Right this 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 you’re fascinated about or enthusiastic about, you’ll discover no scarcity of the way to fill your time in London and expertise every part from the large sights to the locations locals love spending time in.
London Itinerary for 9 Days
One in all my favourite issues about being an expert journey blogger helps individuals plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by way of 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 this moment I need to share the official A Girl in London itinerary for 1 week and a pair of days within the UK capital.
I’ve shared a number of London itineraries earlier than, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the others. You possibly can 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 flawed option to spend your time within the metropolis. My journey itinerary has a mixture of the foremost London landmarks and the spots locals frequent.
You possibly can tailor the itinerary to suit your private model, however I hope it provides you 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 possibly can see further itineraries and discover additional particulars in Frommer’s London Day-by-Day. You possibly can get it on Amazon right here. It has detailed every day guides and many images. It’s sufficiently small to slot in your pocket, too.
The place to Keep in London
In case you want a spot to remain when you’re on the town, there are many choices for lodging in London. Whether or not you need to base your self in a resort or condominium, the town has an abundance of locations on supply.
Given the town is big, I like to recommend selecting a location in or close to Zone 1. You possibly can see my weblog posts concerning the greatest space to remain in London, the greatest motels in your model, and quirky motels for concepts. I’ve even written about pubs with rooms.
You can even discover offers and guide lodging in London right here. With so many decisions, you’re certain to discover a place you like.
The right way to Pack for 9 Days in London
When you’ve determined when to come back, you must pack for London. Relying what time of 12 months you go to, that can imply various things.
I’ve written packing lists for summer time, autumn, winter, and spring that may enable you to determine what to put on in London. I’ve additionally created a common packing record of issues to deliver all 12 months.
In case you’re flying to the town, you may 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 Instances concerning 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 possibly can time your go to to coincide with the Altering the Guard ceremony (you may see the calendar right here), or simply admire the monarch’s London residence from the large gates.
In case your journey takes place through the seasonal opening, you may tour Buckingham Palace. It’s an effective way to see the state rooms and gardens when you’re in London. You possibly can guide tickets right here (you’ll have to guide nicely upfront).
After visiting the palace (or seeing it from outdoors) you may meander by way of 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 way of Horse Guards Parade to Whitehall and Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is dwelling to a few of 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 may tour the abbey and parliament. You possibly can guide tickets right here.
You can even go on my free self-guided Westminster stroll if you wish to see the realm past the massive sights. It’s going to take you to a few of 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 case you’re feeling jet lagged otherwise you needed to get up early to journey, you’ll doubtless be drained.
You possibly can see my suggestions for eating places in London when you need assistance discovering a spot.
In case you do have power left, you may take an open-top bus tour to get a really feel for the town’s sights. It’s a enjoyable option to get an summary of what London has to supply as you kick off your journey. You possibly can guide tickets right here.
Day 2 in London: South Financial institution & the Metropolis
The following morning you may proceed your London itinerary for 9 days by exploring the South Financial institution. Proper on the Thames, it’s the perfect spot to walk round, browse the markets, and absorb the scene alongside the water.
You possibly can trip the London Eye when you’re right here as nicely. It affords a few of the greatest views within the UK capital. You possibly can guide tickets right here (you’ll have to guide nicely upfront, 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 when you’re on the town.
As you make your manner from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge, you’ll cross Tate Trendy. This well-known artwork museum is a well-liked place to go to, and the truth that it’s free means it’s simple to go in for as lengthy or little as you need 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 perfect spot to seek out culinary inspiration and get one thing for lunch. It’s enjoyable to stroll round and absorb the colours and smells of the stalls earlier than making a call.
After lunch on the market, you may 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 up to date viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital accommodates loads of previous and new structure.
If you wish to, you may go on my free self-guided Metropolis of London stroll to see the highlights. It’s going to take you round to see the hidden historic streets and locations like Temple.
If not, make your manner over to the Tower of London. You possibly can take a tour to see the White Tower and the crown jewels when you’d wish to, or simply admire the fortress from the surface. You possibly can guide Tower of London tickets right here.
Afterwards you may stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is without doubt one of the hottest landmarks in London. You possibly can stroll throughout it, or head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour. You possibly can guide tickets right here.
For dinner, I like to recommend persevering with your stroll throughout Tower Bridge and going to Bermondsey Road. 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 could 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, notably these on Elizabeth Road.
You possibly can 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 embody 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. It is a great spot to buy and eat, and you could find 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 quite a bit to do right here. The King’s Highway is without doubt one of the greatest procuring streets in London, in any case.
If you wish to, you may go on my free self-guided Chelsea stroll to see extra of the realm’s aspect streets and riverfront.
From Chelsea, you may make your manner as much as Knightsbridge for some procuring at iconic malls like Harvey Nichols and Harrods. Alternatively, you may 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 may spend as a lot or as little time exploring them as you’d wish to. They’re all big, so make certain to tempo your self.
Within the night you may have dinner at one of many eating places outdoors the South Kensington tube station. There are many totally different cuisines to select from, so that you’re certain to seek 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’ve got loads of choices.
Day 4 in London: Notting Hill, Royal Parks & the West Finish
The following morning you may proceed your London itinerary for 9 days with a visit to Notting Hill. This west London neighborhood is filled with colour. You’ll discover every part from the boutiques to the mews pleasant.
If it’s a Saturday, you’ll be capable 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 it’s not a Saturday, I nonetheless advocate going and trying out the market stalls and retailers which can be open while you go to. There’s some type of market occurring 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 realm. It’s going to take you round to see every part from the excessive streets to the hidden corners.
You possibly can 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 may take the tube or stroll by way of Mayfair to get to Soho and Covent Backyard. They’re a few of the most fun locations in central London, and so they come alive within the evenings.
There are many good choices for consuming and ingesting 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 evening.
You possibly can 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 may’t 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 option to cap off a day of exploring the UK capital. From dramas to comedies and farces, you’ll be spoiled for alternative relating to choices.
In case you’re up for going out afterwards, there’s any variety of bars and pubs in Soho and Covent Backyard you may go to. They’re splendid methods to expertise London’s thrilling nightlife scene.
My favourite is Cahoots, a London Underground-themed speakeasy simply off Carnaby Road. It’s one in all my high 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 the town which can be value visiting, and so they’re simple to get to by practice, automotive, or on a guided tour.
If you wish to see traditional college cities, my high 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 get pleasure from. They’re simple day journeys from London by practice as nicely.
In case you’re into castles, there are many castles close to London you may 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 a few of the greatest castles in England.
If you wish to tour historic mansions, there are many stately houses close to London you may go to. Downton Abbey followers will love touring Highclere Fort, 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 Fort with its well-known gardens.
In case you’re a historical past buff, Winchester, Tub, Canterbury and Dover, Hampton Court docket Palace, Lewes, Battle, Bletchley Park, and Amersham are for you. Amersham is so shut you may 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 possibly can go independently with or with out a automotive, or on a guided day tour. You possibly can 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 embody Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Fort Combe, nevertheless it’s laborious to go flawed right here.
If cathedral cities pique your curiosity, my high 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 case you’re feeling formidable, you may 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’ve got a number of decisions.
In case you’re on the lookout for seasonal journeys, you may check out my guides to spring, summer time, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 6 in London: Hampstead, Camden City & King’s Cross
The following morning you may 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 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.
When you’re right here you may stroll across the village by yourself, or go on my free self-guided Hampstead stroll or one in all 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 embody the Holly Bush, Villa Bianca, and Jin Kichi. The crepe stands are enjoyable, too, however the strains might be lengthy and gradual.
After lunch, you may 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 Road Market, and Hawley Wharf.
You possibly can browse the stalls when you’re right here. They’re good locations to purchase items and different issues to take dwelling 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 place to get dinner.
You probably have time earlier than or after you eat, you may stroll all the way down to the realm’s beloved practice stations. King’s Cross is known for its beautiful inside structure and Harry Potter connections.
As soon as inside, you may 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 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 one of the crucial 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. Yow will discover out which one in my weblog publish a few 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 the town is thought for its royal palace, males’s retailers, luxurious motels, and members’ golf equipment.
When you’re right here, you may stroll down Jermyn Road and Piccadilly, admire the historic facade of St James’s Palace, and pop into iconic malls like Fortnum & Mason.
Whenever you’ve completed exploring, stroll throughout Piccadilly to get to Mayfair. This upscale space is dwelling to luxurious items retailers, fine-dining eating places, and the long-lasting curve of Regent Road (dwelling of the well-known Liberty London). You possibly can 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 off-the-cuff spot on Heddon Road or spring for a tasting menu at a Michelin-starred restaurant, you may’t go flawed for lunch.
With regards to tea and cake, I really like Brown’s Resort afternoon tea and the superb yellow room at Sketch.
After consuming, you may head throughout Oxford Road to Marylebone. That is one other of my favourite London neighborhoods, not least as a result of it has one of many greatest excessive streets in London.
There are many enjoyable retailers on Marylebone Excessive Road, Marylebone Lane, and St Christopher’s Place, and so they’re enjoyable locations to get into London’s retail scene.
From boutiques to family names, you’re spoiled for alternative. My favourite place to store in Marylebone is Daunt Books. It’s the most effective (and most lovely) impartial bookshops in London.
If you wish to, you should utilize my free self-guided Marylebone stroll to see extra of the neighborhood. It’s going to take you round to hidden mews, aspect streets, grand squares, and gardens.
After you’ve seen Marylebone, make your manner north to Regent’s Park. This is without doubt one of the greatest inexperienced areas in London, and it’s a enjoyable place to stroll round. If it’s summer time, don’t miss the colourful rose gardens.
When sundown approaches, you may head again to Marylebone Excessive Road 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 may guide boat tickets right here. After seeing London’s landmarks alongside the river, you’ll be capable to dive into the town’s maritime previous, see fashionable filming places, tour a historic royal residence, and uncover the house of Greenwich Imply Time.
You’ll additionally be capable to 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 dwelling to the Nationwide Maritime Museum the Queen’s Home, each of which provide free entry. The previous has world-class reveals and exhibitions, and the latter is a historic royal residence with an artwork assortment and a surprising staircase.
Greenwich Park is known for having the most effective views in London. You possibly can see by way of the 2 towers of the Outdated Royal Naval School to the skyscrapers in Canary Wharf on the opposite aspect of the river.
The park will not be solely an exquisite place to stroll, but additionally the situation of two vital landmarks. The primary is the Royal Observatory, the place you may stand with one foot on both aspect of the Prime Meridian. You possibly can guide tickets right here.
The second is Ranger’s Home, an English Heritage website and museum that’s identified 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 may go on my free self-guided Greenwich stroll. It’s going to take you round to see the highlights of the neighborhood.
Within the night, you may have dinner at one of many many eating places and pubs in Greenwich earlier than heading again to central London on the practice, 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 the town middle and the East Finish.
Bloomsbury is an efficient place to start out. You possibly can 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 one of the best of the realm.
From there it’s a brief stroll to Clerkenwell. That is London’s design district, and it’s dwelling 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’s going to take you across the neighborhood and to locations like Smithfield and Holborn.
Clerkenwell is a brief stroll from Outdated Road, the place you’ll quickly end up in Shoreditch. This hip space in east London is known for its nightlife scene, so when you can time your arrival for dinner-and-drinks o’clock, you’ll get to see the neighborhood at its greatest.
You probably have time beforehand, you are able to do one in all 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.
You probably have power left later, head to Hackney. This is without doubt one of the coolest neighborhoods in London, and it has a enjoyable nightlife scene. The identical goes for close by Hackney Wick, which is without doubt 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 dwelling within the UK capital, and I nonetheless don’t really feel like I’ve seen all of it.
In order for you further inspiration, there’s much more about issues to do within the metropolis in Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You possibly can get it on Amazon right here.
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