Begin with a relaxed lunch at The Cinnamon Club (in the old Westminster Library) to enjoy modern Indian cuisine in a grand setting before your afternoon stroll along the Thames.
Walk to Westminster Abbey and take a guided tour to see the coronation church and royal tombs, allowing about an hour to appreciate the architecture and history.
Stroll across Westminster Bridge for classic views of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, pausing for photos and to soak up the riverside atmosphere.
Head to the South Bank and stop at Southbank Centre Food Market (or nearby kiosks) for a coffee or a pastry and river views as you continue along the promenade.
Finish lunch with a quick coffee at The Cinnamon Club or a nearby café, then make your way toward Westminster Abbey for your scheduled visit.
Walk east along the South Bank toward The London Eye, taking in public art and pop-up stalls; if you prefer, book a ticket for a 30-minute rotation to see London from above.
Continue past The London Eye to the riverside stretch by Royal Festival Hall, stopping to browse the riverside bookstalls and galleries or relax on the benches with the Thames view.
Head to Skylon (Royal Festival Hall) or Sea Containers (South Bank) for an early evening drink with panoramic river views as daylight fades.
Walk west along the river toward Gabriel's Wharf for casual riverside dining options like Boho Restaurant or riverside terraces, choosing a spot for dinner to end your South Bank afternoon.
Dine riverside at Boho Restaurant in Gabriel's Wharf for seasonal British plates and a relaxed terrace atmosphere overlooking the Thames.
After dinner, cross to the north bank and enjoy an evening wander through Covent Garden to catch street performers and browse boutiques; stop for a dessert at Caffè Concerto if you have a sweet tooth.
Take a short walk to Somerset House to admire its illuminated courtyard and, if in season, a late-night ice rink or winter light display.
Cap the night with a nightcap at The Rooftop at ME London or nearby Gordon's Wine Bar for historic ambiance and a final view of the city lights.
Start with a leisurely breakfast at The Ivy Kensington Brasserie to enjoy classic English breakfast dishes and a warm atmosphere before a museum-filled morning.
Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum for an hour-and-a-half wander through decorative arts galleries, focusing on the fashion, ceramics, and sculpture highlights.
Walk the short distance to the Natural History Museum and join a brief highlights tour to see the iconic Hintze Hall skeleton and the acclaimed dinosaur exhibits.
Take a coffee break at Comptoir Libanais on Exhibition Road or the museum café to recharge and sample light Lebanese bites before moving on to the park.
Walk into Hyde Park and enjoy a gentle stroll toward the Serpentine, pausing at the Serpentine Gallery for contemporary art installations and a quick photo by the lake.
Have a relaxed lunch at The Serpentine Bar & Kitchen, sitting riverside to sample seasonal British dishes while watching swans glide by.
Rent a paddle boat from the Serpentine Boat Hire (if weather allows) for 30-45 minutes on the water, or take a scenic walk toward the Italian Gardens and the Peter Pan statue.
Head east toward Kensington Gardens and visit the Albert Memorial and the exterior of Kensington Palace, enjoying the palace gardens and photo opportunities from the public paths.
Stop for tea and light pastries at The Orangery near Kensington Palace, soaking in the classical surroundings and warming up with a pot of tea.
Return to South Kensington and spend a relaxed hour browsing the design shop and temporary exhibits at the Victoria and Albert Museum (catch anything you missed earlier).
Make your way to Dishoom Kensington for an early evening snack or pre-dinner small plates inspired by Bombay cafés, perfect if you want a flavorful bite before dinner.
Walk a few minutes to The Churchill Arms for a pint in a famously floral pub setting or a quick plate of Thai-inspired pub food to tide you over before dinner.
Dine at Ognisko Restaurant for refined Polish and Central European dishes in a cosy, candlelit dining room-reserve ahead for the best tables.
Take an evening stroll through Hyde Park toward the Serpentine to enjoy peaceful lakeside views and the city lights as the park quiets down.
Stop for a digestif or dessert at The Orangery if open late, or head back into South Kensington for cocktails at The Pelican bar to round out the night.
If you're up for live music, walk to PizzaExpress Live in nearby Kensington for an intimate gig; otherwise stroll back to your hotel or enjoy a nightcap at Scarsdale Tavern.
Begin with breakfast at The Delaunay on Aldwych for a refined continental start-think freshly baked pastries, eggs, and excellent coffee before your market wander.
Stroll into Covent Garden Market to browse artisan stalls and watch early street performers; pop into Neal's Yard Remedies or the independent craft shops for unique souvenirs.
Head north to Seven Dials and explore boutique shops along Monmouth Street, then grab a specialty coffee at Prufrock Coffee to refuel for the neighborhood walk.
Walk west into Soho for a guided food-walk vibe-sample pastries at Dominique Ansel Bakery, browse vinyl at Sister Ray Records, and soak up the eclectic streetscape.
Pause for an early lunch or substantial snack at Barrafina (counter seating) to enjoy authentic Spanish tapas before an afternoon of further sightseeing.
After tapas, wander to St. Martin's Courtyard to browse independent boutiques and pop into Stanfords for maps or travel gifts; pause at a bench to plan the afternoon.
Head to Leicester Square and soak up the cinematic atmosphere; grab a gelato at Gelupo or a quick coffee at Pret a Manger while people-watching in the square.
Walk up into Chinatown for a sensory stroll-peek into bakeries for egg tarts and snap photos of ornate lanterns and colorful shopfronts along Gerrard Street.
Join a short guided street-art and neighborhood tour departing from Soho Square, focusing on hidden alleys, music history, and iconic façades-perfect for local stories and photo stops.
Take a sweet break at Clarence & Fredericks (or nearby Chocolat Chocolat) for decadent chocolates or an espresso, then stroll toward Carnaby Street to browse fashion and lifestyle stores.
Explore Carnaby Street and the surrounding Kingly Court courtyards, popping into concept shops like Liberty London's smaller concession or independent fashion boutiques.
Stop for a light early dinner or substantial pre-show meal at Flat Iron for a well-priced steak (arrive early or expect a short wait), or choose Palomar if you prefer modern Jerusalem plates.
Make your way toward the theatre district and collect tickets at the box office; enjoy a pre-show drink at The American Bar at The Savoy or a quieter option like The Lamb & Flag nearby.
Enjoy pre-theatre cocktails at Bar Termini, a cosy Italian-style bar in Soho, pairing Negronis or espresso martinis with small plates to set the mood for the evening.
If you prefer a heartier pre-show meal, dine at Dishoom Covent Garden for Bombay-inspired small plates and grilled dishes-reserve ahead or arrive early to avoid the queue.
Collect your tickets and take your seats for the West End performance; arrive early to soak up the theatre's atmosphere and pick up a program at The Lyceum Theatre or your chosen venue.
After the show, head to The Rooftop St James for a late-night drink with skyline views, or choose Bar Americain at Brasserie Zédel for classic cocktails in an Art Deco setting.
For a relaxed late-night bite, stop by Balthazar in Covent Garden for a cheese plate or steak frites in its buzzy brasserie space before calling it a night.
Cap the night with a nightcap at the intimate Benjamin Clewes Bar within The Arts Club (if you're a member guest) or return to Gordon's Wine Bar for candlelit atmosphere and a final glass of wine.