At the moment I need to share my London itinerary for 9 days with you. It is a nice period of time to see the highlights of the UK capital and discover a number of locations additional afield. No matter youโre interested by or keen about, youโll discover no scarcity of how to fill your time in London and expertise the whole lot from the massive sights to the locations locals love spending time in.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
One in every of my favourite issues about being an expert journey blogger helps folks plan their journeys. Whether or not itโs by means of my weblog posts or my journey planning companies, it brings me pleasure to know my readers and followers may have a richer expertise in London or overseas.
Lots of people ask me โis 9 days in London sufficient?โ, and the reply is sure. At the moment I need to share the official A Woman in London itinerary for 1 week and a couple of days within the UK capital.
Iโve shared a lot of London itineraries earlier than, and I hope youโll discover this one as useful as youโve discovered the others. You may check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 5-day, 6-day, 7-day, 1 week, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for extra inspiration.
Thereโs no proper or flawed solution to spend your time within the metropolis. My journey itinerary has a mixture of the foremost London landmarks and the spots locals frequent.
You may tailor the itinerary to suit your private model, however I hope it offers you a great overview of what the UK capital has to supply guests. You need to use my London journey information to fill in any gaps and discover issues on your particular pursuits as nicely.
You may see extra itineraries and discover additional particulars in Frommerโs London Day-by-Day. You will get it on Amazon right here. It has detailed every day guides and many photographs. Itโs sufficiently small to slot in your pocket, too.
The place to Keep in London
In case you want a spot to remain when youโre on the town, there are many choices for lodging in London. Whether or not you need to base your self in a lodge or condominium, town has an abundance of locations on supply.
Given town is gigantic, I like to recommend selecting a location in or close to Zone 1. You may see my weblog posts about the very best space to remain in London, the very best resorts on your model, and quirky resorts for concepts. Iโve even written about pubs with rooms.
You can too discover offers and guide lodging in London right here. With so many selections, youโre certain to discover a place you’re keen on.
Pack for 9 Days in London
When youโve determined when to come back, it’s a must to pack for London. Relying what time of yr you go to, that can imply various things.
Iโve written packing lists for summer season, autumn, winter, and spring that may assist you determine what to put on in London. Iโve additionally created a normal packing checklist of issues to convey all yr.
In case youโre flying to town, you possibly can check out my long-haul packing checklist and my information to how one can pack with only a carry-on for extra ideas (I used to be interviewed by The New York Occasions concerning the latter).
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
After youโve arrived and settled into your lodging, thereโs no higher place to start out a visit to the UK capital than Buckingham Palace.
You may time your go to to coincide with the Altering the Guard ceremony (you possibly can see the calendar right here), or simply admire the monarchโs London residence from the massive gates.
In case your journey takes place throughout the seasonal opening, you possibly can tour Buckingham Palace. Itโs a good way to see the state rooms and gardens when youโre in London. You may guide tickets right here (youโll must guide nicely upfront).
After visiting the palace (or seeing it from exterior) you possibly can meander by means of St Jamesโs Park. The park is gorgeous with its gardens and fountain, and there are nice views from the bridge over the water.
From there itโs a brief stroll by means of Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall and Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is dwelling to among the metropolisโs most beloved landmarks, together with Elizabeth Tower and its bell, Huge Ben.
Youโll additionally discover the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey right here. When you have time and inclination, you possibly can tour the abbey and parliament. You may guide tickets right here.
You can too go on my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to see the realm past the massive sights. It would take you to among the facet streets and hidden areas locals spend time in.
When night comes, I like to recommend having an informal dinner close to the place youโre staying. In case youโre feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey, youโll probably be drained.
You may see my suggestions for eating places in London if you happen to need assistance discovering a spot.
In case you do have power left, you possibly can take an open-top bus tour to get a really feel for townโs sights. Itโs a enjoyable solution to get an summary of what London has to supply as you kick off your journey. You may guide tickets right here.
Day 2 in London: South Financial institution & the Metropolis
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days by exploring the South Financial institution. Proper on the Thames, itโs the perfect spot to walk round, browse the markets, and take in the scene alongside the water.
You may experience the London Eye when youโre right here as nicely. It affords among the greatest views within the UK capital. You may guide tickets right here (youโll must guide nicely upfront, because it sells out).
There are all the time pop-ups, avenue performers, and different leisure right here, so itโs enjoyable to meander alongside the Thames and see whatโs on when youโre on the town.
As you make your means from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, youโll go Tate Trendy. This well-known artwork museum is a well-liked place to go to, and the truth that itโs free means itโs simple to go in for as lengthy or little as you need to. There are spectacular views from the upper flooring as nicely.
Not distant, youโll discover Borough Market. Londonโs most well-known meals market, itโs the perfect spot to search out culinary inspiration and get one thing for lunch. Itโs enjoyable to stroll round and take in the colours and smells of the stalls earlier than making a choice.
After lunch on the market, you possibly can walks throughout London Bridge to get to the Metropolis of London. Donโt miss the views of Tower Bridge on the best way.
From the eye-catching dome of St Paulโs Cathedral to up to date viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital comprises a number of previous and new structure.
If you wish to, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to see the highlights. It would take you round to see the hidden historic streets and locations like Temple.
If not, make your means over to the Tower of London. You may take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels if you happen toโd prefer to, or simply admire the fortress from the surface. You may guide Tower of London tickets right here.
Afterwards you possibly can stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is likely one of the hottest landmarks in London. You may stroll throughout it, or head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour. You may guide tickets right here.
For dinner, I like to recommend persevering with your stroll throughout Tower Bridge and going to Bermondsey Avenue. It is a native favourite, and there are many nice pubs and eating places to select from. Whether or not you need tapas or fish and chips, you’ll find it right here.
Day 3 in London: Belgravia, Chelsea, Knightsbridge & South Kensington
Begin the third of your 9 days in London in Belgravia. This elegant neighborhood is filled with cafes and retailers, significantly these on Elizabeth Avenue.
You may go on my free self-guided Belgravia strolling tour to see the highlights of the realm, or simply stroll across the leafy squares and hidden mews. Highlights embrace Pimlico Highway (thereโs a market right here on Saturdays), Motcomb Avenue, and Belgrave Sq..
From Belgravia, stroll over to Sloane Sq. and the Kingโs Highway in Chelsea. It is a excellent place to buy and eat, and you’ll find lunch at any variety of eating places within the space.
If itโs a Saturday, the meals market in Duke of York Sq. is a should. If itโs not, thereโs nonetheless rather a lot to do right here. The Kingโs Highway is likely one of the greatest procuring streets in London, in any case.
If you wish to, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see extra of the realmโs facet streets and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you may make your means as much as Knightsbridge for some procuring at iconic shops like Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Alternatively, you possibly can stroll over to South Kensington to discover the museums.
The Pure Historical past Museum, V&A, and Science Museum are proper subsequent to one another. All of them supply free entry, so you possibly can spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as youโd prefer to. Theyโre all large, so be certain that to tempo your self.
Within the night you possibly can have dinner at one of many eating places exterior the South Kensington tube station. There are many totally different cuisines to select from, so that youโre sure to search out one thing that appeals.
If you wish to finish your day in model, thereโs enjoyable nightlife round Walton Avenue and the Kingโs Highway. From pubs to bars and golf equipment, you might have a number of choices.
Day 4 in London: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & the West Finish
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Notting Hill. This west London neighborhood is filled with coloration. Youโll discover the whole lot from the boutiques to the mews pleasant.
If itโs a Saturday, youโll have the ability to expertise the well-known Portobello Highway Market in all its glory. I like to recommend arriving early to keep away from the crowds.
If itโs not a Saturday, I nonetheless suggest going and trying out the market stalls and retailers which might be open whenever you go to. Thereโs some type of market happening right here virtually daily of the week.
Past the market, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is a good way to see the highlights of the realm. It would take you round to see the whole lot from the excessive streets to the hidden corners.
You may have lunch in Notting Hill, then stroll down into Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park for the afternoon. Thereโs loads to see and do right here, from Kensington Palace to the Serpentine lake and the artwork galleries.
When the solar begins to sink, you possibly can take the tube or stroll by means of Mayfair to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. Theyโre among the most fun locations in central London, and so they come alive within the evenings.
There are many good choices for consuming and consuming right here, and Trafalgar Sq., Piccadilly Circus, the Covent Backyard Piazza, and Leicester Sq. are all the time enjoyable locations to be in London at night time.
You may have dinner within the West Finish earlier than or after going to see a present. Whether or not you dine at a beloved restaurant like Guidelines or at one of many many new ones opening on a regular basis, you possibly canโt go flawed on this a part of London.
There are all the time loads of performs and musicals on, and seeing one is a enjoyable solution to cap off a day of exploring the UK capital. From dramas to comedies and farces, youโll be spoiled for alternative in relation to choices.
In case youโre up for going out afterwards, thereโs any variety of bars and pubs in Soho and Covent Backyard you possibly can go to. Theyโre supreme methods to expertise Londonโs thrilling nightlife scene.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy simply off Carnaby Avenue. Itโs certainly one of my prime picks for travel-themed bars within the metropolis.
Day 5 in London: Day Journey
I like to recommend taking a day journey from London on the fifth of your 9 days in London. There are a great deal of locations close to town which might be price visiting, and so theyโre simple to get to by prepare, automotive, or on a guided tour.
If you wish to see traditional college cities, my prime picks are Oxford and Cambridge. Theyโre two of the most well-liked days out from London.
If the seaside beckons, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are my favourite locations to be by the water. All of them have loads of seashores, eating places, and retailers to get pleasure from. Theyโre simple day journeys from London by prepare as nicely.
In case youโre into castles, there are many castles close to London you possibly can go to. From Windsor Citadel to Leeds Citadel, Scotney Citadel, Warwick Citadel, Hever Citadel, and Dover Citadel, there are loads to select from. Theyโre among the greatest castles in England.
If you wish to tour historic mansions, there are many stately properties close to London you possibly can go to. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Citadel, and royal lovers will get pleasure from Polesden Lacey.
Then there are spectacular locations like Blenheim Palace, Petworth Home, Burghley Home, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Citadel with its well-known gardens.
In case youโre a historical past buff, Winchester, Tub, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Courtroom Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so shut you possibly can even get there on the tube.
In case you dream of visiting the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is simply the factor. You may go independently with or with out a automotive, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and guide a tour right here.
Thereโs no scarcity of fairly cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embrace Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Citadel Combe, nevertheless itโs laborious to go flawed right here.
If cathedral cities pique your curiosity, my prime picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have historic church buildings and delightful metropolis facilities.
In case youโre feeling formidable, you possibly can take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for enjoyable adventures as nicely. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you might have a lot of selections.
In case youโre in search of seasonal journeys, you possibly can check out my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden City & Kingโs Cross
The following morning you possibly can proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Hampstead. This north London neighborhood is my favourite place within the UK capital, not least as a result of it looks like a village within the metropolis.
With impossibly stunning streets, historic pubs, and one of many metropolisโs largest parks, itโs an thrilling place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return as usually as I can.
When youโre right here you possibly can stroll across the village by yourself, or go on my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or certainly one of my Hampstead Heath walks.
I like to recommend having lunch at one of many native pubs or a restaurant on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. My favorites embrace the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the strains may be lengthy and sluggish.
After lunch, you possibly can stroll or take the tube down the hill to Camden City. This place is dwelling to a lot of markets, together with Camden Market, Buck Avenue Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You may browse the stalls when youโre right here. Theyโre good locations to purchase items and different issues to take dwelling as souvenirs.
After the market, itโs enjoyable to stroll alongside Regentโs Canal to get to Kingโs Cross. The world round Granary Sq. is filled with cool retailers, eating places, bars, and cafes. Itโs a great place to get dinner.
When you have time earlier than or after you eat, you possibly can stroll right down to the realmโs beloved prepare stations. Kingโs Cross is legendary for its gorgeous inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
As soon as inside, you possibly can take footage and movies on the Platform 9 3/4 signal or decide up a memento from the Harry Potter store proper subsequent to it.
Throughout the road from Kingโs Cross station youโll discover St Pancras Worldwide. This place is thought for its beautiful exterior structure.
Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, itโs one of the crucial stunning heritage buildings in London. There are nice retailers and eating places inside, too.
Coincidentally, St Pancras was additionally used as a filming location for one of many Harry Potter motion pictures. You will discover out which one in my weblog submit a couple of Harry Potter strolling tour.
If you wish to exit after exploring and consuming, there are many pubs and bars round right here. From those on Regentโs Canal in Kingโs Cross to native spots in close by Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, youโre spoiled for alternative.
Day 7 in London: St Jamesโs, Mayfair & Marylebone
Begin the seventh of your 9 days in London in St Jamesโs. This conventional a part of town is thought for its royal palace, malesโs retailers, luxurious resorts, and membersโ golf equipment.
When youโre right here, you possibly can stroll down Jermyn Avenue and Piccadilly, admire the historic facade of St Jamesโs Palace, and pop into iconic shops like Fortnum & Mason.
Once youโve completed exploring, stroll throughout Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This upscale space is dwelling to luxurious items retailers, fine-dining eating places, and the enduring curve of Regent Avenue (dwelling of the well-known Liberty London). You may go on my free Mayfair stroll if you wish to discover the realm in depth.
Mayfair is a enjoyable place to have a meal or afternoon tea. Whether or not you go to an informal spot on Heddon Avenue or spring for a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you possibly canโt go flawed for lunch.
On the subject of tea and cake, I really like Brownโs Lodge afternoon tea and the wonderful yellow room at Sketch.
After consuming, you possibly can head throughout Oxford Avenue to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has top-of-the-line excessive streets in London.
There are many enjoyable retailers on Marylebone Excessive Avenue, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopherโs Place, and so theyโre enjoyable locations to get into Londonโs retail scene.
From boutiques to family names, youโre spoiled for alternative. My favourite place to buy in Marylebone is Daunt Books. Itโs top-of-the-line (and most stunning) impartial bookshops in London.
If you wish to, you need to use my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the neighborhood. It would take you round to hidden mews, facet streets, grand squares, and gardens.
After youโve seen Marylebone, make your means north to Regentโs Park. This is likely one of the greatest inexperienced areas in London, and itโs a enjoyable place to stroll round. If itโs summer season, donโt miss the colourful rose gardens.
When sundown approaches, you possibly can head again to Marylebone Excessive Avenue for dinner, or depart through one of many different exits of the park and eat in fairly Primrose Hill, enjoyable Camden City, or traditional Fitzrovia.
Day 8 in London: Greenwich or Day Journey
On the eighth of your 9 days in London I like to recommend both hopping on a ship to Greenwich or taking one other day journey.
In case you select the previous, you possibly can guide boat tickets right here. After seeing Londonโs landmarks alongside the river, youโll have the ability to dive into townโs maritime previous, see well-liked filming places, tour a historic royal residence, and uncover the house of Greenwich Imply Time.
Youโll additionally have the ability to benefit from the spaceโs retailers, cafes, and eating places. Greenwich Market has enjoyable souvenirs and scrumptious meals, and there are nice riverfront pubs within the space. The Trafalgar Tavern will get splashed with waves at excessive tide.
Greenwich is dwelling to the Nationwide Maritime Museum the Queenโs Home, each of which supply free entry. The previous has world-class displays and exhibitions, and the latter is a historic royal residence with an artwork assortment and a surprising staircase.
Greenwich Park is legendary for having top-of-the-line views in London. You may see by means of the 2 towers of the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty to the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf on the opposite facet of the river.
The park shouldn’t be solely a good looking place to stroll, but in addition the placement of two essential landmarks. The primary is the Royal Observatory, the place you possibly can stand with one foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian. You may guide tickets right here.
The second is Rangerโs Home, an English Heritage web site and museum thatโs identified for being a filming location for the TV present Bridgerton (itโs used because the entrance of the Bridgerton householdโs home).
If you wish to see the facet streets and hidden lanes, you possibly can go on my free self-guided Greenwich stroll. It would take you round to see the highlights of the neighborhood.
Within the night, you possibly can have dinner at one of many many eating places and pubs in Greenwich earlier than heading again to central London on the prepare, DLR, or boat.
Day 9 in London: Bloomsbury, Clerkenwell, Shoreditch & Hackney
I like to recommend spending the final day of your 9-day London itinerary exploring extra of town heart and the East Finish.
Bloomsbury is an effective place to start out. You may go to the enduring British Museum or simply stroll round taking within the leafy squares. My free self-guided Bloomsbury stroll will help you see the very best of the realm.
From there itโs a brief stroll to Clerkenwell. That is Londonโs design district, and itโs dwelling to locations like Exmouth Market and St John Avenue. Each are nice locations to get one thing for lunch.
St John restaurant is a favourite of mine, as is the Fox & Anchor pub, which is simply across the nook.
You are able to do my Clerkenwell strolling tour if you wish to as nicely. It would take you across the neighborhood and to locations like Smithfield and Holborn.
Clerkenwell is a brief stroll from Outdated Avenue, the place youโll quickly end up in Shoreditch. This hip space in east London is legendary for its nightlife scene, so if you happen to can time your arrival for dinner-and-drinks oโclock, youโll get to see the neighborhood at its greatest.
When you have time beforehand, you are able to do certainly one of my free self-guided Shoreditch walks or take a look at the road artwork the realm is thought for. My favourite is on New Inn Yard.
When you have power left later, head to Hackney. This is likely one of the coolest neighborhoods in London, and it has a enjoyable nightlife scene. The identical goes for close by Hackney Wick, which is likely one of the most hipster areas within the metropolis.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
I hope youโve loved my 9-day London itinerary. That is a tremendous metropolis, and thereโs a lot to find right here. Iโve spent years residing within the UK capital, and I nonetheless donโt really feel like Iโve seen all of it.
If you would like extra inspiration, thereโs much more about issues to do within the metropolis in Secret London โ An Uncommon Information. You will get it on Amazon right here.
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