London 7-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Parliament Square and Westminster Riverside

Orient yourself around Parliament Square and the Thames without committing to a long interior visit. Security zones, demonstrations and parliamentary activity can alter access, so follow local signs and official updates.

Westminster Abbey

Schedule this day Monday-Saturday and use the official site to confirm visitor sessions, closures and entry arrangements. Sunday is for services rather than tourist visits; if Day 1 is Sunday, swap this day with an outdoor plan and retain a dated access check.

St James's Park to Buckingham Palace

Walk through St James's Park toward the palace forecourt. Treat any ceremony as a bonus and confirm schedules through official channels rather than building the day around an assumed event.

Tower of London

Allow a full morning and prioritize the parts that interest you most. Book through Historic Royal Palaces and check security, opening and event information for your date.

Tower Bridge Riverside Walk

Cross or view Tower Bridge, then continue along the south bank. If visiting the exhibition, confirm admission and lift arrangements with the official operator.

Borough Market and Southwark

Continue west to Borough Market and the surrounding lanes. Trading patterns vary by day and stalls can be crowded, so check the market's official information and keep an alternative meal nearby.

British Museum Focused Visit

Choose a few galleries in advance and check the museum's official visitor guidance, exhibition tickets and temporary closures. General entry arrangements and bag checks can change.

Covent Garden and Seven Dials

Walk south through Bloomsbury to Covent Garden and Seven Dials. This is a flexible browsing block, not a timed attraction, making it easy to shorten after the museum.

Soho Dinner or West End Performance

Choose either dinner from 17:00-19:00, or an early meal followed by a prebooked performance that may run until about 22:30. Let the booked curtain and finish times control the block, and confirm venue, age and entry rules with the official box office.

Natural History Museum or V&A

Select one museum based on your interests. Review the chosen museum's official entry, exhibition and bag guidance because popular dates may require advance planning.

Kensington Gardens

Walk north into Kensington Gardens for a low-key afternoon. In heavy rain, high wind or heat, replace the park with more time at your chosen museum.

Hyde Park and Serpentine

Continue east only as far as energy and weather allow. Seasonal events can reroute paths, so this block is intentionally optional rather than a fixed march across the park.

Journey to Greenwich

Use TfL's current planner for DLR, rail or river options and allow a transfer buffer. River services have different fares and boarding points, so verify details with the operator.

Cutty Sark or National Maritime Museum

Choose one main museum and confirm admission through Royal Museums Greenwich. Exhibition schedules and ticket requirements differ between venues.

Greenwich Park and Return to Central London

Walk uphill only if conditions and mobility suit your group; the slope is significant. Leave by about 17:00 and use a confirmed DLR, rail or river route with transfer buffer and the final central-London connection to the hotel.

Notting Hill Walk

Explore the residential streets around Notting Hill Gate and Portobello Road respectfully. Market activity varies by day, so check the official market information if stalls are a priority.

Kensington Palace or Design Museum

Choose one paid or indoor anchor and reserve through its official site when advised. Do not attempt both unless your group deliberately wants another museum-heavy day.

Holland Park

Finish with a short park walk or return early to rest. Garden access and maintenance can vary, and this optional block is the first to drop if the earlier visit runs long.

Tate Modern

Spend the morning with selected galleries rather than trying to see everything. Check official opening and exhibition details, particularly if a special show is the reason for visiting.

Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Exterior

Cross the pedestrian bridge toward St Paul's. If you want an interior or dome visit, verify admission, services and access on the cathedral's official site before committing.

City of London Lanes

Take a short loop through the historic City or end early for luggage and departure. Weekday and weekend atmosphere differs markedly, so view this as a flexible farewell walk.