London
Seven Sparkling Days in London with Your Best Mate
Celebrate London with food, markets, music, and skyline nights
Planning a trip to London?
A comfortable, well-paced week in London built around great local food, markets, live music, and atmospheric neighborhoods. You’ll explore iconic architecture by day and soak up vibrant nightlife by night, with a cooking class and plenty of time to wander, shop, and celebrate together.
Highlights
Stroll along the Thames past the London Eye and landmarks, ending with skyline views and drinks.
Taste your way through Borough Market and Camden Market’s street food and indie shops.
Catch a world-class musical and experience the buzz of Soho and Covent Garden after dark.
Explore Shoreditch’s murals, vintage shops, and creative bars in one compact neighborhood.
See Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament on foot.
Join a London cooking class to learn British or global dishes with locals.
Where to Stay
Z Hotel Covent Garden
Compact, modern rooms just steps from theatres, markets, and the West End, with free cheese and wine evenings.
$160-220/night
Point A Hotel London Shoreditch
Simple, clean rooms with good showers and modern design close to Old Street and Hoxton nightlife.
$130-190/night
Premier Inn London Waterloo
Reliable 3-star chain hotel with spacious rooms near the London Eye and South Bank attractions.
$150-210/nightGood to Know
Use Contactless on Transport
Tap your bank card or phone on Tube and bus readers; fares cap daily in zones 1–2, making it simple and good value.
Phone & Bag Safety
Keep your phone away from the kerb and avoid holding it loosely while walking; zip bags and carry them in front in crowded areas.
Queueing & Escalator Etiquette
Always join the back of any line and stand on the right of escalators, letting others walk on the left.
Pub Culture Basics
Order and pay at the bar, not your table; if friends buy a round, aim to return the favor, and tipping is generally optional.
Booking Ahead for Popular Spots
Reserve tables at popular restaurants like Dishoom or Hawksmoor and book big attractions like the London Eye in advance, especially on weekends.
Layer Up for the Weather
Bring a light waterproof layer and compact umbrella; weather can shift quickly from sun to showers.
Check Service Charge
Many sit-down restaurants add a 12.5% service charge; look at the bill before tipping extra so you don’t double tip.
Use Doorways to Check Maps
If you need to look at your phone navigation, step into a shop doorway or stand back from the street rather than stopping in the middle of the pavement.
Your Week Itinerary
Dishoom Covent Garden
Bombay-style café; go for the bacon naan roll and chai to start your first morning.
1h · $20-30 per person
Covent Garden Piazza & Market
Wander the covered market, watch street performers, and browse boutiques in the central piazza.[1]
1h 30m · Free
Trafalgar Square & National Gallery
Walk up to Trafalgar Square, then pop into the National Gallery to see masterpieces in a grand setting.[1]
2h · Free
Flat Iron Covent Garden
Casual steak restaurant; order the signature flat iron steak with sides for excellent value.
1h · $25-35 per person
Piccadilly Circus & Soho Evening Stroll
Walk from Leicester Square to Piccadilly Circus and through Soho’s buzzing streets around Old Compton Street.[1][2]
1h 30m · Free
Balans Soho Society
Lively bistro-bar with a broad menu; try the burgers or small plates and enjoy cocktails.
1h 15m · $30-45 per person
Regency Cafe
Classic Art Deco London cafe; have a Full English fry-up for a hearty start.[2]
45m · $15-25 per person
Buckingham Palace & St James’s Park
Walk through St James’s Park to view Buckingham Palace and, if timing fits, the Changing of the Guard.[1]
1h 30m · Free (outside viewing)
Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
Tour Westminster Abbey’s historic interior, then view Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Parliament Square.[1]
2h · $30-40
The Red Lion Westminster
Traditional pub near Parliament; try fish and chips or a pie with a pint.[2]
1h · $20-30 per person
London Eye & South Bank Walk
Ride the London Eye for 360° views, then stroll the riverfront towards the Southbank Centre and bookshops.[1]
2h · $40-50
Skylon
Smart restaurant in the Royal Festival Hall with river views; go for modern European dishes and a glass of wine.
1h 30m · $40-50 per person41 activities across 7 days
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