London Travel Guide: Best Things to Do, Where to Stay & Insider Tips

🗓️ Day-by-Day Itinerary: A Week in London

London Itinerary Day 1: Soho, Covent Garden, and Iconic Sights for Your First Day in the City

Time to touch down in London! We had an overnight flight and got in around 9:00 am to Heathrow, which was great because we got a full day in. After arriving in the morning at Heathrow or Gatwick, catch a taxi or hop on the Tube to your hotel or Airbnb. London's public transportation is super efficient, and staying near central neighborhoods like Soho, Camden, or Southbank will make exploring a breeze.

Start your first day with a relaxed walk through Soho. This trendy area is full of energy, boutique shops, and luxury brands. If you’re visiting in December or early January, the extravagant Christmas lights will be up decorating the streets, which is a great festive touch. Grab a coffee and pastry from one of Soho’s many charming bakeries to get ready for the afternoon.

Next, stroll over to Covent Garden; just a short walk away. Spend the afternoon browsing the shops, restaurants, and seasonal stalls at Apple Market, where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts to street performers. It’s the perfect spot for that classic London atmosphere.

Keep walking south toward the river for a stunning view of the London Eye. If you're still full of energy (or fighting off jet lag), take a slow walk across the bridge to get photos of Big Ben and Westminster. We clocked a lot of steps this day, but it’s totally adjustable if you need a rest.

Before heading back, stop into a traditional pub, we went to Westminster Arms, just around the corner from the Palace. Order a Guinness (iconic drink in the UK) or your drink of choice and enjoy the cozy British pub.

Finish the day with dinner and drinks somewhere on the walk back to your hotel. We kept things casual and turned in early to recover from travel and get ready for the full trip ahead!

London Itinerary Day 2: Exploring Camden Market, NYE Fireworks & Nightlife in Shoreditch

We kicked off Day 2 in one of my favorite neighborhoods in London; Camden. Known for its edgy feel and colorful street art, Camden's streets have so much character. We wandered through the vibrant alleys, admiring the bold murals and storefronts before diving straight into Camden Market.

You could easily spend hours here (and we did). Between the vintage shops, handmade jewelry, and endless food options, there's something for everyone. If you're hungry, I highly recommend trying a Yorkshire Burrito or grabbing some amazing Asian street food. It's so good and more affordable than going out to eat.

Since we were visiting during New Year's Eve, we decided to have a cozy Italian dinner at GoodFare Italian in Camden (great ambiance and pasta), followed by drinks. To ring in the New Year, we made our way to Primrose Hill, one of the best free spots to catch the fireworks. Even if you're not visiting for NYE, Primrose Hill is still a must; it’s perfect for city views, a romantic sunset, or a picnic on a warmer day.

Afterward, we headed to Shoreditch to check out the nightlife scene. This area is full of fun bars and clubs, with a trendy crowd and lots of great music; definitely worth a visit if you're looking for a night out.

London Itinerary Day 3: Shopping at Harrods, Hyde Park Stroll, Arsenal Game & Iconic Sunday Roast

We kicked off the day with a much-needed late start after our night out. Once we were up and ready, we headed straight to Harrods for some shopping. If you’ve never been, this place is a must-see! It’s iconic and a shopping experience like no other. We wandered through the floors, looking at everything from designer clothes to gourmet food. Even if you’re not buying, it’s fun just to explore.

After our shopping trip we decided to take a stroll through Hyde Park. This was a perfect way to enjoy a bit of fresh air and relax after all the hustle. The park’s so peaceful, and a great mid day break to people watch and enjoy the outdoors. Plus, it’s massive, so we definitely got our steps in!

The afternoon was spent at a local pub where we watched an Arsenal game.You can’t visit London without soaking up a bit of the football culture. This was great to enjoy a drink with fellow fans in a more local environment. And last but certainly not least, we had an unforgettable Sunday roast. Now, Sunday roasts are usually a tradition reserved for Sundays, but we got lucky as it was New Year’s so we got to dig into this iconic British meal. A Sunday roast consists of meat, yorkshire pudding,  crispy potatoes, veggies, and gravy; if you are there on a sunday I highly recommend. It was the perfect way to cap off our New Year's day.

London Itinerary Day 4: Arsenal Stadium Tour, Exploring Canary Wharf & Cocktails in the City

Day 4 was a fun mix of sports, city views, and nightlife. We kicked things off with a tour of Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium (My boyfriend is a huge Arsenal fan). Whether you're passionate about the sport or just want to explore one of London’s most iconic stadiums, this tour offers awesome behind-the-scenes access.

After that, we took the tube to Canary Wharf, a modern business district full of sleek buildings, riverside walks, and tons of cool places to grab a bite or coffee. It’s a totally different feel from central London and makes a great afternoon detour. We had originally planned on going to Borough Market only to find out it was closed, but this would also be a great time to go check that out. Just check ahead of time online to see if it’s open.

Later, we made our way to London Bridge and crossed the Thames while soaking in stunning views of the city. If you’re into photography or just love a good skyline view, this walk is a must.

We grabbed a casual but iconic dinner at Nando’s, because we were told we must try the spicy peri-peri chicken in the UK. Then we headed to London Cocktail Club for fun drinks in a lively, underground setting.

To end the night, we went dancing at Albert’s Schloss, a Bavarian-style bar with live music, DJs, and a great crowd. It was the perfect spot to let loose and enjoy some late-night energy in the heart of the city.

London Itinerary Day 5: A Dreamy Day in Notting Hill & Iconic Pub Night

We spent Day 5 soaking in all the charm of Notting Hill, and I think it was my favorite neighborhood of the trip. We started the morning with a cozy breakfast at OATIS Café; they had great bowls, pancakes, and toasts. Also a great time to grab a coffee!

After fueling up, we explored Notting Hill’s iconic pastel-colored houses and wandered through the shops and vintage stalls near Portobello Road Market. Whether you're into antiques, secondhand books, or boutique fashion, there's something so charming about this neighborhood that makes you want to take a thousand photos.

For dinner, we headed to Ruddy’s Pizza Napoletana, a laidback spot serving authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza (it was so good).

We ended the night at The Churchill Arms, one of London’s most famous pubs. It’s decked out with flowers on the outside and packed with personality inside. We grabbed drinks, found a cozy corner, and played cards while soaking in the classic pub vibe. It was such a wholesome and fun way to wrap up the day.

London Itinerary Day 6: Sunday Flower Market, Exploring Shoreditch & Hampstead Heath Views

Sunday in London might be the best day of the week and Day 6 was all about discovering local gems and nature escapes. We started our morning at the Columbia Road Flower Market, a must-do if you're in town on a Sunday. The street was buzzing with energy, and it smelled like a dream thanks to all the fresh blooms. We grabbed coffee and wandered through the market, picking up cute souvenirs and snapping photos of the colorful flower stands.

After that, we explored Shoreditch, one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods. Think cool street art, vintage shops, fun cafés, and a bit of edge. It’s the perfect spot to spend a few hours wandering, window shopping, and grabbing a snack.

Later in the afternoon, we made our way up to Hampstead Heath, a massive green space with some of the best skyline views of the city. We took our time walking the trails and enjoying the view; it was so peaceful and such a contrast to the busy city streets.

Finally we headed to dinner at Dishoom, which we were told we had to check out while in London. Dishoom is an Indian restaurant with multiple locations around the city. It did not disappoint, the food, service, and ambiance were amazing. Definitely order the naan bread and ruby chicken! This place can get bust so consider going early or making a reservation beforehand.

This day gave us the best of both worlds: the hustle of local London culture and the calm of a nature escape, as well as a great meal. If you’re planning a Sunday in the city, this was a great variety of activities.

London Itinerary Day 7: Coffee & Heading Home

Our final day in London was simple but the perfect wind-down after a packed week of exploring. We woke up, took one last walk through the neighborhood, and of course made a stop at my favorite coffee spot, Joe & The Juice. Yes, it's a chain, but I’m obsessed with their fresh juices and coffee and t’s a go-to every time I travel (there aren’t many US locations).

After grabbing our drinks, we packed up and headed to the airport via taxi (though the Tube is always a great, affordable option too). Bittersweet for sure, but we left with full hearts, great memories, and a major appreciation for everything London has to offer.

Wrapping Up the Ultimate Week in London Itinerary

From festive markets and iconic pubs to scenic viewpoints and cozy coffee spots, spending a week in London during the winter was magical. Whether you're planning a New Year's getaway or just dreaming of a laid-back, culture-filled trip, this itinerary covers a little bit of everything; from classic landmarks to hidden gems.

We kept our days relaxed, walked as much as possible, and really soaked in each neighborhood's feel. London is one of those cities that somehow feels both big and cozy at the same time, and I can’t wait to go back.

Planning your own trip? Feel free to save this and copy the itinerary day-by-day to make your London adventure stress-free and full of fun!