Have 5 days in London and wondering how to spend it? Check out our exclusive 5-day itinerary designed to showcase the best of the city to any visitor making its way to the United Kingdom capital. Go through this list to discover more.
5 Days in London - How To Spend Your Day
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London In 5 Days - Detailed Itinerary
A Slice of Quintessential London
Hop On Hop Off Bus
London Eye
Covent Garden
What could be more fun than to explore the breath-taking city on our London open-top Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours? From museums, palaces, shopping streets, parks to cathedrals we cover all the top-visited sites in your bucket of wander. Begin your journey around London by boarding one of our renowned red buses! You may customize your time in London with 24 or 48-hour passes.
- While you can get an assigned seat on other bus tours and assure that you’ll always have a place to sit, there is no such guarantee on these hop-on-hop-off bus tours. All seats are first-come, first-served, so be sure to be as early as possible.
- Tickets are cheaper when purchased online in advance.
- This service is more about taking your time and exploring each location of interest.Visitors who want a quicker, more efficient experience should consider a different kind of London bus tour.
- Sit back and enjoy panoramic views of London’s skyline and waterfronts as you cruise eastward to Greenwich.
- Enjoy the freedom of a hop-on-hop-off tour as you can embark from and disembark at any of the piers along the Thames.
- Admire the sights and learn their stories and secrets as well as the history of the river.
- Cruise past the Thames Flood Barrier, the largest movable flood barrier in the world.
- Learn about London’s history and landmarks via the live onboard commentary.
After consuming scenic views of London, a trip on the London Eye is truly captivating, a ‘must-do’ and has been London’s number one visitor experience for over a decade. Elegantly rotating over the River Thames and less than a five minute stroll from Waterloo station along the beautiful Southbank. Step into your capsule and feel the exhilaration as you rise up over the Thames. Come face to face with the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before soaring above them - up to 135 meters on the world’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
- There’s a fast track option which allows you to pay a little extra to skip to the front of the line, which can be very helpful on busy days when you have other things planned! And who doesn’t like to feel like a VIP, walking past everybody else stuck in the queue?
- While you’re hanging back taking pictures of the loading dock, the rest of the people in your capsule will be snagging the best spots – so try to be the first one in the door! For optimal photo opportunities, you’ll want to be on the far side of the capsule as you come in.
- Enjoy priority access to the much-adored and ever-iconic London landmark, London Eye.
- Hop right into the capsules and enjoy a 30-min rotation that shows you the best panoramic views of the capital.
- Notice Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London and more from up here.
- This ticket offers complimentary access to the Eye Lounge and the London Eye 4D Cinema Experience.
- Fancy great photo opportunities on the boarding ramp and in the pod towards the end of your rotation .
Head down to the Covent Garden to immerse yourself in the vibrant must-see destination to stimulate your senses and enjoy shopping, theater, restaurants, bars, history and culture. Filled with restaurants, bars, markets and boutiques, London's premier tourist center offers fabulous shopping by day, and the destination of theatergoers and patrons of the Royal Opera House by night.
- If you are planning to shop in the convent garden, carry a small backpack with you, so you do not have to take lots of shopping bags in your hand.
- Covent Garden is a vast area where you will have to walk around a lot. Always wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or loafers, so your feet do not hurt at the end of your day.
- If you are planning to attend any events, book tickets or them in advance either online or physically. Standing in queues as a tourist is not a pleasant experience.
A Blast of London History & Culture
Tower of London
Borough Market
Globe Theater
We are starting off the day with one of the major trip highlights, the Tower of London! Even you non-museum people will enjoy because the history of the nobility, especially King Henry VIII, is just fascinating (if you haven’t read The Other Boleyn Girl yet then you’re missing out), the Beefeaters are a trip, and the crown jewels are unbelievable to see up close and personal.
- It does make sense though to do the Tower of London first thing, so even if you’re a bit lazier on the other days, really commit to beating the crowds and arriving before the Tower opens.
- You should definitely skip the audio guide and plan on taking the one hour Beefeater tour because the guides are typically very personable and informative and it doesn’t cost any additional money on top of the ticket price.
- Marvel at the seat of British power when you visit the 1000-year-old Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Admire the glorious Crown Jewels, a collection that includes British coronation regalia, over 23,578 precious gems, along with other rare diamonds such as the blue Stuart Sapphire, the Cullinan I, and the Koh-i- Noor.
- Explore the Royal Armouries’ collection in the White Tower, which was built by William the Conqueror.
Are you a foodie? No? Do not worry, you’ll be converted to one at this food lover’s heaven. There is a plethora of culinary options you can choose from at the Borough Market.It’s one of the best markets in London. The market dates to the 12th century, has over 100 stalls and produce is sourced from local British traders and International producers. For coffee lovers Monmouth Coffee Company should be a must visit, cheese lovers should visit Neal’s Yard Dairy and Kappacasein.
- Part of the fun is wandering around, gawking at fresh and strange ingredients, and scouting out prices and quality, so take your time before buying!
- Bring your own shopping bag, made of cloth so it doesn’t rip to shreds from all the goodies you’ll be taking home. Watch that wallet, too—less for the pickpockets—and more for the temptation to buy nearly everything your eyes fall on.
Borough Market & Gin Distillery Small Group Tour
Headout
Discover Shakespeare’s iconic open-air theater, here in the heart of London.London has been a thriving hotbed of theater, filling the playhouses with the work of playwrights new and old. In terms of sheer spectacle though, nowhere can best The Globe, the stunning replica of an Elizabethan playhouse that premiered many of Shakespeare’s best-loved works. Wonder at the craftsmanship and imagine how thousands of Londoners would once have packed in to see the greatest actors of the day.
- Tickets for the shows sell out very fast. That means it is important to buy your ticket in a few days (or weeks!) prior to avoiding any inconveniences at the gate.
- You can choose where you want to sit when booking the ticket and how many seats you want to reserve for the play. If you’re worried about comfort, you can pay for extra cushions. This is especially handy if you get a bad back sitting for a long while.
A Delicate Contrast Between Class & Quirk
Harry Potter Studio Tour
Camden Market
“After all this time?”
“Always.”
There’s no other quote that perfectly encompasses the spirit of the world of Harry Potter. A tour of the Harry Potter Studios is the perfect escape from the muggle world. Sip on some delicious butterbeer and grab a wand before heading to explore the beautiful sets of locations like the Great Hall, Platform 9 ¾ and Dumbledore’s office, along with getting an up-close, personal look at props, popular character costumes and creation of magical creatures like Buckbeak the hippogriff.
- Even if you’ve seen them all 10 times, it can’t hurt to watch them all once more right? It’s bound to make it even more special when you see props or the set from your favorite scene right there in front of your eyes at Harry Potter Studios, London.
- Harry Potter studio tour tickets sell out really quickly, so avoid disappointment and ensure to book them early.
- You’ll travel in groups of 15 people or less, and there are audio headsets available to make sure you don’t miss a thing. So, ask plenty of questions about the movies, the sets, the props, the costumes, the cast and whatever else springs to mind!
- Experience the best of filmmaking on this highly rated and incredibly sought-after Warner Bros. Studio Tour London.
- Learn about the different technologies during the green screen experience and understand how the use of animatronics and prosthetics brought the books to life.
- Step into the cinematic universe of the Harry Potter series and see actual props and costumes from the eight films!
- Explore iconic sets from the series, like Dumbledore's Office, Diagon Alley™, Platform 9 ¾ and the Cupboard under the Stairs during your tour.
- Travel back to central London on Warner Bros. Studio Tour London branded buses with free Wi-Fi and watch Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on board during your journey!
- Enjoy a cozy tour of a maximum of 6 guests per tour group.
Browse for vintage fashion, handmade jewelry, unusual gifts and eye-catching accessories at Camden Market. If you're not a huge Potterhead you could make a day of it - start with a hearty breakfast at The Basement Tea Room, followed by a spot of vintage clothes shopping at St Cyr Vintage. Stop for a tasty lunch at one of the many cafes and street food stalls including Yorkshire Burrito and Baba G’s Bhangra Burger.
- The easiest way to get to Camden is by tube on the London Underground. The closest station is Camden Town - just a 7 minute walk from the market.
- Shop around before you buy. Whilst there are lots of unique items available at the market, don’t automatically accept that all items are handmade. So shop around before buying because quality and prices do vary throughout the markets.
A Day of Fun, Frolic & Sightseeing
Buckingham Palace
Piccadilly Circus
West End Show
Take a Buckingham Palace tour to explore one of the most famous royal venues in the world. Enjoy the tour of Buckingham Palace to see the lavishly furnished State Rooms at one of the world's few remaining working royal palaces, see a special display celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, plus discover some of the Royal Collection's greatest treasures.
- There may be some variations on the opening hours depending on the time of year and the attraction you wish to see i.e. the palace, the gardens or the park. It is wise to double check before going to ensure the attraction you wish to see is open and avoid disappointment.
- Get tickets to the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace and admire diverse gems and art.
- The Japan: Courts and Culture has over 450 works on show.
- Take a look at rare porcelain and lacquer, samurai armor, and embroidered screens.
- Admire diplomatic gifts from James I to Her Majesty The Queen.
- Learn 300 years of diplomatic and cultural history between the British and the Japanese.
- Explore the exhibition at your own pace once the engaging 1-hour multimedia guide ends.
Piccadilly Circus is where many locals and tourists choose to meet because of its privileged location in the heart of London, and as it is close to important leisure and shopping areas.The square is famous for its neon signs, different displays and the Eros fountain located in the middle of this road junction, which is now one of the city’s top landmarks.
- Piccadilly Circus is synonymous with leisure and entertainment. Crowded at all hours of the day, we recommend visiting this square during the afternoon/evening, when the brightly lit advertisements adorning the buildings brighten the intersection, giving it a unique appearance.
- Advertisements adorning the buildings brighten the intersection, giving it a unique appearance. Avoid driving into Piccadilly Circus at all costs as it is an extremely busy area in London (and expensive!) If you're interested in getting some retail therapy done while visiting London, take a stroll down Regent's Street from Piccadilly Circus, and head towards Oxford Street.
A mesmerizing night out in the glitzy West End awaits with an unforgettable London theater experience. Take center stage in this West End extravaganza as you act, sing and dance your way to the theater where professional acting, singing and dance coaches will teach you extracts from some of the biggest productions in the past 15 years, before your pre-show dinner and a seat at the West End show of your choice.
- Tickets for the shows sell out very fast. That means it is important to buy your ticket in a few days (or weeks!) prior to avoiding any inconveniences at the gate.
- You can choose where you want to sit when booking the ticket and how many seats you want to reserve for the play. If you’re worried about comfort, you can pay for extra cushions. This is especially handy if you get a bad back sitting for a long while.
An Exciting Day On Your Feet
Notting Hill
Street art in Shoreditch
Up at the O2
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There is nothing quite like the pastel, candy-colored homes of Notting Hill. Take tons of photos, then do some shopping at the famous Portobello Road market! Stroll through this charming neighborhood and take in the colorful houses that Notting Hill is known for. You can even find the famous Notting Hill film locations where the romantic comedy ‘Notting Hill’ was filmed.
- Please remember and be mindful that people do live here. Be respectful and do not get too close or climb the steps up to the doorways.
The colorful street art, Sunday markets and the mix of culture and curry houses along Brick Lane, makes it a hotbed for London’s art students and street artists. And, it is an ideal site for those looking for a non-touristy place to visit in London. It is one of the coolest things to do in London. This once forgotten and derelict part of London is going through regentrification and is now a hub for street artists, hipsters, London’s young entrepreneurs and creative types.
- Make a list of the street art trail you'd like to view before heading here, as that will save some time and come in handy!
- There’s a sense of urgency lent by street art as it’s almost always temporary. If you walk the same route from one month to another, you’ll never find quite the same pieces. The temporary nature of street art is part of its appeal, but it’s also sad when a favorite piece disappears forever.
The Eat & Graffiti London Tour
Headout
Take a walk on the wild side, breathe in the unforgettable expedition over the roof of London’s O2. Suspended above the iconic tent canvas, you and a fellow adventurer will make the 365m journey to the summit, 52m above ground level. Once at the top, you can breathe in the incredible views of London stretching in every direction, and take some epic photos, before heading back down to earth. Tool up with your climb suit, boots and harness - become every inch the urban mountaineer.
- Wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Please note that climbers will be required to wear our climb shoes so socks must be worn.
- You must arrive 15 minutes before your climb time as latecomers cannot be admitted.
Up at The O2 Climb Tickets
Headout Price: £35
- Scale one of the world's largest entertainment venues and enjoy the finest panoramic views of the city.
- Treat yourself to a 90-minute session of adrenaline-fueled adventure, the perfect way to top off your trip to the British capital.
- Learn all the facts about O2, its architecture, and its famous visitors from a friendly climb guide.
- Take your pick between Daytime Climb, Sunset Climb, and Twilight Climb ticket options, each offering a unique experience.
More London Itinerary Options?
Don't have 5 whole days to Spare in London? Check out our 1 day in London and 3 days in London itineraries for further inspiration.
More London Guides
Here are a few detailed guides that will help you plan your trip to London better.
FAQs: 5 Days London Itinerary
I've written this five-day London itinerary to help fill the days if you're spending more than 1-3 days – but not have too much fluff if you don't have a full 7-10 days in London. As you'll see, 5 days in London is a perfect amount to see all the greatest sights!
If you're looking for enough time to be able to enjoy the city, including some "down time" in pubs and parks, etc., I'd personally recommend at least 6-7 days. But if you just want a taste, you can plan a good itinerary for fewer days. Enjoy your trip! And remember, hopefully you will return many times.
Actually, six days is the perfect amount of time to explore London. You won't feel rushed as you might during 5 days in London, and you don't have an extra day for a day trip as when spending a week in London.
4 days in London is not enough to experience everything the city has to offer. However, you can cover most of the major sights and still get off the beaten path. This London itinerary is packed full of excursions, but is highly efficient. So, you'll have time to explore each place without feeling too rushed.
Mayfair is the best area to stay in London for first time visitors to the city because of its proximity to Hyde Park, Green Park, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. The architecture and tiny side streets also make Mayfair one of the most instagrammable spots in London.
You can do a lot with a full week in the UK capital. Whether you stay here the whole time or spend a day or more further afield, there's no shortage of things that can keep you entertained. I suggest starting with my 6-day itinerary and spending your final day exploring some secret London spots.
If you've got enough time, I think the ideal trip is 10 days in Paris and London. This will give you 5 days to explore each city without being in too much of a rush. Obviously, the longer you can spend in each place the better.
Stonehenge is a popular tourist attraction, and has been for a long time. A lot of people make their own way to the site, but it is also a popular stop on many day trips from London and other cities around the south west of England, including Southampton, Bath and Oxford.
