Right this moment I need to share my London itinerary for 9 days with you. This can be a nice period of time to see the highlights of the UK capital and discover a couple of locations additional afield. No matter you’re keen on or captivated with, you’ll discover no scarcity of how to fill your time in London and expertise all the things from the large sights to the locations locals love spending time in.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
One in every of my favourite issues about being an expert journey blogger helps individuals plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s via my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, it brings me pleasure to know my readers and followers could have a richer expertise in London or overseas.
Lots of people ask me “is 9 days in London sufficient?”, and the reply is sure. Right this moment I need to share the official A Woman in London itinerary for 1 week and a couple of days within the UK capital.
I’ve shared a number of London itineraries earlier than, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the others. You’ll be able to check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, 1 week, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for extra inspiration.
There’s no proper or incorrect approach to spend your time within the metropolis. My journey itinerary has a mixture of the foremost London landmarks and the spots locals frequent.
You’ll be able to tailor the itinerary to suit your private model, however I hope it provides you a very good overview of what the UK capital has to supply guests. You need to use my London journey information to fill in any gaps and discover issues to your particular pursuits as nicely.
You’ll be able to see extra itineraries and discover additional particulars in Frommer’s London Day-by-Day. You’ll be able to get it on Amazon right here. It has detailed every day guides and many images. It’s sufficiently small to slot in your pocket, too.
The place to Keep in London
Should you want a spot to remain when you’re on the town, there are many choices for lodging in London. Whether or not you need to base your self in a resort or condo, town has an abundance of locations on supply.
Given town is gigantic, I like to recommend selecting a location in or close to Zone 1. You’ll be able to see my weblog posts in regards to the finest space to remain in London, the finest motels to your model, and quirky motels for concepts. I’ve even written about pubs with rooms.
It’s also possible to discover offers and ebook lodging in London right here. With so many decisions, you’re certain to discover a place you like.
Tips on how to Pack for 9 Days in London
When you’ve determined when to come back, you need to pack for London. Relying what time of yr you go to, that can imply various things.
I’ve written packing lists for summer time, autumn, winter, and spring that may aid you determine what to put on in London. I’ve additionally created a basic packing record of issues to deliver all yr.
Should you’re flying to town, you possibly can check out my long-haul packing record and my information to learn how to pack with only a carry-on for extra suggestions (I used to be interviewed by The New York Occasions in regards to the latter).
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
After you’ve arrived and settled into your lodging, there’s no higher place to start out a visit to the UK capital than Buckingham Palace.
You’ll be able to time your go to to coincide with the Altering the Guard ceremony (you possibly can see the calendar right here), or simply admire the monarch’s London residence from the large gates.
In case your journey takes place in the course of the seasonal opening, you possibly can tour Buckingham Palace. It’s a good way to see the state rooms and gardens when you’re in London. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here (you’ll must ebook nicely prematurely).
After visiting the palace (or seeing it from outdoors) you possibly can meander via St James’s Park. The park is gorgeous with its gardens and fountain, and there are nice views from the bridge over the water.
From there it’s a brief stroll via Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall and Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is house to a number of the metropolis’s most beloved landmarks, together with Elizabeth Tower and its bell, Huge Ben.
You’ll additionally discover the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey right here. If in case you have time and inclination, you possibly can tour the abbey and parliament. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
It’s also possible to go on my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to see the realm past the large sights. It would take you to a number of the aspect streets and hidden areas locals spend time in.
When night comes, I like to recommend having an informal dinner close to the place you’re staying. Should you’re feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey, you’ll seemingly be drained.
You’ll be able to see my suggestions for eating places in London in case you need assistance discovering a spot.
Should you do have vitality left, you possibly can take an open-top bus tour to get a really feel for town’s sights. It’s a enjoyable approach to get an outline of what London has to supply as you kick off your journey. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
Day 2 in London: South Financial institution & the Metropolis
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days by exploring the South Financial institution. Proper on the Thames, it’s the perfect spot to walk round, browse the markets, and take in the scene alongside the water.
You’ll be able to trip the London Eye when you’re right here as nicely. It provides a number of the finest views within the UK capital. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here (you’ll must ebook nicely prematurely, because it sells out).
There are all the time pop-ups, road performers, and different leisure right here, so it’s enjoyable to meander alongside the Thames and see what’s on when you’re on the town.
As you make your approach from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll cross Tate Fashionable. This well-known artwork museum is a well-liked place to go to, and the truth that it’s free means it’s straightforward to go in for as lengthy or little as you need to. There are spectacular views from the upper flooring as nicely.
Not distant, you’ll discover Borough Market. London’s most well-known meals market, it’s the perfect spot to seek out culinary inspiration and get one thing for lunch. It’s enjoyable to stroll round and take in the colours and smells of the stalls earlier than making a choice.
After lunch on the market, you possibly can walks throughout London Bridge to get to the Metropolis of London. Don’t miss the views of Tower Bridge on the way in which.
From the eye-catching dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to up to date viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital accommodates loads of previous and new structure.
If you wish to, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to see the highlights. It would take you round to see the hidden historic streets and locations like Temple.
If not, make your approach over to the Tower of London. You’ll be able to take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels in case you’d wish to, or simply admire the fortress from the surface. You’ll be able to ebook Tower of London tickets right here.
Afterwards you possibly can stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is among the hottest landmarks in London. You’ll be able to stroll throughout it, or head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
For dinner, I like to recommend persevering with your stroll throughout Tower Bridge and going to Bermondsey Avenue. This can be a native favourite, and there are many nice pubs and eating places to select from. Whether or not you need tapas or fish and chips, yow will discover it right here.
Day 3 in London: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge & South Kensington
Begin the third of your 9 days in London in Belgravia. This elegant neighborhood is stuffed with cafes and retailers, notably these on Elizabeth Avenue.
You’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Belgravia strolling tour to see the highlights of the realm, or simply stroll across the leafy squares and hidden mews. Highlights embody Pimlico Street (there’s a market right here on Saturdays), Motcomb Avenue, and Belgrave Sq..
From Belgravia, stroll over to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Street in Chelsea. This can be a great spot to buy and eat, and yow will discover lunch at any variety of eating places within the space.
If it’s a Saturday, the meals market in Duke of York Sq. is a should. If it’s not, there’s nonetheless lots to do right here. The King’s Street is among the finest purchasing streets in London, in spite of everything.
If you wish to, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see extra of the realm’s aspect streets and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you can also make your approach as much as Knightsbridge for some purchasing at iconic department shops like Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Alternatively, you possibly can stroll over to South Kensington to discover the museums.
The Pure Historical past Museum, V&A, and Science Museum are proper subsequent to one another. All of them supply free entry, so you possibly can spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as you’d wish to. They’re all big, so ensure that to tempo your self.
Within the night you possibly can have dinner at one of many eating places outdoors the South Kensington tube station. There are many totally different cuisines to select from, so that you’re certain to seek out one thing that appeals.
If you wish to finish your day in model, there’s enjoyable nightlife round Walton Avenue and the King’s Street. From pubs to bars and golf equipment, you might have loads of choices.
Day 4 in London: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & the West Finish
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Notting Hill. This west London neighborhood is stuffed with colour. You’ll discover all the things from the boutiques to the mews pleasant.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be capable of expertise the well-known Portobello Street Market in all its glory. I like to recommend arriving early to keep away from the crowds.
If it’s not a Saturday, I nonetheless advocate going and trying out the market stalls and retailers which are open whenever you go to. There’s some type of market occurring right here nearly daily of the week.
Past the market, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is a good way to see the highlights of the realm. It would take you round to see all the things from the excessive streets to the hidden corners.
You’ll be able to have lunch in Notting Hill, then stroll down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for the afternoon. There’s lots to see and do right here, from Kensington Palace to the Serpentine lake and the artwork galleries.
When the solar begins to sink, you possibly can take the tube or stroll via Mayfair to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re a number of the most enjoyable locations in central London, and so they come alive within the evenings.
There are many good choices for consuming and consuming right here, and Trafalgar Sq., Piccadilly Circus, the Covent Backyard Piazza, and Leicester Sq. are all the time enjoyable locations to be in London at night time.
You’ll be able to have dinner within the West Finish earlier than or after going to see a present. Whether or not you dine at a beloved restaurant like Guidelines or at one of many many new ones opening on a regular basis, you possibly can’t go incorrect on this a part of London.
There are all the time loads of performs and musicals on, and seeing one is a enjoyable approach to cap off a day of exploring the UK capital. From dramas to comedies and farces, you’ll be spoiled for selection relating to choices.
Should you’re up for going out afterwards, there’s any variety of bars and pubs in Soho and Covent Backyard you possibly can go to. They’re excellent methods to expertise London’s thrilling nightlife scene.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy simply off Carnaby Avenue. It’s one in all my high picks for travel-themed bars within the metropolis.
Day 5 in London: Day Journey
I like to recommend taking a day journey from London on the fifth of your 9 days in London. There are a great deal of locations close to town which are value visiting, and so they’re straightforward to get to by practice, automotive, or on a guided tour.
If you wish to see basic college cities, my high picks are Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the preferred days out from London.
If the seaside beckons, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are my favourite locations to be by the water. All of them have loads of seashores, eating places, and retailers to take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by practice as nicely.
Should you’re into castles, there are many castles close to London you possibly can go to. From Windsor Citadel to Leeds Citadel, Scotney Citadel, Warwick Citadel, Hever Citadel, and Dover Citadel, there are lots to select from. They’re a number of the finest castles in England.
If you wish to tour historic mansions, there are many stately houses close to London you possibly can go to. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Citadel, and royal lovers will take pleasure in Polesden Lacey.
Then there are spectacular locations like Blenheim Palace, Petworth Home, Burghley Home, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Citadel with its well-known gardens.
Should you’re a historical past buff, Winchester, Bathtub, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Courtroom Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so shut you possibly can even get there on the tube.
Should you dream of visiting the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is simply the factor. You’ll be able to go independently with or with out a automotive, or on a guided day tour. You’ll be able to see choices and ebook a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of fairly cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embody Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Citadel Combe, nevertheless it’s laborious to go incorrect right here.
If cathedral cities pique your curiosity, my high picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have historic church buildings and exquisite metropolis facilities.
Should you’re feeling bold, you possibly can take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for enjoyable adventures as nicely. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you might have a number of decisions.
Should you’re in search of seasonal journeys, you possibly can check out my guides to spring, summer time, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden City & King’s Cross
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Hampstead. This north London neighborhood is my favourite place within the UK capital, not least as a result of it appears like a village within the metropolis.
With impossibly stunning streets, historic pubs, and one of many metropolis’s largest parks, it’s an thrilling place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return as usually as I can.
When you’re right here you possibly can stroll across the village by yourself, or go on my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or one in all my Hampstead Heath walks.
I like to recommend having lunch at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. My favorites embody the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the traces might be lengthy and sluggish.
After lunch, you possibly can stroll or take the tube down the hill to Camden City. This place is house to quite a few markets, together with Camden Market, Buck Avenue Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You’ll be able to browse the stalls when you’re right here. They’re excellent locations to purchase presents and different issues to take house as souvenirs.
After the market, it’s enjoyable to stroll alongside Regent’s Canal to get to King’s Cross. The realm round Granary Sq. is filled with cool retailers, eating places, bars, and cafes. It’s a very good place to get dinner.
If in case you have time earlier than or after you eat, you possibly can stroll right down to the realm’s beloved practice stations. King’s Cross is legendary for its gorgeous inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
As soon as inside, you possibly can take footage and movies on the Platform 9 3/4 signal or decide up a memento from the Harry Potter store proper subsequent to it.
Throughout the road from King’s Cross station you’ll discover St Pancras Worldwide. This place is thought for its beautiful exterior structure.
Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s some of the stunning heritage buildings in London. There are nice retailers and eating places inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter motion pictures. You’ll find out which one in my weblog put up a couple of Harry Potter strolling tour.
If you wish to exit after exploring and consuming, there are many pubs and bars round right here. From those on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to native spots in close by Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, you’re spoiled for selection.
Day 7 in London: St James’s, Mayfair & Marylebone
Begin the seventh of your 9 days in London in St James’s. This conventional a part of town is thought for its royal palace, males’s retailers, luxurious motels, and members’ golf equipment.
When you’re right here, you possibly can stroll down Jermyn Avenue and Piccadilly, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
If you’ve completed exploring, stroll throughout Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This upscale space is house to luxurious items retailers, fine-dining eating places, and the enduring curve of Regent Avenue (house of the well-known Liberty London). You’ll be able to go on my free Mayfair stroll if you wish to discover the realm in depth.
Mayfair is a enjoyable place to have a meal or afternoon tea. Whether or not you go to an informal spot on Heddon Avenue or spring for a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you possibly can’t go incorrect for lunch.
In relation to tea and cake, I really like Brown’s Resort afternoon tea and the superb yellow room at Sketch.
After consuming, you possibly can head throughout Oxford Avenue to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has one of many finest excessive streets in London.
There are many enjoyable retailers on Marylebone Excessive Avenue, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher’s Place, and so they’re enjoyable locations to get into London’s retail scene.
From boutiques to family names, you’re spoiled for selection. My favourite place to store in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s probably the greatest (and most stunning) impartial bookshops in London.
If you wish to, you need to use my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the neighborhood. It would take you round to hidden mews, aspect streets, grand squares, and gardens.
After you’ve seen Marylebone, make your approach north to Regent’s Park. This is among the finest inexperienced areas in London, and it’s a enjoyable place to stroll round. If it’s summer time, don’t miss the colourful rose gardens.
When sundown approaches, you possibly can head again to Marylebone Excessive Avenue for dinner, or depart through one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden City, or basic Fitzrovia.
Day 8 in London: Greenwich or Day Journey
On the eighth of your 9 days in London I like to recommend both hopping on a ship to Greenwich or taking one other day journey.
Should you select the previous, you possibly can ebook boat tickets right here. After seeing London’s landmarks alongside the river, you’ll be capable of dive into town’s maritime previous, see fashionable filming places, tour a historic royal residence, and uncover the house of Greenwich Imply Time.
You’ll additionally be capable of benefit from the space’s retailers, cafes, and eating places. Greenwich Market has enjoyable souvenirs and scrumptious meals, and there are nice riverfront pubs within the space. The Trafalgar Tavern will get splashed with waves at excessive tide.
Greenwich is house to the Nationwide Maritime Museum the Queen’s Home, each of which supply free entry. The previous has world-class displays and exhibitions, and the latter is a historic royal residence with an artwork assortment and a shocking staircase.
Greenwich Park is legendary for having probably the greatest views in London. You’ll be able to see via the 2 towers of the Previous Royal Naval Faculty to the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf on the opposite aspect of the river.
The park will not be solely a fantastic place to stroll, but in addition the situation of two essential landmarks. The primary is the Royal Observatory, the place you possibly can stand with one foot on both aspect of the Prime Meridian. You’ll be able to ebook tickets right here.
The second is Ranger’s Home, an English Heritage website and museum that’s recognized for being a filming location for the TV present Bridgerton (it’s used because the entrance of the Bridgerton household’s home).
If you wish to see the aspect streets and hidden lanes, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Greenwich stroll. It would take you round to see the highlights of the neighborhood.
Within the night, you possibly can have dinner at one of many many eating places and pubs in Greenwich earlier than heading again to central London on the practice, DLR, or boat.
Day 9 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Hackney
I like to recommend spending the final day of your 9-day London itinerary exploring extra of town middle and the East Finish.
Bloomsbury is an efficient place to start out. You’ll be able to go to the enduring British Museum or simply stroll round taking within the leafy squares. My free self-guided Bloomsbury stroll will help you see the very best of the realm.
From there it’s a brief stroll to Clerkenwell. That is London’s design district, and it’s house to locations like Exmouth Market and St John Avenue. Each are nice locations to get one thing for lunch.
St John restaurant is a favourite of mine, as is the Fox & Anchor pub, which is simply across the nook.
You are able to do my Clerkenwell strolling tour if you wish to as nicely. It would take you across the neighborhood and to locations like Smithfield and Holborn.
Clerkenwell is a brief stroll from Previous Avenue, the place you’ll quickly end up in Shoreditch. This hip space in east London is legendary for its nightlife scene, so in case you can time your arrival for dinner-and-drinks o’clock, you’ll get to see the neighborhood at its finest.
If in case you have time beforehand, you are able to do one in all my free self-guided Shoreditch walks or take a look at the road artwork the realm is thought for. My favourite is on New Inn Yard.
If in case you have vitality left later, head to Hackney. This is among the coolest neighborhoods in London, and it has a enjoyable nightlife scene. The identical goes for close by Hackney Wick, which is among the most hipster areas within the metropolis.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
I hope you’ve loved my 9-day London itinerary. That is an incredible metropolis, and there’s a lot to find right here. I’ve spent years residing within the UK capital, and I nonetheless don’t really feel like I’ve seen all of it.
If you’d like extra inspiration, there’s much more about issues to do within the metropolis in Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You’ll be able to get it on Amazon right here.
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