from the airport to central London, including both Heathrow and Gatwick.
• Part Two focuses on how to get around London using public transport and making the most of it.

In this post, we explored how to spend 7 day itinerary london. Previously, I wrote a post about where to stay in London, which you can check out—“Where to Stay in London.” It covers different areas and accommodation options, from budget stays to luxury and mid-range hotels.

Make sure to check it out! Let me know what you think of this post, and if you’re planning a trip to London, this guide is a must-read. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!