London Itinerary 5 Days: A Complete Guide For First-Time Visitors

Planning a trip to London for the first time? Here it is, your complete London Itinerary 5 Days, created so you can experience the UK capital without the stress of figuring it out yourself.

I’m Krissy, a Brit living in the United States and a full-time travel planner helping American clients experience the best of the UK and Ireland. Having lived in England for over 30 years, I know it in a way that no guidebook can replicate.

This itinerary has been refined through years of personal experience and real client feedback. Follow this guide and I promise you’ll leave already planning when to come back.

👇 Keep scrolling to get this 5 Day London Itinerary sent straight to your inbox.

What to Expect From This London Itinerary: 5 Days

Before you dive in, there are a few things to know about this 5 Day London Itinerary.

First, this itinerary is walking-heavy, so comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. On a full day you can expect to cover 6+ miles, so come prepared.

Second, each day is designed to flow naturally across the city, minimizing backtracking and maximizing your time. You won’t be doubling back on yourself or wasting an hour on the tube when you could be exploring.

Third, there’s plenty of flexibility built in, so you can slow down or switch things up based on your interests and energy levels.

Finally, this itinerary works any time of year, but it’s especially great in spring, summer and autumn when the parks are at their best and the longer days give you more time to explore.

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DAY 1: Iconic London Sights Walking Route

Let’s begin Day 1 of this London Itinerary 5 Days with a circular walk through the heart of the city.

It’s the perfect start to get your bearings and shake off any lingering jet lag.

1. Visit the Tower of London

Start with a visit to the iconic Tower of London.

My single biggest piece of advice for a first-time visitor is to take a tour.

That’s because it’s so historically significant, if you don’t have context, you’ll walk past 1,000 years of history.

I recommend this small group Tower of London Guided Tour.

My clients consistently have great things to say about it, and in my opinion, it’s genuinely good value.

It works equally well for adults travelling solo, groups or with kids.

What I love most about it is that you get a 15-minute meet-and-greet with a Beefeater (aka a Yeoman Warder).

Skip eating lunch at the Tower. Yes, there’s a café inside if you need coffee, but I recommend you hold out for lunch as Borough Market is coming up!

2. Explore St. Katharines Docks

After leaving the Tower, and before you cross the River Thames, take a small detour to St. Katharines Docks.

It’s just a few minutes’ walk across Tower Bridge Road.

Have a wander around what is central London’s only marina and look out for The Dickens Inn, a historic galleried pub with roots going back to the 18th century.

In summer it’s covered in pretty hanging baskets, and it’s one of the most photographed pubs in London.

3. Cross Tower Bridge: London’s Iconic River Crossing

From St. Katharine Docks, move on to Tower Bridge. I recommend pre-booking tickets to go inside.

You can climb to the top via stairs or an elevator and cross the glass-floored walkways that are suspended high above the River Thames.

Even if you’re slightly nervous about heights, don’t let that put you off. Once you’re up there, the views are spectacular and it’s fully enclosed.

From the walkway, look down to the see boats moving along the Thames below and look out across an iconic stretch of the London skyline.

4. South Bank Hidden Gems

Now you’ve crossed the River Thames, you’re in the South Bank.

But before you continue heading west along Queen’s Walk, there are two lesser-known stops I want you to check out:

1. Maggie Blake’s Cause

The first is Maggie Blake’s Cause.

To get there head down the steps on the left hand side after you cross Tower Bridge.

You arrive at Shad Thames, a historic cobblestone street that runs along the riverbank.

Look for a narrow alleyway on your left called Maggie Blake’s Cause.

From here you get a great view looking back at Tower Bridge.

It’s a perfect photo spot.

2. Horseleydown Stairs

The second hidden gem is Horseleydown Stairs.

Walk down this narrow passageway and you’ll find a set of steep steps leading down to a section of the Thames foreshore.

Historically this spot was used by Watermen to ferry passengers across the river.

At low tide you can actually get down on the riverbank. But be careful as the stairs are steep and slippery.

If you only take one photo today, make it here!

Next, turn right and begin your walk west along the Queen’s Walk.

Queen’s Walk

This path (more or less) follows the river all the way to the London Eye – with a little wiggle here and there.

Just keep the river on your right and you’re good.

On the opposite bank of the Thames, you’ll spot some of London’s most iconic buildings, including the Walkie Talkie building (home to the Sky Garden), the Gherkin and The Shard.

You’ll pass Hay’s Galleria on the way to your next stop Southwark Cathedral.

4. Don’t Miss Southwark Cathedral

Most visitors walk straight past Southwark Cathedral on their way to Borough Market.

But I recommend you take a few minutes to go inside and look around.

It’s one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in London and far more beautiful than you’d expect from the outside.

And if you’re interested in British/American history, you’ll want to check out the Harvard Chapel (John Harvard, founder of Harvard University, was baptized here)

Entry is free.

5. Borough Market: What to Eat and What to Skip

After checking out the cathedral, Borough Market is literally next door.

You’ll smell it before you see it 😋

I’m going to be honest and say that at certain times of the day, Borough Market is overrun with tourists.

But don’t let that put you off; it’s one of the oldest and most celebrated food markets in the world.

The key is knowing what and where to eat.

My advice? Honestly, forget the viral chocolate-covered strawberries, here’s what to order instead:

Best Food at Borough Market

• Grab a flaky sausage roll from The Ginger Pig – forget what you have heard about Greggs, this is the real deal!
• Order a steamed bao bun through the little window at Bao. I really enjoyed the Classic Braised Pork but the Short Rib Bao was delicious too.
• Try the pork sandwich from The Black Pig. Order “The Best One” (around £12) and ask for extra crackling. It’s big so you may want to share.
• For dessert, you need to try Humble Crumble. The rhubarb classic is delish.

I’ve visited Borough Market many times and still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.

There’s also some great restaurants at Borough Market. I recommend:

• Padella if you love fresh pasta. If you want to eat lunch here, you’ll need to join the virtual queue.
• Agora serves Greek-inspired sharing plates. I like that it’s walk-ins only.
• OMA is my personal favourite for modern Greek food. I’m addicted to their Salt Cod labneh.

💡 If you want to learn more about Borough Market, I can recommend this guided Borough Market food tour. It’s a great way to navigate the best stalls with a local and comes with food tastings.

6. South Bank Walk: Shakespeare’s Globe to the Millennium Bridge

Fully fueled, it’s time to continue walking west along the South Bank.

You’ll pass various attractions like The Clink Museum (worth a stop if you’re travelling with kids but otherwise keep walking) and pick up the riverside path at Bankside.

You’ll pass famous Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

Keep going and the Millennium Bridge will come into view.

7. Cross The Millennium Bridge For the Best View of St. Paul’s Cathedral

Harry Potter fans will recognise this bridge immediately.

It was built to mark the millennium and was the first new pedestrian bridge over the Thames in more than 100 years.

Cross the bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral rises up directly in front of you.

It’s one of the most breathtaking views in all of London.

8. Best View of St. Paul’s Cathedral: One New Change Roof Terrace

Once you’re across the bridge, continue walking up St. Peter’s Hill toward the cathedral.

You can take guided or self-guided tours of the cathedral.

The Highlights Tour is just 20 minutes.

If you decide not to go inside, head over to the Reflection Garden at 25 Cannon Street.

This peaceful green space is such a beautiful stop and one of my favourites.

For one of the best views of St. Paul’s, go to the One New Change Roof Terrace.

It’s completely free and open daily but check for opening times as they can vary.

The roof terrace gives you a direct, eye-level view of the dome.

9. Hidden Gems in the City of London

If you still have energy, these City of London gems also worth adding to today’s walk:

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

📍Junction of Monument Street and Fish Street Hill

Built to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666, this monument stands a short distance from the spot on Pudding Lane where the fire started.

You can climb the 311 steps to the top for panoramic views of the City of London.

Fair warning; it’s a narrow spiral staircase, so if your legs are already tired from a full day of walking, it’s perfectly fine to admire it from street level instead!

Tickets are required and you can book online in advance.

The Garden at 120: London’s Best Kept Secret Rooftop

📍120 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 5BA

I recommend you skip the Sky Garden and go here instead.

In fact, the Garden at 120 is always a genuine surprise to my clients, not least because it’s free to enter and, unlike the Sky Garden, there’s no reservation system.

Take the lift to the rooftop garden and you’re rewarded with 360-degree views over the City of London and the Thames.

Check visitor information for up-to-date opening times that vary by season. Closed Bank Holidays.

St. Dunstan in the East: London’s Most Beautiful Ruin

📍 St Dunstan’s Hill, London EC3R 5DD

Finally, the last stop is one of my absolute favourite spots in all of London and not to be missed!

St. Dunstan in the East is a perfect example of a London “pocket park”.

It’s a ruined church that was bombed during WW2 and was never rebuilt.

Instead, the ruins were transformed into a stunning public garden, with plants and climbing vines weaving through the Gothic arched windows.

It’s free, open daily and one of the most atmospheric and photogenic places in the city.

It’s especially beautiful at the end of the day.

Day 1 – Wrap Up

From St. Dunstan in the East, you’re now almost back where you started at Tower Hill, completing your Day 1 circular walking route.

Next up on this 5 Day London Itinerary, Greenwich.

DAY 2: Day Trip to Greenwich

Day 2 of this London Itinerary 5 Days takes you away from the hurly burly of central London with a day trip to Greenwich.

It’s consistently one of my clients’ favourite days when visiting London.

How to Get to Greenwich from London

Getting to Greenwich is half the fun.

Take the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper from your nearest pier. Westminster or London Eye are both convenient starting points if staying central.

You’ll cruise past many of the landmarks you explored on Day 1, but from a completely different perspective out on the water.

💡 Tip! Head to the open-air deck at the back for the best views, and make sure you have your camera ready as you pass under Tower Bridge.

A single ticket costs as little as £6 each way ⏱ Journey time: ~55–60 minutes from Westminster Pier.

There are so many ways to buy your ticket including the Uber App, an Oyster Card, or my preferred option, Contactless tap and pay. Just remember to tap in and out with the same card.

1. Check out The Cutty Sark

Once you arrive at Greenwich Pier, your first stop is right in front of you.

The Cutty Sark is the world’s last surviving tea clipper and certainly one of Greenwich’s most iconic landmarks.

However, unless you’re a serious maritime history buff, I’d recommend admiring her from the outside and saving your energy for what’s ahead.

But if you do want to go aboard, tickets cost £12 Adult / £11 Child.

2. Old Royal Naval College (Don’t Skip This)

From the Cutty Sark, walk straight ahead to the Old Royal Naval College.

It’s one of the most architecturally stunning complexes in London, and free to enter.

But the real reason to visit is the Painted Hall.

Often described as the UK’s answer to the Sistine Chapel, it took artist Sir James Thornhill 19 years to complete.

Standing beneath it and looking up, it’s not hard to see why. It’s gorgeous!

3. The National Maritime Museum

Next, a short walk from the Naval College brings you to the National Maritime Museum.

Even if history isn’t your thing, this stop is worth your time.

In fact, I was genuinely surprised to discover that it houses one of the best art collections in Britain, including works by J.M.W. Turner, William Hogarth, and Thomas Gainsborough.

And if you’re travelling with kids, don’t miss the Great Map; a giant interactive floor map of the world. When my daughter was young she loved running between the continents.

Entry is free.

4. Visit Queen’s House (Don’t Skip This)

Next, head to the Queen’s House.

It’s one of England’s first classical buildings and a Bridgerton filming location that fans will recognise immediately.

The highlight is the Tulip Staircase.

It was the first geometric self-supporting spiral staircase in Britain. It’s beautiful!

5. Greenwich Park & the Royal Observatory

From the Queen’s House, follow the path uphill into Greenwich Park.

It’s a climb for sure, but the views from the top are among the best in all of London and worth every step.

Once you’re up there, you can:

• Visit the Royal Observatory and planetarium. Tickets cost from £24 Adult / £12 Child. Or simply enjoy the courtyard, which is free to access
• Stand on the Prime Meridian Line with one foot in each hemisphere
• Take in sweeping panoramic views across the London skyline

6. Check Out Greenwich Market

After the Observatory, make your way back down into town to explore Greenwich Market. It’s one of my favourite markets in London.

It’s open daily from 10am–5:30pm.

Arts, crafts and street food run Wednesday through Sunday; antiques and collectables on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

You’ll find independent artisan stalls, vintage finds, and some of the best street food in southeast London.

It’s a great spot for lunch and a far better place to pick up a souvenir than any tourist shop.

7. Best Places to Eat in Greenwich

Here are a few of Greenwich favourites to try:

• The Plume of Feathers. One of Greenwich’s oldest pubs and the place to go for proper British pub food done well.
• Goddards at Greenwich. A London institution since 1890 and the only place to go for authentic pie and mash. Order it properly, with liquor!
• Trafalgar Tavern. An iconic Thames-side pub right next to the Old Royal Naval College. If you’re visiting in summer, grab a table outside. It’s been serving drinks since 1837 and the riverside setting is hard to beat.

Day 2 – Wrap Up

To wrap up Day 2 of this London Itinerary 5 Days, hop back on the Thames Clipper by Uber back to central London and you’re back where you started.

A trip to Greenwich is honestly one of the best days out London has to offer.

Next up on this 5 Day London Itinerary, Westminster and Royal London.

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DAY 3: Westminster & Royal London Walking Route (With Timing)

Day 3 of the London Itinerary 5 Days is one of the best of this entire itinerary, but it’s also the one where the order you do things matters most.

Here’s my self-guided route, refined from first-hand experience and client feedback.

It’s a reverse of most day tours, but trust me, it works better.

8:15am: Buckingham Palace

Start early while visitor numbers are low.

Check whether the Royal Standard is flying so you know if the King is in residence.

Explore the Victoria Memorial, then walk up the Mall towards Admiralty Arch with the Palace behind you.

Stop and look back, the view of Buckingham Palace from the Mall is one of London’s best.

9:15am: St. James’s Park

Next, at the Mall crossing, veer through the gates onto the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk into St. James’s Park.

Head for the Blue Bridge for beautiful views across the lake, then grab a coffee at the St. James’s Park Café.

10:30am: Horse Guards Parade

After that, exit the park onto Horse Guards Road and claim your spot along the railings ahead of the Changing of the Guard.

In my opinion, this is a better visitor experience than the one at Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony takes place at 11am Sunday through Friday, so check the website before your visit.

💡 If this is your first visit to London, I recommend doing Day 3 with a guide. This Westminster Tour starts at 8:15am, covers all the highlights, and includes skip-the-line access at Westminster Abbey. It’s perfect for first-timers who want the full story behind what they’re seeing.

11:00am: Whitehall

After the ceremony, cut through Horse Guards Arch onto Whitehall.

You’ll pass Downing Street, Parliament Square, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament as you make your way south.

1:00pm: Westminster Abbey

Aim to arrive by 1pm to give yourself plenty of time before it closes at 3:30pm.

Pay the extra £10 on entry for the Verger-led tour, it’s worth every penny.

On Sunday the Abbey is open for services only so plan ahead.

3:30pm: Parliament Square & Big Ben

After the Abbey, take time to explore Parliament Square and admire the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben up close.

4:30pm: Westminster Bridge

Walk across Westminster Bridge for iconic views of Big Ben.

Once across, take the steps on your right for the iconic Bridge Arch shot, another of the best photo spots in London.

Day 3 – Wrap Up

Day 3 is a long one but it’s worth every step. In my experience, it’s the day that my client’s love the most.

Next up on this 5 Days in London Itinerary, we’re heading into some of London’s best districts.

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DAY 4: Bloomsbury to Mayfair Walking Route

Day 4 of this 5-day London Itinerary takes you through some of London’s most exciting districts.

Visit The British Museum

Start Day 4 of this 5 Day London Itinerary at one of the world’s most famous museums, The British Museum in Bloomsbury.

It’s completely free to enter.

Self-guided audio tours are available.

This famous (and often controversial) museum has been displaying artifacts from around the world since 1759.

Don’t try to see everything. It’s overwhelming and you’ll get museum fatigue.

I recommend you pick 3 to 5 things you’re particularly interested in.

If you’re unsure, I recommend checking out:

• Rosetta Stone
• Parthenon sculptures
• Egyptian gallery

The museum is a great option if you’re wondering what to do in London when it rains.

Wander Bloomsbury’s Streets

After you exit the museum, take some time to wander around charming Bloomsbury.

This district is filled with garden squares and Georgian terraces, and is one of the prettiest areas in central London, in my opinion.

💡 Want to explore Bloomsbury with a guide? This Bloomsbury Walking Tour: Hidden London & Georgian Shadows covers royal scandals, literary history and sites linked to Virginia Woolf and Charles Dickens.

The area has a rich literary history, and was once home to the famous Bloomsbury Group: a circle of artists, writers and intellectuals who made Bloomsbury their home in the first half of the 20th century.

While you’re wandering, check out:

• Bloomsbury’s green spaces, including Russell Square
• Woburn Walk
• Colonnade Mews
• Lamb’s Conduit Street
• Store Street

Walk to Covent Garden, Soho to Mayfair

Next, you’ll leave the charming and bookish world of Bloomsbury behind and walk south into the vibrant centre of London.

Along the route check out:

Seven Dials

Crossing Oxford Street, head south down Shaftesbury Avenue to Seven Dials.

This area is a former notorious slum transformed into a lively hub of boutiques, coffee shops, and theatres.

If you’re feeling peckish, grab a bite at Seven Dials Market.

Then, take a moment to admire the central sundial column.

It’s a 1980s reconstruction built from original drawings held in the British Museum and marks the point where seven London streets converge.

Neal’s Yard

From Seven Dials, duck into the alleyway off Monmouth Street to find this hidden, colour-splashed courtyard that most visitors walk straight past.

Look out for Neal’s Yard Remedies, the global organic skincare brand that started here over forty years ago, and Neal’s Yard Dairy, celebrated for its artisanal British cheese.

Covent Garden

Just a few minutes walk from Neal’s Yard and you’re in Covent Garden.

The impressive Victorian iron-and-glass roofed Apple Market was built in the 1830s to shelter the original fruit and vegetable traders.

It’s now packed with independent shops, restaurants, and craft stalls.

Keep an eye out for the street performers.

Somerset House

Next, head south to the Strand.

A short walk east brings you to Somerset House.

This is a grand neoclassical building overlooking the Thames.

It has a Georgian quadrangle and was built on the site of a Tudor palace.

In wintertime, it transforms into a winter wonderland including an ice rink.

Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Courtauld Gallery.

It’s home to over 530 paintings and 26,000 drawings and prints spanning the medieval period to the 20th century.

Tickets are £12.

Victoria Embankment Gardens

Walk through the archway at Somerset House’s southern end and turn right along the river.

You’ll soon spot Cleopatra’s Needle.

It might look like a replica but I promise you, it’s the real thing.

In fact, this is a 3,500-year-old Egyptian granite obelisk gifted to Britain in 1819, though it took another 59 years and a near-disastrous voyage across the Bay of Biscay before it finally arrived in London in 1878.

Behind you, the Embankment Gardens are also worth a wander.

They’re a reminder that this was once the riverbank itself, before the Embankment was constructed in the 1860s.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields

Moving on, head north towards Trafalgar Square, passing this elegant Georgian church first recorded in 1222, when the area was literally open fields.

It’s hard to imagine that now!

Check ahead to see if you can catch one of the music performances if you have the time.

Every Thursday at 1pm, St Martin’s Voices perform for free.

Afterwards, the Café in the Crypt is a great spot for a well-earned coffee.

Trafalgar Square

Dominated by Nelson’s Column (erected to commemorate Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805), the square is one of London’s great public spaces.

You’re spoiled for choice for things to see and do here.

The National Gallery houses masterpieces spanning the Renaissance to the Impressionist era. The permanent collection is free to visit.

And just behind it on St. Martin’s Place, you’ll find the National Portrait Gallery where you can explore six centuries of British history through portraits.

Admission is free.

Between the two, you could easily lose a half day.

Leicester Square

This famous square is London’s entertainment hub and home to several of the city’s biggest cinemas.

Honestly? I recommend passing straight through.

Leicester Square is one of the most tourist-heavy corners of central London, and there’s nothing, in my opinion, that warrants stopping when Soho is literally around the corner.

The exception is if there’s a film premiere, then it’s great place to spot celebrities!

Soho

Head north from Leicester Square and you’re straight into Soho, one of London’s most characterful districts.

Historically, this part of London was a haven for artists, musicians, and writers, and it still carries that creative energy today.

It’s packed with independent restaurants, bars, and cafés offering just about every cuisine you can think of.

Don’t miss Carnaby Street, the birthplace of swinging 60s London and still home to some of the best independent shops in the city.

While you’re there, look for Kingly Court, a hidden courtyard tucked behind Carnaby Street that’s easy to walk past.

It’s packed with some great restaurants and worth a few minutes of your time.

Finally, if you only go inside one shop today, make it Liberty London.

I’ll be honest, I rarely buy anything here. But the Tudor Revival building is one of the most beautiful stores in London and completely worth going inside to look around.

Chinatown

Next, on the southern edge of Soho, look for Gerrard Street, the heart of London’s Chinatown.

This compact area is packed with restaurants, bakeries, and bubble tea shops draped in red lanterns.

And it’s one of the best spots in central London for an affordable meal, with everything from Cantonese dim sum to Sichuan hotpot.

What most visitors don’t know is that London’s Chinese community originally settled in the East End docklands area of Limehouse, before relocating to Soho after WW2.

In fact, the Gerrard Street area we know today didn’t fully take shape until the 1970s.

On my last visit I ate at Bun House and really enjoyed the pork belly buns.

It had a viral moment a few years ago but, in my opinion, it’s actually worth the hype. They’re walk-in only but the queue moves fast.

Piccadilly Circus

A short walk west from Chinatown brings you to Piccadilly Circus.

The over-the-top advertising boards, along with the famous Eros statue at its centre, make it one of London’s most recognisable spots.

That said, just like Leicester Square, it’s also one of the most touristy parts of the city.

I recommend passing through rather than hanging about, but no first-time visit to London is complete without it.

One final tip: don’t stop to eat or drink here. The food will be average at best and definitely overpriced.

Mayfair

To wrap up Day 4, make your way to Mayfair.

It’s one of London’s most elegant (and expensive) districts.

That said, it’s also one of the best areas to base yourself as a first-time visitor.

Where to Stay in Mayfair

If you’re still deciding where to stay, one hotel I recommend on repeat is Flemings Mayfair on Half Moon Street.

I’ve sent many clients here and stayed myself.

The building is beautiful, the onsite Ormer restaurant is outstanding and perfect for a special occasion dinner.

The hotel is in a central location and walkable to places like Buckingham Palace and Green Park.

I can’t say enough about the service, it’s truly attentive.

Things To Do in Mayfair

But wherever you stay, Mayfair has a lot to offer you.

Bond Street is great for window shopping with every luxury brand imaginable.

I recommend you make time to check out Shepherd Market, the Georgian streets around Grosvenor and Berkeley Squares, and the lovely Brown Hart Gardens (pictured above) and Mount Street Gardens.

UK / American Connections in Mayfair

One stop I particularly recommend for my American visitors is Grosvenor Square.

It has long been considered the heart of Anglo-American relations in London.

The former US Embassy was once housed in what is now the upscale Chancery Rosewood Hotel, making it a fascinating place to stop even if you don’t stay.

The gardens are currently undergoing a major renovation to create a climate-resilient urban oasis and are due to reopen in late 2026.

Importantly, the permanent 9/11 memorial and the Roosevelt statue will both remain untouched as part of the renovation.

Where to Eat in Mayfair

Mayfair can be as expensive or as affordable as you want it to be.

For a high-end experience you’re spoilt for choice.

However, for something more relaxed, I recommend heading to Mercado Mayfair.

It’s worth visiting for the architecture alone.

This food hall and cultural hub is housed in a beautifully converted chapel and is one of the most atmospheric places to eat in central London.

Alternatively, for a Great British classic done right, The Mayfair Chippy serves excellent fish and chips.

It’s unpretentious, reasonable value for London, and the food is very good.

Order the haddock and chips with a side of mushy peas and tartare sauce. You won’t regret it!

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Day 4 – Wrap Up

Bloomsbury to Mayfair is a long day, but it’s also one of the best. Just remember you’ve got all day and take plenty of breaks along the way.

In fact, few cities in the world can take you from a 3,500-year-old Egyptian obelisk to a Tudor department store to a converted chapel food market all in one day!

Next, on the final day of this 5 Day London Itinerary, we’re headed to the cultural heart of London.

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DAY 5: South Kensington Museums, Parks & Palaces

On this final day of this London Itinerary 5 Days, I’ve shared a couple of options depending on your interests.

The Victoria & Albert Museum and Natural History Museum alone could each swallow up a full day.

So pick one to explore properly rather than rushing both.

Welcome to Albertopolis!

Depending on where you’re staying, Day 5 of this London Itinerary starts at South Kensington tube station.

The station is served by the Circle, District, and Piccadilly lines so getting here is easy.

As you exit the station, you’ll find yourself standing in one of the most remarkable cultural quarters in the world.

The museums, concert hall, and institutions clustered around Exhibition Road were all funded by profits from the Great Exhibition of 1851.

Prince Albert wanted to transform the area into a permanent hub for science and arts, hence the name Albertopolis.

Visit The V&A Museum

Your first option on your final day is one of my favourite museums in all of London.

And like many, it’s free!

The Victoria & Albert Museum is the world’s greatest museum of art and design.

💡 With so much to see, my top tip is to pick what interests you most before you arrive rather than wandering in cold. Check the current collections and exhibitions and make a shortlist in advance.

The museum also has a beautifully ornate cafe so make sure to check that out too. Great for a pot of tea.

Discover The Natural History Museum

If you’re travelling with kids, the Natural History Museum is probably the better choice for your final day.

And again, it’s free.

When my youngest was 7 she was obsessed with fossils, dinosaurs and Mary Anning, and our visit here was a highlight of her trip.

The main entrance hall (Hintze Hall) alone is worth the visit. The Romanesque architecture is extraordinary and the blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling never fails to impress.

But what I love most about this museum isn’t the exhibitions, it’s the gardens.

Pre-book your free tickets in advance to avoid queues.

Check out The Royal Albert Hall

After either the V&A or The Natural History Museum, now walk north up Exhibition Road until you reach one of London’s most iconic buildings, the Royal Albert Hall.

On your way you’ll pass the Science Museum (another great option for kids), and Imperial College London on your left.

💡 If the Royal Albert Hall interests you, this small group tour is well worth an hour of your time. You’ll get to explore the building, hear about its history, and if you’re lucky, catch an artist rehearsing.

If you’re visiting London in late summer, I recommend you get tickets to the BBC Proms Festival. I attended a classical concert here in July 2019 with my family and really enjoyed the experience.

Admire the Albert Memorial

Next, directly across the road in Kensington Gardens is the Albert Memorial.

The gilded statue of Prince Albert seated and looking south over his achievements is one of the most ornate Victorian monuments you’ll find anywhere.

Visit Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace

From the memorial, follow the path north into Kensington Gardens.

Along the way you’ll see:

• The Serpentine Galleries, a free contemporary art gallery in a beautiful lakeside setting
• The Elfin Oak, a hollowed-out tree stump covered in carvings of fairies, elves, and woodland creatures
• The Italian Gardens, 19th-century ornamental water gardens on the north side of the park, said to be Prince Albert’s gift to Queen Victoria

Finally, end your day at Kensington Palace, the birthplace of Queen Victoria and former home of Princess Diana and the Prince and Princess of Wales.

The Sunken Garden is said to have been one of Princess Diana’s favourite spots, and a memorial statue to her was placed here by her sons in 2021. It’s a surprisingly moving place to end your final day in London.

Admission is £24.70 for adults and £12.40 for children, with concessions available. Make sure to check opening times before you visit.

Head Back to Exhibition Road

After you’ve wrapped up a visit to Kensington Palace & Gardens, head back down Exhibition Road for dinner.

I’ve eaten at Brindisa Tapas and Comptoir Libanais and I’m happy to recommend them both!

Next time, I plan to try Pierino, an Italian restaurant on Thurloe Place.

Where to Stay in South Kensington

South Kensington is another excellent base for first-time visitors, and one I know well.

I’ve personally stayed at the Ampersand Hotel and regularly book clients here.

The location couldn’t be better. It’s a two-minute walk from South Kensington tube station, easy walking distance to all the dining options on Exhibition Road, and a short stroll from Knightsbridge, Chelsea and Hyde Park.

The hotel has a lovely characterful feel and the Afternoon Tea options are delightful!

If you’ve spent the morning at the Natural History Museum, the Jurassic Afternoon Tea is a must.

If you’re travelling with kids, family rooms come with rollaway beds for children up to 12 at no extra charge.

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Day 5 – Wrap Up

That’s a wrap on this 5 Day London Itinerary.

And remember, you’ll never see all of London in just 5 days.

I visit every year and still experience something new every time. Trust me when I say, London is a city that keeps pulling you back.

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