Planning your first trip to London is exciting — and a little overwhelming. Five days gives you enough time to see the big sights, discover a few hidden corners, and actually get a feel for the city. This 5-day London itinerary takes you through Westminster, the South Bank, the City, Kensington, East London, and Greenwich, with practical advice at every step.
Before You Arrive: Essential Planning Tips
A little preparation goes a long way. Before you board your flight, sort out a few key details so your first day runs smoothly.
Getting from Heathrow to Central London
Most transatlantic flights land at Heathrow. The Heathrow Express takes 15 minutes to Paddington. The Elizabeth line is cheaper and almost as fast. The Underground’s Piccadilly line is the slowest option but works fine if you have luggage and no rush. For full details on every option, see our Heathrow to London guide for US visitors.
Where to Stay
For a first-time visit, the best areas are Westminster, South Kensington, Covent Garden, and the South Bank. All of these put you close to the major sights without a long commute. Read our guide to the best London areas for first-time visitors to find the right fit for your budget and travel style.
Getting Around London
Use an Oyster card or a contactless bank card to tap in and out of the Tube and buses. It is far cheaper than paper tickets. Central London is also very walkable — many of the best sights sit within 20 minutes on foot of each other. Our London transport guide covers everything you need to know.
Day 1 — Westminster and the South Bank
Start with the most iconic London views. Cross Westminster Bridge first thing in the morning. The light is beautiful and the crowds are thin. Look across the Thames at the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Then head to Westminster Abbey, which has been at the centre of British royal history for nearly a thousand years.
After Westminster, walk east along the South Bank towards the Tate Modern. The walk itself is one of the finest in London — you pass the National Theatre, the South Bank arts complex, and Shakespeare’s Globe. The Tate Modern is free to enter, and the views from the top-floor terrace are spectacular.
End your day with dinner near Borough Market. The market itself closes in the late afternoon, but the surrounding streets are full of excellent restaurants and pubs. Try the Anchor pub on Bankside — it has been serving drinks since the 17th century and looks out over the Thames.
Day 2 — The City and the Tower of London
The City of London covers just one square mile, but it is packed with history. Start at the Tower of London, which has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury over its 1,000-year life. The Crown Jewels live here, and the Yeoman Warders run regular tours. Book in advance — this is one of London’s busiest attractions.
From the Tower, walk across Tower Bridge for views up and down the river. Then head into the City. The ancient Roman walls are still visible in several places. Stop at St Paul’s Cathedral, which survived the Blitz and still dominates this part of the skyline. The dome climb is worth every step for the views over central London.
The City empties quickly after working hours, so aim to be there by mid-morning. Use the afternoon to explore Leadenhall Market — a stunning Victorian covered market tucked among the glass towers of the financial district.
Day 3 — Kensington, Chelsea and Notting Hill
West London deserves a full day. Start at the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road — entry is free and the architecture alone is worth the visit. The blue whale skeleton in the main hall is one of the most dramatic displays in any museum in the world. The Victoria and Albert Museum next door is equally impressive and also free.
After the museums, walk through Kensington Gardens to the Round Pond. You can stop at Kensington Palace, where Queen Victoria was born and Diana, Princess of Wales, lived for many years. The Sunken Garden is beautiful in every season.
For a complete guide to London’s free museums, including opening times and tips on what to prioritise, see our free London museums guide for US visitors.
In the afternoon, head north to Notting Hill. The pastel-coloured houses of Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road are quintessentially London. Portobello Road Market runs every day, but it is busiest on Saturdays. The antiques section at the northern end is a genuine treasure hunt.
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Day 4 — Shoreditch, Camden and East London
East London feels like a different city from Westminster. Shoreditch is the creative and tech hub of London. Its streets are covered in street art, its coffee shops are excellent, and its food options are some of the best in the city. Start on Brick Lane for bagels and a wander through the market, then head into Spitalfields and the Old Spitalfields Market.
In the afternoon, take the Tube north to Camden. The market complex here is enormous — food stalls, vintage clothing, independent music, and crafts all packed into a stretch along the canal. The Lock is the focal point, but the surrounding streets are just as interesting. Camden has been at the heart of London’s alternative music scene since the 1970s and still has that energy.
If you prefer something calmer, Hackney Wick and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park offer excellent street food and some of the most interesting architecture in modern London.
Day 5 — Greenwich or a Day Trip Beyond London
By day five, you have a choice. You can use the day to revisit areas you loved earlier, or head further out to Greenwich or beyond.
Greenwich is only 30 minutes from central London by river bus or Tube. The Royal Observatory sits on the hill above the town — you can stand on the Prime Meridian, where east meets west. Below the hill, the Cutty Sark tea clipper and the Old Royal Naval College are extraordinary. The National Maritime Museum is free and one of the finest in the country.
Alternatively, use day five to take a day trip further out. Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, Bath, and the Cotswolds are all within two hours of London by train. For ideas and practical tips, see our London day trips guide.
Budgeting for Your 5-Day London Itinerary
London can be expensive, but many of its best experiences cost nothing. The National Gallery, British Museum, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, V&A, Science Museum, and most of the royal parks are all free. A daily Tube budget of £10–15 is realistic for central travel. The biggest costs are accommodation, meals, and paid attractions such as the Tower of London.
For a full breakdown of what to expect, including tips to cut costs without missing out, see our London travel budget guide for US visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 5 days enough to see London?
Five days gives you a strong foundation in London. You can cover the main iconic sights, explore several distinct neighbourhoods, and still have time to slow down and enjoy the city. London is vast, so five days will not cover everything — but it is more than enough for a rewarding first trip.
What is the best time to visit London?
Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) offer the best combination of mild weather and manageable crowds. Summer is busy but lively, with long evenings and plenty of outdoor events. Winter is cold but cheaper, and the Christmas markets in Leicester Square and Southbank are genuinely charming.
How much does a 5-day trip to London cost from the US?
Return flights from major US cities typically range from around £400 to £900, depending on the season and how far in advance you book. A mid-range hotel in central London costs roughly £120–200 per night. Allow around £50–80 per day for food and transport. The good news is that many of London’s best museums and parks are completely free.
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