London England, here's how to spend one week in the capital city of the United Kingdom. 

London, England  | The Best One Week Itinerary, Top Attractions, Hidden Gems

Buckle up, my fellow wanderers, for we're about to embark on a journey through the streets of London – a city that pulses with history, culture, and an unyielding spirit. 

London, my friends, is a feast – a moveable, delectable, and intoxicating experience waiting to be devoured. As we meander through the labyrinthine alleys and bustling thoroughfares, we'll traverse the same cobblestone paths tread by Dickens, Shakespeare, and countless other luminaries who've left their indelible mark on this magnificent metropolis.

 But enough with the pleasantries – let's dive headfirst into the pulsating heart of London, where every corner tells a story, and every pint is poured with purpose. So grab your umbrella, because let's face it, it's London – and rain is just part of the charm. 

From the hallowed halls of the British Museum to the raucous markets of Camden Town, we'll leave no stone unturned and no ale untasted. So join me, my fellow adventurers, as we uncover the secrets of London, one bite, one sip, and one unforgettable moment at a time. Cheers to the journey ahead!

London, UK

If you're arriving from Europe you'll probably fly into Gatwick Airport. 

Morning: Embark on a royal adventure with a visit to Buckingham Palace (£26.50 for adults, discounts available). 

Morning: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tower of London (£25.00 for adults, discounts available for children and seniors).

Explore the Tower's rich history, including its role as a royal palace, prison, and treasury.

Nearby breakfast option: Enjoy a hearty English breakfast at The Liberty Bounds, a traditional pub near Tower Hill.

Afternoon: Take a leisurely stroll along the South Bank, enjoying views of the River Thames and passing famous landmarks like Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern. 

Stop for lunch at Borough Market, London's oldest food market, and indulge in a variety of international cuisines.

Evening: End your day with a visit to the West End for a world-class theater performance. Check out ticket options at TKTS Leicester Square for discounted tickets to top shows. 

After the show, dine at Dishoom, an acclaimed Indian restaurant serving delicious Bombay-inspired cuisine.

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the British Museum (free admission),

Home to a vast collection of art and artifacts spanning centuries and civilizations. 

Enjoy a light breakfast at the Great Court Restaurant within the museum.

Afternoon: Explore the British Library, housing treasures like the Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics. Admission is free, but some exhibitions may require tickets. 

Evening: Immerse yourself in London's theater history with a guided tour of the Globe Theatre, where you can learn about Shakespearean performances in the Elizabethan era.

Enjoy a pre-theater dinner at Swan at the Globe, offering modern British cuisine with stunning views of the River Thames.

You have to check out my FAVORITE LONDON PUB - hidden in a little alleyway (much like Diagon Alley in Harry Potter) is a pub rebuilt in 1600s.  It's so quaint, cozy and is like time traveling.  The perfect place to kick your feet up for a pint or three in the afternoon.

Or head over to the nearby Somers Town Coffee House a cozy blend of coffee house and traditional pub with lots on the menu to choose from.  If it's on the earlier side, grab a Full English Breakfast and a coffee,  it is lunch, grab a traditional pub meal and a cask ale. 

If you prefer to have a guide for this day, check out this great tour. 

If you're flying from the USA you'll probably be arriving in Heathrow Airport.

Either way the best and most affordable way into the city is by taking the Underground (known as the "Tube") which you can catch directyl from either airport.  Also you can pay a bit more for the Heathrow Express train which takes you directly to Paddington Station (Central London).

I highly recommend buying an Oyster Card and loading it up so you can use the underground and buses to get around the city.  London's public transport is superb and it's by far the most affordable way to get around the city. 

Explore the State Rooms and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (check schedule).

For lunch, dine at The Ivy Victoria, offering modern British dishes in an elegant setting.

Evening: Discover the historic charm of Covent Garden, known for its street performers, boutique shops, and lively atmosphere.

And while you're over there, check out St Paul's Cathedral.

If you want to compare the best and most affordable airfare on the web, then use this link to compare flights and airfares.  I use this website when booking my airfare.

FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS HERE

Our adventure begins over two millennia ago, when London was founded by the Romans in AD 43 as a strategic outpost along the River Thames. Known as Londinium, it quickly grew into a thriving settlement, complete with bustling markets, temples, and public baths.

Fast forward to the Middle Ages, and London had become a bustling hub of trade and commerce. The construction of landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey symbolized the city's growing importance as a center of power and influence. In 1066, the Norman Conquest ushered in a new era for London, as William the Conqueror established it as the capital of England. 

Over the centuries, London continued to flourish, despite setbacks like the devastating Great Fire of 1666, which razed much of the city to the ground. 

The 18th and 19th centuries saw London undergo a period of rapid expansion and industrialization, fueled by the rise of the British Empire. Landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament emerged, transforming the city's skyline and solidifying its status as a global powerhouse.

The Victorian era brought further advancements, with the development of the world's first underground railway system and the construction of iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

In the 20th century, London endured the trials of two world wars, emerging as a resilient and multicultural city. The Swinging Sixties ushered in a cultural renaissance, with London at the forefront of music, fashion, and art. 

Today, London stands as a vibrant melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. From the historic streets of the City of London to the trendy neighborhoods of Shoreditch and Camden, there's always something new to discover around every corner. 

As we wander through the streets of this dynamic metropolis, let's pause to marvel at the centuries of history etched into its cobblestones, from the ancient Roman walls to the gleaming skyscrapers of the modern skyline. London's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and endless possibility – and as travelers, we are privileged to be a part of it.

Changing the Guard - Ceremonial Events - The Household Division - Official site

Grab breakfast at The Lanesborough, a luxury hotel nearby, known for its sumptuous morning spread.

London, England | The Best One Week Itinerary, Top Attractions, Hidden Gems

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