7-Day Itinerary for London

  • Day 1: Natural History Museum
    10 minutes (0.5 miles) from South Kensington Station

    The Natural History Museum houses a vast collection of natural specimens, from dinosaur skeletons to the world-famous blue whale exhibit. It's a great spot for both kids and adults with an interest in science and nature.

  • Day 2: Tower of London and Tower Bridge
    30 minutes (2 miles) from Natural History Museum

    The Tower of London is an iconic fortress that has served as a royal palace, royal mint, and even a prison. After exploring the inside of the castle, make sure to walk across the nearby Tower Bridge for panoramic city views.

  • Day 3: British Museum and Covent Garden
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Tower of London

    The British Museum is home to an impressive collection of human history and art, including the Rosetta Stone and ancient Egyptian mummies. A short walk away is the lively Covent Garden area, a great spot for shopping and dining.

  • Day 4: Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park
    25 minutes (1.5 miles) from British Museum

    Start your day with a visit to Buckingham Palace, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Afterward, take a stroll through the serene Hyde Park and rent a boat to row on the park's lake.

  • Day 5: West End Theater Show and Soho
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Buckingham Palace

    Experience London's vibrant theater scene by catching a show in the famous West End district. Afterward, head to Soho for a diverse range of dining options and lively nightlife.

  • Day 6: The Shard and Borough Market
    25 minutes (2 miles) from West End

    Rise to the top of the iconic Shard skyscraper for spectacular views of the city skyline. Afterward, head to nearby Borough Market for a unique foodie experience with food stalls selling everything from fresh produce to international cuisine.

  • Day 7: Saint Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern
    20 minutes (1.5 miles) from Borough Market/li>

    End your trip with a visit to the grand St. Paul's Cathedral, which has been the location of many notable royal weddings and funerals. Afterward, head to the nearby Tate Modern for contemporary art exhibits from around the world.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Natural History Museum (2 hours, free)
  • Tower of London and Tower Bridge (3-4 hours, £30)
  • British Museum and Covent Garden (4-5 hours, free)
  • Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park (3-4 hours, free)
  • West End Theater Show and Soho (4-5 hours, £40-£100)
  • The Shard and Borough Market (3-4 hours, £30)
  • Saint Paul's Cathedral and Tate Modern (4-5 hours, £20)
  • Total Estimated Costs: £120-£200

Transportation

London is a very walkable city, and great for exploring on foot. For longer distances, the Tube (underground subway system) is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Ride-hailing services and taxis are also widely available, and can be helpful for traveling after public transportation has stopped running. A seven-day unlimited travel card is available for purchase at £33 for travel within Zones 1-2, which covers most major attractions.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip to the charming city of Bath or the historical city of Oxford. For those with less time, consider skipping Covent Garden or Borough Market in favor of other attractions. Make sure to pack for varying weather and bring comfortable walking shoes!

Airports

London has several airports, but the two most popular are Heathrow Airport (LHR) and Gatwick Airport (LGW). Heathrow is the largest airport in the UK and is located about 14 miles west of central London, while Gatwick is located about 30 miles south of the city. Both airports are well-connected to central London by public transportation and taxi services.

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