“What would you do and where would you go, if you had only one week in London and really want to get the best of this city?” These are questions, I often get, when I have visitors over. London is such a big and adventurous city with so many possibilities. Something is always going on here… It can be expensive, yes – but you can also have lots of fun without spending all your savings.

Personally, I think a week is a good amount of time to check out many of the typical tourist spots, as well as a few personal interest sites that are off the traditional path. This is my guide for some suggestions on how to spend one week in London

Monday

OK, so you have just arrived and let’s say you have never been in London before. Now you might wrinkle your nose, when I suggest this, but there is no better way of getting to know a city, than jumping on a tour bus! There are many tour bus companies in London – and many of them are excellent! A favourite of mine is the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. First of all you get to go around in many parts of the city on a beautifully decorated old vintage bus. Second, you can indulge yourself with the most amazing finger sandwiches, pastries, scones and cakes while you enjoy the sights. What’s not to love? Read more about it here

My mother and I celebrated Mother’s Day on the Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. We had such a lovely time! 

Now that you have a small impression of London, (and you might need to burn off a few calories), I suggest you take a look in the area, where the bus ends its journey. We are at Embankment Pier! The perfect place to get more beautiful sights of London!

Cross the River Thames at The Golden Jubilee bridges and get breathtaking views! 

Walk along Southbank and pass or visit Tate Modern

Besides from being Britain’s national gallery of international modern art, Tate also offer spectacular views! 

Or how about a visit to Shakespeare’s Globe?

Tuesday

In the Southbank area, you will also find London’s popular ferris wheel The London Eye  – also known as The Millennium Wheel. In my opinion you can’t go to London without having taken a ride in the skies for the best views of the city – so off you go!

You can read all about my breathtaking experience at The London Eye here

If you are hungry – and curious about seeing one of London’s absolutely best food markets, I suggest you go to Borough Food Market for yummy street food and maybe something to bring home as well! Read more about Borough Market here!

Sometimes street food beats a michelin star restaurant!

Wednesday

Today is shopping day! There are MANY places to shop in London depending on what you are looking for. But I will start by taking you to Mayfair! Take the tube to Green Park or Piccadilly Circus and prepare yourself for one of the busiest parts of the city (I would wear sneakers, if I was you) You can read more about my adventures in this area here!

Bond Street! This is the street that will empty your wallet in seconds! Here you will find elegant stores and exclusive brands

You simply MUST visit Fortnum and Mason! I have written about this upmarket department store many times, simply because I can’t get enough of this place!

Go for The best Eggs Benedict at The Wolseley! My favourite restaurant in Mayfair. More to enjoy here! (remember to book in advance. This is a very popular place)

Take a walk in Carnaby Street for cool and funky shops! More about Carnaby here

In this area you should definitely also visit the unique luxury goods department store Liberty London

Thursday

Another part of the town that I really enjoy visiting is the East! East London differs in many ways from West! It is particularly great for watching a lot of supercool street art (and people!)

Funky people in funky outfits! Here people wear whatever they want! (even a fox-tail)

And while you are here, I strongly suggest that you go to Old Spitalfields Market . Read all about my visit to the East here and here

Friday

You might be a bit tired after a lot of walking, so how about jumping on the tube to Tower Pier and take a closer look at Tower of London! You can go in – but it is also quite impressive on the outside

Jump on a river boat and prepare yourself for great views of the city from River Thames while perhaps enjoying a bit of food

Read all about Afternoon Tea on River Thames here

I had the boat all to myself!!!

If you are craving for a great night out with a cosy bar and the best steaks in town I suggest that you book a table at one of the Hawksmoor restaurants around in the city!

Bloody Mary spiced after my taste!

I have tried a few steak restaurants in London, but Hawksmoor is definitely on my top 3 list! Prepare you tastebuds here

Saturday

Now it is actually getting harder to come up with the best suggestions as there are so many places I would take you. We all know that there are many museums to visit, and many attractions to enjoy! I suggest you take a closer look at some of my other blog posts for more inspiration! If I was to choose, I would probably go to Notting Hill or Camden

It was a rainy day, when I went to Notting Hill… But unfortunately that is part of living in london, Here I am on Portobello road! The place to visit the famous Portobello Market

Take a shopping break at The Electric Cinema Café for yummy food and head in to the real cinema for an unusual experience! At the cinema they serve cocktails and food – and you can even get your own sofa bed to lie in! Read more about colourful Notting Hill here

If you liked being in the East, you would probably like Camden too! I was only recently introduced to Camden… I had this idea that Camden was only a place for hippies! But Camden is Cool! And now I always take visitors there for a lot of fun!

There is no other place in London like this area!!!!

There is nothing you can’t buy here! Amazing street food – and unique handcrafted treasure troves

Amy Winehouse and Camden go hand in hand! This is a statue of the departed singer in the middle of Camden Market! Get more inspiration here

Sunday

For a newcomer, you simply have to visit Soho, Chinatown and Covent Garden. I don’t go there often anymore, because the area is very crowded – but for a reason!

Covent Garden… Always busy, always pretty! More about Covent Garden here

Funky Chinatown! Chinatown is highly entertaining! If you choose to eat here, you can get great food for great value – but be aware of tourist traps! Here are my suggestions to where to eat in Chinatown

Soho is a must – and so is Theatre-land! My favourite shows are actually two classics “The Lion King” and “Phantom of The Opera” Make sure to get you tickets at best price and put a little effort into googling for best places to book! Musicals are not cheap in London!

If you have a more refined taste, a visit to the Royal Albert Hall is an incredible experience! I went there with my Mother last December and we certainly got into the right Christmas spirit! A bit more about Royal Albert Hall here

I hope this guide gave you a good impression of London. As mentioned before it is all a matter of taste when choosing where to go and what to see –  and I have only mentioned a few of my favourites. There is more inspiration to get on the blog. Do feel free to leave a comment on the blog. Maybe you have some suggestions or questions for me? I would love to hear from you.

Enjoy your stay

X Louise