7 Days in London: One Perfect Week
A realistic 7-day London itinerary combining major icons—Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Windsor—with local neighborhoods, markets, pubs, and day trips. Designed for first-timers who want a full week without turning it into a checklist marathon.
"Planning a trip to London? May is when the best weather begins — perfect for long walks and exploring without the crowds. Immerse yourself in a blend of modern culture and local traditions."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
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7-Day London Itinerary at a Glance
Itinerary Map
Who This 7-Day London Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is for travelers with one full week in London who want to see the big sights—Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, British Museum, Windsor—plus neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, Camden, and Greenwich that show everyday London life.
Expect 18–22k steps per day with built-in slow moments: pub lunches, park walks, market browsing. If you're traveling with kids or prefer a gentler pace, you can drop a museum or split a day in half.
Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank Walk
Ease into London with royal history, river views, and an evening riverside stroll.
Morning
Tower of London
Nine centuries of royal history, Crown Jewels, Beefeater guards, and tales of prisoners and executions.
How to Do It:
- • Book the first entry slot (09:00) online about 1–2 weeks ahead to guarantee your timeslot and avoid ticket-office queues.
- • Head straight to the Jewel House—lines peak 11:00–14:00.
- • Join a free Yeoman Warder tour (included with entry; tours usually start about every 45 minutes from the main entrance).
- • Explore: White Tower, ravens, Medieval Palace, Traitors' Gate.
Tips
- → Security is airport-style—arrive 15 minutes early.
- → Beefeater tours are hilarious and informative—don't skip them.
- → You can loop through the Crown Jewels twice if the queue is short.
View the Tower from outside and walk the free riverside path — you'll see the ravens and iconic walls without paying entry.
Book a private early-access Beefeater tour for a behind-the-scenes experience before the public opening.
Afternoon
- • Padella — Fresh pasta with queues that move fast — worth the wait.
- • Borough Market stalls — Roast pork sandwiches, cheese toasties, oysters, and international street food from dozens of vendors.
Tower Bridge + Borough Market
Classic bridge photo op plus London's best food market for lunch.
How to Do It:
- • Walk across Tower Bridge (free) and photograph from the south bank.
- • Continue to Borough Market (10 min walk).
- • Sample: roast pork sandwiches, oysters, Ethiopian food, artisan cheese, brownies.
- • Walk the South Bank west: Shakespeare's Globe → Tate Modern → Millennium Bridge.
Tips
- → Borough Market is closed Mondays (Tue–Sun opening, hours vary by day)—check the official site for the latest times.
- → Bring $28–$42 / £21–£31 to sample multiple stalls.
- → Monmouth Coffee in the market is legendary.
Evening
- • The Anchor Bankside — Historic Thames-side pub with classic British dishes — try to grab a riverside table.
- • Flat Iron Steak (Southwark) — Excellent flat iron steak for ~€12 with free ice cream — no reservations, queues move fast.
South Bank at Dusk
The Thames is beautiful at dusk, with lit bridges, street performers, and pub terraces.
How to Do It:
- • Continue your South Bank walk: Tate Modern → Millennium Bridge → St. Paul's views.
- • Grab a pint at The Anchor or The Founder's Arms (riverside pubs).
- • If you're tired, head back to your hotel early—Day 2 is Westminster-heavy.
Tips
- → This entire walk is free and flat—perfect after a big first day.
- → Pubs get loud after 8pm—choose based on your vibe.
- → Check sunset time and aim to be on Millennium Bridge around golden hour.
Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
Royal London: coronation church, palace guard ceremony, and a West End musical.
Morning
Westminster Abbey + Big Ben
Where kings and queens are crowned, married, and buried. Plus the most photographed clock tower in the world.
How to Do It:
- • Book first entry slot (09:30) online to save $2.83 / £2.1.
- • Rent the included audio guide (free)—narrated by Jeremy Irons.
- • Must-sees: Coronation Chair, Poets' Corner (Chaucer, Dickens), Lady Chapel, Royal Tombs.
- • After: Walk Parliament Square and cross Westminster Bridge for classic Big Ben shots.
Tips
- → No photos inside—security checks bags thoroughly.
- → Allow 1.5–2 hours; the Abbey is larger than it looks.
- → Closed Sundays except for worship (free entry but no sightseeing).
Attend a free Evensong service (17:00 weekdays) to experience the Abbey's atmosphere without paying admission.
Book a Verger-led guided tour for behind-the-scenes access to areas not on the standard route.
Afternoon
- • The Cinnamon Club — Indian fine dining in the former Westminster Library — a local favorite.
- • St. James's Park kiosks — Sandwiches and coffee to enjoy by the lake with pelican views.
Buckingham Palace + Guard Ceremony
The official residence of the British monarch plus ceremonial pageantry.
How to Do It:
- • Check the official schedule if Changing of the Guard is happening today (typically Mon/Wed/Fri at 11:00, but schedule varies)—if yes, arrive by 10:30 for a front spot.
- • Walk around the palace gates and Victoria Memorial.
- • Stroll through St. James's Park—feed the pelicans, sit by the lake, grab an ice cream.
Tips
- → Ceremony is free but crowded—arrive early or watch from the side.
- → State Rooms tour (July–Sept, $46 / £34) is excellent if available during your visit.
- → St. James's Park alone is worth the trip—one of London's prettiest.
Skip the ceremony and stroll through St. James's Park instead — the lake view toward the palace is free and gorgeous.
Visit the State Rooms (open July–September, ~$44 / £32) for a peek inside the working royal palace.
Evening
- • Brasserie Zédel — Grand Art Deco brasserie hidden underground on Sherwood Street — stunning décor with surprisingly affordable set menus.
- • Chinatown dim sum — Grab dumplings at Jen Café or Dumplings' Legend for a quick, filling pre-show meal.
West End Show
Broadway-quality performances at half the price—musicals, dramas, comedies.
How to Do It:
- • Book online 2–4 weeks ahead for best seats and prices.
- • Popular: Wicked, Les Mis, Hamilton, Phantom, Book of Mormon.
- • Eat dinner before in Covent Garden, Soho, or Chinatown (shows start 19:30).
Tips
- → Balcony seats ($42–$84 / £31–£62) often have better sightlines than expensive orchestra.
- → TKTS booth in Leicester Square has day-of discounts—but limited shows.
- → Skip overpriced theater district restaurants.
Queue at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets — savings of 20–50% on popular shows.
Book premium stalls or a VIP box for the best sightlines and complimentary interval drinks.
British Museum, Covent Garden & Soho Evening
Free museum morning, market afternoon, lively Soho dinner and drinks.
Morning
British Museum Highlights
The Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon sculptures—one of the world's greatest collections, all free.
How to Do It:
- • Book a free timed slot online (weekends need advance booking).
- • Route: Rosetta Stone (Room 4) → Egyptian mummies (62-63) → Parthenon (18) → Sutton Hoo (41).
- • Join a free tour at 11:00 or 14:00 for expert context.
Tips
- → The museum is enormous—focus on highlights.
- → Café is overpriced; eat on Museum Street or Coptic Street nearby.
- → Friday late opening (until 20:30) is quieter if you want to return.
Afternoon
- • Dishoom Covent Garden — Bombay-style café with legendary black daal and bacon naan — expect a queue but it moves fast.
- • Neal's Yard salad bars — Healthy grab-and-go in the colorful courtyard — Wild Food Café is a standout.
Covent Garden + Neal's Yard
Covered market, live performances, boutiques, and colorful side streets.
How to Do It:
- • Walk from British Museum (15 min) to Covent Garden.
- • Watch street performers in the Market Building piazza.
- • Explore Neal's Yard (colorful alley with indie cafés) and Seven Dials (independent shops).
- • Grab afternoon tea or coffee and people-watch.
Tips
- → Market restaurants are touristy—walk one street back.
- → Tip performers if you stop to watch a full act.
- → Easy walk to Chinatown, Soho, and Leicester Square from here.
Evening
- • Barrafina — Outstanding Spanish tapas — no reservations, queue at the counter for fresh-cooked pintxos.
- • Chinatown noodle bars — Quick hand-pulled noodles and dumplings along Gerrard Street — Baoziinn or Xi'an Impression are local favorites.
Soho Evening
Packed with restaurants, cocktail bars, LGBTQ+ venues, and late-night energy.
How to Do It:
- • Wander Old Compton Street, Dean Street, and surrounding lanes.
- • Book dinner at a Soho classic or try Chinatown for dumplings and noodles.
- • Bar hop or grab cocktails at a speakeasy-style bar ($14–$21 / £10–£16/drink).
Tips
- → Soho is LGBTQ+ friendly and very welcoming.
- → Some bars have minimum spend or cover charges—check before sitting.
- → It gets loud and crowded Friday/Saturday nights—amazing if that's your vibe.
Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington Museums
Pastel houses, London's biggest park, and world-class free museums.
Morning
Portobello Road Market + Notting Hill
Pastel houses, antiques, vintage fashion, and the rom-com setting everyone recognizes.
How to Do It:
- • Tube to Notting Hill Gate.
- • Walk Portobello Road top to bottom (antiques north, food stalls south).
- • Side streets: Lancaster Road, Westbourne Grove for photo-op houses.
- • Grab brunch at Granger & Co, Farm Girl, or a local café.
Tips
- → Saturday is full market but very crowded—Friday is a better balance.
- → Antiques are pricey; mostly for browsing.
- → The movie's blue door is gone, but colorful streets are everywhere.
Afternoon
- • Granger & Co — Australian-style brunch café on Westbourne Grove — excellent avocado toast and flat whites.
- • Portobello Road food stalls — Pick up a falafel wrap or toastie from the market stalls and eat in Hyde Park.
Hyde Park
Green space, the Serpentine lake, and a mental break between sights.
How to Do It:
- • Walk from Notting Hill through Hyde Park toward Kensington.
- • Pass: Serpentine, Diana Memorial Fountain, Speaker's Corner.
- • Rent a pedal boat, have a picnic, or just rest on the grass.
Tips
- → Perfect for a picnic if you grabbed food from Portobello.
- → Skip in heavy rain—go straight to museums.
Natural History Museum OR V&A
Two world-class free museums, side-by-side in South Kensington.
How to Do It:
- • Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, blue whale, earthquake simulator. Best for families.
- • V&A Museum: Fashion, design, jewelry. Best for adults and design lovers.
- • Choose one (2–3 hours) or skim both (1 hour each).
Tips
- → Both museums are next door—easy to switch if crowded.
- → V&A café is stunning—worth a drink even if you skip exhibits.
- → Weekends at Natural History = chaos. Weekdays are calmer.
Evening
- • Churchill Arms — Iconic flower-covered pub in Kensington — famous for its excellent Thai food upstairs and traditional ales downstairs.
- • The Builders Arms — Cozy Chelsea gastropub with seasonal British menu — a local favorite away from the tourist trail.
Churchill Arms or Local Pub
Classic London pub atmosphere—wood paneling, real ale, and pub grub or Thai food.
How to Do It:
- • Try Churchill Arms (Kensington)—flower-covered exterior, Thai restaurant inside.
- • Or choose a quieter gastropub in South Kensington.
- • Order at the bar; table service is rare except for food.
Tips
- → Sunday roasts (served 12:00–18:00 Sun) are a British tradition.
- → Pubs fill up 18:00–20:00—arrive early or book ahead.
- → Try a cask ale or London Pride for the full experience.
Windsor Castle Day Trip
Royal residence, State Apartments, and St. George's Chapel—back in London by afternoon.
Morning
Windsor Castle
State Apartments, St. George's Chapel (where Harry & Meghan married), and 900 years of royal history.
How to Do It:
- • Train from London Waterloo or Paddington to Windsor (35–50 min, $16 / £12 return).
- • Book castle tickets online for priority entry.
- • Tour: State Apartments → Queen Mary's Dolls' House → St. George's Chapel.
- • Walk Windsor town and riverside after.
Tips
- → Check opening days—occasionally closed for royal events.
- → Changing of Guard at Windsor: 11:00 Tue/Thu/Sat (weather permitting).
- → Combine with Eton College across the river for a longer visit.
Explore Windsor town and the Great Park for free — the castle exterior and Long Walk are impressive without going inside.
Combine with a visit to Eton College across the river for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Britain's most famous school.
Afternoon
- • The Wolseley — Grand European café-restaurant on Piccadilly — excellent for afternoon tea or a late lunch.
- • Pret A Manger — Reliable grab-and-go sandwiches and coffee — branches everywhere in central London.
Flexible Afternoon
Use this time for whatever you missed or want more of.
How to Do It:
- • Visit National Gallery (free, Trafalgar Square) if you love art.
- • Shop Oxford Street or Regent Street for high-street fashion.
- • Or just rest at your hotel/Airbnb before dinner.
Tips
- → This is your catch-up block—no pressure.
- → If you're exhausted from Windsor, take a nap.
- → Save energy for neighborhoods on Days 6–7.
Evening
- • A local gastropub — Ask your hotel for their go-to pub recommendation — locals always know the best spots.
- • Deliveroo or Just Eat — No shame in ordering in after a day trip — rest up for the last two London days.
Local Neighborhood Dinner
A low-key evening close to your accommodation.
How to Do It:
- • Choose a restaurant within 10–15 min of your hotel.
- • Try a local pub, Indian restaurant, or Italian depending on your mood.
Tips
- → Use this night to do laundry if needed.
- → Confirm transport and plans for Day 6 before bed.
Shoreditch, Camden Market & East London
Go beyond central tourist zones: street art, markets, and creative neighborhoods.
Morning
Shoreditch + Brick Lane
World-class street art, vintage shops, and a creative local scene.
How to Do It:
- • Tube to Shoreditch High Street.
- • Walk Brick Lane and side streets: Hanbury Street, Redchurch Street for murals and art.
- • Sunday: Browse Brick Lane Market and Spitalfields Market for vintage clothes and food.
- • Grab coffee at a local spot or street food brunch.
Tips
- → Street art changes constantly—every visit is different.
- → Sunday markets are best; weekdays are quieter.
- → Brick Lane curry houses vary wildly—look for busy spots.
Afternoon
- • Dishoom Shoreditch — London's best Bombay café — the lamb biryani and house black daal are unmissable.
- • Brick Lane Beigel Bake — Open 24 hours — the salt beef beigel is a London institution for ~€3.
Camden Market + Canal Walk
Punk history, street food from 50 countries, vintage fashion, and chaotic market energy.
How to Do It:
- • Tube to Camden Town.
- • Explore: Camden Lock Market (canal-side food), Stables Market (vintage fashion), Buck Street Market.
- • Walk Regent's Canal towpath toward King's Cross for a quieter vibe.
Tips
- → More touristy than it was, but still fun.
- → Pickpockets love crowds—keep valuables secure.
- → Market is open daily but weekends are fullest.
Evening
- • Brat — Michelin-starred grill restaurant in Shoreditch — the whole turbot is legendary. Book well ahead.
- • Brick Lane curry houses — London's famous curry mile — Tayyabs nearby is the local favorite for Punjabi grills.
East London Dinner
More locals than tourists, better prices than central London.
How to Do It:
- • Choose a pub or restaurant around Dalston, Hackney, or Shoreditch.
- • Try gastropub fare, Vietnamese, or craft beer bars.
- • Book ahead for popular spots on weekends.
Tips
- → Check opening days—some close Sunday/Monday.
- → East London bars are cheaper than West End ($8.25–$12 / £6.11–£8.73 pints vs $12–$14 / £8.73–£10).
- → Last Tube runs around 11:30pm–midnight—plan accordingly.
Greenwich, Thames Cruise & Farewell Dinner
Maritime history, riverside village, and one last Thames boat ride.
Morning
Greenwich Village
Stand on longitude 0°, see the Cutty Sark ship, and get panoramic London views from the hill.
How to Do It:
- • Take the DLR to Cutty Sark or Thames Clipper boat from Westminster (30 min, scenic).
- • Visit: Royal Observatory (~$32 / £24, stand on Prime Meridian line), Cutty Sark (~$29 / £22, historic tea clipper ship).
- • Walk up Greenwich Park for free skyline views.
- • Browse Greenwich Market for crafts and street food.
Tips
- → You can straddle the Prime Meridian line for free outside the observatory (paid ticket is for exhibits).
- → Combine Observatory + Cutty Sark tickets for discount.
- → Greenwich feels like a village—much quieter than central London.
Skip the Observatory exhibits and straddle the Prime Meridian line for free outside the building — the park views are equally spectacular.
Arrive by Thames Clipper from Westminster instead of DLR for a scenic 30 min river cruise (~$14 / £10 one way with contactless/app).
Afternoon
- • Greenwich Market stalls — Excellent street food — Thai, Ethiopian, gourmet burgers and fresh crêpes under the covered market hall.
- • The Old Brewery — Craft beer and British gastropub food inside the Old Royal Naval College grounds.
Thames Clipper River Bus
See London from the river: Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, St. Paul's, Parliament.
How to Do It:
- • Board the Thames Clipper at Greenwich Pier (~$14–$21 / £10–£16 to Westminster depending on payment method).
- • Sit outside on the upper deck for photos.
- • Get off at Westminster, London Bridge, or Tower Pier depending on evening plans.
Tips
- → You can pay with Oyster or contactless on Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, but river fares are separate from your normal Tube/bus daily cap.
- → This is a public River Bus, not a full sightseeing cruise, but views are excellent.
- → Boats typically run every 20–30 minutes—check the current timetable before you go.
Evening
- • Hawksmoor (Seven Dials) — London's best steakhouse — the pre-theater menu is excellent value. Book ahead.
- • A neighborhood pub — End with a proper Sunday roast (if Sunday) or classic fish & chips at a local pub you've been meaning to try.
Final London Dinner
Say goodbye where you felt most at home—Covent Garden, South Bank, Soho, or Shoreditch.
How to Do It:
- • Book a restaurant you spotted earlier but didn't have time for.
- • Or choose a classic: Sunday roast at a pub, pie & mash, fish & chips, Indian curry.
- • Walk along the Thames one last time after dinner to let the week sink in.
Tips
- → Double-check departure transport and packing before bed.
- → If you have an early flight, keep dinner closer to your hotel.
- → Tip 10–12% in sit-down restaurants if service charge isn't included.
Arrival & Departure: How to Plan Your 7-Day London Trip
For a true 7-day London itinerary, aim for 7 full days on the ground—arrive the evening before Day 1 if possible, and depart the morning after Day 7.
Fly into Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN). From Heathrow: Piccadilly Line (from ~$7.82 / £5.8 with Oyster/contactless, ~50 min) or Heathrow Express (~$35 / £26 standard single, ~15 min; advance fares from ~$13 / £9.99). From Gatwick: Gatwick Express (~$28 / £21, ~30 min). From Stansted: Stansted Express (from ~$13 / £9.6 advance, ~$28 / £21 on the day, ~47 min).
Use contactless payment (credit card or phone) — Zones 1-2 daily cap is ~$12 / £8.9 (2026 prices). No need to buy a separate Oyster card.
Where to Stay for a Week in London
For a 7-day stay, balance central location, good transport links, and reasonable pricing. Best bases: Southwark/Borough (near Tower + markets), Bloomsbury (near British Museum), King's Cross/St. Pancras (transport hub), or Bayswater (near Hyde Park, budget-friendly).
Try to stay within a 5–10 minute walk of a Tube station on central lines like the Circle, District, Jubilee, Northern, or Piccadilly—these make reaching most sights easy with minimal changes.
Budget option: Earl's Court, Clapham, or Islington—residential areas with good Tube links and lower prices.
Avoid Zone 3+ or areas with poor transport—saving $28 / £21/night isn't worth 90 minutes daily commuting.
Is the London Pass Worth It for 7 Days?
The Go City London Pass costs roughly $309 / £229 for 6 days (the longest standard duration) and includes 110+ attractions — Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Tower Bridge Exhibition, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Cutty Sark, St. Paul's Cathedral, and more.
For this 7-day itinerary, the pass is strong value. Your covered paid attractions total ~$186–$216 / £138–£160 (Tower of London ~$48 / £36 + Westminster Abbey ~$41 / £31 + Windsor Castle ~$44 / £32 + Royal Observatory ~$32 / £24 + Cutty Sark ~$29 / £22). Adding just one more covered sight — St. Paul's Cathedral (~$29 / £22), The View from The Shard (~$44 / £32), or HMS Belfast (~$34 / £25) — puts you well over the break-even point.
With 7 days you have the flexibility to visit extra attractions without rushing. The pass also provides skip-the-line access at popular sights, which can save 30-60 minutes of queuing at the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey during peak season.
Worth buying for this itinerary. You'll break even on the included attractions alone and save time with skip-the-line access. Best value if you add 1-2 extra covered sights like St. Paul's or The Shard.
Book Tours & Activities in London
Top-rated experiences, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 7 days enough in London?
Is 7 days too long for London?
Should I spend all 7 days in London or split with other cities?
Can I skip some days if I feel tired?
What if the weather is bad for multiple days?
What transport pass should I buy for a week in London?
How much should I budget for 7 days in London (excluding flights and hotel)?
How Many Days in London?
Not sure if 7 days is right? Here's what each trip length covers.
- Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank Walk
- Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
- Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden & Shoreditch Evening
- Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank
- Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
- Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden & Shoreditch Evening
- Day 4: Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington Museums
- Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor Castle or Stonehenge + Bath
- Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank
- Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
- Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden & Soho
- Day 4: Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington Museums
- Day 5: Windsor Castle Day Trip
- Day 6: Shoreditch, Camden Market & East London
- Day 7: Greenwich, Thames Cruise & Farewell Pub Dinner
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for London.
Updated: February 20, 2026
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