At the moment I wish to carry you my itinerary for five days in London. It is a nice period of time to see the highlights of 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
Top-of-the-line issues about being an expert journey blogger is that I get to assist folks plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by way of my weblog posts or my journey planning companies, I try to make sure my readers and followers have a terrific expertise in London or overseas.
Individuals typically ask me how one can spend 5 days in London, so at present 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 numerous 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.
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 strategy to spend your time within the UK capital. You may modify my 5-day London itinerary to suit your pursuits and journey fashion. No matter you do, you’ll get overview of what the UK capital has to supply.
You should use my London journey information and my checklist of 51 issues to do in London in a 12 months to fill in any gaps and discover seasonal occasions and actions occurring whenever you’ll be visiting as nicely.
The place to Keep in London
With regards to the place to remain in London, you’ve loads of alternative. Whether or not you wish to ebook a lodge or lease a flat, town has a variety of locations for each style, fashion, and price range.
Given how huge London is and the way widespread the points of interest are, selecting someplace in or close to town middle is a good suggestion. You may take a look at my weblog posts about the perfect space to remain in London, the perfect resorts on your fashion, and quirky resorts for concepts.
You may as well discover offers and ebook lodging in London right here. With so many locations to select from, you’re certain to seek out someplace you’re keen on.
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 finest espresso retailers in London or one of many high 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.
I like to recommend starting with Buckingham Palace. This well-known royal residence in London attracts guests from all around 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 per week). If not, you possibly can admire the monarch’s London residence from exterior the large gates.
In case your go to occurs to happen throughout the annual seasonal opening, you may as well take a tour of Buckingham Palace. You’ll have the ability to stroll by way of the state rooms, discover the gardens, and see the particular exhibition. You may ebook tickets right here.
After visiting the palace you possibly can meander by way 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 residence to a number of the metropolis’s most essential landmarks, together with Massive Ben (Elizabeth Tower).
You’ll additionally see Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament. If in case you have time, you possibly can tour the abbey and parliament. You may ebook tickets right here.
If you wish to, you possibly can take my free self-guided Westminster stroll to find the realm past the apparent points of interest. The route will present you the quiet lanes and hidden areas locals love.
If you’re accomplished exploring Westminster, you possibly can stroll throughout the Thames and discover the South Financial institution. It is a great place to stroll round, browse the markets, and absorb the scene alongside the waterfront.
You may as well trip the London Eye whilst you’re right here. It has a number of the greatest views within the metropolis. You may ebook tickets right here (you’ll have to ebook nicely upfront, because it sells out).
The South Financial institution is legendary for its road performers, festivals, pop-ups, meals vehicles, and different leisure, so it’s a good suggestion to take a while to wander round and see what’s on whilst you’re visiting.
If you’re accomplished, you possibly can stroll alongside the river to Tate Trendy and Borough Market. They’re two extra of town’s most beloved landmarks.
Tate Trendy is a world-class artwork museum. It gives 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.
Borough Market is simply the spot to seek out culinary inspiration and get one thing to eat for lunch. It’s enjoyable to wander round and absorb the colours and smells of the stalls whilst you browse.
After lunch, get on the tube and trip it to Covent Backyard. If you arrive, you possibly can stroll by way of the well-known piazza to see what’s on within the markets and retailers.
Afterwards you possibly can discover the realm round Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Mercer Stroll and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are many retailers to duck into and vibrant colours to encourage the senses right here.
When you’re within the space, you may make your means by way of Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Avenue and Piccadilly. There’s nice purchasing right here, together with well-known department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
When night comes, there are many locations you will discover 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 if you happen to need assistance discovering a spot to go.
After dinner you possibly can take an open-top bus tour to get extra of an summary of London. It’s a simple strategy to uncover what the UK capital has to supply in a brief period of time. You may ebook 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 might be fewer crowds.
The British Museum is cavernous sufficient to take up an entire day of sightseeing in London, so ensure to stay to the rooms you’re most serious about.
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.
If you’re accomplished seeing the elements of the gathering you’re enthusiastic about, you may make your means over to the museum’s well-known Nice Court docket for a light-weight lunch within the cafe or restaurant.
Alternatively, Charlotte Avenue in Fitzrovia has enjoyable locations to eat. It’s in straightforward strolling distance of the British Museum. The truth is, it’s among the finest locations to eat close to London’s high 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 have got two decisions right here: head to a museum or buy groceries.
Should 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.
I like the V&A for its world-class artwork and design (to not point out its superb cafe), the Pure Historical past Museum for its gorgeous structure and larger-than-life shows, and the Science Museum for its stimulating reveals.
Should you don’t wish to go to a museum, there’s numerous nice purchasing in and round South Kensington. You may take a look at the boutiques on Fulham Highway and Brompton Highway, or stroll all the way down to the King’s Highway in Chelsea.
You may as well go to well-known department shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge whilst you’re right here. Harrods Meals Halls are superb.
You may even stroll down Sloane Avenue and head over to Belgravia you probably have time. Elizabeth Avenue is legendary for its floral facades, and it’s value a particular journey to see them.
After going purchasing or exploring a museum, head as much as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal backyard by Kensington Palace is one among my favourite inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and with 5 days in London, strolling by way of its vine arches is a should.
The Serpentine water characteristic in Hyde Park is all the time enjoyable to wander round, and the Diana Memorial Fountain is value seeing, too.
If you get to Hyde Park Nook, you’ll seemingly be able to relaxation your legs. There’s no higher strategy 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 ensure to ebook 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 plenty of choices for afternoon tea.
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.
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.
Should you’re hungry after the present, you possibly can benefit from the late opening hours of lots of the eating places within the West Finish.
Should you’re within the temper for nightlife, there’s no scarcity of locations you will discover it on this a part of London. My favourite spot is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Court docket.
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 plenty of locations across the UK capital which are value a particular go to, they usually’re straightforward to get to by prepare, automotive, or on a guided tour.
Should 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 with out a automotive, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and ebook 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 high picks. All of them have nice seashores and plenty of retailers and eating places to take pleasure in. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by prepare, too.
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 time out from London.
And if cathedral cities are your factor, my high picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have superb church buildings and nice metropolis facilities.
Should you’re into historical past, Winchester, Tub, Canterbury and Dover, Lewes, and Amersham are nice. Amersham is so shut you possibly can even take the tube to get there.
Should you’re feeling formidable, 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 loads of choices.
Should you’re on the lookout 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 subsequent 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.
Getting right here early will will let you keep away from the large 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 strains.
You’ll additionally have the ability to tour the White Tower and go to the opposite heritage landmarks throughout the partitions. You may ebook your tickets right here.
After touring the Tower of London, you possibly can go for a light-weight 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 a giant day of sightseeing.
After lunch it’s a brief stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is likely one of 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 ebook tickets right here.
If you go away Tower Bridge, you possibly can stroll over to the Metropolis of London. There’s tons to see on this a part of the UK capital.
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 incorporates plenty of architectural selection.
My self-guided stroll within the Metropolis of London can assist if you wish to hit the highlights. It’s going to present you all the things 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.
After purchasing and exploring, you possibly can stroll as much as Shoreditch for the night. Right here you’ll have the ability to take within the East Finish’s stylish hub.
From Shoreditch Excessive Avenue and Nice Jap 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 precise place for a enjoyable night time out, too. East London is likely one of the metropolis’s greatest nightlife areas, and there’s no scarcity of eating places, pubs, speakeasies, bars, and pop-ups to go to.
If in case you have vitality for going out after dinner, there are nice bars and golf equipment in and round this a part of 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.
Whether or not you want a village ambiance, a giant 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 ebook Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may 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.
Hampstead is for you if you happen to love the thought of an English village conveniently situated in London. The facet streets are stuffed with fairly homes and the neighborhood has one of many metropolis’s largest 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 Court docket, too.
After breakfast you possibly can store. There are many boutiques on the excessive road and Heath Avenue. You will discover all the things from residence items to clothes and niknaks right here.
If you’re accomplished purchasing, you possibly can meander across the space. Church Row, Flask Stroll, Holly Stroll, and Mansfield Place are native favorites, however it’s laborious to go mistaken in Hampstead.
My free self-guided Hampstead stroll has a route and map that may present you the perfect locations.
If 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.
If you’re completed with lunch, head to Hampstead Heath for a stroll with sweeping views of London from Parliament Hill. Kenwood Home, a stately residence 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.
If you’re accomplished exploring the realm, you possibly can head again as much as Hampstead Excessive Avenue for dinner at an area restaurant. Whether or not you select a basic Italian spot like Villa Bianca or a beloved Japanese place like Jin Kichi, you’ll be spoiled for alternative.
Notting Hill
Another choice is to spend the final of your 5 days in London exploring Notting Hill. This space is understood for its vibrant colours, buzzing market, enjoyable retailers, and hidden mews.
If that appeals, you can begin your day in Notting Hill with a stroll by way of the well-known Portobello Highway Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so attempt to go then and get there early).
If you’re accomplished 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 range round Portobello Highway and Westbourne Grove.
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’ll 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 a giant day.
Greenwich
Greenwich is one other of the loveliest London neighborhoods. Should you like historical past, it’s a terrific place to spend the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.
Situated within the southeast of town, Greenwich is greatest reached by boat from central London. The trip is likely one of the highlights of spending a day right here, and it’s enjoyable to soak up the views of London from the Thames. You may ebook 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 residence 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 if you happen to love digging into the previous, staring on the night time sky, or having fun with good views.
The purchasing is nice, too. Whether or not you’re into excessive road retailers or historic lined 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’s going to 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.
From the Cutty Sark you possibly can head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This place is full of all issues British historical past, and its wealth of treasures and interactive reveals makes it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It gives 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 Faculty to see the superb painted ceiling. This place has been used as a filming location for a lot of films and TV reveals, so that you would possibly acknowledge it.
The identical goes for the buildings that make up the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not solely stunning to see, but in addition standard filming websites.
From the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty it’s a brief stroll to the Seventeenth-century Queen’s Home. It’s a shocking instance of Palladian structure, and there’s an attractive spiral staircase inside. It gives 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 lined market in Greenwich. This place has a spread of stalls promoting every kind of ready meals, so that you’re positive to seek 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 if you happen to’re serious about all issues astronomy.
It’s thrilling to face with one foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian and absorb the spectacular views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park.
If you’re accomplished 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 value 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!).
When it’s time for supper, you’ve loads of choices. Greenwich has enjoyable pubs, together with the well-known Trafalgar Tavern. You may watch the waves splash in opposition to 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 strategy to see the sights at night time.
Richmond
Within the southwest, Richmond is a 3rd London neighborhood that’s value a visit. It’s straightforward to get to by tube or prepare from central London, and it makes vacation spot for the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.
Dwelling to an attractive riverfront space, a park stuffed with deer, and cute retailers and eating places, Richmond is for you if you happen to take pleasure in being outdoor and also you wish to really feel like an area in London.
You can begin your time out in Richmond with breakfast or espresso at one of many space’s cafes. Whether or not you select a well-known chain or an impartial quantity, there are many good choices.
If you’re accomplished fueling up, you possibly can discover the realm’s facet streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the excessive road are stuffed with little surprises (to not point out Ted Lasso filming places).
Richmond Inexperienced is picturesque, too. Should you’re fortunate, you would possibly see an area cricket match occurring whilst you’re exploring. Should you want some course, my free self-guided Richmond stroll is simply the factor.
If you’re accomplished, you possibly can store on the excessive road. There are every kind of recognizable names and enjoyable boutiques on and across the neighborhood’s essential thoroughfare.
After purchasing, head to lunch at a riverside pub. They’re supreme locations to absorb the solar and watch the boats go by on the water.
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 will provide you with choices. You may even stroll all the best way to Ham Home, a Nationwide Belief property in London. It’s value touring if you happen to 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 largest and most stunning inexperienced areas.
Richmond Park is legendary for its deer, too, so ensure to have your digicam prepared as you’re exploring. They’re superb to see up shut.
If you need some course, you possibly can see routes totally free self-guided walks on my weblog put up 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 prepare 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 go away wanting to come back again and discover extra.
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