When planning your own London itinerary, keep in mind that proximity is key: Save time by visiting attractions located in the same general area.
Also note that while most attractions are open daily, some are best visited on certain days. Museums and shops will be less crowded on weekdays. Harrods is closed on Sundays, but that's the best time to shop Petticoat Lane. Also, while most theatres are dark on Sunday nights, casinos continue to operate.
WEDNESDAY: WESTMINSTER - LANDMARKS
- Check into your hotel and secure a free map
- See changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace at 11:30am (daily in summer, less frequently other times of the year)
- Stroll through St. James's Park
- Visit Imperial War Museum Cabinet War Rooms
- Tour Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament
THURSDAY: COVENT GARDEN MUSEUMS, MARKETS, THEATRE
- Visit the British Museum
- Browse Covent Garden
- Stroll Piccadilly Circus
- Stop in at Fortnum & Mason (Cadbury chocolates in tins make good gifts)
- See the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square
- Buy half-price theatre tickets at Leicester Square TKTS booth
FRIDAY: KENSINGTON SHOPPING, MUSEUMS, CASINO
- Breakfast at Mandarin-Oriental Hotel
- Troll Harrods, Burberry, and Harvey Nichols stores
- Visit Victoria & Albert Museum
- See Science and Natural History Museums
- Peek into Baroque Brompton Oratory, where the poshest weddings take place
- Try your luck at the Hard Rock Casino (advance membership required)
SATURDAY: SOUTH BANK OLDE LONDON, LONDON EYE, THEATRES
- Ride the London Eye
- Visit the Tower of London
- Ogle Britain's Crown Jewels
- Pick up a picnic lunch at the Borough Market
- Freak out at The London Dungeon
- Calm down in a traditional London Pub
- Cruise the Thames
- See the Tate Modern
- Catch a performance at the Royal National Theatre or Globe Theatre
OR
SATURDAY: SHOPPING
- Visit Portobello Road Market early
- Brunch in trendy Notting Hill
- Take the tube or taxi to Bond Street to ogle upmarket fashions and jewels
- Then head for Beauchamp Place to window-shop London's poshest shops
- Later, find affordable buys in the Oxford Circus/Regent Street area. Stores such as Selfridges, Debenhams, and Top Shop are dear to Londoners' hearts
- Linger over dinner at the Ivy, Nobu, or Toto's -- advance reservations are a must
SUNDAY: HYDE PARK AND ABBEY ROAD - LONDON EXPRESSIONS
- Visit Petticoat Lane or Camden Market early
- Relax aboard a guided sightseeing coach tour
- Stroll through Hyde Park
- Listen in at Speaker's Corner in the afternoon in Hyde Park
- See Abbey Road (Jubilee subway line to St. John's Wood tube stop)
- Begin your journey home: Catch the Heathrow Express at Paddington Station.
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