Top Things to Do in London in a Week

The city of London needs no introduction. The beautiful city has inspired artists, writers, and dreamers for centuries. With endless opportunities and an irresistible charm, London is more than just a place; it's a feeling that keeps you wide awake. Samuel Johnson, one of the greatest literary figures of the eighteenth century, rightfully said, "When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life." Whether you're a first-timer full of excitement or someone who's been here before, we have an amazing 7-day itinerary to ensure you have the best experience in London as a visitor. Let's dive into the items on the list through a city that never sleeps.

Top 5 Places to Stay in London

Attention tourists! London is ready to greet you. For those who love the nightlife, enjoy the countryside or wish to explore the urban areas, the city has everything you will ever need for a day trip or weekend break. Whether staying in hotels with hot water bottles or having tea with cats, London has covered it. Sounds exciting, right? You must start searching for the perfect crib during your London stay. Let us take you through our list of the top 10 places to stay in London!

1. Bromley

The largest of the 32 boroughs in London, Bromley stretches from Biggin Hill in the south down to Crystal Palace and Mottingham in the north. In addition, the borough has shifted sharply from residential to rural areas, with farmland accounting for about 30% of the total area. The main town of Bromley draws families and young professionals looking for cost-effective housing and top-notch schools because it only takes 20 minutes to commute there from downtown London.

2. Kingston upon Thames

Kingston Upon Thames is a thriving and dynamic town with plenty to offer everyone. Its historic town centre has an outstanding selection of stores, eateries, and bars. Kingston's famed Tudor architecture perfectly complements the numerous parks and green areas. Unsurprisingly, Kingston Upon Thames keeps luring in new residents from all across the nation, given the wide variety of attractions available.

3. Richmond upon Thames

Richmond Upon Thames is a wealthy residential area consistently ranked as one of Britain's happiest places to live. And why wouldn't its citizens be beaming broadly? This Zone 4 London borough connects to popular locations like Victoria and Clapham Junction. However, it may easily be confused for Windsor due to its rural, riverfront location and interesting royal past.

4. Sutton

Young families seeking more space outside central London neighbourhoods sometimes commute to Sutton. The area's excellent schools add to its appeal, with a lot of open green space and affordable housing. Sutton offers many family homes, from huge detached homes and Edwardian-era homes to 1920s and 1930s semis and several highly sought-after new-build developments.

5. Islington

The diverse neighbourhoods that make up Islington have unique personalities, from Angel's hip clubs and pubs to the tacky antique shops of Camden Passage. Additionally, it has a range of properties, including antique townhouses paired together on quiet side streets and luxurious apartments right in the middle of the action.

Tourist Travel in London

This section will show you the practical routes through London's busy streets, covering everything from the venerable Tube system to lovely bus rides and black cabs. Use these transport tips to get the most out of your trips to the UK's capital city.

1. Tube

The London Underground, often called "the Tube," is easy to use and covers a vast area in and around the city. We recommend getting an Oyster card, which you can use to pay as you go. There's a version called the Visitor Oyster Card that's very convenient. This card lets you travel through the Underground's nine zones, but most tourist spots are in the first two zones. Even if you won't use the Tube often, having an Oyster card is better than buying individual tickets for each ride. The Visitor Oyster card lets you take unlimited trips in Zone 1 and Zone 2. If you stay within these zones, you won't be charged more than £7.40 (about $10) daily. Remember, tap your Oyster card on the yellow readers when entering and exiting the Tube station.

2. Bus

Travelling by bus has its charm because you can enjoy the views. Unlike the London Underground, located underground, buses let you see the city's beautiful sights. If you use an Oyster card, bus fares start at £1.55 (around $2.15) for a single ride. Remember that buses don't accept cash. It's a good idea to have an Oyster card with enough money on it to pay for your bus trip. The city has many bus routes that cover all areas and operate 24 hours a day. According to the London Visitor's Bureau, buses like numbers 9, 14, 15, and 22 are especially great for sightseeing.

3. Rail

Transport for London (TfL) manages different rail services. The London Overground has six routes to many parts of the city. TfL Rail operates trains from Paddington Station to Heathrow Airport and Reading. It also runs trains from Liverpool Street to Shenfield. The London Trams network links travellers to places south of London, including Wimbledon, and connects to other public transportation options. Rail fares, like the Tube, change depending on the time of day and how many zones you travel through. The smallest fare is £7.40 (around $10). An Oyster Card is cheaper than a Travelcard or paper ticket, similar to the Underground. Tram fares are the same as bus fares.

4. Taxi

London's famous black cabs are all around the city. You can find them in specific lines at busy train stations, airports, and hotels. If you see a lit-up taxi sign, it means the cab is available. These cabs have meters, and the fares depend on the time of day and how far you travel. Remember that the starting fee is £3.20 (about $4.40) when getting a cab from the street. If you're travelling a mile or more, it will be at least £6.20 (about $8.50). You can pay with cash, but credit and debit cards are also accepted without any extra charge. You can use contactless payment devices. Be cautious about unlicensed cabs, especially if they approach you on the street. These are illegal and can be unsafe. Uber, the ride-hailing app, also operates in London.

What to See in London

We have prepared a 7-day itinerary for you to make the best out of your stay in London. Prepare for an unforgettable week in London, filled with history, culture, and excitement!

Day 1

Start the day in Westminster, the centre of London, where geography, politics, and culture all come together. Start at the magnificent Houses of Parliament, which are home to Big Ben. Discover the historic Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site close by. To explore inside them, consider taking a skip-the-line tour. To get to Buckingham Palace, stroll down The Mall at your leisure. For a good view, get there 30 minutes early and check the website for the Changing of the Guard ceremony times. Continue down The Mall until you reach Trafalgar Square, where you can admire the artwork or people-watch at the free National Gallery and Nelson's Column. Spend the afternoon and evening in Covent Garden, renowned for its buzzing energy, themed events, and street performers. Enjoy luxury shopping at a variety of independent and major brand stores. Of course, you should also eat at one of the many restaurants in this bustling area.

Day 2

Discover Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and a longtime royal residence. For a truly regal experience, reserve your tickets in advance or choose a private tour with afternoon tea. As you stroll through Kensington Gardens, admire the Albert Memorial, Queen Victoria's memorial to her late husband. Follow the path to the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain in Hyde Park, a tribute to the "people's princess." In the afternoon, go on a guided tour of the magnificent Royal Albert Hall. Then, proceed to the V&A museum, the world's biggest art and design museum. Don't miss the stunning collection of jewellery that spans 2,000 years; some exhibitions may require tickets. Visit Harrods for dinner and shopping to finish off your day.

Day 3

Without experiencing the magic of the wizarding world, London isn't truly London in the eyes of Harry Potter fans. Visit Platform 934 at King's Cross Station to get your day started. Join a bus or walking tour that will take you to all the London locations for the Harry Potter films. Reserve a spot on the Warner Bros. Studio Harry Potter Tour for the ultimate experience. Discover the secrets behind Harry Potter, sip butterbeer, and follow in the characters' footsteps. Plan your day to spend 6 to 7 hours on this tour. If you're not a Harry Potter fan, visit Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath, historical sites in southern England. It includes round-trip transportation, guided commentary, and admission tickets.

Day 4

Start your day by visiting the famed Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, a historic location. Choose a VIP tour to get a head start on the crowds and enjoy early access. After that, take a short stroll to Tower Bridge for stunning city views. Enjoy lunch at Borough Market, one of London's largest and oldest food markets near The Shard. Continue your journey to Shakespeare's Globe along the south bank of the River Thames. Take a tour with a guide or attend a live performance. Discover the Tate Modern, the UK's top museum of modern and contemporary art, right around the corner. Art lovers can visit for free and immerse themselves in works of art there. Cross the Millennium Bridge from Tate Modern to St. Paul's Cathedral, a magnificent historic treasure, for your final stop of the day.

Day 5

The British Museum is among the best of the many museums in London. Here, you can learn about over two million years of human history and culture through various works, including Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta Stone, and samurai armour. You could spend the entire day exploring this place because there is so much to see, or you could take a guided tour and see everything in about three hours. For a truly English experience in the afternoon, go to one of London's best spots for afternoon tea. Consider taking a food tour, shopping, or checking off some of these less-touristy things to do in London if you've had your fill of museums.

Day 6

Discover North London, a charming neighbourhood with a calm and relaxed atmosphere. Camden Town, which has strong roots in the city's punk scene, will appeal to music lovers. With its diverse selection of one-of-a-kind gifts, Camden Market entices shoppers. In the evening, it transforms into a thriving centre for nightlife. Continue your journey to Regent's Park, once a royal hunting preserve but now accessible to the general public. It has the largest sports pitch in Central London and hosts various events, including an outdoor theatre and the renowned London Zoo at its northern edge. The next stop is Baker Street, where Sherlock Holmes' fictional home at 221B is located. The Sherlock Holmes Museum and gift shop are ideal for die-hard fans to gather priceless mementoes.

Day 7

Eat a Sunday roast, one of the most well-known British traditions, to commemorate your final day. As the name implies, Sunday roasts are typically consumed on Sundays, making finding them on other days difficult. If a Sunday roast isn't an option, reserve a table at one of London's celebrity chef restaurants for an unforgettable way to end your trip.

Tickets You Have to Buy Before Visiting London

Prepare to enjoy a hassle-free tour of London! Purchase your tickets in advance for all the must-see attractions and thrilling events the city offers. Here are four tickets that you should purchase beforehand: 

1. Attraction Passes

For travellers, the London Pass is a fantastic option. You can visit many places with it, skip lines, and frequently make savings on expenses. It makes it easier to navigate London's popular attractions by purchasing it before your trip.

2. Transport Cards

To go around London, you need an Oyster Card. If you obtain one before your trip, you can use it immediately. It makes commuting by bus, train, and Tube simple.

3. Theatre Tickets

Theatre performances in London's West End are fantastic. By purchasing your tickets in advance, either from the theatres or reliable ticket marketplaces, you can guarantee that you will have a seat for your chosen performance. In this manner, you won't miss out on the exciting performances.

4. Train Tickets

It's a good idea to purchase your train tickets up to a year in advance if you're planning day trips from London. This saves you money and ensures you have a seat, particularly when many people are flying. It's an intelligent way to get the most out of your trips.

London Packing List

Getting ready to travel to London? Having the right things packed and prepared for a comfortable and easy trip is necessary. Everything you need to pack for London is included in our packing list. By reading on, ensure you're ready for adventure in this energetic and diverse city!

1. Travel Documents

Your passport, visa, travel insurance, and reservation details are crucial. Keep digital and physical copies in separate locations for added security. Having these documents readily available in case of any issues will make your journey smoother.

2. Clothing

London's weather can be unpredictable. Pack a mix of clothing, including light jackets and sweaters, to prepare you for mild and chilly days. Versatile pieces like short-sleeve t-shirts and comfortable shoes for walking will ensure you're ready to explore the city comfortably.

3. Rain Gear

London is known for its frequent rain showers. Packing a compact umbrella and a waterproof jacket with a hood will keep you dry and allow you to continue your outdoor plans despite the weather.

4. Power Adapter

The UK uses a different plug type, so a power adapter is essential to charge your devices. Make sure to pack one that's suitable for the UK's electrical outlets to keep your gadgets powered throughout your trip.

5. Personal Medications

If you take any medications, be sure to bring an adequate supply. It's wise also to carry a small first aid kit with essentials like band-aids, pain relievers, and any other personal medical items you might need.

6. Money and Payment

While credit/debit cards are widely accepted, having some local currency (British pounds) on hand is useful, especially for small purchases or places that might not accept cards. Notify your bank of your travel plans to prevent any payment issues.

7. Mobile Connectivity

To stay connected, ensure your phone works internationally or get a local SIM card upon arrival. Having mobile data will help you navigate the city, access important information, and communicate with others.

8. Snacks

Packing some non-perishable snacks is handy for long journeys, between meals, or when you're on the go. This can be especially useful if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.

9. Travel Backpack

A comfortable and well-organized backpack is essential for day trips around London. Choose one with adjustable straps and compartments to carry your essentials while exploring the city's attractions.

10. Miscellaneous Items

Depending on your interests, consider bringing a guidebook to enhance your exploration, a camera to capture memories, a portable charger to keep your devices powered, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated sustainably.

The charm of London never wears off. You'll be prepared to explore the city's rich history, recognisable landmarks, and energetic neighbourhoods with a well-planned 7-day itinerary and some smart packing. Prepare yourself for a week full of unforgettable adventures in this amazing city. Good luck on your journey!