5 Days in London: The Perfect London Itinerary (2026 Guide)

Five days in London gives first-time visitors enough time to enjoy iconic highlights without overloading each day. This itinerary is designed around classic landmarks, realistic transit, and logical area grouping.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors on a full city break
• Pace: Balanced to active
• Budget level: Medium to high
• Best area to stay: South Bank, Covent Garden, or Victoria
• Transport tips: Use Tube for long moves and walk within each neighborhood

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Westminster Essentials 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Big Ben.
• Westminster Abbey.
• Buckingham Palace.
• St James's Park.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Ivy Victoria.

Afternoon 🌇

• London Eye.
• South Bank walk.
• Churchill War Rooms.

Dinner 🍷

• A. Wong.

Evening 🌙

• Thames riverside walk.

Day 2 - Tower and River Icons 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Tower Bridge (walkways and views).
• Tower of London (prebook tickets).

Lunch 🍽️

• Borough Market.

Afternoon 🌇

• St Paul's Cathedral.
• Millennium Bridge.
• Sky Garden (timed entry).

Dinner 🍷

• Padella.

Evening 🌙

• South Bank skyline views.

Day 3 - Museum and Theatre Core 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The British Museum.
• Covent Garden.
• Seven Dials.

Lunch 🍽️

• Dishoom Covent Garden.

Afternoon 🌇

• Trafalgar Square.
• The National Gallery.
• Piccadilly Circus.
• Leicester Square.

Dinner 🍷

• J. Sheekey.

Evening 🌙

• West End show.

Day 4 - West London Classics 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Notting Hill.
• Portobello Road Market.
• Kensington Gardens.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Ivy Kensington Brasserie.

Afternoon 🌇

• Victoria and Albert Museum.
• Natural History Museum.
• Hyde Park.

Dinner 🍷

• The Kensington Arms.

Evening 🌙

• Kensington High Street stroll.

Day 5 - Camden and Regent's Park 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Camden Market.
• Regent's Canal walk.
• Primrose Hill viewpoint.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Blues Kitchen Camden.

Afternoon 🌇

• Regent's Park.
• Oxford Street.

Dinner 🍷

• Flat Iron Soho.

Evening 🌙

• Soho walk.

Where to Stay in London 🏨

• South Bank: Scenic and central; strong for first-time routing.
• Covent Garden: Very walkable and lively; premium rates.
• Victoria: Excellent transport links; practical and efficient.
• Budget guidance: Paddington and King's Cross often offer better value.

Getting Around London 🚇

• Oyster and contactless both work, but contactless is simplest for most visitors.
• London is walkable in parts, but use Tube for cross-city moves.
• Heathrow: Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express.
• Gatwick: Thameslink or Gatwick Express.

FAQ 💡

Is 5 days enough in London?

Yes. It covers the main landmarks, museums, and famous neighborhoods.

Is London expensive for a 5-day trip?

It can be, but free attractions and route planning keep costs under control.

Should first-time visitors use Oyster or contactless?

Contactless is usually easier unless you specifically want a physical Oyster card.

Is London walkable for tourists?

Yes in central areas, but combine walking with Tube rides for comfort.

Where should first-time visitors stay in London?

South Bank, Covent Garden, Westminster, and Victoria are reliable options.

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