London Itinerary: The Perfect 5 Days (2026)

When to go to London

May, June, September. December for Christmas lights. Winter is dark but the museums make up for it.

Typical daily budget for a mid-range traveler in 2026: £110–180/day. Prices below assume shoulder season; peak summer runs 20–40% higher, especially on lodging.

Getting around London

Contactless card taps in and out — automatically capped at daily max (~£8.90 in Zone 1). Skip Oyster unless you love plastic. Ubers are useful late; black cabs know the city better.

Where to stay in London

Bloomsbury or Fitzrovia for central + walkable. Shoreditch or Hackney for cool + cheaper. South Bank for river views + easy access.

Day 1: Westminster + South Bank

Parliament + Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, walk across the river, Southbank Centre, Borough Market, Tate Modern.

Tip: Skip the London Eye — the view from the free Sky Garden (book ahead) is better.

Day 2: British Museum + Covent Garden

British Museum opening (target 3 galleries), Covent Garden, Seven Dials, Soho evening.

Day 3: Tower + East End

Tower of London first slot, Tower Bridge, walk to Spitalfields, Brick Lane for curry or bagels, Shoreditch drinks.

Day 4: Kensington Museums + Hyde Park

V&A + Natural History Museum (both free), Hyde Park walk to Notting Hill, Portobello Road, dinner in Notting Hill.

Day 5: Greenwich Day Trip

Thames Clipper to Greenwich, Royal Observatory, Maritime Museum, back for a West End show.

What to eat in London

Dishoom (any location, book ahead) for Bombay-style. St. John for nose-to-tail. Padella for the pasta queue. Any Pret at 7am if you must.

Best day trip from London

Oxford or Cambridge by train (1h) — Oxford for architecture, Cambridge for the river. Bath (1h30) works if you're up early.

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