London’s story stretches from Roman Londinium to a global capital of culture, cuisine, and cutting‑edge creativity. Kings and commoners shaped its streets; fires and fogs recast its skyline. Today, gothic spires meet glassy towers, the Thames stitches neighborhoods together, and every Tube stop hides a new tale.

Expect blockbuster icons—Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge—alongside intimate joys: a buttery bun from a market stall, a sun‑splashed bench in St. James’s Park, jazz in a candlelit basement. London rewards wanderers and planners alike; this 7‑day London itinerary balances both.

Practicalities: contactless cards (or Oyster) make transit easy; museums are often free; many attractions time‑ticket entry. Reserve popular restaurants and theatre early. Pack layers—weather shifts—and comfortable shoes for cobblestones and parks.

London

London is a city of villages. In one week, you’ll move from royal Westminster to the ancient City, from creative South Bank to leafy Kensington, and on to canals in Camden and maritime Greenwich. You’ll eat your way through Borough Market, sip pints in historic pubs, and watch the city glow from the river.

• Top sights: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, National Gallery, British Museum, Tate Modern, Sky Garden.
• Can’t‑miss neighborhoods: South Bank, Covent Garden, Soho, Kensington, Notting Hill, Camden, Greenwich.
• Essential experiences: West End show, Thames cruise, Sunday flower market, pub culture, afternoon tea.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Iconic: The Savoy (Covent Garden; art deco grandeur, riverside walks).
• Great location for first‑timers: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (steps from Big Ben and the London Eye).
• City‑side comfort: Novotel London Tower Bridge (perfect for Tower of London and river strolls).
• Value with views: Premier Inn London County Hall (South Bank; reliable rooms, excellent base).
• Budget modern: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras (easy train access).
• Hostel picks: YHA London Central and YHA London St Pancras.
• Apartment stays: browse VRBO London or hotels on Hotels.com.

Getting to London: If you’re flying long‑haul (North America/Asia), compare fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. Within Europe, search flights, trains, and buses on Omio and Omio Trains. Typical times: Paris–London high‑speed train ~2h20; Brussels–London ~2h; Amsterdam–London ~4h. Budget flights across Europe can run ~$40–$150 one‑way.

Airport into the city: Heathrow: Elizabeth line ~35 min to central London (~£13–14); Heathrow Express ~15 min to Paddington (~£25–£37). Gatwick: express to Victoria ~30 min (~£20–£22) or Thameslink to St Pancras/Blackfriars ~45 min (~£10–£13). Stansted Express to Liverpool Street ~47 min (~£21–£25). Luton: shuttle + train to St Pancras ~35–45 min (~£13–£18). Tap in with contactless for best fares.

Day 1: South Bank Stroll, Icons at Sunset, and Cozy London Comforts

Morning: In transit. Grab a plane or train via Omio (Europe) or long‑haul on Trip.com/Kiwi.com. Aim for an early afternoon arrival.

Afternoon: Check in, then stretch your legs along the South Bank: from the London Eye toward the Millennium Bridge. Pop into the Tate Modern’s free galleries if you need a jet‑lag reset. Coffee options en route: WatchHouse Tower Bridge (modern roastery), or Monmouth Coffee at Borough for caramel‑rich drip.

Evening: Dinner near the river. Options: Applebee’s Fish at Borough (crispy cod and oysters), Caravan Bankside (wood‑fired sourdough pizzas and small plates), or Padella (silky pappardelle with beef shin ragu—go early, they queue). Nightcap at Gordon’s Wine Bar—candlelit vaults and a legendary sherry list.

Day 2: Royal Westminster, Changing of the Guard, and West End Lights

Morning: Orient with an open‑top bus—ideal on day two. Use the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour to loop past Big Ben, Trafalgar Square, and St. Paul’s while learning history via audio.

Hop off at Westminster for Westminster Abbey. Look for the Coronation Chair and Poets’ Corner—centuries of royal ritual under one roof. Breakfast ideas before or after: The Wolseley (buttery pastries, kedgeree), or Regency Café (art‑deco classic; hearty fry‑up).

Afternoon: Walk the Mall to Buckingham Palace via St. James’s Park. If the Changing of the Guard is scheduled, stand along the Mall or at the Victoria Memorial ~30–45 minutes before step‑off for good views. Browse the National Gallery (free) for Turner and Van Gogh. Lunch: Dishoom Covent Garden (black daal, bacon naan) or Barrafina (walk‑in tapas—try the tortilla and razor clams).

Evening: See a West End show (book ahead). Pre‑theatre menus: J. Sheekey (seafood stalwart near theatreland) or Hawksmoor Seven Dials (perfect steaks, sticky toffee pudding). Post‑show drinks at Swift Soho (elegant martinis) or The French House (historic, bohemian pub vibe).

Day 3: Tower of London, Borough Market Feast, and a Thames Dinner Cruise

Morning: Arrive early at the Tower of London to beat crowds. Seek out the Crown Jewels, Traitors’ Gate, and tales from the Yeoman Warders. Cross the high‑level walkway of Tower Bridge for Victorian engineering and glass‑floor thrills. Coffee and a bun at St. John Bakery (glazed doughnuts) to keep you going.

Afternoon: Lunch at Borough Market. Don’t miss: Kappacasein’s molten raclette, Brindisa chorizo rolls, and Bread Ahead’s filled doughnuts. Walk the river path to Shakespeare’s Globe and the Millennium Bridge with St. Paul’s rising ahead. Optional: climb St. Paul’s dome for panoramic views.

Evening: Dress for an elegant night on the water with the London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River—a multi‑course meal as you glide past illuminated landmarks.

Prefer to stay on land? Try Quo Vadis (Soho, British seasonal plates) or Brat (Shoreditch, wood‑fired turbot and grilled leeks).

Day 4: Kensington Museums, Hyde Park, and Notting Hill Wandering

Morning: Start at South Kensington’s “Albertopolis.” Choose the Victoria and Albert Museum (design and fashion—don’t miss the Cast Courts) or the Natural History Museum (the Hintze Hall’s blue whale steals the show). Coffee at Kaffeine (Fitzrovia detour) or Hagen (South Ken) for espresso done right.

Afternoon: Picnic or paddle a boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park. Stroll to Kensington Palace’s gardens. Late lunch in South Ken: Ceru (Levantine mezze), Honest Burgers (consistently great beef and rosemary chips), or Muriel’s Kitchen (homestyle British comfort).

Evening: Notting Hill meander: pastel façades, antiques on Portobello Road (busiest Saturday), and boutique wine bars. Dinner at Gold (modern wood‑roasted dishes), Ottolenghi (salads and meringues that made London swoon), or The Ledbury if you’re celebrating (book far ahead). Classic pub stop: The Churchill Arms—floral exterior, Thai kitchen inside.

Day 5: Day Trip—Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath

Trade city streets for English countryside on a full‑day coach tour: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London. You’ll explore royal apartments at Windsor (when open), ponder prehistoric Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain, and finish among Bath’s honey‑colored crescents and Roman heritage. Expect an early start and return early evening.

Pack snacks and water; many tours include free time for lunch in Bath—consider a Cornish pasty, a Sally Lunn bun, or a pub pie. Back in London, a casual late bite near your hotel—Franco Manca (sourdough pizza) or Bao (fluffy buns; Soho or Borough)—hits the spot.

Day 6: The Wizarding World, Camden Canals, and Soho Flavors

Morning: Head to Leavesden for the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London. Walk the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and the Forbidden Forest; see sets, props, and special effects up close.

Expect 5–7 hours door‑to‑door with transport; grab a Butterbeer mid‑tour. Breakfast beforehand: Flat White (Soho) or Prufrock Coffee (Holborn) for standout espresso and toasties.

Afternoon: Return to London and aim for Camden. Explore Camden Market’s creative stalls and stroll the Regent’s Canal toward Primrose Hill for one of the city’s best skyline views. Late lunch: Poppies (proper fish & chips), The Cheese Bar (all‑things dairy), or Roti King (near Euston; Malaysian roti canai worth the queue).

Evening: Foodie crawl in Soho: Hoppers (Sri Lankan; bone marrow varuval), Kiln (Thai grill; daily changing clay‑pot noodles), or Barrafina (Catalan seafood). Cocktails at Nightjar (speakeasy jazz) or the Connaught Bar (hotel bar artistry at its finest).

Day 7: Greenwich Morning and Farewell London

Morning: Take the river east to Greenwich for a final dose of maritime London—historic lanes, the Old Royal Naval College’s Painted Hall, and the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory. If you’d rather stay central, book a free ticket for the Sky Garden to wave goodbye over 360‑degree views. Breakfast: E. Pellicci (classic East End café plates), Bread Ahead (pillowy buns), or The Gentlemen Baristas (rich flat whites).

Afternoon: Last‑minute shopping in Covent Garden’s arcades or Liberty’s wood‑paneled halls, then depart for the airport or train. If you’re Europe‑bound, check Omio Trains and Omio for schedules and fares; for long‑haul, verify flight times and deals on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Pick up picnic bits from M&S or Pret for the journey.

Evening: Travel day—no formal plans.

Optional Upgrade: Classic Icons by Cab

Short on time or mobility? Consider a private overview like The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab to see top landmarks efficiently with a guide’s stories.

Good to know: Many museums are free; special exhibits require tickets. Buckingham Palace State Rooms open seasonally (typically summer). The Changing of the Guard doesn’t run daily in winter—verify the schedule. For dining, London books up—reserve dinner and afternoon tea (The Savoy’s Thames Foyer, Fortnum & Mason, or sketch) in advance.

Wherever you stay—historic The Savoy, view‑blessed Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, or a smart apartment from VRBO—this 7‑day London itinerary packs royal heritage, riverside romance, markets, and movie magic into an easy flow. You’ll leave with a camera roll full of icons and a heart full of neighborhood moments.

Return soon—the city always has a new exhibit, menu, or skyline view waiting.