The Best 5-Day London Itinerary for First-Timers
London is one of the most beautiful cities in the United Kingdom with 607 square miles of incredible historic buildings, architecture, tours, and food. It truly has something for everyone and is a fun year-round destination!
I had high expectations for London, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! I quickly fell in love with the city when we visited because the architecture is beautiful, the food is amazing, and there is so much to do.
Even though you could spend weeks exploring everything London offers, you can see many must-see attractions in a week. We spent a week exploring London and were able to see everything on our itinerary. I created this guide to have everything you need to know about spending 5 days in London and how to see everything on your bucket list!
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Tips for Spending 5 Days in London
London is one of my favorite cities because it is stunning, and everything is pretty accessible. You can get to everything by walking or using its expansive subway system, making it easy to create a fun itinerary.
Pack warm layers and a rain jacket. London’s weather is known to be very rainy and moody. We visited in October and lucked out with almost a full week of no rain, but we were glad to have packed for the rain just in case. I recommend bringing a rain jacket and insulated jacket to stay dry and warm no matter what season you visit.
Wear comfortable shoes since you will be walking a lot. Walking is my favorite way to get around London, so trust me when I say having comfortable and supportive shoes is a must. I recommend wearing sneakers because they provide great support.
Familiarize yourself with the tube. Another great way to get around London is by riding the tube, the underground train system. The tube is easy to follow if you have a map and can bring you almost anywhere you need to go. We used the tube quite a bit when we visited because it made getting around the city so easy. You can also buy an Oyster Card, which is cheaper than single-ride tickets for the tube.
Book your tickets in advance. If you are visiting an attraction that requires tickets, I recommend buying them beforehand to save time. And you are likely to get a better price if you book online! You can also buy a Go City Pass to get discounts on must-see London attractions!
Buy a pass to get into attractions at discounted prices. One of the best ways to save money is getting an attraction pass. Many passes give you discounted rates, like the London Pass.
How to Get to London
London has two major airports you can fly into that have many direct flights. Heathrow Airport is west of London and about a 15-minute ride into the city on the Piccadilly line of the tube. Gatwick Airport is south of London and about a 30-minute ride into the city on an express train. Both are large airports, and most airlines fly into them, so you will not have a problem finding a flight to London.
I have flown into both airports, and honestly, you cannot go wrong with either. Heathrow is on the tube line, making it incredibly easy to get into the city. If you fly into Gatwick, you have to take a train into the city which is a little bit more expensive, but it is still really easy.
Where to Stay in London
London has many neighborhoods that are great places to stay during your 5 days, including Covent Garden, the West End, Westminster, South Bank, Kensington, and Soho. These neighborhoods are near downtown London and are close to many must-see attractions.
London Hotels
5-Day London Itinerary: Best Things to Do
I created this itinerary to have a good mix of history, architecture, and fun attractions, and I included my favorite things we saw in London. And the best part? The itinerary is flexible, and you can rearrange the days to best fit your wants.
You can also walk to most attractions each day, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful city as you make your way to your next destination. I will always recommend walking over riding the tube because it is truly the best way to experience everything London offers. But you can also ride the tube to get from place to place.
Day 1: Iconic London Attractions
The first day of this London itinerary explores some of the most iconic attractions! It was one of my favorite days because I finally got to experience the famous buildings in London. Get ready for history, royalty, and stunning architecture!
Morning
Of course, one of the best things to do is start your day out with a delicious breakfast before you begin exploring. I recommend getting breakfast near Buckingham Palace since that is your first destination of the day! A few of my favorite breakfast places near Buckingham Palace are Chez Antoinette Victoria, Timmy Green, and Caffe In.
Buckingham Palace is one of the most iconic places in London, and I recommend visiting it in the morning to avoid the crazy midday crowds. Most of the year, you can experience the palace from a distance outside the gate, but there are also ten weeks in the summer when visitors are allowed to explore the beautiful state rooms.
If you visit a little bit later in the morning, you can also witness the Changing of the Guard, which is a traditional ceremony and a cool thing to see! The ceremony occurs on specific dates throughout the year around 10:45 AM and lasts for about 45 minutes.
Churchill War Rooms is a short walk from Buckingham Palace through the beautiful St James’s Park. The museum gives you a glimpse into the World War II underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived. You can explore the museum to learn more about the secret underground headquarters, World War II, and Churchill’s life.
Afternoon
Big Ben is another iconic landmark in London with a beautiful clock tower on the Palace of Westminster. Big Ben is a nickname for the Great Bell, although many people do not know that. The best way to view Big Ben is by walking around its grounds to see how beautiful the building and clock tower are.
Westminster Abbey is a short walk from Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster and will quickly leave you in awe of its stunning architecture. The royal church is over 750 years old and has been the home of many royal weddings. The church is active, so it is free to explore the inside. The architecture is incredible and will blow you away with its beauty.
Before you head to dinner, I recommend jumping on a ride on the London Eye! The London Eye is the iconic scenic ferris wheel in London, where you can get a unique perspective of the city! You can purchase tickets to ride in one of the glass cabins on the wheel for about a half-hour. The views of London are incredible, and it is a fun experience!
Evening
After your ride, you can grab dinner anywhere in the city! If you want to get dinner close to the London Eye, you have quite a few options. Some of my favorite restaurants in the area are Strada Southbank and La Barca Ristorante.
I recommend walking around the city back to your hotel after dinner. It is a great way to explore the streets of London and digest!
Day 2: Kensington to SOHO
Are you ready to explore more beautiful areas in London? This day of your itinerary includes beautiful parks, museums, and fun nightlife activities. Also, if you love shopping, this will be one of your favorite days!
Morning
If you want to grab some breakfast before you begin your explorations, you have quite a few options near the Kensington area. A few of my favorites are Farm Girl and Elixis.
The Natural History Museum is one of the best museums in London, with preserved animals and plant species. It also has stunning architecture (can you tell I am obsessed with beautiful architecture, haha). The collection of artifacts grows yearly and now includes over 80 million items! And the best part? The museum is free! You only need tickets for specific exhibitions and events.
Next, it is time to explore Kensington Palace and Kensington Gardens. The palace is a stunning building and home to royal residences, the birthplace of Queen Victoria, and the Kensington Gardens. You can explore the inside of Kensington Palace for a fee or walk through Kensington Gardens for free.
I did not explore the inside of the palace, but I enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the gardens. I highly recommend grabbing a coffee and going for a walk in Kensington Gardens!
As you continue walking through the gardens, you will eventually be in Hyde Park, a beautiful 350-acre park and the largest of the four Royal Parks. Hyde Park has flowers, ponds, fountains, and sitting areas to enjoy. It also has cafes and restaurants to get delicious food and drinks!
Afternoon
Regent Street is not too far of a walk from Hyde Park and is a major shopping center in London. Not only does the area have great stores for shopping, but it also has stunning architecture. The buildings on Regent Street are beautiful, so you will enjoy a walk down it even if you do not want to shop. You can also grab lunch here since it has a ton of restaurants nearby.
As you make your way down Regent Street, you will eventually get to Regent’s Park. It is another stunning park in London with beautiful flowerbeds, pathways, and fountains through its 410 acres. Regent’s Park is perfect for a quick walk before getting ready for dinner and a fun nightlife scene in London!
Evening
Soho is one of the best areas in London for dinner nightlife fun! It has many restaurants with delicious food and bars with great drinks. If you want a fun area to enjoy a night out in London, Soho is perfect!
Day 3: More Iconic London Attractions
The third day of this London itinerary has more iconic London attractions and fun markets! Make sure to work up an appetite for the delicious food at these markets, and if you are a foody, this will be one of your favorite days in London!
Morning
If you want to grab breakfast, I recommend going to a restaurant near Ludgate Hill. A few good restaurants in the area rea Amalfi Ristorante and Bread Street Kitchen & Bar.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is the first stop of the day, and I hope you love it as much as I did! The cathedral has stunning architecture that will leave you in awe, and you can enjoy the beautiful cathedral by walking its grounds outside, exploring the inside, or walking around its dome.
I highly recommend walking to the top of the dome because it has stunning views of London and is one of the largest domes in the world! It is also the only thing you have to pay for in St. Paul's Cathedral.
I recommend slowly walking through the city to your next destination to enjoy the beautiful streets of London and really work up an appetite. Trust me, you will want to be hungry when you visit Borough Market!
Afternoon
Borough Market is one of the best places in London for people who love food. The historic market is one of the largest and oldest markets in London and has a variety of food. It is the perfect place to grab lunch in one of its many restaurants, cafes, or pubs. You will not be disappointed with eating at Borough Market!
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in London, and yes, it is as beautiful in real life as it is in photos! The 800-foot-long bridge has stunning architecture and offers a beautiful view of London. You can enjoy the bridge from various viewpoints along the river, walk across it, or enjoy a thrilling walk along the top with glass floors.
The Tower of London is across Tower Bridge and is another stunning building. The historic castle is considered one of the most secure castles in London and guards royal possessions such as the Crown Jewels. You can enjoy a walk around its grounds or explore the beauty inside of the castle. If you decide to explore the inside, you can view the Crown Jewels, museums, exhibitions, and beautiful rooms. The Tower of London holds a lot of history and is a fun place to visit!
The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in the city, where you can walk through the beautiful garden while enjoying breathtaking 360-degree views of London. And the best part? Admission is free! Every Monday, the Sky Garden releases free tickets, so I recommend buying them as soon as they are released! You will fall in love with this beautiful garden in London.
Evening
The Leadenhall Market is the perfect place to end your day in London to enjoy shopping and delicious food. The covered market is a hidden gem in the city and the perfect place to grab dinner and drinks while taking in the surrounding architecture.
Day 4: Historic Sites
The second to last day in this London itinerary has some beautiful attractions outside the city. I loved taking a day trip from London to visit these attractions, so I know you will, too!
Morning
Since these attractions are outside of London, many people choose to go on a tour that visits all Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath. If you are looking for the easiest way to visit these attractions, I recommend doing a tour, too. It just makes it easier to know you have transportation to all three attractions which requires less planning for you.
Windsor Castle has been a royal residence for over 1,000 years! The castle is stunning, and you also have the opportunity to explore inside Windsor Castle year-round. I recommend getting a tour that allows you to be the first inside the castle, so you can enjoy it with fewer crowds.
Afternoon
The Roman Baths were once religious spas where people came to pray and bathe in the springs. Today you can explore the beautiful complex with the Roman Baths and take a walk in the past to imagine what it was like in ancient times.
Stonehenge is one of the coolest historic attractions near London. Some people say it is overrated, but I thought it was really cool to see in person! If you are not familiar with Stonehenge, it is a mysterious landmark that no one knows what it was used for and why it was created.
Day 5: Fun Tours in London
The final day in London is flexible, depending on what you want to do! You can visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour with Harry Potter, ride the iconic double-decker bus tour, or both!
Morning Option 1
If you want to enjoy your last day on an iconic tour, you can ride a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour. These tours let you ride on the iconic double-decker buses and bring you around London to its famous attractions.
There are three routes you can choose from with different attractions on each. The tour is a fun way to experience London and see some attractions you may have missed during your first few days!
Morning Option 2
The Warner Bros Studio Tour is the perfect place to visit on your final day in London, especially if you are a Harry Potter fan! The studio allows you to go behind the scenes of the marking of the Harry Potter movies and explore movie sets. It is a fun experience to see where they filmed some of the movies! There is also a store where you can purchase wands or make your own!
Afternoon
Camden Market is among the most-visited attractions in London for good reasons! The outdoor market is a fun place to walk around and enjoy delicious food for lunch and is the perfect place to spend your last afternoon in London to grab food and explore local shops.
If you want to spend 5 days in London, this guide is the perfect starting point for planning your trip! I included everything you need to know about creating the best 5-day London itinerary, with the must-see attractions.
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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