London United Kingdom 5 Day Itinerary

5 Days Exploring London: A Sample Itinerary

This itinerary focuses on classic London experiences with a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems. It can be adapted to your interests!

Day 1: Royal London

  • Morning: Arrive in London and check into your hotel (see “Where to stay” section below). Consider arriving early and leaving luggage while you explore.
  • Afternoon: Start with a stroll through Hyde Park, enjoying the Serpentine Lake, Speaker’s Corner, and Kensington Gardens. Maybe even take a boat ride!

Places to Eat:

  • Dinner: The Ivy (classic upscale British restaurant)

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Recommendation: The Dorchester (5-star luxury near Hyde Park)
  • Alternative: Explore budget-friendly options in neighborhoods like Kensington, Notting Hill, or Bloomsbury.

Things to know:

  • London Pass: If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions, consider purchasing a London Pass for free entry and skip-the-line access at many popular sites.

Activities:

  • Day 1:

    • Check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. (Tip: Arrive early to get a good viewing spot!)
    • Explore the Tower of London:** Visit the iconic Crown Jewels, marvel at the history of this ancient fortress, and learn about the famous ravens.

  • Evening:

  • Catch a show in the West End theatre district.

Day 2: Exploring History & Culture

  • Morning:

    • Tower Bridge Exhibition: Walk across the glass walkway and explore the Victorian engine rooms.

  • Afternoon:

    • British Museum: Discover ancient artifacts from around the world.

  • Where to Eat:

    • The Crown & Anchor (near Tower Bridge): Enjoy traditional pub fare with a modern twist, like fish and chips or a Sunday roast.

  • Day 3: Art & Views

  • National Gallery: Explore masterpieces of European art from the 13th to the 19th centuries.

  • Tate Modern: Admire modern and contemporary art while overlooking the Thames.

Day 4: London Eye & Westminster Abbey

  • Afternoon:

    • National Gallery (continued): Take a closer look at specific paintings in the museum, like Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” or Monet’s “Water Lilies.”
    • Walk around the South Bank: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and visit other attractions near the London Eye.

  • Day 5: British Museum (continued) & Theatre Departure:

  • Continue exploring the National Gallery, focusing on specific periods or artists.

  • Experience a Thames River Cruise: Enjoy the iconic sights from the river, like the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben.

  • Explore other areas of interest:

    • The British Museum: Check out the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles, or delve into the history of Ancient Egypt with their extensive collection.

Things to know:

  • Book tickets in advance for the London Eye: This popular attraction often has long queues. Booking online can save you hours!
  • Transportation: The London Underground (Tube) is a convenient and affordable way to get around the city.

Things to know:

  • London Eye: Offers stunning views of London and is a great way to end your trip, taking in the beauty of the city from above.

  • Where to stay:

    • The British Museum area (London): Stay near the museum and explore the nearby Bloomsbury neighborhood for its literary history and charming cafes.

  • Things to do:

  • Explore the British art scene:

    • Tate Modern: Visit the galleries, enjoy a meal at the cafe with a view of the Thames, and marvel at the architecture of the museum itself.

  • Alternative Transportation:

    • Bus: Bus routes run frequently near South Bank.

Day 2-5: Explore other areas of interest:

  • National Portrait Gallery: Located nearby, this gallery features portraits of famous Britons throughout history.
  • The Globe Theatre: Explore Shakespeare’s history and the theatre itself.

Things to do (Alternative):

  • Day Trip:

    • Stonehenge: Experience the mystery and grandeur of this ancient site.
    • Kew Gardens: Explore a beautiful botanical garden with plants from around the world, stunning glasshouses, and a tranquil atmosphere.

  • Explore historical neighborhoods:

  • Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition: A fun way to learn about the history of the bridge and the city’s bridges in general.

  • Discover the hidden gems of London:

    • The Old Operating Theatre Museum & Herb Garret: Explore a fascinating museum with a unique collection of historical surgical instruments and tools.

Day 4: Explore the Thames River Path:

  • London Bridge Experience: This attraction takes you through a Victorian-era experience, complete with animatronics and special effects.

  • Thames Barrier Park: Enjoy a peaceful walk with stunning views of the Thames and the surrounding area.

  • Transportation:

  • The Tower Bridge: Offers breathtaking views of the city.

Things to know (The British Museum):

  • Advance booking: Highly recommended, especially for the London Eye Experience, which includes priority boarding and a behind-the-scenes tour.

  • Book online: This can save you time and money, but make sure to check availability beforehand.

  • Day Trip (Alternative):

    • Explore Greenwich: Visit the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark, and the Maritime Museum for a historical day out.

Things to do (Alternative):

  • Visit the Tower of London: Allow ample time to explore this historic landmark.

  • Explore Hampton Court Palace: A fantastic day trip from the city center.

  • Transportation:

Day Trip:

  • Day 4:

    • Visit the National Gallery (London): Explore a world-renowned collection of art.

  • Other:

  • Enjoy a picnic on the lawn: This is a great way to enjoy the Thames River views while saving money on food and drinks.

  • Walk to a nearby park for a relaxing afternoon: Explore the beauty of London’s parks, including the gardens and art installations at the South Bank.

Things to know:

  • Day Trip (Other): Enjoying a day trip outside the city is a great way to see more of England.
  • Explore the National History Museum: A must-visit for any art lover.

Day 3:

  • Take in the history of the area: Visit the nearby Tate Modern, explore the South Bank:

    • Explore the Tate Modern (London):

  • Day 5: Enjoy a day trip to Stonehenge and other historical sites: *

Things to know:

  • Day Trip (Other) - Consider:
    • Transportation:
    • Accommodation:
    • Food:

Important Tips for your trip:

  • Food: If you’re looking for a bite to eat, consider buying food from a local market and bringing it with you.

  • Use the public transport system: The London Underground is a fantastic way to see the city and meet locals.

  • Buy a “Visitor Oyster Card” or use contactless payment: This will help you save money on transportation costs.

Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any of these points, expand the list with specific days and times for activities, or suggest other attractions based on your interests and itinerary preferences.