Right now I wish to share my London itinerary for 9 days with you. This can be a nice period of time to see the highlights of the UK capital and discover a number of locations additional afield. No matter you’re excited by or obsessed with, you’ll discover no scarcity of the way to fill your time in London and expertise all the things from the massive points of interest to the locations locals love spending time in.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
Considered one of my favourite issues about being an expert journey blogger helps individuals plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, it brings me pleasure to know my readers and followers could have a richer expertise in London or overseas.
Lots of people ask me “is 9 days in London sufficient?”, and the reply is sure. Right now I wish to share the official A Girl in London itinerary for 1 week and a couple of days within the UK capital.
I’ve shared a lot of London itineraries earlier than, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve 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.
There’s no proper or improper method 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 an excellent overview of what the UK capital has to supply guests. You should utilize my London journey information to fill in any gaps and discover issues in your particular pursuits as nicely.
You may see extra itineraries and discover additional particulars in Frommer’s London Day-by-Day. You will get it on Amazon right here. It has detailed every day guides and plenty of photographs. It’s sufficiently small to slot in your pocket, too.
The place to Keep in London
In the event you want a spot to remain whilst you’re on the town, there are many choices for lodging in London. Whether or not you wish to base your self in a resort or condo, town has an abundance of locations on provide.
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 most effective space to remain in London, the most effective lodges in your model, and quirky lodges for concepts. I’ve even written about pubs with rooms.
You may as well discover offers and guide lodging in London right here. With so many decisions, you’re positive to discover a place you like.
The way to Pack for 9 Days in London
When you’ve determined when to come back, you need to pack for London. Relying what time of 12 months you go to, that may imply various things.
I’ve written packing lists for summer season, autumn, winter, and spring that may assist you resolve what to put on in London. I’ve additionally created a common packing record of issues to carry all 12 months.
In the event you’re flying to town, you’ll be able to check out my long-haul packing record and my information to the right way to pack with only a carry-on for extra ideas (I used to be interviewed by The New York Occasions in regards to the latter).
Day 1 in London: Buckingham Palace & Westminster
After you’ve arrived and settled into your lodging, there’s 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’ll be able to see the calendar right here), or simply admire the monarch’s London residence from the massive gates.
In case your journey takes place through the seasonal opening, you’ll be able to tour Buckingham Palace. It’s an effective way to see the state rooms and gardens whilst you’re in London. You may guide tickets right here (you’ll have to guide nicely prematurely).
After visiting the palace (or seeing it from outdoors) you’ll be able to meander by St James’s Park. The park is beautiful with its gardens and fountain, and there are nice views from the bridge over the water.
From there it’s a brief stroll by Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall and Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is house to among the metropolis’s most beloved landmarks, together with Elizabeth Tower and its bell, Massive Ben.
You’ll additionally discover the Homes of Parliament and Westminster Abbey right here. You probably have time and inclination, you’ll be able to tour the abbey and parliament. You may guide tickets right here.
You may as well go on my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to see the world past the massive points of interest. It should take you to among the aspect streets and hidden areas locals spend time in.
When night comes, I like to recommend having an off-the-cuff dinner close to the place you’re staying. In the event you’re feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey, you’ll seemingly be drained.
You may see my suggestions for eating places in London for those who need assistance discovering a spot.
In the event you do have vitality left, you’ll be able to take an open-top bus tour to get a really feel for town’s sights. It’s a enjoyable method 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 subsequent morning you’ll be able to proceed your London itinerary for 9 days by exploring the South Financial institution. Proper on the Thames, it’s the best spot to walk round, browse the markets, and take in the scene alongside the water.
You may trip the London Eye whilst you’re right here as nicely. It provides among the finest views within the UK capital. You may guide tickets right here (you’ll have to guide nicely prematurely, because it sells out).
There are all the time pop-ups, road performers, and different leisure right here, so it’s enjoyable to meander alongside the Thames and see what’s on whilst you’re on the town.
As you make your method from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll cross Tate Fashionable. This well-known artwork museum is a well-liked place to go to, and the truth that it’s free means it’s straightforward to go in for as lengthy or little as you wish to. There are spectacular views from the upper flooring as nicely.
Not far-off, you’ll discover Borough Market. London’s most well-known meals market, it’s the best spot to search out culinary inspiration and get one thing for lunch. It’s enjoyable to stroll round and take in the colours and smells of the stalls earlier than making a call.
After lunch on the market, you’ll be able to walks throughout London Bridge to get to the Metropolis of London. Don’t miss the views of Tower Bridge on the way in which.
From the eye-catching dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to modern viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital accommodates a whole lot of outdated and new structure.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to see the highlights. It should take you round to see the hidden historic streets and locations like Temple.
If not, make your method over to the Tower of London. You may take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels for those who’d wish to, or simply admire the fortress from the surface. You may guide Tower of London tickets right here.
Afterwards you’ll be able to 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 Road. This can be 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 will discover 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 stuffed with cafes and retailers, notably these on Elizabeth Road.
You may go on my free self-guided Belgravia strolling tour to see the highlights of the world, or simply stroll across the leafy squares and hidden mews. Highlights embrace Pimlico Highway (there’s a market right here on Saturdays), Motcomb Road, and Belgrave Sq..
From Belgravia, stroll over to Sloane Sq. and the King’s Highway in Chelsea. This can be a great spot to buy and eat, and you will discover lunch at any variety of eating places within the space.
If it’s a Saturday, the meals market in Duke of York Sq. is a should. If it’s not, there’s nonetheless loads to do right here. The King’s Highway is likely one of the finest purchasing streets in London, in spite of everything.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see extra of the world’s aspect streets and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you can also make your method as much as Knightsbridge for some purchasing at iconic department shops like Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Alternatively, you’ll be able to 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 provide free entry, so you’ll be able to spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as you’d wish to. They’re all enormous, so make sure that to tempo your self.
Within the night you’ll be able to have dinner at one of many eating places outdoors the South Kensington tube station. There are many completely different cuisines to select from, so that you’re certain to search out one thing that appeals.
If you wish to finish your day in model, there’s enjoyable nightlife round Walton Road and the King’s Highway. From pubs to bars and golf equipment, you might have a whole lot of choices.
Day 4 in London: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & the West Finish
The subsequent morning you’ll be able to proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Notting Hill. This west London neighborhood is stuffed with shade. You’ll discover all the things from the boutiques to the mews pleasant.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be capable of expertise the well-known Portobello Highway Market in all its glory. I like to recommend arriving early to keep away from the crowds.
If it’s not a Saturday, I nonetheless suggest going and trying out the market stalls and retailers which can be open if you go to. There’s some type of market happening right here virtually every single day of the week.
Past the market, my free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is an effective way to see the highlights of the world. It should take you round to see all the things 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. There’s 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’ll be able to take the tube or stroll by Mayfair to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re among the most enjoyable locations in central London, they usually 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’ll be able to’t go improper on this a part of London.
There are all the time loads of performs and musicals on, and seeing one is a enjoyable method to cap off a day of exploring the UK capital. From dramas to comedies and farces, you’ll be spoiled for alternative in terms of choices.
In the event you’re up for going out afterwards, there’s any variety of bars and pubs in Soho and Covent Backyard you’ll be able to go to. They’re perfect methods to expertise London’s thrilling nightlife scene.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy simply off Carnaby Road. It’s 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 can be value visiting, they usually’re straightforward to get to by prepare, automobile, or on a guided tour.
If you wish to see traditional college cities, my prime picks are Oxford and Cambridge. They’re two of the preferred 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 take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by prepare as nicely.
In the event you’re into castles, there are many castles close to London you’ll be able to go to. From Windsor Fort to Leeds Fort, Scotney Fort, Warwick Fort, Hever Fort, and Dover Fort, there are loads to select from. They’re among the finest castles in England.
If you wish to tour historic mansions, there are many stately properties close to London you’ll be able to go to. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Fort, and royal lovers will take pleasure in Polesden Lacey.
Then there are spectacular locations like Blenheim Palace, Petworth Home, Burghley Home, Knole in Sevenoaks, and Sissinghurst Fort with its well-known gardens.
In the event you’re a historical past buff, Winchester, Bathtub, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Court docket Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so shut you’ll be able to even get there on the tube.
In the event you dream of visiting the English countryside, a day journey to the Cotswolds is simply the factor. You may go independently with or with no automobile, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and guide a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of fairly cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embrace Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Fort Combe, however it’s arduous to go improper 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 exquisite metropolis facilities.
In the event you’re feeling bold, you’ll be able to 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 decisions.
In the event you’re on the lookout for seasonal journeys, you’ll be able to check out my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden City & King’s Cross
The subsequent morning you’ll be able to 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 seems like a village within the metropolis.
With impossibly lovely streets, historic pubs, and one of many metropolis’s largest parks, it’s an thrilling place to discover. I lived right here for years and I nonetheless return as usually as I can.
Whilst you’re right here you’ll be able to 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 Road. My favorites embrace the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the strains could be lengthy and sluggish.
After lunch, you’ll be able to stroll or take the tube down the hill to Camden City. This place is house to various markets, together with Camden Market, Buck Road Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You may browse the stalls whilst you’re right here. They’re good locations to purchase items and different issues to take house as souvenirs.
After the market, it’s enjoyable to stroll alongside Regent’s Canal to get to King’s Cross. The realm round Granary Sq. is filled with cool retailers, eating places, bars, and cafes. It’s an excellent place to get dinner.
You probably have time earlier than or after you eat, you’ll be able to stroll all the way down to the world’s beloved prepare stations. King’s Cross is known for its beautiful inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
As soon as inside, you’ll be able to take photos and movies on the Platform 9 3/4 signal or choose up a memento from the Harry Potter store proper subsequent to it.
Throughout the road from King’s Cross station you’ll discover St Pancras Worldwide. This place is thought for its beautiful exterior structure.
Designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, it’s probably the most lovely 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’ll find out which one in my weblog put up 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 Regent’s Canal in King’s Cross to native spots in close by Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia, you’re spoiled for alternative.
Day 7 in London: St James’s, Mayfair & Marylebone
Begin the seventh of your 9 days in London in St James’s. This conventional a part of town is thought for its royal palace, males’s retailers, luxurious lodges, and members’ golf equipment.
Whilst you’re right here, you’ll be able to stroll down Jermyn Road and Piccadilly, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
Once you’ve completed exploring, stroll throughout Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This upscale space is house to luxurious items retailers, fine-dining eating places, and the long-lasting curve of Regent Road (house of the well-known Liberty London). You may go on my free Mayfair stroll if you wish to discover the world in depth.
Mayfair is a enjoyable place to have a meal or afternoon tea. Whether or not you go to an off-the-cuff spot on Heddon Road or spring for a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you’ll be able to’t go improper for lunch.
On the subject of tea and cake, I really like Brown’s Resort afternoon tea and the wonderful yellow room at Sketch.
After consuming, you’ll be able to head throughout Oxford Road to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has among the best excessive streets in London.
There are many enjoyable retailers on Marylebone Excessive Road, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher’s Place, they usually’re enjoyable locations to get into London’s retail scene.
From boutiques to family names, you’re spoiled for alternative. My favourite place to buy in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s among the best (and most lovely) unbiased bookshops in London.
If you wish to, you need to use my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the neighborhood. It should take you round to hidden mews, aspect streets, grand squares, and gardens.
After you’ve seen Marylebone, make your method north to Regent’s Park. This is likely one of the finest inexperienced areas in London, and it’s a enjoyable place to stroll round. If it’s summer season, don’t miss the colourful rose gardens.
When sundown approaches, you’ll be able to head again to Marylebone Excessive Road for dinner, or go away by way of 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 the event you select the previous, you’ll be able to guide boat tickets right here. After seeing London’s landmarks alongside the river, you’ll be capable of dive into town’s maritime previous, see common filming areas, tour a historic royal residence, and uncover the house of Greenwich Imply Time.
You’ll additionally be capable of benefit from the space’s 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 house to the Nationwide Maritime Museum the Queen’s Home, each of which supply free entry. The previous has world-class reveals and exhibitions, and the latter is a historic royal residence with an artwork assortment and a shocking staircase.
Greenwich Park is known for having among the best views in London. You may see by the 2 towers of the Previous Royal Naval School to the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf on the opposite aspect of the river.
The park shouldn’t be solely a wonderful place to stroll, but additionally the placement of two essential landmarks. The primary is the Royal Observatory, the place you’ll be able to stand with one foot on both aspect of the Prime Meridian. You may guide tickets right here.
The second is Ranger’s Home, an English Heritage website and museum that’s recognized for being a filming location for the TV present Bridgerton (it’s used because the entrance of the Bridgerton household’s home).
If you wish to see the aspect streets and hidden lanes, you’ll be able to go on my free self-guided Greenwich stroll. It should take you round to see the highlights of the neighborhood.
Within the night, you’ll be able to 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 middle and the East Finish.
Bloomsbury is an efficient place to start out. You may go to the long-lasting British Museum or simply stroll round taking within the leafy squares. My free self-guided Bloomsbury stroll can assist you see the most effective of the world.
From there it’s a brief stroll to Clerkenwell. That is London’s design district, and it’s house to locations like Exmouth Market and St John Road. 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 should take you across the neighborhood and to locations like Smithfield and Holborn.
Clerkenwell is a brief stroll from Previous Road, the place you’ll quickly end up in Shoreditch. This hip space in east London is known for its nightlife scene, so for those who can time your arrival for dinner-and-drinks o’clock, you’ll get to see the neighborhood at its finest.
You probably have time beforehand, you are able to do certainly one of my free self-guided Shoreditch walks or try the road artwork the world is thought for. My favourite is on New Inn Yard.
You probably have vitality 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 you’ve loved my 9-day London itinerary. That is a tremendous metropolis, and there’s a lot to find right here. I’ve spent years residing within the UK capital, and I nonetheless don’t really feel like I’ve seen all of it.
If you would like extra inspiration, there’s much more about issues to do within the metropolis in Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You will get it on Amazon right here.
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