London has been reinventing itself for nearly 2,000 years—from Roman Londinium to the seat of a global empire to today’s creative, multicultural metropolis. The city’s skyline juxtaposes medieval battlements with glassy Shards, while red buses and black cabs glide by centuries of stories.

Expect world-class museums that are free to enter, legendary theater in the West End, and neighborhoods with distinct personalities: stately Westminster, riverside South Bank, buzzy Soho, and artsy Shoreditch. London’s food scene spans Michelin-starred temples to comfort to high-street bakers and bustling markets.

Practical notes: Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet on the Tube and buses (daily cap about £8–£9 in Zones 1–2). Advance booking helps for peak sights like the London Eye and the Tower of London. Pack layers and a compact umbrella; London weather is changeable year-round.

London

London rewards both first-timers and repeat visitors: royal pageantry at Buckingham Palace, the riverside promenade along the South Bank, and hidden lanes where Dickens once walked. Spend mornings with crown jewels and Rosetta Stones; spend evenings with skyline sunsets and West End curtain calls.

• Top sights: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, British Museum, Covent Garden, Kensington museums, and the London Eye.
• Essential experiences: Browse Borough Market, sip a pint in a historic pub, hunt street art in Shoreditch, and ride a double-decker at least once.
• Food & drink: From proper fish-and-chips and South Asian grills to new-wave bakeries and natural-wine bars—London is a feast.

Where to stay (handpicked):

• Iconic classic: The Savoy (Covent Garden/Strand) — heritage glamour, river views, and legendary service.
• Best for families/views: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London — steps from Big Ben and the South Bank.
• Great location by the Tower: Novotel London Tower Bridge — modern rooms near the City and river.
• Value by the London Eye: Premier Inn London County Hall — reliable rooms in a historic building.
• Budget-smart: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras — compact, clean, and connected.
• Hostel/social: YHA London Central or YHA London St Pancras — friendly bases for solo travelers.
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com London and VRBO London.

Getting to London: From within Europe, compare flights and trains on Omio (flights) and Omio (trains)—e.g., Paris–London by Eurostar takes ~2h 20m. From North America/Asia, check long-haul fares on Trip.com and Kiwi.com (7–11 hours from the U.S. East Coast; 12–14 hours from the West Coast; ~12+ from Asia, routes vary).

Getting around the city: Use the Tube, buses, and your feet. Tap-in/tap-out with contactless; the Zone 1–2 daily cap is budget-friendly. Black cabs and ride-hailing are plentiful late at night.

Day 1 — South Bank Arrival, Big Ben, and a Sunset Flight

Morning: Travel to London. From elsewhere in Europe, compare fares and schedules on Omio (flights) or Omio (trains). From overseas, check Trip.com and Kiwi.com. If you land at Heathrow, the Tube (Piccadilly line) is the best-value ride into central London (~50–60 minutes).

Afternoon: Check in, freshen up, and stroll the South Bank from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. This riverside walkway gives you postcard views of Big Ben, Parliament, and St. Paul’s. Grab a late lunch: try Padella (hand-rolled pici cacio e pepe by Borough Market), Wright Brothers (oysters and fish), or Pizza Pilgrims for a quick, tasty pie.

Evening: Ride the London Eye at golden hour for sweeping skyline views. Book a fast-track entry to save time: London Eye Fast-Track Ticket.

For dinner nearby, consider Skylon (riverside modern European), Hawksmoor Borough (stellar British beef and sticky toffee pudding), or the laid-back tapas at Barrafina Dean Street if you fancy a Soho jaunt. Nightcap at Gordon’s Wine Bar, a candlelit cellar with fortified wines and cheddar-heavy platters.

Day 2 — Tower of London, Borough Market, and the City

Morning: Fuel up at WatchHouse Tower Bridge (craft coffee and an excellent bacon brioche) or St. John Bakery (legendary custard doughnuts). Then dive into 900 years of intrigue with a Beefeater-led visit: VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour.

Afterward, walk across Tower Bridge for river views and the classic shot back to the Tower and the Shard.

Afternoon: Lunch at Borough Market: sample a molten raclette toastie from Kappacasein, plump Scotch eggs at Scotchtails, or a chorizo roll from Brindisa. For dessert, try Bread Ahead’s doughnuts. Continue through the City: peek into Leadenhall Market’s ornate arcades, then head to St. Paul’s Cathedral precinct for skyline vistas from the Millennium Bridge.

Evening: Dine in the West End or Soho: Kiln (Thai grill; smoky clay-pot glass noodles), Bancone (silk handkerchief pasta with walnut butter), or The Palomar (contemporary Jerusalem plates and buzz). For a proper London pub, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street serves history with your pint; it was rebuilt after the Great Fire of 1666.

Day 3 — Royal Westminster, Parks, and the British Museum

Morning: Breakfast at Regency Café, an art-deco spot famous for English fry-ups and cameos in film. Walk past Big Ben and Parliament to Westminster Abbey (royal coronations since 1066). If timed right, watch the Changing of the Guard near Buckingham Palace (typically late mornings on select days—check schedules on arrival). Pause in St. James’s Park to meet the pelicans.

Afternoon: Head to Bloomsbury for a curated deep-dive at the British Museum: London: British Museum Guided Tour to see the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Assyrian lions efficiently.

Refuel at Noble Rot Lamb’s Conduit Street (French-leaning plates, superb wine list) or grab coffee at Kaffeine in Fitzrovia.

Evening: See a West End show (musicals in Covent Garden/Soho area). Pre-theater dinner picks: Dishoom Covent Garden (black dal and bacon naan), Flat Iron (steak that won’t break the bank), or Yauatcha Soho (dim sum and patisserie). For cocktails, Swift (fast, elegant sips) or Bar Termini (Italian aperitivi) keep things central.

Day 4 — Harry Potter Studio Tour, King’s Cross, and Coal Drops Yard

Morning: Coffee and a cardamom bun at Pophams (Islington or London Fields), then set out for Leavesden to step into the wizarding world. Book the package with transport: Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London (coach transfer included; allow ~7 hours door-to-door).

Expect Great Hall goosebumps, Diagon Alley set design, and behind-the-scenes movie magic.

Afternoon: Return to King’s Cross for a playful photo by Platform 9¾ and browse indie shops at Coal Drops Yard. Late lunch options: Dishoom King’s Cross (house black dal and vada pav), Lina Stores (fresh pasta), or Barrafina Coal Drops Yard (counter-seat tapas).

Evening: Head north to Camden for live music and canal-side bars, or south to Shoreditch for small-plate spots like Brat (wood-fired seafood) and wine at Sager + Wilde. If you fancy a riverside perspective another night, a Thames-side stroll from Blackfriars to Waterloo is atmospheric after dark.

Day 5 — East End Markets, Street Art, and Departure

Morning: East London flavor before you go. Grab a salt-beef bagel at Beigel Bake (24/7 institution) or a fry-up at E. Pellicci (family-run caff since 1900). Wander Shoreditch for street art around Brick Lane and Redchurch Street; on Sundays, hit Columbia Road Flower Market and Spitalfields for vintage and designer-makers. Coffee at Ozone (roastery) or Climpson & Sons.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport or your onward train. From central London, allow ~60–90 minutes for Heathrow; ~45–60 for Gatwick via train; ~45 for London City. Compare rail/bus options on Omio (trains) or flights on Omio (flights) and long-haul on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Evening: If you have a late flight, squeeze in a final wander through Covent Garden’s arcades, street performers, and the Apple Market’s crafts. Early dinner ideas: The Harwood Arms (for a refined British game-focused menu and, on Sundays, a standout roast), The Marksman (suet pies and seasonal fare), or Poppies (proper fish-and-chips in Spitalfields).

Alternate/seasonal ideas: If you visit in December, London’s lights are spectacular; consider a night bus lights tour. If you’re traveling with kids, swap in the Natural History Museum in South Kensington or the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden. History buffs can add the Churchill War Rooms near Westminster.

Optional experiences to swap in:

• Prefer a festive nighttime panorama? Consider a Christmas lights ride (seasonal).
• Want dinner with views on the river? A Thames dinner cruise pairs skyline sightseeing with a 3–4-course meal.

Note: The itinerary includes timed entries to minimize queues and maximize your 5 days. Always check opening hours and transport updates on arrival; the Tube is fast, but London walks are often the most memorable moments.

Quick-book highlights included above (for easy reference):

• London Eye Fast-Track Ticket
• VIP Tower of London and Crown Jewels Tour
• London: British Museum Guided Tour
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London

Five days in London is enough to trace a millennium of history, eat exceptionally well, and still have energy to chase sunsets over the Thames. With this plan, you’ll balance blockbuster attractions with neighborhood discoveries—and leave already plotting your return.