5-Day London Itinerary at a Glance
Who This 5-Day London Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors or return travelers who want to see the major sights—Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, British Museum—plus neighborhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, and Covent Garden, without rushing from sight to sight.
Expect 18–22k steps per day, with built-in breaks for pub lunches, market visits, and park strolls. If you're traveling with kids or prefer a slower pace, you can drop one museum or extend a neighborhood walk.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in London
Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank Walk
Start with London's most iconic fortress and Crown Jewels, then walk the riverside.
Morning
Tower of London
Nine hundred years of royal history, the Crown Jewels, Beefeater guards, and tales of executions and escapes.
How to Do It:
- • Book first entry slot (9am) at least a week ahead.
- • Head straight to the Jewel House—lines peak 11am–2pm.
- • Join a free Yeoman Warder tour (depart regularly throughout the day from main entrance).
- • Explore: White Tower, Medieval Palace, Tower Green, Ravens.
Tips
- → Security is airport-level—arrive 15 minutes early.
- → Beefeater tours are free and hilarious—don't skip.
- → You can loop back through the Crown Jewels for a second look.
Afternoon
Tower Bridge Walk + Borough Market
Iconic bridge, free Thames views, and world-class street food.
How to Do It:
- • Walk across Tower Bridge (free) for photos and river views.
- • Continue to Borough Market (10 min walk) for lunch.
- • Graze: roast pork sandwiches, oysters, Ethiopian stews, artisan cheese, brownies.
- • Walk the South Bank west toward Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern.
Tips
- → Market is best Wed–Sat; open Tue–Sun, closed Mon—check before going.
- → Come hungry with £20–£30 to sample multiple stalls.
- → Monmouth Coffee in the market is London's best.
Evening
South Bank Stroll
The Thames at dusk is beautiful, with lit-up bridges and street performers.
How to Do It:
- • Walk west along the South Bank: Millennium Bridge → Tate Modern → National Theatre.
- • Grab a drink at a riverside pub or café.
- • If you're tired, head back early—tomorrow is a big Westminster day.
Tips
- → This is a free, relaxing evening option after a busy first day.
- → Skip if you'd rather rest—you can do South Bank on Day 3 instead.
Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
Royal London: coronation church, palace, and a West End musical.
Morning
Westminster Abbey + Parliament Square
See where kings and queens are crowned, married, and buried. Then photograph Big Ben and Parliament.
How to Do It:
- • Book first entry slot (9:30am) online.
- • Rent the included audio guide—excellent.
- • After Abbey: Walk Parliament Square for Big Ben, then cross Westminster Bridge for full Parliament views.
Tips
- → No photos inside Abbey—security is strict.
- → Parliament tours need advance booking—exterior shots are enough for most.
- → Combine with St. James's Park walk toward Buckingham Palace.
Afternoon
Buckingham Palace + St. James's Park
The King's official residence plus one of London's prettiest parks.
How to Do It:
- • Check if Changing of the Guard is scheduled today (typically Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun at 11am, but schedule varies)—if so, arrive early.
- • Otherwise, just walk around the palace gates and through St. James's Park.
- • Feed the pelicans, grab an ice cream, and rest on the grass.
Tips
- → State Rooms tour (July–Sept, £33) is excellent if open during your visit.
- → If no ceremony, St. James's Park alone makes a lovely afternoon.
- → Walk through Green Park toward Hyde Park Corner if you have time.
Evening
West End Show
London's theater scene rivals Broadway at half the price.
How to Do It:
- • Book tickets 2–4 weeks ahead online.
- • Popular shows: Wicked, Les Mis, Hamilton, Phantom, Book of Mormon.
- • Grab dinner in Covent Garden, Chinatown, or Soho before curtain (usually 7:30pm).
Tips
- → Balcony seats (£30–£60) often have better views than pricey stalls.
- → TKTS booth has same-day discounts but limited availability.
- → Skip theater district restaurants—eat before in Soho for better value.
British Museum, Covent Garden & Shoreditch
Museum morning, market afternoon, East London bars in the evening.
Morning
British Museum Highlights
Free entry to the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon Marbles, and treasures from every civilization.
How to Do It:
- • Book a free timed entry online (weekends need advance slots).
- • Follow: Rosetta Stone (Room 4) → Egyptian mummies (Rooms 62-63) → Parthenon (Room 18) → Sutton Hoo (Room 41).
- • Join a free tour at 11am or 2pm for context.
Tips
- → The museum is massive—stick to highlights.
- → Great Court café is pricey; eat on Museum Street or Coptic Street.
- → Friday late opening (until 8:30pm) is quieter if you want to return.
Afternoon
Covent Garden + Neal's Yard
Covered market hall, street performers, indie shops, and the heart of theater land.
How to Do It:
- • Walk from British Museum (15 min) to Covent Garden Market.
- • Watch street performers, browse boutiques, visit Neal's Yard (colorful alley).
- • Walk Seven Dials for independent shops and cafés.
- • Grab afternoon tea or coffee.
Tips
- → Market restaurants are touristy—walk one street back for better food.
- → Drop coins for performers if you watch—it's expected.
- → This area is walkable to Chinatown, Soho, and Leicester Square.
Evening
Shoreditch + Brick Lane
Street art, vintage shops, curry houses, craft beer bars, and a creative local scene.
How to Do It:
- • Tube to Shoreditch High Street or Liverpool Street.
- • Walk Brick Lane for street art (Hanbury Street, Redchurch Street).
- • Grab dinner at a curry house, ramen bar, or pub.
- • End at a craft beer bar or cocktail spot in Shoreditch.
Tips
- → Brick Lane curry quality varies—look for busy spots with locals.
- → Street art changes constantly—wander side streets.
- → Bars stay open late (past midnight)—pace yourself.
Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington Museums
Colorful townhouses, London's biggest park, and world-class free museums.
Morning
Portobello Road + Notting Hill Streets
Pastel townhouses, antique stalls, vintage shops, and the setting of the Hugh Grant rom-com.
How to Do It:
- • Tube to Notting Hill Gate.
- • Walk Portobello Road from top to bottom (antiques north, food south).
- • Explore side streets for photo-op houses (Lancaster Road, Westbourne Grove).
- • Grab brunch at Granger & Co or Farm Girl if you didn't eat earlier.
Tips
- → Saturday is peak market day but also most crowded—Friday is a good compromise.
- → Antiques are expensive; better for browsing.
- → The blue door from the movie is gone—but colorful houses are everywhere.
Afternoon
Hyde Park Walk
Green space, the Serpentine lake, and a break from sightseeing.
How to Do It:
- • Walk from Notting Hill through Hyde Park toward Kensington.
- • Pass the Serpentine, Diana Memorial Fountain, and Speaker's Corner.
- • Rest on the grass or rent a pedal boat if weather is nice.
Tips
- → This is a good spot for a picnic if you grabbed food from Portobello.
- → Skip if it's pouring rain—head straight to museums.
Natural History Museum OR V&A Museum
Two of the world's best museums, both free, side-by-side in South Kensington.
How to Do It:
- • Natural History Museum: Dinosaurs, blue whale, Darwin Centre. Best for families and science fans.
- • Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A): Fashion, design, art. Best for adults and design lovers.
- • Choose one (2–3 hours) or skim both (1 hour each).
Tips
- → Both are next to each other—easy to switch if one is too crowded.
- → V&A café is stunning—worth a quick drink even if you skip exhibits.
- → Avoid weekends when school groups dominate Natural History.
Evening
Neighborhood Dinner
Kensington and Chelsea have great pubs and restaurants without the West End tourist pricing.
How to Do It:
- • Try a classic pub like Churchill Arms (Kensington) for Thai food or Sunday roast.
- • Or walk to South Kensington for Italian, Indian, or British gastropub.
- • Book ahead for Friday/Saturday.
Tips
- → This area is pricier than East London but still reasonable.
- → Pubs fill up 6–8pm with after-work crowds—book or arrive early.
- → If exhausted, grab takeaway and rest—Day 5 is a day trip.
Windsor Castle Day Trip OR Stonehenge + Bath
Choose between a royal castle half-day or a full-day prehistoric/Roman trip.
Morning
Option 1: Windsor Castle (Half Day)
The King's weekend home and the world's oldest occupied castle.
How to Do It:
- • Train from Waterloo or Paddington to Windsor (35–50 min, £12 return).
- • Book castle tickets online for priority entry.
- • Tour: State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, Round Tower views.
- • Return to London by 2–3pm.
Tips
- → Check opening days—occasionally closed for royal events.
- → Changing of Guard at Windsor: 11am Tue/Thu/Sat.
- → Combine with Eton College across the river for a longer visit.
Option 2: Stonehenge + Bath (Full Day)
See the mysterious stone circle and the beautiful Roman baths town.
How to Do It:
- • Book a full-day coach tour (easiest, £75–£90) or DIY by train (£45–£60).
- • Coach tour: Leaves Victoria 8am, returns 7pm. Includes transport + entry.
- • DIY: Train to Bath (1.5hr), explore Bath, bus to Stonehenge (1hr), return.
Tips
- → Coach tours are long but convenient.
- → Stonehenge is smaller than you expect—Bath is the real highlight.
- → Pack snacks and water—service areas are pricey.
Afternoon
Free Afternoon (Windsor option only)
Use this time for shopping, a museum you skipped, or just relaxing.
How to Do It:
- • Visit National Gallery (free, Trafalgar Square) if you missed it.
- • Shop Oxford Street or Regent Street.
- • Or rest at your hotel before dinner.
Tips
- → This is a flexible block—use it however you want.
- → If you did Stonehenge + Bath, you'll return around 7pm—skip this and head to dinner.
Evening
Final London Meal
Celebrate your last night with good food and a reflection on your trip.
How to Do It:
- • Choose a restaurant you spotted earlier but didn't have time for.
- • Or return to a neighborhood you loved—Covent Garden, South Bank, Shoreditch.
- • Book ahead for Friday/Saturday.
Tips
- → Traditional options: Sunday roast at a pub (if it's Sunday), fish & chips, pie & mash.
- → Confirm your departure transport and packing before bed.
- → If you have an early flight, keep this evening low-key.
Arrival & Departure: Airports and Transport
Fly into Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or Stansted (STN). For a 5-day trip, arrive by early afternoon on Day 1 and depart evening of Day 5 or morning of Day 6.
From Heathrow: Piccadilly Line (£5.50, 50 min) or Heathrow Express (£25, 15 min to Paddington). From Gatwick: Gatwick Express (£20, 30 min to Victoria) or Thameslink (£10, 45 min). From Stansted: Stansted Express (£20, 47 min to Liverpool Street).
Buy an Oyster card at the airport or use contactless payment on all Tube/bus journeys—daily cap is £8.90 in Zones 1-2 (2025 prices).
Where to Stay for 5 Days in London
For a 5-day trip, location beats room size. Stay in Zones 1-2 near a Tube station so you can reach most sights in 15–25 minutes.
Best bases: Southwark/Borough (near Tower + South Bank), Westminster/Victoria (near Big Ben), Bloomsbury (near British Museum), King's Cross (great transport hub), or Bayswater (near Hyde Park, budget-friendly).
Avoid staying in Zone 3+ or far from Tube stations—saving £20/night isn't worth 90 minutes of daily commuting.
Consider Airbnb in residential areas like Islington or Clapham for better value and a local feel.
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About This Guide
Written by: Jan Křenek
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Published: November 20, 2025
Updated: November 20, 2025
Data Sources: Official tourism boards and visitor guides • GetYourGuide and Viator activity data • Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data • Google Maps reviews and ratings
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for London.