5 Days in London: Complete First-Timer Itinerary
A realistic 5-day London itinerary that eases you in through Borough Market and the South Bank, then covers the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, British Museum, plus Notting Hill and a day trip to Windsor—without turning into a forced march through tourist sites.
“Enjoy perfect walking weather around Tower of London & Crown Jewels. June is one of the best times to visit London. Immerse yourself in a blend of modern culture and local traditions.”
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5-Day London Itinerary at a Glance
Itinerary Map
Who This 5-Day London Itinerary Is For
This itinerary is designed for first-time visitors or return travelers who want to land with market food and a Thames walk before the Crown Jewels—then Westminster Abbey, the Tower, British Museum, Notting Hill and Windsor 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.
South Bank to Borough Market & Thames Sunset
Walk the river first, eat second—no Crown Jewels until Day 3.
Morning
South Bank from London Bridge
See St. Paul's, the Shard and Tower Bridge from afar without a timed ticket—just Thames path and street performers.
How to Do It:
- • Exit London Bridge station toward the river and walk west along the South Bank.
- • Pass Hay's Galleria, HMS Belfast (exterior) and City Hall for skyline photos.
- • Optional: step into Tate Modern free collection galleries if you need a coffee break indoors.
Tips
- → Tower Bridge looks best from here across the water—you'll cross it on Day 3.
- → Flat, pram-friendly path—easy jet-lag recovery.
- → Borough Market opens around 10:00 Tue–Sat; time your arrival for grazing.
Afternoon
- • Bread Ahead — Hot doughnuts and bakery classics—perfect market fuel.
- • Richard Haward's Oysters — Fresh oysters shucked to order under the railway arches.
Borough Market
Victorian iron arches stuffed with traders—your first proper London meal without a reservation.
How to Do It:
- • Enter from Borough High Street and sample two or three stalls rather than one big sit-down.
- • Try roast pork roll, Ethiopian stews or artisan cheese.
- • Grab coffee at Monmouth Coffee before the afternoon crowd peaks.
Tips
- → Closed Mondays—if Day 1 is Monday, swap with Day 2.
- → Budget $28–$42 / £21–£31 to graze; Thu–Sat are busiest.
- → Save Padella for another day if queues stretch down the street.
Evening
- • The Old Vic Tunnels (area pubs) — Walk toward Lower Marsh for independent pubs and casual dining.
- • The Founder's Arms — Riverside terrace with Thames views—arrive before 19:00 for a table.
South Bank at Dusk
Bridges and facades switch on at dusk—a low-key first night without a West End ticket.
How to Do It:
- • Continue west to Millennium Bridge for St. Paul's dome lit up.
- • Optional: National Theatre free foyer or cheap bar drink.
- • Turn in early—Westminster Abbey timed entry may be tomorrow.
Tips
- → Globe standing tickets are 2.5 hours on your feet—skip if jet-lagged.
- → Book Westminster Abbey online tonight if you haven't already.
St James's Park, Westminster Abbey & West End Show
Royal parks first, coronation church second—save the theatre ticket for after dark.
Morning
St James's Park & Buckingham Palace
Pelicans on the lake and palace gates in morning light—calmer than fighting Changing of the Guard crowds on a compressed 5-day trip.
How to Do It:
- • Enter St James's Park from the Birdcage Walk side and walk the lake toward the palace.
- • Photograph the Victoria Memorial and palace gates from the north side.
- • If Changing of the Guard is on (check schedule—typically Mon/Wed/Fri 11:00), watch from the park edge rather than the railings.
Tips
- → Ceremony is optional on 5 days—this route prioritizes the park over a 90-minute stand.
- → State Rooms tour (July–Sept, ~$46 / £34) is excellent if open during your visit.
Afternoon
- • The Cinnamon Club — Indian fine dining in the former Westminster Library — a local favorite.
- • St. James's Park kiosks — Sandwiches and coffee to enjoy by the lake with pelican views.
Westminster Abbey + Parliament Square
Britain's coronation church plus Big Ben across the square—one compact royal-political block.
How to Do It:
- • Book a 12:30 or 13:00 Abbey slot online—afternoon entry avoids morning tour-bus peaks.
- • Rent the included audio guide—excellent.
- • After Abbey: Parliament Square for Big Ben, then cross Westminster Bridge for river views.
Tips
- → Personal photography is generally allowed inside, but not during services or in restricted areas—no flash, tripods, selfie sticks, or video.
- → Closed Sundays for sightseeing (services only).
Attend a free Evensong service (17:00 weekdays) to experience the Abbey's atmosphere without paying admission.
Book a Verger-led guided tour for behind-the-scenes access to areas not on the standard route.
Evening
- • Brasserie Zédel — Grand Art Deco brasserie hidden underground on Sherwood Street — stunning décor with surprisingly affordable set menus.
- • Chinatown dim sum — Grab dumplings at Jen Café or Dumplings' Legend for a quick, filling pre-show meal.
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 19:30).
Tips
- → Balcony seats ($42–$83 / £31–£62) 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.
Queue at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets — savings of 20–50% on popular shows.
Book premium stalls or a VIP box for the best sightlines and complimentary interval drinks.
Tower of London, Tower Bridge & City Views
Crown Jewels morning, bridge crossing, and a Borough Market lunch you skipped on Day 1.
Morning
Tower of London
With five days you can give the Tower a proper morning—not a jet-lagged arrival-day squeeze.
How to Do It:
- • Book the 09:00 slot at least a week ahead—you already saw the skyline from the South Bank on Day 1.
- • Crown Jewels first, then a Beefeater tour, then pick two interiors (White Tower + ravens is enough for most visitors).
- • Allow a full three hours before Tower Bridge and Borough Market.
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.
View the Tower from outside and walk the free riverside path — you'll see the ravens and iconic walls without paying entry.
Book a private early-access Beefeater tour for a behind-the-scenes experience before the public opening.
Afternoon
- • Padella — Fresh pasta with queues that move fast — worth the wait.
- • Borough Market stalls — Roast pork sandwiches, cheese toasties, and international street food from dozens of vendors.
Tower Bridge Walk + Borough Market
Iconic bridge views and a second pass through London's best food hall.
How to Do It:
- • Walk across Tower Bridge (free) for photos and river views.
- • Continue to Borough Market (10 min walk) for lunch.
- • Optional: Tower Bridge Exhibition (~$15 / £11) for glass-floor walkway views.
- • Walk the South Bank west if energy allows—otherwise save it for a free evening.
Tips
- → Borough Market is closed Mondays; busiest Thu–Sat.
- → Come hungry with $28–$42 / £21–£31 to sample multiple stalls.
- → Monmouth Coffee in the market is London's best.
Evening
- • The Anchor Bankside — Historic Thames-side pub with classic British dishes — try to grab a riverside table.
- • Flat Iron Steak (Bankside) — Excellent flat iron steak for ~$14 / £10 with free ice cream — no reservations, queues move fast.
City Pub or Rest
A low-key evening after a ticketed sight day—save Shoreditch for a return trip.
How to Do It:
- • Try a City of London pub (Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, The Walrus) for history and a pint.
- • Or grab an early dinner on the South Bank and turn in.
- • Optional: revisit Millennium Bridge at dusk if you skipped it on Day 1.
Tips
- → City pubs close early on weekdays—check last orders.
- → Don't force a big night out—you have Notting Hill tomorrow.
British Museum, Covent Garden & Notting Hill
Ancient history in Bloomsbury, then pastel streets and Portobello Market west.
Morning
British Museum Highlights
Day 4 pairs Bloomsbury with Notting Hill—you can give the collection two hours without museum fatigue the next day.
How to Do It:
- • Book a free timed slot; weekends need advance booking.
- • Highlights route: Rosetta Stone → Egyptian mummies → Parthenon → Sutton Hoo—add the 11:00 free tour if you want context.
- • Stop when you're satisfied; Portobello and Windsor are still ahead this week.
Tips
- → The museum is massive—stick to highlights.
- → Great Court café is pricey; eat on Museum Street or Coptic Street.
- → Friday late opening (until 20:30) is quieter if you want to return.
Afternoon
- • Dishoom Covent Garden — Bombay-style café with legendary black daal and bacon naan — expect a queue but it moves fast.
- • Neal's Yard salad bars — Healthy grab-and-go options in the colorful courtyard — Wild Food Café is a standout.
Covent Garden + Neal's Yard
Covered market hall, street performers, and Neal's Yard color before heading west.
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).
- • Grab lunch or coffee before the tube west.
Tips
- → Market restaurants are touristy—walk one street back for better food.
- → Allow 90 minutes here before Notting Hill.
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).
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.
Evening
- • Granger & Co — Australian-style brunch café on Westbourne Grove — excellent avocado toast and flat whites.
- • Churchill Arms — Iconic flower-covered pub in Kensington — famous for its excellent Thai food upstairs.
West London Neighborhood Dinner
West London pubs and restaurants without West End tourist pricing.
How to Do It:
- • Try Granger & Co for modern Australian or a classic pub like Churchill Arms.
- • Walk Hyde Park at dusk if weather is nice—optional add-on.
- • Book ahead for Friday/Saturday.
Tips
- → Natural History and V&A museums are nearby if you want to add one tomorrow morning before Windsor.
- → Pack for an early start—Windsor day trip tomorrow.
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, $16 / £12 return).
- • Book castle tickets online for priority entry.
- • Tour: State Apartments, St. George's Chapel, Round Tower views.
- • Return to London by 14:00–15:00.
Tips
- → Check opening days—occasionally closed for royal events.
- → Changing of Guard at Windsor: 11:00 Tue/Thu/Sat.
- → Combine with Eton College across the river for a longer visit.
Explore Windsor town and the Great Park for free — the castle exterior and Long Walk are impressive without going inside.
Combine with a visit to Eton College across the river for a unique behind-the-scenes tour of Britain's most famous school.
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, $104–$125 / £77–£93) or DIY by train ($63–$83 / £47–£62).
- • Coach tour: Leaves Victoria 08:00, returns 19:00. Includes transport + entry.
- • DIY: Train to Salisbury (1.5hr), take the Stonehenge shuttle bus to the stones, then train to Bath or return to London.
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
- • The Wolseley — Grand European café-restaurant on Piccadilly — excellent for afternoon tea or a late lunch.
- • Pret A Manger — Reliable grab-and-go sandwiches and coffee — branches everywhere in central London.
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
- • Hawksmoor (Seven Dials) — London's best steakhouse — the pre-theater menu is excellent value. Book ahead.
- • A local pub — End with a proper Sunday roast (if it's Sunday) or classic fish & chips at a neighborhood pub.
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). Arrive the evening before Day 1, or land by midday and start with the South Bank walk from ~14:00 (skip the 09:00 block if you're coming straight from the airport). Depart evening of Day 5 or morning of Day 6.
From Heathrow: Piccadilly Line (from ~$7.9 / £5.85 with Oyster/contactless, ~50 min) or Heathrow Express (~$35 / £26 standard single, 15 min to Paddington; advance fares from ~$13 / £9.92). From Gatwick: Gatwick Express (~$28 / £21, 30 min to Victoria) or Thameslink (~$14 / £10, 45 min). From Stansted: Stansted Express (from ~$13 / £9.54 advance, ~$28 / £21 on the day, 47 min to Liverpool Street).
Use contactless payment (credit card or phone) on all Tube/bus journeys — Zones 1-2 daily cap is ~$12 / £8.84 (check current official fares). No need to buy a separate Oyster card.
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 $28 / £21/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.
Is the London Pass Worth It for 5 Days?
The Go City London Pass costs roughly $280 / £207 for 5 days (check official pricing before buying) and includes 110+ attractions — Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, Tower Bridge Exhibition, St. Paul's Cathedral, HMS Belfast, and more.
For this 5-day itinerary, the pass is usually not worth it unless you add several high-value paid sights. Core paid entries total roughly $158–$187 / £117–£139 (Tower ~$49 / £36 + Westminster ~$41 / £30 + Windsor ~$43 / £32 + optional Tower Bridge ~$25 / £18)—below the pass price without extras.
Use the pass on London days only—not your Stonehenge/Windsor day-trip day, where transport and entry are separate anyway.
Usually not worth it unless you add multiple paid attractions beyond this route. Individual tickets plus contactless TfL are simpler for most 5-day visitors.
Book Tours & Activities in London
Top-rated experiences, day trips, and skip-the-line tickets for your itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why doesn't Day 1 start at the Tower of London?
Is 5 days enough in London?
Is 5 days too long for just London?
Should I do a day trip or stay in London all 5 days?
Can I rearrange the days in this itinerary?
Is this pace suitable for families with kids?
What transport pass should I buy for 5 days in London?
How much should I budget for 5 days in London (excluding flights and hotel)?
How Many Days in London?
Not sure if 5 days is right? Here's what each trip length covers.
- Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & South Bank Walk
- Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
- Day 3: British Museum, Covent Garden & Shoreditch Evening
- Day 1: South Bank to Borough Market & Thames Sunset
- Day 2: St James's Park, Westminster Abbey & West End Show
- Day 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & City Views
- Day 4: British Museum, Covent Garden & Notting Hill
- Day 5: Day Trip to Windsor Castle or Stonehenge + Bath
- Day 1: Borough Market, South Bank Walk & Thames Evening
- Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace & West End Show
- Day 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge & City Views
- Day 4: British Museum, Notting Hill, Hyde Park & Kensington Museums
- Day 5: Windsor Castle Day Trip
- Day 6: Shoreditch, Camden Market & East London
- Day 7: Greenwich, Thames Cruise & Farewell Pub Dinner
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
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.
- 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.
Updated: June 1, 2026
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