Five Days in London Itinerary
If you are coming to London and need to plan the perfect itinerary, look no further. If you want to pack as much as you can into a five-day trip, I have it all planned out for you. It’s important to remember that it is usually good to book these activities ahead of time, especially during summer. It will ensure there is availability plus it will give you the entrance time you want.
Day One: Big Ben, London Eye, Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery
Start your day off early by taking in the view of Big Ben. For me, that was one of the most exciting moments the first time I ever came to London. These days, there is the option to climb up to the top of Big Ben, but I haven’t tried it yet myself (unsure if it is worth it for me). Take your time to wander the area and take in all the views. You can get some nice views of the London Eye from this area, and even take a ride around it if you so choose! The ride on the Eye takes about 30 minutes, so plan accordingly! If it is a weekday, stop in for a quick visit to parliament. This is a free activity, you just need to go through security, and then you can sit in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords! Check their website for more up to date information nearer your visit. You can stay as long or as little as you would like. From here, head to your visit inside Westminster Abbey. For me, this is one of those things you should pay to go into, it is magnificent from the inside and amazing to see up close. Usually there is availability, but I would still at least book a few days ahead just to make sure you get the time you’d like! Inside, you will see the burial place of some famous royalty as well as some notable people! Let alone, seeing the centuries old architecture up close. Around now I would take a nice little lunch break, since I am sure you are a bit tired from the wandering around Westminster. Check out some of my London restaurant suggestions here, or choose a pub to grab a beer and have a rest. You can never go wrong with a pub! I would now head to Trafalgar Square! On your walk over, I would pass by 10 Downing Street. You cannot get close, as it is all guarded off, but work the quick peek! Wave to the PM! Now, back to Trafalgar square. Home to Nelson’s column, and some other statues. Here you will be in front of the National Gallery, which I would finish the day off with. The gallery is free, but you need to book your time of entry. I have done this standing at the entrance multiple times (but don’t be like me, plan ahead).
Day Two: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Borough Market, Covent Garden, Tea
I would finally head over and check out Tower Bridge. This is THE bridge. Sometimes there is confusion amongst tourists calling this London Bridge. Don’t do that, it’s a totally different bridge, that I can assure you, you will not be as excited to see. Get to Tower Bridge early and you can take some photos before there are massive amounts of people standing there to take the same photo as you. There is the option to go up and over the top of Tower Bridge, which is cool and something you should do at some point, but for the purpose of this guide, I am not counting it in the time. While you are in the area, check out the Tower of London. Book your tickets ahead of time, depending the time of year this can sell out. Also try to time your trip with one of the tours given (as part of your ticket price) by the Yeoman’s that reside in the palace. They will give you all the stories and details about the Tower of London that you cannot get from just reading the signage. From here, I would head to lunch at borough market- there’s something for everyone and always great to check out London food markets! Be aware, this can get extremely busy, especially around lunch on the weekends! After lunch I would head over and explore Covent Garden. Covent Garden is an area located in London’s West End, filled with theatres, shops and restaurants. While you are here, make sure you walk over to Seven Dials, an area where seven roads come together, and its super cute. If you are here around Christmas it will be decorated and festive! Walking around and exploring is the best way to see these two areas. To cap off the afternoon I would do an afternoon tea or high tea, depending on the time. Personally, I love the ones offered at the Savoy or the Langham for a really beautiful experience. Then you have time to slowly finish, walk it off and head back to your hotel/ Airbnb to get ready for some dinner!
Day Three: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shoreditch, British Museum
For your third day in London I would start the day out at St. Paul’s Cathedral. One of my favorite landmarks to visit in London, purely because of the grandeur of the architecture. Similar to the other booked tours, I would definitely pre-book so you can choose your date and time for tickets. I would plan to spend 2-3 hours in the cathedral, depending on your own curiosities. But the entire building is quite magnificent and really something to admire. For lunch I would head to Shoreditch and eat in Spitalfields market. Personal favorite is eating at “Dumpling Shack,” get the Dan Dan noodles and the dumplings and you can thank me later! After eating and exploring the market, check out the rest of Shoreditch. Stop into one of the classic pubs in London, ‘the ten bells’ for a quick pint! From here I would head to the British Museum, where you can get completely stuck in for the rest of the afternoon! This museum is massive, and I always end up feeling a little lost, so I would take a look out a map and somewhat plan out your visit. Again, for this I would pre-book!
Day Four: Victoria & Albert, Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street
For your fourth day in London, I would head start the day in either the Victoria and Albert (top two London museum for me). For reference, the Natural History Museum is the building next door, so try to get both in if you have the time. I personally prefer and always choose the V & A. The V & A has something to offer for everyone. I have been many, many times and find that I always can see something new. There are always exciting fashion exhibits going on, as well as the amazing architecture that is the entirety of the building. Prepare to spend quite a few hours here. The café in the V&A is also pretty nice for lunch. I recently stopped in with my mom and was delightfully surprised! From here, I would walk (if this is not possible for you, then feel free to get the tube) to Hyde Park. I say walk, because this area is quite beautiful and you will want to have a bit of a stroll through the park, in the direction of Buckingham Palace. I enjoy walking, so this is fun. If it is summertime, try booking tickets to head into the palace. I did it for the first time this summer, and found it pretty cool to see the inside. Buckingham palace is only open to visitors for a few months per year, so take the chance if you can! If it is not opened, check out the view from the front, which is still pretty exciting. If you time it right, you can see the changing of the guards (but definitely look that up in advance). Now if your energy is still going, I would take this time to go check out Piccadilly circus and take a walk down regents street. Regents street is the shopping street in London, filled with brands you know, but also home to the classic ‘Liberty London” which has a really cool history itself (check out the inside if you have the time). I would explore this area for as long as your feet will let you, getting the views of Piccadilly Circus, and all the small side streets that make up this area.
Day Five: Kensington Palace, Notting Hill
For your last day in London, I would stay in the west end and have a bit more of a calm day! I would start the day at Kensington Palace, where you can see where Will and Kate live. Sometimes there will be an exciting gallery to add on to this tour, so definitely check that out! You are also able to explore the palace grounds, which are very beautiful. I would prepare to spend a few hours here. For lunch I would walk up to Notting Hill. Notting Hill, not that it needs much of an introduction, is a vibrant neighborhood with colorful homes and unique small shops that line Portobello Road. If you find yourself there on a weekend you can check out the traditional market that takes over the street. Personally, Notting Hill is one of my favorite neighborhoods, where I could spend hours on end exploring and browsing shops. I would grab lunch here, as there are tons of awesome restaurants in the area. (Stay tuned for my Notting Hill guide). I would reserve this last afternoon to go back to any area that you felt you wanted to head to but didn’t have enough time previously. Hopefully letting you see almost everything you had on your check list before coming!
I hope you love London as much as I do! Please stay tuned for more of my London restaurants ideas to plan your perfect meals for your visit!
