Got a full week in London and no idea how to pace it? This guide lays it out day by day — no stress, no overplanning. Just a smart mix of sightseeing, local hangouts, and little breaks in between (because burnout on day 3 is real).
If you’re the type of traveler who likes walking tours and sitting at a cafe watching the world go by, this itinerary was made for you.
Table Of Contents
This 7-day itinerary is for you if:
- You want a balance of sightseeing + downtime
- You prefer walking and public transport over tour buses
- You love markets, iconic sights, and a bit of nature in the city
- You’re not into rushing or overly touristy traps
Day 1: Arrival + Easy Exploring
- Arrive and head straight into the city via the Heathrow Express or the Tube — no need to waste your first day in traffic.
- Check into your hotel. Staying near South Bank gives you easy access to most of the week’s highlights.
- Take a gentle walk along the South Bank — think riverside views, food trucks, street performers.
- Stop by Borough Market for something to eat (perfect mix of local and casual).
- End with a ride on the London Eye — pre-booking it makes things smoother, especially after a long flight.
Day 2: Big Ben, Westminster & Thames River Vibes
- Grab breakfast and head straight to Westminster — early mornings here are calmer and the lighting’s perfect for photos.
- Snap shots of Big Ben and the Parliament buildings, then walk across the bridge to catch a Thames River Cruise.
- Ride down to the Tower of London and dive into centuries of wild history — kings, prisoners, jewels, and all that.
- If you’re planning on doing more paid attractions later this week, a combo ticket is honestly worth it.
- Walk the iconic Tower Bridge, then grab dinner somewhere nearby or take the Tube to Soho for more variety.
Fun Fact: “Big Ben” isn’t the clock tower — it’s actually the nickname for the bell inside.
Day 3: Museum Day in South Kensington
- Start at the Natural History Museum — it’s free and feels like stepping into a movie set.
- Walk next door to the Victoria and Albert Museum or hit the Science Museum if you’re more into tech and hands-on stuff.
- This whole area has parks, cafes, and lots of benches for chill time.
- Book a hotel near here if you love quieter, pretty neighborhoods and still want to be central.
- Optional add-on: Afternoon tea somewhere classy — think Harrods or a boutique hotel lounge.
Day 4: Notting Hill + Market Wandering
- Sleep in a bit today. Head to Notting Hill for a slower morning.
- Walk the colorful streets and check out Portobello Road Market. It’s a mix of vintage, handmade, and quirky — fun even if you’re just browsing.
- Grab lunch at a local cafe or get something from a street vendor and picnic in a nearby park.
- You’re not rushing today — use it as a reset before more sightseeing.
- If you’re into film locations or photography, this area is gold.
Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor or Greenwich
Option 1: Windsor Castle
- Take the train to Windsor (about 30–45 mins from Paddington).
- Explore Windsor Castle, walk along the Thames, and grab lunch in town.
- It’s easy to book train tickets and castle passes together, and it saves you from navigating too much on your own.
Option 2: Greenwich for Something Local
- Take the Thames Clipper boat to Greenwich (great views along the way).
- Visit the Royal Observatory, stand on the Prime Meridian Line, and chill at Greenwich Market.
- Less crowded than central London, and it feels like a little escape.
Fun Fact: You’re never more than 6 feet away from a rat in London.
(Okay, that one’s probably urban legend… probably.)
Day 6: Camden & Regent’s Park
- Head to Camden Market — funky shops, street food, indie stalls, vintage clothes, the works.
- Walk the Regent’s Canal from Camden to Regent’s Park — it’s peaceful, and you’ll see boats, birds, and even a floating cafe or two.
- If the weather’s nice, rent a boat on the lake at the park or just chill on the grass with snacks.
- Dinner idea: Catch a food stall back at Camden or try somewhere along nearby Marylebone High Street.
Day 7: Last-Minute Stops + Easy Departure
- Use your final morning to hit anything you missed: a bookstore in Soho, one last market, or that bakery you kept walking by.
- Pick up souvenirs or a takeaway lunch near Covent Garden.
- Most hotels offer luggage storage, so you don’t have to drag bags around before heading to the airport.
- Take the Heathrow Express or Tube again — Booking a hotel near Paddington can make this last leg smoother.
Travel Tips That Actually Help:
- Where to Stay: South Bank or Paddington are ideal for getting around. Use Booking.com to filter for walkability and free cancellation — super helpful if your plans change.
- Transport: Oyster Card or tap-to-pay with your credit card on buses and trains. No need to overthink it.
- What to Pre-Book: Big attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, and Windsor Castle. Skip-the-line tickets save you serious time.
- Pro Tip: Don’t try to do everything. London’s better when you leave space to wander.
Final Thoughts
London can feel huge at first glance — and yeah, there’s a lot to do. But if you give yourself seven days and focus on a few great areas each day, it starts to feel more like a series of neighborhoods than a massive city.
This itinerary isn’t about cramming everything in. It’s about hitting the big must-sees without burning out, while also having time to explore cool corners, chill in a café, or take a walk without a plan.
A few parting tips:
- Book your top attractions ahead — it’ll save you time (and sometimes money).
- Stay somewhere central but close to a Tube stop so you’re not spending half your day on transport.
- Don’t be afraid to slow down or swap out a big attraction for a park stroll or market visit. That’s often when the best moments happen
