7-Day London Itinerary

Crafted for curious travellers by a local Blue Badge guide.

Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, this curated 7-day journey gives you the best of London — the must-sees, hidden gems, and immersive experiences — with expert insight woven throughout. Where possible, we’ve included links to tours guided by Andrew Davis from City Unlocked.

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Day 1: London Icons & Royal Heritage

Begin in the heart of the city with a walking loop through Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown, and Trafalgar Square. Admire the National Gallery (free entry), witness the Horse Guards, and pass 10 Downing Street en route to Westminster.

From here, a guided tour of Westminster Abbey unlocks the story behind coronations, royal weddings, and centuries of history only a Blue Badge guide can reveal. Finish with a stroll through St James’s Park and down The Mall to Buckingham Palace — time it right and catch the Changing of the Guard.

Suggested Tour: Westminster Abbey Tour, Royal London Walk

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Day 2: Markets, Museums & Mayfair Style

Start in Covent Garden, wind through Seven Dials, and pause in Neal’s Yard before heading to the British Museum (free). Then shop your way through Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Soho, ending up in the stylish lanes of Marylebone.

Want to wind down? Stroll into Hyde Park, cross the Serpentine, and finish in Kensington Gardens. End the day at Harrods or along King’s Road for a refined touch.

Suggested Add-On: Ask Andrew about custom walking tours that blend London’s shopping history, literary hotspots, or museum highlights.

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Day 3: London from Above & Along the River

Begin at the colourful Leake Street Tunnel, then enjoy city views from the London Eye (optional). Walk the South Bank past the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market. Cross the Millennium Bridge to reach St Paul’s Cathedral — where a guided tour uncovers stories of resilience, state funerals, and Wren’s iconic dome.

Climb the Sky Garden or enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar like Madison, before ending at the dramatic span of Tower Bridge.

Suggested Tour: St Paul’s Cathedral Tour, Tower of London Tour, Old City Walking Tour (custom) 

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Day 4: East London – Stories of Migration & Street Art

Start in Liverpool Street, explore Shoreditch and Brick Lane for vibrant culture and independent shops. Wander vintage stalls, record stores, and striking murals. On Sundays, head to the Columbia Road Flower Market and Broadway Market.

End your day in Hackney Wick or Dalston, or take the Overground to Canary Wharf for a striking contrast of steel, glass, and water.

Suggested Tour: Secrets of the East End, Jewish London Tour

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Day 5: North London Views & Village Charm

Morning in Camden Market brings an eclectic energy, while a short walk to Primrose Hill rewards you with sweeping skyline views. Then follow in the footsteps of The Beatles at Abbey Road, and head to the literary lanes of Hampstead Village.

Explore Hampstead Heath, the Pergola & Hill Garden, and Kenwood House, then relax like a local at a boutique cinema or café.

Suggested Add-On: Andrew can create a custom tour exploring North London’s creative legacy, literary history, or green escapes.

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Day 6: Cultural Touchstones – Books, Music & Film

Stroll the pastel streets of Notting Hill and browse Portobello Road Market. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum, snap a photo at Platform 9¾ in King’s Cross, and walk in the footsteps of football legends at Emirates or Stamford Bridge stadiums.

Soak in music history at Denmark Street, and end your day in the West End with a theatre performance or a jazz set at Ronnie Scott’s.

Suggested Add-On: Custom themed tours available — literature, music, or film locations.

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Day 7: Beyond the Centre – Palaces, Parks & Peace

Step outside the city centre for a breath of fresh air. Begin in Wimbledon, then visit Virginia Water for a lakeside walk. Continue to Hampton Court Palace, where Tudor drama meets lavish design — perfect for a half-day tour.

Wrap up in Richmond, with riverside pubs, Georgian charm, and (if you’re lucky) deer roaming Richmond Park.

Suggested Add-On: Hampton Court Private Tour (on request), or a custom Greater London countryside escape

Note to Andrew – inspired by this site, you may want to edit or remove