One week in London – travel like a local
Ania Twardowska
I moved to London in the summer of 2008, and now, to my own surprise, I celebrated my eighteen years anniversary of taking that one-way flight. I spent almost as long living in Poland as I have in the UK. It is crazy how the time flies, but as the saying goes… that is what happens when you are having fun.
So it is easy to draw a conclusion that I really like it here, and I know the city rather well. I definitely feel nostalgic about what London used to be, and how it has changed into what it is now – watching the fast-moving transformed neighbourhoods, upgraded transport links and constantly evolving food scene has been fascinating.
Hence, here is my seven-day plan for your glorious London escape.
Day 1
You have arrived. You are feeling fresh, excited and ready to explore. I would suggest putting this energy to use by taking a walk down the River Thames to see the most iconic sights.
Start at Tower Bridge and wander up towards Big Ben on the North Bank. Stop off at the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral to take some obligatory pictures. You do not need to book a tour – it is still lovely to see them from the outside.
When you reach Big Ben, take a quick look at Westminster Abbey too, then cross Westminster Bridge and continue on towards London Bridge – this time on the South Bank. You will pass the London Eye, Southbank Centre, and Shakespeare's Globe.
There are lots of highly-rated restaurants in London Bridge, so your dinner plan is sorted.
The whole route is a great introduction to the city and a fantastic way to be present in the moment. I love stopping at random shops, trying different snacks and snapping photos of the world around me. You see beautiful old architecture, creative installations and modern, tall buildings. To this day, I do not think a London visit gets more classic than strolling by the river.
Day 2
Your feet might be feeling a little sore, so start the day a bit later with a delicious brunch to recharge.
I think going somewhere like a museum or a gallery is always an amazing idea when you are in any capital city. Most museums in London are free (as they should be) and host some of the best art collections in the world, so do not miss out if you like art. Anyone can find something they like. My favourite places are Tate Modern, the British Museum and the Natural History Museum. If you choose Tate Modern, head up to the rooftop for a panoramic view of the city. I suggest you time your visit right, so you can go up there in the late afternoon to watch the sunset.
Day 3
Make it a park date. Grab some picnic bits and drinks, and pick one of the most beautiful parks in Europe. My top three are Hampstead Heath, Hyde Park and Regent's Park. Depending on the vibe you crave, you will probably want to start with Hyde Park because of its central location and famous landmarks. It is a charming park with the Serpentine lake, the Princess Diana memorial and lots of different garden sections. You can spend the whole day exploring, and taking breaks on various benches or patches of grass.
Since you are right in the middle of London, you can continue straight into Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, Chinatown and Soho, where the city buzzes with restaurants and nightlife.
Day 4
Notting Hill is not just a rom-com – it is a stunning neighbourhood with pastel-coloured terraced houses, cute cafés and boutique shops. Spend a couple of hours roaming around the streets and enjoy a bite at Portobello Market. Then, proceed to Holland Park to admire the unique Japanese garden and enjoy the quiet atmosphere after the busy market.
For the evening, I recommend booking a gig, a play, or another activity. Try to book this in advance as events tend to sell out quickly.
Day 5
Plan a day trip to Brighton or Margate. It is so worth changing things up, especially if you have not been there before! You can get a return train from central London within an hour to Brighton, and around an hour and a half to Margate. At both seaside towns, the station is within walking distance of the centre and the beach.
Chill on the beach, pick up some nice food and stroll along the coast. There is a range of adorable cafés, restaurants and bars where you can stop for a relaxed break. Remember to get some fish & chips, but beware of the seagulls as they can get a bit aggressive when you are carrying food and will steal it if they get a chance.
Day 6
You have seen the river, so now it is time to explore the canal. Start your journey around Warwick Avenue and head towards Angel. It is a lovely stroll alongside the canal – you pass Regent's Park, including London Zoo, Camden and King's Cross. My suggestion is to take a detour in Camden to check out Camden Lock and the market in the old Stables. With so many options, you can find a tasty treat or two, and some gifts to bring back.
As you get closer to Angel, you will need to leave the canal path and go back to street level. Wander around Upper Street, an endearing road dotted with independent shops and bakeries. Then, find a dinner spot and call it a night.
Day 7
Start your final day at Borough Market. Although it can get pricey, it is a fun experience to see one of the largest and oldest markets in London, and you are not obliged to buy anything if you do not want to. Check out the local area by the river towards Tower Bridge.
Return to the centre, this time to Covent Garden, and do some sightseeing in areas like the pretty Carnaby Street and busy Oxford Street, finishing at Tottenham Court Road. Get your final shopping done to fully close the loop on your trip.
Other cool places you might want to include in your itinerary, or swap in instead:
- East: Spitalfields Market and Dalston
- North: Hampstead Heath and Highgate Cemetery
- West: Chelsea and Hammersmith
- Further West: Kew Gardens and Richmond Park
Have a brilliant time! 💚