Where to Stay in London for a first time visit? An insider’s guide 2020
Where to stay in London, England, for a first visit (or even second/third)? This is a question we receive many times. Therefore, we created this guide. We wa... Read More...
One Week in London
All you need to know in your one week in London, you will find in this guide.
Planning a trip for 7 days in London may give you so much to worry about, but as travelers too, we are very happy to help you out.
We’ll make things easier for you. From the list of things to do, the places you must visit, to what to try out while you’re in one week in Greater London. We all have it here.
Our full guide covers:
- Basic Introduction
- Where to stay in London
- How to get around
- What to see in London
- Things to do in London
- Tickets you have to buy before – must read
- Food and Restaurants
- Day Trips from London
- Itinerary for London
- Packing List
- City Map
Moreover, not only do you find the list of things to do in London here, but also give you tips and reminders for you to achieve a smooth-sailing trip.
Above all, we know how stressing it is to plan a trip, thus we are here to guide you through.
For now, imagine yourself in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. From their astounding history and culture, outstanding food, amazing people, you will never run out of things to try in your one week in London.
Without further ado, let’s keep you excited and curious in your one week in London, read more.
1. Basic Introduction
We want to start with a simple intro to the things you need to know before coming to London.
Currency: GBP (£) pound sterling
Language Spoken: The official language of London and the UK is English. Similarly, there are other several languages spoken in London. To name a few are Welsh, Irish, and Scottish.
Population: 8.8 Million (the biggest city in Europe)
Known for: The largest city and the capital of England and the United Kingdom, London is also considered as one of the world’s most important global cities.
Not only does it is known for the most powerful, but also said to be the most visited city in the world.
Moreover, Big Ben is one of the famous landmarks in the city being referenced for timing around the world. There are also the world-famous Buckingham Palace and the London Eye.
Accommodation: Without a doubt, you will be able to find many world-class luxury hotels in London as well as numerous apartments, guesthouses, smaller hotels, and even youth hostels for your one week in London.
Moreover, the offer is huge, and it depends on your personal preference in budget, style, and location.
We share details in our where to stay in London section below.
Public Transport: London has one of the largest urban transport networks in the world, with integrated bus, river and road systems spanning the city’s 32 boroughs.
In this way, traveling around the city is made easy and convenient. Plus, they have the Oyster Card, a ticket that covers all your transport needs.
More under how to get around.
Safety: London is a very safe city even to solo-female travelers. But as one of the famous cities in the world as well as the most visited, there is a high pickpocket risk in London, especially on crowded Tube (subway) or Buses.
Certainly, we highly recommend that when in the tube, never take an empty carriage at night.
Plus, just like when visiting foreign cities or areas, whether for the first or the n-th time, adopt personal safety practices.
Safety Reminder: During your stay, avoid wearing football shirts or showing any kind of support for any football team. Most of all, in the UK, such a show of support might end violently since some rivalries are taken very seriously.
City name: London is also known as the Greater London or The Great Wen. Others also call it The Smoke or the Big Smoke. Furthermore, London is also spelled as LDN informally.
Electricity: 230V/50Hz (Type G). Remember to pack your travel plug adapter. This will both fit for European plugs as well as UK plugs.
2. Where to stay in London
Is finding accommodation in London easy?
Yes, if you know what you need to keep an eye on.
Read: our full guide to where to stay in London – with a map.
We included there as well a map with districts and handpicked hotel recommendations.
Since we know how hard it is to decide on which places you should highlight during your one week in London. Therefore, through this guide, let us help you have a more smooth-sailing list of where to go.
Even more, we have included a map to make things easier for you to navigate the city and see where everything goes. Thus, get more chances to decide what accommodation fits you according to your travel classifications.
Our handpicked recommendations:
- Families: The Waldorf Plaza / The Ampersand
- Couples: Novotel London Canary Wharf
- Luxury Travelers: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard, London
- Design Lovers: Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels / The Curtain
- Groups: Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage / Wilde Aparthotels
- Solo Traveler: The Z Hotel City / Generator Hostel
- Nightlife Traveler: Hilton London Tower Bridge / The Dictionary Hostel
- On a low budget: Meininger London Hyde Park / The Luxury Inn
Furthermore, here we cover all neighborhoods, and for which type of traveler we recommend the areas and hotels.
2.1 Best for Families
For families in London, we recommend two different accommodations. Either one with a balcony and kid-friendly amenities or one with that offer a very good location and a games room.
Your choice:
The Waldorf Plaza (Apartment)
Featuring a fitness center and a bar is The Waldorf Plaza.
Ideal for families, the apartment offers books, DVDs and music for children. Moreover, you can be worry-free to let the babies roam around the room since they also provide child safety socket covers.
Nonetheless, if you have plans to do something for your one week in London without involving the kids, the accommodation offer babysitting services for your convenience.
Plus, you can perfectly enjoy the morning on the balcony and terrace. Or have a wonderful BBQ time in the afternoon.
Good to know: Take advantage of the apartment’s hot spring baths to relax after a long tiring day.
The Ampersand
The Ampersand is just a 2-minute walk from the National History Museum, Victoria and the Albert Museum.
Moreover, the hotel features a game room and a gym you can certainly use in your one week in London. Also, there is a game of table tennis that the kids could use.
Besides, we are certainly sure that you and your kids will appreciate the discounted family menus. This includes a Sci-Fi afternoon tea inside a tent.
Good to know: There are free items in the minibar. Even more, a real milk for your coffee in the fridge.
2.2 Best for Couples: Novotel London Canary Wharf
How romantic would it be to have dinner over a majestic overlooking 360-degree view of the entire London?
Look no further, stay at Novotel London Canary Wharf.
Besides, the hotel features The Bōkan Restaurant, Bar and Roof Terrace where you and your partner can have great nights in your one week in London.
Furthermore, you can swim in the hotel pool. Or do some exercise at the gym.
Good to know: Join some hotel activities like evening entertainment and live music to name a few.
2.3 Best for Luxury Travelers: Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
Appreciate London from the skies and be swept off your feet by its beauty.
Also, being with the same building as The Shard, Shangri-La will surely give you the best-overlooking view of The Great Wen.
Even more, waking up and sleeping through this scene will surely complete your one week in London. Wherever you’ll go, this amazing view will follow.
Further, the hotel also offers an infinity pool and a bar that stills give you the panoramic view of the city.
Looking for more luxury? Then read this complete guide to the best boutique hotels in London.
Good to know: Visit the highest cocktail bar in London, the GŎNG on level 52.
2.4 Best for Design Lovers
Looking for a cool design hotel in London? Lucky you, here are our favorite design-led accommodations.
Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels
Each room at the Ham Yard Hotel, Firmdale Hotels is uniquely designed with vibrant colors and decors. Perfect to feel homely yet luxurious.
Moreover, the 5-star hotel features a garden, terrace, and sauna that you try during your one week in London.
Above all, what’s unique about the hotel is that you can also go bowling with your friends or new acquaintances at the alley.
Even more, the hotel features a wellness facility where you can get a massage, a sauna, a fitness spa.
Good to know: Also best for families, the hotel offers children television networks, kid’s meals, and babysitting services.
The Curtain
More than just your cool boutique hotel is The Curtain.
Take a swim and enjoy the panoramic view of the city in the rooftop pool available all year round.
Moreover, the hotel features 3 restaurants where they serve American and European cuisines. All you can try alternately on your one week in London.
Good to know: Catch a yoga or fitness class during your stay. Even more, make use of the hotel’s wellness facility and pamper yourself with a spa or a massage.
2.5 Best for Groups
Whether you’re looking for accommodation with the best location or with great facilities, we got you covered. Here are two of the best places to stay in your one week in London as a group.
Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage (Hostel)
Palmers Lodge – Swiss Cottage is just the perfect avenue to socialize and meet people from around the world.
Not only do they offer good rooms but the place also puts you in access to great gigs and a piece of live music.
Furthermore, the accommodation organizes a regular pub-on-site and have night performances to hype your one week in London.
Even more, beds ave individual curtains to give you more privacy. Rooms are accessed with a key card and your staff is insured in your locker.
Good to know: You can perfectly ask for a packed lunch or a bar-hopping activity from the hostel’s staff.
Wilde Aparthotels by Staycity Covent Garden (Hotel)
The perfect hostel that puts you right in the heart of London is the Wilde Aparthotels.
Furthemore, just a few minutes walking distances from the hostel is the Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square. Besides, the famous theater houses like Savoy theater and the Royal Opera house are also near the accommodation.
Ideal for groups, some rooms are installed with its kitchenette equipped with a microwave and a toaster.
Good to know: You might find the blackout blind very helpful during your stay.
2.6 Best for Solo Travelers
For solo travelers, we have here options between a hotel and a hostel. But both will surely give you an amazing stay in your one week in London.
The Z Hotel City
Located in central London and just across the Royal Courts is The Z Hotel City.
Plus, St. Paul’s Cathedral can be reached within an 11-minute walk from the hotel.
Breakfast is served with a variation of scrambled egg dishes, fresh croissants, pastries, cereals, yogurts, and fresh fruit salad.
Furthermore, enjoy a 40 inch HD TV for your one week in London. They got free Sky Sports, BT Sports and Sky Movie channels you can choose from.
Good to know: Complimentary cheese and wine are given in the evening for the happy hour.
Generator Hostel
Generator Hostel offers large and vibrant accommodation in the heart of the city.
Moreover, the hostel features a shared lounge and a games room with a billiard table. These areas will enable you to socialize with other hostel guests from different parts of the world.
Also, you will love the special food deals that the hostel gives every day on meals and drinks.
Even more, you can join the hostel’s daily activities to keep your one week in London exciting. To name a few, they have pub crawls, walking tours, happy hour, karaoke, and live music entertainment.
Good to know: You can find vending machines in the hostel for your convenience.
2.7 Best for Nightlife Travelers
A hotel with a stunning bar view over a hotel that offers a great party location, you decide. Listed below are two great hotels that will give the best party experience in your one week in London.
Hilton London Tower Bridge
Just opposite of The Shard is the Hilton London Tower Bridge.
Additionally, rooms are designed with a modern exterior and executive rooms offer a terrace overlooking The Shard.
Further, you can have amazing nights in your one week in London through the TwoRuba bar. Grab your favorite beer or cocktail and have conversations with other hotel guests.
Good to know: The Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour passes in front of the hotel.
The Dictionary Hostel
You can find The Dictionary Hostel in High Street. Putting you in the most popular places for night fun.
Furthermore, just right outside the hostel are London’s best bars, clubs, restaurants, galleries, and independent shops. All that you can easily explore in your one week in London.
Plus, more than a great location, the hostel features a common kitchen where you can cook your meals. There is also an onsite mini-market for your convenience.
Good to know: The hostel can keep your luggages safe for free on the day of check-in/out.
2.8 Best for Budget Travelers
Looking for great room deals in London? We don’t only give you the best accommodations in the city but also those with very budget-friendly offers. You can choose from the list below.
Meininger London Hyde Park
Grab the great value for private and shared rooms in Meininger London Hyde Park.
Aside from its great location, the hostel also offers a common lounge and a bar. Perfect place to meet new friends from across the globe.
Moreover, the rooms are wooden and equipped with a TV and have a private shower.
Further, you can reach Kensington Palace in a 5-minute walk from the hostel. On the other hand, Hyde Park and The
Good to know: The drawers you put your staff in need a little locker. You can bring your own.
The Luxury Inn
All rooms at The Luxury Inn boasts a coffee maker.
Also, the hostel features a shared lounge and a garden you can chill at and relax during your one week in London.
Furthermore, the hostel has a kitchen where you can make your breakfast. And that would mean a reasonable value.
Good to know: The street is residential, tree-lined, with flowers in gardens as you walk up the street.
Cheap Hostels in London
Our last recommendation for budget travel in London is getting a cheap hostel. There are many all over the city.
Prices always change and depend on date and availability. The easiest way to find the cheapest places to stay in London is as follows.
- Open Hostelworld
- Order the listing by price
This way you see the cheapest options out there. Make sure you read still the reviews!
3. How to get around
So, we have your accommodation set, now let us get out and explore.
Best for sightseeing: One great and easy way to go around the city is through the Hop on Hop Off Bus. Hop on and off as much as you like and switch between 6 different bus routes and see the capital’s attractions.
Even more, cruise along the River Thames between Westminster and the Tower of London with your complimentary river cruise pass.
Check more in for Hop on – Hop off Bus here.
Public transport: London has an extensive and developed transport network. Furthermore, their public transport network serves as the central hub for the United Kingdom in rail, air and road transport.
On the other hand, London underground is the most highly used system in all of London sending people in and out of London in “tubes”.
I enjoyed taking the Tube. However, avoid business hours in the morning from 7 am to 9 am. Thus, many people commute to work with the tube, and there can be long queues.
London Transport Networks:
- London Underground (Tube)
- Buses
- Docklands Light Rail
- Docklands Light Rail
Oyster Card: Even more, they also have a universal ticket called the “Oyster Card” that gives you access to all the transport networks that you can use at any time of the day, any day of the week with the cheapest deals.
Bikes: Another way to go around the city is through bikes. Hence, you can hire bikes in London using a public cycle hire scheme, the Santander Cycles.
Moreover, Santander Cycles has more than 750 docking stations and 11,500 bikes to hire around London that makes it easy and quick to use 24/7, 365 days a year. Plus, it only takes £2 to access a bike for 24 hours that go with FREE 30 minutes in each of your first journeys.
I did enjoy cycling around the river. However, make sure you read up your itinerary. Still, there are some routes I would not take with the bike. But, along the river and near the park it is wonderful – when the weather plays along.
Furthermore, you can also join bike tours and go visit London and be escorted with expert guides here.
Walking: Just like in Florence, many landmarks in London are close to each other. Such as Big Ben, London Eye, Westminster Abbey.
So it would be most convenient to just walk and to see London from a personal perspective and skip the traffic.
Besides, London is one of the most foot-friendly cities in the world.
Interested in Harry Potter? There is a Harry Potter Walking Tour! Walk in the footsteps of your favorite wizards (and witches) around the muggle world of London.
Furthermore, check out the detailed tour and book here.
Taxi: One interesting thing about the taxis in London is that only black cabs can be hailed in the street or at designated ranks situated in prominent places, including many mainline rails, Tube and bus stations.
Even more, all their taxis are wheelchair accessible and carry assistance dogs at no charge. How cool is that?
Above all, most of the taxis have in London have more extra aids to help a traveler.
Other Taxi features:
- Ramps
- Swivel seat
- Intermediate step
- Seat sight patches
- Large colored grab handles
- Intercom
- Induction loop
Good to know:
- If the yellow TAXI sign is on, the cab is available for hire.
- Minicabs can be a cheaper alternative but make sure you prebook your trip or else they are breaking the law.
Boat: Travelling by river in London is popular. Hence, if you want to get out onto the Thames, City Cruises is one of the top sightseeing tours, showcasing the best sights for affordable prices.
Moreover, my favorite cruise is the Hon On Hop Off Sightseeing Cruise.
This cruise, most of all, lets you hop on and hop off for 24 hours at any of London’s main destination piers, such as Westminster, London Eye, Tower, and Greenwich.
Nevertheless, the Woolwich Ferry carries foot passengers and road traffic across the Thames between North Woolwich and Woolwich Arsenal, for FREE.
Adventure tip: Specifically, if you want to try something out of the ordinary during your one week in London, take an exhilarating ride along the river Thames on a RIB (rigid inflatable boat) tour.
Feel like James Bond for the day as you experience London on the fastest speed boats.
Furthe, see more detailed information on Speed Bout Tour here.
4. What to see in London – The Must-Do’s
What to see in London? A very good question!
Most of all, being unquestionably one of the most visited places in the world, London has it all.
Furthermore, London is a city unlike any other in the world. Having so much to offer, we have made life easier for you hence we narrowed down things you might and should do while you’re in one week in London.
Besides, there are specific places you definitely MUST visit. However, you might need to book some tickets ahead of time to skip the long lines or simply get the chance to get in.
The Must Do’s are:
- See Westminster
- Explore the Tower of London
- Experience Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter (day trip)
- Visit the Buckingham Palace
- Tour the Windsor Castle
- Ride the Coca-Cola London Eye
More great sights to see in London are:
- The National Gallery
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Tate Modern
- The British Museum
- Shakespeare’s Globe
- The London Dungeon
- Trafalgar Square
- Big Ben
- The View from The Shard
Photo by Mark de Jong
5. Things to do in London
There are some things in life we get to know only when we experience London in 3 days personally. And the city is unquestionably one of those.
Moreover, it is among the few cities that can take you thousands of years into the past and also let you explore what the future holds in store for you.
Surely, there is always something interesting going on. Thus, we have made a list for you to do while you’re in 3, 4 or 5 days London, no matter what time of the year you are visiting.
Therefore, here are the lists of things to do one week in London, accordingly.
We collected for you a great list of cool Things To Do in London:
- 101 Cool Things to do in London
- 14 things to do in London with kids
- 30 Best Spots in London that are Instagram worthy
- 62 Things to do in London for FREE
Here are more ideas:
- Experience the Street Art
- Walk across the Abbey Road
- Attend a home game
- Dinner cruise in River Thames
- Eat your way around Borough Market
- See the Sky Garden
6. Tickets you have to buy before (Must Read)
I sincerely hope you are reading this section carefully! Generally, it will make a difference.
Moreover, this is important so you actually can enter the places you would love to see from the inside.
There are exactly four tickets you have to buy beforehand:
- Tower of London
- London Eye
- Warner Bros. Studio Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter (day trip)
- Sky Garden (free)
6.1 Tower of London
Not only does it plays a significant role in London, but it also was declared as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site.
The Tower of London is officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Conqueror’s fortress.
Moreover, being one of the world’s leading tourist attractions, lines are expected to belong and crowded and tickets are likely to sell out.
So if you want to see yourself the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy and explore the grounds of the Tower of London and skip more than an hour of waiting in line, book your tickets ahead of time.
Good to know: When you are visiting during winter, the Tower is open until 5:00 but the last admission is at 4:00 PM. Most importantly, anyone arriving after this point will not be able to enter.
6.2 London Eye (Skip the 2 hours line)
Certainly, with over 3.75 million visitors annually and being the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom, we highly recommend that you book your tickets in advance.
Luckily, I knew of the long line before I came and pre-booked my ticket. There was a massive line of around 2 hours just to get the ticket. And then another line of 1 hour just to enter the London Eye.
Ufff…I was really lucky!
Further, the London Eye, as one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, will truly take your breath away as you witness the beauty of London as you rise.
Soar above as high as 135 meters and just enjoy the stunning view from above for 30 minutes.
Therefore, avoid waiting for the long line ques and enjoy fast-track admission only if you book your tickets in advance.
Best time to visit the London Eye: I went up during the day-time with a clear view all over the city. Although the best time to visit would be right before sunset. The colors can be beautiful – again if the weather plays along.
Good to know:
- Children under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult over 18
- Infants aged 3 years and under ride free, but must still reserve a ticket
- Disabled guests pay the standard price and their carer enters free of charge
6.3 Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter
Just like the other major tours in London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour is more likely to sell out, too.
Let’s face it. Who wouldn’t want to set foot on the actual sets where the famous Harry Potter movies were filmed? But not us.
However, this is one of the most popular activities for families in London!
Therefore, if you want to enter the magical world of Harry and have a wizardly adventure, book your tickets ahead of time. Not unless you want to gamble the chance and buy tickets on the same day. That’s certainly going to be a disaster!
Good to know: Entrance to the Studios will be around 2 hours later from the starting time you have chosen for the tour. For example, booking for 10 am will also be your bus boarding time, the entrance at the studios is at noon, depart the studios at 3.30pm and arrive back in London at 5.00pm.
6.4 Sky Garden – Free, but you need to register
Number 4 is one of my favorite free things to do in London.
Moreover, the Sky Garden us one of the tallest buildings in London and you can go up – again – for free!
All you need to do is: Sign up and plan your visit!
Most importantly, tickets are usually fully booked up to 2 weeks before.
Therefore, hurry up! You can save your spot for free on the official website www.skygarden.london/plan-your-visit
You have to book for a certain time, and you have to be on time. On top, there is a restaurant and bar. However, I did not have a drink, but rumor has the quality is good and it is worth it to eat here.
When to book: There is a security control before entering. Thus, tickets are released on a Monday for the following 3 weeks.
Security Check and Pets: Moreover, they enforce airport-style security checks at Sky Garden and therefore large bags and suitcases are not permitted. And sadly, pets are not permitted.
Best time to come here: Before sunset – so you can see the city by day and night.
7. Food & Restaurants
People from all over the world dream to visit Greater London even at least once in their lives.
Aside from their amazing culture and rich history, tourists like us, want to personally see and experience what its to be in one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
And common! This is London we’re talking about.
Read our guide on where to eat in London.
Even more, we added our favorite 14 places to eat in London (with photos) and put them on a map for you.
As part of a traveler, there is no way better to see a place aside from through their food.
Interestingly, we can’t resist the inviting foods especially when they are new to our tastebuds and extremely looking sumptuous. And let’s be honest, even a person on a diet won’t want to miss to try out what the city has to offer.
Ergo, here are lists of foods you recommend you try and places you should visit in your one week in London. Just click on the links and get ready to discover more food details in the city.
Of course, while you’re in London, take the chance to try out British food.
Even more, you should experience 20 Fun Foodie Things to Do while you’re in one week in The Great Wen like a local.
Catch a perfectly good coffee in London’s 7 Prettiest Cafes that are Instagram-worthy, too.
And don’t miss out to try among the 37 Brunch Spots in London.
Nevertheless, choose among the best meals and dinners for under £10 in London, when you are on a tight budget.
Food not to be missed while in London is their fish and chips, check out the city’s best fish and chip restaurants here.
8. Day Trips from London
Though there could be so much to see and do in London for 7 days.
However, there could always be a chance that you might want to expand your tour and make the most out of your one week in London.
Might as well consider a day trip among London’s beautiful neighboring cities and famous landmarks.
Therefore, here are popular day trips from London which includes:
- The iconic Stonehenge (my favorite!)
- Oxford, Stratford and Cotswolds combined
- Seaford
- Seven Sisters Cliffs
- Bath and Stonehenge Tour
- Windsor Castle
- Warner Bros Studio Tour with Making Of Harry Potter (great for families!)
Find all the day trips from London directly here.
9. Itinerary for 7 days
When spending a week in London, you can explore the city itself and its surroundings.
Even more, we’d like to help you out have an incredible time in The Great Wen that you’ll surely look back on. Being the world’s most visited city, we know you’ll have a hard time deciding what to include in your one week in London.
To make it easier for you, here are itineraries we have gathered that are sure to make most out of your adventure in the city.
10. Packing List
There are a few things we recommend for your packing list London.
Optional but always useful:
11. Printed Guides & Map
These guides are best for the ones looking for a printed version.
Once you come to London, you will also receive a paper map of the city.
- Lonely Planet Guide for London
- Rick Steves London Guide
- Top 10 London: Up to date (DK Eyewitness Travel Guide)
Here is again our map of London with the recommended hotels and neighborhoods.
Questions? Contact us
I tried to make this guide as useful and complete as possible. However, chances are you still have questions left.
Therefore, any questions? Anything not clear?
Please get in touch with us, I would be very happy to help. I want to make this guide as useful as possible for you.
You see, your question helps me as well.
Do not be shy and send me an email.
There’s much more
Below we list again all our detailed guides to spend 3 days in London or more.
Safe travels!
