London is a beautiful city with historic landmarks, modern attractions, and charming neighbourhoods.
My suggested London Travel Map includes key attractions, itineraries, and tipsto help you explore the city efficiently and have maximum fun.
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Estimated Cost: You should plan to spend around £145 ($174) per day on your vacation in London. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors. Past travellers have spent, on average, £29 ($34) on meals for one day and £21 ($25) on local transportation. Also, the average hotel price in London for a couple is £181 ($218). So, a trip to London for two people for one week costs on average £2,027 ($2,441).
Accommodation Cost: The average price for one person’s accommodation in London is £90. For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price is £181.
Key Attractions in London
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament
- Iconic clock tower and the seat of the UK government.
- Nearby: Westminster Abbey and the London Eye.
- Buckingham Palace
- The official residence of the British monarch.
- Don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Tower of London
- Historic castle and home to the Crown Jewels.
- Nearby: Tower Bridge (walk across for stunning views).
- The British Museum
- World-famous museum with artifacts like the Rosetta Stone.
- Free entry!
- The Shard & London Bridge
- Enjoy panoramic views of the city from The Shard’s viewing platform.
- Walk along the Thames River for great photo ops.
- Camden Market
- A vibrant market with street food, vintage shops, and live music.
- Perfect for a casual afternoon.
- Covent Garden
- A lively area with street performers, boutique shops, and restaurants.
- Nearby: Royal Opera House.
- Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
- Relax in one of London’s largest parks.
- Visit the Serpentine Lake or Kensington Palace.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- A stunning Baroque cathedral with a climbable dome.
- Offers breathtaking views of the city.
- Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
- Famous for its colourful houses and antique market.
- Great for a stroll.
Suggested Routes
- Historic London Route: Big Ben → Westminster Abbey → Buckingham Palace → Tower of London → Tower Bridge.
- Cultural London Route: British Museum → Covent Garden → St. Paul’s Cathedral → Tate Modern.
- Modern London Route: The Shard → London Bridge → Borough Market → Camden Market.
- Relaxing London Route: Hyde Park → Kensington Palace → Notting Hill → Portobello Road Market.
Tips for Navigating London
- Use Public Transport:
- London’s Tube (Underground) is the fastest way to get around.
- Get an Oyster Card or use contactless payment for convenience.
- Download Offline Maps:
- Use Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate the city.
- Save your customised travel map for easy access.
- Start Early:
- Arrive at popular attractions like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace very early to avoid crowds.
- Explore on Foot:
- Many attractions are within walking distance, especially in central London.
London Itinerary
First Day: City
- Start your day at Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check the schedule beforehand).
- Walk through St James’s Park towards Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
- Visit the Houses of Parliament, take a guided tour, or attend a debate (book in advance).
- Cross Westminster Bridge to reach the South Bank, explore the Southbank Centre, the National Theatre, and the Tate Modern.
- End the day with a ride on the iconic London Eye for a bird’s-eye view of the city.
Second Day: Museums
- Start your day at the British Museum. Explore the extensive collection of artefacts worldwide, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
- From there, take a short walk to the trendy Covent Garden area. It features boutique shops, street performers, and dining options.
- Walk to Trafalgar Square, admire Nelson’s Column, and visit the impressive National Gallery. It houses works by Van Gogh, da Vinci, and other masters.
- Spend the evening in the vibrant West End. Catch a play or musical in one of the many theatres. Alternatively, dine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Third Day: Historical Sights
- Visit the Tower of London. You can see the Crown Jewels there. Learn about the castle’s history and take a tour with a Yeoman Warder.
- Take a stroll along the Thames River and cross the iconic Tower Bridge.
- Visit the nearby Borough Market to indulge in some delicious food and drink.
- Continue to the nearby Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to learn about the history of the famous playwright. Attend a performance if available.
Fourth Day: Relaxing
- Head to the world-renowned Kew Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore its many gardens, greenhouses, and galleries.
- Make your way to the nearby Richmond Park. It is the largest royal park in London. You can enjoy nature there and spot deer roaming free.
- In the evening, enjoy a dinner in one of the many excellent restaurants in the Notting Hill area.
Fifth Day: Fun Finds
- Visit the iconic British Library. It houses over 170 million items. The library also boasts a vast collection of manuscripts, which includes the Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics.
- Explore the Camden Market, with its unique blend of street food, vintage shops, and alternative fashion.
- Finish off your trip with a night out in the trendy Shoreditch neighbourhood, with its many bars and clubs.
Note: Before planning your trip, please check for the latest travel restrictions and requirements.
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
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