At the moment I wish to deliver you my 8-day London itinerary. Per week and a day is a perfect period of time to see one of the best the UK capital has to supply and discover additional afield. Wherever your pursuits lie, you will discover loads of methods to fill your time in London, see one of the best of the town, and expertise locations locals love.
8-Day London Itinerary
One of the vital thrilling issues about being a journey blogger helps individuals plan journeys. Whether or not it’s by my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, I at all times love serving to others take pleasure in a fuller expertise in London or overseas.
Individuals usually ask me spend 8 days in London, so I wish to share the official A Girl in London itinerary for every week and a day within the UK capital with you as we speak.
For those who’re an everyday reader, you’ll know I’ve shared many London itineraries on the weblog previously. I hope you’ll take pleasure in this one as a lot as you’ve appreciated the others.
You can even check out my 1-day, 36-hour, 2-day, 48-hour, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, 1 week, and 10-day itinerary for extra concepts.
The benefit of visiting London is that there’s no proper or fallacious solution to spend your time within the metropolis. There’s a lot to do and see right here that you can spend a lifetime exploring. There’s one thing for each style and curiosity, too.
My 8-day London itinerary accommodates a mix of the large sights and the locations native Londoners love.
Whether or not you wish to see Huge Ben and the Tower of London, graze your manner by Borough Market, or delve into the town’s Harry Potter websites, there’s one thing for everybody.
You may tailor the itinerary to match your private pursuits and magnificence. Higher but, you should use my London journey information to search out issues to do on your particular passions and fill in any gaps.
If you would like extra inspiration, there’s much more in regards to the metropolis in Secret London – An Uncommon Information. For those who’re within the UK, you’ll be able to get it right here. For those who’re within the US, you’ll be able to get it right here.
The place to Keep in London
There are many good choices for lodging in London. Whether or not you wish to e book your self a keep at a lodge or in an condo, the town has an abundance of locations to select from.
Given the big measurement of London, I like to recommend basing your self in or close to the town middle. You may see my weblog posts in regards to the greatest space to remain in London and the greatest inns on your fashion to get concepts and proposals.
For those who’re searching for one thing enjoyable and weird, my guides to quirky inns in London and themed London inns have strategies, too.
If you wish to do a search, you’ll be able to discover offers and e book lodging in London right here. With so many choices, you’re sure to discover a place that matches your journey fashion and finances.
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
When you’ve arrived and settled into your lodge or condo, there’s no higher place to begin a visit to the UK capital than Buckingham Palace.
You may time your go to so that you’ll get to look at the well-known Altering the Guard ceremony (it takes place a number of days every week), or simply admire the monarch’s London residence from the large gates.
For those who’re on the town throughout the palace’s seasonal opening, you may as well take a tour of Buckingham Palace. It’s a enjoyable solution to see the state rooms and gardens. You may e book tickets right here (you’ll must e book nicely upfront).
From Buckingham Palace you’ll be able to stroll by St James’s Park to get to Horse Guards Parade and Westminster. The latter is dwelling to a number of the most recognizable London landmarks. It’s what many individuals consider after they hear the phrase “London”.
Westminster Abbey is inspiring to see, the Homes of Parliament are stunning, and Huge Ben (Elizabeth Tower) is a should on any London itinerary. You probably have time, you’ll be able to tour the abbey and parliament. You may e book tickets right here.
If you wish to see extra of the world past the large points of interest, you may as well do my free self-guided Westminster stroll. It can lead you to a number of the aspect streets and hidden locations locals love within the space.
When night comes, I like to recommend having an off-the-cuff dinner close to the place you’re staying. For those who’re a bit jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up actually early to journey, you’re most likely going to be exhausted.
You may see my suggestions for eating places in London in the event you need assistance discovering a spot to eat. My interactive London neighborhoods map may even present you my space guides, which have restaurant suggestions.
For those who’re operating on adrenaline or you might have vitality left, I like to recommend taking an open-top bus tour to get an outline of the town. It’s a simple solution to get a really feel for what London has to supply initially of your journey. You may e book your tickets right here.
Day 2 in London: South Financial institution & the Metropolis
On the second morning of your 8-day London itinerary, begin by exploring the South Financial institution.
Proper on the Thames, this space is simply the spot to soak up the views from the London Eye, take a look at the e book market, or take in the scene alongside the river. You will get London Eye tickets right here (you’ll must buy them nicely upfront).
There are at all times pop-ups, avenue performers, meals distributors, and different varieties of leisure happening right here. You may even take a river cruise from Westminster Pier if you wish to see the town from the Thames. You may e book tickets right here.
As you’re employed your manner from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll go by Tate Fashionable and Borough Market, two extra of probably the most well-known locations within the metropolis.
The museum is world-class, and the truth that it’s free means you’ll be able to go in for as lengthy or little as you need. Even in the event you’re not into artwork, there are sweeping views from the highest of the Blavatnik Constructing.
Not far-off, Borough Market is a enjoyable place to channel your interior meals lover and eat one thing scrumptious for lunch. It’s nice to stroll round and take in the scents and colours of the stalls earlier than deciding on one thing.
After Borough Market you’ll be able to head throughout London Bridge to get into the Metropolis of London. For those who stroll on the east aspect, you’ll be able to take within the views of Tower Bridge as you go.
From the historic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to the arches of Leadenhall Market, the Metropolis of London at all times awes me with its wealthy architectural historical past. You are able to do my self-guided Metropolis of London stroll if you wish to see one of the best of the world.
If not, stroll or take the tube to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. You may tour the tower and the bridge if you wish to, or simply admire them from the Thames. You may e book Tower of London tickets right here.
You probably have time afterwards, you’ll be able to discover St Katharine Docks. This marina is without doubt one of the most original locations in London, and it’s enjoyable to stroll round and take within the scene. There’s an excellent riverside pub right here, too.
For dinner, I like to recommend strolling throughout Tower Bridge and heading to Bermondsey Avenue. This can be a favourite amongst locals, and there are many pubs and eating places right here. Whether or not you need tapas or fish and chips, you will discover it.
Alternatively, Brick Lane isn’t removed from St Katharine Docks and the Tower of London. This well-known avenue in Spitalfields has numerous cool eating places, pubs, and bars. It’s a enjoyable place to spend an evening out within the metropolis.
Day 3 in London: Notting Hill & the West Finish
Begin the third morning of your 8-day London itinerary in Notting Hill. This west London neighborhood is without doubt one of the most colourful locations within the metropolis. You’ll discover the whole lot from the retailers to the mews streets to your liking.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll have the ability to expertise the well-known Portobello Highway Market in all its glory. Simply attempt to arrive early to keep away from the crowds, particularly within the excessive season.
If it’s not a Saturday, you’ll be able to nonetheless head to Portobello Highway and take a look at the market stalls and retailers which can be open if you go to. There’s some type of market right here virtually day by day of the week.
Past the stalls and distributors, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is the proper solution to get an outline of the neighborhood. It can present you the whole lot from the excessive streets to the hidden lanes.
Whether or not you’re taking the stroll or not, you’ll be able to have lunch in Notting Hill earlier than heading down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
There’s loads to see and do right here for a day, from paddle boating on the Serpentine to visiting the artwork galleries (free entry) and touring Kensington Palace.
As night approaches, take the tube or stroll by Mayfair to get to the West Finish’s Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re a number of the most fun locations in central London within the evenings.
There’s no scarcity of tempting choices for foods and drinks round right here, and Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Sq., the Covent Backyard Piazza, and Leicester Sq. are at all times enjoyable locations to go in London at evening.
You may have dinner within the West Finish earlier than going to a present. Whether or not you eat at a conventional restaurant like Guidelines or at one of many many new ones opening on a regular basis, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious on this a part of London.
There are at all times loads of performs, musicals, and comedy reveals on, they usually’re entertaining methods to cap off a day of discovering London. From dramas to farces, you might have a great deal of choices.
If you wish to exit after seeing a present, there’s any variety of bars, pubs, and golf equipment in Covent Backyard and Soho you’ll be able to select from. They’re nice methods to get into central London’s nightlife scene.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy simply off Carnaby Avenue in Kingly Courtroom. It’s considered one of my favourite travel-themed bars within the UK capital.
Day 4 in London: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge & South Kensington
Kick off the fourth morning of your 8-day London itinerary in Belgravia. This luxury space is stuffed with cute cafes and candy boutiques, notably these on and round Elizabeth Avenue.
You may go on my free self-guided Belgravia strolling tour to see one of the best of the neighborhood, or simply stroll across the squares and mews. Highlights embody Pimlico Highway, Motcomb Avenue, and Belgrave Sq..
From Belgravia, make your solution to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Highway in Chelsea. That is the proper place to buy and eat, and also you’ll discover a vary of eating places to select from for lunch right here.
If it’s a Saturday, don’t miss the scrumptious meals market in Duke of York Sq.. If it’s not, there’s nonetheless loads to do right here. The King’s Highway is without doubt one of the greatest procuring streets in London, and it’s an excellent place to bask in some retail remedy.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see the aspect streets and riverfront space on this a part of west London. You may even pop throughout the Thames to take a look at the retailers and eating places in Battersea Energy Station.
From Chelsea, you’ll be able to both head as much as Knightsbridge to buy at iconic London shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, or make your solution to South Kensington to see the museums.
The Pure Historical past Museum, V&A, and Science Museum are proper subsequent to one another on and round Cromwell Highway. All of them provide free entry, so you’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little time seeing their collections and exhibitions as you’d wish to.
Whether or not you go to the retailers or the museums, within the night you’ll be able to have dinner at one of many eating places exterior the South Kensington tube station. There are many completely different cuisines to select from, and the world has nice ambiance.
If you wish to proceed your day in fashion, there’s enjoyable nightlife round Walton Avenue and the King’s Highway. From bars to pubs and golf equipment, you might have a whole lot of choices.
Day 5 in London: Day Journey
On the fifth of your 8 days within the UK capital, I like to recommend taking a day journey from London. Whereas there’s loads to maintain you busy within the metropolis, there are a whole lot of wonderful locations to find round it.
For those who love the English countryside, my high decide is a day journey to the Cotswolds. You may journey independently with or with no automotive, or take a day tour. You may e book my favourite tour right here.
There are many fairly cities and villages to select from within the Cotswolds. My high picks are Painswick, Bibury, Burford, Kingham, and Higher Slaughter.
If historical past is your cup of tea, Winchester, Canterbury and Dover, Tub, Lewes, and Amersham are nice. Amersham is so shut you’ll be able to take the tube from central London to get there.
If college cities are your factor, Oxford and Cambridge are classics. They’re a few of my favourite brief jaunts from the UK capital, and I’ve been to each numerous instances.
For those who’re a fan of castles, you’ll be able to take a day journey to Windsor Citadel, Hever Citadel, Scotney Citadel, Leeds Citadel, Warwick Citadel, Sissinghurst Citadel, or any variety of different historic fortresses close to London.
For those who love the seaside, there are extra nice day journeys you’ll be able to take. Brighton, Deal, and Hastings are my favorites. Every one has nice seashores and a great deal of retailers and eating places to take pleasure in.
If you wish to discover one other nation, you’ll be able to even take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for enjoyable days out as nicely.
For those who’re searching for one of the best journeys to take at a specific time of yr, my seasonal guides to spring, summer time, autumn, and winter day journeys from London may help.
If you get again to the town, I like to recommend going to drinks or dinner (or each) at The Shard. This well-known skyscraper has a number of the greatest views of the UK capital, and taking them in from a desk by a window is a enjoyable solution to finish a night.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden & King’s Cross
Start the sixth morning of your 8-day London itinerary in Hampstead. This north London neighborhood is considered one of my favourite locations within the metropolis, largely owing to the truth that it seems like an enthralling nation village.
With fairly streets, nice pubs, and one of many metropolis’s greatest parks, it’s the proper place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return any likelihood I get.
You may stroll round this London village by yourself, or go on my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or considered one of my Hampstead Heath walks to see better of the world.
If you get hungry, you’ll be able to have lunch at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. My favorites are the Holly Bush, Jin Kichi, and Villa Bianca. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the strains can transfer very slowly.
After lunch, you’ll be able to stroll or take the tube previous Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to get to Camden City. It’s dwelling to the well-known Camden Excessive Avenue and markets like Camden Market, Buck Avenue Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You may spend time taking within the colourful facades and searching the stalls when you’re right here. They’re excellent spots to choose up items and enjoyable finds to take dwelling as souvenirs.
You may keep in Camden till the solar goes down. The market has numerous meals stalls the place you will discover dinner, and the world has nice nightlife. It’s notably well-known for its stay music scene.
From KOKO to the Roundhouse, there’s at all times a gig on. Well-known pubs like The World’s Finish have basement bars with stay performances, too.
Alternatively, after exploring Camden you’ll be able to stroll alongside the Regent’s Canal towpath to get to King’s Cross. The realm round Granary Sq. and Coal Drops Yard is filled with retailers, eating places, bars, and cafes. It’s a superb place to get dinner.
Earlier than or after you eat, you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the world’s practice stations. King’s Cross is legendary for its gorgeous inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
When you’re right here, you’ll be able to take an image on the Platform 9 3/4 signal and decide up a memento from the Harry Potter store subsequent to it.
St Pancras Worldwide is understood for its exterior structure and enjoyable retailers and eating places. Designed by designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the vital eye-catching historic buildings in London.
Coincidentally, it was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter films. You will discover out which one in my weblog submit a couple of Harry Potter strolling tour.
If you wish to exit afterwards, there are many bars and pubs within the space. From those on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to native spots in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, you’re spoiled for selection.
Day 7 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Hackney
Spend the seventh of your 8 days in London exploring just a few extra enjoyable locations within the metropolis middle and the East Finish.
You can begin in Bloomsbury, the place you’ll have the ability to go to the British Museum (free entry) or simply wander round to soak up the world’s many leafy squares. My free self-guided Bloomsbury stroll will present you the native highlights.
Afterwards it’s a simple stroll to Clerkenwell. Right here you’ll be able to uncover London’s design district and discover locations like St John Avenue or Exmouth Market. Each are good spots to have lunch at one of many neighborhood’s beloved eating places.
St John restaurant is a favourite of mine, as is the Fox & Anchor pub, which is true across the nook by Charterhouse Sq..
You are able to do my free self-guided Clerkenwell strolling tour if you need, too. It can take you across the space and to locations like Holborn and Smithfield.
Clerkenwell is a simple stroll from Outdated Avenue, the place you’ll end up in hip Shoreditch. This space is legendary for its nightlife scene, so in the event you can time your arrival for the onset of the night, you’ll get to see the neighborhood in its factor.
You probably have time or inclination, you’ll be able to go on considered one of my free self-guided Shoreditch walks or stroll round to see the road artwork this east London neighborhood is understood for. My favourite place to see it right here is New Inn Yard.
You may have dinner in Shoreditch earlier than heading to Hackney. This is without doubt one of the coolest neighborhoods in London, and it has an excellent nightlife scene. The identical goes for close by Hackney Wick, which is without doubt one of the most hipster locations within the metropolis.
Day 8 in London: St James’s, Mayfair & Marylebone
Begin the final morning of your 8-day London itinerary in St James’s. This conventional a part of the UK capital is legendary for its royal palace, males’s retailers, luxurious inns, and members’ golf equipment.
If you arrive, you’ll be able to stroll down roads like Jermyn Avenue and Piccadilly, and store at iconic shops like Fortnum & Mason.
If you’re completed discovering St James’s, cross Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This chi chi space is dwelling to luxurious items retailers, fine-dining eating places, and the attractive curving stretch of Regent Avenue.
You may go on my free Mayfair stroll if you wish to see the highlights. It can take you round to hidden mews, fairly gardens, and exquisite aspect streets locals love.
Mayfair is a perfect place to cease for a meal or afternoon tea, too. Whether or not you eat at an off-the-cuff cafe on Heddon Avenue, dine at a tucked-away place in Shepherd Market, or go all-out on a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll be able to’t go fallacious for lunch on this space.
In the case of tea, I really like Brown’s Lodge afternoon tea and the jaw-dropping yellow room at Sketch. The previous is all British custom, whereas the latter is up to date and classy.
After lunch or tea, cross Oxford Avenue to get to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has among the finest excessive streets in London.
There are many boutiques, eating places, pubs, cafes, and retailers on Marylebone Excessive Avenue. They’re nice locations to get into London’s culinary and retail remedy scenes.
From stylish boutiques to recognizable excessive avenue names, there’s one thing for everybody right here. My favourite place to store in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s one of many high (and most spectacular) unbiased bookshops in London.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to discover the neighborhood. It can take you round to some fairly mews and native gardens.
If you’re completed in Marylebone, head over to Regent’s Park. This is without doubt one of the grandest inexperienced areas in London, and it’s a enjoyable place for a stroll. If it’s summer time, be certain to take a look at the gorgeous rose gardens.
When the day begins to fade, head again to Marylebone Excessive Avenue for dinner or go away through one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden (in the event you didn’t spend a night right here earlier than), or basic Fitzrovia.
You probably have further time in your final day in London, I like to recommend doing any last-minute procuring you didn’t have time to do or filling in any gaps in your itinerary.
Chances are high you’ll have heard about some extra locations when you’re on the town, and this can be a good alternative to go to them. Whether or not it’s a museum or a neighborhood market, there’s loads to maintain you busy earlier than your departure.
8-Day London Itinerary
I hope you’ve loved my 8-day London itinerary. That is a tremendous metropolis, and there’s a lot to do and see right here. I’ve spent years dwelling within the UK capital, and I nonetheless don’t really feel like I’ve skilled the whole lot it has to supply. Glad travels!
Discover this submit useful? Purchase me a espresso!
New right here? Be a part of hundreds of others and subscribe to the A Girl in London weblog through electronic mail.
Among the hyperlinks on this weblog submit are affiliate hyperlinks. For free of charge to you, I earn a small fee if you click on on them and make a purchase order. It doesn’t have an effect on the way in which you store, and it’s an effective way to help the A Girl in London weblog.
Pin it!