Discover London: A First Timer’s 5-Day Itinerary
Welcome to my first-timer's guide to London! In this post, I’ll walk you through a comprehensive itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of this vibrant city in just 5 days. If you find yourself with additional days to spare, consider embarking on an exciting extra day trip outside the city or enjoying a slower-paced day with a park picnic or spa visit. Let’s get started!
Day 1: Arrival
Upon arriving at your hotel in the heart of London, you'll immediately feel the energy of the city. I recommend checking into one of the following hotels. Most of them are a bit luxe, and offer outstanding perks with Andante Escapes. Each of these hotels will center you well within the tourist sights including great proximity to nighttime activities:
After checking in to your hotel, set out to explore the vibrant Trafalgar area nearby. Start by soaking in the grandeur of Trafalgar Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the National Gallery and Nelson's Column. This is an amazing place to people-watch, as you’ll often encounter buskers and interesting characters all around. If you have arrived in the morning, you may have time to visit the National Gallery today. This is located directly at the rear of Trafalgar Square and features art created by household names like Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Claude Monet, and more.
As hunger sets in, head to a quintessential London pub (some good ones in the area are The Admiralty or Walkers of Whitehall) for a hearty dinner. Indulge in classic British fare such as fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a savory steak pie. Wash it all down with a pint of locally brewed ale or cider, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of a traditional London pub. After a satisfying meal, take a leisurely stroll back to your hotel, relishing the first taste of your London adventure.
Day 2: Thames Stroll and Bucket-List Sights
After your wake-up call, put on your best walking shoes and prepare for a wonderful day of exploring London on foot. First, fuel up for the adventure by enjoying breakfast at the hotel (hopefully, you’ve booked with Andante Escapes, and that breakfast is free!).
Next, navigate from your hotel to Big Ben. This was about a 14-minute walk from our hotel, but we enjoyed seeing fun London sights like the red telephone booths, and the Women of World War II memorial, and we purchased hot roasted nuts along the way. After getting a photo of Big Ben, cross the Westminster Bridge.
Now that you are on the opposite bank of the River Thames, begin following the Queen’s Walk, a picturesque self-guided stroll along the river. Along the way, immerse yourself in the city's rich history and vibrant atmosphere by stopping at various sites of interest. Marvel at the architectural splendor of the Tower of London, soak in the artistic vibes at the Tate Modern and pause to admire the majestic dome of St. Paul's Cathedral. I definitely recommend treating yourself to an unforgettable experience with a ride on the London Eye so that you can catch panoramic views of the London skyline.
As you continue your leisurely, take in the sights of the bustling South Bank, dotted with street performers, markets, and cultural attractions. Head to Borough Market for a delectable lunch experience. Indulge in a diverse array of culinary delights, from gourmet sandwiches and artisanal cheeses to international street food and freshly baked pastries. After lunch, dive into kitschy activities like dungeon tours for a dose of historical intrigue. Finally, end your day in grand style by marveling at Tower Bridge, its iconic towers illuminated against the evening sky, providing the perfect backdrop for a memorable conclusion to your London escapade.
After navigating back to your hotel by foot (or maybe by cab if you’re feeling tired!), freshen up to enjoy a unique and elevated dining experience. Some interesting dining options in your area include:
Brasserie Zedel – French cuisine in a unique art-deco setting
Blacklock Soho – Vibey basement B-Corp hideaway with craft cocktails and chophouse eats
Dishoom Covent Garden – Indian street food and curries in a vintage, upscale environment
Din Tai Fung – Watch chefs prepare famous soup dumplings behind the glass as you chow down on Taiwanese food for dinner (I am partial - I’ve been a Din Tai Fung stan my trip to Taipei in 2017!)
Day 3: Day Trip of Choice
Take a day trip from London to an area of interest. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Enjoy a royal day at Windsor Castle: Catch a train from London to Windsor & Eton Central, and follow signs upon your arrival to navigate to Windsor Castle, which is just a short walk from the train station. Explore the State Apartments, adorned with priceless artworks and luxurious furnishings, and marvel at St. George's Chapel, the final resting place of monarchs including King Henry VIII. After immersing yourself in regal splendor, take a leisurely stroll through Windsor's charming streets, perhaps indulging in a spot of afternoon tea or browsing quaint shops before heading back to your hotel.
Visit Hogwarts at the Warner Brothers Studios Tour: Enter the wizarding world for a day by visiting the Warner Brothers Studio tour location, just outside of London. Our tour with Golden Tours included round-trip coach bus transportation (they even played Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the bus televisions during the trip!). This immersive experience allows muggles to step behind the scenes of the iconic film franchise. From exploring the enchanting Great Hall of Hogwarts to wandering through the Diagon Alley set, every corner of the studio is brimming with meticulously crafted props, costumes, and sets that bring the wizarding world to life (even a real dragon encounter!). You can examine Harry's Nimbus 2000 and the Marauder's Map, and even sample butterbeer at the enchanting Hogwarts-themed cafe. This tour is great fun for Harry Potter fans and general film buffs!
Step into Ancient History at Stonehenge: I recommend opting for a guided tour to make the most of the trip to Stonehenge so that you can gain valuable insights into the area’s history and significance. Since Stonehenge is about 2 hours away from London, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a tour as well! As a bonus, some tours even include visits to other interesting sites, like Bath or Oxford. Dating back over 4,500 years, Stonehenge’s stone circle has puzzled archaeologists, historians, and mystics alike. Wander around the circle to gain unique perspectives of this feat of ancient engineering.
Day 4: Arts, History, and Culture
On your last full day in London, I recommend exploring art and cultural places of interest. We used this day to visit the Churchill War Rooms, which I highly recommend! Located beneath the streets of Westminster, this bunker complex served as the underground headquarters of Winston Churchill and his government during World War II. Walk through the corridors and examine areas like the Map Room and Transatlantic Telephone Room to interact with history in a unique way.
Some other top museum choices for the day could be the British Museum, a treasure trove of global artifacts spanning over two million years, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Alternatively, the Victoria and Albert Museum celebrates decorative arts and design, showcasing everything from fashion and furniture to ceramics and jewelry. If you didn’t have a chance to explore the Tate Modern or National Gallery on Days 1 & 2, this would be a great day to explore those relative to your interests.
To explore the regal side of London’s history, you might also choose to visit the iconic residence of the country’s monarch - Buckingham Palace! Watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony nearby. A visit to Westminster Abbey, the site of many royal weddings, certainly would enhance the regal theme as well.
At night, my recommendation would be to see a show in London’s bustling West End district. We bought tickets to see Hamilton and Pretty Woman: The Musical, and both shows were absolutely incredible. London’s theater scene is legendary, and the tickets can be quite reasonable when compared to New York’s Broadway. One of our only London regrets was not seeing more shows while we were there!
Day 5: Journey Home
On your last day in London, enjoying a delicious breakfast before checking out of your room is a must. If you have time before catching your flight, I recommend leaving your luggage with the concierge while you spend some time in a majestic London park. St. James Park is located right near Trafalgar Square, with lovely walking paths, a gorgeous pond, views of Buckingham Palace, and fun pelican feedings. This is the perfect place to get some movement in and stretch your legs before your flight home!
