5-Day London Itinerary: Best Things to Do, Best Time & Trip Cost

London is enormous, walkable in pockets, and endlessly layered. Five days will not show you everything — and that is fine. This London itinerary focuses on the classic highlights and a few neighbourhoods so you leave with a sense of the city, not just a checklist of monuments.

Best time to visit London

May–June and September are often the most pleasant. July–August bring longer days and more crowds. December is festive but cold and peak-priced around Christmas. Rain is possible year-round — a light waterproof layer earns its keep.

Day 1 — Westminster & South Bank

Westminster Abbey views, Big Ben and Parliament, then walk the South Bank past the London Eye toward Borough Market. An evening river walk is one of London’s best free experiences.

Day 2 — Royal London & Trafalgar

Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard when scheduled), St James’s Park, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. West End show at night if that is your style.

Day 3 — Tower & the City

Tower of London and Tower Bridge, then the City’s modern skyline. Book the Tower timed entry ahead in busy months.

Day 4 — Museums & Covent Garden

British Museum (or V&A / Natural History if you prefer South Kensington), then Covent Garden and Soho for food and people-watching.

Day 5 — Neighbourhood day

Choose Notting Hill and Portobello, Greenwich, or a Thames path walk depending on energy and weather. Keep your final afternoon flexible for shopping or a favourite café.

London trip cost (excluding international flights)

Per person per day: Budget GBP 60–90; Mid-range GBP 100–180; Luxury GBP 250+. The Oyster/contactless daily cap helps with transport. Many major museums are free — budget more for paid attractions, theatre and meals out.

FAQs

Is 5 days enough for London? Yes for a strong first visit. Do you need the London Pass? Only if your paid-attraction list is long — run the maths. Best area to stay? South Bank, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury or Kensington suit most first-timers for access.