youneedtrip.com

5 Days in London Itinerary

5 Days in London Itinerary


In the present day I wish to carry you my itinerary for five days in London. This can be a nice period of time to see the highlights of the town, get an summary of what London has to supply guests, and take a day journey. From the primary points of interest to the spots locals love, London has lots to entertain you. Learn on for the official A Girl in London itinerary.

5 Days in London Itinerary

5 Days in London

Top-of-the-line issues about being knowledgeable journey blogger is that I get to assist folks plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by means of my weblog posts or my journey planning companies, I attempt to make sure my readers and followers have an excellent expertise in London or overseas.

Individuals usually ask me spend 5 days in London, so immediately I wish to share my itinerary. From sightseeing to native areas and beloved locations to eat, drink, and store, it has a spread of issues to do within the metropolis.

I’ve created various London itineraries, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the remainder. You may as well check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for added inspiration.

Big BenBig Ben

I’ve even created itineraries for 36 hours, 48 hours, and a weekend in London.

The excellent news is that there’s no proper or mistaken option to spend your time within the UK capital. You may alter my 5-day London itinerary to suit your pursuits and journey type. No matter you do, you’ll get a very good overview of what the UK capital has to supply.

You should utilize my London journey information and my checklist of 51 issues to do in London in a yr to fill in any gaps and discover seasonal occasions and actions occurring while you’ll be visiting as nicely.

Covent Garden PiazzaCovent Garden Piazza

The place to Keep in London

Relating to the place to remain in London, you’ve got loads of selection. Whether or not you wish to e-book a lodge or lease a flat, the town has a variety of locations for each style, type, and funds.

Given how large London is and the way widespread the points of interest are, selecting someplace in or close to the town heart is a good suggestion. You may take a look at my weblog posts about the perfect space to remain in London, the perfect resorts to your type, and quirky resorts for concepts.

You may as well discover offers and e-book lodging in London right here. With so many locations to select from, you’re certain to search out someplace you like.

Bloomsbury HotelBloomsbury Hotel

Day 1 in London

As soon as right here, you can begin the primary of your 5 days in London with good espresso and meals. Whether or not you select among the best espresso outlets in London or one of many prime locations for breakfast, you’ll set your self up nicely for the day.

When you’ve taken care of your urge for food, you’ll be prepared for a enjoyable day of exploring the UK capital. My favourite place to kick off a visit to London is Westminster.

Westminster Abbey and Big BenWestminster Abbey and Big Ben

I like to recommend starting with Buckingham Palace. This well-known royal residence in London attracts guests from everywhere in the world, and it’s a should on any first-time London itinerary.

If you wish to, you possibly can time your go to to coincide with the formal Altering the Guard ceremony (it occurs a number of days every week). If not, you possibly can admire the monarch’s London house from exterior the massive gates.

In case your go to occurs to happen through the annual seasonal opening, you can even take a tour of Buckingham Palace. You’ll be capable of stroll by means of the state rooms, discover the gardens, and see the particular exhibition. You may e-book tickets right here.

Buckingham Palace is a London LandmarkBuckingham Palace is a London Landmark

After visiting the palace you possibly can meander by means of St James’s Park and out to Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall.

From there it’s a brief stroll to Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is house to a number of the metropolis’s most vital landmarks, together with Large Ben (Elizabeth Tower).

You’ll additionally see Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament. When you’ve got time, you possibly can tour the abbey and parliament. You may e-book tickets right here.

Houses of Parliament, LondonHouses of Parliament, London

If you wish to, you possibly can take my free self-guided Westminster stroll to find the realm past the plain points of interest. The route will present you the quiet lanes and hidden areas locals love.

Whenever you’re completed exploring Westminster, you possibly can stroll throughout the Thames and discover the South Financial institution. This can be a great place to stroll round, browse the markets, and take in the scene alongside the waterfront.

You may as well trip the London Eye when you’re right here. It has a number of the greatest views within the metropolis. You may e-book tickets right here (you’ll must e-book nicely upfront, because it sells out).

London EyeLondon Eye

The South Financial institution is known for its road performers, festivals, pop-ups, meals vans, and different leisure, so it’s a good suggestion to take a while to wander round and see what’s on when you’re visiting.

Whenever you’re completed, you possibly can stroll alongside the river to Tate Trendy and Borough Market. They’re two extra of the town’s most beloved landmarks.

Tate Trendy is a world-class artwork museum. It provides free entry, so it’s straightforward to go inside for as a lot (or as little) time as you wish to. There are nice views from the higher flooring, too.

View from Tate ModernView from Tate Modern

Borough Market is simply the spot to search out culinary inspiration and get one thing to eat for lunch. It’s enjoyable to wander round and take in the colours and smells of the stalls when you browse.

After lunch, get on the tube and trip it to Covent Backyard. Whenever you arrive, you possibly can stroll by means of the well-known piazza to see what’s on within the markets and outlets.

Afterwards you possibly can discover the realm round Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Mercer Stroll and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are many outlets to duck into and vivid colours to encourage the senses right here.

Neal's Yard, LondonNeal's Yard, London

Whilst you’re within the space, you may make your approach by means of Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Avenue and Piccadilly. There’s nice procuring right here, together with well-known malls like Fortnum & Mason.

When night comes, there are many locations you could find dinner in Soho, Covent Backyard, or Mayfair. These areas have a spread of choices for consuming. You may see my suggestions for eating places in London and pubs when you need assistance discovering a spot to go.

Mayfair pubMayfair pub

After dinner you possibly can take an open-top bus tour to get extra of an summary of London. It’s a straightforward option to uncover what the UK capital has to supply in a brief period of time. You may e-book tickets right here.

Day 2 in London

You can begin the second morning of your itinerary for five days in London with breakfast or espresso in Bloomsbury. From Lamb’s Conduit Avenue to Retailer Avenue, there are good native spots right here.

After consuming you possibly can stroll over to the British Museum. This behemoth is a treasure trove of antiquities from all throughout the globe, and morning is a perfect time to go to as a result of there will be fewer crowds.

British Museum, Bloomsbury, LondonBritish Museum, Bloomsbury, London

The British Museum is cavernous sufficient to take up a complete day of sightseeing in London, so be certain that to stay to the rooms you’re most concerned with.

There’s free entry, although, so you possibly can keep for so long as you want. The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian rooms are musts for many first-time guests.

Whenever you’re completed seeing the elements of the gathering you’re enthusiastic about, you may make your approach over to the museum’s well-known Nice Courtroom for a lightweight lunch within the cafe or restaurant.

British MuseumBritish Museum

Alternatively, Charlotte Avenue in Fitzrovia has enjoyable locations to eat. It’s in straightforward strolling distance of the British Museum. In truth, it’s among the best locations to eat close to London’s prime points of interest.

No matter you do for lunch, you possibly can proceed the second of your 5 days in London by hopping on the tube and taking it to South Kensington. You’ve gotten two decisions right here: head to a museum or buy groceries.

When you select the previous, there are three main museums right here. I like to recommend selecting one. All of them supply free entry, so you possibly can keep for as little or so long as you wish to.

Natural History Museum in LondonNatural History Museum in London

I like the V&A for its world-class artwork and design (to not point out its wonderful cafe), the Pure Historical past Museum for its gorgeous structure and larger-than-life shows, and the Science Museum for its stimulating reveals.

When you don’t wish to go to a museum, there’s a lot of nice procuring in and round South Kensington. You may take a look at the boutiques on Fulham Street and Brompton Street, or stroll right down to the King’s Street in Chelsea.

You may as well go to well-known malls like Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge when you’re right here. Harrods Meals Halls are wonderful.

HarrodsHarrods

You may even stroll down Sloane Avenue and head over to Belgravia you probably have time. Elizabeth Avenue is known for its floral facades, and it’s price a particular journey to see them.

After going procuring or exploring a museum, head as much as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal backyard by Kensington Palace is one in all my favourite inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and with 5 days in London, strolling by means of its vine arches is a should.

The Serpentine water function in Hyde Park is all the time enjoyable to wander round, and the Diana Memorial Fountain is price seeing, too.

Hyde Park Bridge, LondonHyde Park Bridge, London

Whenever you get to Hyde Park Nook, you’ll possible be able to relaxation your legs. There’s no higher option to do it than by settling in for afternoon tea.

There are many nice choices close to Hyde Park, so that you’ll haven’t any downside discovering one which appeals (simply be certain that to e-book nicely upfront).

From The Dorchester to The Lanesborough, The Berkeley to the Mandarin Oriental, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower to Claridge’s, The Halkin to The Goring, The Ritz, Brown’s, and Fortnum & Mason, this a part of London has numerous choices for afternoon tea.

Browns Hotel Afternoon Tea TableBrowns Hotel Afternoon Tea Table

When night comes, proceed your 5-day London itinerary by strolling or taking the tube to the West Finish to see a present. There are many performs, musicals, and comedy acts you may get tickets for on any given night time in London.

The town has a world-class theater scene, so whether or not you’re up for going to a musical in Soho or a drama in Covent Backyard, there’s all the time one thing thrilling on.

When you’re hungry after the present, you possibly can reap the benefits of the late opening hours of most of the eating places within the West Finish.

Soho, London at nightSoho, London at night

When you’re within the temper for nightlife, there’s no scarcity of locations you could find it on this a part of London. My favourite spot is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Courtroom.

Different enjoyable locations embody Ronnie Scott’s jazz membership, the pubs dotted all through the West Finish, and bars like Mr Fogg’s Tavern in Covent Backyard.

Day 3 in London

On the third of your 5 days in London, I like to recommend taking a day journey. There are numerous locations across the UK capital which are price a particular go to, they usually’re straightforward to get to by practice, automobile, or on a guided tour.

Broadway Tower, CotswoldsBroadway Tower, Cotswolds

When you’re a fan of the English countryside, I like to recommend taking a day journey to the Cotswolds. You may go independently with or and not using a automobile, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and e-book a tour right here.

There’s no scarcity of charming cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embody Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Fort Combe.

If the seaside is your factor, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are my prime picks. All of them have nice seashores and plenty of outlets and eating places to take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by practice, too.

Brighton Beach ViewBrighton Beach View

If you wish to see well-known college cities, look no additional than Oxford and Cambridge. These are a number of the hottest locations to go on a day trip from London.

And if cathedral cities are your factor, my prime picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have wonderful church buildings and nice metropolis facilities.

When you’re into historical past, Winchester, Bathtub, Canterbury and Dover, Lewes, and Amersham are nice. Amersham is so shut you possibly can even take the tube to get there.

Canterbury Cathedral, EnglandCanterbury Cathedral, England

When you’re feeling bold, you possibly can take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for thrilling adventures, too. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you’ve got loads of choices.

When you’re searching for seasonal journeys, you possibly can take a look at my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.

Day 4 in London

Begin the following morning of your 5-day London itinerary on the Tower of London. Relationship again to the eleventh century, this place awes guests with its historical past.

Tower of LondonTower of London

Getting right here early will help you keep away from the massive crowds later within the day. I like to recommend taking a guided tour with an early-access ticket so you possibly can meet a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels with out the massive traces.

You’ll additionally be capable of tour the White Tower and go to the opposite heritage landmarks throughout the partitions. You may e-book your tickets right here.

Tower Bridge, LondonTower Bridge, London

After touring the Tower of London, you possibly can go for a lightweight lunch at a spot like White Mulberries in St Katharine Docks. This distinctive marina by Tower Bridge is a enjoyable place to take pleasure in a fast meal on an enormous day of sightseeing.

After lunch it’s a brief stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is among the most eye-catching London landmarks. You may stroll throughout it, then head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour if you wish to. You may e-book tickets right here.

Whenever you depart Tower Bridge, you possibly can stroll over to the Metropolis of London. There’s heaps to see on this a part of the UK capital.

St Pauls Cathedral, LondonSt Pauls Cathedral, London

From the towering dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to up to date viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital comprises numerous architectural selection.

My self-guided stroll within the Metropolis of London will help if you wish to hit the highlights. It can present you every little thing from the most important landmarks to the hidden lanes.

From the Metropolis you possibly can stroll or take a bus or the tube to Spitalfields. You may browse the stalls at Outdated Spitalfields Market, wander down Brick Lane, and take a look at what’s on across the Outdated Truman Brewery.

Old Spitalfields MarketOld Spitalfields Market

After procuring and exploring, you possibly can stroll as much as Shoreditch for the night. Right here you’ll be capable of take within the East Finish’s stylish hub.

From Shoreditch Excessive Avenue and Nice Japanese Avenue to Redchurch Avenue and Rivington Avenue, there’s all the time one thing new to find on this hipster neighborhood.

You’ll be in the fitting place for a enjoyable night time out, too. East London is among the metropolis’s greatest nightlife areas, and there’s no scarcity of eating places, pubs, speakeasies, bars, and pop-ups to go to.

Hackney Wick Bar in East LondonHackney Wick Bar in East London

When you’ve got vitality for going out after dinner, there are nice bars and golf equipment in and round this a part of the town. They’re thrilling locations to finish the fourth night time of your journey to London.

Whether or not you select to go to Hackney, Bethnal Inexperienced, Hackney Wick, or one other cool space within the East Finish, you’re positive to have a good time.

Day 5 in London

On the final of your 5 days in London, you possibly can discover one of many metropolis’s beloved native neighborhoods.

Colorful Houses in Notting HillColorful Houses in Notting Hill

Whether or not you want a village environment, an enormous park, riverfront surroundings, or fascinating historical past, there’s a spot for you. I’ve listed a few of my favorites beneath to present you concepts.

You may examine further under-the-radar locations within the metropolis within the well-known e-book Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You will get it on Amazon right here.

Hampstead

Hampstead is my favourite London neighborhood. I spent years residing right here and I nonetheless return on a regular basis. Up in north London, it’s simply accessible by tube and there’s sufficient to see and do right here for a full day.

Street in Hampstead, North LondonStreet in Hampstead, North London

Hampstead is for you when you love the concept of an English village conveniently positioned in London. The facet streets are filled with fairly homes and the neighborhood has one of many metropolis’s greatest and wildest parks.

You can begin your day in Hampstead with espresso or breakfast on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. There are nice cafes on Flask Stroll and Perrin’s Courtroom, too.

After breakfast you possibly can store. There are many boutiques on the excessive road and Heath Avenue. You’ll find every little thing from house items to clothes and accessories right here.

Hampstead High Street in LondonHampstead High Street in London

Whenever you’re completed procuring, you possibly can meander across the space. Church Row, Flask Stroll, Holly Stroll, and Mansfield Place are native favorites, but it surely’s arduous to go mistaken in Hampstead.

My free self-guided Hampstead stroll has a route and map that may present you the perfect locations.

Whenever you’re hungry for lunch, head to the Holly Bush. It’s my favourite pub in London. Tucked away on a curving facet road, it has a warren of rooms that may transport you again in time.

Holly Bush, Hampstead pubHolly Bush, Hampstead pub

Whenever you’re completed with lunch, head to Hampstead Heath for a stroll with sweeping views of London from Parliament Hill. Kenwood Home, a stately house in London, is enjoyable to discover as nicely.

Within the late afternoon you possibly can head to South Finish Inexperienced to buy at Daunt Books and have a drink at one of many many pubs with beer gardens.

Whenever you’re completed exploring the realm, you possibly can head again as much as Hampstead Excessive Avenue for dinner at a neighborhood restaurant. Whether or not you select a traditional Italian spot like Villa Bianca or a beloved Japanese place like Jin Kichi, you’ll be spoiled for selection.

Romantic restaurant in Hampstead, LondonRomantic restaurant in Hampstead, London

Notting Hill

An alternative choice is to spend the final of your 5 days in London exploring Notting Hill. This space is thought for its vibrant colours, buzzing market, enjoyable outlets, and hidden mews.

If that appeals, you can begin your day in Notting Hill with a stroll by means of the well-known Portobello Street Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so attempt to go then and get there early).

Whenever you’re completed strolling across the market, you possibly can have lunch there or at one of many space’s many eating places and cafes. From informal locations to upscale ones, there’s a spread round Portobello Street and Westbourne Grove.

Biscuiteers Notting HillBiscuiteers Notting Hill

Within the afternoon you possibly can discover the realm’s facet streets and hidden mews. My free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is a good way to do it, as it can take you round to the perfect of them.

When night comes, you possibly can have dinner at one of many neighborhood’s beloved pubs and take a look at the nightlife scene. There are many locations to exit right here, and it’s a enjoyable neighborhood to take pleasure in a meal and drinks on the finish of an enormous day.

Greenwich

Greenwich is one other of the loveliest London neighborhoods. When you like historical past, it’s an excellent place to spend the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.

Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich, LondonOld Royal Naval College, Greenwich, London

Positioned within the southeast of the town, Greenwich is greatest reached by boat from central London. The trip is among the highlights of spending a day right here, and it’s enjoyable to absorb the views of London from the Thames. You may e-book tickets right here.

Greenwich is good for historical past lovers and stargazers. It has extra museums per sq. foot than seemingly some other a part of the UK capital, and it’s house to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Imply Time fame.

This space is the right place so as to add to your itinerary for five days in London when you love digging into the previous, staring on the night time sky, or having fun with good views.

View from Greenwich Park, LondonView from Greenwich Park, London

The procuring is nice, too. Whether or not you’re into excessive road outlets or historic coated markets, Greenwich has one thing for you.

If that every one sounds good, you can begin your day in Greenwich with the aforementioned boat trip. It can drop you off proper within the coronary heart of Maritime Greenwich.

From the waterfront you possibly can take within the Cutty Sark, a Nineteenth-century British clipper ship. You may tour it if you wish to, or simply peer into it from the glass exterior.

Cutty Sark in LondonCutty Sark in London

From the Cutty Sark you possibly can head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This place is filled with all issues British historical past, and its wealth of treasures and interactive reveals makes it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It provides free entry, so you possibly can keep for so long as you wish to.

Afterwards you possibly can duck into the chapel of the Outdated Royal Naval School to see the wonderful painted ceiling. This place has been used as a filming location for a lot of motion pictures and TV reveals, so that you may acknowledge it.

The identical goes for the buildings that make up the Outdated Royal Naval School. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not solely stunning to see, but in addition fashionable filming websites.

Old Royal Naval CollegeOld Royal Naval College

From the Outdated Royal Naval School it’s a brief stroll to the Seventeenth-century Queen’s Home. It’s a shocking instance of Palladian structure, and there’s a wonderful spiral staircase inside. It provides free entry, too, so it’s straightforward to pop in and probe for a bit.

From the Queen’s Home you possibly can stroll to lunch on the historic coated market in Greenwich. This place has a spread of stalls promoting all types of ready meals, so that you’re positive to search out one thing that appeals. There are candy treats, too.

After lunch, you possibly can stroll into Greenwich Park and up the hill to the Royal Observatory. This place is enjoyable to discover, particularly when you’re concerned with all issues astronomy.

Royal Observatory, Greenwich, LondonRoyal Observatory, Greenwich, London

It’s thrilling to face with one foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian and take in the spectacular views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park.

Whenever you’re completed absorbing the views, you possibly can head again down into Greenwich and discover the facet streets with their colourful doorways. There are many fairly lanes round right here, they usually’re price discovering.

If you wish to see the perfect of the realm, my free self-guided Greenwich stroll will lead you to all of the locations I discussed above (and extra!).

Pub in Greenwich, LondonPub in Greenwich, London

When it’s dinner time, you’ve got loads of choices. Greenwich has enjoyable pubs, together with the well-known Trafalgar Tavern. You may watch the waves splash towards the outer partitions right here when it’s excessive tide on the Thames.

After dinner you possibly can finish your day with a ship journey again into central London. It’s a enjoyable option to see the sights at night time.

Richmond

Within the southwest, Richmond is a 3rd London neighborhood that’s price a visit. It’s straightforward to get to by tube or practice from central London, and it makes a very good vacation spot for the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.

Boats on the Thames in RichmondBoats on the Thames in Richmond

Residence to a wonderful riverfront space, a park crammed with deer, and cute outlets and eating places, Richmond is for you when you take pleasure in being outdoor and also you wish to really feel like a neighborhood in London.

You can begin your day trip in Richmond with breakfast or espresso at one of many space’s cafes. Whether or not you select a well-known chain or an unbiased quantity, there are many good choices.

Whenever you’re completed fueling up, you possibly can discover the realm’s facet streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the excessive road are filled with little surprises (to not point out Ted Lasso filming areas).

Richmond street in LondonRichmond street in London

Richmond Inexperienced is picturesque, too. When you’re fortunate, you may see a neighborhood cricket match occurring when you’re exploring. When you want some path, my free self-guided Richmond stroll is simply the factor.

Whenever you’re completed, you possibly can store on the excessive road. There are all types of recognizable names and enjoyable boutiques on and across the neighborhood’s foremost thoroughfare.

After procuring, head to lunch at a riverside pub. They’re preferrred locations to absorb the solar and watch the boats go by on the water.

Richmond pubRichmond pub

You may take a stroll alongside the Thames after lunch. Whether or not you desire a quick stroll or an extended one, the Thames Path provides you with choices. You may even stroll all the way in which to Ham Home, a Nationwide Belief property in London. It’s price touring when you like historical past.

After your stroll you possibly can head up the hill to Richmond Park. Like Hampstead Heath, it’s one of many metropolis’s greatest and most stunning inexperienced areas.

Richmond Park is known for its deer, too, so be certain that to have your digital camera prepared as you’re exploring. They’re wonderful to see up shut.

Richmond Park lakeRichmond Park lake

If you would like some path, you possibly can see routes free of charge self-guided walks on my weblog publish about park walks in London.

When the solar begins to go down, you possibly can head again into the neighborhood for dinner at one of many eating places or pubs close to the excessive road, then hop on the tube or a practice again to central London.

5 Days in London

I hope you’ve loved this 5-day London itinerary and that it’s given you good concepts for issues to do within the UK capital. There’s lots to see and do right here, and I’m positive you’ll depart wanting to return again and discover extra.

Discover this publish useful? Purchase me a espresso!

New right here? Be part of 1000’s of others and subscribe to the A Girl in London weblog through e mail.

A few of the hyperlinks on this weblog publish are affiliate hyperlinks. For free of charge to you, I earn a small fee while you click on on them and make a purchase order. It doesn’t have an effect on the way in which you store, and it’s a good way to assist the A Girl in London weblog.

Pin it!5 Days in London5 Days in London Itinerary