London, England-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City

Places to Go:

  • The British Museum: One of London’s most famous museums, featuring a vast collection of historical artifacts from around the world. (Open daily 10am-5:30pm)
  • Covent Garden: A historic district filled with street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along the South Bank of the Thames to enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
  • Visit the famous Covent Garden Piazza for shopping and people-watching.

Where to Eat:

  • The Delaunay: A grand café serving classic European cuisine. (Address: 55 Aldwych, WC2B 4BB)
  • Busaba Eathai: A popular spot for Thai street food. (Address: 117-119 Shaftesbury Ave, W1D 5AY)

Where to Stay:

  • One Aldwych: A luxurious hotel located in the heart of London’s West End. (Address: 1 Aldwych, WC2B 4BG)
  • The Hoxton: A trendy boutique hotel with a lively atmosphere. (Address: 8-10 Cophthall Ct, SW3 6DZ)

Things to Know:

  • London is a walking city; wear comfortable shoes and take breaks when needed.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like Covent Garden.

Transportation:

  • Take the Tube (London’s metro system) from any major station to explore the city.
  • Use buses for shorter journeys or to explore neighborhoods not on the Tube network.

Tips:

  • Buy an Oyster card for convenient travel on public transport.
  • Be prepared for variable British weather; pack layers and waterproof gear.

Day 2: Iconic London Landmarks

Places to Go:

  • The Tower of London: A historic fortress housing the Crown Jewels. (Open daily 9am-5:30pm)
  • Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, featuring a Changing of the Guard ceremony. (Open daily 10am-6pm)

Activities:

  • Take a tour inside the Tower of London for historical insight.
  • Join a guided tour of Buckingham Palace to learn more about its royal history.

Where to Eat:

  • Skylon: A restaurant located in the Sky Garden, offering panoramic views and British cuisine. (Address: 20 Fenchurch St, EC3M 3BY)
  • Dishoom: A popular Indian restaurant with several locations throughout London.

Where to Stay:

  • The Ritz: A luxurious hotel with a rich history and elegant atmosphere. (Address: 150 Piccadilly, W1J 9BR)
  • The Rosewood London: A five-star hotel located near Covent Garden. (Address: 252 High Holborn, WC1V 7EN)

Things to Know:

  • The Tower of London hosts the famous Ceremony of the Keys every night; book tickets in advance for a unique experience.
  • Be respectful during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Day 3: Exploring West London

Places to Go:

  • Hyde Park: One of London’s largest parks, featuring a boating lake and plenty of walking paths.
  • Notting Hill: A vibrant neighborhood with colorful street art and a bustling market on Sundays.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll through Hyde Park for some fresh air and scenic views.
  • Visit the famous Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill for unique shopping and eating experiences.

Where to Eat:

  • The Green Room: A charming café located in the heart of Notting Hill. (Address: 24a Pembridge Rd, W11 3HG)
  • Roux at the Landau: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering French cuisine.

Where to Stay:

  • The Rembrandt: A luxurious hotel located near Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. (Address: 18-22 Queen’s Gate, SW7 5JT)
  • The Dorset Square Hotel: A boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere in the heart of Notting Hill.

Things to Know:

  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like Notting Hill Market.
  • Don’t miss the famous flower market in Columbia Road on Sundays.

Day 4: Art and Culture

Places to Go:

  • The National Gallery: A world-class art museum featuring a vast collection of European art. (Open daily 10am-5:30pm)
  • Tate Modern: A modern art museum with an impressive collection of contemporary art. (Open daily 10am-6pm)

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the National Gallery for historical insight.
  • Explore the Turbine Hall at Tate Modern, featuring large-scale installations and exhibitions.

Where to Eat:

  • The Ivy: A popular restaurant with multiple locations throughout London.
  • Dishoom Covent Garden: Another location of this popular Indian restaurant.

Where to Stay:

  • The Langham: A luxurious hotel located near the National Gallery. (Address: 1C Portland Pl, W1B 1JA)
  • One Aldwych: This luxurious hotel is still a great option for art lovers and foodies alike.

Things to Know:

  • The National Gallery hosts various events and exhibitions throughout the year; check their website for details.
  • Tate Modern features large-scale installations in its Turbine Hall; be prepared for crowds during peak hours.

Day 5: Royal London

Places to Go:

  • Kensington Palace: The official residence of Prince William, Kate Middleton, and their family. (Open daily 10am-6pm)
  • Highgrove House: The private home of Prince Charles, featuring a beautiful garden.

Activities:

  • Take a tour inside Kensington Palace for historical insight.
  • Explore the gardens at Highgrove House to admire its beauty.

Where to Eat:

  • The Orangery: A restaurant located in Kensington Palace, offering British cuisine.
  • The Delaunay: This grand café is still worth visiting if you’re a foodie.

Where to Stay:

  • The Rembrandt: This luxurious hotel is still a great option for royal enthusiasts.
  • The Goring Hotel: A luxurious boutique hotel located near Kensington Palace.

Things to Know:

  • Be respectful during the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Kensington Palace.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos with the royal family’s private car.

Day 6: Greenwich and the River Thames

Places to Go:

  • The Cutty Sark: A historic tea clipper ship turned museum. (Open daily 10am-5pm)
  • The National Maritime Museum: A world-class museum featuring a vast collection of maritime history. (Open daily 10am-5pm)

Activities:

  • Take a tour inside the Cutty Sark for historical insight.
  • Explore the exhibitions at the National Maritime Museum to learn more about maritime history.

Where to Eat:

  • The Greenwich Tavern: A restaurant located in the heart of Greenwich.
  • Dishoom Greenwich: Another location of this popular Indian restaurant.

Where to Stay:

  • The InterContinental London - The O2: A luxurious hotel located near the Cutty Sark and National Maritime Museum. (Address: 1 Waterview Dr, SE10 0TW)
  • The Greenwich Hotel: A boutique hotel with a charming atmosphere in the heart of Greenwich.

Things to Know:

  • Be prepared for crowds during peak hours at the National Maritime Museum.
  • Take a stroll along the River Thames to enjoy the scenic views and city’s atmosphere.

Day 7: Shopping and Farewell

Places to Go:

  • Bond Street: A famous shopping street featuring high-end boutiques.
  • Oxford Street: One of London’s busiest shopping streets, offering a wide range of stores and restaurants.

Activities:

  • Take a stroll along Bond Street to admire the luxurious boutiques.
  • Visit the famous Selfridges department store on Oxford Street for unique shopping experiences.

Where to Eat:

  • The Delaunay: This grand café is still worth visiting if you’re a foodie.
  • Dishoom Covent Garden: Another location of this popular Indian restaurant.

Where to Stay:

  • One Aldwych: This luxurious hotel is still a great option for shopping enthusiasts.
  • The Ritz: This iconic hotel offers a luxurious stay near Bond Street and Oxford Street.

Things to Know:

  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like Oxford Street.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos with the famous Selfridges department store.