As we speak I wish to carry you my itinerary for five days in London. This can be a nice period of time to see the highlights of the town, get an outline of what London has to supply guests, and take a day journey. From the principle sights to the spots locals love, London has so much to entertain you. Learn on for the official A Woman in London itinerary.
5 Days in London
The most effective issues about being knowledgeable journey blogger is that I get to assist folks plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by way of my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, I try to make sure my readers and followers have an excellent expertise in London or overseas.
Folks usually ask me the way to spend 5 days in London, so immediately I wish to share my itinerary. From sightseeing to native areas and beloved locations to eat, drink, and store, it has a variety of issues to do within the metropolis.
I’ve created numerous London itineraries, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the remainder. You may also check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for extra inspiration.
I’ve even created itineraries for 36 hours, 48 hours, and a weekend in London.
The excellent news is that there’s no proper or improper technique to spend your time within the UK capital. You may regulate my 5-day London itinerary to suit your pursuits and journey fashion. No matter you do, you’ll get a very good overview of what the UK capital has to supply.
You should utilize my London journey information and my listing of 51 issues to do in London in a 12 months to fill in any gaps and discover seasonal occasions and actions happening whenever you’ll be visiting as nicely.
The place to Keep in London
In the case of the place to remain in London, you might have loads of selection. Whether or not you wish to ebook a resort or lease a flat, the town has a variety of locations for each style, fashion, and price range.
Given how large London is and the way widespread the sights are, selecting someplace in or close to the town middle is a good suggestion. You may take a look at my weblog posts in regards to the greatest space to remain in London, the greatest accommodations to your fashion, and quirky accommodations for concepts.
You may also discover offers and ebook lodging in London right here. With so many locations to select from, you’re certain to search out someplace you like.
Day 1 in London
As soon as right here, you can begin the primary of your 5 days in London with good espresso and meals. Whether or not you select one of many greatest espresso outlets in London or one of many high locations for breakfast, you’ll set your self up nicely for the day.
When you’ve taken care of your urge for food, you’ll be prepared for a enjoyable day of exploring the UK capital. My favourite place to kick off a visit to London is Westminster.
I like to recommend starting with Buckingham Palace. This well-known royal residence in London attracts guests from everywhere in the world, and it’s a should on any first-time London itinerary.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to time your go to to coincide with the formal Altering the Guard ceremony (it occurs a number of days every week). If not, you’ll be able to admire the monarch’s London dwelling from outdoors the massive gates.
In case your go to occurs to happen throughout the annual seasonal opening, you can too take a tour of Buckingham Palace. You’ll be capable to stroll by way of the state rooms, discover the gardens, and see the particular exhibition. You may ebook tickets right here.
After visiting the palace you’ll be able to meander by way of St James’s Park and out to Horse Guards Parade and Whitehall.
From there it’s a brief stroll to Parliament Sq. in Westminster. This place is dwelling to among the metropolis’s most essential landmarks, together with Massive Ben (Elizabeth Tower).
You’ll additionally see Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament. When you have time, you’ll be able to tour the abbey and parliament. You may ebook tickets right here.
If you wish to, you’ll be able to take my free self-guided Westminster stroll to find the realm past the apparent sights. The route will present you the quiet lanes and hidden areas locals love.
Whenever you’re performed exploring Westminster, you’ll be able to stroll throughout the Thames and discover the South Financial institution. This can be a good spot to stroll round, browse the markets, and absorb the scene alongside the waterfront.
You may also trip the London Eye whilst you’re right here. It has among the greatest views within the metropolis. You may ebook tickets right here (you’ll must ebook nicely prematurely, because it sells out).
The South Financial institution is known for its avenue performers, festivals, pop-ups, meals vehicles, and different leisure, so it’s a good suggestion to take a while to wander round and see what’s on whilst you’re visiting.
Whenever you’re performed, you’ll be able to stroll alongside the river to Tate Trendy and Borough Market. They’re two extra of the town’s most beloved landmarks.
Tate Trendy is a world-class artwork museum. It provides free entry, so it’s simple to go inside for as a lot (or as little) time as you wish to. There are nice views from the higher flooring, too.
Borough Market is simply the spot to search out culinary inspiration and get one thing to eat for lunch. It’s enjoyable to wander round and absorb the colours and smells of the stalls whilst you browse.
After lunch, get on the tube and trip it to Covent Backyard. Whenever you arrive, you’ll be able to stroll by way of the well-known piazza to see what’s on within the markets and outlets.
Afterwards you’ll be able to discover the realm round Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Mercer Stroll and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are many outlets to duck into and shiny colours to encourage the senses right here.
Whilst you’re within the space, you may make your manner by way of Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Avenue and Piccadilly. There’s nice procuring right here, together with well-known department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
When night comes, there are many locations you could find dinner in Soho, Covent Backyard, or Mayfair. These areas have a variety of choices for consuming. You may see my suggestions for eating places in London and pubs in case you need assistance discovering a spot to go.
After dinner you’ll be able to take an open-top bus tour to get extra of an outline of London. It’s a straightforward technique to uncover what the UK capital has to supply in a brief period of time. You may ebook tickets right here.
Day 2 in London
You can begin the second morning of your itinerary for five days in London with breakfast or espresso in Bloomsbury. From Lamb’s Conduit Avenue to Retailer Avenue, there are good native spots right here.
After consuming you’ll be able to stroll over to the British Museum. This behemoth is a treasure trove of antiquities from all throughout the globe, and morning is a perfect time to go to as a result of there will be fewer crowds.
The British Museum is cavernous sufficient to take up an entire day of sightseeing in London, so be certain that to stay to the rooms you’re most inquisitive about.
There’s free entry, although, so you’ll be able to keep for so long as you want. The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian rooms are musts for many first-time guests.
Whenever you’re performed seeing the components of the gathering you’re enthusiastic about, you may make your manner over to the museum’s well-known Nice Courtroom for a light-weight lunch within the cafe or restaurant.
Alternatively, Charlotte Avenue in Fitzrovia has enjoyable locations to eat. It’s in simple strolling distance of the British Museum. In reality, it’s one of many greatest locations to eat close to London’s high sights.
No matter you do for lunch, you’ll be able to proceed the second of your 5 days in London by hopping on the tube and taking it to South Kensington. You might have two selections right here: head to a museum or buy groceries.
For those who select the previous, there are three main museums right here. I like to recommend selecting one. All of them supply free entry, so you’ll be able to keep for as little or so long as you wish to.
I like the V&A for its world-class artwork and design (to not point out its superb cafe), the Pure Historical past Museum for its beautiful structure and larger-than-life shows, and the Science Museum for its stimulating displays.
For those who don’t wish to go to a museum, there’s plenty of nice procuring in and round South Kensington. You may take a look at the boutiques on Fulham Street and Brompton Street, or stroll right down to the King’s Street in Chelsea.
You may also go to well-known department shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge whilst you’re right here. Harrods Meals Halls are superb.
You may even stroll down Sloane Avenue and head over to Belgravia in case you have time. Elizabeth Avenue is known for its floral facades, and it’s value a particular journey to see them.
After going procuring or exploring a museum, head as much as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal backyard by Kensington Palace is one in every of my favourite inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and with 5 days in London, strolling by way of its vine arches is a should.
The Serpentine water function in Hyde Park is all the time enjoyable to wander round, and the Diana Memorial Fountain is value seeing, too.
Whenever you get to Hyde Park Nook, you’ll seemingly be able to relaxation your legs. There’s no higher technique to do it than by settling in for afternoon tea.
There are many nice choices close to Hyde Park, so that you’ll don’t have any drawback discovering one which appeals (simply be certain that to ebook nicely prematurely).
From The Dorchester to The Lanesborough, The Berkeley to the Mandarin Oriental, the Jumeirah Carlton Tower to Claridge’s, The Halkin to The Goring, The Ritz, Brown’s, and Fortnum & Mason, this a part of London has a whole lot of choices for afternoon tea.
When night comes, proceed your 5-day London itinerary by strolling or taking the tube to the West Finish to see a present. There are many performs, musicals, and comedy acts you will get tickets for on any given night time in London.
Town has a world-class theater scene, so whether or not you’re up for going to a musical in Soho or a drama in Covent Backyard, there’s all the time one thing thrilling on.
For those who’re hungry after the present, you’ll be able to make the most of the late opening hours of lots of the eating places within the West Finish.
For those who’re within the temper for nightlife, there’s no scarcity of locations you could find it on this a part of London. My favourite spot is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Courtroom.
Different enjoyable locations embrace Ronnie Scott’s jazz membership, the pubs dotted all through the West Finish, and bars like Mr Fogg’s Tavern in Covent Backyard.
Day 3 in London
On the third of your 5 days in London, I like to recommend taking a day journey. There are a whole lot of locations across the UK capital which can be value a particular go to, they usually’re simple to get to by prepare, automotive, or on a guided tour.
For those who’re a fan of the English countryside, I like to recommend taking a day journey to the Cotswolds. You may go independently with or with no automotive, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and ebook a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of charming cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embrace Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Fort Combe.
If the seaside is your factor, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are my high picks. All of them have nice seashores and many outlets and eating places to take pleasure in. They’re simple day journeys from London by prepare, too.
If you wish to see well-known college cities, look no additional than Oxford and Cambridge. These are among the hottest locations to go on a time out from London.
And if cathedral cities are your factor, my high picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have superb church buildings and nice metropolis facilities.
For those who’re into historical past, Winchester, Bathtub, Canterbury and Dover, Lewes, and Amersham are nice. Amersham is so shut you’ll be able to even take the tube to get there.
For those who’re feeling bold, you’ll be able to take a day journey to Paris from London. There are different day journeys from London to Europe that make for thrilling adventures, too. From Brussels to Lille and Amsterdam, you might have loads of choices.
For those who’re on the lookout for seasonal journeys, you’ll be able to take a look at my guides to spring, summer time, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 4 in London
Begin the following morning of your 5-day London itinerary on the Tower of London. Courting again to the eleventh century, this place awes guests with its historical past.
Getting right here early will let you keep away from the massive crowds later within the day. I like to recommend taking a guided tour with an early-access ticket so you’ll be able to meet a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels with out the large strains.
You’ll additionally be capable to tour the White Tower and go to the opposite heritage landmarks throughout the partitions. You may ebook your tickets right here.
After touring the Tower of London, you’ll be able to go for a light-weight lunch at a spot like White Mulberries in St Katharine Docks. This distinctive marina by Tower Bridge is a enjoyable place to take pleasure in a fast meal on a giant day of sightseeing.
After lunch it’s a brief stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is among the most eye-catching London landmarks. You may stroll throughout it, then head as much as the highest on a self-guided tour if you wish to. You may ebook tickets right here.
Whenever you go away Tower Bridge, you’ll be able to stroll over to the Metropolis of London. There’s tons to see on this a part of the UK capital.
From the towering dome of St Paul’s Cathedral to up to date viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital comprises a whole lot of architectural selection.
My self-guided stroll within the Metropolis of London might help if you wish to hit the highlights. It should present you the whole lot from the most important landmarks to the hidden lanes.
From the Metropolis you’ll be able to stroll or take a bus or the tube to Spitalfields. You may browse the stalls at Previous Spitalfields Market, wander down Brick Lane, and take a look at what’s on across the Previous Truman Brewery.
After procuring and exploring, you’ll be able to stroll as much as Shoreditch for the night. Right here you’ll be capable to take within the East Finish’s stylish hub.
From Shoreditch Excessive Avenue and Nice Japanese Avenue to Redchurch Avenue and Rivington Avenue, there’s all the time one thing new to find on this hipster neighborhood.
You’ll be in the correct place for a enjoyable night time out, too. East London is among the metropolis’s greatest nightlife areas, and there’s no scarcity of eating places, pubs, speakeasies, bars, and pop-ups to go to.
When you have vitality for going out after dinner, there are nice bars and golf equipment in and round this a part of the town. They’re thrilling locations to finish the fourth night time of your journey to London.
Whether or not you select to go to Hackney, Bethnal Inexperienced, Hackney Wick, or one other cool space within the East Finish, you’re certain to have a good time.
Day 5 in London
On the final of your 5 days in London, you’ll be able to discover one of many metropolis’s beloved native neighborhoods.
Whether or not you want a village ambiance, a giant park, riverfront surroundings, or fascinating historical past, there’s a spot for you. I’ve listed a few of my favorites beneath to offer you concepts.
You may examine extra under-the-radar locations within the metropolis within the well-known ebook Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may get it on Amazon right here.
Hampstead
Hampstead is my favourite London neighborhood. I spent years dwelling right here and I nonetheless return on a regular basis. Up in north London, it’s simply accessible by tube and there’s sufficient to see and do right here for a full day.
Hampstead is for you in case you love the concept of an English village conveniently positioned in London. The facet streets are filled with fairly homes and the neighborhood has one of many metropolis’s greatest and wildest parks.
You can begin your day in Hampstead with espresso or breakfast on Hampstead Excessive Avenue. There are nice cafes on Flask Stroll and Perrin’s Courtroom, too.
After breakfast you’ll be able to store. There are many boutiques on the excessive avenue and Heath Avenue. You’ll find the whole lot from dwelling items to clothes and niknaks right here.
Whenever you’re performed procuring, you’ll be able to meander across the space. Church Row, Flask Stroll, Holly Stroll, and Mansfield Place are native favorites, nevertheless it’s arduous to go improper in Hampstead.
My free self-guided Hampstead stroll has a route and map that can present you the perfect locations.
Whenever you’re hungry for lunch, head to the Holly Bush. It’s my favourite pub in London. Tucked away on a curving facet avenue, it has a warren of rooms that can transport you again in time.
Whenever you’re completed with lunch, head to Hampstead Heath for a stroll with sweeping views of London from Parliament Hill. Kenwood Home, a stately dwelling in London, is enjoyable to discover as nicely.
Within the late afternoon you’ll be able to head to South Finish Inexperienced to buy at Daunt Books and have a drink at one of many many pubs with beer gardens.
Whenever you’re performed exploring the realm, you’ll be able to head again as much as Hampstead Excessive Avenue for dinner at a neighborhood restaurant. Whether or not you select a traditional Italian spot like Villa Bianca or a beloved Japanese place like Jin Kichi, you’ll be spoiled for selection.
Notting Hill
An alternative choice is to spend the final of your 5 days in London exploring Notting Hill. This space is thought for its vibrant colours, buzzing market, enjoyable outlets, and hidden mews.
If that appeals, you can begin your day in Notting Hill with a stroll by way of the well-known Portobello Street Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so attempt to go then and get there early).
Whenever you’re performed strolling across the market, you’ll be able to have lunch there or at one of many space’s many eating places and cafes. From informal locations to upscale ones, there’s a spread round Portobello Street and Westbourne Grove.
Within the afternoon you’ll be able to discover the realm’s facet streets and hidden mews. My free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is an effective way to do it, as it should take you round to the perfect of them.
When night comes, you’ll be able to have dinner at one of many neighborhood’s beloved pubs and take a look at the nightlife scene. There are many locations to exit right here, and it’s a enjoyable neighborhood to take pleasure in a meal and drinks on the finish of a giant day.
Greenwich
Greenwich is one other of the loveliest London neighborhoods. For those who like historical past, it’s an excellent place to spend the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.
Positioned within the southeast of the town, Greenwich is greatest reached by boat from central London. The trip is among the highlights of spending a day right here, and it’s enjoyable to absorb the views of London from the Thames. You may ebook tickets right here.
Greenwich is right for historical past lovers and stargazers. It has extra museums per sq. foot than seemingly some other a part of the UK capital, and it’s dwelling to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Imply Time fame.
This space is the right place so as to add to your itinerary for five days in London in case you love digging into the previous, staring on the night time sky, or having fun with good views.
The procuring is nice, too. Whether or not you’re into excessive avenue outlets or historic coated markets, Greenwich has one thing for you.
If that every one sounds good, you can begin your day in Greenwich with the aforementioned boat trip. It should drop you off proper within the coronary heart of Maritime Greenwich.
From the waterfront you’ll be able to take within the Cutty Sark, a Nineteenth-century British clipper ship. You may tour it if you wish to, or simply peer into it from the glass outdoors.
From the Cutty Sark you’ll be able to head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This place is full of all issues British historical past, and its wealth of treasures and interactive displays makes it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It provides free entry, so you’ll be able to keep for so long as you wish to.
Afterwards you’ll be able to duck into the chapel of the Previous Royal Naval School to see the superb painted ceiling. This place has been used as a filming location for a lot of motion pictures and TV reveals, so that you may acknowledge it.
The identical goes for the buildings that make up the Previous Royal Naval School. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not solely stunning to see, but in addition widespread filming websites.
From the Previous Royal Naval School it’s a brief stroll to the Seventeenth-century Queen’s Home. It’s a surprising instance of Palladian structure, and there’s a wonderful spiral staircase inside. It provides free entry, too, so it’s simple to pop in and probe for a bit.
From the Queen’s Home you’ll be able to stroll to lunch on the historic coated market in Greenwich. This place has a variety of stalls promoting every kind of ready meals, so that you’re certain to search out one thing that appeals. There are candy treats, too.
After lunch, you’ll be able to stroll into Greenwich Park and up the hill to the Royal Observatory. This place is enjoyable to discover, particularly in case you’re inquisitive about all issues astronomy.
It’s thrilling to face with one foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian and absorb the spectacular views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park.
Whenever you’re performed absorbing the views, you’ll be able to head again down into Greenwich and discover the facet streets with their colourful doorways. There are many fairly lanes round right here, they usually’re value discovering.
If you wish to see the perfect of the realm, my free self-guided Greenwich stroll will lead you to all of the locations I discussed above (and extra!).
When it’s time for supper, you might have loads of choices. Greenwich has enjoyable pubs, together with the well-known Trafalgar Tavern. You may watch the waves splash towards the outer partitions right here when it’s excessive tide on the Thames.
After dinner you’ll be able to finish your day with a ship journey again into central London. It’s a enjoyable technique to see the sights at night time.
Richmond
Within the southwest, Richmond is a 3rd London neighborhood that’s value a visit. It’s simple to get to by tube or prepare from central London, and it makes a very good vacation spot for the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.
House to a wonderful riverfront space, a park stuffed with deer, and cute outlets and eating places, Richmond is for you in case you take pleasure in being open air and also you wish to really feel like a neighborhood in London.
You can begin your time out in Richmond with breakfast or espresso at one of many space’s cafes. Whether or not you select a well-recognized chain or an impartial quantity, there are many good choices.
Whenever you’re performed fueling up, you’ll be able to discover the realm’s facet streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the excessive avenue are filled with little surprises (to not point out Ted Lasso filming areas).
Richmond Inexperienced is picturesque, too. For those who’re fortunate, you may see a neighborhood cricket match happening whilst you’re exploring. For those who want some path, my free self-guided Richmond stroll is simply the factor.
Whenever you’re performed, you’ll be able to store on the excessive avenue. There are every kind of recognizable names and enjoyable boutiques on and across the neighborhood’s foremost thoroughfare.
After procuring, head to lunch at a riverside pub. They’re ultimate locations to take in the solar and watch the boats go by on the water.
You may take a stroll alongside the Thames after lunch. Whether or not you desire a quick stroll or an extended one, the Thames Path gives you choices. You may even stroll all the best way to Ham Home, a Nationwide Belief property in London. It’s value touring in case you like historical past.
After your stroll you’ll be able to head up the hill to Richmond Park. Like Hampstead Heath, it’s one of many metropolis’s greatest and most stunning inexperienced areas.
Richmond Park is known for its deer, too, so be certain that to have your digital camera prepared as you’re exploring. They’re superb to see up shut.
In order for you some path, you’ll be able to see routes free of charge self-guided walks on my weblog submit about park walks in London.
When the solar begins to go down, you’ll be able to head again into the neighborhood for dinner at one of many eating places or pubs close to the excessive avenue, then hop on the tube or a prepare again to central London.
5 Days in London
I hope you’ve loved this 5-day London itinerary and that it’s given you good concepts for issues to do within the UK capital. There’s so much to see and do right here, and I’m certain you’ll go away wanting to return again and discover extra.
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