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- Last Updated on April 10, 2024
London is one of the great cities of the world. The capital of English-speaking Europe and the head of an empire-turned-Commonwealth, this city is the center of one of the most powerful countries on earth. In addition to its political, economic, and historical importance, London is one of the top tourist destinations in Europe, and for good reason. It’s safe, friendly, easy to navigate, and fun. The city is chock full of interesting sights, all linked together by one of the best public transit systems anywhere. You will also find that, unlike much of the rest of Europe, the service in England is excellent most anywhere you go. People are always willing to help you find what you’re looking for.
You could easily spend a couple of weeks in the city and still not see it all. To help you plan your trip and figure out what to see, what to do, and how to get around, here is our suggested 5-day London itinerary . We also included other suggestions in case you have additional time in the city. We recommend doing the activities in the order listed to optimize your time.
Table Of Contents - London Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Day 1: London Itinerary For 5 Days
If you have extra time on this day, consider adding Kensington Palace to your itinerary.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Start your 5-day London itinerary watching the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. This is one of the most popular things to do in the city, and is a must-do if you have the time. The guards march into Buckingham Palace grounds accompanied by a brass band to change shifts. The ceremony lasts 40 minutes, but you have to get to there 1-2 hours early in high season to get a good spot right up against the fence in front of the palace.
Cost and Hours: Free. Every Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun at 11:00am in front of the palace. Will be canceled in very wet weather.
Address: London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Website: www.householddivision.org.uk
State Rooms at Buckingham Palace
This lavish palace has been the home of the British monarchs since 1837. This is where the monarch lives most of the year. However, every summer he heads out of town for 10 weeks and the palace is open to visitors. Book your timed-entry tickets online in advance to guarantee a slot and avoid long ticket lines.
Cost and Hours: £30 per adult. Open Thurs-Mon late July-Sept 9:30am-6:30pm (closes 7:30pm late July-Aug).
Address: Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom
Website: www.rct.uk/visit/buckingham-palace
Victoria and Albert Museum
This unique museum displays 2,000 years of decorative arts from around the world, including altarpieces, furniture, clothing, carpets, pottery, sculpture, and much more. Visiting this unrivaled collection of objects is a treat, even for those who may not love traditional art museums.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-5:45pm (closes 10:00pm Fridays).
Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom
Website: www.vam.ac.uk
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is to London what Central Park is to Manhattan. This huge green space is a place for Londoners to come and relax. Rent a paddle boat and tool around, rent a folding chair and de-stress, lie in the grass and take a nap, stroll about and get some exercise, whatever you decide to do, take a break from your busy 5-day London itinerary in this grand oasis.
Cost and Hours: Free. Open daily 5:00am-12:00am.
Address: Hyde Park, London, United Kingdom
Harrods
This gigantic department store is one of a kind. It is enormous, yet thoroughly fancy. They carry everything here – from nail polish to drones to paintings by Picasso. It is worth taking some time to walk around this store and see what all they have to offer. Additionally, they have plenty of tasty options if you get hungry. Plan to stick to window shopping, unless you’re prepared to spend big bucks.
Hours: Open Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm, Sunday 11:30am-6:00pm.
Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, United Kingdom
Website: www.harrods.com
Day 2: London Itinerary For 5 Days
If you have extra time on this day, consider adding the Tate Britain, or the Imperial War Museum to your itinerary.
Palace of Westminster: Houses of Parliament (Big Ben)
This historic site is the heart of Britain’s constitutional democracy. The Palace of Westminster holds the two houses of Parliament, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. Visitors can tour the palace, including the two houses, with a live guide or an audio guide. Expect your visit to take 90 minutes. You must book online in advance. Don’t forget to appreciate Big Ben (AKA the Elizabeth Tower – the one with the giant clock) from the outside before or after your tour.
Cost and Hours: £22.50 per adult (extra £6.50 for live guide). Tours available every Saturday year-round, plus Mon-Fri during recess (late July-early Sept), 9:00am-4:30pm.
Address: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Website: www.parliament.uk
Westminster Abbey
This is the most important church in Great Britain – arguably in all of Europe. The kings and queens of England have been crowned in this medieval house of worship for nearly 1000 years. This is an absolute must-see on this 5-day London itinerary. You will find the likes of Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton buried underfoot. Don’t miss Poet’s Corner, where Oscar Wilde, Jane Austen, and Shakespeare are memorialized. There are even several famous artists actually buried here, including Charles Dickens, Geoffrey Chaucer, and Robert Browning. Expect to spend 1-3 hours here going over every inch of this church. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
Cost and Hours: £25 per adult. Open Mon-Fri 9:30am-4:30pm, Sat 9:00am-4:00pm.
Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom
Website: www.westminster-abbey.org
Churchill War Rooms
This fascinating site functioned as a bunker for the country’s leaders during WWII. This is where Churchill hunkered down amidst frequent German bombing of London, and established a command center for the war effort. Everything is displayed as it was when the location was abandoned in August 1945. A visit here will teach you all about the bunker and Churchill’s life. Expect to spend at least an hour here. Buy your tickets online in advance, as ticket lines can be over an hour.
Pro Tip: We recommend you watch the 2017 Oscar-winning film Darkest Hour prior to visiting this museum. The movie focuses on the story of Winston Churchill as he leads Britain during WWII. It is available on Netflix. You can also rent it for ~$4 on Amazon Prime Video.
Cost and Hours: £26 per adult. Open daily 9:30am-6:00pm.
Address: Clive Steps, King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ, United Kingdom
Website: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms
10 Downing Street
Number 10 Downing Street is the British version of the White House. The prime minister lives and works here. Like the White House, it is barricaded off and there is nothing more to do here than take a quick look from the street.
London Eye
This observation Ferris wheel is the most unique part of London’s skyline, and has become a must-do for tourists. The experience involves a single rotation of the wheel, lasting 30 minutes. Each “capsule” holds 28 people.
Buy your tickets online in advance and expect to still wait in line for about an hour.
Honestly, this is a standard tourist trap, but there’s no other way to get that classic photo at the top. If you don’t care about getting the perfect photo, skip this activity.
Cost and Hours: £33 per adult. Open daily 11:00am-6:00pm.
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Website: www.londoneye.com
Day 3: London Itinerary For 5 Days
If you have extra time on this day, consider adding Ben Franklin House, or the National Portrait Gallery to your itinerary.
British Museum
The British Museum is arguably the best museum in the country, thus one of the top things to do in this 5-day London itinerary. It opened in the 18th century, and ever since has been filled with the exploits of various English expeditions. Many of the world’s greatest treasures are held here, including the Parthenon friezes, the Rosetta Stone, and an impressive collection of ancient Egyptian mummies. Focus your visit on the ground floor exhibits, particularly those on Egypt, Assyria, and Greece.
Cost and Hours: Admission is free. Open daily 10:00am-5:00pm (closes 8:30pm Fridays).
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom
Website: www.britishmuseum.org
Covent Garden
This busy square is one of the best places for people-watching in London. The outdoor spaces are full of crowds and street performers. The iron-and-glass-roofed indoor market is the historic part of this site. A market has been here since medieval times, though its purpose has changed throughout the centuries. Today, it is a mecca for shopping, eating, drinking, and people-watching.
Address: Covent Garden, London, United Kingdom
Website: www.coventgarden.london
National Gallery
This excellent museum holds the most extensive collection of paintings in England. It is organized more or less chronologically. If you know what era you’re interested in, you can find some of the most famous works of art in the world, including masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Unfortunately, the collection is not well presented, so many visitors wander around the galleries without getting much out of it. Consider taking the free guided tour Tuesday-Thursday at 3:00pm. Just show up 5 minutes early in Sainsbury Wing Foyer to catch the group (check the website before going in case there are cancellations or changes).
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm (closes 9:00pm Fridays).
Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom
Website: www.nationalgallery.org.uk
Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is the Times Square of London. It is filled with advertising screens and tourist traps. Despite this, the area surrounding the square is fun. We recommend walking around the circus, going at least a couple of blocks down each of the 5 roads that converge here. If you like what you see after two blocks, keep walking. If not, head back to the circus and try the next street.
Chinatown
This charming neighborhood is small, but rich in fun. The main reason to go here is to eat, so work in a stroll around dinner time. If you’re not going to eat here, it’s not worth the trip. Keep in mind, this area is not known for fine dining. We recommend you just walk around and see what looks good to you at the moment, but if you need a recommendation, Joy King Lau is a good bet for dim sum. (Joy King Lau: 3 Leicester St, London WC2H 7BL, United Kingdom. Telephone: +44 20 7437 1133)
Address: Chinatown: the main intersection is Wardour Street and Gerrard Street. Head here, then follow your heart (or nose) from there.
Theater Performance
London theater rivals Broadway for the best live performances in the world. Try hard to see a play while you are in town. Focus on shows in the West End (e. g., Soho, Covent Garden, Piccadilly), as the best shows are typically found here. Find out what’s playing on the Official London Theater website. See the latest reviews here.
Day 4: London Itinerary For 5 Days
If you have extra time on this day, consider adding the Tate Modern, or HMS Belfast to your itinerary.
Tower Of London
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is probably the most important thing to do in this 5-day London itinerary. This medieval castle has served various functions throughout the centuries. It has been a fortress, a royal palace, and a prison. Several famous people were also executed here, including two of King Henry VIII’s wives. Today, it serves as a beloved tourist destination and the home of England’s Crown Jewels. You can expect to spend at least three hours in the tower complex. Get tickets online in advance to avoid the long ticket line. Don’t forget to get a photo with the famous Tower Bridge while you’re in the area.
Cost and Hours: £29 per adult. Open daily at least 10:00am-4:30pm, longer hours in summer. Click here for detailed hours of operation.
Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/tower-of-london
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Built in the late 1600s, St. Paul’s Cathedral is master architect Christopher Wren’s greatest masterpiece. This enormous church is full of history, having hosted the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, a sermon by Martin Luther King Jr, and Winston Churchill’s funeral. Don’t miss the extensive crypt, which holds the tomb of Christopher Wren himself. You can also climb the dome for stunning city views. Free guided tours are offered throughout the day at varying times (no set schedule), ask for details when you buy your ticket.
Cost and Hours: £18 per adult. Open Mon-Sat 8:30am-4:30pm (opens 10:00am Wed).
Address: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom
Website: www.stpauls.co.uk
Millenium Bridge
This sleek steel bridge was the first new bridge in the city of London since the Tower Bridge in 1894. It is a work of art architecturally, even if it did have a rough start. When it first opened in 2000, it was so wobbly the first day that pedestrians had to grab the hand rails for support. It ended up closing for 2 years for repairs, but it hasn’t had any problems since. The views from the bridge toward St. Paul’s Cathedral are stunning.
Shakespeare’s Globe
This theater is a replica of the original Globe theater, where Shakespeare wrote and directed his plays in the early 1600s (the original globe theater burned down in 1613 during a performance of King Henry VIII). You can visit the theater at night during a performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays, or you can take a 50-minute expert-guided tour during the day. You must book ahead online for either.
Cost and Hours: £19 per adult for guided tour, click here for available time slots and info. Tours only offered during summer.
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
Website: www.shakespearesglobe.com
Day 5: London Itinerary For 5 Days
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle has been the home of the British Royal Family for over 900 years. This fortress is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. It was Queen Elizabeth II’s favorite royal residence. Visitors are welcome to tour the state rooms, as the monarch is rarely home. Don’t miss St. George’s Chapel, the burial site of the most recently deceased royals (Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, mother, father, and sister) and King Henry VIII. It was also the site of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018. Book your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket counter.
Pro Tip: This castle is over 20 miles from central London (a quick train ride) and is best visited as a combination day trip with Hampton Court Palace. Use Google Maps to plan your train route there.
Cost and Hours: £27 per adult. Open Thurs-Mon 10:00am-4:00pm (closes 3:00pm Nov-Feb). Closed Tues-Wed.
Address: Windsor SL4 1NJ, United Kingdom
Website: www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle
Hampton Court Palace
This gorgeous palace was built in the 1500s and served as the royal residence of the notorious King Henry VIII. From state rooms to gardens, this Tudor-turned-Georgian estate will take you a half-day to explore. Pre-booking online is recommended.
Pro Tip: This palace is 15 miles from central London (a quick train ride) and is best visited as a combination day trip with Windsor Castle. Use Google Maps to plan your train route there.
Cost and Hours: £26 per adult. Open 10:00am-4:00pm Wed-Sun (closes later and open daily in the summer, check here for detailed operating hours).
Address: Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU, United Kingdom
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace
Other Things To Do In London
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is one of the great English traditions, and worth adding to your 5-day London itinerary if you have time. Today, not many Brits take part in this custom, but it’s still fun for tourists to experience. The event varies at each location, but typically your table comes with a three-tiered stand full of scones, clotted cream, jam, pastries, tiny sandwiches, and bottomless tea. Reserve ahead and plan for an expensive afternoon. There are plenty of places to enjoy afternoon tea in London, but we list a couple of the most famous spots below.
Pro Tip: Beware that some places require you to dress up for afternoon tea. You may even be required to wear a jacket and tie at certain locations – check the dress code directly with the restaurant when you make your reservation.
Brown’s Hotel
This London institution has been offering afternoon tea since the 1800s. In fact, Queen Victoria used to take her tea here. Expect a wood-paneled drawing room with an inviting fireplace that is classy, without being too snooty.
Cost and Hours: £70 per person.
Dress Code: “Smart dress.” No shorts, trainers, sportswear, t-shirts. Collared shirt required for men. Jacket and tie not required.
Address: 33 Albemarle St, London W1S 4BP, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 207 518 4006
Website: www.roccofortehotels.com
Fortnum and Mason
Fortnum and Mason is one of the oldest department stores, having opened over 300 years ago. It supplies tea to many afternoon tea houses, and has its own Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon. Expect to enjoy a fancy traditional tea experience, while listening to a grand piano in this Georgian-style salon.
Cost: £70 per person.
Dress Code: No specific dress code enforced, but the salon recommends “smart casual attire.” They will allow trainers year-round and shorts in summer.
Address: Fourth Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1J 9LE
Telephone: +44 207 734 8040
Imperial War Museum
This engrossing museum covers the history of war from WWI through the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. It tells the human story of war, including the lead up to WWI, the rise of fascism, WWII, the Cold War, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and terrorism. The exhibits are well-organized and easy to understand. Book ahead in high season to avoid waiting for your timed-entry slot.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Address: Lambeth Rd, London SE1 6HZ, United Kingdom
Website: www.iwm.org.uk
Tate Modern
The Tate Modern is England’s best modern art museum. This industrial-power-plant-turned-museum holds an impressive collection, including masterpieces by Warhol, Dalí, and Picasso. If you love modern art, this is a must-see. If you hate modern art, this museum isn’t going to change your mind.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom
Website: www.tate.org.uk
Tate Britain
This is one of the greatest collections of British art anywhere. The works range from the 1500s to modern day. If you are interested in British artists, such as Henry Moore, J. M. W. Turner, or William Blake, this is where you find them.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, United Kingdom
Website: www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain
British Library
This library holds an astounding collection of written materials. Treasures include the Magna Carta (800 years old), the Gutenberg Bible, Leonardo da Vinci’s notebook, Jane Austen’s diary, and more. Unfortunately, these gems are displayed in a dimly lit room with little-to-no explanations or information. To put it bluntly, unless you have a specific interest here, this collection can be pretty underwhelming. When you get there, ask how to get to the Treasures Gallery. That is where the historic items are kept – the rest of the building is a regular library.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open Mon-Thurs 9:30am-8:00pm, Fri 9:30am-6:00pm, Sat 9:30am-5:00pm, Sun 11:00am-5:00pm.
Address: 96 Euston Rd, London NW1 2DB, United Kingdom
Website: www.bl.uk
Royal Observatory Greenwich
This site is most famous for being located on the prime meridian (0° longitude). This means that it is the center from which time and distance are measured across the world. There are a few exhibits on time and astronomy, but most people come here to take a selfie straddling the prime meridian, with one foot in each hemisphere.
Cost and Hours: £16 per adult. Open daily 10:00am-5:00pm.
Address: Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, United Kingdom
Website: www.rmg.co.uk/royal-observatory
National Portrait Gallery (Closed until Spring 2023)
This gallery serves as a veritable who’s who of British history. Portraits go from Charles I, William Shakespeare, and King Henry VIII, to today’s royal family. This museum is thoughtfully presented, quick, and free.
Cost and Hours: Admission is free. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm (closes 9:00pm Fridays). Closed until Spring 2023 for renovations.
Address: St. Martin’s Pl, London WC2H 0HE, United Kingdom
Website: www.npg.org.uk
HMS Belfast
This WWII warship is the ultimate for WWII history buffs. The HMS Belfast sank a German cruiser and assisted with the D-Day Invasion in Normandy. The vessel is kept just as it was in its heyday. A visit here comes with an excellent audio guide, which walks you through the site step by step (although it is easy to take a wrong turn and get lost). This is a fun site for all ages, and if you have time, it’s worth adding to your 5-day London itinerary. But be aware that exploring this ship requires going up and down narrow ladders.
Cost and Hours: £24 per adult. Open 10:00am-6:00pm daily.
Address: The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2JH, United Kingdom
Website: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/hms-belfast
Ben Franklin House
This is the only one of Ben Franklin’s residences that survives to the present day. He lived in this house from 1757 to 1775 during the years leading up to the start of the American Revolution. Mr. Franklin was living in London as the chief diplomat from the colonies to Great Britain. He was an avid loyalist for most of this time, believing that the differences between the colonies and Great Britain could be solved without the colonies needing to become independent. Learn the rest of the story as you tour the house. You must book a guided tour to visit the property.
Cost and Hours: £8-10 per adult. Open Friday-Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm.
Address: 36 Craven St, London WC2N 5NF, United Kingdom
Website: www.benjaminfranklinhouse.org
Museum of London
This museum tells the story of London from prehistoric times to modern day. This collection of artifacts is extensive, from elephant fossils to art deco elevators, and is interesting enough to keep visitors engaged. There is also a recreation of a Victorian shopping street, which is a fun exhibit for all ages.
Cost and Hours: Free admission. Open daily 10:00am-5:00pm.
Address: Museum of London, 150 London Wall, EC2Y 5HN
Website: www.museumoflondon.org.uk
Kensington Palace
This palace has been a royal residence for over 300 years. Here, you can tour the apartments of King George III and learn about the life of Queen Victoria, who was born and raised in this complex.
Cost and Hours: £20 per adult. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm (closes 4:00pm Nov-Feb)
Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, United Kingdom
Website: www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace
London Transport Museum
This museum tells the history of transportation in London, from horse-drawn carriages to today’s double-decker buses and Tube system. The museum is fun and interactive, and worth adding to your 5-day London itinerary particularly if visiting with kids. For adults, the displays can be more visually pleasing than truly informative.
Cost and Hours: £21 per person. Open daily 10:00am-6:00pm.
Address: The Piazza, London WC2E 7BB, United Kingdom
Website: www.ltmuseum.co.uk
Soho
This funky neighborhood, with its hipster vibe and trendy restaurants, is a great place to explore. This is best done before seeing a show in the West End.
Address: Carnaby St, London, United Kingdom
Practical Info
Getting Around London
London has one of the best public transit systems in the world. The subway (AKA tube) is easy to use (just tap your contactless credit card or apple pay-enabled phone as you go through the gates) and can get you just about anywhere. For any place that the tube doesn’t cover, use the double-decker red buses you see driving around town. Google Maps has excellent coverage in London, and can tell you the quickest way to get anywhere via public transportation. You should avoid bringing a car here.
Day Trips From London
Stonehenge & Cotswolds
Stonehenge is one of the great wonders of the world and on many travelers’ bucket lists. It is amazing to see, and is definitely worth adding it to any London itinerary. That being said, it is not that easy to reach, and can be a bit underwhelming compared to the effort of getting there. That is why we recommend combining Stonehenge with a visit to the Cotswolds to get the most out of your day. Check out our Stonehenge & Cotswolds Day Trip itinerary for details.
Bath
Bath is a beautiful Georgian (Neoclassical) town just 90 minutes by train from London. The town was founded by Romans at the site of healing natural hot springs. In medieval times, it was an important city for the wool trade. In the 18th century, it became the trendy getaway it continues to be today. If you’re looking for a culturally rich day trip from London, this is it. See our 1 day itinerary for Bath for more details.
Cambridge
Cambridge is a pretty university town 50 minutes away from London by train. The home of Cambridge University, it has a unique combination of youthful energy and medieval ambience. Some of the world’s most famous scholars were educated here, including Charles Darwin, Alan Turing, Isaac Newton, and Stephen Hawking.
The best way to see Cambridge from London is to travel there by train and get a guided tour of the town once there.
We recommend the Cambridge Highlights Tour (~$25). If you prefer a private tour, you can reach out to the company directly by email. See info here.
The one other must-do in Cambridge is punting. This is the name given to the activity of slowly meandering down the Cam River behind the university in a small boat called a punt. We recommend a guided experience, as the punts are harder to maneuver than you might think. A shared punting experience is a good introduction to the activity, and is a good value.
If you don’t want to share a punt, a private punting experience is also a good option.
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Great recommendations ☺️
Hi Rodrigo!
We’re glad you found this itinerary useful. Have an awesome trip!