Day 1: Borough Market and Hampstead Heath
Start your day with a visit to Borough Market, London's oldest and most famous food market. Explore the stalls and sample local specialties. Next, head to Hampstead Heath for a picnic with a stunning view of the city. End your day with dinner at The Ivy, a celebrity hotspot with a sophisticated menu of modern British cuisine.
Day 2: Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
Start your day with coffee and brunch at Farm Girl, a popular café in Notting Hill. Afterward, wander around the charming neighbourhood and browse the unique shops. Head to Portobello Road Market for a vibrant street market experience. End your day with dinner at The Ledbury, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant serving seasonal cuisine.
Day 3: Covent Garden and Soho
Start your day with a visit to Covent Garden Market, a historic market hall with numerous food stalls and vendors. Afterward, explore the vibrant streets of Soho, known for its diverse food scene. End your day with dinner at The Palomar, a popular Middle Eastern restaurant with flavorful small plates.
Day 4: Shoreditch and Brick Lane
Start your day with coffee and breakfast at Grounded Coffee Company in Shoreditch, a trendy neighborhood with street art and unique shops. Afterward, check out the vintage stores and record shops in the area. Head to Brick Lane Market for an authentic curry experience. End your day with dinner at Hawksmoor Spitalfields, a steakhouse serving high-quality meat dishes.
Day 5: South Bank and London Bridge
Start your day with a walk along the South Bank, which offers stunning views of the Thames River and numerous street food vendors. Next, head to Borough Market for lunch. Afterward, visit The View from The Shard, Europe's tallest observation deck. End your day with dinner at Sketch, an Instagram-worthy restaurant with quirky décor and a creative menu.
Time and Costs Estimates
Borough Market (2 hours, free)
Hampstead Heath (3 hours, free)
The Ivy (2 hours, £££)
Farm Girl (2 hours, ££)
Portobello Road Market (2 hours, free)
The Ledbury (2 hours, ££££)
Covent Garden Market (2 hours, free)
The Palomar (2 hours, £££)
Grounded Coffee Company (1 hour, £)
Brick Lane Market (2 hours, free)
Hawksmoor Spitalfields (2 hours, £££)
Borough Market (1 hour, free)
The View from The Shard (2 hours, £££)
Sketch (2 hours, ££££)
Total Estimated Costs: ££££
Transportation
During your trip, it is recommended to use public transportation such as the tube, buses or trains. The cost for a single journey ranges from £2.40 to £4.90 depending on the zones you are travelling to. Consider purchasing an Oyster card for better transportation rates. It takes approximately 50 minutes to travel from London Heathrow Airport to the city center via the Heathrow Express, which costs around £25 one way.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to Oxford or Cambridge for a change of scenery. For a budget-friendly food option, visit a local pub and try classic British dishes such as fish and chips or a Sunday roast. If you have less time, prioritize the locations based on your interests.
Airports
London has six international airports, with London Heathrow Airport (LHR) being the largest and most centrally located, only 15 miles away from the city center. Other airports include London Gatwick Airport (LGW), London City Airport (LCY), London Luton Airport (LTN), London Stansted Airport (STN), and London Southend Airport (SEN).