London Itinerary: How we spent 7 days on our first visit!

Planning our first trip to London felt a little overwhelming at first. There’s just so much history, culture, and sightseeing packed into this city. With only one week in London, I wanted to balance iconic landmarks with a few unique experiences, while also keeping things fun and manageable for our family.

At first, 7 days might sound like a lot for just one place, but since it was our first visit to London, I didn’t want to rush. A week turned out to be the perfect amount of time. We got to experience the city at a comfortable pace and even fit in a couple of day trips to see more of England.

In the end, our 7-day itinerary worked out perfectly. We covered the must-see attractions like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, enjoyed a day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath, and even made time for the Harry Potter Studio Tour and three West End shows.

At the same time, we left space for relaxed moments, shopping, strolling through Covent Garden, or sitting down for a leisurely meal.

If you’re wondering how to spend 7 days in London, this itinerary shares exactly what we did on our first visit, with tips from our experience to help you plan your own trip.

Overview of our one week in London

Here’s a quick look at our London itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival, Covent Garden – Checked into our vacation rental and had dinner at Dishoom, followed by a short evening stroll.
• Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & Thames Cruise – Explored the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, cruised the River Thames, and ended the day with a West End show. The London Eye ride can be added here.
• Day 3: Day tour to Windsor, Stonehenge & Bath – Took a full-day guided tour to see three iconic sites outside of London.
• Day 4: Harry Potter Studio Tour – Spent the day exploring the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, a must for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
• Day 5: London’s Historic Sites – Saw Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Buckingham Palace, and Trafalgar Square on a walking tour.
• Day 6: Museums or Shopping – Gave the kids the choice of museums or shopping; they picked shopping on Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Ended the day with Wicked in the West End.
• Day 7: Covent Garden & Departure – Enjoyed brunch at Ave Mario in Covent Garden before heading to the airport.

You can switch the days around, depending on when you get reservations for certain attractions and day tours. But I have grouped day-wise sightseeing activities that are near each other, so that you can make the most of your time each day.

Day 1: Arrival, Check-in, Covent Garden, Dinner at Dishoom

We visited London as part of our 10-day trip to London and Paris. We started in Paris, and here’s how we spent 4 days in Paris, if you want to check it out. We took the Eurostar high-speed train from Paris to London, which took around two hours. We arrived in the evening, so there wasn’t much time to explore on Day 1.

We checked into our vacation rental, which was in a great location right across from Covent Garden Underground station. I wanted two rooms and two bathrooms, as with older teens, sharing a room and bathroom can easily turn into a war zone as they take so much time to get ready 🙂

➡️ There are several nice vacation rentals in the Covent Garden area. Make sure to check reviews and establish contact with the host before booking.

After settling in, we headed straight to Dishoom, one of London’s most popular Indian restaurants. The hype was real, there was a huge line outside, and we waited about 45 minutes for a table. The line moved quickly, and they served hot chai while we waited. The food was good, though not extraordinary, as we’ve had our fair share of delicious Indian meals over the years.

After dinner, we took a stroll around Covent Garden, a lively area known for its street performers, boutique shops, and bustling market squares. The atmosphere was energetic and fun, making it a nice spot to wander on our first evening in London.

By the time we returned to our rental, we were tired from traveling and turned in early, ready for a busy Day 2. We had already overcome our jet lag in Paris, so we were acquainted with the London time zone. If London is your first destination, you might want to keep the first day light to account for jet lag.

Tip: If you have more time on your arrival day and want to explore beyond your hotel area, I recommend taking the hop-on hop-off bus tour. You can get off at attractions or simply sit on the top deck (weather permitting) and enjoy a quick glimpse of all the sights, a fun and relaxing way to get oriented in the city.

➡️ I recommend this Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, River Cruise, West End Theatre

Day 2 was a packed one, as we were excited to explore as much as possible at the start of our trip.

After breakfast, we headed to the Tower of London, one of the city’s most historic landmarks, then walked across the nearby Tower Bridge.

In the afternoon, we enjoyed a Thames River sightseeing cruise from Tower Bridge to Westminster, which gave us a completely different perspective of the city.

The day ended with a West End musical, a perfect way to soak up the energy of London in the evening.

We used the Underground, London’s train system, to get around. We would enter our destination on the TFL Go app, which gave us the exact train route. Super easy to use.

We were so impressed with the train system in London. The trains ran like clockwork, and we never had to wait more than five minutes. Just be prepared for a fair bit of walking, and plenty of escalators and stairs at most stations. We also had to change 2-3 trains to reach anywhere, but it really wasn’t a big deal.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the city’s most iconic historic sites, known for its rich history as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. We booked our 9 AM tickets about a month ahead on the official website, which I definitely recommend to avoid long lines.

We took the Underground and arrived around 8:45 AM. The nearest Underground station is Tower Hill. Make sure you have your tickets downloaded on your phone or printed out before you go, as they check at the entrance.

Once inside, we headed straight to the Crown Jewels at the back. The line was short, but the display area was still crowded. Seeing the jewels up close was impressive, especially the Kohinoor diamond, which originally came from India. Photography was not allowed inside the Crown Jewels for security reasons, so I did not take any pictures.

Afterward, we joined the free Beefeater tour, led by one of the famous Yeoman Warders who have served as ceremonial guardians for centuries. Our guide had a great sense of humor and shared plenty of interesting history, though keep in mind the tour doesn’t enter any buildings, and it’s a large group of around 50 people.

Then we explored the White Tower on our own. The White Tower is the central keep and the oldest part of the complex, with exhibits showing medieval armor and weaponry.

There was a beautiful special display of red poppies around the White Tower, in remembrance of those who died in World War II.

We spent some time walking around the grounds and stopped by the gift shop before heading out. We were there for around 3 hours and were out around noon.

If you want a break or some food, there’s a café on-site, but we had planned lunch at Zizi’s, a family-friendly Italian restaurant by the water at St Katharine Docks. It was a perfect spot with plenty of options to satisfy everyone.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks, known for its twin towers, impressive Victorian engineering, and the bascule mechanism that allows it to open for river traffic.

It’s often confused with London Bridge, which is nearby but much simpler in design. Tower Bridge is the one with the towers and walkways that make it instantly recognizable.

After lunch, we walked over to the bridge. It’s right next to the Tower of London and St Katharine Docks, making it an easy stroll. The bridge is magnificent, and the blue trim adds a nice pop of color and makes for some great pictures.

We walked the length of the bridge, stopping for photos along the way. You can take a tour of Tower Bridge, and there’s even a glass walkway at the top, which would be really cool, though we didn’t have time for it.

On the far side of the bridge, we walked over to Butler’s Wharf Pier, where we were going to board our Thames river sightseeing cruise.

If you’re interested in exploring more nearby, Borough Market is about a 15-minute walk from Tower Bridge. It’s famous for its fresh produce, street food, and artisanal goods, making it a must-visit for food lovers. We had a West End show in the evening, so we didn’t get a chance to visit.

Thames River Cruise

After walking across Tower Bridge, we headed to Butler’s Wharf Pier for a one-way Thames River sightseeing cruise to Westminster. There are plenty of river cruise options and combos you can pick from.

Our 30-minute cruise was a great way to see London from a different perspective. We passed many famous landmarks along the river, including HMS Belfast, London Bridge, Tate Modern, The Shard, the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and several other bridges and buildings.

The weather was perfect, so we sat on the upper deck and enjoyed unobstructed views of the city while learning a bit about its history from the guide on board. There’s also a fully licensed bar on board if you want a drink or snack while cruising.

We disembarked at Westminster and took a little time to walk around the Parliament Square area before heading to our evening West End show. We planned to come back to this area on Day 5 for a more in-depth guided walking tour.

Evening West End Show

London’s West End is famous for its lively theatre scene, often compared to Broadway in New York. The area is packed with theatres showing a mix of classic plays, musicals, and new productions. We chose to get our tickets from the official London Theatre website a few months in advance to secure good seats.

On this trip, we saw three shows, Hadestown, Hamilton, and Wicked, which my older teen had picked as she was especially excited about watching theatre shows in London. Some other popular options include The Lion King, Matilda, and Mamma Mia, but really, there are endless options.

Walking through the theatre district, around Leicester Square and the surrounding streets, on the way to the Lyric Theatre was a fun experience. The buzz of the lights, crowds, and billboards gives it such an energetic vibe. The show itself was a musical with a captivating story and an impressive performance by the cast that kept us thoroughly engaged.

We had already had an early dinner before the show at Seven Dials Market, a modern food court with live music. Afterward, we grabbed some ice cream on the way back to our room. I was surprised by how many ice cream parlors there are in London; it felt like there was one on nearly every corner!

By the end of the day, we had already seen some of London’s most iconic sights and got a great sense of the city from the river and on foot. It was a full, exciting day, and we were ready to rest up for Day 3, when we’d head out on a full-day tour to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath.

Day 3: Day tour to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath

Day 3 was a full-day tour as we were excited to explore as much as possible outside London. We booked this day tour covering Windsor, Stonehenge, and Bath, which was a great way to see these iconic spots in a single day without worrying about transport or entry logistics.

➡️ Read more about our day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor, and Bath here.

The tour started promptly at 8 AM from Victoria Coach Station, and we took the Underground to get there. Our guide took care of all entry tickets at each location and gave us return times to the bus, which made the day very smooth. Keep in mind that the time at each stop is limited, so you’ll need to move efficiently to see the highlights.

Windsor Castle

Our first stop was Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world, and an official residence of the British Monarch. Because there was a long line at the entrance, we only had about an hour at Windsor, and it was a little rushed.

We quickly managed to see the State apartments and St George’s Chapel and take some photos. We saw a glimpse of Windsor town while walking from the tour bus parking to the castle, but there wasn’t enough time to explore the town.

Stonehenge

Next, we went to Stonehenge, the popular prehistoric stone circle. Visitors aren’t allowed to touch the stones or go close to them; you can only walk along the roped walkway that circles them. The stones are massive, and it’s incredible to see them and think about how they were built thousands of years ago.

Our guide shared interesting facts about its history and theories about how it was built. There’s a visitor center with exhibitions and a café if you want a break.

Bath

Our final stop was Bath, a charming Georgian city famous for its Roman baths and historic architecture.

We started at the Roman Baths museum, explored the Bath Abbey, and then walked around the town, taking in the sights and admiring the Pulteney Bridge. Bath is very walkable, and even with limited time, it’s easy to enjoy the main highlights. The town itself is lively with shops, restaurants and cafes.

We returned to London around 7 PM. It was a long, packed day with a lot of bus travel, but seeing all three destinations in one day was worth it. The tour was well-organized, and having a guide who handled tickets and timing at each stop made it very stress-free.

Tip: Bring snacks, water, and comfortable shoes. Following the guide’s instructions at each stop helps you make the most of your time, especially at popular attractions like Windsor and Stonehenge, where lines can get long.

➡️ Here is the tour we booked – Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Day 4: Harry Potter Studio tour, West End Show

We dedicated Day 4 to the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour, which is one of the most popular things to do near London. Tickets sell out weeks in advance, so we booked directly on the official site and visited on our own.

Getting there by train involves several train transfers. We first took a few Underground trains to reach Euston station, and then the National Rail train to Watford Junction. Finally, from Watford, we took the studio shuttle to reach the Warner Bros Studio. We started about 90 minutes before our scheduled tour time to account for train transfers and the shuttle.

If your dates are sold out on the official site or you prefer a tour with transportation, I recommend this tour, which includes tickets and round-trip transport from central London.

➡️ I recommend this Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London

Once inside, the studio tour is self-guided with a clear route and plenty of staff to help. Even though I did not grow up reading the books, we have watched all the movies as a family, and the level of detail kept everyone interested, from sets, props, and costumes to lots of behind-the-scenes displays.

Highlights from our visit

Great Hall – The tour starts at the Great Hall, the iconic dining hall of Hogwarts. Inside, we saw original costumes and props, with the ceiling decorated with floating candles and the tables decorated like in the movies.

Sets and Props – We wandered through detailed sets like the Potions classroom, Dumbledore’s office, Hagrid’s Hut, the Gryffindor common room, and more.

Forbidden Forest – This section added a darker, moody feel to the experience, with dim lighting, animatronic spiders, a large hippogriff, and special effects.

Hogwarts Express and Platform 9 ¾ – This was a fun section with a full-sized train platform and Hogwarts train model. The popular photo op with the luggage trolley at the entrance to Platform 9 ¾ was cool.

Diagon Alley and Gringotts Bank – We walked through the cobbled street past familiar shopfronts like Ollivanders and Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes, and ended at Gringotts Bank, which was a very detailed set. The special effects show with the dragon blowing up the bank was really well done.

Backlot – Around midway through the tour, the Backlot has a cafe with good food options, and we ate lunch here. There are some photo ops here with the Knight bus and the Hogwarts Bridge model.

Hogwarts Castle Model – The massive model of Hogwarts was incredibly detailed, with a walkway built around it to admire it from all angles.

Gift Shop – This was the largest Harry Potter merchandise gift shop I have seen, and you are sure to find whatever you are looking to buy!

➡️ Check out more details about my visit to the Harry Potter Studio Tour here.

Tips from our experience

Evening activity

In the evening, we went to see the West End show, Hamilton, at the Victoria Palace Theatre. We had booked tickets a few months in advance to get good seats. The show lived up to the hype; the music, acting, and energy were incredible. Even if you’re already familiar with the soundtrack, seeing it live adds a whole new level.

If you are not planning to see another show, here are some ideas for spending the evening in London:

Day 5: London historic sites and walking tour

We started the morning with a 2-hour city walking tour to cover some of the city’s most historic landmarks. This was a great way to learn more about the history and see several major sights in one go. We did this paid walking tour with London Walks.

Taking a walking tour is really one of the best ways to explore a new city! There is so much more we get to see and learn from a local expert! Our guide also gave helpful tips on the best viewing spots for the Changing of the Guards and the Changing of the Horse Guards.

The tour ended at Trafalgar Square, after which we went back to explore some of the landmarks on our own. Below are the historic places we explored on this day in the order we saw them on our walking tour.

Big Ben

Big Ben is probably London’s most famous landmark, though technically the name refers to the giant bell inside the clock tower. The official name of the tower is the Elizabeth Tower, part of the Palace of Westminster.

We got some great pictures with Big Ben in the backdrop from Parliament Square Garden. If you are interested in going up the Big Ben, there are guided tours that you can book on the official UK Parliament website. Keep in mind that there are 300+ steps inside.

Palace of Westminster

Next to Big Ben is the Palace of Westminster, home to the UK Parliament (the House of Commons and House of Lords). The Gothic architecture is stunning when viewed from the street or across the river.

If you’d like to go inside, you can book guided tours of Parliament through the official UK Parliament website. Tickets are popular, so it’s best to reserve in advance.

Parliament Square Garden

Across from the Palace of Westminster is Parliament Square Garden, a small but historic green space surrounded by some of London’s most important buildings. It’s also known for its statues of world leaders, including Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, and Mahatma Gandhi.

The square often has demonstrations or gatherings, but it’s also just a good spot to pause and take in the views of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. This was the starting point of our city walking tour.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important churches in the country. This is where several royal coronations, weddings, and funerals have taken place.

You can tour the inside, which includes the Coronation Chair and Poets’ Corner. Tickets can be purchased directly on the Westminster Abbey website, and I recommend booking in advance.

St James’s Park

We walked through St James’s Park to go from the Westminster area to Buckingham Palace. It is the oldest of London’s royal parks and a lovely green space with a blue bridge, a small lake, and plenty of swans and ducks.

There is a nice walking path around the lake, which would be pleasant to explore if we had the time.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the monarch and one of the most famous palace buildings in the UK. You can see the palace façade, the balcony where the royal family appears for special occasions, and the Victoria Memorial in front.

During the summer months, Buckingham Palace also opens some of its State Rooms to visitors. Tickets for these tours can be booked directly through the Royal Collection Trust website. Unfortunately, the tours were not running in early June during our visit, so we had to see the palace from behind the gates.

Changing of the Guards

We also watched the Changing of the Guards ceremony, a traditional display of the King’s Guard handing over duties. Our walking tour guide shared the best spots to stand, which made a huge difference, as it was very crowded.

We were at the Victoria Memorial in front of the palace gates to watch the parade, and we thought it was one of the best places to see the ceremony if you can get there on time. The schedule changes seasonally, so it’s best to check the official Household Division website for current times before planning your visit.

St James’s Palace

Nearby is St James’s Palace, one of the oldest royal palaces in London. It’s still used for official functions, though it’s not open to the public. Our guide took us on Marlborough Road outside St James Palace, where we saw another guard procession.

Changing of the Horse Guards

Finally, we went to Whitehall, where we also saw the Changing of the Horse Guards, a mounted ceremony that’s less crowded than the one at Buckingham Palace but just as ceremonial.

Trafalgar Square

The walking tour ended at Trafalgar Square, a lively gathering place surrounded by statues, fountains, and Nelson’s Column. It’s also right next to the National Gallery, which has free admission and makes a great stop if you have extra time.

Optional Evening activity

In the evening, you can either relax at a restaurant or pub after all the walking or ride the London Eye. Enjoy panoramic views of the city, stunning around sunset or after dark. Get your London Eye tickets here.

You can also take an evening river cruise. Some Thames river cruises offer sunset or after-dark sailings with city lights. Check this London Dinner Cruise on the River Thames.

➡️ I recommend this combo ticket of London Eye River Cruise and Standard London Eye Ticket

Day 6: Museum, Shopping

This was our last full day in London, and we wanted to keep it relaxed and let the kids drive it. I gave them the option to visit a museum or go shopping during the day. Not surprisingly, my teen girls chose shopping. You can also visit a museum in the morning and shop in the evening.

In the evening, we went to our third and final theatre show of this trip, Wicked at Apollo Victoria Theatre. It was truly spectacular, and the girls were super into it because of the movie.

Museums

London is home to some of the best museums in the world, and many are free to enter, but some require advance reservations, so check their website before you go. If you have the time, I recommend making room for at least one.

Here are top five picks based on my research before our trip:

• The British Museum – Famous for its vast collection of world treasures, including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies.
• The National Gallery – An impressive art collection with works by Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Monet, located right in Trafalgar Square.
• The Natural History Museum – A family favorite with dinosaur skeletons, interactive exhibits, and stunning architecture.
• The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) – Focused on art, design, and fashion, this museum is both beautiful and diverse in its collections.
• The Science Museum – Interactive exhibits and hands-on galleries make this one especially fun for families.

Shopping

London is also a world-class shopping destination, though I found it on the expensive side. I usually don’t shop much on our trips except for a few unique souvenirs to remember the destination. But with teens in tow, we made a day of it.

We started with a stroll down Oxford Street, one of London’s busiest shopping streets, and stopped at the Marks and Spencer flagship store.

We didn’t go into Harrods or Hamleys as my kids only wanted to visit stores where they could shop. Still, both are worth mentioning. Harrods is known for its luxury shopping experience and elaborate interiors, while Hamleys is one of the largest and most famous toy stores in the world.

I wish we had time to do an afternoon tea at Harrods or one of the other museums, but we had another theatre show in the evening. Also, no one in our family was interested, so we didn’t try it.

My teens had heard about Carnaby Street in Soho, so that was our next stop. It’s a fun, colorful pedestrian street filled with trendy shops. They spent some time shopping here and had fun taking photos as well. I also ducked into Liberty London, a historic department store known for its Tudor-style exterior and luxury goods. It was a beautiful store to browse, but it’s definitely quite pricey.

We ate at a cute little food court, Kingly Court, and later we treated ourselves to Venchi ice cream, a perfect way to end the shopping spree.

Day 6 was relaxed compared to the earlier days of our trip, which were heavy on sightseeing, and it was nice to let the kids set the pace. Between browsing stores, checking out colorful Carnaby Street, and enjoying another incredible West End show, Wicked, it was the perfect way to spend our last full day in London.

Day 7: Covent Garden, Departure

Since we had an early evening flight, we only had a few hours in the morning to enjoy before heading to the airport. London traffic can be crazy, so we had planned to start 4 hours before our flight to arrive on time. Because we were staying in Covent Garden, we decided to keep it simple and explore the area around us.

Covent Garden is one of London’s most lively neighborhoods, full of restaurants, shops, and street performers. The central piazza has an indoor market space with boutique stalls and luxury stores, while the surrounding streets are lively with cafes and small shops. It’s a great place to wander without an agenda.

For brunch, we went to Ave Mario, a lovely Italian restaurant with nice décor and delicious food. The highlight was their lemon pie! I’ve never seen a meringue layer that tall before, and it tasted just as good as it looked.

After brunch, we strolled a bit more through Covent Garden, soaking in the atmosphere, before heading back to our rental to collect our bags and make our way to the airport.

If you have a few hours before departure and want to explore a bit more, here are some easy options that don’t take up the whole day:

• Stroll through Hyde Park – One of London’s most famous green spaces, perfect for a relaxed walk before your flight.
• Visit Borough Market – If you’re a foodie, this market is full of stalls selling gourmet food, produce, and snacks (closed Sundays).
• Walk along the South Bank – A lively riverside area with views of the London Eye, Tower Bridge in the distance, and plenty of cafes.

Where to Stay in London

From my trip research, the best areas for first-time visitors to stay are Covent Garden and Westminster/St James’s. Both are central, safe, and close to the main attractions. Covent Garden is lively with restaurants, shops, and theaters, while Westminster is right by Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.

No matter where you stay, make sure you’re near an Underground train station as it makes getting around the city so much easier.

We stayed in Covent Garden in a vacation rental right across from the Covent Garden Underground station. Choosing a rental gave us more space with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen, which worked well for our family.

➡️ There are several nice vacation rentals in the Covent Garden area. Make sure to check reviews and establish contact with the host before booking.

During my accommodation research, I had a few other options shortlisted that I would have happily stayed in:

St. Ermin’s Hotel (luxury) – A beautiful 4-star property near St James’s Park and Westminster, with elegant interiors, and easy walking access to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and Big Ben. It was above our budget for this trip, but it’s one I’d love to stay at in the future.

Premier Inn London County Hall (mid-range) – A fantastic location right next to the London Eye and across the river from Big Ben. The hotel is in a historic building, with comfortable rooms at a good value for the location. Waterloo Station is also nearby, making it easy to get around.

Premier Inn London Blackfriars (mid-range) – Located close to the City of London and the South Bank, this is a solid family-friendly option. Rooms are simple but clean, breakfast is often included, and Premier Inns are reliable if you’re planning to spend most of your time sightseeing.

Travel Tips from our experience

Final Takeaways: One week in London itinerary

Looking back, I’m so glad we gave ourselves a full week in London for our first visit. It gave us time to see the top sights, enjoy West End shows, and take a day trip without feeling rushed.

London can feel overwhelming with so much to see and do, but breaking it down into a day-wise itinerary made it manageable and enjoyable. My biggest tips would be to book attraction tickets early, stay central and near a Tube station, and give yourself some flexibility for relaxed moments, like strolling through Covent Garden or enjoying ice cream after a show.

For us, it was the perfect balance of sightseeing, history, and fun. I hope this itinerary, based on our own experience, helps you plan your trip to London and makes your visit to this incredible city just as memorable.

More of my UK and Europe Travels

Check out my travels to other UK and European destinations below:

Our day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor, Bath from London: Tour Review

Visiting Harry Potter Studio Tour from London (Our Experience + Tips)

4 Day Paris Itinerary for First-Timers (From Our Own Experience)

Our memorable 4 Days in Switzerland Itinerary