London in 5 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

Exploring London is always exciting – as a regular visitor, I’ve compiled the perfect (at least in my opinion) 5-day itinerary to make planning your trip a bit easier.

With this itinerary, you’ll be able to see all of London’s most iconic sights, take a day trip, and explore some of London’s charming hidden corners.

Day 1: London Sightseeing Walk

The big sights in London are all situated quite close together, so it’s possible to see all the iconic landmarks in just a day.

Personally, I don’t think that the sights London is known for are the best the city has to offer – but they’re still a must for your first trip. So, why not knock out most of the tourist attractions on the first day of your London itinerary and spend the rest of your trip exploring the more exciting modern spots?

That’s why I’ve created a walk that will take you to at least 7 must-see sights in London in one day. For a more detailed guide with a few extra locations, check out this blog post.

The Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Start your day by taking the London Underground (District or Circle Line) to Tower Hill. From here, it’s a short walk to the iconic Tower of London.

The Tower of London is a great destination for history buffs. Inside, you can visit old royal living quarters, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about the history of the fort.

You can buy tickets to the Tower of London online here.

The Golden Hinde

After the Tower of London, cross Tower Bridge and walk along the River Thames past London Bridge. It’ll take about 15 minutes to get from Tower Bridge to the next spot, so maybe grab a coffee along the way.

The Golden Hinde is a replica of English explorer Sir Francis Drake’s flagship, with which he sailed around the world in the 16th century.

You can buy tickets online to visit the inside of the ship and get a look at life at sea in the 1500s.

Borough Market

If you add only one market to your London itinerary, let it be Borough Market. And conveniently, it’s only a 2-minute walk from the Golden Hinde.

The market is home to some of London’s most popular food spots, including Bread Ahead (try the filled or salted caramel doughnuts), Wild Mushroom Risotto, and El Pastor.

So it’s the perfect place to stop for a light lunch or snack before continuing your day of sightseeing.

It’s also a great place to find souvenirs, like local cheeses and preserves.

Shakespeare Globe Theatre

The Shakespeare Globe Theatre is a replica of the playhouse where many of Shakespeare’s most famous plays were originally performed.

And you can still buy tickets to see a show (and no, it’s not all Shakespeare) – standing tickets start at only £5 – check the website to buy tickets and see what’s playing.

Tate Modern

From Borough Market, head to Tate Modern – it takes about 10 minutes.

Tate Modern is one of the world’s most famous art galleries. And believe it or not, it’s free to visit (unless you want to check out the special exhibitions).

The main gallery has artworks by artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. It’ll take about an hour to see everything, but you could easily spend more time here if you’re an art fanatic.

The London Eye

The London Eye is a bit of a longer walk – around 20 minutes, but there are tons of shops and stalls to explore on the way.

When you get to the London Eye, you can ride it for amazing city views, or you can even just admire it from the ground. To buy tickets, check the website.

Though it’s an iconic attraction, I find the London Eye experience overrated – tickets start at 33£ and the lines are always super long.

So if you want to skip the touristy part but still have a good experience at the London Eye, I’d suggest stopping at Tattershall Castle (my last stop for this day).

Big Ben

Arguably London’s most famous spot, Big Ben is a must-see spot on any London itinerary. It is located only 10 minutes from the London Eye on foot.

If you time your visit right, you may hear the Great Bell chime as it does on the hour every hour.

You can also tour the inside of the clock tower, but keep in mind that you’ll have to climb over 300 steps – so wear comfortable shoes!

The tickets to visit Big Ben sell out very far in advance, so if you can, buy yours once they are released. Tickets are released on the website on the second Wednesday of every month at 10:00 AM for the next 2 months – and they’re only available on the UK Parliament website.

Tattershall Castle

To end your day, make your way to Tattershall Castle (7 minutes from Big Ben). It’s a restaurant on a permanently docked ship from which you get great views of the landmark and the river.

Tattershall Castle is the perfect place to stop for dinner or a late lunch at sunset, especially on a warm day.

And even if you get a drink and a meal here, you’ll probably still spend less money than you would have for a London Eye ticket.

Day 2: Camden & Regent’s Park

Camden Market

Camden Market is the most well-known market in London. It’s a must-see spot for your London itinerary.

The central part of the market mostly consists of food stalls, where you’ll find some of the most innovative spins on many different cuisines.

As you move on, you’ll get to the craft markets, where locals sell their handmade goods.

Even though Camden Market is always crowded with both tourists and locals, it’s not a tourist trap (in my opinion). It genuinely has amazing food and interesting spots to find souvenirs.

Here are some spots I highly recommend trying in Camden Market:

• Handmade pasta at The Cheese Wheel (prepared in a Parmesan wheel)
• Cheesy Naan Melts at Khaao Karachi
• The famous Yorkshire Burrito
• Liquid nitrogen ice cream at Chin Chin Labs

Regent’s Park

After Camden (if the weather is good), head to Regent’s Park. Ideally, grab something to eat at Camden Market and sit down in the park to enjoy it.

Regent’s Park is one of the royal parks in London, with many peaceful little spots to check out.

At Queen Mary’s Garden, you can see over 10 000 roses bloom, especially in late spring to summer. If you’re visiting on a warm day, rent a pedal or rowboat on the boating lake. There is also a café and even an open-air theatre.

London Zoo

On the northern side of Regent’s Park is the London Zoo. If you’re traveling with kids, this is a must-visit spot.

In the zoo, you can see a wide variety of amazing wildlife, including lions, tigers, and Humboldt penguins.

There is also a walk-through experience with lemurs and a chance to meet meerkats. You can even take a yoga class in front of the penguin enclosure!

Sherlock Holmes Museum

If you’re a fan of Sherlock Holmes, head to the official museum, situated at 221B Baker Street, of course!

There are 4 stories to explore, including Holmes’ study, Watson’s bedroom, and exhibits of wax figures and scenes of the most famous scenes from the detective’s cases.

Buy tickets online or at the gift shop, but keep in mind that there it fills up often and has a limited capacity of 10 visitors at a time.

Plan to spend around 45 minutes in the museum.

Abbey Road

In the afternoon, visit Abbey Road (if you’re interested in Beatles history, of course). Abbey Road is the location of the zebra crossing that serves as the backdrop of the Beatles’ most iconic album.

Though you can’t visit the studio, because it’s still operating, you can see the outside and admire the graffiti wall next to it. Fans from all over the world write messages on the wall and you can too!

There’s also an Abbey Road Shop that sells Beatles merch.

Pub Dinner

To end your day, grab dinner and a beer at a British pub. Make sure you try a local ale and traditional British meal, like fish & chips or a steak pie.

Here are some great pubs near Abbey Road you should check out:

• The Duke of York: A very traditional, cozy pub. Try the steak & ale pie and one of their craft beers or local ciders.
• The Clifton: A more modern pub, which specialises in putting trendy spins on British classics.
• The Ordnance Arms: A laid-back pub with hearty food and TVs if you want to catch a football game.
• The Elgin: Another modern pub with good music, and a lively atmosphere.

Day 3: Day Trip

Day 3 is the perfect day to get out of the city for a bit. There are many options for a great day trip to add to your London itinerary. Here are some of my favourites:

The Making of Harry Potter

The Warner Bros. Studio Tour should be on your London itinerary if you’re a Potterhead. Situated in Watford, about 45 minutes from Central London, it’s an immersive experience where you can see tons of actual sets, costumes, and props from the movies.

You can even try Butterbeer!

The studios take at least a few hours to get through, but you can easily spend the whole day there. There are many interactive experiences, like green screen video and photo opportunities, a hidden prop hunt, and temporary events.

To buy tickets, check the website and make sure you book at least a month in advance if you want to get a good time slot (preferably in the morning), because they sell out quickly.

If you want to visit the studios, read my detailed guide to the Making of Harry Potter studio tour, which includes how to get there, everything you’ll see, where to eat, and more!

Bath & Stonehenge

If you’re not a Harry Potter fan, I’d recommend taking a day trip to Bath and Stonehenge instead.

Stonehenge is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous sights. The prehistoric circle of stones is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Bath is a beautiful Georgian city known for its atmosphere reminiscent of a Jane Austen novel. In Bath, you can visit the famous Roman Baths and admire the city’s stunning architecture.

There are multiple tourist companies that offer fully guided day trips to both places. These usually include tickets and transport, which will make the day trip a lot easier for you. Check GetYourGuide for options.

If you want to do a self-guided day trip, I’d recommend renting a car to save travel time. If you’re traveling alone though, taking the train and/or bus will be more affordable.

From London, take the train to Salisbury in the morning, then catch a bus to the Stonehenge site. Buy tickets online for Stonehenge before your trip – it’s a pretty popular destination, so tickets sell out quickly.

It’ll take about 1½ to 2 hours to explore Stonehenge.

Afterwards, take the train or bus to Bath and grab a pub lunch in the city before exploring. Visit the Roman Baths, Bath Abbey, Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge. There’s even a Jane Austen Centre for the bookworms out there!

From Bath, take the train back to London Paddington at around 7 or 8 PM.

Day 4: Buckingham Palace, Natural History Museum, Afternoon Tea

Buckingham Palace

On this day, start by going to Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard. It usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:00 AM, but the schedule is always subject to change.

Check the website for schedule changes shortly before your visit. Of course, you can switch the days of this London itinerary into another order to fit your schedule. For example, if your day 4 is a Tuesday, switch it for day 5 so you can still see the Changing of the Guard.

Although it seems like a late start to the day, I’d recommend aiming to get to Buckingham Palace around 10:00 AM. Arriving early enough is key to ensuring you get a good spot to see the Changing of the Guard. People start getting there hours beforehand.

Grab a coffee and breakfast at a café and enjoy it in Green Park or St James’ Park before going to the palace. In St James’ Park, you can watch the resident pelicans by the pond.

If you’re visiting during summer, you can see the inside of Buckingham Palace as well. For tickets and specific dates, check the website – tickets aren’t available at the door.

Natural History Museum

After Buckingham Palace, take the Circle or District line to South Kensington and walk to the Natural History Museum.

The Natural History Museum is one of my favourite spots I’ve visited in London, so I’d highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. It’s huge – we spent about 2 hours there, but we went through many of the exhibits quickly because it was shortly before closing time. You can easily spend 4-5 hours exploring the museum.

The dinosaur exhibit was especially interesting – there are so many fossils and dinosaur skeletons. And in the spirit collection, you can see the preserved form of Charles Darwin’s pet octopus.

In the garden outside, there is a cast of a Diplodocus skeleton named ‘Fern’, and upon entering the museum, you’ll see a 25m skeleton of the blue whale ‘Hope’.

Entrance to the museum is completely free, so you don’t have to worry about buying tickets.

Afternoon Tea

After the Natural History Museum, sit down for some Afternoon Tea – a British classic and a must for any London itinerary. Usually, it includes scones with clotted cream and jam, finger sandwiches, and a selection of pastries accompanied by a pot of tea.

For the majority of afternoon teas, you’ll have to make a booking ahead of time. If you have special dietary requirements, make sure to mention it when you book.

You can either go for a classic British Afternoon Tea or try a whimsical, themed one. There is even an Afternoon Tea on a bus that drives through London to most of the major attractions.

Here are some places to consider for your Afternoon Tea experience:

• The Ampersand Hotel: Located only a 4-minute walk from the Natural History Museum, this hotel has a Jurassic and a Science Afternoon Tea.
• The Ritz (Piccadilly): One of the most iconic locations, offering fancy but traditional Afternoon Tea.
• Fortnum & Mason: Go here if you want a traditional Afternoon Tea that is a bit more laid-back.
• Sketch (The Gallery): Unique and modern Afternoon Tea with an artsy, playful atmosphere.
• The Wolseley: A more affordable Afternoon Tea in a classic café.
• Brigit’s Bakery Bus Tour: Afternoon Tea on a vintage London bus that takes you past the city’s most iconic sites. They also have themed options – including a Monopoly bus and a Peppa Pig-themed bus (perfect for little kids).
• Sanderson London: A fun Mad Hatter-themed Afternoon Tea that’ll transport you straight to Wonderland.

Day 5: Covent Garden & Soho

On your last day in London, explore some of the most lively, artsy neighbourhoods the city has to offer.

Covent Garden

Start your morning in Covent Garden, which is home to tons of great cafés to pick up breakfast.

Head to Apple Market and Jubilee Market (2 minutes away from each other) and browse the stalls for cute handmade crafts and delicious treats.

Afterwards, consider stopping by the London Transport Museum – where you can learn about the history of the city’s transport system with the help of fun interactive exhibitions.

On the central square, you can watch impressive street performers – make sure to bring change for tips!

Soho

Afterwards, head to Soho for lunch. Try Taiwanese buns at Bao, amazing Indian food at Dishoom (a local favourite), or delicious, actually affordable steak at Flat Iron.

I recommend strolling through the neighbourhood with an open mind – just check out whichever shops strike your fancy.

Head towards Leicester Square to visit the second-biggest LEGO store worldwide and the massive M&M store right across from it. There are almost always lines at both stores, but don’t worry, they move pretty quickly.

Chinatown

For dinner, head to Chinatown. You’ll recognise it by the rows of red Chinese lanterns hanging above the streets.

I’d suggest getting portions of dumplings, dim sum, and baked goods from a variety of restaurants, then sitting down in the square to share the food while soaking up the sunset vibes.

The West End

To end your London itinerary with a highlight, why not watch a show in the West End?

London is home to the second-biggest theatre scene worldwide (after New York), so if you’re a theatre nerd like me, you’ll feel right at home here.

Check the TodayTix app or website for great deals on tickets and a good overview of all the shows.

See one of the great musicals like Les Misérables, Wicked, or Hamilton, or – better yet – see a show that originates in London, like Matilda the Musical or SIX.

But don’t worry! Even if you’re not a musical theatre fan, there’s something for you. There are always interesting plays – for a silly fun show, I can recommend The Play That Goes Wrong, or you can try a more serious play (these usually rotate more often).

If you’re visiting London for more than just 5 days, check out my guide to the 17 best things to do in London for more options to add to your itinerary.