7 Days in London: The Perfect London Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Seven days in London is ideal for first-time visitors who want the complete classic experience. This itinerary includes major attractions, iconic neighborhoods, and one easy day trip without unrealistic pacing.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors staying one full week
• Pace: Balanced with one lighter day
• Budget level: Medium to high
• Best area to stay: Covent Garden, South Bank, or Westminster
• Transport tips: Use Tube for area changes and keep sightseeing clusters local

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Westminster Icons 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Big Ben.
• Westminster Abbey.
• Houses of Parliament viewpoints.
• St James's Park.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Red Lion.

Afternoon 🌇

• Buckingham Palace.
• Churchill War Rooms.

Dinner 🍷

• Quilon.

Evening 🌙

• London Eye at sunset.

Day 2 - Tower and the City 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Tower Bridge (walkways and views).
• Tower of London (prebook tickets).

Lunch 🍽️

• Borough Market.

Afternoon 🌇

• St Paul's Cathedral.
• Millennium Bridge.
• Sky Garden (timed entry).

Dinner 🍷

• Duck & Waffle.

Evening 🌙

• City skyline walk.

Day 3 - Museum and West End Core 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The British Museum.
• Covent Garden.

Lunch 🍽️

• Dishoom Covent Garden.

Afternoon 🌇

• Trafalgar Square.
• The National Gallery.
• Piccadilly Circus.

Dinner 🍷

• Bancone.

Evening 🌙

• West End show.

Day 4 - Kensington and Hyde Park 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Natural History Museum.
• South Kensington architecture walk.

Lunch 🍽️

• Muriel's Kitchen South Kensington.

Afternoon 🌇

• Hyde Park.
• Kensington Gardens.
• Kensington Palace.

Dinner 🍷

• The Ivy Kensington Brasserie.

Evening 🌙

• Knightsbridge walk.

Day 5 - Notting Hill and Camden 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Notting Hill.
• Portobello Road Market.
• Colorful street circuit.

Lunch 🍽️

• Gold Notting Hill.

Afternoon 🌇

• Camden Market.
• Regent's Canal walk.
• Primrose Hill viewpoint.

Dinner 🍷

• The Blues Kitchen Camden.

Evening 🌙

• Live music venues in Camden.

Day 6 - Greenwich Highlights 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Cutty Sark.
• Old Royal Naval College.
• Greenwich Park viewpoint.

Lunch 🍽️

• Greenwich Market.

Afternoon 🌇

• Royal Observatory.
• Thames boat return (skyline views).

Dinner 🍷

• Roka Canary Wharf.

Evening 🌙

• Canary Wharf riverside stroll.

Day 7 - Day Trip from London 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Windsor Castle.
• Windsor town center.
• Riverside path loop.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Duchess of Cambridge (Windsor).

Afternoon 🌇

• Covent Garden shopping time.
• Final Westminster photo stops.

Dinner 🍷

• Rules.

Evening 🌙

• Farewell South Bank walk.

Where to Stay in London 🏨

• Covent Garden: Best all-around for first-time access; usually higher rates.
• South Bank: Scenic and practical; great connectivity.
• Westminster or Victoria: Efficient for landmark-focused schedules.
• Budget guidance: Consider Paddington and King's Cross for value and transport coverage.

Getting Around London 🚇

• Oyster and contactless both work for Tube and buses.
• Contactless is usually easiest for visitors staying under a week.
• Walk within each area, then use Tube for larger jumps.
• Heathrow: Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express. Gatwick: Thameslink or Gatwick Express. Stansted: Stansted Express.

FAQ 💡

Is 7 days too much for London?

No. One week is ideal for iconic sights, neighborhoods, and a day trip.

What is the best month to visit London?

Late spring and early autumn are usually the best for weather and manageable crowds.

Is London expensive?

It can be expensive, but free museums and practical area planning reduce overall spend.

Is London walkable?

Yes in central neighborhoods, though Tube rides are useful between zones.

Where should first-time visitors stay?

Covent Garden, South Bank, Westminster, and Victoria are strong options.

Which day trip is easiest from London?

Windsor is one of the easiest and most popular options for first-time visitors.

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