London is an impressive city with so much to offer that choosing what to do and where to go can feel overwhelming, especially if it's your first time visiting.
As one of the world's largest and most visited cities, we set out to cut through the noise and curate the perfect mix of quintessential sights and unique local experiences.
With the help of Katarina, London-based fashion designer and founder of Blue Nude, we put together a 5 Day London itinerary combining classic sights in Central London with local hot spots in East London.
This itinerary avoids spending too much time in tourist-packed spots. Instead, over your 5 days in London, you'll experience classic sights that live up to the hype, spend time at cool local hangouts, and enjoy fabulous experiences unique to the city.
Overview: London in 5 Days
Days 1-2: Central London - a mix of classic English sights and fabulous experiences Days 3-5: East London - a mix of cool local hangouts and hip alternative experiences |
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5 Day London Itinerary
Day 1: A day of classics in Central London
Central London is the heart of the city, known for its famous landmarks, posh neighbourhoods, renowned restaurants, cocktail bars, luxury hotels, music venues and iconic department stores.
Your first two days will be all about experiencing the best of this area, from classic sights to fabulous experiences.
Start your day with a full English breakfast
Kick off your morning with a hearty English breakfast at your hotel or a nearby cafe. A proper full English usually comes with eggs, sausage, back bacon, baked beans, black pudding, buttered toast, mushrooms and tomatoes - plenty of fuel for a big day of exploring.
Take a scenic walk to see famous sites
St. Paul's Cathedral and Big Ben
London is world-renowned for its architecture and historic buildings. One of the most enjoyable ways to see these iconic landmarks is by taking a scenic walk through the city.
We've put together a two-part route that takes you to some of London's most famous spots.
Walking Route Part 1 (15 min):
Tate Modern → Millennium Bridge → St. Paul's Cathedral
🎨 Start your walking tour at Tate Modern, one of the world's most famous contemporary art museums. If you're a lover of art, we highly recommend checking it out - the permanent collection is free. For temporary exhibitions, we recommend booking your spot in advance.
🌉 From Tate Modern, walk over the River Thames on the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge. The steel suspension bridge leads you to St. Paul's Cathedral, a spectacular English-Baroque style church from the 17th Century.
⛪ If you are interested in looking inside the impressive cathedral, you can easily buy entry tickets online with Get Your Guide. Online tickets include an audio guide and are cheaper than in-person tickets. We like how there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.Walking Route Part 2 (40 min):
Trafalgar Square → Buckingham Palace → Big Ben
💂 After visiting the cathedral, get on the tube at St. Paul's Station and take the 13 minute ride to Charing Cross Station. From there, it's a lovely walk from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, the headquarters and residence of the Royals.
🕰️ From Buckingham Palace, walk through St. James Park towards Big Ben, a neo-gothic style tower clock with a huge bell.
Have a glamorous afternoon tea at the Ritz
Afternoon Tea at The Ritz
After your scenic walk, dress up for afternoon tea at The Ritz, one of London’s most iconic luxury hotels.
Since 1906, it has hosted royalty and celebrities, making it a top spot for a fabulous afternoon tea. It may feel a bit prim and proper, but that's all part of the fun.
When we arrived for our afternoon tea reservation, I couldn't believe how elegant and glamorous the hotel was. It felt like stepping into a movie about high society in the early 1900s.
Live piano and harp greeted my ears as we were brought to our table in the striking Palm Court. Sharply dressed people were everywhere and I kind of felt like Jack Dawson showing up to that first-class dinner on the Titanic.
The afternoon tea was delightful. We started off with a glass of champagne and continued onto the elaborate assortment of tea sandwiches, scones, sweets and tea. It doesn't get much more English than this!
Afternoon tea is served daily at 11;30 am, 1:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm and starts at £79 per person. Make sure to reserve your table far in advance.
See a world-class musical or concert
Spend your first night out in London at an exciting show. Whether it’s a West End musical or a live concert, the city has no shortage of top-notch performances to choose from.
I did a quick search and saw that one of my favourite indie bands, Metronomy, was playing in Camden - the London borough famous for its legendary music scene.
Even better, they were performing at Roundhouse, a former railway turntable that became a cultural hub in the 1960s, hosting countercultural events and iconic artists. Pink Floyd played here before they made it big, and legends like Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood Mac have graced its stage.
Seeing a band I loved in such a historic venue made the experience even more special. The energy was electric and the crowd was buzzing.
See the list of live music gigs at Roundhouse.
Or, if you love tap dancing, singing, and dazzling outfits, catch a musical in London’s West End. The city’s historic theatres host some of the biggest productions, from Phantom of the Opera to Wicked.
Theatre Royal Drury Lane usually has the big blockbusters playing.
Day 2: A day of fabulous experiences in Central London
Have a gourmet picnic on Primrose Hill
Skip the crowded touristy parks and head for Primrose Hill for a wonderful picnic instead. Located in an upscale area that sees mostly locals, the grassy hilltop park offers pretty views of the city and Regent's Park.
Pick up charcuterie and cheese from Primo Italian Provisions nearby, and don't forget to bring a blanket!
Shop for a dazzling outfit in Soho & Convent Garden
After your picnic, shop for a fabulous outfit in Soho and Convent Garden for your night out in the swanky Mayfair neighbourhood.
Start at Seven Dials Road in Covent Garden, a circular junction linked to seven streets loaded with shops.
Next, make your way over to Soho and walk down:
- Carnaby Street - a colourful pedestrian street
- Lexington Street - a cool area of Soho
- Regent's Street - a major shopping street with department stores and flagships
Some of my favourite retail stores/department stores in Central London:
- Monki ($)
- Weekday ($)
- & Other Stories ($$)
- Liberty London ($$$$)
Go out for an evening of lavish dining and cocktails
sketch London
Central London is packed with unique restaurants and bars designed to impress.
I was especially excited to visit sketch, an art-filled 18th-century townhouse with five stylishly eclectic restaurants and bars - including one with three Michelin stars.
I was sold the moment I heard about its space egg toilets and a futuristic, spaceship-like bar. Even Kylie Jenner and Bella Hadid have been spotted snapping photos here.
We started the night at The Gallery, a soft-pink gastro-brasserie with playful David Shrigley artwork lining the walls. Reservations are highly recommended.
After dinner, we headed to the sunken, spaceship-inspired bar for cocktails. The groovy, intimate space is first-come-first-served, so you may have to wait to snag a seat.
Day 3: A day of cool local hangouts in East London
East London has a very different feel to Central London. Here, you get a taste of the alternative side of the city, where stylish locals and creatives spend their time.
This is my favourite part of London - I spent a whole month here and the time flew by. There are so many unique things to do.
Your next three days will take you to happening markets, places loved by locals and in-the-know nighttime spots.
Shop for unique items at Broadway Market, a hip local market
Located in Hackney, just east of Shoreditch, Broadway Market is a happening pedestrian street with over 70 shops, cafes, and eateries. It draws an eclectic, stylish crowd - mostly locals - who come for great food and a laidback weekend vibe.
Locals like meeting up here on Saturdays and Sundays when the street comes alive with market stalls selling artisanal goods and delicious bites.
Grab an outdoor table at La Bouche, a French deli-cafe, for brunch - it’s a great spot for people-watching and soaking in the street style. Afterward, take your time browsing the shops and stalls for unique finds, like vintage clothes and jewelry.
Note: the market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
Have a leisurely picnic in London Fields
Just up the street from Broadway market is London Fields, where locals like to hang out and have a couple of drinks with their friends.
Grab lunch from one of the market’s food stalls and stop by Noble Fine Liquor for a bottle of natural wine to bring along for your picnic in the park.
Spend an evening out in Hackney Wick
You may be skeptical about travelling this far east in London, however Hackney Wick is one of London's hottest alternative spots where designers and artists congregate.
Old industrial-era buildings and warehouses have been transformed into studios, eateries, craft breweries and nightclubs. People are catching onto this eclectic playground, so it's best to visit sooner rather than later before it becomes more gentrified.
Eat dinner along the canal at Crate, a pizzeria and brewery with a fun atmosphere and DJ sets.
Afterwards, check out Grow for live music or The Yard for dancing.
Day 4: A day of unique East London experiences
Regent's Canal and Towpath Cafe
Walk Regent's Canal to Towpath Cafe for brunch
Walking along Regent's Canal is what I look forward to doing the most in London. The canal is lined with former warehouses turned apartments, restaurants and cafes.
A hidden gem along the canal is Towpath, an outdoor cafe with pretty views of the canal. It's a favourite among creatives, celebrity fashion designers and artists, however has managed to stay under the radar.
Sip a coffee and eat a healthy brunch while you watch locals walk and bike by.
Note: Towpath Cafe closes in winter. Check their opening hours.
The walking route:
Start at Broadway Market and make your way along Regent's Canal to Towpath. From Towpath, continue along the canal to Angel Station. The whole walk will take you about 45 minutes and is flat.
Shop in Shoreditch
Graffiti in Shoreditch
After your relaxed walk along the canal, take the tube to Shoreditch to see its gritty street art and to shop its boutiques and vintage stores.
The shopping route:
Walk down Redchurch Street and Brick Lane for great shopping and don't miss Spitalfields Market.
Go on a spooky Jack the Ripper tour
Chances are that you've heard of the infamous serial killer from the late 1800s named Jack the Ripper. Never caught for his horrific crimes in East London, the unsolved murders remain a mystery today.
Go on a spine-chilling evening tour around Whitechapel to learn more about the fascinating history, hear true stories and see real-life crime scenes.
You can easily book the Jack the Ripper Guided Walking Tour with Get Your Guide. We like how there is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The highly rated two-hour tour runs from 7pm - 9pm.Eat at one of Hackney's neighbourhood restaurants in the Michelin guide
Hill & Szrok
You may associate restaurants in the Michelin guide with steep prices, however this isn't always the case. Hackney has many cozy neighbourhood eateries in the Michelin guide with outstanding food at a great value.
Choose from this list of our favourite restaurants in Hackney:
- Cafe Cecilia: featured in Conde Nast’s list of the best restaurants in London right now, Cafe Cecilia is earning plenty of well-deserved buzz. Tucked away near Regent’s Canal, this relaxed, minimalist spot draws East London’s creative crowd.
- Hill & Szrok: a free-range butcher shop with a cozy little restaurant on Broadway Market. Pair their juicy steak with some Malbec wine.
- Angelina: combines Japanese and Italian flavours to create mouthwatering dishes.
- Casa Fofo: While all the restaurants mentioned are in the Michelin Guide, Casa Fofo has also earned itself one Michelin star. The restaurant has a cool, intimate vibe and prices its set meal at £73.
Day 5: A day of leisurely fun in East and North London
Enjoy breakfast on Wilton Way, a cool locals' street.
For your last day in London, take it at a leisurely pace. Start your day with breakfast along Wilton Way, a very local and quaint street with outdoor cafes. You may even see a movie being filmed here.
Choose Fran's for savoury options, or Violet if you have a sweet tooth. They made cakes for Meghan and Harry's wedding!
Go vintage shopping in Hackney for unique finds
London has tons of vintage shops with many of them overpriced. Check out these well-curated and fairly priced vintage stores in Hackney:
- Mero Retro: sells hand-picked vintage pieces, fair trade and handcrafted goods.
- Traid: mix of true vintage, designer and mass market options to suit every taste and budget.
- Somewhere in Hackney: shop the glamorous selection of clothing and accessories and chat with the passionate owner about vintage fashion.
Enjoy a relaxed picnic in Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath, in North London, is well worth a visit for a picnic in its rolling grassy fields. The surrounding neighbourhood is charming and even Kate Moss has a home there.
If you're visiting on a hot summer's day, don't miss taking a refreshing dip in the swimming ponds. There is one for men, one for women and one for mixed genders.
Eat dinner at a happening neighbourhood restaurant
Casa Fofo
Choose again from this list of excellent restaurants in the Michelin guide with a cozy neighbourhood feel:
- Cafe Cecilia - a buzzworthy, minimalist restaurant near Regent’s Canal, drawing East London’s creative crowd.
- Hill & Szrok - a free-range butcher shop with a cozy restaurant on Broadway Market - try the steak with Malbec.
- Angelina - a unique fusion of Japanese and Italian flavours.
- Casa Fofo - a one Michelin-starred spot offering an intimate dining experience with a £73 set menu.
Have a drink at one of East London's best cocktail bars
Cap off the night at one of these unique East London bars for a drink, or if you have time, try both! They are both recognized on the World's Best Bars list:
Satan’s Whiskers (#29): Don’t let the name throw you off - this is one of London’s best cocktail bars. The quirky décor includes taxidermy oddities (think a hawk pouring Jägermeister), while hip-hop and rap set the mood. It’s a laid-back, no-frills spot with top-notch bartenders.
A Bar with Shapes for a Name 🔶🟥🔵 (#61): This Bauhaus-style bar is one of London’s hottest right now, always buzzing with a hip crowd. Their inventive cocktails feature playful details, like multiple ice shapes in a single drink. Expect a warm atmosphere with contemporary disco and uplifting house music.
Where to stay in London
Best area to stay in London
For your 5 days in London, we highly recommend staying in the hip neighbourhoods of Shoreditch or Hoxton for a few reasons:
- The buzzing neighbourhoods have a creative atmosphere and trendy crowd. You will find many eclectic eateries, boutique hotels, art galleries and markets. The restored brick warehouses and street art give it an edgy feel.
- You will be removed from the very touristy areas of central London, all while having easy access to visit these places by transit.
- The neighbourhoods are a good home base for exploring East London and having access to the London Fields area and canal.
Our Top 3 accommodation picks:
When looking for a place, make sure it's a short walking distance to an underground station. These three places are all within a 5 minute walk:
- Boundary London: A stylish hotel in a converted Victorian warehouse. Each one of its rooms was inspired by a design movement or designer. It's located in the heart of Shoreditch and has a happening rooftop bar. A 4 minute walk from the tube.
- The Hoxton Shoreditch: An industrial chic boutique hotel in the heart of Shoreditch. Good value and only a 4 minute walk from the tube.
- Stylish & Bright Apartment: Stay like a local by renting an apartment in the heart of Hoxton. The apartment is located on a quiet residential street, close to lively restaurants and bars in Shoreditch and Hoxton. It's tastefully decorated with creative touches and is a 5 minute walk to the tube.
Best time to visit London
The best time to visit London is between April and September. These months see the most average sunlight hours and the temperature is warm to mild. November to March sees the coldest temperatures.
For an "English garden" feel, visit during April for cherry blossom month.
Best way to travel around London
The best way to travel around London is by transit. London has an excellent underground subway (the tube) and overground train system that takes you faster throughout the city than driving usually does.
Their bus system is also great. It's cheap, the buses are clean and it's fun to sit at the top of the double decker to sightsee.
You can easily pay for the underground, overground and bus with the tap of your credit card - no waiting in line to use those pesky ticket machines!
Remember to tap out when you leave the underground and overground, so you are only charged for that portion of the route. On the bus, you don't have to tap your credit card once you leave.
Uber is convenient if you're going between areas where the metro route doesn't work well logistically. Uber is a lot cheaper than taking cabs.
Enjoy your 5 days in London!
For more hidden gems in East London, check out our list of non-touristy things to do in London.
Starting planning your trip to London
- 🌃 Accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
Don't forget about travel insurance
👩⚕️ For affordable travel insurance: go with SafetyWing - it's budget-friendly and you can even buy it while abroad, but note the max medical coverage is $250,000 USD. 🏥 For comprehensive travel insurance: go with World Nomads - it's more expensive, but the max emergency medical coverage is $5-10 million, depending on the plan.Save and pin this 5 day itinerary for London for later:
