5 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary

Five days in London gives you time to explore the historic core around the City and Westminster, venture into South London's vibrant food and art scene, and spend at least one afternoon getting deliberately lost in a neighbourhood that catches your eye.

Your 5-day London itinerary, day by day

1. Day1

   Tower of London and Borough Market

   Start at the Tower of London early — the Crown Jewels alone take an hour, and the Beefeater tours are genuinely entertaining. Walk across Tower Bridge and into Bermondsey for lunch, then along the South Bank to Borough Market for an afternoon of grazing. Sunset from the Tate Modern's viewing level is free and spectacular.

2. Day2

   British Museum and Covent Garden

   Spend the morning at the British Museum — the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and the Egyptian mummies are all worth extended time. Afternoon in Covent Garden's covered market and the surrounding streets of Seven Dials. Book ahead for a West End show in the evening — the theatre district is a 10-minute walk.

3. Day3

   Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, Kensington

   Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (check times in advance, not daily). Walk through Green Park and into Hyde Park to the Serpentine Gallery. Afternoon at Kensington Palace (Diana's former home, now partially open) and the Victoria & Albert Museum — the fashion and jewellery galleries are unmissable.

4. Day4

   Tate Modern and Bankside

   Tate Modern is one of the world's great contemporary art museums, housed in a former power station — the turbine hall always has a major installation. Walk west along the South Bank to the Globe Theatre, Cross Bones Garden, and the Southwark Cathedral. Dinner in Bermondsey Street, one of London's best restaurant strips.

5. Day5

   Notting Hill and Portobello Market

   Portobello Road Market on a Saturday morning is one of London's great experiences — antiques, vintage clothing, street food, and the brightly painted houses that made the neighbourhood famous. Brunch in Notting Hill, afternoon wander through Holland Park. Farewell dinner in Soho.

Tips for your London trip

• Use a contactless bank card or Apple/Google Pay directly on the Tube — it charges the same daily cap as an Oyster card with no queuing to top up; single fares with a physical ticket are significantly more expensive.
• The major national museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, V&A) are free; budget accordingly so you can eat well instead — London's restaurant scene at mid-range prices is exceptional.
• Book popular restaurants and theatre tickets at least a week ahead; last-minute theatre tickets at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square can be legitimately discounted (day-of only, in person).
• Mind the weather and layer up: a light waterproof jacket is non-negotiable year-round; summers are warm but rarely hot, and rain arrives without warning.

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