London is one of those cities that feels endlessly alive — historic landmarks, world-class museums, buzzing food markets, and leafy neighborhoods you could wander for days. I spent a week soaking in the best of the city while staying at the beautifully serene Prince Akatoki, and with the help of my travel advisor perks, it became one of the most effortless and enjoyable trips I’ve taken.

If you’re planning a London escape filled with incredible food, sightseeing, and a stay that feels like a calm retreat in the heart of the city, this 7-day itinerary is for you.

Where We Stayed: The Prince Akatoki London

Located just steps from Hyde Park and a short walk to several Tube stations, The Prince Akatoki blends Japanese tranquility with London sophistication. The hotel was impeccable — sleek, calming interiors; warm and gracious staff; and a room that was perfect for two people.

Because I booked through my travel advisor portal, we enjoyed an incredible set of perks that all of my clients also have access to:

$100 food & beverage credit per room
Complimentary daily breakfast
Complimentary water, coffee, and soft drinks in the minibar
VIP welcome amenity
Room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability)
Early check-in + late check-out (subject to availability)
Akatoki signature scent experience
Turndown Japanese tea service
High-speed WiFi

Breakfast was a highlight each morning — beautifully prepared, generous (buffet with international cuisine plus an entree of your choice!), and a perfect start before exploring the city.

7-Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Settling In

After a non-stop red-eye from San Diego, we arrived in London on Monday late morning and headed straight to The Prince Akatoki, our serene home base for the week. After checking in, unpacking, and taking a moment to unwind from the long travel day, we decided to keep our first evening easy and restorative.

Thanks to the $100 food & beverage credit included with my travel advisor perks, we enjoyed dinner at the hotel’s elegant sushi restaurant. The meal was authentic, beautifully prepared, and exactly the kind of calm, delicious welcome we needed. Fresh sashimi, delicate rolls, and warm hospitality set the tone for the week ahead. After dinner, we took a short stroll around the neighborhood before calling it an early night to rest up for a full week of exploring London.

Day 2: Westminster, Trafalgar Square & Thai Dinner at Kiln

We began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before heading to one of London’s most iconic landmarks — Westminster Abbey. The Gothic architecture and rich history make it one of the most breathtaking sites in the city. From there, we walked over to Trafalgar Square, taking in the fountains, public art, and lively atmosphere.

Dinner was at Kiln, a Thai restaurant known for its open kitchen and rustic clay-pot cooking. The flavors were bold, smoky, and unforgettable — easily one of the standout meals of the trip.

Day 3: Buckingham Palace, The National Gallery & Arome Bakery

After breakfast, we made our way to Buckingham Palace for classic London sightseeing. Watching the Changing of the Guard and wandering the surrounding gardens felt quintessentially British.

From there, we walked to The National Gallery, home to masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, Turner, and dozens more. It’s the kind of museum where every room feels like a treasure. After leaving The National Gallery, we took a leisurely walk through Westminster and passed by Big Ben, enjoying the iconic views along the way.

We refueled at Arome Bakery, known for its French-Asian pastries — flaky, inventive, and perfect for an afternoon break.

Day 4: Scooters, Street Art & Sri Lankan Flavors

Day 4 ended up being one of the most fun and free-spirited days of the trip. After breakfast, we rented electric scooters and spent the morning zipping through London — honestly, one of the most exhilarating (and efficient!) ways to see the city. We rode along the Thames, weaving through parks and side streets, making our way to Borough Market for lunch.

Borough Market was buzzing, as always — stalls overflowing with artisanal cheeses, fresh produce, handmade pastries, and global street food. We sampled our way through the market before hopping back on the scooters and heading toward the Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel, an ever-changing canvas of murals and street art tucked beneath Waterloo Station. The colors, the creativity, and the raw urban energy made it such a cool contrast to the more traditional London sights.

That evening, we had dinner at Hoppers Marylebone — which quickly became one of our favorite meals of the entire trip. The Sri Lankan flavors were bold, vibrant, and comforting, and the service was as warm as the dishes themselves. It was the perfect end to a playful, adventure-filled day.

Day 5: St Paul’s Cathedral, Blackfriars Pier & Mercato Mayfair

After breakfast at the hotel, we visited St Paul’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture with sweeping views from the dome. The interior is stunning — majestic, detailed, and filled with history.

We then walked to Blackfriars Pier and enjoyed a scenic stroll along the river.

For a unique dinner experience, we went to Mercato Mayfair, a food hall set inside a beautifully restored church. With food stalls, wine bars, and a lively atmosphere, it’s one of the most memorable dining settings in London.

Day 6: Breakfast, A Summer Concert, & Late-Night Eats

After another beautiful complimentary breakfast at The Prince Akatoki, we spent the morning relaxing and gearing up for our big night out. I did take stroll around the corner to How Matcha, known for their adaptogenic blends and superfood lattes. The matcha did not disappoint!

In the late afternoon, we made our way to Gunnersbury Park for the concert — one of the absolute highlights of our trip. We saw Khruangbin with TV on the Radio, and the whole experience felt magical: warm summer air, a tree-lined park glowing at golden hour, and the dreamy, hypnotic sound that Khruangbin is known for. It was one of those concerts where everything just fits — the energy, the setting, the music. Pure joy.

After the show, we wandered into one of London’s vibrant late-night neighborhoods in search of food and found ourselves at Danube Kebab Point, a Lebanese café buzzing with energy even close to midnight. The streets were still lively, with people spilling out of Mediterranean restaurants, music drifting from open doorways, and the smell of charcoal grills and spices in the air. We shared shawarma plates and warm, fresh pita — simple, delicious, and exactly what we needed after a night of dancing and music. It was the perfect spontaneous ending to an unforgettable evening.

Day 7: Selfridges Foodhall & Heading Home

For our last morning, we enjoyed one final breakfast at the hotel before heading to Selfridges Foodhall to pick up souvenirs — teas, chocolates, coffees, biscuits, and other edible gifts that London does so well.

We took the Tube to the airport and headed home, already talking about what we’d do the next time we’re in London.

Why I Loved This London Trip

The perfect balance of culture, food, and iconic sites
A calm, luxurious home base at The Prince Akatoki
Incredible dining, from street markets to Michelin-level meals
Easy access to the Tube for seamless sightseeing
A summer concert in the park that felt magical

Planning a London Trip of Your Own?

As a travel advisor, I can book The Prince Akatoki (and dozens of other luxury London hotels) with exclusive perks like daily breakfast, room upgrades, credits, early check-in, and more — all at no additional cost to you.

If you’re dreaming of London, I’d love to curate a beautiful, seamless itinerary for you.

Start Planning Your Trip →

A Week in London: Food, Sights & the Perfect Boutique Hotel Stay