7 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary

A week in London gives you breathing room — an afternoon in Greenwich for maritime history and a hilltop view of the skyline, a day exploring North London's villages, and time to revisit a favourite neighbourhood at a slower pace.

Your 7-day London itinerary, day by day

1. Day1

   Tower of London and South Bank

   Tower of London, Tower Bridge walk, Borough Market, Tate Modern. Sunset from the viewing level.

2. Day2

   British Museum and Covent Garden

   British Museum morning, Covent Garden afternoon. West End show in the evening.

3. Day3

   Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, V&A

   Changing of the Guard, Hyde Park, Kensington Palace, Victoria & Albert Museum.

4. Day4

   Tate Modern and Bermondsey

   Tate Modern, Southwark Cathedral, Shakespeare's Globe. Dinner on Bermondsey Street.

5. Day5

   Notting Hill and Portobello

   Portobello Road Market, Holland Park, Kensington. Farewell drinks in Soho or Mayfair.

6. Day6

   Greenwich: Observatory and Cutty Sark

   Take the Thames Clipper down the river to Greenwich — stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, visit the Cutty Sark tea clipper, and have lunch in the covered market. The view of London from the Observatory hill is one of the best in the city.

7. Day7

   The Shard and Leadenhall Market

   The Shard observation deck for a 360-degree view of the city on a clear morning. Walk through the City of London to the Victorian Leadenhall Market (the Diagon Alley of Harry Potter films). Afternoon in Shoreditch — street art, independent restaurants, and some of London's most creative food.

Tips for your London trip

• Use a contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay directly on the Tube — it charges the same daily cap as an Oyster card with no queuing to top up; single fares with a physical ticket are significantly more expensive.
• The major national museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, V&A) are free; budget accordingly so you can eat well instead — London's restaurant scene at mid-range prices is exceptional.
• Book popular restaurants and theatre tickets at least a week ahead; last-minute theatre tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square can be legitimately discounted (day-of only, in person).
• Mind the weather and layer up: a light waterproof jacket is non-negotiable year-round; summers are warm but rarely hot, and rain arrives without warning.

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