London-5-day-itinerary
Day 1: Monday
Places to Go:
- Buckingham Palace: The official residence of the British monarch, you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:30am from May to July and August to September.
- The Houses of Parliament: Take a guided tour of the UK parliament building and learn about its history and significance.
Activities:
- Visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms, which are open to the public during the summer months.
- Take a stroll through St. James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful parks.
Where to Eat:
- Fortnum & Mason: Try some traditional English afternoon tea at this iconic department store.
- The Delaunay: Enjoy delicious food in a stunning setting with high ceilings and ornate details.
Where to Stay:
- The Goring Hotel: A luxurious hotel that has hosted many famous guests, including Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding.
- The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of London’s hippest neighborhood.
Things to Know:
- Opening Hours: Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open from July to September. The Houses of Parliament are open for tours from Monday to Saturday.
- Weather: Summer is a great time to visit London, but pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Transportation:
- Tube: Take the Tube (London Underground) to Green Park station for Buckingham Palace and Westminster station for the Houses of Parliament.
- Bus: Bus number 11 or 24 will take you close to both attractions.
Tips:
- Book tickets in advance for the State Rooms and guided tours to avoid long queues.
- Be prepared for crowds at popular tourist spots like Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.
- Take a stroll along the Thames to enjoy the city’s beautiful riverside views.
Day 2: Tuesday
Places to Go:
- The British Museum: One of the world’s greatest museums, with a collection of over 8 million objects from around the globe.
- Covent Garden: A historic square that has been transformed into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.
Activities:
- Spend hours exploring the British Museum’s vast collections, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
- Visit the Covent Garden Market for street performers, food stalls, and unique souvenirs.
Where to Eat:
- Dishoom: Try this popular Indian restaurant in Covent Garden for delicious street food-style dishes.
- The Delaunay: Enjoy another meal at this stunning café with high ceilings and ornate details.
Where to Stay:
- The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of London’s hippest neighborhood.
- One Aldwych: A luxurious hotel with a beautiful design-led approach.
Things to Know:
- Opening Hours: The British Museum is open from 10am to 5:30pm. Covent Garden Market is open from 9am to 6pm.
- Weather: Summer is a great time to visit London, but pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Transportation:
- Tube: Take the Tube (London Underground) to Holborn station for the British Museum and Covent Garden station for Covent Garden.
- Bus: Bus number 14 or 24 will take you close to both attractions.
Tips:
- Book tickets in advance for the Rosetta Stone and other popular exhibits at the British Museum to avoid long queues.
- Explore the surrounding streets of Covent Garden for unique shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Take a stroll along the Thames to enjoy the city’s beautiful riverside views.
Day 3: Wednesday
Places to Go:
- The Tower of London: A historic fortress that has served as a palace, prison, armory, and even a zoo over the centuries.
- Tower Bridge: A stunning Victorian-era bridge with breathtaking views of the Thames.
Activities:
- Take a guided tour of the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels on display.
- Walk across Tower Bridge for panoramic views of the city.
Where to Eat:
- The Folly: Enjoy a delicious meal at this trendy restaurant in Covent Garden, which offers a seasonal menu with a focus on local produce.
- Simpson’s-in-the-Strand: Treat yourself to an upscale dining experience at this classic London eatery.
Where to Stay:
- The Goring Hotel: A luxurious hotel that has hosted many famous guests, including Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding.
- The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of London’s hippest neighborhood.
Things to Know:
- Opening Hours: The Tower of London is open from 9am to 5:30pm. Tower Bridge is open from 10am to 6pm.
- Weather: Summer is a great time to visit London, but pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Transportation:
- Tube: Take the Tube (London Underground) to Tower Hill station for the Tower of London and London Bridge station for Tower Bridge.
- Bus: Bus number 15 or 24 will take you close to both attractions.
Tips:
- Book tickets in advance for the Crown Jewels exhibit at the Tower of London to avoid long queues.
- Explore the surrounding streets of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge for unique shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Take a stroll along the Thames to enjoy the city’s beautiful riverside views.
Day 4: Thursday
Places to Go:
- Camden Market: A vibrant marketplace with a focus on independent traders selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewelry.
- Regent’s Park: A stunning royal park that is home to several lakes, gardens, and the London Zoo.
Activities:
- Spend hours browsing the stalls at Camden Market for unique souvenirs and gifts.
- Take a leisurely stroll through Regent’s Park and enjoy the beautiful gardens and lakes.
Where to Eat:
- The Blues Kitchen: Enjoy delicious BBQ and live music at this popular venue in Shoreditch.
- Pizza Pilgrims: Treat yourself to a tasty pizza at this trendy spot with several locations throughout London.
Where to Stay:
- One Aldwych: A luxurious hotel with a beautiful design-led approach.
- The Hoxton, Shoreditch: A trendy boutique hotel in the heart of London’s hippest neighborhood.
Things to Know:
- Opening Hours: Camden Market is open from 10am to 6pm. Regent’s Park is open from 5am to 10:30pm.
- Weather: Summer is a great time to visit London, but pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Transportation:
- Tube: Take the Tube (London Underground) to Camden Town station for Camden Market and Regent’s Park station for Regent’s Park.
- Bus: Bus number 24 or 31 will take you close to both attractions.
Tips:
- Explore the surrounding streets of Camden Market for unique shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Take a stroll along the Thames to enjoy the city’s beautiful riverside views.
- Visit the London Zoo and see the famous monkeys at Regent’s Park.
Day 5: Friday
Places to Go:
- Westminster Abbey: A stunning Gothic church that has been the site of coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals for centuries.
- Big Ben (The Elizabeth Tower): Take a tour of the famous clock tower and learn about its history and significance.
Activities:
- Visit Westminster Abbey and see the graves of famous Britons like Charles Dickens and Jane Austen.
- Take a tour of Big Ben and see the impressive clock mechanism up close.
Where to Eat:
- The Delaunay: Enjoy another meal at this stunning café with high ceilings and ornate details.
- Dishoom: Try this popular Indian restaurant in Covent Garden for delicious street food-style dishes.
Where to Stay:
- The Goring Hotel: A luxurious hotel that has hosted many famous guests, including Kate Middleton on the eve of her wedding.
- One Aldwych: A luxurious hotel with a beautiful design-led approach.
Things to Know:
- Opening Hours: Westminster Abbey is open from 9:30am to 3:30pm. Big Ben is open for tours from Tuesday to Saturday.
- Weather: Summer is a great time to visit London, but pack layers as the weather can be unpredictable.
Transportation:
- Tube: Take the Tube (London Underground) to Westminster station for Westminster Abbey and Westminster Bridge station for Big Ben.
- Bus: Bus number 11 or 24 will take you close to both attractions.
Tips:
- Book tickets in advance for the Westminster Abbey tours to avoid long queues.
- Explore the surrounding streets of Westminster Abbey for unique shops, cafes, and street performers.
- Take a stroll along the Thames to enjoy the city’s beautiful riverside views.