London: The Big Smoke. A sprawling, vibrant city covering over 600 square miles, home to nearly nine million people, and one of the most iconic destinations in the world.
Though we often think of London as a single city, it’s actually a collection of smaller cities. The City of London, for example, is just 1.1 square miles. Over time, this “City” absorbed the surrounding areas, and what we now call London is much bigger than its original core.
I fell in love with London during a visit several years ago. Maybe it was the unexpected beautiful weather, the friendly locals, or the fantastic restaurants and bars I discovered. Or maybe it just took years of visits for the city to finally click. Whatever it was, London became one of my favorite cities in the world.
With so much to explore, planning your trip to London can feel overwhelming. Where should you stay? What should you see? How do you make the most of your time? To help you navigate it all, here’s a detailed London itinerary.
Day 1: Getting to Know London
Take a Free Walking Tour
Start your trip with a free walking tour to get familiar with the city and its history. These tours are a great way to get oriented and discover tips from a local guide. New Europe and Tours By Foot both offer free walking tours that cover the city’s main highlights. Just remember to tip your guide!
For a more in-depth experience, consider booking a guided tour with Walks. I highly recommend them—they offer everything from early-access Crown Jewels tours to specialized walks around the city.
Explore London on Foot
London is best explored on foot. You can trace the remnants of the ancient Roman wall that runs through the city center, with panels along the way explaining its history. For personalized itineraries, use the Visit London app, which allows you to create offline maps. For paid tours, Get Your Guide offers a variety of unique neighborhood tours, from street art tours in East London to Harry Potter-themed tours.
Relax in a Park
After a busy first day, unwind in one of London’s beautiful parks. My favorites include:
- St. James’ Park
- Green Park
- Regent’s Park
- Kensington Gardens
- Hyde Park
- Holland Park
- Battersea Park
Pack some snacks, grab a book, and relax like a local.
Hang Out in Soho
Soho is one of my favorite neighborhoods. With its charming parks, amazing restaurants, trendy bars, and funky bookstores, it’s the perfect place to spend an evening. Here are a few places I recommend:
- Ceviche Soho (Peruvian food)
- Flat Iron (simple, delicious steak and salad)
- La Bodega Negra (Mexican food)
- Eat Tokyo (ramen)
- Mr. Foggs (for gin lovers)
- The Three Greyhounds (traditional pub—fun fact: I once had a drink here with Rami Malek!)
Day 2: Dive into London’s Museums
Museum Hop
London is home to some of the best museums in the world. Here are a few that should be on your list:
- British Museum: A must-see, with an enormous collection of art, history, and culture. You’ll need at least three hours to explore.
- National Gallery: Over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to the 19th century, including works by Vermeer, Botticelli, and Rembrandt.
- National Portrait Gallery: Famous British figures, from monarchs to celebrities.
Day 3: Royal London and History
Visit Buckingham Palace
Start your day with a stroll through Hyde Park, then head to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard at 10:45 AM (check online for schedule). If you’re visiting in summer, you can tour the State Rooms inside the Palace (tickets from 32 GBP).
Churchill War Rooms
Explore the underground command center where Winston Churchill and his team led the UK through WWII. It’s one of the best museums in London. Tickets are 32 GBP, and I recommend booking in advance.
Westminster Abbey & Houses of Parliament
Visit the tombs of monarchs, scientists, and writers in Westminster Abbey. Entrance is 29 GBP (free during services). Next, tour the Houses of Parliament to learn about UK politics. Tours cost 33 GBP, but advance booking is essential.
Eat at Borough Market
Head to Borough Market, a bustling food market near London Bridge. It’s a local favorite, offering everything from fresh produce to gourmet food stalls.
Explore South London
After eating, wander around South London. Check out the old Globe Theater, the quirky Crossbones Cemetery, and the Tate Modern. End your day with a drink at the historic George Inn, a favorite of Charles Dickens.
Day 4: More Museums and Brick Lane
Visit More Museums
London’s museums are world-class, so take some time to explore more:
- Natural History Museum: A must-visit for its impressive collection of specimens.
- Science Museum: Perfect for interactive exhibits on flight and space.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: A treasure trove of art and design spanning 3,000 years.
Eat on Brick Lane
Head to Brick Lane for incredible food, especially Jewish delis and Indian cuisine. On weekends, the area transforms into a bustling market full of food vendors, antiques, and flea market stalls.
Take a Jack the Ripper Tour
For something a bit darker, take a Jack the Ripper walking tour in the East End. These tours delve into the infamous 19th-century murders and are both fun and informative.
Day 5: Tower of London and West End Shows
Wander Trafalgar Square
Stroll around Trafalgar Square, admire the fountains and statues, and people-watch. It’s a perfect spot to take in the city’s pace of life.
Tower of London
Visit this historic fortress, which has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels exhibit. Admission is 34.80 GBP. Be sure to see the changing of the guard at 9:30 PM.
See a West End Show
No trip to London is complete without seeing a theater performance. Check out discounted tickets at TKTS for shows in the West End.
Day 6 & 7: Day Trips
Visit Stonehenge
Stonehenge, one of the world’s oldest monuments, is a short trip from London. Though you can’t get too close to the stones, it’s still a fascinating site to visit.
Final Thoughts
London is one of the most exciting cities to visit, packed with history, culture, and unique experiences. While a week barely scratches the surface, it’s enough to dive into the highlights and get a true feel for the city. Use this itinerary as a guide to make the most of your trip, and you’ll see why I love this city so much.
