Ready to discover the best of London? 💂🏻♂️
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Oh, London. From the iconic British landmarks we've always seen in the movies, to the city's charming markets and sprawling gardens, London has so much to see and do, so is it really possible to cover it all in just 5 days? Don't worry, 'cause the answer is yes!
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The capital city of the United Kingdom may have a lot to offer, so to make the most out of it, we've done our research and picked out the best things to do, top sights to see and must-eats in the city. Especially if you're a first-time visitor, this 5-day London itinerary is made just for you! Keep reading to find out more. 👀✨
5D4N London Itinerary
Day 1: Soak in London's best sights at South Bank
1. Hop-on hop-off bus tour
Welcome to London! Since it's your first day, why not explore the city with a hop-on hop-off bus tour? It's a great mode of transportation for first-time visitors in the city, as you'll get to see and drop by all of London's top attractions at your own pace. In fact, most of the places that we've included in Day 1's itinerary are also stops along the bus routes.
With the 24-hour bus ticket that you can get from Klook, you'll get to enjoy unlimited access to the bus tour all day long, as well as WiFi and an audio guide onboard. In summer and winter, there's even a night bus tour that you can opt for to escape the daytime heat.
2. Tower Bridge & Potters Fields Park
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Start your exploration with none other than London's most famous bridge, the iconic Tower Bridge. Built across the River Thames in the 19th century to connect both the north and south banks of the city, the bridge is easily recognizable from afar with its two huge Gothic towers and blue ironwork. There's even a 43-metre-high glass walkway where you can enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the bridge!
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You can cross the bridge on foot, but it's definitely best admired from the riverbank. Our favorite spot to get the best view would be from Potters Fields Park. Located immediately southwest of the bridge, this park is a popular photo spot and picnic location!
Pssst... 👀 you can get to multiple iconic spots of London with just ONE pass. Get admission to all-time favorites like Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey in London, to name a few! Tap to learn more.
3. Brunch at Borough Market
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London is home to a vibrant street food scene, with a wide variety of markets and food halls for you to choose from, but the historic Borough Market is without a doubt one of our personal favorites. You'll be spoiled for choice with the endless food options at this market, with restaurants, bars, and stalls offering decadent sweet treats and indulgent dishes from all around the world.
Note: Borough Market is closed on Mondays, so be sure to plan your visit on other days instead.
4. The Shard
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Just a 5-minute walk away from Borough Market is The Shard, once known as the London Bridge Tower. Standing 1,016 feet tall, this is the tallest building in the United Kingdom! It goes without saying that you'll get incomparable panoramic views of the city from up their observation deck, making it one of London's most popular attractions.
Photo credit: Jamie Street
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in The Shard, many offer window seats with amazing views, so you can even have your lunch here instead of Borough Market if you prefer!
5. Tate Modern
Photo credit: @exploringwithmygirl
Photo credit: @exploringwithmygirl
If you're an art lover, do consider dropping by Tate Modern! Inside, you'll be presented with innovative contemporary exhibitions and works of art by renowned modern artists of the world. In fact, it is the largest museum of modern art in the United Kingdom, with a permanent collection that includes works by Picasso and Warhol. The best part is that entry into the gallery and most of its exhibitions are free!
6. The London Eye & Jubilee Gardens
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As the sun sets on your first day in the city, why not take a ride up the majestic London Eye? Standing at 135 metres tall, this is Europe's tallest Ferris wheel and definitely a fun way to enjoy 360-degree views of the London skyline and the River Thames. The whole experience will take about 30 minutes, and do remember to book your spot in advance!
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Situated adjacent to the London Eye is the Jubilee Gardens, where you'll get one of the best photo spots with the iconic Ferris wheel in your background. This beautiful landscaped park is always abuzz with pop-up events and food stalls, so if you decide not to head up the London Eye, we recommend hanging out here instead in the evening.
7. Dinner at Waterloo
There's no better place for dinner than Waterloo, a busy district that is home to not only a shining theatre scene but also to many dining options. We'll just name-drop a few restaurants that you should check out - the casual Crust Bros or Pizza Pilgrims for pizza, Rosa's Thai or Gogo Pocha if you're craving Asian flavors, or The Archduke for a good steak.
If you've still got some extra energy for the rest of the night, we'd recommend exploring the vibrant nightlife scene here. From elegant rooftop bars to lively pubs, why not pay one or two of them a visit to end your first day in London?
Day 2: Discover historical landmarks in Westminster
1. Breakfast in Westminster
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There's no way better to wake up in London than with an English big breakfast. Start your second day's journey from Westminster, where you can easily find staple British fare. Popular spots you can try include Regency Cafe, Bill's Victoria Restaurant, or Astral Cafe, all of which serve full English breakfasts.
2. Buckingham Palace
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Photo credit: Hulki Okan Tabak
A must-visit during your five days in London is none other than the Buckingham Palace. All decked out in gold and boasting 775 rooms on the inside, best believe that this royal residence will appear even grander in real life. For first-time visitors, don't miss out on the Changing of the Guard, one of the most recognizable ceremonies associated with the palace. The whole ceremony kicks off at 10:45, but we'd suggest getting there at least 20-30 minutes in advance to secure a good viewing spot, especially during the summertime.
Note: The Changing of the Guard only takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, so do plan your visit accordingly!
3. Westminster Abbey & Big Ben
Just a 15-minute walk away from Buckingham Palace is Westminster Abbey. You'd probably recognize the inside of this stunning gothic building - since almost a millennium ago, this has been the coronation church of the monarchs of England and a stellar royal wedding venue. Go as early as you can as there will be long queues to enter, but going inside isn't completely necessary as you can already get stunning photos from the outside of the abbey due to its impressive architecture.
Afterward, you should definitely snap a photo with one of London's most recognizable monuments, Big Ben. Situated right in the heart of the city's historic center, you'll find the famous tower with its 4 clock faces, standing proud at an impressive 96-meter height, and located inside it is the huge 13-ton bell that the name Big Ben belongs to.
Klook Tip: Want a photo with the clock tower? Walk along the Great George Street/A302, where you'll find red phone booths that have become a popular location to capture the Big Ben in the background. Another option is to walk across the Westminster Bridge, where you'll eventually find nice spots to capture not only the tower, but also the Parliament and the River Thames in your photo's backdrop.
4. Trafalgar Square
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Head north towards Trafalgar Square, one of London's most important public squares. This lively area is always bustling with activity, be it with public celebrations, live street performances, or even demonstrations. At the center of it all is its iconic fountains, massive lion statues and the monumental Nelson's column.
If you didn't manage to grab breakfast in the morning, there are also plenty of cafes and restaurants here at Trafalgar Square for you to grab lunch or a simple quick bite. Otherwise, you can simply sit back and just people-watch, or why not pay the National Gallery a visit?
5. Hyde Park
Fancy a late afternoon stroll? Spanning across 350 acres, the massive Hyde Park is a sprawling green space in London and a refreshing reprieve from the busy city. As one of London's eight royal parks and also the largest, you can easily spend up to two hours simply just wandering around as you explore its wetlands, gardens, playgrounds, sports facilities, historical monuments, and more.
If you're traveling here in the wintertime, you're in luck! Pay the park a visit and you'd be delighted to find the exciting Winter Wonderland amusement park, the annual Christmas market, and even the largest ice rink in the UK, all of which are held here in the colder season.
6. Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace
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Beyond Hyde Park's west end, you'll find yourself at another stunning park, Kensington Gardens. It's also another one of London's royal parks, and takes up a space of 265 acres, with tons of green space for you to explore. Drop by the Serpentine Galleries for some art, take pictures of the Albert Memorial and Peter Pan Statue, or bring the little ones for playtime at the Diana Memorial Playground.
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The massive park was once the private gardens of Kensington Palace, which you would find nestled within. The palace is currently the official royal residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children, so you can expect nothing less than an impressive structure and lavish rooms housed within.
7. Dinner in Kensington
Upscale and packed with energy, the neighborhood of Kensington may be known for its museums and lively shopping scene, but it also has plenty of cafes and restaurants for you to have your dinner at. Some of our favorite stops are Dishoom and Da Mario, but you can also check out Publiq or Stick & Bowl for more affordable options.
Day 3: Revisit childhood memories in North London
1. Breakfast at King's Cross
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There's going to be a bit of walking today, so start your day right with a hearty breakfast! Head to King's Cross, where you can find many breakfast options in the area. You can never go wrong with a cup of coffee and a sandwich from Pret A Manger, but other spots in the area include Giraffe, Caravan King's Cross Restaurant, and Le Pain Quotidien.
Photo credit: Sarah Ehlers
Opened in 1852, London's King's Cross Station is one of England's most important historic buildings, but it's also a famous stop for a whole other reason. If you're a Harry Potter fan, a visit to the iconic Platform 9¾ is a must! While the actual platform doesn't exist in real life, there's a makeshift Platform 9¾ on the wall in the station concourse for you to take photos at, and get yourself official merchandise at the Harry Potter Shop.
Interested in a full-day tour of Harry Potter filming locations instead?
2. Camden Town
Spend the rest of your morning and afternoon in Camden Town! This trendy neighborhood is known for its massive market and an eclectic mix of great street food, gift and souvenir shops, a diverse selection of stores, as well as live music venues.
A must-visit is the Camden Market. With over 1000 unique stores, stalls, and dining outlets, this is probably the largest street market that you can find in the city. You can easily spend hours wandering around here, shopping for handcrafted items, vintage goods, clothing, accessories, and more, as well as sampling all of the food. If you’re hungry, there's a stretch of street food from all around the world along Regent's Canal.
3. Regent's Park & London Zoo
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Just a 10-minute walk away from Camden Town is the beautiful Regent's Park, another one of the city's royal parks. This massive green space of 410 acres has stunning flower beds, playgrounds for the little ones, a large boating lake, dining outlets, sports fields, and most importantly, lovely paths and alleys for you to go on a quiet stroll through the lush greens. We'd recommend allocating at least 2 hours just to explore this massive park.
Did you know that Regent's Park also houses the London Zoo? Experience a world of wildlife right in the heart of London! A top place to visit for family travelers in the city, the zoo is actually one of the world's oldest scientific zoos, making it more than just your regular zoo. Over 20,000 animals from all over the world call it their home, including sloths, penguins, camels, and alpacas. Come by and say hi to these furry friends!
4. Sherlock Holmes Museum
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Any fans of the world's greatest detective out there? 🕵🏻♂️ After your afternoon stroll through the park, head to the nearby 221B Baker Street (yes, the actual one in London!) and pay a visit to none other than the Sherlock Holmes Museum. Paid entry into the museum is required, but you can drop by their gift shop for free and bring home memorabilia to prove that you've been to Sherlock Holmes' house.
5. Dinner at Baker Street
Whether or not you decide to drop by the museum, Baker Street itself, as well as its surrounding area, there are many great options for dinner. Our personal recommendation would be to get wholesome burgers at Chicken Shop or comfort stir-fried food at Wok to Walk, but Bill's Baker Street Restaurant, Kitchen at Holmes, or Royal China for more refined dining options.
6. Monopoly Lifesized
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Fancy a game of Monopoly after dinner? And not just any Monopoly - in London, take this classic board game to a whole other level with a visit to Monopoly Lifesized! Opened recently in 2021, this immersive attraction allows you to step into their larger-than-life world of Monopoly, with you being your own lifesized monopoly piece! There are even 4 lifesized boards for you to choose from, in which you can move around completing challenges to buy properties and compete against your friends and family.
Day 4: Explore the City of London
1. Breakfast at Ludgate Hill
Before a visit to the iconic St. Paul's Cathedral, make sure to get some breakfast to start your day! Ludgate Hill and its surrounding areas offer quick breakfast stops at its various eateries, some of which include Côte St. Paul's, Pret A Manger, Poppins Cafe, and Carter Lane Coffee House.
2. St. Paul's Cathedral
Kick off your exploration of the City of London district with a visit to the magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral. Built in the late 17th century, you may recognise this stunning Baroque building due to royal events such as the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. After visiting its historic crypts and viewing the artworks on display downstairs, we'd highly recommend climbing up the building's 528 steps to the top to enjoy stunning views of London along the way and then visiting the Whispering Gallery and Golden Gallery.
3. Leadenhall Market
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Take a 15-minute walk to Leadenhall Market, probably one of the most stunning markets and building interiors that you'd find in the city. Built in the 14th century, this building is rich with 700 years of history and is home to a selection of independent boutique stores, high-end retailers, elegant restaurants and cafes, as well as bars. It's the perfect lunch spot and some of our favorites include Tortilla, Giorgio, Pizza Express, as well as the upscale Bob Bob Ricard City.
4. Sky Garden
Enjoy another stunning vantage point of the city from the Sky Garden, London's highest public garden. This leafy oasis is located on top of the walkie-talkie skyscraper, treating you to not only a 360-degree view of the capital but also lush landscaped gardens, refined restaurants, as well as two elegant bars for a midday drink. The best part is that entry is free, but spaces are limited, so do remember to book your slot in advance!
Pssst... 👀 you can get to multiple iconic spots of London with just ONE pass. Get admission to all-time favorites like Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter, London Eye, and Westminster Abbey in London, to name a few! Tap to learn more.
5. St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden
If you're not a fan of touristy spots, then St. Dunstan in the East is the perfect hidden gem in the city for you. Once a parish church of England, it was largely destroyed during the Second World War, and now the ruins of this abandoned church have become a public garden space. This green oasis is a lovely retreat from the busy city outside of it, with a fountain, all sorts of trees growing within, and vines flourishing the historic walls.
6. Tower of London
Built close to a thousand years ago, the famous Tower of London is an ancient fortress that has served as a royal palace, a prison, as well as a place of execution. There's no doubt that this is a must-visit, especially if you're a history buff, and you can easily spend more than an hour exploring the grounds. One of the highlights includes the Crown Jewels, a mesmerizing display of jewel-studded crowns and scepters, but we personally also enjoy going on a stroll through the lush outdoor gardens.
Klook Tip: Many would recommend visiting and queueing early in the morning to avoid the crowds, but we like visiting it towards the end of the day because the largest crowds will generally start to thin out after 3 in the afternoon.
7. River Thames Dinner Cruise
It's your last night in London, so why not treat yourself to a memorable dinner cruise along the River Thames? As the sun sets over the city, hop onto a luxurious showboat and get ready to indulge in a delicious four-course dinner with your loved ones. You'll even get to enjoy fun performances onboard, as well as stunning views of the city lit up at night!
Day 5: Go shopping at Covent Garden, Mayfair & Soho
1. Breakfast at Covent Garden
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Boasting a fantastic collection of shops, cafes, restaurants, and market stalls, Covent Garden and its Italian-style arcades are a shopper’s paradise! There are three different markets in this district, including the famous Apple Market where you can find a range of unique handmade crafts, jewelry, antiques, and more. There are also plenty of artist workshops and street performances that you can find in the area.
But before you begin shopping, why not grab a quick brekkie at one of Covent Garden's many restaurants? A few of our personal favorite spots are Bill's Covent Garden, Fernando's, and 26 Grains.
2. British Museum
Photo credit: Nicolas Lysandrou
Photo credit: @fhanakoo
Probably the most famous museum in the city, the British Museum holds an impressive collection of exhibits from all over the world, with over 100,000 antiquities that date back thousands of years. You can easily lose yourself in this museum's maze-like corridors and spend hours inside as you admire one exhibit after another, so to save some time, here are a few of our favorite ones that we'd recommend - the Parthenon Sculptures in Room 18, the Rosetta Stone in Room 4, and the Aztec Serpent in Room 27.
Want to take your time to enjoy the museum the entire day? Don't worry as there are various restaurants and cafes located inside to refuel yourself whenever you need it!
3. Shopping at Mayfair
Photo credit: Jay Wennington
It's the last day of your London itinerary, so why not spend the rest of your day shopping at Mayfair, where you can find the famous shopping streets of London. It's a large district to cover, but we recommend starting with Oxford Street, Europe's busiest shopping street where you can find all sorts of flagship stores and smaller boutiques, as well as souvenir outlets. Once you've covered the entire street, you can continue your shopping spree at Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus, and then Bond Street, all of which have a huge variety of retail outlets where you can easily shop for hours.
4. Chinatown
Photo credit: Bruno Martins
Whenever we visit a new country, we always enjoy dropping by their Chinatown, and London's just so happens to be one of our favorites. This vibrant enclave in London's West End is beloved by both the locals and tourists. Not only can you find amazing Chinese food, Asian cosmetics, and cute trinkets here, but the area itself is decorated beautifully with Chinese lanterns, which provide great photo opportunities.
5. Soho
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If you've got time to spare, a visit to the lively district of Soho is a must! This vibrant neighborhood is the place to go to find a stellar entertainment, dining, and nightlife scene. If you've fulfilled all your shopping needs already, we highly recommend letting yourself unwind by catching a show at one of Soho's theatres, grabbing a drink at a jazz club or bar, or simply end your day with a full-blown dinner at a restaurant here.
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