7 Days in London: The Best Week in London Itinerary + Map

Looking for the perfect 7-day London itinerary? Then you’re in the right place!

London is one of my favorite cities of all time. Every time I visit, I re-fall in love with the city as I’m reminded of how much history, culture, and food there is to discover. But the reality is that a week in London simply isn’t enough time to explore all the city has to offer – but it’s a start. 

This itinerary is great if you’re visiting London for the first time and you’re looking to visit iconic landmarks, find the best views of the city, and discover hidden gems along the way. I’ve created a schedule that you can customize based on what you want to see and do so that you can maximize the most of your trip.

• How to Get Around in London
• What to Do with a Week in London
• Where to Stay for a Week in London
• A Week in London Itinerary
• London Itinerary Day 1 – Westminster
• London Itinerary Day 2 – Westminster
• London Itinerary Day 3 – Westminster
• London Itinerary Day 4 – Camden
• London Itinerary Day 5 – City of London & Southwark
• London Itinerary Day 6 – Tower Hamlets
• London Itinerary Day 7 – Kensington and Chelsea
• Day Trips from London by Train
• FAQs

This post may contain affiliate links for highly recommended products or services that I want to share with you!

You might also be interested in:
🪄 Harry Potter Things to Do in London
👗 What to Wear in London in May

---

How to Get Around in London

London is incredibly walkable and I often find myself walking from place to place to see more of the city. However, because the city is so spread out, it can take hours to get from one side to the other, which is why I recommend taking public transportation.

I personally love navigating around any city I visit via public transit as it gives you a small taste of local life. Plus, I’m of the camp that London’s public transportation is an attraction unto itself – especially for first-time visitors – and would recommend the Underground (Tube), bus, or train over a city bus tour 100% of the time.

You can access most of London’s public transportation options using an Oyster card, which is a smart card that you can top up as you need. With an Oyster card, you’ll have access to the most important well-connected transportation methods including:

• Bus (including the iconic, red double-decker bus)
• Tube (including most trains to and from Heathrow on the new Elizabeth line)
• National Rail (includes lines to other cities in the UK)
• London Overground

💡TIP: If you have a mobile wallet like Apple Pay that’s connected to a Visa, MasterCard, or American Express, you can use it on any of the previously mentioned public transportation options without having to purchase an Oyster Card!

What to Do with a Week in London

As mentioned, London is absolutely massive and can be a bit overwhelming for first-time visitors. It’s important to know that “London” is used to describe the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the city of London within the GLA. Greater London is divided into 32 boroughs and the city of London, which are spread out across 5 main subregions (Central London, East, North, South, and West).

Each borough and city has its own history, culture, and attractions. If you only have a week in London, you’ll spend most of your time in Central London, East London, and West London.

For quick reference on London Geography:

1. Central London includes the cities of Westminster and London as well as the boroughs of Camden and Southwark. You’ll spend most of your time exploring Central London, as it’s the center of London’s cultural, economic, and political life. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’ll likely spend almost half of your time in Central London to see the most popular tourist attractions such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.
2. East London includes the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Greenwich. This is where you’ll find the Tower of London and Tower Bridge (Tower Hamlets) and the Prime Meridian (Greenwich).  
3. West London includes the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, one of the wealthiest in London. Popular activities to do here include exploring Kensington Palace (the current residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge), the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

💡TIP: I’ve grouped activities in this itinerary by borough or city, which is how I’d recommend allocating your days to maximize your week in London. In the London Itinerary section, I’ll go over more information about each of the boroughs and provide a brief description of every activity for each day. If you’re looking for my full list of things to do in London, skip to the FAQ section.

Where to Stay for a Week in London

If you’re a first-time visitor, I would recommend staying in Westminster or somewhere else in Central London that’s located within 10 minutes’ walking distance from a Tube station. You’ll likely spend half of your time or more in Central London so you’ll want to be able to easily get from place to place without spending too much time transiting. Because there are so many things to do in this area, it will be more expensive compared to staying in other areas of London but the cost is worth it so you don’t spend a lot of time just getting from one place to the next (assuming it’s within budget or a slight stretch).

Personally, my favorite place to stay in London is in Kensington and Chelsea – specifically at Sonder Kensington Gardens. The property is literally right across the street from Kensington Gardens and just a 10-minute walk from the High Street Kensington Tube Station and Royal Albert Hall. The Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum are also less than 20 minutes away on foot. Most importantly, I felt incredibly safe walking to and from the hotel as a solo female traveler. 

This is an assumption but I felt I was mostly surrounded by locals outside of the immediate tourist attractions. My guess is this is why the area seems quieter at night compared to other parts of London but I greatly prefer the safety, comfort, and option of going out that Kensington affords. 

A Week in London Itinerary

Here’s an overview of things to do in this London itinerary:

🕰️ Day 1-3: Visit Big Ben & Other Iconic Landmarks in Westminster (Central London)
🎨 Day 4: Explore Camden & the Famous Camden Market (Central London)
🏢 Day 5: Find the Best London Views in the City of London & Southwark (Central London)
💀 Day 6: Tour the Tower of London in Tower Hamlets (East London)
🦖 Day 7: Visit the Natural History Museum & more in Kensington & Chelsea (West London)

London Itinerary Day 1 – Westminster

Spend the first day of your trip exploring some of London’s most important historical, cultural, and political landmarks. The main highlights from Day 1 of this London Itinerary are:

1. Visit the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
2. Explore Westminster Abbey
3. Wander through St. James’s Park
4. See Buckingham Palace (exterior only)
5. Walk through the Churchill War Rooms

Day 1 Map: Houses of Parliament → Big Ben → Westminster Abbey → St. James’s Park → Buckingham Palace → Churchill War Rooms (London Eye & Green Park optional)

---

1. Visit the Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

What better way to start your first day in London than by visiting the Houses of Parliament (officially known as The Palace of Westminster). Not only is Parliament the seat of government, but it is also an impressive and stunning example of Gothic architecture. Visitors can admire the beautiful building – including its famous clocktower Big Ben – and even sit in on debates when Parliament is in session (watching debates is free of charge!). If you’re interested in a tour of the building, you can purchase tickets online for a guided tour or self-guided audio tour. 

Note, tours of Big Ben are closed due to restoration efforts. Check the Parliament website for updates. Last updated February 2023.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-2 hours
📍ADDRESS: Palace of Westminster & Big Ben

2. Explore Westminster Abbey

Located just 3 minutes from the Houses of Parliament, you’ll find Westminster Abbey. The abbey has a long history of hosting key events in British history that goes all the way back to the 11th century. This famous Gothic church has been the site of both celebratory and somber royal events, including  Anne Boleyn’s coronation, Prince William’s wedding, and Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral.

My favorite section of Westminster Abbey is Poet’s Corner, which is where literary legends such as Chaucer and Shakespeare were laid to rest. I’d highly recommend spending a few hours wandering the abbey and savoring its architecture, history, and solemnity. 

💡TIP: The abbey is open to the public from Monday through Saturday and open for services on Sunday. I’d highly recommend buying your ticket in advance so you can avoid the lines. Just make sure to check the Westminster Abbey website for opening hours and prices near your trip date as they are subject to change.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1.5-2 hours
📍ADDRESS: Westminster Abbey

3. Wander through St. James’s Park

On your way from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, spend some time exploring St. James’s Park. St. James’s Park is one of 8 parks in London that’s owned by the British monarchy but made available for public enjoyment. Before you head to Buckingham Palace, take a quick break at the Rose Garden or stop to see the pelicans and swans on the lake. You might even catch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony if you get to the palace by 10:45 AM. If you’re traveling during the off-season, be sure to check the schedule as times may change throughout the year. 

Note, I’ve included several of the royal parks in this London Itinerary because it’s so rare to find such vast, well-manicured, public parks in the US (Central Park being a notable exception). Feel free to skip them if they aren’t your cup of tea.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: <1 hour
📍ADDRESS: St. James’s Park

4. See Buckingham Palace (exterior only)

It’s impossible to miss Buckingham Palace from St. James’s Park. While you can’t go inside without a ticket, you can see the facade and balconies from the front of the palace. If you turn around, you’ll also see the towering Queen Victoria Memorial at the center of the 4 Dominion Gates (Canada Gate, Australia Gate, South Africa Gate, and West Africa Gate) which symbolize the extensive reach of British imperialism.

💡TIP: Book your tickets in advance if touring the palace is high on your list. Tickets are currently sold out but there are tickets available for the summer opening.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 5 minutes (exterior only); 1.5-2 hours (tour)
📍ADDRESS: Buckingham Palace & Victoria Memorial

5. Walk through the Churchill War Rooms

Learn about Britain’s role in World War II by visiting the Churchill War Rooms. At the Churchill War Rooms, you can explore the Cabinet Room, War Rooms, and the Churchill Museum where you’ll not only learn about Churchill’s legacy but also immerse yourself in the very place where the Prime Minister made key decisions about the war. You can book your tickets in advance here. 

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 2-3 hours
📍ADDRESS: Churchill War Rooms

Additional Things to Do in Westminster

• On a clear day, ride the London Eye for panoramic views of the London skyline where you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, and more.
• If you’re looking for more tranquility, take another hour to relax at Green Park.

London Itinerary Day 2 – Westminster

While the focus of day 1 is to learn and immerse yourself in British history, day 2 is where history meets modernity. The main highlights from Day 2 of this London Itinerary are:

1. Explore Covent Garden
2. Walk through Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly Circus
3. Shop on Regent Street & Oxford Street
4. Experience the West End

Day 2 Map: Covent Garden → Trafalgar Square → Piccadilly Circus → Regent Street → Oxford Street → West End (National Gallery optional)

---

1. Explore Covent Garden

What once was home to London’s largest fruit and vegetable markets, Covent Garden has now become an area known for handmade crafts, trendy cafes, and high-end shopping. Even if you’re not much for shopping, stop by the historic Covent Garden Market building for some coffee and food.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-2 hours
📍ADDRESS: Covent Garden Market Building

2. Walk through Trafalgar Square & Piccadilly Circus

Both Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are public areas with some of London’s most recognizable landmarks. The famous Nelson’s Column sits in the middle of Trafalgar Square, which honors Admiral Nelson who died at the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars. Conversely, Piccadilly Circus is a vibrant hub that extends into different areas filled with shopping and eating. At its center, you’ll find an imposing statue of Eros that memorializes the philanthropic deeds of Lord Shaftesbury.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: <1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Trafalgar Square → Piccadilly Circus

3. Shop on Regent Street & Oxford Street

Piccadilly Circus meets at the intersection of Piccadilly and Regent Street and is your entrance to old-world buildings and world-class shopping. Regent Street is also super close to Oxford Street, which is about a 5-10 minute walk from each other. A couple of the most vibrant areas in London, you can easily spend hours here shopping and eating to your heart’s content. Do make sure to walk through Liberty London, which is a high-end department store on Regent Street that’s inside a gorgeously preserved Art Deco building.

💡TIP: Before heading to Oxford Street, be sure to take a picture from the strip of road in the middle of Regent Street. You can time it to get a quintessentially British shot with black cabs and even a red double-decker bus in front of the timeless buildings that line the street.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-3 hours
📍ADDRESS: Regent Street, Liberty London, & Oxford Street

4. Experience the West End

End your day in the West End, London’s equivalent to Broadway. You’ll find plenty of shopping, eating, and nightlife here – and of course, theater. Make sure to check the London Theater Guide to see what’s playing during your visit.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-3 hours
📍ADDRESS: West End → TKTS Booth (best place to buy same-day, discounted tickets)

Additional Things to Do in Westminster

• If you’re not interested in shopping or have time to spare, spend a few hours at the National Gallery instead and see famous works of art including Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Edvard Munch’s The Scream, and Da Vinci’s Madonna and Child.

London Itinerary Day 3 – Westminster

On Day 3, explore the parks and neighborhoods that pay homage to some of the most well-known literary worlds, including Sherlock Holmes and 101 Dalmatians. The main highlights are:

1. Stroll through Hyde Park
2. Browse Daunt Books
3. Pay a visit to Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street
4. Unwind at Regent’s Park

 

Day 3 Map: Hyde Park → Daunt Books → Baker Street → Regent’s Park (Mayfair & London Zoo optional)

---

1. Stroll through Hyde Park

I mentioned that this guide includes a number of the royal parks so you shouldn’t be surprised to see Hyde Park on the list. If you had to pick just one park to visit, I’d make it this one… largely because Hyde Park and Kensington Park are essentially the same parks that have been bifurcated by a road that cuts through the middle. Spend a few hours strolling the grounds where you can walk around Serpentine Lake, listen to public debate at Speakers’ Corner, and reflect on Princess Diana’s legacy near the Diana Memorial Fountain.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 2-3 hours
📍ADDRESS: Serpentine Lido → Speakers’ Corner → Diana Memorial Foundation

2. Browse Daunt Books

Daunt Books is an independent bookstore established in 1990. The bookshop is in a beautifully preserved Edwardian building and is famous for its wide selection of travel books. It’s worth the short detour to admire the architecture and discover your next read.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: <1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Daunt Books

3. Pay a visit to Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street

From Hyde Park, make your way over to 221B Baker Street. If you’re not familiar, 221B Baker Street is the fictional home of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes. Though there’s no real Sherlock Holmes and 221B Baker Street Building, there is a very real museum that brings Doyle’s world of Sherlock Holmes to life. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just passing through, it’s a quick stop to make as you explore other parts of Westminster.

💡TIP: Before leaving, do check out the Baker Street station. Not only does the station commemorate Sherlock Holmes, but it is also one of the oldest stations of the London Underground system and preserves much of its original character.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 5 minutes
📍ADDRESS: Sherlock Holmes Museum

4. Unwind at Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is yet another royal park that has a lake, some gardens, and wildlife. It’s also where the fictional Pongo and Perdita meet in 101 Dalmations and is just a perfect place to start a new book or simply relax while enjoying the scenery.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Regent’s Park

Additional Things to Do in Westminster:

• Spend a few hours at the London Zoo located in Regent’s Park. 
• If you’re looking for more shopping or just somewhere to relax and people-watch, explore Mayfair near Hyde Park.

London Itinerary Day 4 – Camden

While Westminster is classic, Camden is edgy. Here is where you’ll find a vibrant arts & alternative scene. My recommended things to do in Camden are to:

1. Explore the British Museum
2. Find Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station
3. Browse the British Library
4. Discover Camden Market
5. Take Pictures at Chalcot Crescent

 

Day 4 Map: British Museum → Kings Cross Station → British Library → Camden Market → Chalcot Crescent

---

1. Explore the British Museum

There is no doubt the British Museum is exceptional and you’re constantly reminded that the museum’s vast collection is a direct result of Britain’s long and extensive colonial history. That said, the museum houses one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts that you simply won’t find anywhere else. It really is a wonderful educational experience and worth going so you can see pieces of human life over millions of years – just keep in mind where and how these objects ended up here.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 3-4 hours
📍ADDRESS: British Museum

2. Find Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station

Not only is Kings Cross Station a major transportation hub, but also where you can try to catch the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾. Whether you’re a die-hard Harry Potter fan or happen to be nearby, I’d recommend making the short visit to take a picture in front of the Platform 9 ¾ sign. It’s become such a photo spot that there are even props like scarves and carts so you can somewhat live out your Harry Potter dreams, even if you didn’t get your Hogwarts letter at age 11 🙁. Yes, it’s touristy but I’d be remiss to not include this on the itinerary, especially if you love Harry Potter as much as I do. And, if you are a fan, here’s a list of what I consider the best Harry Potter things to do in London. 

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 15-30 minutes (depending on how long the queue is)
📍ADDRESS: Platform 9 ¾ at Kings Cross Station

3. Browse the British Library

On your way to Camden Market, stop by the British Library and explore the reading rooms, libraries, and rare collections where you’ll find the Magna Carta and numerous manuscripts from figures like Leonardo Da Vinci. The best part is that many areas of the library are free and available to the public!

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: British Library

4. Discover Camden Market

Whether you’re on the hunt for vintage goods or just looking for a more eclectic vibe, take some time to explore Camden Market. The market is lively and there’s so much to see. Between the numerous thrift shops, food stalls, artisanal vendors, art galleries, and more, chances are high that you’ll discover something new.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-1.5 hours
📍ADDRESS: Camden Market

5. Take Pictures at Chalcot Crescent

Chalcot Crescent is an area where you’ll find a row of pastel-colored houses that curve like a crescent around Primrose Hill park. It’s a delightful spot to see homes you likely won’t see the likes of back home (especially if you’re from the states) and a great place to take a few pictures. Though unlikely, there’s also no harm in trying to see if you can catch a glimpse of Paddington Bear at home.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 5-10 minutes
📍ADDRESS: Chalcot Crescent

Additional Things to Do in Camden:

• If you’re looking for some quietude away from the hustle and bustle of Camden Market, leave the crowds and stroll along Regent’s Canal. 

London Itinerary Day 5 – City of London & Southwark

Spend some time exploring more of Central London by visiting landmarks in the city of London and the Southwark borough. Here are the highlights for Day 5 in London:

1. See St. Paul’s Cathedral
2. Treat yourself to city views at Sky Garden
3. Eat at Borough Market
4. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe
5. Visit the Tate Modern Museum

Day 5 Map: St. Paul’s Cathedral → Sky Garden → Borough Market → Shakespeare’s Globe → Tate Modern (Leadenhall Market, Millenium Bridge, and The Shard optional)

---

1. See St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is an icon on the London skyline. Recognized by its dome, the church is highly decorated and a beautiful building to explore. You can learn more about the cathedral’s rich history on your own or through a short, 20-minute guided tour.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: St. Paul’s Cathedral

2. Treat yourself to city views at Sky Garden

Who would have thought that inside a building dubbed the “Walkie Talkie” building you could find a green oasis in the heart of London? But that’s exactly what you’ll find when you visit Sky Garden. Once you reach the top of the Fenchurch Building, you’ll see glass windows everywhere allowing you to look out onto the London skyline. You can go outside to try and identify famous landmarks from the observation deck or stay inside to enjoy a cup of coffee from the on-site cafe while surrounded by all sorts of trees and plants you would have trouble finding elsewhere in London. Admission is free (ID required) but I’d strongly advise getting your ticket in advance or trying first thing in the morning.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: <1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Sky Garden

3. Eat at Borough Market

As you walk down London Bridge, be sure to stop by Borough Market. One of the oldest food markets in the city (over 1,000 years old!), Borough Market has a huge selection of food, drinks, produce, cheeses, seafood, and more, all waiting for you to try. If you’re here during the week, you’ll spot locals who come to the market to take their lunch break. It’s well worth the hour or two to take a break, try different foods, and people-watch.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-2 hours
📍ADDRESS: Borough Market

4. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to watch one of Shakespeare’s plays in the 16th century? Well, the closest way to experience just that is by visiting Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theater. You can see the Globe’s structure from the outside but you’ll want to take a guided tour to really appreciate the open-air concept that makes the theater so unique. You can also purchase tickets to watch one of the performances that the theater puts on daily. 

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: <1 hour (tour time is ~45 minutes) 
📍ADDRESS: Shakespeare’s Globe

5. Visit the Tate Modern Museum

Located a 5-minute walk from the Globe, you’ll find the Tate Modern. As its name suggests, the Tate Modern is a contemporary art museum known to have 3D displays, edgy exhibits, and famous works of art from the greats like Picasso and Dali.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1-1.5 hours
📍ADDRESS: Tate Modern

Additional Things to Do in the City of London and Southwark:

• If you’re a Harry Potter fan, make sure to visit Leadenhall Market (entrance to Ollivander’s) and Millenium Bridge (the bridge that was destroyed by Death Eaters in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince).
• Visit the Shard for one of, if not the best view of London (yes, even better than the London Eye and Sky Garden).

London Itinerary Day 6 – Tower Hamlets

On Day 6, you’ll spend most of your day visiting the Tower of London and Tower Bridge in the aptly named borough Tower Hamlets:

1. Tour the Tower of London
2. Take Pictures of Tower Bridge

Day 6 Map: Tower of London → Tower Bridge (Viewpoints at St. Katharine Docks and Butler’s Wharf optional)

---

1. Tour the Tower of London

No London itinerary is complete without a visit to the Tower of London. The Tower is one of the most imposing and dare I say morbid landmarks in English history that’s been used to imprison and execute criminals. If this is your first time in London, I 100% recommend taking a tour of the fortress to learn about the Tower’s history, visit different buildings, and see the Crown Jewels. If you can, try to join one of the Yeoman Warder guided tours (also referred to as the Beefeaters Tour). The Beefeaters have guarded the Tower for more than 600 years and are extremely knowledgeable about the tower’s 1,000-year history.

💡TIP: Purchase tickets in advance, get to the Tower early, and head straight to the Crown Jewels first to avoid a queue.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 3-5 hours
📍ADDRESS: Tower of London

2. Take Pictures of Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is my favorite of the London bridges for its classic architecture and iconic two-tower beams. While located within 5 minutes from the Tower of London, make sure you’re along the waterfront on either side of the Thames to get the best picture of the bridge.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 30 minutes
📍ADDRESS: Tower Bridge l Viewpoint 1 (same side of the Thames as Tower of London) l Viewpoint 2 (opposite side)

There’s not that much that’s an absolute must in Tower Hamlets. Depending on how much time you spend at the Tower of London, you’re relatively close to the City of London, Southwark, and Westminster to do more sightseeing in those areas.

London Itinerary Day 7 – Kensington and Chelsea

On your last day in London, enjoy a day out in Kensington and Chelsea. My recommended things to do in the Kensington area are: 

1. Explore the Natural History Museum
2. Stroll through Kensington Gardens
3. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum
4. Get Lost in Harrods

Day 7 Map: Natural History Museum → Kensington Gardens → Victoria and Albert Museum → Harrods (Notting Hill & Royal Albert Hall optional)

---

1. Explore the Natural History Museum

Of all the British museums, the Natural History Museum is my favorite. Not only is the museum incredibly informative filled with over 80 million specimens, but it’s also in a beautiful, Gothic-style building. My favorite exhibits are the dinosaur galleries where you’ll find the museum’s collection of dinosaur skeletons and the mammal exhibit which is filled with life-sized models of mammalian creatures like a sperm whale. Even if you’re not interested in learning about our planet’s history, it’s worth going just to admire the architecture and the massive skeleton of a blue whale in the middle of the main hall. Best of all, it’s completely free – just make sure to book your ticket in advance so you can secure a morning time slot and avoid the afternoon crowds.

💡TIP: If you’re interested in nature photography, be sure to check out the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit to see incredible pictures of our planet’s animals. This exhibit does cost money but is 100% worth it for anyone who loves photography.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 3-4 hours
📍ADDRESS: Natural History Museum

2. Stroll through Kensington Gardens

Whether you’re looking for a nice picnic spot or a peaceful walk around nature, take some time to explore Kensington Gardens. Adjacent to Hyde Park, you can discover new things to see at Kensington Gardens like the Albert Memorial, the Peter Pan Statue, and the Italian Garden. Kensington Palace is also located inside Kensington gardens but is temporarily closed to the public.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Kensington Gardens

3. Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum

More commonly referred to as the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum is an art museum with an eclectic collection and unorthodox layout. It’s rather unique in that the museum’s collection isn’t really arranged in an orderly sequence like at other museums. Instead, you could easily walk through a ceramics exhibit next to a sculpture gallery with lines of textiles and armor down the hallway. It’s a great place to really immerse yourself around tons of objects from different periods of history.  On a sunny day, you can sit and relax outside in the courtyard.

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: V&A Museum

4. Get Lost in Harrods

Harrods is a London icon. Not only does it have six floors of shopping, but it also has a dedicated Food Hall on the ground floor. Whether you’re looking for luxury shopping or are here to sample gourmet foods in a beautiful Victorian building, you’ll have a wonderful time at Harrods. 

⌛RECOMMENDED TIME: 1 hour
📍ADDRESS: Harrods

Additional Things to Do in Kensington and Chelsea

• Visit Portobello Road Market and take pictures in front of the pastel-colored houses that line the streets of Notting Hill.
• End your trip with an evening concert at the Royal Albert Hall.

Day Trips from London by Train

If you have more time or want to know what else to do, here are some day trips options you can take from London:

LESS THAN 1 HOUR FROM CENTRAL LONDON

• Windsor Castle (30 minutes) – Windsor Castle is the oldest occupied castle in the world that’s been the home of more than 40 monarchs.
• Harry Potter Studio Tour (30-40 minutes) – Head to Leavesden Studio to see where the magical world of Harry Potter was brought to life. For me, the highlight of the studio tour is the intricate model of Hogwarts which takes up an entire room.

1 HOUR FROM CENTRAL LONDON

• Brighton (1 hour) – Brighton is a lovely seaside town that’s most famous for its beach. While you likely won’t come to Brighton with the same expectations as if you were going to the beach in Hawaii, Brighton has a long history of being the oceanside town to visit by the upper class during the Regency era. 
• Oxford (1 hour) – Oxford is one of my favorite day trips. The university and the city itself have so much history and some of the most beautiful buildings. 
• Cambridge (1 hour)– Also another university city, Cambridge is great to visit in the summer for its famous punting and boating on the River Cam.

MORE THAN 1 HOUR from Central London

• Bath (1.5 hours) – Bath is most famous for its Roman heritage and Georgian Architecture. Highlights in Bath include the Roman Baths and the Royal Crescent. 
• Bristol (1.5 hours) – I’m totally biased because I studied abroad for 6 months at the University of Bristol but I still think Bristol is a great day trip from London, less for sightseeing but more to experience a vibe that’s different from the touristy parts of London. By far, Bristol is most famous for Banksy’s street art.
• Stonehenge (2 hours) – You’ve likely seen pictures or have herald of the mysteriously built stones of Stonehenge.

Alternative 10-Day London Itinerary

For Harry Potter & Jane Austen Fans

🪄 Day 8: Explore the magical world of Harry Potter on the Harry Potter Studio Tour
🏫 Day 9: Find the Great Hall while visiting Oxford
👒 Day 10: Visit the world of Jane Austen and take a day trip to Bath

For History & Art Lovers

🏫 Day 8: Visit Oxford, the oldest university in England
🚣‍♀️ Day 9: Continue your tour of the oldest universities in the world and visit Cambridge
🎨 Day 10: Find Banksy’s street art in Bristol

For Those looking for something different

🪨 Day 8: Take the day to visit Stonehenge
🏖️ Day 9: Hit the beach in Brighton
🏰 Day 10: Skip Buckingham Palace and visit Windsor Castle instead

Frequently Asked Questions About A Week in London

---

London Itinerary 7 Days – Final Thoughts

I hope you find this 7-day London itinerary helpful in planning your visit to this vibrant and diverse city. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re like me and keep coming back to London for more, I hope you end up falling in love with the city and see why it’s one of the best places to visit in the world.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning to your favorite places, there’s no doubt you’ll have a memorable experience in this captivating city.