A Week in London: Dive into History and Wonder Welcome to London, an iconic city brimming with historical, architectural and cultural wonders. Have you got a week to explore this fascinating capital? Discover our exciting itinerary that will guide you through London's must-sees. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, to the lively neighborhoods of Notting Hill and Soho, to hidden gems and unique experiences like a visit to Harry Potter Studios. Immerse yourself in this unforgettable London adventure!
Table of contents
Welcome to London, the capital of history, architecture and culture. So, how do you visit this city in a week? Discover your program for your 7 days in London with a lot of free activities to do (and paid too) !
Day 1: the historic center of London
On this first day, take a stroll through the historic center, and discover the city’s landmarks.
Start with Big Ben (Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom) and get a feel for what’s in store this week. The famous seven-meter-diameter clock, featured in numerous films and cartoons, is part of the Houses of Parliament and the magnificent Palace of Westminster (Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, UK), which is just a few steps away. This palace, which is also home to Westminster Abbey (20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, UK), famous for its tombs, is the crowning place of many of the country’s kings and queens, who have left their mark on England’s history. The architecture is incredible.
Big Ben
A little further on, head for Buckingham (Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, UK), the famous royal palace. Home to London’s monarchs, in the late morning you can watch the changing of the Royal Guard, a parade as precise as a broom.
Continue your walk to Trafalgar Square (Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom), the city’s most popular square with its four large black lion statues. From here, you can visit the National Gallery (Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, U.K.), with free admission to admire works by famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and the Master Van Gogh.
Finally, at sunset or by night, visit the London Eye (Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom), London’s Ferris wheel, for a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole of London. It’s magical!
Read also Where to stay in London? My tips, neighbourhood by neighbourhood
Day 2: Iconic landmarks of London
On this second day of your visit to the capital, it’s off to London City’s iconic and emblematic landmarks! The first, and most essential, is the Nothing Hill district (Notting Hill, London W11, UK). Made famous by the film Nothing Hill, this chic neighborhood is one of London’s most beautiful. Pastel-fronted houses, flower-filled gardens, typical stores and restaurants, and of course the famous Portobello Morning Market (Portobello Road, London W11 1LJ, United Kingdom).
Then on to Hyde Park (London W2 2UH, UK), London’s largest green space. One of Europe’s most beautiful city parks, it’s a great place for locals to spend some time.
Hyde Park, London
Continue your stroll to London’s smallest, but undoubtedly liveliest district, Soho (Soho, London W1, UK). Theaters, cinemas, comedy clubs… this is the party district par excellence. It’s a must if you want to see the kind of musicals the English are famous for.
A little further on is the famous Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly Circus, London W1J 9HS, UK), famous for its giant Times Square-style advertising screens. And, of course, Covent Garden (Covent Garden, London WC2E 8RF, United Kingdom), London’s former covered market converted into a commercial and tourist attraction, has retained all its period charm thanks to its large glass roof.
The Natural History Museum (Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, United Kingdom) is another must-see in London. This Gothic building has retained all its authenticity, and is so large that it is one of the most visited museums in Europe.
Day 3: The City
This is London’s famous business district. The only place in the city where you’ll find skyscrapers or modern monuments, like the famous The Shard (32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK), not far away, which is the city’s newest building. From its observation platform, the highest in Western Europe, you can enjoy an incredible panoramic view of London.
London City Center
The area is also home to some of London’s most iconic landmarks and English history. These include St. Paul’s Cathedral (St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK), and the famous Tower of London (London EC3N 4AB, UK), once a royal residence, prison, torture chamber and execution chamber, dating back to 1066.
The iconic Tower Bridge (Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK) is a Gothic bascule bridge built in the 19th century. The bridge is raised to allow large ships to pass. A transparent glass footbridge lets you walk across the Thames. Or soak up the sun at the Sky Garden (1 Sky Garden Walk, London EC3M 8AF, UK), the city’s highest public garden.
Day 4: a little further afield
You can get away from the hustle and bustle of London with some of the city’s most interesting neighborhoods. Start with Hampstead Village (Hampstead, London NW3, UK), 20 minutes from London, where you can stroll among charming Victorian houses and flower-filled gardens.
Soothing! Then head to Camden Town (Camden Town, London NW1, UK), the trendy district par excellence, with its eccentric decor and boutiques of all kinds. It’s impossible not to find what you’re looking for. Welcome to the London City of yesteryear!
Regent’s Park (Chester Rd, London NW1 4NR, UK) is the perfect place to take a well-deserved break. This pretty, flower-filled park offers a wide range of activities, from pedal-boating on its lake to a visit to London Zoo (Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY, UK). Magnificent in spring.
Last but not least, the must-see on this fourth day is Madame Tussauds (Marylebone Rd, London NW1 5LR, UK), with its life-like wax statues of stars from all over the world.
Day 5: Greenwich
This pretty village, some ten kilometers from London, offers a peaceful change of scenery with its rich maritime heritage. You can’t pass through Greenwich without visiting the Cutty Sark (King William Walk, London SE10 9HT, UK), the last of the 19th-century clipper ships. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, she sailed the world’s famous trade routes.
Greenwich
And if you’re interested in the country’s history, there are plenty of places to learn more about it: the National Maritime Museum (Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF, UK), The Old Royal Naval College (King William Walk, London SE10 9NN, UK) and Queen’s House (Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF, UK). Mythical places to visit.
The Greenwich Astronomical Observatory (Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, UK) and the famous Greenwich meridian, which defines world time, are well worth a visit. Of course, finish off with the O2 Arena (Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX, UK), one of Europe’s largest indoor arenas, whose dome you can climb to see the capital from 52 m high. Sublime!
Staying just a weekend in London ? Read London Weekend Itinerary : My tips !
Day 6: The Warner Bros Studio Tour
Also known as the Harry Potter Museum (Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, UK), here you can experience the magic of the saga’s behind-the-scenes sets, props and costumes. It’s so realistic, you’ll think you’re at Hogwarts for a day. Whether you’re a fan of the saga or not, this place is a treasure trove that faithfully retraces the magic of the Harry Potter films.
Day 7: Shopping
Already the end of this wonderful week of visits to the capital. Of course, there’s still so much to see, but time doesn’t allow you to discover all the capital’s secrets. End your week with a shopping spree in one of the world’s greatest department stores:
- Harrods (87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom)
- Liberty (Regent St., Carnaby, London W1B 5AH, UK)
- Hamleys (188-196 Regent St, London W1B 5BT, United Kingdom)…
to name but a few. Head to Oxford Street (Oxford St, London W1C 1DE, UK), the Champs-Élysées for shopaholics!
