London is a city of layers—Roman roots, medieval fortresses, Georgian squares, and glassy skyscrapers reflecting it all. From the Crown Jewels to street art in Shoreditch, every day reveals another chapter in a story that’s still being written. Expect regal ceremony, world-class museums, and a culinary scene that now rivals any global capital.

Founded by the Romans as Londinium, the city flourished along the River Thames and evolved through fire, Blitz, and boom into a cultural heavyweight. Fun fact: the ravens at the Tower of London are said to protect the Crown—if they leave, legend warns the kingdom may fall. Another: the “Tube” is the world’s oldest underground railway, moving millions beneath Victorian tiles and contemporary murals.

Practical notes for a smooth trip: contactless cards and mobile pay work on all public transport, and the city’s unmatched train network connects quickly across zones. Book major sights in advance, especially during summer and school holidays. Pack layers, carry a compact umbrella, and come hungry—London’s food halls, markets, and neighborhood spots are part of the adventure.

London

Why you’ll love it: Big-ticket icons—Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St Paul’s, and the Tower—sit a stroll or a tube ride from cozy pubs, indie coffee bars, and buzzing food markets. River walks at golden hour are a simple pleasure; so are West End curtain calls and late-night cheese toasties.

• Top sights: Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, British Museum, National Gallery, St Paul’s Cathedral, Covent Garden, Greenwich Observatory, Camden and Portobello markets.
• Local flavors: From full English breakfasts at art-deco cafés to modern British tasting menus, curry houses on Brick Lane, and inventive small plates in Soho, eating your way through London is half the fun.
• Fun fact: London’s 3,000+ parks and green spaces make it one of the greenest big cities in the world—perfect for picnic lunches between museums.

Getting there: Flying from within Europe? Compare fares and routes on Omio flights (typical Paris/Amsterdam–London 1–2.5 hours, ~$60–$220). Coming from North America or beyond? Check global options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com (NYC–London ~7 hours; West Coast ~10–11 hours). Rail from Europe? Eurostar to St Pancras is fast and easy—search times and fares on Omio trains (Paris–London ~2h20m).

Where to stay: Browse apartments on VRBO London or compare hotels on Hotels.com London. Handpicked options:

• Iconic luxury: The Savoy — river views, storied bars, and classic service.
• Value near Big Ben: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London — spacious rooms, pool, and prime South Bank location.
• City history: Novotel London Tower Bridge — steps from the Tower and the river.
• Smart-budget: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras — compact, modern, and transport hub convenience.
• Family pick: Premier Inn London County Hall — reliable comfort near the London Eye and aquarium.
• Hostels: YHA London Central and YHA London St Pancras — clean, social, and central.

Day 1: Arrival, South Bank Stroll, and a Cozy First Night

Afternoon: Arrive and drop your bags. Stretch your legs along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge toward the Tate Modern. You’ll pass the London Eye, street performers, bookstalls under Waterloo Bridge, and postcard views of Big Ben and Parliament.

Evening: Ease into London flavors with dinner at one of these nearby gems: - Fish! Kitchen at Borough Market for crisp haddock and chips with malt vinegar. - Padella (Southwark) for hand-rolled pappardelle with slow-cooked ragu (go early or expect a queue). - Blackfriars pub (1905 Arts & Crafts interior) for pies and cask ales. Finish with a riverside nightcap at the Oxo Tower Bar—great skyline sightlines.

Day 2: Westminster, Royal Pageantry, and City Orientation

Morning: Start at Westminster: snap Big Ben at the top of the hour, then explore Westminster Abbey’s royal tombs and the Coronation Chair. Time it to walk The Mall toward Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard on select days (arrive 45–60 minutes early for a good view).

Afternoon: Get a grand overview on a classic open-top loop with the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (24–48-hour ticket; budget ~$50–$70). It’s ideal early in the trip for context and easy stops at Trafalgar Square, St Paul’s, and the Tower.

Evening: Dinner in Covent Garden: - The Oystermen for British seafood and Dorset oysters. - Dishoom for homage-to-Bombay comfort (order the black daal and grilled lamb chops). Catch a West End show after—musicals in Theatreland are a London rite of passage. Pre-show drink at The Harp (near Charing Cross) for expertly kept cask ale.

Day 3: Tower of London, City Skyscrapers, and Historic Pubs

Morning: Be at the Tower for opening to beat queues and see the Crown Jewels sparkle without the crush. Secure entry with the Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket (~$40–$50). Join a Yeoman Warder tour for tales of intrigue and ravens.

Afternoon: Walk across Tower Bridge and along the Wharf to St Katharine Docks for a dockside lunch at Emilia’s Crafted Pasta or White Mulberries café. Then head into the Square Mile: peek at the “Cheesegrater,” “Walkie-Talkie,” and Lloyd’s building—futurist architecture around medieval lanes.

Evening: Do a mini historic pub crawl: The Counting House (a former Victorian bank), then The Blackfriar (ornate 1905 marvel). For dinner, try St. JOHN Bread and Wine in Spitalfields for nose-to-tail British cooking, or Brat Shoreditch for wood-fire turbot and simply brilliant seasonal sides.

Day 4: Kensington Museums, Hyde Park, and a Thames Dinner Cruise

Morning: Choose your museum in South Kensington: the V&A for design and fashion, the Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and the Hintze Hall blue whale, or the Science Museum for interactive fun. Coffee at Kiss the Hippo or Hagen on Brompton Road between exhibits.

Afternoon: Picnic or pedal boats in Hyde Park, then wander to Kensington Palace and the Italian Gardens. Shop along Kensington High Street or drop into Daunt Books (Marylebone is a short hop away) for a travel-inspired browse.

Evening: Celebrate with the London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River (~$110–$150). Glide past floodlit bridges, St Paul’s, and the Tower while enjoying dinner and live entertainment.

Day 5: Harry Potter Day and Camden After Dark

Morning: Head out to Leavesden for the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London (plan ~7–8 hours door to door; ~$120–$180). Walk Diagon Alley, board the Knight Bus, and sip Butterbeer while nerding out over props and sets.

Afternoon: Return to London and recharge with gelato at Chin Chin in Camden or a riverside amble on Regent’s Canal toward Primrose Hill.

Evening: Dinner around Camden: Mildreds for vibrant plant-based global plates, or Made in Brasil Boteco for caipirinhas and sharing dishes. For live music, check listings at Jazz Café or The Dublin Castle; for low-lit cocktails, try Ladies & Gentlemen (a quirky former public loo turned bar).

Day 6: Markets, Tate Modern, and East London Flavor

Morning: Breakfast on artisan pastries and Monmouth Coffee at Borough Market (go early, Tue–Sat best). Slurp fresh oysters, nibble Neal’s Yard Dairy cheddar, and snack your way toward London Bridge.

Afternoon: Cross the Millennium Bridge to the Tate Modern for modern masters and turbine-hall installations. Continue to Shoreditch for street art sprees—look for works around Redchurch Street and Chance Street. Late lunch options: BAO (Taiwanese buns), Smoking Goat (fiery Thai), or E. Pellicci (classic East End café with formica charm).

Evening: Brick Lane curry night: Aladin or Sheba for a lively, budget-friendly feast. If you prefer small plates and natural wine, head to Sager + Wilde or Leroy. Nightcap at The Ten Bells (Spitalfields) or speakeasy-style Nightjar for live jazz and inventive cocktails.

Day 7: Greenwich and Departure

Morning: Sail the Thames east to Greenwich on a riverboat from Westminster or Tower Pier for a final, breezy perspective on London’s skyline. Explore the Royal Observatory (stand on the Prime Meridian), the Cutty Sark, and the colonnades of the Old Royal Naval College—one of the city’s most cinematic corners.

Afternoon: Grab a last lunch at Goddards at Greenwich (steak-and-ale pie with mash and liquor) or the Greenwich Market’s global stalls. Head back toward your departure point with extra time for traffic and security.

Evening: Fly onward or train out: for European rail and airport connections, compare options on Omio trains and Omio flights. Long-haul flyers can check global fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Optional add-ons or swaps: - British Museum and Bloomsbury bookshops for a culture-forward morning. - Day trip to Windsor or Oxford by rail (check Omio trains). - If you’re visiting in late Nov–Dec, a festive lights evening ride on the London by Night Bus Tour is a seasonal treat.

Insider tips: Use contactless payments on the Tube and buses (daily caps help control costs). Book restaurants for prime-time dinners; for hot spots like Dishoom and Padella, arrive early. Many museums are free—donations welcomed—and late openings on select nights mean fewer crowds.

In a week, you’ll trace royal footsteps, cruise the Thames, feast through markets, and dive behind the scenes of beloved films. London rewards curiosity—wander a side street, duck into a pub, and you may find your favorite moment where it wasn’t on the map at all.