5 perfect days in London

In five days, you’ll get more than a taste of London: You’ll be able to see its most famous sights, take in its coolest neighborhoods, and chill out a little, too. Stroll around royal gardens, grab a pint at Charles Dickens’ old haunt, consider the Rosetta Stone IRL, and maybe even catch a glimpse of Anne Boleyn’s ghost.

This itinerary is designed to help you make the most of your visit. First, we’ve scoured Tripadvisor reviews and ratings to create an itinerary full of tried-and-true attractions. Second, we’ve organized activities by location, so you don’t waste time in transit. Finally, we’ve added breaks that allow you to sightsee while you rest your feet—think a Shakespeare play at The Globe Theatre, cocktails with city views, and iconic British cuisine at a Michelin-star restaurant.

Prioritize an essential London experience by heading to Buckingham Palace first thing to watch the changing of the guard, which typically starts at 10:45. (It’s every other day in some seasons and can be earlier on the weekends, so be sure to double-check the schedule online.)

The best vantage point is from the Buckingham Palace Gates, but you'll want to get here some 90 minutes early (especially in the busy summer months) to score a good spot. If you’re running late or not feeling the wait, locate an easier-to-come-by spot along The Mall. After the guards march past, follow them over to Buckingham Palace to catch what you can of the ceremony through the crowds.

By 11:45 the changing of the guards is complete, so snap pics of the palace and then head out with the crowds to amble your way through St. James Park, the city’s oldest royal park, toward Two Chairman Public House, a charming 18th-century pub with classic English fare. You’ll get there around noon, right when it opens. (Tripadvisor users rave about the steak-and-ale pie here.)

Once you’ve rested your legs and refueled, take the five-minute walk to Westminster Abbey, a stunning gothic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site (together with Westminster Palace, which is right around the corner). The Abbey gets busy, so book a timed ticket ahead to ensure a spot inside. For a small extra fee, you can also visit The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries, a small gallery that gives you a bird’s eye view of the abbey. Expect to spend at least 45 minutes marveling, though some visitors spend as much as two hours scouting out the famous figures buried here (e.g. Charles Dickens, Stephen Hawking, Henry VII) and taking in all the ornamental sculptures and stained glass.

Exit the Abbey, and walk around the corner to Westminster Bridge, which extends over the Thames River and offers an epic view of several top attractions. We’re talking the London Eye, an enormous Ferris wheel with city views, and Westminster Palace (the House of Parliament) with its attached clocktower, aka Big Ben (though technically, Big Ben is the bell inside). Get there at the top of the hour to hear it chime.

If you managed a quick trip to the Abbey, you might even squeeze in an extra attraction. We recommend either taking a spin on the London Eye for an epic—if pricey—view of London or a visit to the Churchill War Rooms, once the underground command center for World War II and kinda literally one of London’s hidden gems. (Arrive by four, and you can still get in a solid two hours before the museum closes at 6.) Both are a quick walk from Westminster Bridge. As with other London attractions, the safest bet is to book tickets ahead online.

Take the 15- to 20-minute trip by tube or bus to Scarlett Green, where of course you’ve already booked a reservation for a 90-minute seating. This beloved Aussie restaurant balances a chic atmosphere with famed “bottomless” meals, a stuff-yourself-silly dinner of either Aussie BBQ or vegan favorites, plus a cocktail and dessert.

Now, it’s show time! The West End Theater District is London’s answer to Broadway, and it delivers with plays, dance performances, opera, and hit musicals (expect new shows along with long-running classics like Lion King and Phantom of the Opera). If theater isn’t really your thing, 100 Club is an iconic basement venue where bands like the Kinks and Metallica have rocked out, plus it’s just around the corner from Scarlett Green. Make sure to book tickets in advance.

Fill up before a day of sightseeing at Salt & Pepper, which serves up a classic English Breakfast (bacon, eggs, and, yes, baked beans). It also has a handy location just a five-minute walk from The British Museum, your first stop of the day. This museum of human history, art, and culture is arguably London’s best, which means getting there early is a good strategy for heading off the crowds. (The museum opens at 10 a.m. daily; tickets are free and can be booked ahead, though you may be asked to donate.) Even half a day here isn’t enough to see it all, so make a beeline to the Rosetta Stone, then pick and choose which exhibits to explore. If deciding which of 80,000 artifacts to look at is overwhelming, just take a tour—many are free, though booking ahead is recommended.

Bottomless meals and heavy English food weighing you down? Hop across the street for lunch at Bloomsbury Street Kitchen (open Wednesday through Saturday) which serves up outstanding Mediterranean and Japanese small plates.

Once you’ve refueled, pop on the Northern Line at Tottenham Court Road or take the 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square, London’s most photographed square, thanks in part to the 145-foot-high Nelson’s Column.

Next up is The National Gallery, a free museum right on the square. It’s easy to spend two or three hours losing yourself in 2,000-plus Western European paintings from the 13th to the 20th century. Keep an eye out for Vermeer, Cezanne, van Gogh, Rembrandt, and other famous painters.

There are plenty of dinner options near The National Gallery, but to really recover from a day of culture we recommend The Marquis, which serves up quintessential cozy pub charm and equally quintessential British dishes, like fish and chips. If it’s good enough for Charles Dickens, who was once a regular there, it’s good enough for us.

From here, amble your way around Covent Garden, a charming neighborhood that’s home to shops, street performers, pubs, and cafes. (Note that most stores in the area close at 8 p.m., so if shopping is a priority you may want to amble first, then eat.) Make your way north to Soho, the city’s nightlife neighborhood, which is home to the Red Light District and is also LGBTQ+ central. We love The French House, an authentic no-frills bar that was once a gathering point for the French Resistance during World War II.

If you picked up the tab on a few pub rounds last night, you’ll be happy to hear the Victoria and Albert Museum is 100 percent free. Even better, it doesn’t require booking ahead, so just hop over when you’re ready. (It opens at 10 a.m., if you want to avoid the crowds.) The V&A is the world’s largest museum of the decorative arts, home to prints and paintings, costumes and ceramics. Highlights include one of the world’s oldest and largest carpets and Tipu’s Tiger, an almost life-size statue of a tiger with a mechanical organ that mimics the cries of the person it’s attacking (though you may want to read up on its controversial history).

Take the 10-minute walk to Harrods, London’s world-famous department store, situated in one of the city’s fanciest shopping districts. Here you can cross off another square on your London Bingo card with tea time—Harrods’ version is exceptional—complete with the typical tiny sandwiches and scones. If you forgot to make a reservation or can’t pull off “smart casual” on a day of sightseeing, Harrods has plenty of other bars and restaurants for a pit stop. While you’re here, you may want to check out the wonderfully bizarre Egyptian Escalator, pick up some souvenirs, or visit the toy department, where you can nab the official Harrods’ version of a Paddington Bear plushie.

After tea, it’s just a five-minute walk north to Hyde Park, once Henry VIII’s hunting reserve. With dirt paths and grassy fields, it’s the perfect place to stroll, picnic, or people watch, especially on sunny days. You might want to pass through Speakers’ Corner, which has quite the dramatic history. This used to be an execution spot where the condemned could say their last words. Later, figures like Karl Marx, Marcus Garvey, and George Orwell demonstrated here. Now it’s a monument to free speech—especially on Sunday, when anyone can pull out their soapbox.

Stroll over to the Serpentine Bridge to cross over into Kensington Gardens, a carefully landscaped park, formerly the private garden of Kensington Palace. While here, you can stop by Albert Memorial, a show-stopping monument to Prince Albert complete with a gilded canopy. Or opt for something a little less grand and more whimsical and visit the Peter Pan Statue, a tribute to author J.M. Barrie, who lived nearby.

Cut back across the park to Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, one of London’s Michelin-starred restaurants. Blumenthal’s big draw is a five-course set menu, which changes seasonally and highlights dishes from different eras in British history. If dining this fancy isn’t quite in the budget, scope out the a la carte menu or opt for lunch instead. And if this spot is all booked up, try Marcus, another Michelin-star British restaurant, which is practically next door.

Extend the night at the Library Bar, a classy club-like cocktail bar famous for its cognacs. Bonus: It’s less than a 10-minute walk from dinner and sits right next to the Hyde Park Corner Underground station, making it convenient for end-of-night travel, especially if your hotel is on the Piccadilly Line.

Word of warning: The Tower of London gets mobbed, so arrive right when it opens (9 or 10 a.m., depending on the day) to avoid the crowds, for a little while, anyway. This fascinating 11th-century fortress castle and UNESCO World Heritage Site is where, among other things, 16th-century queen Anne Boleyn was locked up and beheaded. (Supposedly, she is one of many ghosts that haunt the grounds.) While you’re here, don’t forget to check out the Crown Jewels.

From the Tower of London, hop on the tube (District or Circle Line from Tower Hill to Mansion House) and head to High Timber restaurant, a South African steakhouse with views across the river to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. (Hard to know what gets more raves on Tripadvisor—the views or the ribeye steaks.)

After lunch, it’s just a six-minute walk to St. Paul’s Cathedral, a late 17th-century Anglican church and five-story architectural wonder that has held loads of state events, including Winston Churchill’s funeral and Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s wedding. Just be ready for a workout: You’ll need to climb 500-plus steps to the top of the cathedral, but the 360-degree city views are so very worth it. Expect to spend one to two hours here taking in the stunning architecture. As with other sites, it’s a good idea to book ahead. And note that the church is active, so there are no tours on Sundays and sightseeing hours can vary (though it typically closes at 4 p.m.).

Take the 15-minute walk to Diagon Alley—wait, we mean Leadenhall Market. The shops and bars of this Victorian covered market, set along a charming cobblestone street with pretty glass ceilings overhead, is so cinematic it’s made cameos in multiple movies, including, yes, Harry Potter. Pop in a cafe if you need to rest your feet. Otherwise, just poke around and take a million pics.

Exit the market, cross Fenchurch Street, and you’ve arrived at Sky Garden, a sky-high public garden with amazing city views (especially at sunset). The rub is that free tickets need to be booked way in advance. If you’ve dropped the ball, get in line for a spot in the restaurant or bar (Sky Pod Bar is popular for cocktails or Darwin Brasserie for dinner) or book a table ahead to lock in your spot. Heads up: After 6 p.m., the dress code for drinks and dining is smart casual.

If you haven’t eaten yet, there are plenty of nearby options. Blacklock City, a London chophouse (read: lots of meat) is right across the street. Up for something fancier? Brigadiers is one of the city’s best Indian restaurants and does not disappoint with delicious Indian BBQ.

Start your morning at the Tate Modern (it opens at 10 a.m.), known for its art from the early-1900s to the present. Entry to the regular gallery is free; no need to book ahead. But definitely take a second to read up on the special exhibits. Yes, they cost extra and require advanced booking, but their spectacular shows will earn you London bragging rights. Expect to spend at least an hour here hunting down Picassos and Dalis and discovering new artists, and add another hour if you’re touring a special exhibit.

Take the ten-minute walk to Borough Market, where food has been sold for over a thousand years. Today, along with fresh produce, there’s also street food in every direction. Check out the meat pies and paella, the bao buns and fish and chips, then choose whatever looks the most delicious.

Once you’ve filled up, consider visiting The Shard (especially if you missed yesterday’s views at Sky Garden)—it’s just a five-minute walk from the market. While entry is pricey and often sold out in advance, it’s the highest viewing platform in London and on sunny days you can see out as far as 40 miles.

Circle back toward where you started your day, near the Tate, to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a full-size reproduction of the playwright’s original open-air theater. On the walk over, be sure to pass the theater’s original site. No need to be an English major to appreciate the historic theater, and the gift shop is pretty cool, too.

BANKSIDE TOUR OPTIONS

Post-tour, wander over to the on-site Swan at the Globe, a chic modern restaurant that serves up seasonal British dishes, classy cocktails, and a Thames River view. Then head back to The Globe for an evening performance of an open-air play. (When booking ahead, double-check tickets are for The Globe; it’s easy to accidentally book a ticket at The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse instead.) Standing room tickets on the floor are super cheap and super fun—it’s like you’re watching a production back in the 1600s. But after a full day of sightseeing, we understand if you want to rest your feet and sit on a bench. (If you do, spring the extra pound for a cushion.) Even in an open-air theater, the show must go on, as they say, so if the weather looks iffy bring a raincoat (umbrellas aren’t allowed) and enjoy a truly British experience: Shakespeare in the rain.