Perfect 5 day Itinerary for London
London Eye
Borough Market
Elizabeth Tower also known as Big Ben
Tower Bridge
The White Tower
St. Paul's Cathedral
Day 1
Westminster, Soho & Covent Garden
- Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace
- These iconic landmarks are the perfect place to start your 1st day in London. Try to schedule your day so you can catch the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace!
- Lunch at one of our favorites in the area:
- Walk through Trafalgar Square
- British Museum
- A definite must see is the world renowned British Museum filled with historical treasures? And the best part is there is no admission fee.
- Dinner at one of our favorites in the area:
- See a show near Covent Garden
- After dinner, head over to London's West End to experience English theatre! One piece of advice: purchase tickets in advance.
- Hit the ultimate London icon - a pub! Here are some of our favorites in the area:
Day 2
Explore the South Bank
- London Eye
- Take a ride on the London Eye, (also knowns as the Millennium Wheel). The London Eye is the observation wheel located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
- If we could give you one piece of advice it would be this: purchase tickets in advance. Purchasing tickets in advance usually offers a discount, as well as a skip-the-line option, which is huge for the London Eye. Traveler tip: check the weather before booking your tickets in advance. You don't want to risk having a ticket on a rainy day.
- Lunch at Borough Market
- Sample and taste your way through some of London's best street food! Chat with chefs, bakers, and farmers as you enjoy crafty cuisine. Photo by Instagram user @jaynieconnorphoto
- Tate Modern
- This world-famous modern art gallery is Britain's national gallery of international modern art. A must see for art lovers and budget friendly travelers as admission is free!
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Whether you see a show or simply admire it from the outside, Shakespeare's famous Globe Theatre is literally right next to Tate Modern. This is another definite must see London site.
- Dinner at one of our favorites:
- Aqua Shard - inside The Shard, awesome views and a terrific bar!
- 40 Maltby Street
Day 3
Iconic sites & local favorites
- Tower Bridge
- No trip to London is complete without a walk over the Tower Bridge. Grab your camera and take tons of selfies!
- Tower of London
- This historic castle is a London highlight. From the Crown Jewels to guided tours, experience entertaining history at this must-see for history buffs.
- Lunch at Leadenhall Market
- A great spot for foodies and photographers. You might be so busy taking pictures of this stunning market that you'll forget all about the food.
- St. Paul's
- Let go of your fear of heights! Climb to the top of the dome for some breathtaking views. You won't regret!
- Afternoon Tea at Sketch
- This whimsical restaurant is where art meets culinary excellence. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, quintessentially British Afternoon Tea at one of London's favorite spots.
- Enjoy a few pints at our favorite Fleet Street pubs:
Cafe in Little Venice
Day 4
Notting Hill, Kensington, & Camden Town
- Snap a photo crossing Abbey Road
- But please mind the traffic while staging your photo shoot
- Notting Hill
- There is nothing quite like the pastel, candy-colored homes of Notting Hill. Take tons of photos, then do some shopping at the famous Portobello Road market!
- Little Venice near Paddington
- Little Venice, with its beautiful canals and waterways, can be found just to the north of Paddington. Positioned where the Grand Union and Regent’s canals meet, this picturesque neighbourhood is home to quirky waterside cafes, cosy pubs and charming restaurants. From canal boat rides to puppet shows, there are plenty of things to do in this charming London area.
- Lunch at Camden Market
- It's easy to get lost in this playground of unique shops and artisan bites. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and delicious goodies of funky Camden Lock.
- V&A Museum or Natural History Museum
- These museums, right near Hyde Park, are two of London's most beloved cultural institutions. While visiting both is ideal, be sure to pace yourself. If you don't have time to give both the attention they deserve, choose one and be present there.
- Dinner at the Churchill Arms -photo by Instagram user @itssolondon
Day 5
An artsy day in East London
- See street art in Shoreditch
- Known as the "Brooklyn of London," Shoreditch is London's grungey, artsy cousin. Filled with cool restaurants, eye-widening street art, and funky shops, Shoreditch is worth a visit.
- Try curry in the UK's "curry capital," Brick Lane! One of our favorite Indian restaurants in the area is local favorite Dishoom.
- Do some souvenir shopping at Boxpark
- A pop-up mall made out of shipping containers? You bet! Grab some cool souvenirs, listen to live music, and grab some scrumptious treats at this unique East London hot-spot.
- Dinner at Duck and Waffle
- The perfect way to end a magical London vacation! This stunning restaurant serves up mouthwatering cuisine 24/7 from the 40th-floor of Heron Tower! A delicious dinner with a postcard-worthy view? Brilliant! Picture courtesy of Duck and Waffle, London. Photo by Instagram user @duckandwaffle