This 5-day London itinerary is a labor of love, born from two years living in South Kensington, Central London, and hosting countless visitors in this vibrant city. We spent our time exploring every corner, from grand landmarks to cozy local haunts, fine-tuning a plan that became our go-to for showing guests the best of London without overwhelming them. This guide blends iconic sights, hidden gems, and our favorite spots to ensure first-time visitors leave with unforgettable memories.

While five days can’t cover all of London’s historic and modern wonders, this itinerary offers a well-rounded taste of its magic—think royal palaces, bustling markets, and serene parks. Whether you’re marveling at the city’s grandeur or savoring a pub meal, this plan is crafted to spark joy and curiosity. If you only have 3 days, check my 3-day London itinerary instead. For more travel inspiration or updates on new guides, sign up for my newsletter.

5-Day London Itinerary Overview

Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Parliament, Big Ben, London Eye, Afternoon Tea, Covent Garden
Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, Millennium Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Sky Garden, West End Show
Day 3: Notting Hill, Hyde Park, Natural History Museum or V&A Museum, Harrods, British Museum
Day 4: Shoreditch, Columbia Road Flower Market, Spitalfields Market
Day 5: Day Trip (3 options)

Day 1: Central London Highlights

9am: English Breakfast & Buckingham Palace

Kick off your London adventure with the dish everyone comes to London to try, a full English breakfast. The Wolseley is an iconic spot with a stunning black-and-gold dining hall that serves a classic one. It’s not my favorite dish, and it’s a splurge for breakfast, so if you prefer, the Wolseley also has a beautiful Viennoiserie for pastries, as an alternative.

If you’re an early riser, soak in Mayfair’s elegant streets before making your way to Buckingham Palace.

10:30am: Changing of the Guard

Reach Buckingham Palace, the monarch’s residence, by 10:30am to catch the Changing of the Guard at 11:00am — check schedules at royal.uk. It’s very, very crowded, so if you want to, stake out a spot early for this quintessential ceremony.

Tip: In summer (mid-July to late-September), buy tickets in advance to tour Buckingham Palace’s magnificent State Rooms. Photos inside are not allowed, but they are magnificent and definitely worth seeing.

Afterward, stroll through St. James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful royal parks, for a serene moment with lake views and pelicans in a bustling city.

12pm: Westminster Abbey

Visit Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site hosting royal coronations and weddings, by noon to beat the 3:30pm weekday closing (earlier on weekends). Entrance is free during services, or you can book tickets online for a self-guided visit. Alternatively, join a guided tour like Top 20 Sights of Westminster, which starts near The Wolseley, and includes a visit to Westminster Abbey. Another option is to do this all day tour that starts at Westminster Abbey, includes a river cruise, and ends at the Tower of London.

1pm: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

If you’re doing this on your own, after visiting the abbey, stroll to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (officially, the Elizabeth Tower) for iconic photos. No need to tour inside unless you love politics.

2pm: London Eye or Afternoon Tea

Once you’ve crossed the Westminster Bridge for a better view, you can hop on the London Eye, London’s giant Ferris wheel, for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Book fast-track tickets ahead of time to save time.

After that, treat yourself to a classic British experience: Afternoon Tea. There are hundreds of options in London, about 30 of which I’ve added to my London City Guide > Afternoon Teas, including some more affordable options. But if you had to pick between three, I’d suggest The Ritz (iconic), Claridge’s (glamorous), or Sketch (contemporary, Insta-famous).

4pm: Covent Garden
From there, head to Covent Garden, where street performers and boutique shops create a festive vibe. Browse Apple Market for handmade jewelry, art, antiques, and food — this is a great place to go souvenir shopping. If you like teas, I’d also recommend a the Mariage Frères (a beautiful tea shop) in that area.

5pm: Regent Street

Covent Garden is fairly close to Picadilly Circus, so head that way, and enjoy a stroll past Leicester Square, through Chinatown. The Chinatown in London is a decent size, and the lanterns from overhead are always beautiful. From there, weave your way to the curved Regent Street, which has Picadilly Circus at the eastern-most end. This street is always beautiful, and lined with shops that could keep you busy all day.

7pm: Soho & Dinner

For dinner in the area, I’d recommend heading to Soho, where there are lots of very popular food options:

The best in the area is probably Dishoom, a popular spot offering delicious Bombay-inspired cuisine. You should definitely make a reservation here, though, as the line can easily be a 1-2 hour wait.
Sucre has an absolutely beautiful interior and the food is decent.
Blacklock is iconic in London, known best for its Sunday Roast, but the meat is good in general.
People love to recommend Bancone, though I personally have never been.

Otherwise, Chinatown has great Asian food options.

9pm: Selfridges

If you’ve got energy left, pop into Selfridges, my favorite department store in London, loved by every guest we brought here. This upscale department store, with its iconic yellow bags, boasts a brilliant basement packed with tech, books, stationery, and chocolates. It’s a perfect evening detour for a spot of shopping before winding down.

Day 2: History & Culture

9am: Tower of London
Start your day at the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage castle, to marvel at the Crown Jewels and uncover its thrilling and grim history. You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the medieval walls. Book tickets online ahead of time.

From there, head to Tower Bridge, London’s stunning iconic bridge — don’t confuse it with the much more plain “London Bridge” to the west. If you’re interested, you can book tickets to walk across the glass-floored high-level walkways for views of the Thames.

12:30am: Borough Market Lunch

Cross the bridge to Borough Market, London’s oldest foodie haven, to sample gourmet street food, fresh produce, and artisanal treats. To learn more about the market (and try more foods), join a guided tour and sample the food in a group. Note that this market is closed on Mondays!

2pm: The Shard (optional)
An optional activity in the afternoon is to visit The Shard, the tallest building in the UK. The viewing gallery on the 72nd floor offers panoramic views of the city. If you prefer a sit down lunch, skip Borough Market’s food and enjoy lunch at one of The Shard’s restaurants, such as Aqua Shard or Hutong. We marked this optional since Sky Garden offers free views (later in the afternoon’s itinerary).

3pm: Stroll Southbank

Take a stroll along the Southbank, see Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, and pop into the Tate Modern for free contemporary art.

From there, cross the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian bridge with great views of St. Paul’s Cathedral to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Sir Christopher Wren masterpiece. Make sure to enter before the 4pm last entry. Book tickets to explore inside or climb the dome for city views, or visit during a service to enter for free. Make sure to check the hours, as they vary.

5pm: Sky Garden

The final spot for views today is London’s Sky Garden, a free-to-visit indoor garden with 360-degree views of the city. Book tickets in advance (they sell out months in advance), though you can try walking in. Go at sunset to enjoy the transition of colors across the sky here. Sip a drink at the bar or dine at one of the garden’s restaurants with amazing views of London.

7pm: West End

If you love theater or performances, don’t miss a West End show, for prices a fraction of what the same show costs on Broadway. Pre-book tickets for a show like Les Misérables or The Lion King, or see something London-specific.

Before that, dine pre-theatre dinner at J Sheekey, a classic seafood restaurant that serves some of the best fish I’ve ever had. If fish isn’t your thing (or you don’t want to spend £50/entree), Blacklock is one of London’s best steakhouses and has more reasonable prices.

Day 3: Museums, Parks, and Pubs

9am: Notting Hill

Begin one of London’s most charming neighborhoods, Notting Hill. Brunch here is always a good idea, and here are some options in the area:

Beam: Mediterranean brunch that is one of the best and most popular options in Notting Hill
Eggbreak: A small cafe focused on egg dishes that always has a super long line
Sundays in Brooklyn: A branch of the NYC establishment that has ample seating, but I, personally, find the food just okay
Granger & Co.: Aussie breakfast that is what most Brits think of when they think of “brunch.”

Stroll Portobello Road’s shops for early browsing; it’s quieter than its market days. On Saturdays, the Portobello Road Market is in full swing, with a world-famous antiques/vintage market and food trucks. If you like markets, visit the Markets section of this blog post for other options!

If you’re looking for the colorful houses of Notting Hill, visit Hillgate Place, Callcott Street, Elgin Crescent, and Lancaster Road.

11am: Hyde Park

Walk 15 minutes to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. If weather permits, you can renta. apedal boat on the Serpentine for a fun half-hour. This park is one of our favorites in London.

12:30pm: Pub lunch in South Kensington

For lunch, our favorite South Kensington pub was The Hereford Arms, though they only serve a cottage pie, not a classic British pie. They have a delicious fish & chips, though. If you get fish and chips and don’t want to eat the chips with vinegar (I never understood this food combination), you can definitely ask for ketchup.

2pm: Museums

Walk off lunch at either the Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and science or the Victoria and Albert Museum for art and design. The two museums are right next to each other in South Kensington, and are both free to enter core exhibits and open until about 5:45pm. Pick one to spend 2-3 hours in, as their vast collections could fill a day—our guests often wished they’d returned for more. Both buildings are stunning, making even a short visit memorable.

If you go to the V&A, my personal favorite exhibit is their ceramics collection (arguably the best in the world), on the 5th floor.

5pm: Harrods

If you want to see the legendary department store, pop into Harrods, to admire the historic architecture and displays. Visit Shoe Heaven to see the most beautiful shoes of all time, enjoy a cup of tea at the Harrods Tea Rooms, or pick up a souvenir (especially if you go during Christmas). If you want to buy something small, head down to the Food Hall for a culinary treat.

6pm: British Museum (Fridays only)

It’s been a day of museums, but the British Museum is arguably London’s most famous museum, and home to the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies, so it would be remiss of me to not include. The museum stays open until 8:30pm on Fridays (only!), so if it’s Friday, you can go after a full day elsewhere. Otherwise, if this is a priority, you can always visit this museum another morning or earlier in this day, skipping South Kensington altogether if necessary.

If you’re in the area but don’t want to visit the museum while your friends do, I recommend the stationery store Present & Correct and the Korean art gallery Han Collection nearby.

Day 4: The East Side (best seen on Sunday)

9:30am: Shoreditch

Start your day exploring street art in Shoreditch. If you’re a Banksy fan, a few of his pieces can be found near Old Street (more info here). Or go with a group via this highly rated street art tour (it starts at 10am).

On Sunday Brick Lane has a market full of antiques that runs from 10am - 6pm. In that area, grab a salt beef bagel from the famous Beigel Bake (there will be a line).

12pm: Columbia Road Flower Market
If it’s Sunday, you can also take your beef bagel and eat it en route to Columbia Road Flower Market. This vibrant street bursts with flower stalls, indie shops, and East End energy from 8am to 3pm. If you like flowers, you will love this street. It does get busy and crowded, though, so be prepared.

If it’s not Sunday, grab a coffee and pastry at Boxpark, a pop-up container mall.

2pm: Spitalfields Market

London has a lot of markets, and the next stop is another famous one. Head to Spitalfields Market to shop for artisanal goods and global street food like dumplings or burgers. Nearby, the Truman Brewery Markets offer vintage finds and a gritty, artsy vibe (open on Saturdays & Sundays). You can easily spend an hour exploring this East London hub.

If you would rather experience East London on a food tour, this one includes Brick Lane, Shoreditch, and Spitalfields in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

5pm: Drinks

Grab some pre-dinner drinks in the area at my favorite bar in London, Tayēr + Elementary. If you’re hungry, the food is also really good. Tayēr + Elementary is actually 2 bars (Elementary in the front and Tayēr in the back), and the drinks are premixed, but they’re amazing. If we had lived on that side of London, that would have been our regular bar. Check times if you go, though, as they have some funny hours (closed on Sunday and Monday).

Another bar option is The Ten Bells, a historic pub near Spitalfields with ties to Jack the Ripper lore. Aim for 5:00 PM to beat the evening crowd.

7pm: Dinner
If you haven’t yet had dinner at Dishoom, now is a good time (make sure to make a res!). Or, if you want something more British, Lyle’s or The Clove Club are Michelin-starred restaurant offering a modern British tasting menu, or St. John’s is a classic British restaurant pioneering nose-to-tail cooking.

Alternatively, grab dinner earlier (or later) and learn more about Jack the Ripper and discuss the case on this 2-hour Guided Walking Tour that starts at 7pm. This was the experience a local friend recommended as the one thing we should do in London before we left.

Day 5: Day Trip Options

For your final day, London has tons more to see, but so does the rest of the UK. These are three distinct day trips from London, each offering a different flavor of the UK. All are accessible by train from central stations like Paddington, Waterloo, or King’s Cross. Trains in the UK are not cheap, but if you book in advance via National Rail, you can get some savings.

Option 1: Oxford (or Cambridge)

This itinerary is for Oxford, but you could easily choose to go to Cambridge instead.

Travel: 1-1.5 hour by train from London Paddington to Oxford. I suggest you leave early enough to grab a quick bite in Oxford before a morning tour.
Morning: Join a guided tour of Oxford University colleges to explore historic halls like Christ Church, a Harry Potter filming location, and the iconic Radcliffe Camera. This 3-hour University Walking Tour with Christ Church Visit is a great option, and starts at 11am or 2pm. If you do a tour, make sure it grants you access entry into the colleges (as not every tour does) — that’s the best part of the tour.
Afternoon: Visit the Ashmolean Museum, the world’s oldest university museum, to see Egyptian artifacts, Renaissance art, and more, with free entry to core exhibits. Then, if you’re interested, head to Magdalen Bridge Boatyard for a 1-hour punting session on the River Cherwell, gliding past college gardens and meadows. Rent a self-punted boat (£32/hour) or hire a chauffeured punt (£50/30 min). Close out the afternoon at Oxford Covered Market, a historic maze of stalls near Carfax Tower, to browse local crafts, cheeses, and souvenirs.
Evening: I would suggest you end with dinner at The Eagle and Child, a legendary pub on St Giles’ where Tolkien and C.S. Lewis met, but it has been closed since March 2020 due to financial challenges and is supposed to reopen in 2025, but there has been no news. An alternative, therefore, is The Old Bookbinders, a charming French bistro-style pub in Jericho, just a 10-minute walk from the Covered Market. Once you’re finished, catch a train back to London.

If you have more than one day left, you could easily spend the night at Oxford and spend the next day exploring the Cotswolds, which are just west of Oxford. For this, I would highly recommend renting a car and driving, though, as “seeing the Cotswolds” actually means visiting a series of small towns in the region that are not well-connected by train. More on this in an upcoming 7-day itinerary.

Option 2: Stonehenge & Bath

Travel: 1.5 hours by train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (for Stonehenge), then 1 hour more to Bath. Given the distance and that you only have one day, though, I’d recommend you join a guided tour like this one that visits both or rent/hire a car.
Morning: Catch an early train to Salisbury (for Stonehenge). From there, catch a taxi or bus to Stonehenge (again, I highly recommend driving yourself or going via guided tour). Marvel at the 5,000-year-old stones and explore the site for 1.5-2 hours.
Afternoon: Head to Bath, grab lunch, then visit the Roman Baths to explore ancient spa ruins. Walk 5 minutes to Bath Abbey for its stunning Gothic interior. We loved the Royal Crescent and The Circus, if you have time to head up the hill. Then walk across Pulteney Bridge and along the river. Also hit Topping & Company Booksellers, if you can!
Evening: For dinner, Sally Lunn’s (the oldest house in Bath) serves dinner, or Sotto Sotto serves amazingly well-rated Italian food. There are also several Michelin-recommended or starred restaurants in the ancient city!

Option 3: Windsor

Travel: 30-50 minutes by train from London Paddington to Windsor & Eton Central.
Note: Windsor Castle is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and St George’s Chapel is closed to visitors on Sundays, so plan your trip accordingly!
Morning: After arriving in Windsor, visit Windsor Castle, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. Explore the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel (2-3 hours). Check to see if there will be a Changing of the Guard, which begins at 11am. Definitely book tickets online ahead of time.
Afternoon: After lunch, stroll Windsor’s cobbled streets, River Thames path for Eton Bridge views, Windsor Great Park or the Long Walk, and don’t miss the Crooked House of Windsor at 51 High Street. Alternatively, you could take a 40-minute boat cruise on the River Thames or tour the world-renowned Eton College, just north of the River Thames, in the summer.
Evening: After grabbing dinner, hop back onto the train and head back to London.

If you have an extra day, you can spend the night in Windsor then head to Blenheim Palace the next day. The palace is one of the largest estates in England, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and England’s response to France’s Palace of Versailles.

Other Optional Activities:

This 5-day itinerary packs in London’s best, but if you’re craving more or have extra time, here are some fantastic additions to make your trip unforgettable:

Thames River Cruise: Glide past Big Ben and the Shard on a relaxing Thames River Cruise. You can even take an Uber boat along the Thames to go from one end of London to the other, for a full river journey.
Greenwich: Visit Greenwich Market, stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory, and hike Greenwich Park for city views. This could easily be a half to full day.

Hampstead Heath: There are great museums here, and you can picnic and people-watch from Parliament Hill, which offers some of the best views of London.
Watch a Football (Soccer) Match: There’s nothing quite like the thrill of English football (watch Ted Lasso if you don’t know what I mean), so catch a Premier League or Championship game while you’re in town. Check out matches at Wembley Stadium, Emirates Stadium (Arsenal), or Stamford Bridge (Chelsea). Book tickets early, as they sell out.

Kew Gardens: One of my favorite places in London, Kew Gardens is a botanical wonder with glasshouses, treetop walkways, and seasonal blooms. You can also dine at the cafe or enjoy an afternoon tea here.
Richmond: If you’re heading to Kew Gardens, you can make an extra stop at Richmond, where Ted Lasso “lived.” The town is very quaint, the Richmond Riverside along the Thames is always bustling, and you can pop into Petersham Nurseries, another one of my favorite places in London. You can also visit Richmond Park, which is massive.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour: This immersive experience is a 1-hour train ride from London Euston to Watford Junction, where you can spend your day exploring Hogwarts sets and props. Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time!

Tours to Enhance Your Experience

Borough Market Food Tour: Join a guided food tour of Borough Market to sample the best bites and learn about its history.
Historic London Walking Tour: Explore the city’s iconic landmarks with a knowledgeable guide.
Tower of London Guided Tour: Dive deeper into the history of this iconic site with an expert guide on this private tour.

Tips

Use Contactless: Navigate London’s public transport with Apple Pay or Google Pay (make sure to use the same card!) on the Tube and buses — you won’t get a fare amount after each ride, but the rides will auto-cap daily spending (you’ll get a notice around 2am of your day’s spend).
Book Attractions in Advance: Secure spots for busy attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, or West End shows online to skip long queues.
Wear Comfortable Shoes: London’s cobblestone streets and 10,000+ daily steps are unkind to anything but comfortable footwear. Pack sneakers or sturdy flats to tackle uneven Southbank walks or Richmond Park trails. Also make sure to prep a pair for rain, if that’s the season you’re coming in.
Plan for Weather Variability: The forecast in London, located on the island that is the UK, changes a lot and can get some unpredictable rain, so if you see rain on the forecast, definitely prepare for wet weather. Hopefully your hotel has an umbrella you can borrow, but a lightweight rain jacket might also be a good idea.
Embrace Free Attractions: One of my favorite things about London was how many free attractions could be found all around the city. Save on costs by visiting these free gems like the British Museum, Tate Modern, or Sky Garden.

London stole my heart with its mix of history, charm, and endless discoveries, and this 5-day itinerary is crafted to spark that love for you. Whether it’s your first visit or a return, I hope you uncover a new favorite moment in this incredible city.

5-Day Itinerary // London, United Kingdom