London defies easy summary. It is simultaneously the most historic and the most forward-looking city in the world — a place where a Roman wall crumbles next to a Michelin-starred restaurant, where Buckingham Palace stands a ten-minute walk from one of Europe's most creative art districts. Seven days allows you to move through its layers with genuine depth.
This itinerary is designed for the traveller who wants London at its finest: art deco hotels on Carlos Place, private tours of the Crown Jewels before the gates open, supper clubs in Mayfair, and the kind of unhurried afternoon in Notting Hill that reminds you why this city has inspired writers, painters and wanderers for centuries.
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Fly into Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW) — Heathrow is closer to Mayfair and the Paddington Express delivers you to central London in 15 minutes. Give yourself the first afternoon to settle; London rewards those who arrive rested and unhurried.
- Day 1Arrive & Check InPrivate transfer from Heathrow to Mayfair. Afternoon rest, then a gentle first evening — the Claridge's Bar for a martini, or a stroll along Bond Street in the early evening light.
- Day 2 AMBond Street & Burlington ArcadeLondon's finest shopping street flanked by heritage flagships — Louis Vuitton, Chanel, De Beers. The Burlington Arcade, built in 1819, remains one of the most civilised retail environments on earth.
- Day 2 PMNational Gallery & Trafalgar SquareOne of the greatest free museums in the world. The Sainsbury Wing alone houses works by Leonardo, Raphael, and Van Eyck. Allow two hours and resist the urge to rush.
- Day 2 PMWestminster Abbey & Houses of ParliamentWalk down Whitehall to see Westminster Abbey (exterior and, if time permits, interior — book ahead) and the Gothic towers of the Houses of Parliament reflected in the Thames.
- Day 2 EveThe Ritz Bar or ArtesianThe Ritz Bar on Piccadilly for one of London's most iconic cocktail hours, or Artesian at The Langham — consistently voted among the world's best hotel bars.
London's oldest square mile — the original Roman city of Londinium — is best explored before the office workers arrive. A morning at the Tower of London, followed by a crossing of Tower Bridge and an afternoon in Bermondsey, makes for one of the city's most satisfying days.
- AMTower of LondonBook a Yeoman Warder guided tour for the Crown Jewels and the full history of the fortress — 1,000 years of English history in a single morning. Arrive early and book in advance; queues are long by mid-morning.
- AMTower BridgeWalk across the bridge and climb the glass-floored walkway for vertiginous views of the Thames — one of London's most striking perspectives.
- PMBorough MarketLondon's greatest food market, operating on the same site since the 13th century. Arrive hungry for lunch — charcuterie from Brindisa, cheese from Neal's Yard, and a coffee from Monmouth.
- PMTate ModernHoused in the former Bankside Power Station, the Tate Modern's permanent collection is free and extraordinary — Rothko, Picasso, Bourgeois. The view from the top-floor restaurant over St Paul's Cathedral is worth the trip alone.
- EveBermondsey StreetOne of London's most quietly fashionable streets. Dinner at Zucca for refined Italian, or José Pizarro for some of the finest tapas in London — arrive early, no reservations taken.
South Kensington's museum quarter — the Victoria & Albert, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum — represents one of the most extraordinary concentrations of free cultural institutions in the world. A full day here barely scratches the surface.
- AMVictoria & Albert MuseumThe world's greatest museum of art and design — fashion, jewellery, textiles, furniture, and sculpture from every civilisation. The Cast Courts alone are worth an hour. Entirely free, entirely extraordinary.
- AMNatural History MuseumNext door, the Natural History Museum's cathedral-like entrance hall — dominated by the blue whale skeleton — is one of London's most theatrical spaces. The Darwin Centre for the scientifically curious.
- PMHummingbird Bakery & HarrodsLunch at the Hummingbird Bakery on Old Brompton Road, then an afternoon browsing Harrods — the food halls alone justify the detour. The Georgian Room and the chocolate bar on the ground floor are highlights.
- PMHyde Park at SunsetWalk from Harrods through Hyde Park as the light softens — past the Serpentine Gallery, around the lake, and north towards Kensington Gardens. One of London's great free pleasures.
Notting Hill on a Saturday morning is one of London's most joyful experiences — the Portobello Road Market stretches for nearly a mile, with antique dealers, vintage clothing, and street food stalls operating from dawn. Arrive before 9am for the best selection and the calmest atmosphere.
- AMPortobello Road MarketLondon's most famous antiques market — arrive early for the serious dealers at the northern end, where Victorian silver, Art Nouveau jewellery, and mid-century objects change hands. The southern end becomes street food and vintage clothing by mid-morning.
- PMLedbury or OttolenghiLunch at The Ledbury on Ledbury Road — one of London's finest neighbourhood restaurants — or the original Ottolenghi on Ledbury Road for their celebrated vegetable-forward mezze.
- PMKensington Palace & The OrangeryStroll through Kensington Gardens to Kensington Palace — birthplace of Queen Victoria and current home of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The Orangery alongside serves a civilised afternoon tea in a perfectly preserved 18th-century setting.
East London is London at its most alive — a district that has reinvented itself every generation and currently houses the city's most dynamic food scene, its most vital street art, and its most interesting galleries. Plan for Sunday if possible, when the flower market is at its extraordinary best.
- AMColumbia Road Flower MarketOpen Sunday mornings only, Columbia Road is one of London's most photographed streets and one of its most atmospheric — Victorian terraced shopfronts, traders calling their prices, and more flowers per square metre than anywhere outside a Chelsea garden. Arrive before 10am.
- AMBrick LaneLondon's most multicultural street — Bangladeshi restaurants, vintage warehouses, bagel shops open since 1974, and the Sunday market spilling out onto side streets. The Truman Brewery complex houses some of the city's best independent shops.
- PMShoreditch Galleries & Street ArtShoreditch's street art — concentrated around Rivington Street and the Leake Street tunnel — changes seasonally and includes work by artists of international standing. The White Cube gallery on Hoxton Square is nearby for more formal contemporary art.
- EveDishoomLondon's most beloved Indian restaurant — modelled on the Irani cafés of old Bombay. The Carnaby or King's Cross branches are the most atmospheric. Arrive early or expect a queue; the wait is invariably worth it.
A final morning in central London — the National Portrait Gallery reopened in 2023 after a major renovation and is better than ever. Covent Garden for lunch, a last unhurried hour in the city's most characterful piazza, then the transfer to Heathrow or Gatwick.
- AMNational Portrait GalleryThe world's greatest collection of portraits — every significant figure in British history, from Tudor monarchs to contemporary artists, all gathered in a single building steps from Trafalgar Square. Reopened in 2023 with a stunning new entrance.
- PMCovent GardenThe market building and the surrounding streets have evolved into one of London's most pleasant places to spend a final afternoon — street performers in the piazza, excellent independent shops, and the Royal Opera House nearby if your schedule allows.
- PMLunch at The IvyThe original Ivy on West Street is a London institution — the dining room has barely changed in decades, and the menu remains one of the most consistently pleasing in the city. Book in advance.
- EveAirport TransferPrivate car to Heathrow (approximately 45–60 minutes from central London, allow 90 minutes in peak traffic) or Gatwick (approximately 60–75 minutes).
Practical Information
Getting around: The Tube is excellent — fast, frequent, and covers every neighbourhood in this itinerary. Get an Oyster card or use contactless on arrival at Heathrow. Uber and black cabs are freely available for evenings or when you have luggage.
Weather: Always carry a light jacket regardless of season — London's weather is famously changeable. A packable raincoat takes up no space and will be used.
Tipping: 10–12.5% in restaurants is the norm and appreciated, though not compulsory. Many restaurants now add a service charge automatically — check your bill before adding more.
Currency: GBP. Contactless payment is accepted virtually everywhere, including on the Tube. You will rarely need cash.
Reservations: London's best restaurants book out 4–8 weeks ahead. Claridge's Fera, The Ledbury, The Connaught's Hélène Darroze, and similar establishments should be booked before you travel. Your hotel concierge can often secure reservations that are unavailable online.