(FREE TEMPLATE) London Itinerary 7 Days For All Travellers

A London itinerary for 7 days is the best length for first-time travellers as well as the seasoned ones. It’s long enough to cover London’s top attractions, yet not too long to feel like you’re running out of things to do in one of Europe best cities. 

Of course, you’ll never be short on things to do. This is London that we’re talking about! On a two-week journey across Europe, some even spend as few as 5 days. However, if you’re looking for a balanced duration, 7 days is enough to visit London.

A week lets you explore London’s most iconic landmarks and cushion in one or two day trips.

With CabinZero’s planning guide and tips here to make the most out of your week. We will help you plan your trip by neighbourhood, so you won’t have to randomly grasp at a spot on a map and have to spend more time bouncing back and forth between sites.

And just in case, there’s a downloadable version of our itinerary to keep in your pocket as you go. Read to the end to get it for free.

London’s most iconic landmarks reside by the Thames. Photo by EleSi on Adobe Stock.

London Travel Overview: What to Know Before You Go

Before you can fit the best London has to offer into a week, let’s look at what you need to know before travelling to the city. 

The Best Time To Visit London

The best months to go to London are April-May-early June (late Spring) and September-October (early Autumn).

In late Spring, the weather is about 15 - 22°C, and nature is at its best. You can enjoy long walks in the parks and the lively Spring festivals. Though we must say - it’s not the driest. Fortunately, you can expect fewer crowds at the attractions, compared to the peak months of July and August.  

Early Autumn is when the heat starts to leave and so are the summer tourists. You can also catch the London Film Festival.

Another wonderful time to be in London is the Winter season (December-January-February). While it has the shortest daylight hours, you'll get to experience one of the best Christmas celebrations in Europe - full of lights, extravagant decorations, and seasonal attractions. Hotel prices also drop during January and February. Just make sure to book everything in advance.

H3. Getting Around London

Nothing beats public transport. The tube is fast and covers lots of stops, even day-hike destinations outside London. Buses are also a wonderful alternative, and you know what else makes them great? Hopping on the red double-decker, which is one of London’s icons, is in itself an experience for travellers. 

To get around using the Tube in London, you can use either an Oyster Card or go contactless.

• An Oyster Card requires you to top it off with a certain amount of money, then use it throughout your stay.

• Contactless means tapping your phone or bank card on the machine as you enter or exit the station, and the amount for your trip will be deducted from your card right away.

Both cap your daily limit, so you shall plan ahead. The possible downsides we can see for each are that you might need to top up your Oyster Card frequently if you don’t plan well, and your bank might charge foreign transaction fees.

Riding the London Tube is budget-friendly and convenient. Photo by alice_photo on Adobe Stock.

Walking is also doable for attractions that are within the same or two close neighbourhoods, like Westminster to Trafalgar Square, which is 15 minutes, or from the London Eye to Tower Bridge to the Tate.

Before you decide on how to get around London, know your London zones. Ticket prices differ between zones. In Greater London, Zones 1-6, things are always a tad more expensive. 

Money-Saving Tips

London can be expensive, but visiting London on a budget is totally possible. Many travellers, especially first-timers, tend to fall for the package/pass trap. Though a lot of times it’s a good way to keep your itinerary “capsule-sized”, there are times when it’s just not worth it.

Is the London Pass Worth It?

The London Pass is an old-school way of travel. Old-school, but not bad. It covers up to 90 attractions, including big names like the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and The Shard. Along with that are experiences like bus hopping.

With a pass, you get to see more attractions, mostly paid ones, for lower prices, but the catch is that you might not want or be able to see them all.

If you enjoy scenic walks, museum hopping or squeezing in a day trip, the London Pass might be overkill for your budget.

The key is to cherry-pick what you want to see. We know the appeal of going with the flow, but when budgeting, always stick to a concrete plan.

Pay for 3-4 top attractions, then fill the holes in your itinerary with free spots. London has plenty of free attractions to explore, the best of which are museums. Many world-class museums are located in London, and a lot of them are completely free.

For example, the British Museum, where the Rosetta Stone resides, offers free entry to its permanent collection. The Tate Modern on the South Bank is also free.

In this list we also have the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, which is a classic spot for British family holidays.  

Where to Stay in London for First-Timers

Central areas like Covent Garden, Soho, or Westminster are a good bet. Photo by david_franklin - stock.adobe.com

Budget is one thing; the other is what you want to experience in London for your first time here. 

The neighbourhood of Covent Garden gives you access to some of London’s most popular attractions, like the British Museum, Soho, Trafalgar Square, and the West End theatres. They are all within walking distance.

Covent Garden is right in the heart of London. While that’s a perfect base for first-timers, Covent Garden is a pricey area. Hotels here often sit in the £250 - £400 per night range, whereas if you go a bit further to King’s Cross or Southwark, they can be just £120 - £180.

If you like waking to views of the London Eye and Big Ben, stay in South Bank. You are only a few steps along the Thames to the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and all the way to London Bridge.

Hotels can be from £250 - £300 for 4-star options, but you can find budget ones and hostels for £70 - £110. They just might not give you the grand view of London outside your window.

The downside is that it might be too touristy, and the nightlife is a bit calmer compared to Covent Garden. 

Another good base for first-timers in London is Kensington. We recommend this neighbourhood for the same reason we fell in love with London - the museums. The Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum are all located close to one another.

Kensington has a very elegant vibe, with old townhouses and lots of green space.

For hotel prices, Kensington is actually a tad more expensive than South Bank.

Your Detailed 10-Day London Schedule

Your London itinerary for 7 days can start with a tour around London’s most iconic landmarks then to its walkable and free spaces. The rest can be saved for a few hidden gems and a day trip from London.

Just to give you the best of what London has to offer, we’ll give you a 10-day plan.

Day 1 - London’s Royal Landmarks

Westminster Palace and Westminster Abbey are next door. Photo by Leonid alice_photo on Adobe Stock.

If you land at Heathrow in the early morning, drop your baggage at your accommodation. Then, around 10:00 AM, make your way down to Westminster either by the Tube to Westminster Station.

In case you arrive on a crowded day, you can skip dropping off your bags and aim for Westminster from Heathrow via the Elizabeth Line or Piccadilly Line. The latter is cheaper but will take longer (~50 minutes). This is why we usually recommend light travel with lightweight and multipurpose backpacks. 

In Westminster, you’ll find Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament (aka Westminster Palace) and Westminster Abbey. 

Even though everything is tightly packed and within walking distance, do not underestimate the time you’ll spend at each spot. Visiting all of them might take more than a few hours. 

Afterwards, check in at your accommodation and take a quick rest. 

Head to Mercato Mayfair on foot through St James Park. It has plenty of food stalls - what’s the big deal? They’re inside the beautiful 19th-century St Mark’s Church!

Day 2 - More on London’s Iconic Landmarks

You might want to jam all the landmarks into the first day, but let’s save the hype for the second day.

After all, Buckingham Palace deserves half a day on its own. From Covent Garden or Westminster, take the Tube to Green Park then walk through St. James’s Park for Buckingham Palace. Make sure you pre-book and check the schedule for the Changing of the Royal Guard.

In the afternoon, pick a tearoom to enjoy some traditional afternoon tea and cake. Then head to Kensington Palace or wander through Kensington Gardens, especially if you visit in late Spring.

Now avoid having dinner right by the landmarks. Go to Mayfair or South Kensington for a more local beat.

You can watch the changing of the guard at three spots - Buckingham Palace, St James' Palace, and Wellington Barracks. Photo by anecaroline on Adobe Stock.

Day 3 - Museums and Riverside Fun

Dedicate a whole day to London’s art and culture scene. Your first stop can be the Victoria & Albert Museum. It opens from 10 AM to 5 PM on Monday to Thursday, and on Friday it closes at 10:00 PM. So it can be your first or last stop of the day, depending on our preference.

If your feet do not need a break yet, head to the South Bank to explore Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the Millennium Bridge. At some point, drop by Borough Market and enjoy fish and chips in a pub. It’s just 3 minutes from the Tate Modern.

From the Tate Modern, take the Tate Boat to the Tate Britain. While the Tate Modern is about arts from the 1900s, the Tate Britain focuses on those dating back to the 1500s.

 If it’s a Friday or Saturday before 8:00 PM, the British Museum is still open by the time you’re done with the Tate Britain.

Depending on how far your hotel is from the British Museum, you could save it for the next day early in the morning and squeeze in some night time fun in Soho.

Day 4 - Notting Hill and Camden Town

Wear your best pastel outfits because we’re heading to Notting Hill. The best time to be there is as early as you see the sun shining. It’s how you can snap the best photo of the famous pastel-coloured houses and the Notting Hill bookshop. 

In Notting Hill, you’ll find Portobello Road Market. It’s London’s most famous antique and vintage goods market. You might not fancy shopping these, but the vibes are too cool to miss.

Camden Town is 20 minutes by subway from Notting Hill. The reason we recommend Camden Town is because it has a complete opposite vibe from London. Instead of pastel houses, you’ll find punk, eccentric, and edgy shopfronts. It’s one of the areas where the punk movement became very prominent in the 1970s in the UK.

This itinerary will show you just how diverse London can be. 

Stay and chill in Camden for the music scene in the evening or go back to your hotel and get ready for the Jack the Ripper tour. It’s one of the most interesting and unique experiences in London, mixing exploration with true crime.

Day 5 - Beach Trip to Brighton

Brighton Beach is a classic beach getaway spot from London for both locals and tourists. Photo by anekoho on Adobe Stock.

London is not a coastal city, but it’s a perfect base for a beach day trip to Brighton, which is just an hour away. And Brighton is not just one of the best beaches near London, it’s also one of the best coastal cities in the UK.

Take the earliest train out from London Victoria and arrive straight in Brighton. Head for the iconic Brighton Palace Pier, where you’ll find rides, sweet treat shops, and fish and chips. 

If you travel in the warm months, Pebble Beach is great for a swim, but otherwise, just stroll along the shore and enjoy the scenery. Brighton’s Lanes are where you’ll find pubs, unique shops and cafes.

The trip back to London leaves just the right amount of time for a quick evening catch-up, either along the South Bank to see the London Eye lit up or in one of London’s hip spaces like Coal Drops Yard in King’s Cross and Shoreditch where you can find live music, quick bites, and quirky bars.

Day 6 - River Thames Cruise

Start the journey at the Tower of London. This impressive structure dates back to 1078, and it has been the icon of the Thames and London for centuries. If you purchase a London Pass, the Tower of London is definitely always in the package. 

You can arrive at the Tower of London by boat from the London Eye or Tower Pier, which makes for a memorable London experience.

Borough Market is nearby if you need to grab lunch. Next, head to Trafalgar Square where most of London’s icons are the backdrop to your photos. A 15-minute Tube ride away is Waterloo, where you can spend the afternoon hours exploring street art in Leake Street Arches or buy a ticket to SEA LIFE London Aquarium (entry closes at 4:00 PM). 

Now we’re only on Day 6, but no London itinerary for 7 days should end without a night River Thames cruise. This is for those who have taken it all in in the morning already and just want to relax and see the neon-lit city drifting by on water. 

You can book with City Experiences or River Thames Cruises.

Day 7 - For The Hidden Gems

Little Venice is accessible by the Tube through the Bakerloo line. Photo by Jon Ritchie on Adobe Stock.

One of the loveliest spots for dreamy travellers is Little Venice near Paddington. You can sit in a waterside cafe and watch the houseboats sway gently in the water. It’s not that Little Venice is free of fellow travellers; it’s just that the neighbourhood is so tranquil and peaceful you feel life slows down.

You can go on a boat ride or stroll around on foot. There are plenty of things to see, from amazing house designs floating on boats to a show in a theatre. 

In the afternoon, go to Hampstead. The quaint leafy village is a favorite retreat for locals. The highlight of Hampstead is the 18th century pubs. Things to do in Hampstead include climbing Parliament Hill, visiting the ponds, and seeing Keats House, where the poet lived and composed.

If you still have time in the afternoon, go find Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station. Then join a guided Harry Potter walking tour, which takes you around central London to visit filming locations such as the Millennium Bridge. 

End the day a bit early on Day 7. Why? It’s because we have some amazing day trips from London planned for the next few days.

Day 8 - Half Day Trip To Windsor

Windsor is the home of the famous Windsor Castle - the King’s official residence. It’s one of the world’s largest castles that are currently in use. The town is just outside of London, and you will be greeted with historic streets and the royal atmosphere.

Windsor is just 35 minutes away from London if you depart from Paddington station. It’s not a huge town, so you can consider Windsor as a short day trip from London. You’ll probably still have time for evening events in London if you make it back in the late afternoon.

What to do in Windsor

• Explore Windsor Castle and its States Apartments, where officials still seldom host events. 

• On Windsor Castle’s ground, visit St George’s Chapel

• Walk the Long Walk to see Windsor as its most photographed state - tree-lined avenue with Windsor Castle as the backdrop

• Enjoy tea in Windsor Town

• If you’re on a London family trip, drop by Windsor Legoland

Day 9 - Full Day Trip To Stonehenge And Bath

It’s easy to do a a bus day trip. Photo by Alexander - stock.adobe.com

You can definitely do Stonehenge and Bath In one day from London. Take a train from London Paddington to Salisbury (about 90 minutes), then a shuttle bus to Stonehenge.

If you’re not that great on time management, take a guided tour that combines both destinations in a day.

What to do in Stonehenge

• Walk its perimeter then head to the visitor centre for a exhibitions

• Visit the reconstructed Neolithic houses of prehistoric people

From Stonehenge, take the train to Bath, which is about an hour. Bath is named after its Roman baths, which are also the city’s most popular attractions. Not just its immense historic charms, Bath is also one the most beautiful cities near London.

What to do in Bath

• Explore Bath Abbey and Roman Baths: The Abbey is next door to the baths, with steaming waters and breathtaking architecture

• 8 minutes from the Roman Baths is stunning Prior Park Landscape Garden

• Wander through Royal Crescent and the Circus, where Gregorian architecture is one of the most impressive in the UK

• Stroll the town and enjoy scones and clotted cream

In the evening, go back to London by train. You can take a direct train. No need to stop by Salisbury again.

Day 10 - Wrapping Up and Farewell

Your last day in London should be spent slowly and languishingly, leaving you time to soak in the city as well as to pack up and prepare for your departure.

There’s no better way to do it by taking a walk in Hyde Park or Regent’s Park. Afterwards, ride the double-decker bus for a short tour of the London streets once again.

Do some last-minute shopping in Borough Market or Covent Garden.

If you still have a few more hours to spend before having to check-in at the airport, have one last thrill in London by climbing the O2 - London’s most famous arena.

Estimated London budget for 7 days

London is known to be quite pricey. However, just because London is known for being expensive, it does not mean you cannot do London on a budget. 

Besides planning for the fun, here’s what to know when planning your London budget. Let’s divide things in these categories: flights, accommodation, food, transport, and activities per day.

Get Your London Itinerary 7 Days Here

Your London Itinerary 7 days are ready for download. No need to fret about going offline in London, or going through your bookmarks to find that one activity to do.

For many first-time travellers, 7 days is enough in London to see all of the city’s icons - Big Ben, the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum. Yet you’ll still have time for a day trip from London.

We love London just as much as the next globetrotter, so if anything, a week in London actually is like a magic spell that keeps you coming back for more!

For more extensive travel guides like this, visit our Blogs or check out our social media.

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh