In the present day I wish to convey 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 summary of what London has to supply guests, and take a day journey. From the principle points of interest 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
Top-of-the-line issues about being an expert journey blogger is that I get to assist individuals plan their journeys. Whether or not it’s by means of my weblog posts or my journey planning providers, I attempt to make sure my readers and followers have an incredible expertise in London or overseas.
Folks typically ask me tips on how to spend 5 days in London, so at present I wish to share my itinerary. From sightseeing to native areas and beloved locations to eat, drink, and store, it has a spread of issues to do within the metropolis.
I’ve created quite a few London itineraries, and I hope you’ll discover this one as useful as you’ve discovered the remaining. You can even check out my 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, 6-day, 7-day, 8-day, and 10-day itineraries for added 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 approach to spend your time within the UK capital. You may alter my 5-day London itinerary to suit your pursuits and journey type. No matter you do, you’ll get overview of what the UK capital has to supply.
You should use my London journey information and my checklist of 51 issues to do in London in a 12 months to fill in any gaps and discover seasonal occasions and actions occurring whenever you’ll be visiting as nicely.
The place to Keep in London
In terms of the place to remain in London, you’ve got loads of alternative. Whether or not you wish to guide a lodge or lease a flat, the town has a variety of locations for each style, type, and finances.
Given how large London is and the way widespread the points of interest are, selecting someplace in or close to the town heart is a good suggestion. You may try my weblog posts in regards to the greatest space to remain in London, the greatest inns to your type, and quirky inns for concepts.
You can even discover offers and guide lodging in London right here. With so many locations to select from, you’re certain to seek 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 prime 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 all around the world, and it’s a should on any first-time London itinerary.
If you wish to, you possibly can time your go to to coincide with the formal Altering the Guard ceremony (it occurs a number of days every week). If not, you possibly can admire the monarch’s London house from outdoors the large gates.
In case your go to occurs to happen through the annual seasonal opening, you can even take a tour of Buckingham Palace. You’ll have the ability to stroll by means of the state rooms, discover the gardens, and see the particular exhibition. You may guide tickets right here.
After visiting the palace you possibly can meander by means 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 house to among the metropolis’s most vital landmarks, together with Massive Ben (Elizabeth Tower).
You’ll additionally see Westminster Abbey and the Homes of Parliament. In case you have time, you possibly can tour the abbey and parliament. You may guide tickets right here.
If you wish to, you possibly can take my free self-guided Westminster stroll to find the world past the apparent points of interest. The route will present you the quiet lanes and hidden areas locals love.
While you’re executed exploring Westminster, you possibly can stroll throughout the Thames and discover the South Financial institution. This can be a good spot to stroll round, browse the markets, and take in the scene alongside the waterfront.
You can even experience the London Eye whilst you’re right here. It has among the greatest views within the metropolis. You may guide tickets right here (you’ll have to guide 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.
While you’re executed, you possibly can stroll alongside the river to Tate Fashionable and Borough Market. They’re two extra of the town’s most beloved landmarks.
Tate Fashionable is a world-class artwork museum. It gives free entry, so it’s straightforward 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 seek out culinary inspiration and get one thing to eat for lunch. It’s enjoyable to wander round and take in the colours and smells of the stalls whilst you browse.
After lunch, get on the tube and experience it to Covent Backyard. While you arrive, you possibly can stroll by means of the well-known piazza to see what’s on within the markets and outlets.
Afterwards you possibly can discover the world round Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, Mercer Stroll and St Martin’s Courtyard. There are many outlets to duck into and vibrant colours to encourage the senses right here.
When you’re within the space, you may make your approach by means of Trafalgar Sq., Leicester Sq., and Piccadilly Circus to get to Regent Avenue and Piccadilly. There’s nice buying right here, together with well-known department shops like Fortnum & Mason.
When night comes, there are many locations you’ll find dinner in Soho, Covent Backyard, or Mayfair. These areas have a spread of choices for consuming. You may see my suggestions for eating places in London and pubs when you need assistance discovering a spot to go.
After dinner you possibly can take an open-top bus tour to get extra of an summary of London. It’s a straightforward approach to uncover what the UK capital has to supply in a brief period of time. You may guide 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 possibly can 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 a complete day of sightseeing in London, so ensure to stay to the rooms you’re most curious about.
There’s free entry, although, so you possibly can keep for so long as you want. The Rosetta Stone and Egyptian rooms are musts for many first-time guests.
While you’re executed seeing the elements of the gathering you’re enthusiastic about, you may make your approach over to the museum’s well-known Nice Court docket for a lightweight lunch within the cafe or restaurant.
Alternatively, Charlotte Avenue in Fitzrovia has enjoyable locations to eat. It’s in straightforward strolling distance of the British Museum. The truth is, it’s one of many greatest locations to eat close to London’s prime points of interest.
No matter you do for lunch, you possibly can proceed the second of your 5 days in London by hopping on the tube and taking it to South Kensington. You may have two selections right here: head to a museum or buy groceries.
If you happen to select the previous, there are three main museums right here. I like to recommend selecting one. All of them supply free entry, so you possibly can keep for as little or so long as you wish to.
I really like the V&A for its world-class artwork and design (to not point out its wonderful cafe), the Pure Historical past Museum for its gorgeous structure and larger-than-life shows, and the Science Museum for its stimulating reveals.
If you happen to don’t wish to go to a museum, there’s a number of nice buying in and round South Kensington. You may try the boutiques on Fulham Highway and Brompton Highway, or stroll right down to the King’s Highway in Chelsea.
You can even go to well-known department shops like Harrods and Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge whilst you’re right here. Harrods Meals Halls are wonderful.
You may even stroll down Sloane Avenue and head over to Belgravia you probably have time. Elizabeth Avenue is known for its floral facades, and it’s price a particular journey to see them.
After going buying or exploring a museum, head as much as Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. The formal backyard by Kensington Palace is considered one of my favourite inexperienced areas within the metropolis, and with 5 days in London, strolling by means 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 price seeing, too.
While you get to Hyde Park Nook, you’ll doubtless be able to relaxation your legs. There’s no higher approach to do it than by settling in for afternoon tea.
There are many nice choices close to Hyde Park, so that you’ll haven’t any downside discovering one which appeals (simply ensure to guide 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 may 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.
If you happen to’re hungry after the present, you possibly can benefit from the late opening hours of lots of the eating places within the West Finish.
If you happen to’re within the temper for nightlife, there’s no scarcity of locations you’ll find it on this a part of London. My favourite spot is Cahoots, a travel-themed bar in Kingly Court docket.
Different enjoyable locations embody 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 price a particular go to, and so they’re straightforward to get to by practice, automotive, or on a guided tour.
If you happen to’re a fan of the English countryside, I like to recommend taking a day journey to the Cotswolds. You may go independently with or and not using a automotive, or on a guided day tour. You may see choices and guide a tour right here.
There’s no scarcity of charming cities and villages within the Cotswolds to go to. My favorites embody Painswick, Bibury, Higher Slaughter, and Citadel Combe.
If the seaside is your factor, Brighton, Hastings, and Deal are my prime picks. All of them have nice seashores and many outlets and eating places to get pleasure from. They’re straightforward day journeys from London by practice, 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 prime picks are Canterbury in Kent, Norwich in Norfolk, York in Yorkshire, St Albans in Hertfordshire, and Ely in Cambridgeshire. All of them have wonderful church buildings and nice metropolis facilities.
If you happen to’re into historical past, Winchester, Tub, Canterbury and Dover, Lewes, and Amersham are nice. Amersham is so shut you possibly can even take the tube to get there.
If you happen to’re feeling formidable, you possibly can 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’ve got loads of choices.
If you happen to’re searching for seasonal journeys, you possibly can try my guides to spring, summer season, autumn, and winter day journeys from London for concepts.
Day 4 in London
Begin the subsequent morning of your 5-day London itinerary on the Tower of London. Relationship again to the eleventh century, this place awes guests with its historical past.
Getting right here early will help you keep away from the large crowds later within the day. I like to recommend taking a guided tour with an early-access ticket so you possibly can meet a Beefeater and see the Crown Jewels with out the large strains.
You’ll additionally have the ability to tour the White Tower and go to the opposite heritage landmarks inside the partitions. You may guide your tickets right here.
After touring the Tower of London, you possibly can go for a lightweight lunch at a spot like White Mulberries in St Katharine Docks. This distinctive marina by Tower Bridge is a enjoyable place to get pleasure from a fast meal on an enormous day of sightseeing.
After lunch it’s a brief stroll over to Tower Bridge. This inspiring feat of Victorian engineering is likely one of 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 guide tickets right here.
While you depart Tower Bridge, you possibly can 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 modern viewing platforms just like the Sky Backyard and Horizon 22, this a part of the UK capital accommodates 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 all the things from the main landmarks to the hidden lanes.
From the Metropolis you possibly can stroll or take a bus or the tube to Spitalfields. You may browse the stalls at Outdated Spitalfields Market, wander down Brick Lane, and take a look at what’s on across the Outdated Truman Brewery.
After buying and exploring, you possibly can stroll as much as Shoreditch for the night. Right here you’ll have the ability to take within the East Finish’s fashionable 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 fitting place for a enjoyable night time out, too. East London is likely one of the metropolis’s greatest nightlife areas, and there’s no scarcity of eating places, pubs, speakeasies, bars, and pop-ups to go to.
In case 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 possibly can discover one of many metropolis’s beloved native neighborhoods.
Whether or not you want a village ambiance, an enormous park, riverfront surroundings, or fascinating historical past, there’s a spot for you. I’ve listed a few of my favorites under to provide you concepts.
You may examine further under-the-radar locations within the metropolis within the well-known guide Secret London – An Uncommon Information. You may get it on Amazon right here.
Hampstead
Hampstead is my favourite London neighborhood. I spent years residing 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 when you love the thought of an English village conveniently positioned in London. The facet streets are stuffed 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 Court docket, too.
After breakfast you possibly can store. There are many boutiques on the excessive avenue and Heath Avenue. You will discover all the things from house items to clothes and niknaks right here.
While you’re executed buying, you possibly can meander across the space. Church Row, Flask Stroll, Holly Stroll, and Mansfield Place are native favorites, but it surely’s arduous to go improper in Hampstead.
My free self-guided Hampstead stroll has a route and map that may present you the perfect locations.
While 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 may transport you again in time.
While you’re completed with lunch, head to Hampstead Heath for a stroll with sweeping views of London from Parliament Hill. Kenwood Home, a stately house in London, is enjoyable to discover as nicely.
Within the late afternoon you possibly can head to South Finish Inexperienced to buy at Daunt Books and have a drink at one of many many pubs with beer gardens.
While you’re executed exploring the world, you possibly can 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 alternative.
Notting Hill
Another choice is to spend the final of your 5 days in London exploring Notting Hill. This space is understood 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 means of the well-known Portobello Highway Market (it’s busiest on Saturdays, so attempt to go then and get there early).
While you’re executed strolling across the market, you possibly can 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 Highway and Westbourne Grove.
Within the afternoon you possibly can discover the world’s facet streets and hidden mews. My free self-guided Notting Hill stroll is a good way to do it, as it can take you round to the perfect of them.
When night comes, you possibly can 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 get pleasure from a meal and drinks on the finish of an enormous day.
Greenwich
Greenwich is one other of the loveliest London neighborhoods. If you happen to like historical past, it’s an incredible 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 experience is likely one of the highlights of spending a day right here, and it’s enjoyable to absorb the views of London from the Thames. You may guide tickets right here.
Greenwich is good for historical past lovers and stargazers. It has extra museums per sq. foot than seemingly every other a part of the UK capital, and it’s house to the Royal Observatory of Greenwich Imply Time fame.
This space is the proper place so as to add to your itinerary for five days in London when you love digging into the previous, staring on the night time sky, or having fun with good views.
The buying is nice, too. Whether or not you’re into excessive avenue outlets or historic lined markets, Greenwich has one thing for you.
If that every one sounds good, you can begin your day in Greenwich with the aforementioned boat experience. It should drop you off proper within the coronary heart of Maritime Greenwich.
From the waterfront you possibly can 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 possibly can head to the Nationwide Maritime Museum. This place is filled with all issues British historical past, and its wealth of treasures and interactive reveals makes it enjoyable for guests of all ages. It gives free entry, so you possibly can keep for so long as you wish to.
Afterwards you possibly can duck into the chapel of the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty to see the wonderful 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 Outdated Royal Naval Faculty. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and Nicholas Hawksmoor, they’re not solely stunning to see, but in addition in style filming websites.
From the Outdated Royal Naval Faculty it’s a brief stroll to the Seventeenth-century Queen’s Home. It’s a shocking instance of Palladian structure, and there’s a fantastic spiral staircase inside. It gives free entry, too, so it’s straightforward to pop in and probe for a bit.
From the Queen’s Home you possibly can stroll to lunch on the historic lined market in Greenwich. This place has a spread of stalls promoting all types of ready meals, so that you’re certain to seek out one thing that appeals. There are candy treats, too.
After lunch, you possibly can stroll into Greenwich Park and up the hill to the Royal Observatory. This place is enjoyable to discover, particularly when you’re curious about all issues astronomy.
It’s thrilling to face with one foot on both facet of the Prime Meridian and take in the spectacular views of London from the crest of the hill in Greenwich Park.
While you’re executed absorbing the views, you possibly can head again down into Greenwich and discover the facet streets with their colourful doorways. There are many fairly lanes round right here, and so they’re price discovering.
If you wish to see the perfect of the world, my free self-guided Greenwich stroll will lead you to all of the locations I discussed above (and extra!).
When it’s supper time, you’ve got 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 possibly can finish your day with a ship journey again into central London. It’s a enjoyable approach to see the sights at night time.
Richmond
Within the southwest, Richmond is a 3rd London neighborhood that’s price a visit. It’s straightforward to get to by tube or practice from central London, and it makes vacation spot for the final day of your 5-day London itinerary.
Dwelling to a fantastic riverfront space, a park full of deer, and cute outlets and eating places, Richmond is for you when you get pleasure from 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 unbiased quantity, there are many good choices.
While you’re executed fueling up, you possibly can discover the world’s facet streets. The lanes, walks, and courts that radiate from the excessive avenue are stuffed with little surprises (to not point out Ted Lasso filming places).
Richmond Inexperienced is picturesque, too. If you happen to’re fortunate, you may see a neighborhood cricket match occurring whilst you’re exploring. If you happen to want some course, my free self-guided Richmond stroll is simply the factor.
While you’re executed, you possibly can store on the excessive avenue. There are all types of recognizable names and enjoyable boutiques on and across the neighborhood’s predominant thoroughfare.
After buying, 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 need a quick stroll or an extended one, the Thames Path will provide you with choices. You may even stroll all the way in which to Ham Home, a Nationwide Belief property in London. It’s price touring when you like historical past.
After your stroll you possibly can 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 ensure to have your digicam prepared as you’re exploring. They’re wonderful to see up shut.
In order for you some course, you possibly can see routes totally free self-guided walks on my weblog put up about park walks in London.
When the solar begins to go down, you possibly can 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 practice 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 depart wanting to return again and discover extra.
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