Make the most of your trip to London and explore some of the city’s most iconic spots, from St Paul’s Cathedral to the London Eye and many of the exciting stops in between!
Discover top attractions to visit, go sightseeing, dine on food from around the world, shop on famous streets, catch a West End show and more during your week in London.
Day one: St Paul's Cathedral and London from above
Morning:
Start your week in London at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, one of the skyscrapers that make up London’s iconic skyline. At the top of the building is the Sky Garden, London’s highest public garden, which is free to access with a pre-booked ticket. Get 360-degree views of the city and spot many attractions, from St Paul’s Cathedral to The Shard.
Next, take a short walk to the Tower of London, one of four Unesco World Heritage Sites in London. Explore the almost 1,000-year-old landmark and see the crown jewels, a collection of about 24,000 diamonds and jewels in the royal regalia.
Lunch:
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, wander over to Coppa Club Tower Bridge and enjoy simple but authentic European small plates and delicious cocktails – perfect for sharing! Choose to dine on the terrace while taking in views of the river, or opt for an igloo for an Insta-worthy dining experience.
Alternatively, head across Tower Bridge to Borough Market. Here, you’ll find an array of world cuisines from tacos to shawarma and jerk chicken.
Afternoon:
After lunch, hop on a bus to St Paul’s Cathedral, which is steeped in history. Book your ticket in advance to see stunning stained-glass windows, impressive architecture and historical monuments inside the cathedral.
Evening:
Spend the evening relaxing at Madison, a rooftop bar and restaurant with a view of St Paul’s Cathedral. It’s known for its terrace bar, where you can enjoy a tipple and dinner with a backdrop of the landmark and the rest of the city.
Day two: Adventure in London and The View from The Shard
Morning:
Discover London's gruesome history at the London Dungeon and learn about the dark tales of the city, from witches to Sweeney Todd’s barbershop. Scream and squeal your way round the attraction, which uses actors and gory smells and sights to transport you back in time!
For a more serene start to the morning, choose between under-the-sea fun at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, or the thrill of a lifetime with Fiona and Donkey at Shrek’s Adventure! London.
Lunch:
Head to the Southbank Centre Food Market (open Friday to Sunday) for a hidden treasure chest of foods from all over the world. Enjoy Korean barbecue burritos or cured meat and warming treats at the Polish deli, washed down with an Ethiopian coffee, fresh juice or glass of fizz.
During the week, head to Ned's Noodle Bar for tasty noodles, Oxo Tower Restaurant, Bar and Brasserie for British dishes with a side of great views or family-friendly Giraffe with kids.
Afternoon:
After your morning activities, head over to the London Eye. One ride takes you to a height of 443ft (135 metres) in a leisurely 30 minutes, allowing you to see as far as the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
Evening:
Jump aboard an iconic red London bus and journey over to the tallest building in western Europe, The Shard. At 1,017ft (310 metres), it is one of the most iconic buildings in the London skyline. Purchase tickets for The View from The Shard and see as far as 40 miles (64km) away on a clear day!
Afterwards, treat yourself to dinner at one of the six restaurants inside The Shard.
Day three: Explore and learn in Greenwich
Morning:
Hop on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and sail along the river to Greenwich Pier, where the day’s fun begins in postcard-perfect Greenwich.
The first stop in Greenwich is Cutty Sark – the last surviving British tea clipper that was once the fastest of its time. Saunter through the main deck of the ship while listening to an audio guide that describes what life was like onboard. Grab the wheel and play captain for a perfect Instagram shot, or scale the mast of the ship with a rig climb if you’re feeling brave!
Lunch:
When you’re ready for a bite to eat, head over to one of the nearby traditional pubs, including the The Yacht, Cutty Sark and Trafalgar Tavern, to indulge in traditional fish and chips, steaks and burgers.
If you’re craving more seafaring experiences, Sticks’n’Sushi is just a three-minute walk away and offers flavourful sushi, tempura and yakitori options.
Afternoon:
Afterwards, amble over to Greenwich Market and browse the stalls of antiques, handmade jewellery, fashion and delicious foods.
Alternatively, take in art and culture at Queen’s House and discover portraits of past monarchs and world-renowned pieces of art. If art isn’t your thing, try the National Maritime Museum to learn about the history of Britain at sea from battles to maps and navigation, or stand across the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, the home of the Peter Harrison Planetarium and astronomy shows.
Evening:
As your day of discovery winds to a close, make the short walk to Greenwich Park. The Royal Park is spectacular year-round with stunning views of London. Perch at the top of the hill and watch the city transform in the evening.
If you fancy a late-night giggle, head to Up The Creek and check out up-and-coming comedians delivering fantastic stand-up shows.
Day four: Behind the scenes of Harry Potter
Morning and afternoon:
Book your ticket and prepare to depart for the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, where every Harry Potter lover's dreams come true.
Discover the wizarding world of Harry Potter, step onto realistic sets from the films and see props and costumes that’ll make you feel part of the action. Climb aboard the Hogwarts Express from Platform 9¾, and pass stacks of galleons at Gringotts Bank.
If you’re not keen on leaving behind the muggle streets of London, make your way instead to Buckingham Palace. You can book a guided tour during the summer months, or admire the incredible architecture and grandeur from outside the palace gates.
Evening:
Share a meal with the little ones at one of the best family restaurants in London.
Alternatively for more regal treatment, take a scenic walk to Rules, one of the oldest restaurants in London, offering the best of British fare, including meats, pies and puddings.
Day five: World-renowned shopping streets and a night on the town
Morning:
Rub shoulders with the world’s VIPs at Madame Tussauds London – currently home to more than 150 wax figures. You can snap a selfie with many of its famous faces, including Beyonce, Ariana Grande and Ziggy Stardust.
Alternatively, head over to 221B Baker Street, the location of the Sherlock Holmes Museum and be transported to Victorian London. Learn about famous cases surrounded by authentic furniture and decor, while period actors guide you through the museum.
Lunch:
Head to trendy Din Tai Fung in Selfridges for top-notch Taiwanese food – make sure to try the spicy noodles and soup dumplings, plus bao with chocolate lava for dessert!
For more Eastern options, head to Chinatown and wander beneath the red hanging lanterns as you browse restaurants serving up mouthwatering dishes.
Afternoon:
Have a mooch around West End department store favourites Selfridges and Liberty London, before visiting stores and boutiques along the area's world-famous shopping streets including Oxford Street, Carnaby and Regent Street.
For luxurious goods and designer brands, make sure to stop by Bond Street and South Molton Street or head over to Knightsbridge for Harrods and Harvey Nichols.
Dinner:
Enjoy dinner at Instagram hotspot, Sketch. The Gallery has an artsy, sunshine-yellow interior, and you must take a trip into the toilets to find the iconic futuristic room with brightly coloured ceiling tiles and egg-shaped cubicles.
Alternatively, make your way to Dishoom Carnaby to be transported to the heart of Bombay for Irani-Indian street food. Choose from a range of small plates, curries and specialty dishes in a warm and cosy setting.
Evening:
There’s no shortage of things to do at night in London, so get ready to hit the town and make the most of London’s buzzy nightlife scene.
Head to nearby jazz bar Ronnie Scott’s, dance the night away at a top London club or LGBT+ bar, climb into an adult ballpit at an activity bar or enjoy drinks at one of the best rooftop bars in London.
Day six: Windsor Castle, Oxford and Stonehenge full-day tour
Morning and afternoon:
Get ready for a full-day tour around Windsor Castle, Oxford and Stonehenge.
Departing from Victoria Station, the tour’s first stop is more than 900-year-old Windsor Castle, one of the largest and oldest occupied castles in the world. Explore the beautiful grounds, State Apartments and St George’s Chapel, which are just some of the best things to see at the stunning royal residence.
Next, you’ll venture to the cobbled streets of Oxford, which is home to the world-famous Oxford University, many beautiful colleges and the Bodleian Library. The final stop is Stonehenge, a 5,000-year-old Unesco World Heritage Site surrounded in mystery.
Check out alternative day trips from London, which include many famous and historic cities close to the capital.
Evening:
Once returning to London after your day trip, head to Covent Garden for some delicious grub. The world-class shopping and dining destination offers dishes to suit every budget, from pizza and pasta to curry and sushi.
Stroll around the stores full of health, beauty and fashion offerings, and see if you can spot buskers and street performers while you finish your late-night shopping.
Day seven: Museums, afternoon tea and a West End show
Morning:
Start your morning in the South Kensington museum district, home to a trio of free-to-visit museums in the swanky area. Check out the latest exhibitions and permanent displays at the Natural History Museum, the V&A and the Science Museum to pick up some new knowledge.
Alternatively, expand your mind while browsing fascinating artefacts at the British Museum, covering two million years of history! Here, you’ll find the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and some of the finest ancient jewels.
Afternoon:
Once you start feeling peckish, head to The Harrods Tea Rooms for afternoon tea, a luxurious London staple. Enjoy finger sandwiches, cakes and scones, served alongside a variety of teas.
If you fancy a little more sightseeing, hop onboard the afternoon tea panoramic bus tour instead, where you can enjoy classic afternoon tea goodies while cruising around London on a double-decker bus.
Check out even more vegan, traditional and affordable options for afternoon tea in London.
Evening:
No visit to London would be complete without a trip to Theatreland. Bag your seats for smash-hit West End shows, including The Lion King and Wicked, buy tickets for The Phantom of the Opera, or take your pick from more of the best London theatre and musicals.
Alternatively, end your week of exploring London with a Thames dinner cruise. Enjoy delicious food and drinks while sailing along the river and taking in the dazzling sights.
Need to know
Is 7 days enough in London?
Absolutely! A week is a good amount of time to get familiar with London, see some of the city's top sights and attractions and absorb lots of culture in the form of food, art and experiences. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple or with a family – seven days gives you plenty of time to pack in an unforgettable trip to the capital.
