7 Days Itinerary for First Time Visitors to London England

7 days in London to be honest is really not enough particularly when flying in from Canada or the USA. However knowing just how long and precious vacation time is sometimes you just have to sqeeze as much in as you can. A trip to London, a city steeped in history and overflowing with things to do and see, is a dream destination for first-time visitors.

With its iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse culture, planning a perfect week in London can be overwhelming. This guide offers a 7-day itinerary that allows you to experience the best that London has to offer, whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast.

From the majestic Buckingham Palace to the bustling markets of Camden, admiring Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament each day is designed to immerse you in the unique charm of this great city. Discover the rich tapestry of London’s heritage as you stroll along the River Thames or better yet take a boat cruise, delve into the world of British royalty, and maybe take in an Afternoon Tea, walk across London Bridge there is just too much to see in this formidable city.

For your first trip to London as you navigate through iconic sites, hidden gems, and bucket list attractions you’ll also have the chance to savor delicious cuisine from around the world and connect with the locals who bring this city to life. Whether you’re gazing at the the Tower of London and absorbing its dark history or enjoying a leisurely afternoon in one of the city’s picturesque parks, this week-long adventure promises unforgettable experiences and memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the magic of London! 

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How do I get from London Heathrow to Central London?

Getting from Heathrow Airport to central London is straightforward, with several options depending on your budget, time, and preference. Here are the main ways:

Heathrow Express (Fastest Option)

Duration: 15-20 minutes

Cost: £25-£37 for a single ticket (cheaper if booked in advance)

Details: This is the quickest way to reach central London. Trains depart every 15 minutes and go directly to London Paddington Station.

Pros: Fast, reliable, and convenient if you’re staying near Paddington or can connect to the Tube.

Cons: Expensive compared to other options.

London Underground (Cheapest Option)

Duration: Around 50 minutes

Cost: £5.60 (peak) or £3.10 (off-peak) with an Oyster card or contactless payment

Details: Take the Piccadilly Line (dark blue), which connects Heathrow directly to central London, with stops like South Kensington, Green Park, and King’s Cross.

Pros: Affordable and no need to transfer if your destination is near a Piccadilly Line stop. Cons: Can be crowded during peak hours and slower than the Heathrow Express.

Elizabeth Line

Duration: 30-35 minutes Cost: Around £12.80 with contactless payment or Oyster card.

Details: The Elizabeth Line is a modern rail service that connects Heathrow to central London, with stops like Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street, and Liverpool Street.

Pros: Comfortable, moderately fast, and connects to key central locations. Cons: Slightly longer journey time than the Heathrow Express.

National Express Coach (Best for Budget Travelers)

Duration: 50-90 minutes, depending on traffic Cost: From £6-£10 for a single ticket

Details:Buses run regularly from Heathrow to London Victoria Coach Station.

Pros: Affordable, with ample luggage space. Cons: Slower and subject to traffic delays.

Taxi or Private Car (Most Convenient)

Duration: 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic Cost: £50-£100 (depending on time of day and destination)

Details: Black cabs or private hire services (e.g., Uber or Bolt) are available from the airport.

Pros: Door-to-door service and good for travelers with lots of luggage. Cons: Expensive and delays are likely during rush hours.

Airport Transfer Services

Duration: 45-90 minutes, depending on traffic Cost: £50-£70 (depending on company and group size) Details: Pre-booked transfers offer a private car that meets you at arrivals.

Pros: Convenient for families or groups. Cons: Expensive.

Tips: Recommendations: Fastest: Use Heathrow Express if you’re in a hurry. Best Value: Take the Piccadilly Line if you’re on a budget.

What is the best way to plan a 7 days in London itinerary for first-timers?

Planning a 7 days in London itinerary can be a thrilling experience. First, outline your must-see attractions, such as the Tower of London, London Eye, and Buckingham Palace. Begin your week in London with iconic landmarks in Central London on day 1. Each day can focus on different regions, such as North London, East London, West London, and South London, to ensure you cover the city’s diversity. Don’t forget to include a day trip option for nearby attractions like Windsor Castle or Stonehenge.

How do I use public transportation in London?

Using public transportation in London is straightforward with a bit of planning. Here’s a quick guide:

Get an Oyster Card or Contactless Payment Card

The Oyster Card is a prepaid card that allows access to buses, the Underground (Tube), Overground, trams, and some National Rail services within London. You can purchase it at any Tube station, airport, or online.

Alternatively, you can use a contactless payment card or mobile payment apps (e.g., Apple Pay or Google Pay) directly for the same rates as the Oyster Card.

Plan Your Route

Use apps like Google Maps, Citymapper, or TfL Journey Planner to find the best routes and connections for your destination.

The Tube map is essential for navigating the London Underground and is widely available at stations or online. This great map is downloadable and was made by Mark Noade – with the stations positioned so they are more geographically accurate in relation to each other. It is intended to help people, particularly those unfamiliar with the city, to relate the underground system to London at street level.

Understand the Modes of Transport

Underground (Tube): The fastest way to get around the city. It operates across 9 zones, with central London being Zone 1.

Buses: Affordable and scenic, with flat fares. You can’t pay with cash; use an Oyster or contactless card. The drivers are fantastic at helping with destinations and where to jump off the bus.

Trains and Overground: Great for traveling to outer areas of London.

Boats (River Bus): Travel on the Thames with the Thames Clippers service. I loved this as you can do a hop on hop off and see views of London that you just wouldn’t ordinarily see from land.

Know the Payment Rules

Tap your card on the yellow reader at the start and end of Tube journeys, and just at the start for buses and trams. Daily and weekly fare capping ensures you won’t pay more than a certain amount no matter how many trips you take.

Peak and Off-Peak Hours

Peak times (6:30–9:30 am and 4:00–7:00 pm on weekdays) are more expensive than off-peak fares. Plan your travel accordingly to save money.

Accessibility

Many buses are wheelchair-accessible, but not all Tube stations have elevators. Check the TfL Accessibility Guide for details. We went to Camden Market and Camden Town and the Tube elevators were being serviced which meant a 70 steps down to catch the train – not happening got a cab lol!

Best hotels when on a budget

London offers a wide range of budget-friendly accommodations that provide great value for travelers. Here are some of the best budget hotels in London, known for their affordability, comfort, and convenient locations.

Point A Hotels

Why it’s great: With modern, compact rooms in locations like Paddington, Kensington, King’s Cross, and Shoreditch, Point A Hotels offer excellent value for money. The rooms are equipped with comfortable beds, free Wi-Fi, and high-tech lighting.

Price range: From £70 per night.

Highlights: Ideal for travelers who prioritize location and affordability.

The Strand Palace

Why it’s great: Welcoming guests since 1909, the Strand Palace is located in London’s West End within just 700 metres of the Adelphi and the Vaudeville theatres. The hotel is home to 2 on-site bars offering cocktails and afternoon tea, and a restaurant serving British cuisine.

Price range: From £190 per night.

Highlights: Close to cultural landmarks like the Theatres and Covent Garden.

CitizenM London Tower of London

Why it’s great: Although slightly pricier for a budget hotel, CitizenM offers a great blend of affordability and modern design. Rooms are cozy, and the hotel has trendy communal spaces. You can also book CitizenM Tower of London Location.

Price range: From £180 per night.

Highlights: Perfect for those seeking affordable yet stylish accommodations near the Southbank or near the Tower of London.

EasyHotel London

Why it’s great: EasyHotel offers no-frills accommodations for travelers on a tight budget, with locations in Victoria, Paddington, and Shoreditch.

Price range: From £90 per night.

Highlights: Basic but clean and centrally located.

Tips for Budget Stays in London

Book early: Budget hotels can fill up quickly, especially in central locations.

Consider location: Stay near public transport to save time and money on getting around.

Check deals: Look out for special promotions on sites like Booking.com or directly on hotel websites.

 Estimated Budget (Per Person)

Accommodation: £100-200 per night (shared between two).

Transport: £10-15/day (using a Visitor Oyster Card or contactless).

Meals: £15-50/day from budget options grab a sandwich at a Costa Coffee and a one time splurge.

Attractions: Mix of free and paid (£30-50 total for main attractions).

Total (7 days): Around £550-850 per person, depending on choices. Does not include airfares.

Day 1: Arrival at Heathrow and Getting to Central London

Transport: Take the Elizabeth Line or the Piccadilly Line (Tube) directly into Central London (£12-15 per person). Alternatively, the National Express Bus costs about £6-7 but takes longer.

Morning: Arrive in London and settle into your accommodation. If you’re jet-lagged, opt for a stroll in Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens to ease into the city.

Visit Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard which usually takes place every morning at 11am (check schedule). Walk to St. James’s Park for a relaxing moment.

Admire Buckingham Palace from the exterior or depending on the time of year you can visit the inside of the Palace. It is only open from July to September and can be very expensive to visit The State Rooms and Garden Highlights Tour cost around £47–50 for adults

Early Evening: Head to Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square just to say you have seen these iconic sites, If  you love a museum you must visit the National Gallery where you can see Picassos to Da Vinci’s free of charge in Trafalgar Square a short walk from Piccadilly. The Gallery is open until 9pm, look for the World’s smallest Police Station in Trafalgar Square.

Dinner: Inside the National Gallery is a lovely little Cafe called Muriel’s Cafe or head up the street to Xi Home Dumplings Bay on Chandos Place, it serves great Chinese Dumplings and noodles and its only a 5 minute walk.

Day 2: Classic London Landmarks

Morning: Breakfast indulge yourself with a full English Breakfast which many hotels will serve or find yourself a small Cafe of which there are loads of in London. Your Full English will set you up for the whole day and you won’t need lunch. It consists of a couple of fried eggs, sausage, English bacon (not that streaky stuff), grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, beans (yes Heinz baked beans), Tea or coffee and if you are lucky you can get fried bread.

Start the day with a free walking tour (like Free Tours by Foot where you decide how much to tip) to see iconic landmarks such as Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, Parliament Square and Big Ben. After wandering around these buildings you can take a lovely walk across Westminster Bridge.

Westminster Bridge is one of the oldest bridges spanning London’s River Thames. Walk across the bridge and admire picturesque views of London and see the iconic South Bank Lion, and the statue commemorating Boudicca.

Lunch: Grab a cheap meal at Pret A Manger which you will find everywhere. They have good coffee and sandwiches (around £5-8 per person).

Afternoon: Take a whirl on the London Eye once you’ve crossed the Bridge. I hate Ferris wheels and the London Eye looked no different to me. So I literally dreaded having to take my life in my hands and go for a whirl on the giant Ferris wheel in London. I was soothed by the fact that we could go on the giant wheel and then take a lovely cruise down the Thames which will cost around £46 per person.

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing River Cruise on the Thames: Discover the sights and history of London from the water on this leisurely cruise down the Thames River. With your 24-hour pass, enjoy unobstructed views of the city’s main riverside attractions like the London Eye and the Houses of Parliament from within an all-weather vessel, and hop on or off at any stop along the way.

From the London Eye to Waterloo Station is only a few minutes walk and from here you can get the Bakerloo line Tube to Charing Cross and then walk around 10 minutes to Covent Garden Market.

Explore Covent Garden for amazing street performers and quirky shops. Historic Covent Garden Market is a fairground of west end London living and it brings out every conceivable character from posing influencers changing their outfits for their Insta account to absolutely phenomenal musicians busking on the various streets of the area. Londoners flock to the market as there is a myriad of things to do at Covent Garden London and you could spend days here, shopping, eating and being entertained.

Dinner: Try a traditional pub meal at The Lamb and Flag or have dinner at a lively restaurant like Dishoom if you love Indian food.

Day 3 South Bank and The Tower of London

Morning: A good way to start your tour of South bank is to cross the Thames on Westminster Bridge. From there follow the riverbank east towards Blackfriars Bridge.

 For those of us, like me, that can’t resist tacky tourist horror shows, there is the London Dungeon where you’ll learn about the Black Plague, London Fire and all the bad guys like Jack the Ripper.

 If you need a break after the amusements, check out the Queen’s Jubilee Gardens, a lovely green space with gardens and manicured lawns. Get a sandwich and enjoy this little park.   

Lunch: Visit Borough Market for amazing and affordable street food (around £8-12 per person). Borough Market has been around in different forms for around 1,000 years. What began as a food market has grown into a substantial market with everything you can think of for sale over the years. From rare mushrooms to handmade pottery and honey the variety is incredible. Food at Borough Market is truly superb and Borough Market is one of the best markets in London but there are many more. 

Afternoon: Explore the Tower of London see the Crown Jewels and visit the infamous White tower where Anne Boleyn spent her last days (£29.90 per person, book online for discounts) and Tower Bridge (free to walk across, or £11.40 for the exhibition).

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most famous landmarks, combining stunning Victorian architecture with impressive engineering. Completed in 1894, this bridge spans the River Thames near the Tower of London. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views from the high-level glass walkways and explore the historic engine rooms that once powered the lifting bridge.

Tower of London – this iconic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site was founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror and has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. It’s home to the Crown Jewels and has a fascinating history of intrigue and power.

Dinner: Head to The Hung, Drawn and Quartered, on Great Tower Street, a historic pub with hearty meals (£10-15 per person). The ominous name of this pub refers to its proximity to Tower Hill, once a public execution site.

While Tower Green within the Tower of London is famous for executions, including that of Anne Boleyn, far more people met their end at Tower Hill, just to the north. Notable figures executed here include Simon Sudbury, the Archbishop of Canterbury, who was beheaded by an angry mob in 1381, Sir Thomas More, executed by King Henry VIII in 1535 (his sentence was commuted from hanging, drawing, and quartering to beheading), and Simon Fraser, the 11th Lord Lovat, the last person executed at Tower Hill in 1747 after being convicted following the Battle of Culloden.

Then visit Sky Garden for panoramic city views but book a free spot long before you head to London. You can also visit one of the fancy bars for a lovely cocktail.

Day 4: Parks, Markets, and Views

Morning: Take the Tube to Greenwich. Explore Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory (£16 per person, or free to explore the park and enjoy views). Admire the Cutty Sark or take a tour of this incredible ship.

Greenwich is a vibrant district in London, renowned for its rich history and maritime heritage. The Greenwich Market is a bustling spot offering a variety of unique items, from vintage goods to delicious street food, making it a perfect destination for shoppers and food lovers alike.

Just a short walk away, the Cutty Sark, an iconic 19th-century tea clipper, stands as a testament to Britain’s maritime legacy, where visitors can explore the ship’s history and enjoy panoramic views of the River Thames. It’s a must-see area for both history enthusiasts and casual visitors.

Lunch: Stop by Greenwich Market for budget-friendly international food stalls.

Afternoon: Take the Tube or Bus back to Shoreditch and wander through Brick Lane and admire the phenomenal street art. Brick Lane, located in the East End of London, is famous for its vibrant cultural scene, diverse food offerings, and rich history. It’s best known for its array of curry houses, earning the area the nickname “Curry Capital of London,” where you can sample some of the best Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in the city.

Additionally, Brick Lane is a hub for street art, with colorful murals and graffiti adorning many of its walls. The area is also known for its bustling markets, vintage shops, and a strong sense of community that celebrates its multicultural heritage.

You could also grab dinner at one of the fantastic restaurants in Brick Lane like the award winning Brick Lane Brasserie and then head for cocktails to the Rain Dogs Bar or the Cocktail Trading company.

Evening: Day 5: Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Morning: Discover two gems of southern England—and make exploring beyond city limits simple—on this full-day coach trip to Stonehenge and Bath. When booking, choose to include entry to one or multiple sights—or leave it out for a flexible experience. Depending on what you choose, you can visit the UNESCO-listed, ancient marvel that is Stonehenge; explore the Roman Baths; and/or explore the Jane Austen Centre. Cost is around £85 each.

When in Bath you can partake of Afternoon cream tea at the Pump Rooms or head to the famous Sally Lunn Bakery and try some Sally Lunn Buns or if you want something totally different. Yak Yeti Yak – serving Mongolian food, a cuisine that’s often not given much attention in Western culture, this highly-rated restaurant offers guests the chance to sit on the floor and enjoy their food the authentic way. (If you don’t want to do that, don’t worry, there are tables and chairs too!).

Day 6: Shopping and Culture

Morning: Wander Oxford Street to visit the iconic department store Selfridges, or simply pick up some tatty tourist crap. Don’t linger too long here unless you are heading down to Carnaby Street or want to view the fancy high end shops on Regent Street.

Afternoon: Head to Notting Hill, wander through Portobello Road Market, and admire the pastel-colored houses.

Getting to Notting Hill is pretty easy by London Underground, there are 3 Tube stations to the Notting Hill area including Notting Hill Gate station in the south and Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove in the north. A lot of London buses also go through various sections of the neighbourhood.

Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous locations, mainly because of its use in many films. It’s a perfect mix of some of London’s finer details; markets, food, nightlife, and parks. Filmed at Notting Hill were Paddington, Burnt, Cruella, Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and the Italian Job to name a few. In addition, the Notting Hill Carnival draws in thousands of tourists and locals to the annual Caribbean festivities.

Wow, what can you say about the Portobello Road Market? One of the biggest reasons to visit Notting Hill is, of course, the market. Open every day but Sunday the market but the area is a great shopping district for everything from antiques to fashion.

What is the best day to go to the Portobello market? Depends on what you want to see or are planning to buy. Saturday is the busiest day as it is the day for antiques. Fridays are the second busiest day with a focus on antiques, vintage clothing, furniture and food. Mondays through to Wednesday there are more fruit and veg stalls and a few clothing ones among the vendors.

Or head to Camden Town to see where modern music was born and punk reigned supreme. The street food stalls here cover virtually every country in the world. Camden Market is the place that it is today thanks to the music world. Whether you’re an old punk into goth or retro – as in those ’70s style platform boots or steampunk Camden Market has it all. It’s only one of many street markets in London but it has the punkiest style for sure.

Evening: Attend a West End show in London’s theatre district. Choose from classics like Les Misérables or newer hits like Six the story of Henry VIII’s wives.

Day 7: Museums and Departure

Morning: If you are lucky and have time you can visit The Natural History Museum or Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington in the morning.  Then take the tube to King’s Cross pick up last-minute souvenirs in King’s Cross Station at Platform 9¾ for the Harry Potter fan. Consider that you may have limited time on a first time visit for 7 days so keep an eye on your flight times. You may have to be at the airport 2-3 hours ahead of time depending on when you fly out.

This 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to London offers a mix of history, culture, and fun, ensuring you make the most of your week in London. You can download a PDF file of this itinerary here.

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