Six Days, One City: The Best of London Unlocked

From royal palaces to riverside pubs, here’s how to ace London in six days!

Published: June 16, 2026
London in Autumn

Six days in London? The city is your oyster—full of treasures, tales, and tea. Whether you crave royal grandeur, leafy parks, cool museums or seriously delicious grub, this itinerary packs in all the highlights without skimping on downtime. From classic London vibes (think Tower Bridge and red buses) to outrageously catchy musicals, legendary stadium tours and riverside walks, you’ll experience the capital from every angle. Here’s your day-by-day breakdown for doing London right—never rushed, always fun, fully unforgettable. 

London is bursting with attractions, but these are some of our absolute must-sees and dos: 

  • Tower of London 
  • The London Eye 
  • Westminster Abbey 
  • Thames River Cruise 
  • St Paul’s Cathedral 
  • Tower Bridge 
  • Buckingham Palace (The Royal Mews) 
  • Kensington Palace 
  • London Zoo 
  • The View from The Shard 

Day 1: Royal Riverbanks & Tower Treasures 

Morning: Start your London escapade with a stroll across Tower Bridge—its blue arches and glass walkways get the pulse racing, especially when boats glide below. Snap a photo, then head right into the Tower of London next door. Listen for Ravenmaster tales and discover centuries of drama within those ancient stone walls. 

Lunch: Wander down to Borough Market (just a 10-minute stroll across London Bridge). Here, the aromas are irresistible. Try a salt beef sandwich from Nana Fanny’s, or grab a seat at Padella for perfect hand-rolled pasta, if you’re hungry for a longer lunch. 

Afternoon: Just across the road, the glistening Shard pierces the skyline. The View from the Shard gives you spell-binding vistas no matter the weather. The lift shoots up in seconds, and wow—London sprawls beneath you, river curling around landmarks and rooftops shining. 

Evening: Wrap up with a Thames River Cruise departing from London Bridge City Pier. Whether you choose an early evening ride or a sunset spin, the city lights glimmering on the water feel magical—especially the views of St Paul’s and the London Eye further along. 

Dinner: For a true local experience, head up to The George Inn just off Borough High Street. This centuries-old pub oozes English charm—the steak and ale pie is a no-brainer, but they pour a cracking pint too. If you’re in the mood for a riverside bite, try The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe for classic fish and chips overlooking the Thames. 

Day 2: Parliament, Royals & Abbey Magic

Westminster Abbey

Morning: Begin at Westminster Abbey—a gothic marvel and the backdrop for British coronations and royal weddings, its soaring arches give instant goosebumps. Wander the cloisters and spot poets, kings, and world-changers in the grand memorials. 

Midday: Take a short walk to Buckingham Palace, where the Changing of the Guard crowds are always buzzing. Snap photos at the gates, then check if The Royal Mews is open. The majestic coaches and horses here make you feel like a proper royal for the day. 

Lunch: Jump on bus 11 or 211 from Victoria to King’s Road and settle in at The Ivy Chelsea Garden. The garden terrace is a leafy oasis. Try the crispy duck salad—it’s famous for good reason, or the afternoon tea if you fancy a treat. 

Afternoon: Continue to Kensington Palace by taking the Circle or District line from Victoria to High Street Kensington. Palace tours let you waltz through royal apartments that mix history with a modern twist—Princess Diana’s fashion gallery is fascinating. Stroll through Kensington Gardens afterward for fresh air (and, in spring, a riot of blooms!). 

Dinner: Dishoom Kensington is the go-to for atmosphere and food. This buzzy “Bombay canteen” serves black daal that’s hours in the making—pair it with signature chai and buttery naan for a meal you’ll crave again tomorrow. 

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Covent Garden 

Morning: Jump into London’s creative scene with a stop at the Moco Museum in Mayfair. Think Banksy, Basquiat, and bright contemporary statements—every wall here pops with color and energy. 

Midday: Hop on the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden. Pre-book a London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden for an expertly guided whirlwind of sweet and savory bites, from steaming dumplings to gooey cookies. The guide peppers your stroll with fun facts and secret alleyways—even locals learn new things. 

Afternoon: For your next hit of culture, head to the London Transport Museum nearby. Kid-friendly, interactive, and nostalgia-inducing, it’ll have you dreaming of driving a Routemaster bus. 

Dinner: Seven Dials Market is dining perfection—a converted warehouse packed with food stalls, craft beer, and street eats in every flavor. The Toastie at Pick & Cheese is everything cheesy dreams are made of. 

Evening: Venture up to Soho for a pre-theater cocktail at Swift, where the bar’s dim lighting and snazzy drinks menu set the scene. Ready for a show? Wicked The Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theater is pure magic from start to finish. 

Day 4: Greenwich, Parks & Planetary Wonders

Royal Observatory

Morning: Ride the Uber Boat from Embankment to Greenwich for river breezes and city views. Hop off at Royal Observatory Greenwich and stand astride the Prime Meridian, where time quite literally begins. The observatory’s astronomy galleries inspire, and the walk up the hill is rewardingly scenic. 

Midday: Get hands-on at Cutty Sark, the legendary tea clipper docked by the river. Below decks, you can almost hear the crew clattering about, and above, admire sleek riggings and city panoramas. 

Lunch: Pop into Greenwich Market for street food from all corners—Try a gourmet sausage roll from Goddards at Greenwich or the West African jollof rice at Spinach and Agushi’s cozy stand. 

Afternoon: Journey back toward Central London via the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) to Bank. Then stroll through St Paul’s Cathedral—you can climb all the way to the Golden Gallery for unbeatable skyline views, but there’s plenty to explore even if you stay at ground level—Sir Christopher Wren’s architecture, hauntingly beautiful memorials, and the enormous organ pipes fill the space with grandeur. 

Evening: No need to dash off—wander over the Millennium Bridge as dusk settles. The bridge glows with lights, and you’ll catch a perfect view of the river and Tate Modern. If you fancy post-cathedral dinner, The Happenstance on St Paul’s Churchyard pairs a cozy, modern vibe with crowd-pleasers like crispy squid and chicken schnitzel. 

Day 5: Wild Things and Royal Retreats 

Morning: Start with a wild adventure at London Zoo in Regent’s Park (Northern line to Camden Town, then a short canal-side walk). Kids and grown-ups alike will love the Land of the Lions and the neon-colored butterflies in the butterfly house. In spring, tulips and cherry blossoms line your way through the park. 

Midday: Walk south through Regent’s Park to the bustling streets of Marylebone. Stop for coffee and a pistachio croissant at Ole & Steen, a Scandi bakery with big windows for people-watching. 

Lunch: For a proper meal, The Providores on Marylebone High Street is famous for its Turkish eggs and inventive brunches. Light, stylish, and friendly, it’s the kind of place you’ll wish you had in your neighborhood back home. 

Afternoon: Jump on the Bakerloo Line to Warwick Avenue and board a canal boat for a Cruise to Little Venice. It’s unexpectedly tranquil, with willow-edged waterways, colorful boats, and waterside cafes. Alternatively, take the Jubilee Line to St John’s Wood and visit Abbey Road for that must-have zebra crossing walk. 

Evening: Head back to the West End (Bakerloo Line to Piccadilly Circus) for dinner at Dishoom Carnaby—this branch echoes 1960s Bombay in décor, and their house black daal never disappoints. Swing by Cahoots just around the corner afterwards, a quirky underground bar inspired by post-war London, complete with tube carriage booths and ration-book cocktails. 

Day 6: Palaces, Playtime & Last-Minute Pleasures

Hampton Court Palace

Morning: End your trip on a high note at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s riverside Tudor playground. South West trains from Waterloo whisk you straight there, and once inside, you’ll wander through echoing halls, grand formal gardens, and a famous hedge maze. Interactive guides and costumed interpreters bring the place to life, and you might even spot a ghost (or just a friendly guide in period dress). 

Lunch: Grab a bite at the Tiltyard Café in the palace grounds—think hearty Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, and millionaire’s shortbread for dessert. 

Afternoon: Back in the city, jump off the train at Richmond and head to Kew Gardens, one of the world’s top botanical spaces. Roam glasshouses filled with tropical plants, stroll across the treetop walkway, and, if the weather is fine, spread out under an oak with a gelato from the family-run ice cream hut near Victoria Gate. 

Dinner: Finish your London adventure in Notting Hill. Take the District line from Kew Gardens to Notting Hill Gate and explore its pastel townhouses and vintage stores before dinner at The Churchill Arms. Flower baskets smother the outside, while inside, Thai curries sizzle and the old-world pub charm feels like a secret local haunt. 

Evening: If you’re up for one final treat, let your last night sparkle with a chocolate-infused cocktail from The Chocolate Cocktail Club in Farringdon (Hop on the Circle line and finish with their signature Chocolate Espresso Martini). Cheers to six days of London, done brilliantly! 

You Did It—London in Six Glorious Days  

From royal palaces to riverside walks and legendary dishes, you’ve tasted, toured, and trekked your way through the city’s best. Whether you’re craving history, adventure, or a great pint, this itinerary keeps the surprises and delights coming, day after day. What are you waiting for? 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do with Friends in London or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes  

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Ian Packham

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