London
London in 7 Days: Markets, History, Green Spaces, and Nightlife
Seven days of London’s history, flavors, and green escapes
Planning a trip to London?
This slow-paced London itinerary balances iconic sights with neighborhood walks, street food, pub nights, and one memorable hike-day in Greenwich. It is designed for a cost-conscious couple who want comfort, strong transit flow, and enough downtime to enjoy the city rather than race through it.
Highlights
See Buckingham Palace, Parliament, and nearby historic landmarks in one easy central cluster.
Spend a food-focused day around Borough Market and the South Bank with excellent casual lunch options.
Enjoy a scenic walk up through Greenwich Park for classic skyline views and a light urban hiking feel.
Explore markets, street art, and relaxed nightlife in Shoreditch and Spitalfields.
Walk the river after dark for some of London’s best photography spots and easy evening atmosphere.
Where to Stay
The Z Hotel City
Compact, reliable, and well placed for the West End, the river, and the historic core.
£120-180/night
Premier Inn London County Hall
Comfortable chain hotel with a prime river location near Westminster, Waterloo, and South Bank walks.
£150-220/night
Point A Hotel London Liverpool Street
Simple, modern rooms close to East End food, markets, and excellent Tube and rail links.
£110-170/nightGood to Know
Use contactless for transport
Tap a contactless card or phone for buses and the Tube; London’s fare caps mean you usually do not need a separate transit pass.
Stay phone-aware in crowds
Keep your phone in a pocket or bag near the curb and step into a shop doorway if you need to check directions.
Plan short walking radii
Group each day by neighborhood and avoid crisscrossing the city; this itinerary is built around compact, walkable clusters.
Queue and escalator etiquette
Always queue, and on escalators stand on the right while walking on the left.
Book key evening spots ahead
Reserve a few dinners, especially in popular neighborhoods like Soho, Borough, and Notting Hill.
Expect service charge
Restaurants often add a 12.5% service charge, so check the bill before tipping again.
Best transport rhythm
Use the Tube for longer cross-city hops and buses for short scenic links, especially when you have time and want to stay above ground.
Have a rainy backup
If weather turns, swap outdoor walks for museums, covered markets, or a long pub lunch nearby.
Your Week Itinerary
Regency Café
Classic full English breakfast in a no-frills setting; order the fry-up, tea, and toast.
1h · £10-18 per person
Buckingham Palace and St James’s Park Walk
Walk the palace exterior, nearby ceremonial streets, and the park for classic first-day London views.
1h 30m · Free
Westminster Abbey Exterior and Parliament Square
Take in one of London’s most important historic districts from outside and around the square.
1h · Free
The Albert
Traditional pub lunch near the palace area; order fish and chips or a pie with a pint.
1h 15m · £15-25 per person
South Bank River Walk
Stroll the Thames from Waterloo toward the bridges for skyline views and relaxed evening atmosphere.
1h 30m · Free
Borough Market
Choose from street food stalls; go for fresh sandwiches, grilled food, or global dishes.
1h 15m · £12-20 per person
Tate Modern and Millennium Bridge Area
Visit the riverside art district and cross the bridge for classic St Paul’s and Thames views.
2h · Free
Tower Bridge Walk and Tower of London Exterior
Walk the bridge area and view the Tower’s exterior and riverfront fortifications.
1h 30m · Free
The George Inn
Historic pub meal near Borough; order pub classics and arrive early for a better seat.
1h 30m · £18-28 per person31 activities across 7 days
Map
