Today I want to share my itinerary for 6 days in London with you. Just under a week is an ideal amount of time to spend in the city. You’ll be able to get an overview of what the UK capital has to offer visitors, see the highlights, and discover places that fit your personal interests. You’ll even have time to take a day trip. Read on for the official A Lady in London itinerary.
6 Days in London
One of my favorite things about running a travel blog for a living is that I get to help people plan their trips. Whether it’s through my blog posts or my travel planning services, I always like knowing my readers and followers have had a better experience in London or abroad after reading my posts.
I often get asked how to spend 6 days in London, so today I want to share my itinerary. From sightseeing spots to local areas and great places to eat, drink, and shop, it has a variety of things to see and do in the city.
I’ve created a number of London itineraries, and I hope you’ll find this one as helpful as you’ve found the others. You can also take a look at my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for more inspiration.
I’ve even developed itineraries for 36 hours, 48 hours, and a weekend in London.
The best thing is that there’s no right or wrong way to spend your time in the city. You can adjust my 6-day London itinerary to fit your travel style and personal passions. Whatever you end up doing, you’ll get a solid overview of what the UK capital has for visitors.
You can use my London travel guide and my list of 51 things to do in London in a year to fill in the gaps or find seasonal events that are taking place when you’re visiting, too.
Where to Stay in London
When it comes to where to stay in London, you have a lot of choice. Whether you want to rent a flat or book a hotel room, the city has a variety of places for every style, taste, and budget.
Given London is huge and the attractions are widespread, I highly recommend choosing somewhere in or near the city center. You can check out my blog posts about the best area to stay in London, the best hotels for your style, and quirky hotels for ideas. I’ve even written about pubs with rooms.
You can also find deals and book accommodation in London here. With so many great places to choose from, you’re bound to find somewhere you love.
How to Pack for 6 Days in London
Once you’ve decided when to come, you have to pack for London. Depending when you visit, that will mean different things.
I’ve written packing lists for summer, autumn, winter, and spring that can help you decide what to wear in London. I’ve also created a general list of things to bring all year.
If you’re flying to the city, you can take a look at my long-haul packing list and my guide to how to pack with just a carry-on (I was interviewed by The New York Times about the latter).
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
Once you’re in town, you can begin the first of your 6 days in London with coffee and food. Whether you head to one of the best coffee shops in London or one of the most delicious places for breakfast, you’ll fuel yourself up well.
Afterwards you’ll be ready for a fun day of discovering the highlights of the UK capital. My favorite place to start sightseeing in London is Westminster.
You can head to Buckingham Palace first. This famous royal residence in London attracts people from all across the globe, and it’s a must-see on a first-time London itinerary.
If you’d like to, you can time your visit to coincide with the formal Changing the Guard ceremony. It takes place several days a week in front of the palace. If not, you can admire the monarch’s London home from outside the gates.
If you’re visiting the city during the annual seasonal opening, you can also tour Buckingham Palace. You’ll get a chance to go through the state rooms, walk around the gardens, and see the special exhibition. You can book tickets here.
After visiting the palace (or just seeing it from outside) you can wander through St James’s Park and out to Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall.
From there it’s a short walk to Westminster’s Parliament Square. This place is home to some of the city’s most beloved landmarks, including Elizabeth Tower and its famous bell, Big Ben.
You’ll also see the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey here. If you have time, you can tour parliament and the abbey. You can book tickets here.
If you’d like to, you can go on my free self-guided Westminster walk to discover the area beyond the main attractions. The route will lead you to the quiet lanes and hidden spaces locals love.
When you’re done seeing Westminster, walk across the Thames to get to the South Bank. This is a fun area to meander around, browse the markets, and soak up the scene along the water.
You can ride the London Eye while you’re here, too. It offers some of the best views in the UK capital. You can book tickets here (you’ll need to book well in advance, as it sells out).
The South Bank is known for its animated street performers, pop-ups, seasonal festivals, food trucks, and other entertainment. It’s always a treat to wander around and see what’s on when you’re in the area.
When you’ve finished discovering the South Bank, you can walk along the river to get to Tate Modern and Borough Market. They’re two more of the city’s best-known landmarks.
Tate Modern is a world-class art museum. It offers free entry, so it’s easy to go inside for as long (or as little) as you want to. There are great views from the upper floors as well.
Borough Market is one of my favorite places to get something to eat for lunch. It’s always enjoyable to weave your way around the stalls and soak up the colors and scents as you browse.
After you’ve eaten lunch, you can hop on the tube and ride it to Covent Garden. When you get there, you can stroll through the famous piazza to see what’s on in the shops and markets.
From there you can explore the area around Seven Dials, Neal’s Yard, Mercer Walk and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are lots of stores to duck into and fun sights to inspire the senses.
After exploring Covent Garden, you can make your way through Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Street and Piccadilly. There’s great shopping here, including famous London department stores like Fortnum & Mason and Liberty.
When the sun sets, there are plenty of places you can go for dinner in Mayfair, Soho, or Covent Garden. These areas have a range of options for dining, from casual to formal.
You can see my recommendations for restaurants and pubs in London if you need help finding a place to eat. I’ve included a variety at all price points.
After dinner you can go on an open-top bus tour to get more of a feel for London. It’s a great way to see what the UK capital has to offer in a short amount of time. You can book tickets here.
Day 2 in London: Bloomsbury, South Kensington, Royal Parks & West End
You can start the second morning of your 6-day London itinerary with coffee or breakfast in Bloomsbury. From Store Street to Lamb’s Conduit Street, there’s no shortage of fun local spots here.
After eating you can walk over to the British Museum. It’s a treasure trove of antiquities from all over the world, and morning is an ideal time to be here because there can be fewer crowds.
The British Museum is huge, and it can take up a whole day of sightseeing in London. It’s a good idea to stick to the rooms you’re most interested in.
Entry is free, though, so you can stay for as long as you like. If you need some direction, the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian rooms are musts for most first-time visitors. The Parthenon Sculptures are popular, too.
When you’re finished seeing the parts of the collection that pique your curiosity, you can head to the museum’s stunning Great Court for a light lunch in the cafe or restaurant.
If you want something different, Charlotte Street in Fitzrovia has great places to eat. It’s in easy walking distance of the museum, and it’s one of the best places to eat near London’s top attractions.
Wherever you choose to eat, continue the second of your 6 days in London by getting on the tube and taking it to South Kensington. You have two options here: head to another museum or go shopping.
If you choose the former, there are three major museums in this part of London. I recommend choosing one. They all offer free entry, so you can stay for as little or as long as you’d like.
I love the Natural History Museum for its beautiful architecture and larger-than-life displays, the V&A for its world-class art and design (not to mention its amazing cafe and great exhibitions), and the Science Museum for its stimulating exhibits.
If you don’t want to go to a museum, there are lots of shops in and around South Kensington. You can check out the boutiques on Brompton Road and Fulham Road, or walk down to the King’s Road in Chelsea.
You can also head to Knightsbridge to go to famous department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols while you’re here. Harrods Food Halls are worth a visit in their own right.
If you have time, you can even walk down Sloane Street and head over to Belgravia. The highlight of the area is Elizabeth Street, which is famous for its floral facades.
After exploring a museum or going shopping, you can make your way up to Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal garden by Kensington Palace is one of my favorite green spaces in the city, and with 6 days in London, walking through its vine arches is a must.
The Serpentine lake in Hyde Park is always fun to wander around, and the Diana Memorial Fountain is worth seeing if you’re a fan of the late princess.
When you reach Hyde Park Corner, you’ll probably be ready to rest your legs. There’s no better way to do it than by treating yourself to afternoon tea in London.
There are lots of good offerings near Hyde Park, so you’ll have no problem finding one that tempts your taste buds (just make sure to book well in advance).
From The Dorchester to The Lanesborough, The Berkeley to the Mandarin Oriental, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower to Claridge’s, The Halkin to The Goring, The Ritz, Brown’s, and Fortnum & Mason, this part of the city has a lot of options for afternoon tea.
When evening comes, continue your itinerary for 6 days in London by heading to the West End to see a show. There are plenty of plays, musicals, and comedy acts you can get tickets for on any given night in London.
The UK capital has a world-class theater scene, so whether you’re up for going to a drama in Soho or a musical in Covent Garden, there’s something exciting you’ll enjoy.
If you’re hungry after the show, you can take advantage of the late opening hours of many of the restaurants in the West End. You might still be full from afternoon tea, though.
If you’re in the mood for nightlife, you can find it in this part of London. My favorite place is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Court.
Other fun places include Ronnie Scott’s jazz club, the pubs dotted throughout the West End, and bars like Mr Fogg’s Tavern in Covent Garden.
Day 3 in London: Day Trip
On the third of your 6 days in London, I recommend taking a day trip. There are plenty of places near the city that are worth the effort to visit, and they’re easy to get to by train, car, or on a guided tour.
If you want to see famous university cities, look no further than Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the most popular places to go on a day out from London.
If cathedral cities are your thing, my top picks are Canterbury in Kent, York in Yorkshire, Norwich in Norfolk, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. They all have awe-inspiring churches and beautiful city centers.
If the seaside beckons, Brighton, Deal, and Hastings are my favorite places to be by the water. They all have plenty of beaches, shops, and restaurants to enjoy. They’re easy day trips from London by train as well.
If you dream of the English countryside, a day trip to the Cotswolds is just the thing. You can go independently with or without a car, or on a guided day tour. You can see options and book a tour here.
There’s no shortage of charming towns and villages in the Cotswolds to visit. My favorites include Painswick, Bibury, Upper Slaughter, and Castle Combe, but it’s hard to go wrong.
If you love history, Winchester, Bath, Lewes, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Court Palace, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so close you can even take the tube.
If you’re into castles, there are plenty of castles near London you can visit. From Windsor Castle to Leeds Castle, Hever Castle, Scotney Castle, Warwick Castle, and Dover Castle, there are lots to choose from. They’re some of the best castles in England.
If you like historic mansions, there’s no shortage of stately homes near London you can visit. Downton Abbey fans will love touring Highclere Castle, and royal lovers will enjoy Polesden Lacey.
Then there are beautiful places like Petworth House, Burghley House, Blenheim Palace, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Castle with its beautiful gardens.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take a day trip to Paris from London. There are other day trips from London to Europe that make for great adventures, too. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you have lots of good options.
If you’re looking for seasonal trips, you can check out my guides to spring, summer, autumn, and winter day trips from London for ideas.
Day 4 in London: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, City & East End
Start the next morning of your 6-day London itinerary at the Tower of London. Dating back to the 11th century, this place amazes visitors with its history.
Getting here early will allow you to avoid the big crowds that descend later in the day. I recommend taking a guided tour with an early-access ticket so you can see the Crown Jewels and meet a Beefeater without the big lines.
You’ll also be able to tour the White Tower and visit the other beloved landmarks within the walls. You can book your tickets here.
After touring the Tower of London, stroll over to St Katharine Docks for a quick lunch at a place like White Mulberries. This unique marina next to Tower Bridge is a great place to enjoy a casual meal on a day of sightseeing.
After lunch you can walk over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is one of the most popular landmarks in London. You can walk across it, then head up to the top on a self-guided tour if you want to. You can book tickets here.
When you leave Tower Bridge, you can head over to the City of London. There’s lots to see in this part of the UK capital.
From the iconic dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to contemporary viewing platforms like the Sky Garden and Horizon 22, this part of the UK capital contains a lot of old and new architecture.
If you want to see the highlights, you can go on my self-guided City of London walking tour. It will show you everything from the famous landmarks to the secret lanes.
When you leave the City, you can walk or take public transport to Spitalfields. From the stalls at Old Spitalfields Market to the colorful vintage shops on Brick Lane and the restaurants around the Old Truman Brewery, there’s a lot to love in this part of the East End.
After shopping and exploring, you can walk up to Shoreditch for the evening. Here you’ll be able to take in east London’s trendy hub.
From Shoreditch High Street and Great Eastern Street to Rivington Street and Redchurch Street, there’s always something new to discover in this hipster London neighborhood.
You’ll be in the right place for a fun night out, too. The East End is one of the city’s best areas for nightlife, and there’s no shortage of restaurants, bars, pubs, speakeasies, and pop-ups to go to.
Whether you want to eat dinner at a hip new restaurant, a casual place in Boxpark Shoreditch, or a historic pub, you have lots of options.
If you have energy for going out after dinner, there are great bars and clubs in and around this part of the city. They’re exciting places to end your night in London.
Whether you opt for Hoxton Square, Hackney, Hackney Wick, Bethnal Green, or another cool area in the East End, you’re bound to have fun.
Day 5 in London: Local Area
On the next of your 6 days in London, you can live like a local and explore one of the city’s beloved neighborhoods. They’re what I love most about the UK capital, and they’re great places to get to know the side of London residents spend time in.
Whether you enjoy a village atmosphere, a leafy park, a riverfront area, or a historic neighborhood, there’s a place for you. I’ve listed some of my favorites below to give you ideas.
You can read about additional under-the-radar places in the city in the famous book Secret London – An Unusual Guide. You can get it on Amazon here.
Greenwich
Greenwich numbers among my favorite local London neighborhoods. If you like history, it’s a great place to spend one of your 6 days in London.
Located in the southeast of the city, Greenwich is best reached by boat from central London. The ride is a highlight of spending a day here, and it’s exciting to take in the views from the Thames. You can book tickets here.
Greenwich is just the spot for history lovers and stargazers. It has more museums per square foot than seemingly any other part of the city, and it’s home to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Mean Time fame.
This neighborhood is the perfect place to add to your 6-day London itinerary if you love digging into the past, enjoying good views, or staring at the night sky.
The shopping here is great, too. Whether you’re into high street shops or historic covered markets, Greenwich has something for everyone.
If that all sounds good, you can start your day out in Greenwich with the aforementioned boat ride. It will take you right to the heart of Maritime Greenwich.
From the river you can take in the Cutty Sark, a 19th-century British clipper ship. You can tour it if you want to, or just peer into it from the glass outside.
From the Cutty Sark you can walk over to the National Maritime Museum. This place is packed with all things British history, and its plethora of treasures and interactive exhibits makes it fun for visitors of all ages. It offers free entry, so you can stay for as long as you’d like.
Afterwards you can go into the chapel of the Old Royal Naval College to see the famous painted ceiling. This place has been used as a filming location for many movies and TV shows set in London, so you might recognize it.
The same goes for the buildings that make up the Old Royal Naval College. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not only beautiful to see, but also popular filming sites.
From the Old Royal Naval College it’s an easy walk to the Queen’s House. This 17th-century number is a fine example of Palladian architecture, and there’s a stunning spiral staircase inside. It offers free entry, too, so it’s easy to pop in and explore for a bit.
From the Queen’s House you can stroll to lunch at the covered market in Greenwich. This historic place has an abundance of stalls selling all kinds of prepared foods, so you’re sure to find something that appeals to your appetite. There are sweet treats as well.
After lunch, you can walk into Greenwich Park and head up the hill to the Royal Observatory. This place is exciting to explore, especially if you’re interested in all things astronomy.
It’s a one-of-a-kind experience to stand with a foot on either side of the Prime Meridian. You’ll want to soak up the sweeping views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park, too.
When you’re done taking in the panoramas, you can head back down into Greenwich and explore the side streets with their colorful houses and doors. There are lots of lovely lanes around here, and they’re worth discovering.
If you want to see the best of the area, my free self-guided Greenwich walking tour will lead you to all the places I mentioned above (and more!).
When it’s time for dinner, you have lots of places to choose from. Greenwich has fun pubs, including the famous Trafalgar Tavern. You can watch the waves splash against the outer walls here when it’s high tide on the Thames.
After dinner you can end your day with a boat trip back into central London. It’s a fun way to see the sights at night.
Notting Hill
Another option is to continue your 6 days in London by exploring Notting Hill. This famous neighborhood is known for its vibrant colors, fun shops, buzzing market, and beautiful mews.
If that appeals, you can start your day in Notting Hill with a walk through the famous Portobello Road Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so try to go then and arrive early).
When you’re done walking around the market, you can eat lunch there or at one of the area’s many restaurants and cafes. From casual places to upscale ones, there’s a variety around Portobello Road and Westbourne Grove.
In the afternoon you can explore Notting Hill’s side streets and hidden mews. My free self-guided Notting Hill walking tour is a great way to do it, as it will take you around to the most picturesque ones.
When evening comes, you can head to dinner at one of the neighborhood’s beloved pubs and check out the nightlife scene. There are lots of places to go out here, and it’s a fun area to enjoy a meal and drinks at the end of a big day.
Richmond
In the southwest, Richmond is another London neighborhood that’s worth spending a day exploring. It’s easy to get here by tube or train from central London, and it makes a good destination for your 6-day London itinerary.
Home to a pretty riverfront area, fun shops and restaurants, and a park filled with deer, Richmond is for you if you enjoy being outdoors and you want to feel like a local in London.
You can start your day out in Richmond with breakfast or coffee at one of the area’s cafes. Whether you choose a familiar chain or an independent spot, there are lots of options.
When you’re done fueling up, you can discover the side streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the high street are full of little surprises (and famous Ted Lasso filming locations).
Richmond Green is picturesque, too. If you’re lucky, you might see a local cricket match going on while you’re here. If you need some direction, my free self-guided Richmond walking tour is just the thing.
When you’re done, you can shop on the high street. There are all kinds of recognizable names and independent boutiques on and around the neighborhood thoroughfare.
After shopping, you can eat lunch at a riverside pub. They’re ideal places to soak up the sun and watch the boats go by on the water.
You can walk along the river when you’ve finished lunch. Whether you want a short stroll or a longer one, the Thames Path will give you options.
You can even walk all the way to Ham House, a National Trust property in London. It’s worth touring if you like history. The gardens and art collection are impressive, too.
After your walk you can head up the hill to Richmond Park. This place is one of the city’s biggest and most impressive green spaces.
Richmond Park is famous for its deer, so have your camera ready as you’re exploring. They’re amazing to see up close.
If you want some direction, you can see routes for free self-guided walks on my blog post about park walks in London.
When the sun starts to sink, you can head back into the neighborhood for dinner at one of the restaurants or pubs near the high street, then hop on the tube or a train back to central London.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden & King’s Cross
Begin the last morning of your 6 days in London in Hampstead. This pretty north London neighborhood is one of my favorite places in the city. It feels like a country village.
With historic pubs, charming streets, and one of the UK capital’s largest parks, it’s the ideal place to explore. I lived here for years and I still go back any chance I get.
You can walk around this London village on your own, or take my free self-guided Hampstead walk or one of my Hampstead Heath walks to discover best of the area.
When lunch o’clock rolls around, you can eat at one of the local pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead High Street. My favorites are the Holly Bush, Jin Kichi, and Villa Bianca. The crepe stands are fun, too, but the lines can be slow.
After eating, you can walk or take the tube past Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to get to Camden Town. Here you’ll find Camden High Street and markets like Camden Market, Hawley Wharf, and Buck Street Market.
You can take in Camden’s funky facades and browse the market stalls while you’re here. They’re ideal spots to pick up gifts and fun things to take home as souvenirs.
You can stay in Camden until evening sets in. The market has lots of food stalls where you can eat dinner, and the area has a legendary nightlife scene. It’s particularly beloved for live music.
From the Roundhouse to KOKO, there’s always a gig on. Iconic pubs like The World’s End have basement bars with live shows, too.
Alternatively, after Camden you can walk along the Regent’s Canal towpath to get to King’s Cross. The area around Granary Square and Coal Drops Yard is packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes. It’s a fun place to have dinner.
Before or after you dine, you can head down to the area’s landmark train stations. King’s Cross is famous for its awe-inspiring interior architecture and Harry Potter connections.
While inside, you can take a picture at the Platform 9 3/4 sign and pick up a souvenir from the Harry Potter shop right next to it.
Across the street from King’s Cross station, St Pancras International is known for its stunning exterior architecture.
Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s one of the most beloved heritage buildings in London. There are great shops and restaurants inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was also used as a filming location for one of the Harry Potter movies. You can find out which one in my blog post with a Harry Potter walk.
If you want to go out after exploring and eating, there’s a range of pubs and bars around here. From the ones on Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to local spots in nearby Fitzrovia and Bloomsbury, you’re spoiled for choice.
6 Days in London
I hope you’ve enjoyed this 6-day London itinerary and that it’s given you good ideas for things to do in the UK capital. There’s a lot to see and experience here, and I’m sure you’ll leave wanting to come back and explore more.
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