London is a city of contrasts. To experience its true character, you must explore both the elegant, affluent West End and the bohemian, edgy East End.
This 7-Day London Itinerary: The Best of West and East End offers insider tips on what to see, where to eat, and how to book your hotel for a more convenient and affordable stay.
I’ve split the week into 5 days in the West End and 2 days in the East End, so you can discover both sides of the city at a relaxed pace whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more (because you can never get tired of London!).
Where to Stay in London for a 7-Day Trip
One of the biggest mistakes people make when visiting London is booking a hotel miles away from where they actually plan to explore. London is huge, and commuting back and forth across the city, especially from the West to the East, can easily eat into both your time and energy.
A smarter option is to split your stay between different areas of the city.
With Hotel Splitter, you could base yourself in the West End for the first part of your trip, then move to the East End for the second, without the hassle of making multiple bookings. That flexibility can reduce unnecessary travel time and help you get more out of the week.
On top of that, it can be a smart way to save money. London hotel prices change constantly, especially around weekends and major events, which is why a single hotel stay can end up costing more than you expect.
Hotel Splitter checks your dates and shows when a switch could bring the total down. Even if your plan is to stay in the same part of London, switching hotels can sometimes work out cheaper without dropping to a lower standard. Check the best accommodation options on Hotel Splitter here.
West London Itinerary
Day 1: Classic London Highlights
Morning: Trafalgar Square & National Gallery
Kick off your day at Trafalgar Square, home to one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks: Nelson’s Column. The monument honours Admiral Nelson’s victory over the French at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Snap a photo with one of the four bronze lions guarding the column and head to the National Gallery located right next to the square.
The National Gallery houses one of the world’s greatest collections of paintings. The gallery opens at 10:00 am, and if you arrive here early, you will enjoy the masterpieces without the crowds. Admission is free.
After you’ve spent some time soaking up the art, take a short coffee break at Café in the Crypt, tucked away right beneath St Martin-in-the-Fields Church nearby. Its architecture is nothing short of impressive.
Early Afternoon: Leicester Square, Chinatown
Once you’ve fuelled up with coffee, walk up St. Martin’s Street to Leicester Square. It’s known for film premieres and nightlife.
But unless you want a selfie with the Shakespeare, Charlie Chaplin, or Mary Poppins statues, or a peek at the rainbow wall of chocolate pick ‘n’ mix at M&M’s World (no judgement – who doesn’t love chocolate?!), don’t linger too long.
It’s overpriced, noisy, and can feel overwhelming, especially at peak times.
From the north side of Leicester Square, head straight to Chinatown. Walk through the red-pillared Chinatown Gate and step straight into a riot of colours, aromas, and neon signs.
The area is packed with great places to eat, from Thai and Cantonese to Malaysian food. If you stop for steaming dim sum or a glammed-up Asian dessert like a crispy bubble waffle, you won’t regret it!
Late Afternoon: Piccadilly Circus, Soho & Shopping Streets
From Chinatown, make your way to Piccadilly Circus, often compared to New York’s Times Square. It’s famous for its giant digital advertising screens and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, also known as Eros.
If you’re curious to see one of London’s most opulent Victorian interiors, pop into The Criterion restaurant at 224 Piccadilly for a drink. Its Byzantine-style gilded mosaic is jaw-dropping.
From here, keep heading north towards Regent Street and Oxford Street, two of Europe’s most famous shopping streets.
Take a little detour through Carnaby Street, a hub for cool, fashion-forward London brands, before succumbing to the crowds.
Last but not least, wander through Soho, the heart of London’s media, advertising, and film industries, and one of the city’s best places for people-watching (it really is a thing!).
You’ll see everyone pass by here, from sharp-suited business types to last night’s clubbers and bold fashion victims.
Find a seat at a local café, enjoy a cuppa, and watch the ever-changing scene!
Evening: Covent Garden & Theatre Night
Spend your evening in Covent Garden, watch the talented street performers, browse beautiful handmade crafts at the Apple Market, and pop into St Paul’s Church, also known as the Actor’s Church, to see the Charlie Chaplin memorial.
For one of the best views over the piazza, head to the Royal Opera House rooftop bar for a drink.
If you’re hungry, Seven Dials Market at 35 Earlham Street has plenty of options, from quick bites to high-end street food by independent vendors.
You can also take a short walk to Neal’s Yard, a colourful secret courtyard with independent cafés and shops. It’s postcard-worthy from every angle
End the day with a West End musical to experience London’s world-class theatre.
Day 2 – Royal London & Westminster
Morning: Buckingham Palace & St James’s Park
Start the day at Buckingham Palace, the King’s official London residence. Take a moment to admire the Victoria Memorial and the famous balcony where the Royal Family appears on special occasions.
If you’re hoping to watch the Changing of the Guard, aim to arrive around 10:30 am to secure a prime viewing spot.
The ceremony usually starts at 11:00 am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but timings can change, so it’s worth checking in advance here.
Afterwards, wander into St James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest green spaces. Follow the path along the lake for lovely views of Buckingham Palace.
Keep an eye out for the resident pelicans. They’ve lived here for centuries. Some of them have names as poetic as the landscape itself: Sun, Moon, and Star.
If you need a break, stop for a coffee at St James’s Café and enjoy the park views while you rest your feet.
Afternoon: Westminster Abbey & Parliament
Exit the park via Horse Guards Road and walk along Whitehall. You’ll pass the gates of Downing Street, home to the UK Prime Minister.
You can’t walk down the street itself, but it’s still fun to spot the famous black door behind the security gates.
Stop for a traditional British lunch at The Red Lion at 48 Parliament Street. This historic pub is popular with MPs, so there’s a good chance you might bump into one. Although I’m not sure whether I should wish you that (lol).
After lunch, visit Westminster Abbey. It has hosted every coronation since the 11th century and is the final resting place of kings, queens, poets, scientists, and politicians. If you plan to go inside, you can book a timed ticket in advance via Viator here.
Directly opposite stand Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) and the Palace of Westminster, two of London’s most iconic landmarks.
Cross Westminster Bridge for classic postcard views of Big Ben with the Thames in the foreground.
Evening: South Bank & London Eye
In the evening, take a stroll along the South Bank for some of the best views across the Thames and a nice mix of busker performances. It’s one of the nicest walks in the city.
If you want to ride the London Eye, you can book an evening slot in advance on Viator here. The views after dark are magical as the city lights up. Some say it’s overrated, but it’s a classic London experience worth doing at least once.
If you’re superstitious, you’ll be reassured to know there are 32 capsules in total, numbered 1–33, with the “unlucky” number 13 skipped altogether.
For dinner with a view, try the Oxo Tower Restaurant at Barge House Street, known for its floor-to-ceiling windows and riverside setting.
I you prefer something low-key, The South Bank is packed with relaxed places to eat and drink, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.
Day 3 – Notting Hill & Kensington
Morning: Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Start the day in Notting Hill, one of London’s most photogenic and affluent neighbourhoods. It’s known for leafy avenues, private garden squares, trendy boutiques, pastel-painted houses, and elegant white stuccoed mansions.
Notting Hill is also home to Portobello Road Market, London’s most famous street market.
Browse the antique stalls and trinket stands, and stop by the Electric Cinema, the city’s oldest working cinema.
If you’re keen to see the movie locations from Notting Hill, Hugh Grant’s travel bookshop can be found at 142 Portobello Road (the real shop is just around the corner at 13–15 Blenheim Crescent). His character’s house is at 280 Westbourne Park Road, and the private garden he and Julia Roberts sneak into is on Rosmead Road.
For lunch, choose from the cafés, bakeries, and restaurants tucked away on Notting Hill’s side streets. There’s something for every budget. Head to Granger and Co. at 175 Westbourne Grove for its fresh all-day menu, Ottolenghi at 63 Ledbury Road for refined Mediterranean salads and bakes, or Farmacy at 74 Westbourne Grove for creative plant-based dishes.
Early Afternoon: Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace
From Notting Hill, it’s a 15-minute walk to Kensington Palace, set within Kensington Gardens. You can explore the State Apartments or simply admire the palace from the outside and wander surrounding grounds.
Don’t miss the Sunken Garden, where you’ll find a statue of Princess Diana. She was particularly fond of this spot, and in 2017, to mark the 20th anniversary of her death, the gardeners transformed it into the White Garden in her memory.
Late Afternoon & Evening: Museums & Kensington High Street
From here, you’re within easy walking distance of the Royal Albert Hall, as well as the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.
All three museums are free to enter. If you plan to visit any of them, it’s worth booking a timed slot in advance to skip the queues.
Wrap up the day with dinner around Kensington High Street, just a short walk away and well connected by public transport.
You’ll find a good mix of restaurants, bars, and gastropubs here. It’s a perfect place to wind down after a full day of sightseeing.
Day 4 – Marylebone & Camden
Early Morning: Marylebone
Start your day in Marylebone, one of the West End’s most charming neighbourhoods. It has a relaxed, village-like atmosphere. This is where The Beatles lived when they first rose to fame in the early 1960s.
Wander along Marylebone High Street, lined with independent boutiques, cafés, and bookshops.
Pop into Daunt Books, a much-loved Edwardian travel bookshop with beautiful oak galleries, then continue exploring the charming backstreets just off the high street.
There’s plenty more to see and do nearby, depending on your energy levels. You could wander through The Wallace Collection, a free art gallery set inside a grand former aristocratic mansion, or pop into the Sherlock Holmes Museum if you’re a fan of literary London.
It would be remiss not to mention Madame Tussauds, also just around the corner. It’s famous but very touristy, and I’d personally skip it unless posing with celebrity wax figures is high on your London wish list.
Late Morning: Regent’s Park
If you’re not in the mood for museums or galleries, walk north to Regent’s Park, one of London’s most elegant royal parks. Wander through the manicured gardens and visit Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, home to roses with wonderfully dramatic names.
Early Afternoon: Primrose Hill
From here, continue your walk to Primrose Hill for one of the best free skyline views in the city. The surrounding area is one of London’s most idyllic neighbourhoods, dotted with charming cafés, florists, and independent boutiques.
For lunch, head to Greenberry Café at 101 Regent’s Park Road. It’s a relaxed local favourite serving high-quality, fresh-ingredient dishes, from artichoke risotto to wild mushroom and parmesan polenta.
Late Afternoon and Evening: Camden Town
After lunch in Primrose Hill, walk downhill for about 15 minutes to Camden Town. For a scenic route, follow the Regent’s Canal, passing colourful houseboats along the way.
Camden is one of London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, known for its gritty, offbeat, alternative spirit. Browse vintage shops and well-known fashion brands along Camden High Street, or wander through Camden Market and Stables Market to explore independent stalls and street art.
It can be very crowdy, especially at weekends, but things ease a little after 4pm.
If you decide to stay for dinner in the area, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Day 5 –British Museum & Fitzrovia
Morning: British Museum
If you have time for only one museum in London, the British Museum should be it. It’s one of the world’s greatest museums, with a collection so vast (70,000+ objects) that trying to see everything in one visit is… optimistic at best.
Book a free timed ticket in advance for priority entry and helpful updates before you go. Focus on the museum highlights and download the audio guide for a self-guided tour.
The building interior is spectacular, and you’ll need at least a couple of hours to explore the museum properly.
After your visit, head for lunch at one of the many restaurants around Great Russell Street.
For something a little playful, try Uzumaki London, an anime- and manga-themed Japanese restaurant at 107 Great Russell Street.
If you prefer something more classic, Museum Tavern, right opposite the British Museum, is a good choice for traditional British fish and chips.
Afternoon: Bloomsbury
After lunch, you can slow things down and take a walk through Bloomsbury Square Gardens or nearby Russell Square to stretch your legs and enjoy a quieter side of the city.
But if you’re up for one more museum, Sir John Soane’s Museum is one of my personal favourites. It’s quirky and atmospheric, packed with an eclectic mix of artworks, antiquities, and architectural treasures, displayed much as they were in the 19th century.
Alternatively, the Charles Dickens Museum offers a glimpse into the writer’s former home and everyday life in Victorian London.
Evening: Fitzrovia
Continue your walk toward Fitzrovia, a lively London neighbourhood that has attracted writers, artists, and bohemians for centuries.
At its heart lies Fitzroy Square, an elegant Georgian square originally developed for aristocratic families. Surrounded by grand Georgian townhouses, it’s rich in literary history.
Keep an eye out for blue plaques marking former residents such as Virginia Woolf or George Bernard Show.
Fitzrovia offers an abundance of dining options. Try Norma at 8 Charlotte Street for Sicilian flavours, ROKA at 37 Charlotte Street for sophisticated Japanese dining, or Pied à Terre at 34 Charlotte Street if you’re in the mood for a Michelin-starred treat.
East London Itinerary
Day 6 – Spitalfields & Brick Lane
Morning: Hotel Check-Out & Move East
After breakfast, check out of your West End hotel and make your way to East London for the next part of your stay.
East London feels worlds away from the polished West End. It’s more creative, more experimental, and proudly rough around the edges. It also has that electric and high-vibe energy that’s impossible not to love.
Late Morning: Spitalfields
Kick off your East London adventure in Spitalfields, a lively and multicultural neighbourhood known for its artistic spirit, diverse food scene, and beautifully preserved historic streets.
Wander through Spitalfields Market, where vintage and antique stalls sit alongside independent designer shops and boutiques.
When you’re ready for lunch, head to the Kitchens at the centre of the market, and enjoy some street food at the heated communal table. It’s a brilliant spot for a quick bite.
Early Afternoon: Dennis Sever’s House
From here, visit Dennis Severs’ House at 18 Folgate Street. It’s the house museum set inside a recreated Georgian terraced home depicting 18th-century London life. Each room is carefully staged with period furniture, sounds, and scents, telling the story of a fictional family. Tickets must be booked in advance here.
Late Afternoon and Evening: Brick Lane
Now make your way to Brick Lane, the heart of London’s street art scene. It’s a real playground for curious minds!
Expect bold murals by local and international artists at every turn, vintage and quirky shops, artsy bars and cafés, and busker performances. Colourful and full of character, this is East London at its finest!
Several markets operate along the street, so it’s worth checking opening days and times in advance on the Truman Brewery website.
If you’re visiting on a Sunday, you can stop at Columbia Road Flower Market where traders sell fresh flowers and plants.
Stay in the area for dinner. Brick Lane is packed with restaurants and street-food stalls from around the world, from legendary bagel shops to long-standing curry houses.
Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants are some of the best here. For a good-value set meal, try Famous Curry Bazaar at 77 Brick Lane, or go for a more refined Bangladeshi fish dish at Bengal Village at 75 Brick Lane. Wherever you decide to go, you’re unlikely to be disappointed.
Day 7 – Shoreditch & Hoxton
Morning: Shoreditch Streets
Start your day in Shoreditch, just north of Spitalfields. Artists, designers, and architects have transformed what was once an industrial area into one of London’s most creative neighbourhoods. Its character is constantly evolving.
While many visitors come here for bars and nightlife, Shoreditch is also well known for its contemporary art, street culture, markets and vintage shopping.
Walk along Shoreditch High Street, then explore the side streets around Redchurch Street and Boundary Road, where you’ll find independent boutiques, concept stores, and small galleries.
Explore Rivington Street, Great Eastern Street, and Bateman’s Row for some of the area’s best street art. Murals change frequently, so no two visits are the same. You can also explore White Cube, a minimalist contemporary art gallery.
Head back towards High Street and visit Boxpark Shoreditch, the iconic container-built mall. It’s a great place for lunch, with plenty of food and drink options.
Afternoon and Evening: Hoxton
Walk north into Hoxton, just beyond Shoreditch. This creative neighbourhood is famous for its art studios, designer shops, and contemporary galleries.
Browse independent boutiques and record shops, then visit Victoria Miro, one of London’s leading contemporary art galleries, or stop by the nearby Museum of the Home, which explores domestic life through period rooms and temporary exhibitions.
Grab a drink at the rooftop bar at Queen of Hoxton, or head north to Nightjar, a candlelit basement bar known for its live jazz.
End the day with dinner at The Macbeth, one of Hoxton’s favourite pubs, which serves Portuguese- and Northern Spanish-inspired dishes.
I hope this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in London. Visiting both the West End and the East End will give you a real sense of the city and its many different sides.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next trip back before you’ve even left.
Fast Facts
How to book your hotel with Hotel Splitter
When planning your stay in London, you can use Hotel Splitter to find good-value accommodation that fits your itinerary and budget. It’s useful because it:
- shows one-hotel and split-stay options side by side, so you can choose what fits your trip
- gives you a single total price upfront for each option, making it easy to compare value
- shows how close the hotels are (so you can judge whether the switch makes sense for you)
Getting Around London: What You Need to Know
London is easy to navigate using public transport. The Tube, buses, and trains are well connected, and while many places in this itinerary are walkable, you’ll usually need to get there first by Tube, Overground, or train.
If you can use the Tube, do it – it’s the fastest way to get around. The Tube is generally reliable and will take you almost anywhere in the city. Just try to avoid rush hour when trains can be extremely crowded.
How to Pay for Public Transport
Use a contactless bank card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or an Oyster card to pay for public transport. You tap in and out on the Tube and trains. Buses only require a tap when boarding. Paying as you go with contactless or an Oyster card is the easiest option and cheaper than buying paper tickets.
Navigating the City with Google Maps & Citymapper
Both Citymapper and Google Maps work well for real-time directions. Citymapper is especially handy for planning routes and finding the quickest way to get around. It’s the one I use most often to move around London.
How to Stay Connected During Your Stay in London
I recommend an eSIM from GigSky if you want to stay online while travelling in London without worrying about high roaming charges. I use it everywhere I go, it’s easy to set up and reliable.
Free London Tours
If you would prefer exploring London with a guide, GuruWalk runs free walking tours across London, led by local guides. You tip whatever you feel the tour was worth at the end. I’ve joined GuruWalk tours in several cities around the world and have consistently had excellent experiences.
Attraction Tickets & Passes
Many of London’s top attractions do sell out fast, especially in peak season, so booking tickets in advance can give you peace of mind. It can also save you time and sometimes a bit of money.
If you’re planning to see a lot, consider the MegaPass. It’s a digital pass that bundles top attractions and tours in one place, lets you skip ticket lines at selected sites, and can save you money compared with buying individual tickets.
You can claim 5% off your pass by entering my exclusive code Londonandtheworld at checkout.
For individual tours and experiences, I recommend GetYourGuide or Viator.
