London is one of the world's most vibrant cities. And even if you don't have long, you can still soak up a lot of what this bustling capital has to offer in just a few days. Here are some recommendations on what to visit, places to eat, and best ways to get around with our 5 Days in London itinerary.
London is home to nearly 9 million residents. But it's easy to lose yourself among its beautiful cityscapes, renowned architecture, and historical landmarks.
In fact, there's so much to see, you could easily spend weeks here and still not run out of things to do.
We visited London this past spring with our two teenagers, one of whom is considering attending university in the UK. We only had 5 days to see as much as we could. And boy did we accomplish a lot!
In fact, even if you're there for a long layover in London, you can still see a bunch of sights in only a few hours.
This guide features our itinerary from start to finish, including a fun day trip out to Oxford, which is as magical as you might imagine!
You'll discover:
- Some of the best sights to visit without breaking the budget
- How to plan a trip to Oxford
- How to navigate the tube (or subway)
- Where to eat in London
- Where to stay in London
Jump to:
About London, United Kingdom
Situated in southeast England along the River Thames, London dates back roughly two thousand years. It's made up of more than 30 boroughs, each with its own identity, neighborhoods, and things to experience. At the center is the City of London, which is actually not a borough but its own district.
We focused most of our sightseeing near London's city center and the surrounding area, where many of the most well-known attractions are located, such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. And while we visited each of these sights, there's also a lot more to see and discover, as you'll find out below!
But first, here are some answers to a few common questions about traveling to London.
London FAQs
Typically, summer in London is a good time to enjoy sunnier weather and warmer temperatures. While average summer temps hover in the 70s and 80s Fahrenheit, recent summers have produced much hotter stretches. And it's also the time of year when the city is most crowded with tourists. So if you prefer cooler weather and fewer crowds, consider traveling to London in March-April and September-October.
Temperatures typically remain below 60ยฐ F in the spring, but they can get a bit higher in May. Rain, wind, and drizzle are all common for London in the spring, but you can also experience glorious, crisp sunny days. A good rule of thumb is to always carry an umbrella, as you never know when the skies may open up!
Springtime in London can be a mix of mild temperatures, sun, wind, and rain. So basically, you'll want to pack for all of these eventualities. It's a good idea to bring a few sweaters, a raincoat, and definitely an umbrella. And don't forget a good pair of comfortable walking shoes!
If you're traveling from the United States to London, chances are you'll arrive at Heathrow Airport, the UK's largest and busiest. That's where we landed. The process of going through customs was fairly quick and straightforward, with few lines and clearly marked signage on where to find taxis and other ground transportation. A cab or ride share from Heathrow to London city center takes about an hour and can cost around $100. You can also take the tube or Heathrow Express train to and from the airport.
Tipping anywhere from 10%-20% is customary in London restaurants. However, many restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, so be sure to check first. It's also common to give a small tip to taxi drivers. However, it's not standard practice to tip when ordering a drink at a bar or pub.
The currency in London and the rest of the UK is the Pound, also known as Pound Sterling or GBP. It's handy to carry around a few pounds in cash, which you can get from local ATMs. But don't try to pay with Euros, as they won't be accepted in most cases.
London: Day one
Okay, on to our trip! Day One was mostly a travel day to London. Followed by checking into our hotel, then checking out a thriving local market and a light dinner.
Travel day!
We flew out of Portland International Airport (PDX) to San Franciso (SFO), then onto Heathrow (LHR). We opted for premium plus economy on United Airlines for the extra legroom and it was well worth it for the 10-hour plus flight from SFO to London.
And thanks to Marlynn's Priority Pass membership, we also have airport lounge access around the globe. Learn more about Priority Pass perks, incuding airport lounge access, restaurant, spa, and retail discounts.
Find the best flights with cashback here:
Checkย into our hotel
After having stayed at a Locke Hotel in Dublin, we decided to do the same for our stay in London, this time at the Locke Broken Wharf overlooking the Thames near the Millennium Bridge.
Pros:ย close to the River Thames, Tate Modern Gallery, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the tube. All their rooms come with kitchenettes and sofas, so we could relax and even stock up on groceries during our visit.
Cons:ย A bit farther away from many of the more popular attractions, which require a roughly 20-minute tube trip to get to. Some of the studios can be on the small side.
Borough Market
We'd heard from several friends (and our friendly London cabbie) that Borough Market was a must-see. And since it turned out to be a short 15-minute walk from our hotel, that's where we headed first.
If you're a fan of bustling markets where you can sample loads of local fare and just get immersed in the crowds, then Borough Market is for you. Located in London's Southwark area, this busy indoor-outdoor marketplace is chock full of cheesemongers, small eateries, bars, cookie and pastry stands, fruit and veg stalls, and more.
Once you step inside, you'll find yourself surrounded by a myriad of sights, sounds, and other shoppers. When we were there, the atmosphere was buzzing with people, all scurrying to various stalls. In fact, after about half an hour, we decided we needed two things: a breather and a quick jolt of caffeine to stave off the mounting jet lag.
Coffee at Monmouth
So we headed across the street to Monmouth Coffee to grab a tasty cortado, which is basically a small espresso drink mixed with warm milk. Once refueled, we headed back inside the market and picked up some sweet treats to bring back to the hotel.
Dinner at Brindisa
Soon it was time for dinner, so we decided to stay in the area and see if we could find a table last minute at one of the nearby restaurants.
Even though it was a weeknight, the Borough Market area becomes even busier as the workday ends and the bars and restaurants fill up. So we recommend making reservations if you plan to dine in the area.
Luckily, we were able to snag a spot at Brindisa, a cute tapas bar. We selected several dishes but our favorites were the ham croquetas (ยฃ8), pan con tomate (ยฃ6), and the king prawns (ยฃ12). It was the perfect meal of small bites and just the right amount without being too filling.
London: Day two
Day two we got our steps in, doing an extensive walking tour around the city and seeing many of the top sights.
We didn't have time to enter many of the attractions below, so we experienced them more in walking-tour style. Luckily many of them were relatively close together, which made things a bit more convenient. That said, we probably racked up about 20,000 steps in all, so bring comfortable shoes for sure!
London Eye
The London Eye is an iconic and gigantic ferris wheel looms over the London skyline across the Thames from Big Ben.
While a ride in one of the pods can give you a beautiful view of the city, it can also be somewhat costly. Fares start at ยฃ19, or about $25. Or you spring for the Champagne Experience for ยฃ65.
Either way, buying tickets in advance is recommended. Even in March when we went, the lines were long, so we decided to forgo a ride and continue our tour.
Big Ben and Parliament
A short walk across the river from the London Eye will deliver you to the doorstep of Big Ben and Parliament, or the Palace of Westminster.
After undergoing a yearslong restoration, Big Ben now gleams brightly over the houses of Parliament. This majestic clock tower is one of the most recognizable attractions in the city and in the world, and it's definitely worth seeing close up. But the streets around it can be pretty crowded, so you may need to jostle a bit to get that perfect snapshot.
Whitehall and 10 Downing Street
Next, we headed down Parliament Street to Whitehall, home to a host of government buildings and cabinet offices, as well as 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister's residence.
It was impressive to see the size and scope and of these buildings and to wonder what was going on behind the white stone walls. And while the closest you can get to "Number 10" is a wrought iron gate several yards away from the residence, we were still glad we decided to make the stop.
Trafalgar Square
Continuing past Whitehall will lead you directly to one of London's busiest intersections, Trafalgar Square. Flanked by the towering Nelson's Column at one end and the National Gallery on the other, this large square offers ample picture-taking options, as well as a great microcosm of the hustle and bustle of London.
Dinner at Bella Italia
If you're looking for a good family dinner spot in London, check out Bella Italia. With locations all over town, it's pretty easy to find one. And the food is tasty and reasonably priced.
We opted for some shrimp pasta, pizza, and flat bread and I think we all cleaned our plates, so that's always a good sign. As with most spots in London, this one got pretty crowded, so reservations are a good idea.
St. Paul's Cathedral
By this time, we were getting a bit tired and it the day was starting to wind down. So we decided to take the tube back to our hotel, which fortunately was just a few minutes' walk from St. Paul's Cathedral. The closest tube stop is helpfully called St. Paul's, which is on the Central Line.
Dating back to the 17th century, this grand cathedral serves as the seat of the bishop of London and features a dome that soars more than 350 feet high. So it's easily recognizable from many parts of the city.
By the time we got there, it was already getting dark. But that lent a quiet somberness to the cathedral and also meant there were fewer crowds.
London: Day three
We reserved our third day in London to actually leave the city and head over to Oxford, before returning to grab dinner in Mayfair.
Paddington Station
We set out to Oxford to visit a couple of the colleges one of our kids is considering applying to. Our journey began by taking the tube to Paddington Station, then jumping on board a Great Western Railway train for the short 45-minute ride to Oxford. Note: You can buy your train tickets online several weeks before to save money and to reserve seats, as we did. Ours cost about ยฃ20 each for a round trip.
Oxford
We arrived in Oxford on a blustery, rainy day, but that didn't dampen the magical charm of this ancient university town. A short walk from the train station brings you into central Oxford, and from there you can stroll among the various colleges and explore lots of quaint shops and cafes, all within a few minutes of each other.
We were able to tour one college that our daughter had on her list and it was as charming as you might expect, with its own library, dining hall, and even a basement bar. Note: Not all colleges regularly offer tours, so if you plan to visit and want to tour one, be sure to check with them ahead of time to reserve your spot.
Black Sheep Coffee
While we waited for our college tour to start (and to get out of the rain), we stopped in at a local Black Sheep Coffee. You'll find these all over Britain, but they're a tasty alternative if you're not a fan of larger chains like Starbucks.
They have all the common drinks, as well as smoothies, sandwiches, pizza, and pastries. The best part: no waiting in line if you eat in. Simply grab a table, scan the QR code for the menu, and order. And Bob's your uncle, a few minutes later, someone will bring your items over to you.
Mercato Mayfair
Our Oxford trip took up most of the day, so after we got back to London, we headed over to Mercato Mayfair for some dinner. This former church was converted to a food hall with several restaurants both upstairs and downstairs.
We sampled some pasta and sushi, along with a couple of glasses of wine. The atmosphere was busy and energetic inside the hall, but finding a table wasn't difficult, especially in the downstairs area which was much quieter. If you're looking for a spot to eat that's loaded with options, definitely head over to Mercato in Mayfair.
London: Day four
We continued to college tours on day four, but this time in London itself. We also hit up the British Museum and had some fish & chips, of course!
University College London
Ranked in the top 10 universities in the world and the best UK university of 2024, University College London (UCL) features a sprawling main campus not too far from Regent's Park.
While the campus is set right in the city, it still has a sort of traditional campus feel which you pick up on as you stroll past various university research buildings and residence halls. And if you're a book lover, you'll find one of the best Waterstones bookstores right next door!
British Museum
A short walk from UCL sits the British Museum. This massive structure houses artifacts and artwork from around the world, including Egyptian mummies, Roman-era pieces, and the Rosetta Stone.
While the museum has come under fire for failing to return many of these artifacts to the countries they originated, from a pure historical standpoint, it is awe-inspiring to see so much history in one place.
Admission to the British Museum is free, but when we went it was very crowded. So be prepared to jostle for position to see many of the most famous items.
White Hart Pub
We worked up an appetite at the British Museum, so our next stop was lunch at the nearby White Hart Pub. Claiming to be the oldest licensed premises in London, this charming place features comforting pub fare like fish & chips (ยฃ16), burgers (ยฃ17), and of course pints. It has also a fairly large dining room and we had no problem getting a table right at lunchtime.
Somerset House
After lunch, we kept heading south towards the Thames until we reached Somerset House. The current building was erected on the site of a palace originally belonging to the Duke of Somerset, and it's now a center for creativity, culture, and art.
And many of the shows can be a bit offbeat. We went to catch the "Cute" exhibition there, which featured a sort of history of cuteness in pop culture. This particular show ran through April 2024. But new ones are being added constantly.
So if you're looking for a unique bit of culture while in London, a visit to Somerset House is well worth a visit.
London: Day five
We tried to pack a lot in during our last day in London, with a focus on food and seeing a few more sights along the way, including Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace.
Dishoom
We began the day with breakfast at the fabulous Dishoom in Covent Garden. The Dishoom group of restaurants are based on Irani cafes popular in Bombay, India, known for their inclusive and laid-back atmospheres.
The decor of the location we visited had an ornate, sophisticated feel and the service was impeccable. And that was even before any of the food arrived! We ordered the bacon naan roll (ยฃ10), one of their specialties, as well as the Uttapam stack, similar to pancakes (ยฃ11.50), both pictured above. Both were delicious, as was the chocolate chai, which we highly recommend!
Caffe Concerto
What's better than breakfast? Second breakfast! After Dishoom, we headed down the street to Caffe Concerto, a post with beautiful pastries and other dishes, to meet an old friend from college.
We shared a delicious green smoothie and a bowl of comforting porridge with fruit. Caffe Concerto's can be found all over London, and they make a tasty pit stop if you're craving a sweet treat.
Buckingham Palace
Next, we hopped on the tube and headed for perhaps London's most famous attraction: Buckingham Palace. This enormous, ornate structure sits at the intersection of St. James's Park and the Green Park and is just as impressive as you imagine it would be.
While we didn't see any Royals coming in or out, we were able to explore the beautiful grounds outside the palace and snap photos of some of the other nearby landmarks, like the Victoria Memorial and the Canada Gate.
Regent Street
After the Palace, it had been nearly an hour since our last meal, but before lunch, we walked over to nearby Regent Street to explore one of London's most exclusive shopping areas.
If you're looking for a London spot to see and be seen, and to hit some of the city's best shops, you'll want to put this area on your list. But this is a popular avenue in central London, so be prepared to brave the crowds!
Heddon Street Kitchen
Did someone say lunch? Since we were in the neighborhood, we decided to stop one of Gordon Ramsey's London restaurants, Heddon Street Kitchen. Located just off Regent Street in a lovely, quiet courtyard, this sophisticated but not stuffy eatery provided one of the best meals of our trip.
Among the four of us, we had the roasted sea bream, butter chicken, fish and chips, and dry-aged beef burger. Each dish ranged in price from ยฃ20-ยฃ30 and was well worth it. The one regret: no Gordon sighting.
Piccadilly Circus
For our last stop, we sauntered over to the Times Square of London: Piccadilly Circus.
This bright, bustling intersection was the busiest spot we visited. There were teems of people checking out the sights.
Known as a popular meeting spot and for its bright neon advertising signs, this vibrant destination is great for snapping photos. It serves as a connector to some of the city's poshest shopping districts.
How to use the London tube
One of the best and easiest ways to get around London is by subway, or tube. And you have a couple of good options for how to buy tickets.
Visitor Oyster Card
A visitor Oyster Card costs ยฃ5 and is delivered to your home before you travel. You also need to load it with pay-as-you-go credit to actually pay for the rides you take. This is a good choice if you plan to use the tube a lot, as the max amount you pay can be capped. But you need to buy it before you leaveโyou can't buy one in London.
Mobile contactless payment
We opted to simply pay per trip using contactless payment. With this method, you simply tap your credit card or phone that has a card stored on it at the yellow card readers at the tube station. Then tap out again at your destination. This step is important so you aren't overcharged for your ride. Most rides cost about ยฃ2.50 within the city center.
This was a good option for us as we typically took just 1 or 2 tube rides a day. But be sure to use a card with no foreign service fees or those extra charges can rack up.
Happy travels!
I hope our 5 Days in London itinerary inspires your future travels! Here are quick links to all of the places mentioned in this article, along with a few other top sights.
Find the best London tours here:
Where to eat and drink in London
Monmouth Coffee
2 Park St, London SE1 9AD
Tue-Sat: 7:30am - 6pm
Mon: 12pm - 6pm
Brindisa Borough Market
Borough Market, Stoney St, London SE1 9AF
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm
Bella Italia (The Strand)
65 Strand, London WC2N 5LR
Sun-Thu: 11am - 10pm
Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm
Black Sheep Coffee (Oxford)
141 High St, Oxford OX1 4DS
Mon-Thu: 6:30am - 8pm
Fri-Sat: 6:30am - 9pm
Sun: 7am - 6pm
Mercato Mayfair
St. Mark's Church, N Audley St, London W1K 6ZA
Mon-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 12am
Sun: 12pm - 10:30pm
White Hart Pub
191 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5QD
Mon-Wed: 12pm - 11pm
Thu: 12pm - 12am
Fri-Sat: 12pm - 2am
Sun: 12pm - 8pm
Dishoom
12 Upper St Martin's Ln, London WC2H 9FB
Mon-Thu: 8am - 11pm
Fri: 8am - 12am
Sat: 9am - 12am
Sun: 9am - 11pm
Cafe Concerto (Covent Garden)
143 Long Acre, London WC2E 9AD
Daily: 7:30am - 11pm
Heddon Street Kitchen
3-9 Heddon St, London W1B 4BE
Mon-Wed: 7:30am - 11pm
Thu-Fri: 7:30am - 11:30pm
Sat: 11:30am - 11:30pm
Sun: 11:30am - 9pm
Where to stay in London
Locke Hotel Broken Wharf
Broken Wharf House, 2 Broken Wharf, London EC4V 3DT
Find availability at Locke at Broken Wharf in London:
Find more London lodging
What to do in London
Borough Market
London SE1 9AL
Tue-Fri: 10am - 5pm
Sat: 9am - 5pm
Sun: 10am - 4pm
London Eye
Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB
Mon-Fri: 11am - 6pm
Sat-Sun: 10am - 8:30pm
Big Ben
London SW1A 0AA
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DS
St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
Mon-Tue, Thu-Sat: 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wed: 10am - 4:30pm
Sun: 8am - 6pm
British Museum
Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG
Sat-Thu: 10am - 5pm
Fri: 10am - 8:30pm
Somerset House
Strand, London WC2R 1LA
Daily: 10am - 7pm
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA
More London attractions to visit
There are countless more wonderful places in London to visit if you have time. Other popular tourist attractions include:
- Tower of London
- National Gallery
- View from the Shard
- Churchill War Rooms
- Shakespeare's Globe
- Tate Modern
- Harry Potter/Warner Bros Studio Tour
- Hyde Park (Long Layover in London)
- Green Park (Long Layover in London)
- Harrods
If you visit, please be sure to let them know that you read about it on Urban Bliss Life! And if you snap some pics, tag us @UrbanBlissLife and #UrbanBlissLife on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.
โ๏ธ Planning a trip?
Here are my favorite items and resources I use whenever I travel.
๐งณ Away Luggage - I've traveled all over the world with Away luggage and can't say enough about their durability and style.
๐ Backpack - This is my go-to travel backpack. It has pockets everywhere and enough space to fit everything from my laptop to extra shoes.
๐Apple Air Tags - I always hide these airtags away in my luggage, especially if I check bags. That way I can track them and know exactly where they are.
๐ Packing cubes - Take the stress out of packing and make sure everything fits in your bags with this set of compression packing cubes.
โก๏ธPortable charger - I always travel with a portable power bank for my devices, and I've found this one to be the most reliable and long-lasting.
๐ Travel adapter - Planning to travel to multiple countries? I use this all-in-one international travel adapter to make sure my devices work wherever I go.
๐ฉ Flights - I've found the best savings savings on flights here.
๐จ Hotel - I always snag the best lodging deals with this booking tool.
๐ Rental cars - You can get some great savings on rental cars on this site.
I use all of these products and earn a small commission through these affiliate links.
Leave a Reply