Even the mention of London conjures up thoughts of a world-famous city full of fun things to do. With its rich history, cultural landmarks and family-friendly activities, it can be tricky to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve done the planning for you. This London itinerary for 5 days in the capital is designed to help you experience the very best of the city. It balances all the highlights, along with historic sites, cultural attractions and leisure activities.
The best part? It’s a great fit for any kind of trip, from families and couples to solo visitors. You can also change any details to create the right trip for you - just plug in any alternative activities or extend time at your favourites. Then, you can make the most of your time in London. We begin with a day of historic sightseeing.
Day 1: Exploring Historic London
Morning
You’ll begin your first day at the Tower of London. As one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, it’s an excellent way to kick off your 5 day London itinerary.
The easiest way is to arrive via Tower Hill Station on the Tube and dedicate 2-3 hours to exploring this fascinating site. The Tower is steeped in history, and highlights include the dazzling Crown Jewels and the storied White Tower. Looking for local expertise? Guided tours led by Beefeaters are a fantastic way to hear engaging stories about the Tower’s storied past.
After your visit, take a 15-minute walk to Tower Bridge. For an unforgettable experience, walk across the high-level walkways and admire the views of the River Thames.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Borough Market. It’s just a 20-minute walk across London Bridge. This historic market is known for its phenomenal food, with everything from freshly baked goods to international street food. Spend an hour enjoying lunch and soaking in the atmosphere.
Once you’ve re-energised, take a leisurely stroll along the South Bank. You’ll discover a lively riverside area known for its street performers, public art and scenic views. This 30-minute walk is a great way to see some of the less well-known sights that London has to offer.
Evening
Ready for fantastic views? Then end your day with a ride on the London Eye, a giant observation wheel that has spectacular lines of sight over the city. A 30-minute rotation gives you a unique perspective of the capital, particularly at sunset. Be sure to book tickets in advance to save time. If you’re celebrating, you can also upgrade to private or VIP packages.
Day 2: Royal and Maritime Adventures in London
Morning
On day 2 of your itinerary for 5 days in London, you’ll start your day at the magnificent Buckingham Palace. The easiest way to get there is via Green Park Station. If you’re there on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Sunday, arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. This usually takes place around 11:00 AM and is a favourite among visitors for its display of royal pomp.
After, take a 15-minute walk through St. James's Park, a gorgeous green space filled with wildlife and colourful flowers. You can do things like feed the ducks, lounge on a bench or enjoy the park’s peaceful surroundings before continuing on to Westminster Abbey.
Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and role in British coronations, Westminster Abbey takes a couple of hours to see properly. Look out for key highlights including Poets’ Corner and various memorials to monarchs and historical figures.
Afternoon
From Westminster Abbey, walk 5 minutes to the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It’s just around the corner - look out for the crowds of tourists posing for photos. Then, spend half an hour or so appreciating these landmarks and snapping pictures of your own.
Next, you’ll hop on a boat and take a Thames River Cruise to Greenwich. This one-hour journey is a relaxing way to see landmarks from the water. Commentary along the route provides interesting insights into the history of the river and the buildings along the banks.
Evening
At the end of day two, you’ll spend the evening in Greenwich, south of the River Thames. Here, you can visit the Cutty Sark, a beautifully preserved 19th-century tea clipper, and the Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian line. It’s enough to spend about two hours exploring these attractions before returning to central London via the DLR, which takes around 30 minutes.
Day 3: Cultural Immersion in London
Morning
Day three of your 5 day London itinerary is all about culture. First up, you’ll dedicate your morning to the British Museum. On the Tube, it’s easily accessible via Tottenham Court Road Station.
This world-famous institution is home to a massive collection of objects from across the globe. Some of the most famous include the Rosetta Stone, various ancient Egyptian artefacts and classical sculptures. To see the whole collection, you’ll need at least a few hours. So, if you’re pressed for time, it might be wise to select the exhibits that interest you the most.
Afternoon
After the British Museum, you’ll take a brief 10-minute walk to Covent Garden. In this ever-popular area of central London, you can enjoy lunch surrounded by boutique shops, cafes and impressive street performances. With plenty of options and types of food, you’ll be spoiled for choice.
After eating, head to Trafalgar Square and spend some time browsing the National Gallery. This iconic museum houses masterpieces by iconic artists such as Van Gogh, Monet and Rembrandt. As with the British Museum, seeing the whole collection can take a while, so be selective if you’re in a rush.
Evening
Day three of your 5 day London visit concludes with a theatre show in London’s West End. The hardest part is narrowing down which show you want to watch. Choose from family-friendly productions like The Lion King to other world-class performances like Harry Potter and many other must-see shows. Be sure to book tickets in advance for the best seats.
Day 4: Modern Marvels and Museums in London
Morning
Welcome to the fourth day of your itinerary for 5 days in London. You’ll begin the day with a visit to The Shard, the tallest building in the UK. It’s best accessible via London Bridge Station, with the entrance close to the River Thames.
Once you’ve taken the elevator up, the viewing platform has 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Spend about an hour taking in the breathtaking sights and trying to spot landmarks. There are also bars and cafes selling delicious snacks at the top.
Afternoon
Missed Borough Market on Day 1? Then why not enjoy lunch here today. Even if you have already visited, there’s plenty of choice to justify another visit. Otherwise, you can just grab a quick bite nearby before heading to South Kensington for a visit to either the Science Museum or the Natural History Museum.
Both options are ideal for families. They’ve got interactive exhibits, helpful staff and fascinating displays. The Science Museum explores innovation and discovery, while the Natural History Museum has dinosaur skeletons, gemstones and more. Just pick whichever takes your fancy the most.
Evening
For dinner on day 4, head to Soho or Chinatown, both known for their diverse and delicious restaurants. You might try dim sum, hearty British dishes or a huge range of other international cuisines. The bottom line is, you’ll find plenty of options to suit your tastes no matter where you head to.
Day 5: Leisure and Shopping in London
Morning
On the final day of your 5 day London itinerary, you’ll take a moment to catch your breath. First, spend your final morning unwinding in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, two of London’s most beautiful green spaces.
If the weather’s nice, rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine Lake, visit the Diana Memorial Fountain or simply enjoy a peaceful walk surrounded by nature. No matter what you do, two hours here is a wonderful way to start the day and be at one with nature.
Afternoon
After a mindful morning, now is your chance for some retail therapy. From Hyde Park, take a short 15-minute walk to Harrods, London’s iconic luxury department store. From there, you can explore Oxford Street, one of the city’s most popular shopping destinations. With all kinds of outlets, you can spend hours browsing for souvenirs, gifts or personal treats, with plenty of options for every budget.
Evening
What better way to wrap up your trip than with dinner at a traditional British pub? Try classic dishes like fish and chips, bangers and mash or a warming pie while discussing the highlights of your 5 day London itinerary. Thirsty? A classic pint of English ale is an excellent celebratory drink. Cheers!
See The Best of London with The Clermont
While five days can give you a good overview of London, the city’s endless attractions mean there’s always more to explore. This London trip itinerary for 5 days brings a mix of history, culture and leisure, making sure you can tick off all the main sights, including:
-
The Tower of London, Borough Market and The London Eye
-
Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, the River Thames and Greenwich
-
The British Museum, Covent Garden, The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square and The West End
-
The Shard, London’s best museums, Soho and Chinatown
-
Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Oxford Street and good old-fashioned British pubs.
Remember, you can (and should) tailor this itinerary to suit your preferences. After all, you might find some hidden gems along the way or simply want more time in a certain place.
The city of London also has enough to keep visitors coming back time and time again. On your next trip, why not book your accommodation with The Clermont, with exceptional service and prime locations? You’ll be right in the heart of the action, ready to make more London memories to last a lifetime.
