Easy Illustrated Itinerary for 6 Days in London (+ Printable)
If you can manage 6 days in London, you can see an awful lot! Even though London is massive, 6 days is plenty of time to see the highlights and more.
As a local, I often get asked what I would do with my time in this city, so I’ve compiled the perfect itinerary for 6 days in London for you.
This is exactly how I would spend 6 days in London, all planned out for you for efficiency and convenience.

How to Spend 6 Days in London
Since you have endless possibilities, I’ve narrowed this itinerary down to see the major highlights, plus some hidden gems that are totally unique to London.
Before you arrive, do a tiny bit of preparation by reading my essential guides below – it can make your travels much easier.
- How to get into London from every airport
- How to Pay for Transport
- How to ride the bus
- How to use the London Underground
- Packing List for London
- The Best Navigation App for London
This itinerary is best navigated by public transport and on foot, with the help of a great navigation app.
Don’t forget comfortable shoes – you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
🖨️ Print or Download the London 6 Day Itinerary Here 🖨️
If you have mobility issues, do not attempt to complete the entire itinerary – just pick the bits that are most interesting to you.
Likewise, if you’re traveling with children, choose the most important stops for you, and leave plenty of time for rest and snack breaks. London can be exhausting for little feet.
Day One

From the outset, let’s see the most iconic and historic sight in all of London: the imposing Tower.
1. The Tower of London

- £38.40 per adult, £17.40 per child, children under 5 go free
- Book ahead during peak tourist seasons
- Included in the London Pass
See centuries of history at the incredibly historic Tower of London. This place has been a castle, a fortress, a zoo, a royal residence, an armory, and a site of gristly imprisonment and gruesome executions.
Starting here allows you to experience London history from the very beginning, and will allow you to understand the rest of London history a little better.
I recommend getting there the moment it opens (either 9 or 10am, depending on the day), and going straight to either the White Tower or the Crown Jewels. These areas get the most crowded, but if you go right at opening, you’ll have most of it to yourself.
You can also join a Beefeater Tour, which leaves every 30 minutes and are included with your ticket.
Visiting the Tower with kids? Read my complete guide to navigating the Tower of London with kids.
2. Tower Bridge
- Adults from £12, children from £6
- Included in London Pass
- Open daily 9:30am – 6pm
Right next to the Tower of London is Tower Bridge (the iconic bridge pictured above). Commonly mistaken for London Bridge, this one has not fallen down.
You can get a behind-the-scenes tour with a ticket that lets you into the engine rooms and the glass walkway on top.
If you don’t want to pay for a ticket, walk across the bridge at traffic level, or stand in front on the riverbank for photos!
3. St Dunstan in the East

- Free
- No ticket needed
Right near the Tower is a beautiful garden ruin: St Dunstan in the East Church Garden.
The church itself dates from the 1100s, but was destroyed time and time again by fires and bombs. The last time it was destroyed, it was left in ruins. Nature took over, and what’s left is a serene and haunting landscape.
4. Lunch at Leadenhall Market
You may recognize this market from Harry Potter, where it played Diagon Alley. Inside the intricate architectural gem are a variety of restaurants and shops.
It’s a lovely place to take a break from sightseeing and fuel up with a good meal. My favorites are Osteria Del Mercato for adults and Pizza Express for lunch with kids.
5. Skyscraper Views

- Free
- Book ahead if you can, or you can try walking up.
Let’s get a sky-high view of London!
You have a few different choices that are all close together within the City of London, near the Tower and St Dunstan.
The most popular free choices are:
- Sky Garden: a free viewing platform within the Walkie Talkie building. Tickets go fast, but you can also walk up and try for a ticket.
- Garden at 120: At the modern 120 Fenchurch Street, there’s a public rooftop garden that has breathtaking scenery, 360 degrees around. Free entry; no tickets are required.
- Horizon 22: At 22 Bishopsgate there is the *highest* free viewing platform with panoramic scenery. Free but must book ahead.
- The Lookout: At 8 Bishopsgate, there’s a brand new viewing platform that’s also free to enter.
6. London Mithraeum
When excavating for the Bloomberg building in the City of London, archeologists discovered an ancient Roman temple.
Now it’s a free museum in the basement of the building, and showcases both the temple itself and the artefacts uncovered within it. It’s a fascinating bit of Roman London history.
7. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour
- Daily at 7pm
- £15 per person
The infamous Ripper prowled these streets in 1888, and the original Ripper walking tour will take you through all the locations of the infamous murders.
Day Two

For day two, we’re going to the home of British Government and the Royal Family: Westminster.
1. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament (and/or Buckingham Palace)
This is the most recognizable landmark in London. But did you know that “Big Ben” is actually the nickname for the bell inside the tower?
The real name for the structure is Elizabeth’s Tower, and it’s iconic to the London skyline.
Tours inside book up very quickly and far in advance, but you don’t have to go inside. You can get incredible views just walking around the area. It’s a great spot for photo ops.
The Houses of Parliament (aka Palace of Westminster) are the long buildings that stretch along the river, and are also available for tours.
My recommendation is to just enjoy this area by walking around and taking in the sights, along with snapping a few photos.
⭐️ You can also stroll by nearby Buckingham Palace, which is only open for tours during select times of year. Tickets sell out very quickly and very far in advance, which is why I don’t include this as a regular stop on a London itinerary.
⭐️ Another substitute can be the Changing of the Guards, which happens on select days in front of the palace.

2. Churchill War Rooms
- Adults from £32, children from £16
- Book Ahead
If you’re a history buff, you may want to skip the “Big 3” and head straight to the Churchill War Rooms.
See the very underground bunkers where Churchill and his staff ran WWII. Explore the caverns, hidden tunnels, original artefacts, and so much more in this intimate place.
Tickets sell out quickly during peak times; it’s best to book ahead.
3. Westminster Abbey
- Adults from £27, children from £13
- Open Monday through Saturday, 9am-3 or 3:30pm
It’s not only the site of coronations, weddings and funerals. Many Royals and other significant figures are buried inside this church that dates from 1066.
There’s many, many graves and memorials to see inside. Pick up an audio guide, or join a tour.
4. The London Eye

- Tickets from £32 if you book ahead (you should during peak tourist seasons)
One of London’s biggest tourist attractions is the Eye, the giant ferris wheel on the Thames.
Board on the waterfront and enjoy 30 minutes of pristine views in your clear capsule that circles around a full loop.
Tickets can be a bit pricey, so if you don’t want to do this you can also enjoy any of the nearby attractions of Borough Market, The London Dungeons, The Clink Prison Museum, The Old Operating Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and more along the Southbank & Southwark areas.
5. Lunch on Southbank
From the Eye, you’ll already be in the area called “Southbank,” as it’s on the south bank of the Thames. Enjoy walking along the river and enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.
My favourites are Brasserie Blanc for a nicer meal, or crowd-favourite Pizza Express for families on a budget.
6. Trafalgar Square (National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery)

Crossing back over the Thames, you’ll head straight to Trafalgar Square.
Here you can take in the beautiful square (don’t forget the world’s smallest police station!), and go inside the National Gallery or National Portrait Gallery.
Both of these museums are free and absolutely incredible.
7. Explore Covent Garden, Soho & Chinatown
It’s time to explore some of the coolest neighbourhoods in London.
Covent Garden is a vibrant shopping district in the heart of the West End. Here you’ll find everything from high street standards to unique boutiques to food halls to gelato.
Don’t miss the Covent Garden Market buildings that have handmade goods sold by the creators themselves. Find antiques, unique jewellery, souvenirs, artisan foods, and much more.
Soho is a historic district with lively bars and pubs, alongside posh boutiques and shops. If you’re an LGBTQIA+ traveller, it’s an unmissable spot.
Chinatown is a vibrant area packed with restaurants, bakeries and shops to eat in and explore.
For dinner, I’d recommend perusing the offerings in Chinatown, hit up the new (delicious) food hall Seven Dials Market, or try The Palomar for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired pre-theatre meal.
Day Three

Day three brings you to the iconic British Museum. Then, take a break from history and do a bit of shopping!
1. The British Museum
- Free (you may wish to book your free ticket ahead on bank holidays and in the summer for guaranteed entry)
- Open daily 10am-5pm
Few museums are as well-known worldwide as the British Museum. It contains artefacts from all over the globe, including the Rosetta Stone, the “Unlucky Mummy,” sculptures from the Parthenon, and a statue from Easter Island.
Plan for at least 2 hours for a quick perusal, or more if you want to see everything in detail.
2. Shopping on Oxford Street
You’ve seen a bit of heavy history, so now let’s relax and kick back!
Oxford Street is the most well-known shopping area in London, but it’s not only one street. The surrounding streets of Regent Street, Savile Row, Carnaby Street and more all have great shops, restaurants and department stores.
Don’t miss Liberty (a quintessentially British high-end department store) and Hamleys – one of the largest toy stores in the world, fun for all ages.
See my complete guide to shopping on Oxford Street to learn more.
3. Afternoon Tea

- Usually offered from noon-5pm (hours vary per location)
- Tea rooms, hotels, cafes, etc.
Afternoon tea is a great substitute for lunch, and with it you get a bit of British tradition.
Everywhere from posh hotels to tiny cafes offer afternoon tea, and you can choose one that’s in your budget.
Afternoon Tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweets, and unlimited tea (or sometimes coffee). Some include bubbly or other drinks, too.
For the fancier places, you must book ahead. Several museums and smaller cafes offer afternoon teas you don’t need to book ahead.
4. Explore The Royal Parks
Hyde Park is the most well-known Royal Park. The Serpentine River runs through it, making for lovely waterside views. Explore the pergolas, bridges, art galleries and cafes, or just stroll through the beautiful greenery.
St James’s Park
If you’re a Good Omens fan, you’ll recognize this as a park where the geese are used to secret agents feeding them.
But even if you haven’t seen it on screen, the ponds and gorgeous gardens are very much worth seeing in real life. It’s the oldest Royal Park in London.
5. Pre-Theatre Meal

- Reserve ahead at fancier places
If you want a more casual meal on your own time frame, try Seven Dials Market. It’s a new modern food hall with a huge variety of cuisines, and even a cheese conveyor belt!
If you want a more high-end meal, head to my favorite pre-theatre spot The Palomar. It’s affordable but still fancy in a pretty setting.
If you want a classic British meal, try the ornate Victorian pub The Clachan. They serve up classics like scotch eggs and real ale.
For a fancy dinner, head to The Hawksmoor for a steak or The Ivy for a high-end dining experience (book ahead).
6. See a West End Show
- Use Today Tix to get last-minute theatre tickets OR
- Book ahead using the theatre’s website
Did you really visit London if you didn’t see a theatrical production? London’s theatre is only rivalled by Broadway, but we’re the original home of groundbreaking productions.
If you’re into musicals, my recent favourites are Six, Mean Girls, Tina, Hamilton, and Hadestown.
If you prefer plays, huge celebrities are often on stage in the West End. Check out what’s on during your trip, and remember to book ahead for these. If the show has a very big name, it usually sells out months in advance.
Day Four

Day four of six starts off in South Kensington and ends with peaceful waterfront walks.
1. The Big Three Museums
- Free
- No booking required, though during peak summer it may be a good idea to guarantee entry.
The “Big Three” Museums: The Victoria & Albert Museum, The Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum are all right next to each other in South Kensington.
Each has its own features and charms, so pick whichever one you’re most interested in.
For children, I’d recommend the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum.
For art and design lovers, try the V&A.
For history, zoology and the natural world, the Natural History Museum is incredible.
2. Harrods
- Free to enter
- Open daily from 10am
Right nearby the “Big 3” is a London institution.
London’s most iconic and well-known department store Harrods is just down the road in Knightsbridge.
Inside you can browse from everything to designer clothing to London souvenirs to delicious baked goods.
Take home one of those iconic green bags and all your friends will be jealous.
3. Kensington Palace
- Adults from £24, children from £12
- Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10am-6pm
Unlike Buckingham Palace, the home of Kate & Will is open pretty much year round for tours.
This palace is known for its lush Sunken Gardens (which were Diana’s favourite), its changing exhibitions, and the ornately decorated apartments.
4. Notting Hill

You may know it from the movie, and yes, it looks like that in real life.
Explore this posh neighbourhood’s pastel hued houses, buzzing Portobello Road Market, kitschy antique offerings and lovely restaurants and cafes.
5. Little Venice
Just a bit East of Notting Hill you’ll find the charming area of Little Venice.
Little Venice is so-called because of its resemblance to the sinking city. It’s an oasis of calm and tranquillity, dotted with houseboats, canal boats, cafes, and walking paths.
6. Canalside Meal
The Warwick Castle is a lovely canalside pub with a cosy fire. If you want something a bit more upscale, try The Summerhouse for seafood with a view. Just up the road is another cosy Victorian pub, The Prince Alfred.
Day Five

Day five begins on the Southbank of the Thames. To get some epic views along your commute, walk across the water on Millennium Bridge.
1. Tate Modern
- Free, no booking required
- Open daily 10am-6pm
This modern art museum sits on the banks of the Thames and includes masterworks by Hockney, Pollock, Warhol and many more.
2. Shakespeare’s Globe
Book ahead to visit this historic (replica) theatre, where The Bard himself wrote and put on the most historic and well-known productions in the world.
Guided tours are available March through September multiple times a day, where you get to see behind the scenes and learn all the history.
3. Borough Market

- Free
- Open Daily 10-5 (not all traders present everyday; food stalls generally don’t open until 11am)
This well-known market has been trading on this very spot for over 1,000 years. Today it’s a gourmet food market, packed with stalls that offer everything from scotch eggs to bao to sticky toffee pudding.
I don’t recommend this spot on the weekends – it gets shoulder-to-shoulder packed.
4. The Old Operating Theatre or The Clink Prison Museum
Two of London’s tiniest museums are the most fascinating. Choose one or both!
–The Old Operating Theatre
- Open Thurs-Sun 10:30am-5pm
- From £5
A few blocks from Borough Market is an original historic operating theatre, where gruesome medical history happened. The original theatre is intact, and sits next to the Herb Garret, where traditional herbs and medicines were produced.
See medical artefacts from centuries of experimentation and learning.
–The Clink Prison Museum
- Open Daily 10-6
- From £6
The most notorious prison in all of London now has a museum in its original location. Learn about the dark history of this place, including original artefacts and a remaining piece of the prison wall.
5. The Shard

The Shard is the tallest building in London, and you can go to the top! The View from the Shard (included with the London Pass) offers 40 mile views in all directions.
Alternatively, you can have a drink at one of the bars or restaurants and get the same incredible views.
6. Walk Across Tower Bridge
Let’s wind our way back north and walk across Tower Bridge to take in the Thames.
7. Shoreditch & Spitalfields
My favourite neighbourhoods in all of London are Shoreditch and Spitalfields. They’re artsy, they’re full of history, and they offer a more “alternative” view of London in the East End.
Wander and see the street art, or settle in at one of the unique restaurants or pubs to toast your last night in London.
My favourite things to see:
- Spitalfields Market
- Brick Lane
- Truman Brewery Markets
Favourite Places to Eat:
- Dishoom: modern indian
- Townsend for modern Briitsh
- Amber for refined Mediterranean
- The Hoop & Grapes for a classic historic pub
Day Six

On day six – your final day in London – it’s time to see one of the prettiest villages nearby.
Greenwich is a gorgeous day out, and it’s home to the Royal Museums Greenwich collection – some of the best in the entire UK.
1. Breakfast at St Katherine’s Docks or Near the Tower of London
Buzzing St Katherine’s Docks is a great spot to grab breakfast to fuel up for the day, or you can stay near the boat docks and grab a bite near the Tower.
White Mulberries is my favourite cafe with a view, but there are also several coffee shops at the marina.
2. Uber Boat, Tube or Cable Car to Greenwich

The best way to get to Greenwich (in my opinion) is a scenic boat ride. From Tower Pier you can tap your Oyster Card on the Uber Boat and ride the scenic ferry to Greenwich.
3. The Royal Observatory
- Open daily from 10am-5pm
- Tickets from £18 or cheaper with a Day Pass to Royal Museums Greenwich
The Royal Observatory gets the most packed in Greenwich, so it’s a good idea to start with a walk up the hill to head here first.
You can walk the Prime Meridian, see “where time began,” and explore the science behind Greenwich Mean Time. The planetarium is also really cool.
4. Queen’s House

- Open 10-5 daily
- Free
See this former Royal residence that’s now a museum, dating from the 1600s its architecture is grand, with the famous spiral staircase and restored interiors.
It’s also supposedly very haunted, if you’re up for seeing some spirits!
5. National Maritime Museum
- Free
- Open Daily 10am-5pm
See the history of the UK’s maritime navy, trade, exploration, and more.
This is a massive museum full of interesting artefacts, and if you’re at all into the ocean or ships, it’s a must-see.
There is also a great kids gallery with hands-on play.
6. Greenwich Market

- Open 10-5:30 daily
Greenwich Market is a great place to stop and refuel. This Victorian market has charming stalls with food vendors, art, antiques and more.
7. Cutty Sark
- Adults £18, children £12 or cheaper with a Royal Museums Greenwich day pass
Winding back down to the waterfront, see the original 1869 clipper that moved goods all over the world.
It’s been pristinely restored, and you can get a real sense of what the Victorian sea trade would have been like by seeing the captain and crew quarters, cargo hold, original artefacts and more.
There’s lots of interactive stations for kids, too.
8. Uber Boat Back to London
Hop back on the boat (or tube or cable car) back to Central London for your last meal of your trip.
9. Waterside Sunset Meal
End your day with a glass of bubbly (or a pint) at a lovely waterside restaurant or pub.
My Favourite Riverside Restaurants:
- Tavolino Bar at Kitchen near Tower Bridge
- The Coal Shed at One Tower Bridge
- Legare at Shad Thames (a cool area you should explore anyway)
Favourite Riverside Pubs
- The Old Thameside Inn
- Anchor Bankside
- Tattershall Castle (on a former riverboat!)
What to See in London in 6 Days: Alternatives

For some people, 6 days in London will be too much. If you’re a speedy traveler who doesn’t take time to explore every detail, you can definitely compress this itinerary and add some of the options above (or anything else that interests you).
One of the most common itinerary options if you have more than a few days in London is to add a day trip.
The most popular ones are:
- Hampton Court Palace: 1.5 hours outside London by train, see Henry VIII’s grand royal residence.
- Windsor Castle: 1 hour outside London by train, see the current Royal residence.
- Harry Potter Studios: 1 hour outside London. Tickets sell out months in advance, so book ahead.
- Bath: 1 hour from London, see the ancient Roman Baths in this beautiful English village.
- Cambridge: 45 minutes from London, explore this quaint academic village full of history.
- Oxford: 1 hour from London, see the ‘city of dreaming spires.’
- Stonehenge: Use a tour company that includes transport, otherwise this landmark is difficult to get to.
Don’t feel like seeing some of the attractions on this itinerary? Don’t worry – London has unlimited options.
Some of the most popular alternative attractions in London are:
- The London Dungeons: scary immersive experience that reenacts hundreds of years of dark London history.
- Niche Museums: London has over 55 free museums (and also dozens of paid ones) for every interest!
- Battersea Power Station: this old converted power plant is now a posh shopping and dining center with gorgeous views.
- Quaint Neighborhoods: Explore Hampstead, Highgate, Richmond, and so many more gorgeous London neighborhoods.
- The Gunpowder Plot: Immersive experience surrounding Guy Fawkes’ attempt to blow up Parliament.
Traveling with kids? See my complete guide to all the cool nighttime activities for all ages that you can easily squeeze in to this itinerary.
London for 6 Days: Final Tips
No matter what you choose to do or not do in London, organize your itinerary by neighborhood. London is massive, and it’s easy to waste a bunch of time sitting on the tube getting from place to place.
See all you can in one area before moving onto another.
Use my attraction map of London to plan your time, and remember to save some time to just wander around!
London is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
Happy travels!
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