5 Days in London Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Trip
Planning a trip to London and wondering how to make the most of your time? I recently spent five days in this incredible city, and I created an itinerary that helped me see all the highlights without feeling rushed. From historic landmarks to hidden gems (and even a food tour through London’s pubs!), this guide is designed to maximize your days and give you the best mix of culture, history, and fun.
If you’re coming from a long trip like I did, I highly recommend using your first day to rest and explore your hotel area. This way, you’ll be refreshed and ready to make the most of the days ahead. I stayed at Melia Kensington, which was a perfect base.
5 Days in London Itinerary: How to Maximize Your Trip
Day 1: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Spitalfields Market, British Museum- (free entry), Oxford Street, Soho Carnaby Street, China Town.
Day 2: Hays Galleria, City hall, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Monument of the great fire of London, Tate Modern museum(free -last entry at 17:30) , Borough Market – close on Monday, Sky Garden
Day 3: Covent garden,Neal’s yard , somerset house, St. paul’s cathedral, Paternoster square, The graffiti tunnel – on Leake street, Natural History Museum
Day 4: Victoria and Albert Museum – free, Brompton Oratory, Harrods , Notting Hill Alice Shop, Luke’s mews, Portobello Market, Lancaster Road -(colorful house), Kyoto Garden.
Day 5: Day in Canterbury by train.
Day 1: Classic London Landmarks & Vibrant Streets
Start your London adventure by diving into the city’s iconic sights. Begin with Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace, then stroll through Trafalgar Square. For a change of pace, explore Spitalfields Market, where you can find unique finds and local treats. Art and history lovers will enjoy the British Museum (free entry!). In the afternoon, shop along Oxford Street, and soak up the lively vibes of Soho, Carnaby Street, and Chinatown.
Day 2: The Historic City & Riverside Sights
Day two is all about London’s historic heart. Start at Hay’s Galleria and City Hall, then cross Tower Bridge to explore the Tower of London. Don’t miss the Monument of the Great Fire of London for a bit of history and great city views. Art enthusiasts will love the Tate Modern (free entry; last admission 17:30). Finish the day sampling food at Borough Market (closed Mondays) and enjoy panoramic city views from the Sky Garden.
Day 3: Culture, Art & Hidden Gems
Discover charming neighborhoods and cultural landmarks. Begin in Covent Garden and wander through the colorful Neal’s Yard, then visit Somerset House. Admire St. Paul’s Cathedral and stroll through Paternoster Square. Don’t miss the unique graffiti tunnel on Leake Street. End the day with a visit to the Natural History Museum, perfect for a mix of education and fun.
Day 4: Museums, Markets & Picture-Perfect Streets
Immerse yourself in London’s art and shopping scene. Start with the Victoria and Albert Museum (free entry) and marvel at Brompton Oratory. Indulge in shopping at Harrods, then explore Notting Hill with stops at the Alice Shop, Luke’s Mews, and Portobello Market. Don’t forget to snap photos at the colorful houses on Lancaster Road and unwind in the serene Kyoto Garden.
Day 5: Day Trip to Canterbury
Take a train to Canterbury and enjoy a day exploring its historic streets and cathedral. Since this itinerary focuses on London, I put up a detailed guide for Canterbury in this post A Perfect Day Trip to Canterbury by Train
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