Exactly How to Spend 5 Days in London: Free Itinerary

If you’re lucky enough to be able to spend 5 days in London, you can certainly see a lot.

This is a great amount of time to explore the city without burning yourself out.

Here’s my London 5 day itinerary, written by a local, that will show you the sights plus some hidden gems.

Cover image for '5 days in London' itinerary featuring Big Ben and a classic red Routemaster bus with the route number 15 to Tower Hill, against a Union Jack fluttering in the breeze, all set on a pink background. This image captures iconic symbols of London, setting the tone for a quintessential city experience.

Can You See London in 5 Days?

Yes! You can see plenty of London in 5 days.

But you won’t see it all. Keep in mind that London is massive, and it takes a while to get from attraction to attraction.

I’ve organised this itinerary for maximum efficiency by grouping attractions by neighbourhood. This way, you’ll spend less time on the tube and more time seeing the sights.

🖨️ Download or Print the Itinerary Here 🖨️

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Itinerary: How to Spend 5 Days in London

Just because you have a decent amount of time in London doesn’t mean you shouldn’t prepare a bit beforehand.

Before you set out, check out my essential guides:

Wear comfortable shoes, be prepared for any weather, and try not to overdo it.

London is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed!

✅ Day One

Itinerary for Day 1 of a 5-day London trip: Morning visits include Big Ben, Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, depicted with an iconic illustration of Big Ben. Afternoon stops listed are The London Eye, Southbank, and Trafalgar Square, signified by a bright sun graphic. Evening plans suggest Covent Garden, Soho, and Chinatown, indicated by a moon and cloud illustration. Background divided in a day-to-night color gradient, from light blue to dark blue.

On your first day in London, let’s see a few of the most iconic places from the outset.

1. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Morning of Day 1: The image to the left is the iconic Big Ben standing tall against a partly cloudy sky, while to the right, Westminster Abbey is displayed with its intricate gothic architecture and twin towers.

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.

2. 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 audioguide, or join a tour.

3. Churchill War Rooms

Adults from £32, children from £16
Book Ahead

If you’re a history buff, this place will blow your mind.

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.

4. The London Eye

Mid-day agenda for Day 1 of a London trip: One side of the image captures the London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames under a clear blue sky. The other side shows Trafalgar Square's lively atmosphere with the fountain in full spray, the National Gallery in the background.

Tickets from £32 if you book ahead (you should during peak tourist seasons)

One of London’s biggest tourist attractions is the London Eye, the massive white 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. It’s a nice way to see the lay of the land.

Since tickets are a bit pricey, here’s some great alternatives with totally free views.

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

Evening of Day 1 in a 5-day London itinerary includes Covent Garden and Soho, Chinatown. The left side of the image shows a quiet, sunlit street in Covent Garden with red bollards and string lights, while the right side captures the vibrant night scene of Chinatown with red lanterns and a bustling crowd.

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 in this area, 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 meal.

✅ Day Two

Itinerary for Day 2 of a London trip: Morning includes visiting the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, depicted with an illustration of the bridge. Afternoon activities feature St Dunstan in the East, Leadenhall Market, skyscraper views, and the London Mithraeum, represented by a sun graphic. Evening plans suggest a classic pub meal and a Jack the Ripper tour, illustrated with a moon and clouds graphic. The image uses a day-to-night color transition from light blue to dark blue.

For your second day in London, we’re starting with the most infamous history in this ancient Roman city.

1. The Tower of London

Day 2 morning segment of a '5 days in London' itinerary, featuring the historic Tower of London. One image shows a child looking out of an arched window within the Tower's walls, while the other displays the Tower's exterior with its robust stone structure and a vintage cannon in the foreground on a cloudy day.

£38.40 per adult, £17.40 per child, children under 5 go free
Book ahead during peak tourist seasons
Included in the London Pass

This historic castle on the banks of the Thames has been a fortress, a zoo, a royal residence, an armoury, and a site of gristly imprisonment and gruesome executions.

I recommend getting there immediately when 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 is included with your ticket.

Visiting the Tower with kids? Read my complete guide to navigating the Tower of London with kids.

2. Tower Bridge

Day 2 morning visit in a 5-day London itinerary features the iconic Tower Bridge, with its distinctive blue and white suspension cables and Victorian Gothic towers against a clear dawn sky.

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, walking across the bridge or standing in front of it is great 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 as a shell of its former self.

Nature took over, and what’s left is a serene and haunting landscape.

4. Lunch at Leadenhall Market

Mid-day on Day 2 of a London itinerary: The left image displays the Victorian splendor of Leadenhall Market with its ornate roof structure and warm lighting. The right image contrasts this with a sky-high view of London’s modern skyline, including the distinctive shapes of the Gherkin and the Walkie-Talkie buildings under a clear blue sky.

Let’s head to “Diagon Alley.” That’s right, the scenes from the first film were shot right here at this ornate market building.

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.

From lunch, get a sky-high view of London. You have a few different choices that are all close together within the City of London.

The most popular 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.

7. Dinner at a Classic Pub

Within the City of London are some of the oldest pubs in the city.

Try having a bite and a pint at the Hung, Drawn and Quartered, the quirky & ancient Hoop & Grapes, or get ready for your next stop by eating at a Jack the Ripper pub where the victims frequented: The White Hart or The Ten Bells.

8. Jack the Ripper Walking Tour

Evening of Day 2: A dramatic enactment as part of the Jack the Ripper Tour, featuring actors in Victorian costumes in a dimly lit alley, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of the historical mystery.

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.

Yes, London is safe to walk at night, even in this infamous area.

✅ Day Three

Itinerary for Day 3 in London: Morning activities include a visit to the British Museum and shopping on Oxford Street, illustrated with a tiered tray of British pastries. Afternoon suggests enjoying afternoon tea and a visit to either Hyde Park or St. James’s Park, indicated by a sun graphic. Evening plans feature Seven Dials Food Hall and a West End show, represented by a moon and cloud graphic. The background transitions from daytime blue to evening navy.

On your third day of five, let’s head to the most well-known museum for a bit of world history, then do a bit of shopping!

1. The British Museum

Morning itinerary for day 3: A visit to the British Museum, showcasing the classical architecture of its facade behind wrought iron gates and a view of the spacious, naturally lit Great Court with its distinctive tessellated glass roof.

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

Mid-day of Day 3 in London: The left image captures the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street with its grand buildings and busy shoppers. To the right, the image contrasts with a serene, half-timbered structure, epitomizing the architectural diversity found in London.

Let’s head back to the modern world and enjoy some shopping (or window shopping).

Oxford Street is the most well-known shopping area in London, but it’s not only that 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, pictured above right) 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.

Instead of lunch, now is a good time to experience a traditional afternoon tea.

Afternoon tea is a quintessentially British experience, and there’s no better place to partake than in a London tea room.

Everywhere from posh hotels to tiny cafes offer afternoon tea. It usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweets, and unlimited tea (or sometimes coffee).

For the fancier places, you must book ahead. Several museums and smaller cafes offer afternoon teas you don’t need to book ahead.

See my complete guide to afternoon tea in London to find the spot that’s within your budget.

4. Explore Hyde Park or St James’s Park

Did you know that London is over 20% green space? It’s one of the greenest capitals in the world, and while you’re here you have to experience the grandeur of a London park.

–Hyde Park

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. Dinner at Seven Dials Food Hall

Evening plans for Day 3: The left image shows the bustling Seven Dials area with the entrance to the market and passersby on a wet street, while the right image depicts the illuminated facade of a West End theater with the 'Singin' in the Rain' marquee glowing against the night sky.

Instead of a fancy sit-down meal, head to my favourite food hall in all of London.

The newly developed Seven Dials Food Hall in Covent Garden has everything from thai to bao buns to a cheese conveyor belt. There’s something for everyone, and a bit more affordable and flexible than a dinner reservation.

6. West End Show

Use Today Tix to get last-minute theatre tickets OR
Book ahead using the theatre’s website

Let’s visit the theatre for one of London’s starring attractions!

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

Itinerary for Day 4 of a 5-day London trip: Morning options include the 'Big 3' Museums, Churchill War Rooms, and shopping at Harrods, showcased with a calendar icon and a canal boat illustration. Afternoon visits feature Kensington Palace and Notting Hill, represented by a sunny graphic. Evening activities suggest Little Venice and a canalside meal, with a serene moon and clouds illustration. The image has a blue sky to twilight gradient background.

On your second to last day in London,

1. The Big Three Museums

Morning of Day 4 exploring the 'Big 3' Museums: The left image showcases the awe-inspiring skeleton of a blue whale suspended from the ceiling in the Hintze Hall of the Natural History Museum. The right image features the stately facade of the Victoria and Albert Museum with visitors ascending the steps to the main entrance.

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

Mid-day options for Day 4: The left image features the iconic Harrods department store with playful statues and colorful decorations, while the right image displays the tranquil gardens of Kensington Palace under a bright blue sky, complete with lush greenery and vibrant flower beds around a central pond.

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

Afternoon and evening of Day 4: Left image depicts the colorful townhouses of Notting Hill under a clear blue sky. The right image shows the peaceful canal of Little Venice with lined boats and lush greenery, capturing the charm of these distinct London neighborhoods.

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

Final day of a London itinerary: Morning visits to Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe are shown with an illustration of The Shard. Afternoon activities include Borough Market, Old Operating Theatre, or Clink Prison Museum, represented by a bright afternoon sun. Evening plans suggest exploring The Shard or the vibrant areas of Shoreditch & Spitalfields, denoted by a graphic of a night sky with a moon and clouds.

It’s your last day in London! Today you get to see some of my favourite bits of the city.

Let’s start off on the Southbank of the Thames.

1. Tate Modern

Morning of Day 5 on a 5-day London itinerary showcases the Tate Modern museum, with a clear pathway over the Millennium Bridge leading to its iconic building under a blue sky. On the right, Shakespeare's Globe Theatre is presented, a half-timbered circular structure adorned with banners, beside posters of current performances.

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

Mid-day of Day 5: The left image shows a bustling scene outside 'The Market Porter', a pub at Borough Market with patrons and passersby under bunting and flower boxes. The right image features the historic entrance of Borough Market with people queuing at 'Lee Brothers Potato Merchants', showcasing the market's vibrant atmosphere.

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 do not recommend this spot on the weekends – it gets shoulder-to-shoulder packed.

4. The Old Operating Theatre or The Clink Prison Museum

Afternoon of Day 5: Exploring dark history museums. The left image features the inside of an old courtroom with wooden benches and a central dock. The right image shows the exterior of 'The Clink', the most notorious medieval prison, with a plaque detailing its history and a winding staircase leading upwards.

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

Near Borough Market is an original operating theatre, where gruesome medical history took place. 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

Evening of Day 5 in London: The left image features The Shard, Europe's tallest building, basking in the sunset glow along the Thames. To the right, a street view of Shoreditch showcases the area's Victorian architecture and urban charm.

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 one last time.

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:

Favourite Places to Eat:

Dishoom: modern indian (several locations)
Townsend for modern Briitsh
Amber for refined Mediterranean
The Hoop & Grapes for a classic historic pub

Enjoy your last night in London!

5 Day London Itinerary: Alternatives

Image presenting alternative day trips and areas of activities for a '5 days in London' itinerary. Day trips listed include Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle, Harry Potter Studios, Cambridge, Oxford, Greenwich, Bath, and Stonehenge, with an illustration of a train. Areas and activities listed are Hampstead, Battersea Power Station, Primrose Hill, Historic Pub Tours, Thames Speedboats, London Dungeons, and The Gunpowder Plot, flanked by hands holding British flags. The background is navy blue.

If some of these activities seem a little boring to you, there are tons of things you can substitute.

If you want to see a bit of the beauty outside London, consider a day trip!

Some of the most popular options are:

Hampton Court Palace (1.5 hour train from Central London)
Windsor Castle (1 hour train)
Harry Potter Studio Tour (1.5 hours from London)
Cambridge (1 hour train)
Oxford (1 hour train)
Greenwich (still within London; easily accessible from Central London by tube, Uber Boat and cable car).
Bath
Stonehenge (consider a coach tour; otherwise hard to access by public transport).

Or if you want to see some of the more popular attractions within London, try: