Planning a trip to London? I’m excited for you! It’s one of my favorite cities in the world, and quickly becoming like a second home to me. Whether it’s your first time in the city or a return visit, this 5-day London itinerary will help you make the most of your time. From iconic landmarks and events to trendy neighborhoods and world-class dining, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable trip.
London Trip Overview
5
Days
4
Nights
Urban
Trip Type
$$
Price Range
Day 1: Arrival & London Landmarks
- Arrive in central London and check into your hotel.
- Explore Westminster: Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace.
- Visit Borough Market for lunch, then tour the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
- End the day with a Thames River Cruise and dinner at Dishoom.
Day 2: Local Culture & Entertainment
- Brunch in Notting Hill, then stroll through Portobello Road Market.
- Choose between:
- Football match at local stadium
- West End show & Camden Market exploration
- Wrap up with dinner at Nando’s.
Day 3: Choose Your Own Day Trip
- Start with a classic English breakfast at The Breakfast Club.
- Choose between:
- Harry Potter Studio Tour in Watford
- Ted Lasso walking tour in Richmond
- End the day with a casual dinner at Vauxhall Food Hall.
Day 4: East London & Foodie Experiences
- Explore Shoreditch, Brick Lane, and trendy markets.
- Join a food and walking tour in East London or Borough Market.
- Visit the newly revitalized Battersea Power Station.
- Enjoy a traditional Sunday roast at The Gun in Canary Wharf.
Day 5: Royalty & Relaxation
- Check out the London Eye in the early morning before crowds stack up
- Visit Kensington Palace and walk through Hyde Park.
- Experience afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason or Sketch.
- Optional sightseeing: The Zoo, Local Museums, Churchill War Rooms, Covent Garden, or The Shard.
- Wrap up with a farewell dinner at a cozy gastropub.
5 Day London Itinerary
London is a perfect stand-alone destination but also an ideal starting point for exploring Europe. Getting around is easy with its rich history, vibrant culture, and excellent public transportation. So, grab your London Pass or Oyster card and comfortable walking shoes—your London adventure starts now!
Travel Tip: Download an offline Google Map of the city or use an app like Citymapper to avoid getting lost. It’s a good idea to have your decided London itinerary downloaded offline as well.
Day 1: Arrival & London Landmarks
Morning: Arriving in London
Most international travelers arrive at London Heathrow Airport, London’s largest airport. The fastest way to reach the city center is the Elizabeth Line, which takes about 35 minutes to Westminster, London (where you’ll be staying). Alternatively, a taxi or private transfer can take you directly to your hotel for a more significant fee.
After checking in and freshening up, it’s time to start exploring.
Afternoon: Exploring Westminster & The Tower of London
Begin your London adventure with some of its most iconic landmarks:
- Big Ben & the Houses of Parliament – One of London’s most photographed sites.
- Westminster Abbey – A must-visit for history lovers
- Buckingham Palace & St. James’s Park – Walk through the scenic park and snap photos in front of the palace.
- Lunch at Borough Market – A foodie paradise with diverse street food options. Take the Jubilee Line to London Bridge.
- Tower of London – Home to the Crown Jewels and fascinating medieval history.
Evening: A Sunset Cruise & Dinner at Dishoom
- Thames River Cruise – Board at Tower Pier and enjoy breathtaking views of London at sunset.
- Dinner at Dishoom – A popular Indian restaurant with excellent curries and Bombay-style dishes.
Day 2: Local Markets, Football or Theater
Morning: Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Head over to Notting Hill and start your day with brunch at Farm Girl or Granger & Co. Then head over and explore Portobello Road Market—one of the best places to find antiques, vintage clothing, and unique souvenirs.
Afternoon: Choose Your Adventure
Option 1: Football Match at A Local Stadium
Watching a Premier League match is an unforgettable experience if you’re a sports fan. Check the match schedule and book tickets in advance. There are currently seven professional teams playing in London, so you have many options. I highly recommend checking out a Tottenham Hotspur game if you can. Their new stadium and VIP experience are unlike anything else. (Although I may be a little biased since I come from a Spurs-supporter family.)
Option 2: West End Show & Camden Market
If theater is more your style, spend the afternoon perusing Camden Market or Carnaby Street, then head to the Sky Garden for pre-show drinks with a view (free entry, reservation required). End the night with a West End musical like Hamilton or Les Misérables.
Dinner: A Classic UK Experience at Nando’s
After your match or show, grab a meal at Nando’s, known for its flavorful peri-peri chicken. While this is definitely a casual spot, it’s one of my all-time favorites. I usually go multiple times during each trip to London!
Day 3: A Magical or Sports-Themed Day Trip
Morning: A Hearty English Breakfast
Head to The Breakfast Club in Soho for a full English breakfast, a must-try for visitors. My boyfriend is obsessed with beans on toast, so this is always a must-stop for us.
Midday: Choose Your Adventure
Option 1: Harry Potter Studio Tour
Take the train to Watford Junction and explore the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. See the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, and even try Butterbeer.
Option 2: Ted Lasso Richmond Walking Tour
Take a train to Richmond and visit famous filming locations from Ted Lasso, including The Prince’s Head pub (known as The Crown & Anchor in the show).
Evening: Casual Dinner Near Hotel
Return to London and enjoy a casual sunset walk along the Thames. Wind down with a relaxed dinner and a pint from a local eatery nearby. I’d recommend Market Place Vauxhall just across the bridge, where you can choose from various vendors. The eggplant pizza is a standout dish.
Day 4: Exploring East London & Foodie Delights
Morning: Shoreditch & Brick Lane Bagels
Start your day in trendy Shoreditch, famous for its street art and independent boutiques. Stop by Beigel Bake on Brick Lane for their legendary salt beef bagel.
Afternoon: A London Food Tour & Battersea Power Station
- Join a London food tour – Explore Borough Market or East London’s best eats.
- Visit Battersea Power Station – A revitalized shopping area by the river. If you’re lucky with some sunshine, grab a drink at one of the outdoor stalls and enjoy the view. When I was there during Wimbledon, they also had large inflatable TVs on the grass to watch the matches.
Evening: A Traditional Sunday Roast at The Gun
End the day with a Sunday Roast at The Gun in Canary Wharf, a historic pub serving roasted meats, Yorkshire pudding, and all the fixings. Highly recommend making a reservation well in advance!
Day 5: A Relaxed Royal Experience & Afternoon Tea
Morning: London Eye, Kensington Palace & Hyde Park
Walk over to the London Eye in the early morning, before 10am, and you’ll usually skip the long lines to ride. Then, hop on the tube and head over to Hyde Park. After strolling through the Kensington Gardens, visit Kensington Palace, home to Princess Diana’s famous fashion collection.
Afternoon: Afternoon Tea at Fortnum & Mason or Sketch
A trip to London isn’t complete without afternoon tea. Fortnum & Mason offers a classic experience, while Sketch is known for its stylish pink décor.
Evening: Optional Sightseeing & Farewell Dinner
Use this extra time to explore:
- The Churchill War Rooms – Learn about WWII history.
- London Zoo – Discover the world’s oldest scientific zoo.
- Covent Garden – A great spot for shopping and street performances.
- The Shard (Aqua Shard for drinks) – Enjoy panoramic city views.
- British Museum – Dive into two million years of human history and culture.
- Tate Modern – Enjoy the United Kingdom’s national and international modern and contemporary art collection.
Head to Harwood Arms or The Thomas Cubitt, two of London’s best gastropubs, for a farewell dinner.
Start Building Your London Itinerary Today!
Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, this 5-day London itinerary balances iconic attractions, local experiences, and hidden gems. While there is so much more to see, eat, drink, and do in this wonderful city, this itinerary is a great way to ensure you explore different areas of the city.
Don’t stop the fun there! London Heathrow is also a substantial international travel hub that offers cheap flights to other areas of Europe. Take a peek at flight deals around your travel dates to see if extending your trip for a few more days makes sense, and check another destination off your travel bucket list.
If you are looking for a custom London itinerary for your next trip, contact us today! We’ll work with you to plan the trip of your dreams.
