5-Day London Itinerary - Iconic Sights, Classic Restaurants and Markets

Step inside Buckingham Palace and the Royal Mews on a guided tour that brings royal London to life. Arrive 15–20 minutes early for security, and walk the State Rooms at a relaxed pace before looping through St. James’s Park or The Mall afterwards for classic palace views.

Stroll through Piccadilly Circus and feel the West End at full throttle. Take photos of the glowing billboards, pause by the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, then wander towards Regent Street or Leicester Square for easy access to theatres, shops, and late-night bites.

Wander Covent Garden’s cobbled streets, from the covered Market Building to the boutiques of Seven Dials. Catch street performers in the main piazza, browse craft and antique stalls in Apple Market, and dip into side alleys for quieter cafés when you need a break from the crowds.

Focus your British Museum visit on a few must-see rooms to avoid museum fatigue. Start with the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian sculptures, then see the Parthenon marbles and the Great Court from above. Arrive near opening or late afternoon for thinner crowds and calmer galleries.

Circle Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament for different photo angles: from Westminster Bridge for the classic shot, from the South Bank for full riverside views, and from Parliament Square for close‑ups. Early morning or late evening light works best and keeps crowds manageable.

Step inside Westminster Abbey and walk through centuries of royal coronations, weddings, and burials. Use the audio guide to skip straight to Poets’ Corner and the Coronation Chair, and try to book an earlier slot to enjoy the nave and cloisters before they get busy.

Descend into the Churchill War Rooms and walk the tight corridors where World War II decisions were made. Pre‑book a timed ticket, use the free audio guide to stay on track, and plan this visit back‑to‑back with Westminster sights to save on travel time.

Glide above the Thames on the London Eye for a 360‑degree sweep of the city. Time your ride for sunset or blue hour if you can, and book tickets in advance to skip the slowest lines. Spot Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s in one smooth, 30‑minute rotation.

Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and give yourself time to climb. Explore the nave first, then tackle the steps up to the Whispering Gallery and, if you’re up for it, the Golden Gallery for open‑air city views. Try to arrive just after opening for a quieter, more atmospheric experience.

Spend a few focused hours at the Tower of London. Head straight to the Crown Jewels early to beat the biggest queues, then join a Yeoman Warder tour for stories that make the fortress and its prisoners feel real. Wear comfortable shoes—there are plenty of uneven stones and stairs.

See central London from the water on a Thames River cruise. Sit on the open deck if the weather allows, listen to the commentary for quick history hits, and note which riverside spots you want to walk back to later—like the South Bank, Tate Modern, or the Tower.

Dip into Tate Modern for a hit of modern and contemporary art between riverside walks. Pick one or two floors you don’t want to miss, check which free displays are open, and head up to the viewing level for wide views over St. Paul’s and the Thames.

Make your Beatles pilgrimage to Abbey Road and recreate the famous crossing. Check traffic and be quick and considerate when posing, then wander a little through St John’s Wood to see tree‑lined streets and classic London townhouses.

Head up to the Sky Garden for glass‑walled views over the City of London. Book a free time slot in advance, bring a light layer as it can feel breezy, and try for a weekday morning or late evening to avoid the busiest crowds.

Cross the pedestrian‑only Millennium Bridge for one of London’s best skyline walks. Pause in the middle to frame St. Paul’s in one direction and Tate Modern and the Shard in the other, and combine the stroll with a visit to either side.

Tour Shakespeare’s Globe and picture the open‑air performances that still fill its wooden galleries. Check tour times in advance, and if you can, pair the visit with standing tickets for an evening play to feel how intimate the space becomes when it’s full.

Spend a few hours at the Natural History Museum and prioritise what you really want to see—dinosaurs, blue whale, or gemstones. Arrive early or later in the afternoon for fewer families, and pair it with the V&A next door to make the most of your time in South Kensington.

Drop into the V&A for a curated hit of art and design—pick one or two galleries that match your interests rather than trying to see it all. Use the central courtyard or café for a recharge before continuing your day in South Kensington.

Wander Notting Hill’s pastel‑fronted streets before diving into Portobello Road Market. Go early if it’s a Saturday to see antique stalls before they’re packed, then peel off into side streets for quieter photo spots and cafés.