First Time in London Guide: A Girl’s Complete Itinerary
If this is your first time planning a trip to London, I am so envious. London is magical. Everywhere you go feels grand yet charming, old yet modern, expansive yet digestible. No city in the world steals my heart quite like London does.
There is so much to see, to do, and to eat in this incredible city.
No matter how long your trip is, you won’t be able to squeeze everything into one trip— and that’s okay! However, I do play favorites and I’ve listed all my recommendations for a fabulous London trip. To make your trip planning more digestible, I’ve organized this guide into sections that will help you build the trip of your dreams. Here, you’ll find neighborhood guides, museums, parks, and restaurants that make great additions to your London itinerary.
Sightseeing
Buckingham Palace & St. James Park
It goes without saying that Buckingham Palace is a must-do. If you’re interested in catching the Changing of the Guards Ceremony, it takes place everyday around 11:00 AM. However, if you’d rather avoid big crowds, you should absolutely skip Buckingham Palace at this time and visit during a different time of day. The crowds during this time are insane.
St. James Park borders Buckingham Palace and it’s one of my favorite parks in London. This park is smaller in area than Hyde Park, but still incredibly gorgeous. The park’s sweeping view of the London Eye and perfectly manicured blooms make St. James Park a very special place.
Visiting Buckingham Palace and St. James Park goes hand-in-hand, and it’s an especially great area to explore in the late afternoon.
Big Ben & Westminster Abbey
The first time you see these side-by-side monuments bordering the River Thames is a moment you’ll never forget. The iconic clock tower and church are breathtaking. Taking a tourist-filled picture in front of Big Ben on Westminster Bridge is a must while in London.
Tower Bridge & Tower of London
Tower Bridge is, arguably, London’s most iconic bridge (sorry, London Bridge). With its grand structure, color, and sheer size, Tower Bridge is so impressive. The perfect spot to admire its beauty is a grassy area called Potters Fields Park on the south side of the river.
Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with so much history. Tower of London is a castle, fortress, and prison that once served as the capital of the British Empire. It has a brutal past and history buffs will find this experience fascinating. But, my personal favorite attraction is The Crown Jewels exhibit.
Parks
The top priority parks during your first time in London are Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Regent’s Park, St. James Park, and Green Park.
Hyde Park is in the heart of the city and is perhaps London’s most famous park. It’s big and has great bike paths for easy riding around the park.
On the west side of the park are Kensington Gardens, which is home to Kensington Palace. Strolling Kensington Gardens is so special and spaces like the Princess Diana Memorial Garden can take your breath away. In addition, St. James Park and neighboring Green Park are smaller, but so charming.
To the north of Hyde Park lies Regent’s Park, which is home to Queen Mary’s Rose Garden and the London Zoo. This park is one of my favorites due to its accessibility to the Regent’s Canal walkway.
Some of my other favorite parks are Holland Park and Hampstead Heath!
Museums
The best part of London museums is that they are free. They are also a great indoor activity to escape the London rain, if you should find yourself stuck in a storm. London has so many amazing museums to explore! Below, I’ve listed my top two museum recommendations.
Natural History Museum
The exterior of the Natural History Museum is a marvel in and of itself. History buff or not, this museum is simply majestic. But, it’s the fun and interactive exhibits that keep millions of visitors coming back each year (my favorite is the dinosaur exhibit).
The Victoria & Albert Museum
Neighboring the Natural History Museum, is the Victoria & Albert (V&A). The V&A is an art museum showcasing artifacts and decorative arts from all over the world. To top it all off, there is a lovely garden cafe where you can grab a coffee with a beautiful courtyard view.
Shopping
Harrods
This iconic British luxury department store needs no further introduction. With over 3,000 brands to choose from, a stroll around Harrods is retail-therapy heaven. As if Harrods couldn’t get any better, it’s also a foodie destination, with its sprawling food hall jam-packed with delicious eateries. You’ll leave with an empty wallet and a full stomach.
Fortnum & Mason
Teas, biscuits, chocolates, jams, desserts, and pure unadulterated joy. Fortnum & Mason is a department store dating back to the 18th century. It’s filled with beautifully crafted sweets and decor that are simply extraordinary. This is hands down my favorite store in London for gifts and souvenirs. Fortnum & Mason is especially magical (and crowded) during Christmas time!
Thrifting
Vintage shopping is a way to ethically elevate your wardrobe. London is the holy grail of vintage shopping. From bargain finds to designer archives, vintage shops across London cater to all kinds of shoppers.
Check out my The Best Vintage Stores in London Guide for the best thrift and vintage stores in London.
Neighborhood Guides & Must Do’s
Marylebone
With more of a charming neighborhood feeling (compared to Soho, at least), Marylebone is lined with small cafes, coffee shops, and shops that make this area very romantic.
Marylebone Must Do’s
Daunt Books
Daunt Books is a book-lover’s dream. But, you don’t have to be an avid reader to appreciate the beauty of this bookstore dedicated to travelers. With beautiful light pouring in and a second-story loft filled to the brim with books, this is a truly spectacular space to unwind.
Le Relais de Venise L’Entrecôte
This popular French restaurant serving nothing but steak frites has a queue out the door every night. At Le Relais de Venise, get ready for a no-frills meal from their pre-set menu that makes the long wait entirely worth it.
South Bank
South Bank is a dynamic area just south of the River Thames. This unique neighborhood has an amazing culinary scene and is home to some of London’s most exciting attractions.
South Bank Must Do’s
Borough Market
This outdoor food market dates back to the 12th century and it serves fresh and seasonal dishes to hundreds of patrons who come hungry and leave happy. There are over one hundred vendors ranging from cheesemongers, butchers, delicatessen, and more! It’s impossible not to leave Borough Market feeling satisfied and eager to return to this mouthwatering destination.
Walk along the Thames
The perfect follow-up to your lunch at Borough Market is a walk along the River Thames.
On your walk, you’ll pass pubs, street performers, and attractions like the Globe Theater, Tate Modern, and the London Eye. Along the way, you can cross one of London’s many beautiful bridges and, of course, stop for a cold pint in one of South Bank’s many pubs.
Soho
Soho is the epicenter of London’s entertainment, shopping, and food scene. This London neighborhood is buzzy, high-energy, and packed with eateries in every corner. You can’t go wrong with an action-packed day— and night— in Soho.
Soho Must Do’s
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a mega shopping, dining, and entertainment hub that leaves visitors jaw-dropped by its unique architecture, busy (very, very busy) crowds, and endless options for a good time. London’s major retailers have storefronts in the area and there are so many pubs and restaurants to choose from— you won’t leave hungry or thirsty. On top of that, there are often live musicians and performers in the area to enjoy along the way.
Catch a West End Show
London’s West End is a world-renowned theater district. Watch some of the world’s most popular shows like Hamilton, Wicked, or The Lion King.
Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Inn
I cannot stress enough how exquisite Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Inn is. The Afternoon Tea at Ham Yard Inn is a lesser-talked-about tea experience within central London. However, that makes this hotel a perfectly charming, intimate, and above all delicious, location for a relaxing tea time.
Compared to other hotels that charge upwards of £100 a person, the price is very competitive at £45 a person. But, the price at Ham Yard Inn doesn’t compromise the quality or service of their tea time.
Circolo Popolare
Circolo Popolare is one of the beautiful and colorful restaurants in Soho. Big Mamma restaurants excel in ambiance and decor— it’s what they do best. Oftentimes, they deliver experience over substance across their popular London restaurants. However, Circolo Popolare delivers top-notch Italian favorites, service, and a larger-than-life experience that’s hard to replicate.
Kensington
Kensington is a beautiful London borough associated with its Victorian mansions, colorful mews, and plentiful attractions. Kensington is layered. The neighborhood has busy-streets filled with tourists and shops. But, there’s also quiet tree-lined streets perfect for taking in the neighborhood’s pretty scenery.
Kensington Must Do’s
Museums
Kensington is home to many of London’s premiere museums, but the Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum are two great stops for your first time in London. The exterior of the Natural History Museum is a marvel in and of itself. Even if you’re not an art or history buff, both these museums are incredible attractions that’ll leave you feeling very inspired.
Dishoom Kensington
Dishoom is what dreams are made of (my dreams, at least).
Dishoom pays tribute to the old classic Irani cafes of Bombay. From the minute you step into the restaurant’s grand, loud, and aromatic interior, it’s hard to not find yourself instantly enamored.
Dishoom brunch is incredibly well-known, but the pure perfection of their all-day menu is a wonder. House Black Daal (yes, please), Murgh Malai chicken (yes, please), Gunpowder Potatoes (yes, please). Dishoom Kensington will serve you a meal that’s hard to forget and easy to love.
Notting Hill
Notting Hill is laced with a little bit of magic. This West London neighborhood is one of London’s most romantic, charming, colorful neighborhoods. You’ll have a hard time not falling in love with Notting Hill’s pastel houses, sweet coffee shops, and fun antique market.
Notting Hill Must Do’s
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antique market. It’s open Monday-Saturday and is an absolute must-see in Notting Hill! Here you will find plenty of antiques, vintage clothing, art, and fresh produce. There’s a lot going on here, so you may have to rummage around for your treasure.
Colorful houses
The pastel-colored houses that line the streets of Notting Hill are the main attraction here. These picture-perfect homes are sugar, spice, and everything nice. Around these parts, it’s quiet, and I love peacefully strolling each street and dreaming of the day I can afford to buy one of these beauties.
Camden Town
The capital of London’s punk scene, as well as a foodie, shopping, and nightlife destination. Camden Town is one of London’s most electric areas. Walking the streets of Camden is like stepping into another world: loud fashion, a vibrant art scene, and a crazy packed market.
Camden Town Must Do’s
Camden Market
Camden Market is your one-stop shop for all things eccentric and strange. Expect shopping stalls filled with Western vintage, punk rock fashion, and specialty items. Not to mention, the food stalls hovering over the beautiful Regent’s Canal offer cuisine from all over the world. At Camden Market, it’s hectic, lively, and incredibly entertaining.
Walk Little Venice
Little Venice is a delightfully picturesque neighborhood directly on the water that runs along the Regent’s Canal. Walking down Regent’s Canal, taking in all the colorful houseboats, and ending in Regent’s Park is one of my all-time favorite walking paths in all of London!
Mayfair
Mayfair is where all your Bridgerton fantasies come to life. Beautiful Georgian townhouses and plentiful green squares line the streets of this lovely, quintessentially-London area. While it’s quiet in some parts, the Mayfair’s busier areas are busy with shopping and nightlife.
Mayfair Must Do’s
Shopping
Mayfair is home to some of London’s best shopping. Regent Street, Oxford Street, and Bond Street are among London’s busiest shopping destinations, with large department stores, designer stores, and high street brands all located within a few blocks radius.
Sketch
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy night out, you’ve probably already heard of Sketch. Besides its iconic rainbow-tiled bathroom and famous afternoon tea, Sketch actually serves my favorite martini in London. Sketch, Mayfair is the perfect destination for a celebratory drink in honor of your fabulous trip.
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is one of London’s most posh neighborhoods, meaning the grand Regency townhouses are swoon-worthy and the celeb sightings are often. This charming area has a cozy, small-town feel with one of London’s best skyline views.
Primrose Hill Must Do’s
Walk Around & Visit Primrose Hill
This neighborhood’s namesake comes from a hill on the northside of Regent’s Park that offers spectacular panoramic views of London’s skyline. While in the area, claiming a spot at the top of the hill to enjoy Londo’s beautiful skyline is a must-do activity.
In addition, simply walking around the neighborhood’s quaint streets filled with independent boutiques, coffeeshops, and pubs is a lovely way to spend your day.
It’s Bagels
The classic New York style bagel has touched down in Primrose Hill. If the line out the door isn’t indication enough, Londoners can’t get enough of It’s Bagels. They serve a brilliant bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich, as well as a lox sandwich that transports you straight to the Big Apple.
Shoreditch
Shoreditch is the cool it-girl of London. This neighborhood is known for its nightlife, art scene, and general hippy-vibe. It’s changed a lot over the years, but it remains a dynamic area where the fun doesn’t stop.
Shoreditch Must Do’s
Brick Lane Vintage Market
Brick Lane Vintage Market is a vintage clothing-lovers playground. This is the UK’s biggest vintage market. Brick Lane is a maze of one-of-a-kind finds dating back to the 1920s. Each stall is completely different from one another. No matter what you’re on the hunt for— you’ll find it. There are hundreds of vendors and it’s easy to spend hours shopping.
Padella
It’s been years since Padella has opened the doors to its second location here in Shoreditch and it’s still hard to score a table at this favored Italian restaurant. Padella serves excellent Italian food that is simple, but elevated in essence. At Padella, the atmosphere is incredibly cozy and will make you want to chat the night away with a delicious bottle of Italian wine.
Nightjar Shoreditch
Enjoy a night of old-school glamor at Nightjar Shoreditch. Step through the very unassuming door and unlock a jazzy undercover lounge that genuinely feels like stepping back in time. The cocktail menu is incredibly fun, with their drinks served in giant pitchers shaped like whales. Catch live music and laid-back vibes at Shoreditch’s coolest speakeasy.
