Immediately I wish to convey you my 8-day London itinerary. Per week and a day is a perfect period of time to see the perfect 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 the perfect of the town, and expertise locations locals love.
8-Day London Itinerary
One of the crucial thrilling issues about being a journey blogger helps individuals plan journeys. Whether or not it’s by means of my weblog posts or my journey planning companies, I all the time love serving to others take pleasure in a fuller expertise in London or overseas.
Individuals typically ask me the best way to spend 8 days in London, so I wish to share the official A Girl in London itinerary for per week and a day within the UK capital with you right this moment.
When you’re a daily reader, you’ll know I’ve shared many London itineraries on the weblog up to now. I hope you’ll take pleasure in this one as a lot as you’ve favored the others.
You can even check out my 1-day, 36-hour, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, 1 week, and 10-day itinerary for extra concepts.
The advantage of visiting London is that there’s no proper or incorrect approach to spend your time within the metropolis. There’s a lot to do and see right here that you could possibly spend a lifetime exploring. There’s one thing for each style and curiosity, too.
My 8-day London itinerary incorporates 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 means by means of Borough Market, or delve into the town’s Harry Potter websites, there’s one thing for everybody.
You possibly can tailor the itinerary to match your private pursuits and elegance. Higher but, you need to use my London journey information to seek out issues to do to your particular passions and fill in any gaps.
If you’d like further inspiration, there’s much more concerning the metropolis in Secret London – An Uncommon Information. When you’re within the UK, you’ll be able to get it right here. When you’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 ebook your self a keep at a resort or in an condominium, the town has an abundance of locations to select from.
Given the large measurement of London, I like to recommend basing your self in or close to the town middle. You possibly can see my weblog posts concerning the finest space to remain in London and the finest motels to your model to get concepts and suggestions.
When you’re searching for one thing enjoyable and weird, my guides to quirky motels in London and themed London motels have recommendations, too.
If you wish to do a search, you’ll be able to discover offers and ebook lodging in London right here. With so many choices, you’re certain to discover a place that matches your journey model and funds.
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
When you’ve arrived and settled into your resort or condominium, there’s no higher place to begin a visit to the UK capital than Buckingham Palace.
You possibly can time your go to so that you’ll get to observe the well-known Altering the Guard ceremony (it takes place a number of days per week), or simply admire the monarch’s London residence from the large gates.
When you’re on the town throughout the palace’s seasonal opening, you can even take a tour of Buckingham Palace. It’s a enjoyable approach to see the state rooms and gardens. You possibly can ebook tickets right here (you’ll must ebook nicely upfront).
From Buckingham Palace you’ll be able to stroll by means of St James’s Park to get to Horse Guards Parade and Westminster. The latter is dwelling to among 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. If in case you have time, you’ll be able to tour the abbey and parliament. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
If you wish to see extra of the realm past the large points of interest, you can even do my free self-guided Westminster stroll. It’ll lead you to among the facet streets and hidden locations locals love within the space.
When night comes, I like to recommend having an informal dinner close to the place you’re staying. When you’re a bit jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up actually early to journey, you’re most likely going to be exhausted.
You possibly can see my suggestions for eating places in London if you happen to need assistance discovering a spot to eat. My interactive London neighborhoods map may also present you my space guides, which have restaurant suggestions.
When you’re working on adrenaline or you could have vitality left, I like to recommend taking an open-top bus tour to get an outline of the town. It’s a simple approach to get a really feel for what London has to supply at the beginning of your journey. You possibly can ebook 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 ebook 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 all the time pop-ups, road performers, meals distributors, and different forms of leisure occurring right here. You possibly can even take a river cruise from Westminster Pier if you wish to see the town from the Thames. You possibly can ebook tickets right here.
As you’re employed your means from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll go by Tate Fashionable and Borough Market, two extra of essentially 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 if you happen to’re not into artwork, there are sweeping views from the highest of the Blavatnik Constructing.
Not distant, 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. When you stroll on the east facet, 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 all the time 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 the perfect of the realm.
If not, stroll or take the tube to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. You possibly can tour the tower and the bridge if you wish to, or simply admire them from the Thames. You possibly can ebook Tower of London tickets right here.
If in case you 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 awesome riverside pub right here, too.
For dinner, I like to recommend strolling throughout Tower Bridge and heading to Bermondsey Road. 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 road in Spitalfields has a number of 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 every thing from the outlets to the mews streets to your liking.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be capable to expertise the well-known Portobello Street 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 Street and take a look at the market stalls and outlets which are open while you go to. There’s some type of market right here virtually every single day of the week.
Past the stalls and distributors, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is the right approach to get an outline of the neighborhood. It’ll present you every thing 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 lots 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 means of Mayfair to get to the West Finish’s Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re among the most enjoyable locations in central London within the evenings.
There’s no scarcity of tempting choices for food and drinks round right here, and Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Sq., the Covent Backyard Piazza, and Leicester Sq. are all the time enjoyable locations to go in London at evening.
You possibly can have dinner within the West Finish earlier than going to a present. Whether or not you eat at a standard restaurant like Guidelines or at one of many many new ones opening on a regular basis, you’ll be able to’t go incorrect on this a part of London.
There are all the time 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 could 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 Road in Kingly Court docket. It’s one in every 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 filled with cute cafes and candy boutiques, notably these on and round Elizabeth Road.
You possibly can go on my free self-guided Belgravia strolling tour to see the perfect of the neighborhood, or simply stroll across the squares and mews. Highlights embrace Pimlico Street, Motcomb Road, and Belgrave Sq..
From Belgravia, make your approach to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Street in Chelsea. That is the right 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 lots to do right here. The King’s Street is without doubt one of the finest buying streets in London, and it’s an awesome 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 facet streets and riverfront space on this a part of west London. You possibly can even pop throughout the Thames to take a look at the outlets 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 approach 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 Street. All of them supply free entry, so you’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little time seeing their collections and exhibitions as you’d prefer to.
Whether or not you go to the outlets 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 realm has nice environment.
If you wish to proceed your day in model, there’s enjoyable nightlife round Walton Road and the King’s Street. From bars to pubs and golf equipment, you could have lots 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 lots to maintain you busy within the metropolis, there are lots of superb locations to find round it.
When you love the English countryside, my high decide is a day journey to the Cotswolds. You possibly can journey independently with or with out a automobile, or take a day tour. You possibly can ebook 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, Bathtub, 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 occasions.
When you’re a fan of castles, you’ll be able to take a day journey to Windsor Fort, Hever Fort, Scotney Fort, Leeds Fort, Warwick Fort, Sissinghurst Fort, or any variety of different historic fortresses close to London.
When you 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 outlets 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.
When you’re searching for the perfect journeys to take at a selected time of 12 months, my seasonal guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London may help.
Whenever 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 among the finest views of the UK capital, and taking them in from a desk by a window is a enjoyable approach 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 one in every of my favourite locations within the metropolis, largely owing to the truth that it appears like a captivating nation village.
With fairly streets, nice pubs, and one of many metropolis’s largest parks, it’s the right place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return any likelihood I get.
You possibly can stroll round this London village by yourself, or go on my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or one in every of my Hampstead Heath walks to see better of the realm.
Whenever you get hungry, you’ll be able to have lunch at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Road. My favorites are the Holly Bush, Jin Kichi, and Villa Bianca. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the traces 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 Road and markets like Camden Market, Buck Road Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You possibly can spend time taking within the colourful facades and looking the stalls when you’re right here. They’re superb spots to select up items and enjoyable finds to take dwelling as souvenirs.
You possibly can keep in Camden till the solar goes down. The market has a number of meals stalls the place you will discover dinner, and the realm has nice nightlife. It’s notably well-known for its stay music scene.
From KOKO to the Roundhouse, there’s all the time 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 world round Granary Sq. and Coal Drops Yard is full of outlets, eating places, bars, and cafes. It’s place to get dinner.
Earlier than or after you eat, you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the realm’s practice stations. King’s Cross is legendary for its beautiful 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 outlets and eating places. Designed by designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the eye-catching historic buildings in London.
Coincidentally, it was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter films. Yow will discover out which one in my weblog publish 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 alternative.
Day 7 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Hackney
Spend the seventh of your 8 days in London exploring a couple of extra enjoyable locations within the metropolis middle and the East Finish.
You can begin in Bloomsbury, the place you’ll be capable to go to the British Museum (free entry) or simply wander round to soak up the realm’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 Road 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 correct across the nook by Charterhouse Sq..
You are able to do my free self-guided Clerkenwell strolling tour if you need, too. It’ll take you across the space and to locations like Holborn and Smithfield.
Clerkenwell is a simple stroll from Previous Road, the place you’ll end up in hip Shoreditch. This space is legendary for its nightlife scene, so if you happen to can time your arrival for the onset of the night, you’ll get to see the neighborhood in its factor.
If in case you have time or inclination, you’ll be able to go on one in every 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 possibly can have dinner in Shoreditch earlier than heading to Hackney. This is without doubt one of the coolest neighborhoods in London, and it has an awesome 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 outlets, luxurious motels, and members’ golf equipment.
Whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to stroll down roads like Jermyn Road and Piccadilly, and store at iconic shops like Fortnum & Mason.
Whenever you’re completed discovering St James’s, cross Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This chi chi space is dwelling to luxurious items outlets, fine-dining eating places, and the attractive curving stretch of Regent Road.
You possibly can go on my free Mayfair stroll if you wish to see the highlights. It’ll take you round to hidden mews, fairly gardens, and exquisite facet streets locals love.
Mayfair is a perfect place to cease for a meal or afternoon tea, too. Whether or not you eat at an informal cafe on Heddon Road, 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 incorrect for lunch on this space.
With regards to tea, I like Brown’s Lodge afternoon tea and the jaw-dropping yellow room at Sketch. The previous is all British custom, whereas the latter is modern and classy.
After lunch or tea, cross Oxford Road to get to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has probably the greatest excessive streets in London.
There are many boutiques, eating places, pubs, cafes, and outlets on Marylebone Excessive Road. They’re nice locations to get into London’s culinary and retail remedy scenes.
From stylish boutiques to recognizable excessive road 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) impartial 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’ll take you round to some fairly mews and native gardens.
Whenever 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 season, be certain that to take a look at the beautiful rose gardens.
When the day begins to fade, head again to Marylebone Excessive Road for dinner or depart by way of one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden (if you happen to didn’t spend a night right here earlier than), or basic Fitzrovia.
If in case you have further time in your final day in London, I like to recommend doing any last-minute buying you didn’t have time to do or filling in any gaps in your itinerary.
Likelihood is you’ll have heard about some further 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 lots to maintain you busy earlier than your departure.
8-Day London Itinerary
I hope you’ve loved my 8-day London itinerary. That is an incredible metropolis, and there’s a lot to do and see right here. I’ve spent years residing within the UK capital, and I nonetheless don’t really feel like I’ve skilled every thing it has to supply. Comfortable travels!
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