7 Days in London: The Ultimate Walking Itinerary

Stroll along New Bond Street, known for its high-end boutiques, designer stores, and elegant Georgian architecture. It’s the perfect area for a touch of luxury and some of London’s most stylish window shopping.

Explore the vibrant streets of Soho, full of independent shops, record stores, and eclectic charm.

Lunch: Head to Dishoom, the best Indian food in London. Reservations are recommended.

Dessert: Don’t miss Crème, famous for its gooey, chunky cookies.

Walk down Regent Street, lined with grand facades and flagship stores, such as Liberty London, an iconic department store known for its Tudor-style exterior.

Just beside Liberty is Carnaby Street, a colorful pedestrian area packed with trendy shops and eateries. Make time for Fortnum & Mason, the historic department store famous for its traditional English tea and timeless British charm. Try the scones, chocolate truffles, and Scotch eggs.

From Regent Street, continue down to Piccadilly Circus, then walk through Chinatown and on to Leicester Square. Continue to Trafalgar Square, where you can visit The National Gallery and see masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, and more, all for free. Note: The National Gallery typically closes at 6 pm (extended to 9 pm on Fridays), so plan accordingly.

Dinner: Head to Bancone Covent Garden for great pasta. Reservations are recommended.

Start your day at Kensington Palace, the historic royal residence nestled in the elegant Kensington Gardens.

Stroll down High Street Kensington, lined with cafés, boutiques, and a classic London feel. Stop at the charming Churchill Arms for a pint.

Wander through Kensington Gardens into Hyde Park, perfect for a relaxed walk or picnic. Pass the incredible Royal Albert Hall, an iconic concert venue, and the Albert Memorial just across from it.

Afterward, head toward South Kensington, a refined neighborhood known for its beautiful architecture and cultural institutions. Here, you’ll find Museum Mile, home to three of London’s most popular (and free!) museums:

• The Victoria and Albert Museum for art, design, and fashion.

• The Natural History Museum, famous for its dinosaur skeletons and grand architecture.

• The Science Museum, which is packed with hands-on exhibits and interactive fun.

From here, take a short walk to Harrods, London’s most iconic department store. Explore its lavish food halls, designer boutiques, and dazzling interiors. Even if you’re just browsing, it’s worth the visit.

Begin the day at the British Museum, home to an astonishing collection of treasures from around the world, like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Admission is free, and it’s worth arriving early to beat the crowds.

Next, make your way to Buckingham Palace. Time it right and you might catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (usually mid-morning). From there, take a walk through St James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest royal parks—and my favorite one.

Continue to the Churchill War Rooms Museum (book in advance). On your way, pass Downing Street, home to the Prime Minister (No. 10 is gated but worth a glance).

Next up: Westminster Abbey, the breathtaking Gothic church that’s hosted royal coronations and weddings for centuries. Just nearby stands Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Cross Westminster Bridge for a great view of the London Eye and the Thames River. Continue through Waterloo, then cross the Waterloo Bridge, which offers one of the best panoramic views of the city.

End your day in Covent Garden, a lively district filled with street performers, shops, and restaurants. Be sure to explore Neal’s Yard, a tucked-away courtyard full of colorful buildings and indie cafés.

End your day with a show in London’s West End. Be sure to purchase tickets before going—they sell out pretty quickly.

Start at St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of London’s most iconic buildings. If you’re up for it, climb to the dome for stunning views over the city.

From there, walk through the City of London, the historic and financial heart of the capital. Try to visit on a weekday, when the area is buzzing with life, suits, and city energy. Keep an eye out for key landmarks: The Bank of England and Royal Exchange, at the heart of London’s financial district; Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor; the ultra-modern “Gherkin” and Walkie Talkie buildings; the historic Guildhall; and the ruins of the old London Wall. Don’t miss Leadenhall Market, a beautiful covered market with ornate Victorian architecture.

Next, visit the Tower of London, a fortress rich with royal history, crown jewels, and centuries of dramatic tales. Afterward, cross the iconic Tower Bridge to the other side and head to Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and most beloved food markets. Try the chocolate-dipped strawberries (they won’t disappoint!) or grab a Black Pig sandwich. If market food isn’t your thing, there are excellent restaurants nearby like Oma, Agora, or Rambutan.

For a classic London experience, stop for a pint at The Anchor Bankside, a historic pub with river views.

From there, continue walking along the South Bank to the Shakespeare’s Globe, a faithful reconstruction of the original theater. Even if you don’t catch a performance, it’s well worth a look. Just ahead, you’ll spot the striking Millennium Bridge. Walk onto it for a perfect photo with St. Paul’s Cathedral in the background.

End your day with a visit to the Tate Modern, London’s contemporary art museum housed in a former power station. It’s free to enter, and the riverside views from the upper floors are a bonus.

Start the morning at Portobello Road Market, one of London’s most iconic street markets. Try to go on a Saturday—it’ll be busier, but that’s when the market is at its liveliest, with antiques, vintage fashion, and street food. Grab a bite from one of the market stalls, or if you’re after a sit-down meal, try The Dove Restaurant or Los Mochis, known for its creative fusion of Mexican and Japanese cuisine, both are excellent.

After eating, wander the pastel streets of Notting Hill. Don’t miss the Notting Hill Bookshop, made famous by the film. If you fell in love with Crème’s cookies earlier in your trip, you’ll be happy to know they also have a Notting Hill location.

Next, hop on the Tube to Sloane Square and explore Chelsea. Walk down King’s Road, lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafés. Continue your walk across the Albert Bridge, one of the prettiest in London, especially as it lights up in the evening.

Once across the river, explore Battersea Park, a peaceful spot with gardens, fountains, and even a Japanese Peace Pagoda along the Thames.

End your day at the beautifully restored Battersea Power Station, now a striking riverside complex full of shops, restaurants, and rooftop bars. It’s a great spot to relax, dine, or enjoy the sunset by the water.

Start your day at King’s Cross Station, home to the famous Platform 9¾, a quick stop for Harry Potter fans. Just behind the station is Coal Drops Yard, a stylish shopping and dining hub with striking architecture and independent boutiques.

From there, walk along the canal path to Word on the Water, a charming little bookshop on a boat. It’s a hidden gem you won’t want to miss. Continue the scenic walk along Regent’s Canal toward Camden.

Once at Camden Market, explore the maze of stalls, vintage finds, and global street food. With so many places to eat, it’s the perfect spot to be adventurous and try something new.

After lunch, grab a dessert and take a leisurely walk to Primrose Hill. Find a spot at the top and enjoy your treat with one of the best panoramic views of London. From there, head into Regent’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces.

End your walk in Marylebone, where you’ll stroll down Marylebone High Street, known for its elegant village vibe, independent shops, and relaxed cafés.

Start your day at Liverpool Street Station, then walk toward Spitalfields Market, a vibrant blend of fashion, food, and design. You can grab a bite here or just explore and save your appetite for later.

Next, head to Brick Lane, one of London’s most eclectic and artistic streets. On the weekends, the area comes alive with Brick Lane Market and the Vintage Market. Note: The vintage clothing stalls are underground. As you explore, stop by the famous Brick Lane bagel shops. Beigel Bake is the local favorite—it’s open 24/7 and serves up legendary salt beef bagels.

Take your time walking through Brick Lane, spotting bold street art, live performers, and tucked-away galleries, before heading to Shoreditch, a creative hub full of cool shops, art studios, and buzzy energy. For lunch or dinner, try Smoking Goat, offering Thai barbecue with punchy flavors, or Gloria, a wildly popular Italian trattoria with bold dishes and flamboyant decor.

End your day with live music at one of Shoreditch’s best spots, The Blues Kitchen, for soul, funk, and blues in a laid-back setting, or Old Street Records, where you can catch live sets or DJs over cocktails in a stylish, intimate space.