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London has so many things to see and do, that it might seem daunting to visit everything in just seven days. With this handy blog, we’ll help you uncover the very best things to do in London over the course of one week. If you plan well, 7 days is more than enough time to tour the major London attractions.
Day 1: Walking Tour
We recommend keeping it fairly relaxed on your first day and a walking tour is a great way to get your bearings and combat jetlag. A walking tour will also provide you with a great insight into the history behind a specific region of London. Perhaps choose a walking tour of East London focusing on the notorious killer Jack the Ripper, find out where the Royal Family do their shopping on a Royal tour or discover the best food spots in the city with a food tour. Find our full range here.
Day 2: Open Top Bus Tours
The best way to see the city in just one day is to embark upon a whirlwind open-top bus tour. Become acquainted with all that London has to offer and the general layout of the city, while seeing all the famous sights such as St Paul’s Cathedral, The London Eye, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben. Hop-on hop-off bus tours are particularly worthwhile, as you can hop off whenever you wish to explore certain attractions in greater detail.
Day 3: An in-depth Sightseeing Tour of London and Attractions
By day three, you should have gained a fairly good grasp of what London has to offer you and what you wish to do, so you can begin your sightseeing in earnest. For things like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Madame Tussauds, it’s best to buy tickets in advance. A lot of the most striking London attractions are concentrated in the borough of Westminster, so this is a great place to begin. If you’re feeling hungry, why not tantalise your taste buds with an evening meal in Soho? The area is vibrant and filled with life and history, as well as restaurants. You will not fail to be entranced by its charms.
Day 4: Galleries Galore
Some galleries well worth exploring are the renowned Royal Academy of Arts on Piccadilly and the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Tate Modern on Southbank is ideal if you have a penchant for contemporary art, whilst Tate Britain is home to artworks ranging from 1500 to the present day.
Following an exhaustive day of culture, you should treat yourself to a West End show. Theatreland offers an unbelievable selection of world-class musicals, serious plays and hilarious comedies. It would be criminal to miss these when visiting London.
Day 5: Museums
Three museums that are within walking distance of each other: the V&A, Science Museum and Natural History Museum. And they will not fail to fascinate you, each in their own remarkable way. Be astounded by the dinosaur skeletons on display in the Natural History Museum, immerse yourself in the world’s greatest art and design museum, the V&A, and enjoy the interactive exhibits at the Science Museum. As with galleries, entry to these museums is completely free.
Day 6: Take a day trip from London
It would be a missed opportunity to visit London and not see any of the other amazing areas of the UK. Coach tours operate from London to wonderful places like the mysterious Stonehenge, Windsor, historical Oxford, Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, and many more. Package tours such as Stonehenge, Bath and Windsor, allow you to cover more than one location in a single day. With so many places of incredible natural beauty, breathtaking architecture and historical significance, take at least one day to explore what the rest of the UK has to offer.
Day 7: Explore a London Market
London’s Oxford Street is a world-renowned shopping destination, but London is also filled with outstanding markets, perfect for the ardent shopper looking for something artisan or unique. You can decide for yourself which you would like to visit, but we particularly recommend Spitalfields (ideal for independent designers), Camden (alternative music and vintage clothing), Portobello (for antiques) and Borough Market (for the best artisan and premium UK food).
A charming Thames river cruise is an extraordinary way of seeing the city one last time on your final evening. Revel in unforgettable views of London as you drift past the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
Have you planned for your trip to London?
Images from d26b73, Luc Mercells via Flickr and Angela Logan via GT Instagram.
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