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United Kingdom

London

#2 world destination · 2026

A city best understood through its neighborhoods: royal parks and major museums sit beside markets, music venues and one of the world’s most diverse food scenes.

Build a London itinerary

A realistic first trip

How to spend 3 or 5 days in London

Days one to three form a compact first-time itinerary. Add days four and five for a deeper, less rushed trip.

Day 1

Westminster to the South Bank

Landmarks and river

  1. 1.Westminster
  2. 2.St James's Park
  3. 3.South Bank walk

Book only one timed attraction and leave room for the riverside walk.

Day 2

British Museum and Bloomsbury

History and neighborhoods

  1. 1.British Museum highlights
  2. 2.Bloomsbury squares
  3. 3.Covent Garden evening

Choose two or three museum collections instead of attempting the whole building.

Day 3

Tower to Shoreditch

Old and new London

  1. 1.Tower Bridge area
  2. 2.Borough Market
  3. 3.Shoreditch or Spitalfields

Check Borough Market opening days and travel east after the lunch rush.

Day 4

Kensington and the parks

Museums and green space

  1. 1.One South Kensington museum
  2. 2.Kensington Gardens
  3. 3.Notting Hill

Museum entry may be free, but popular exhibitions still need reservations.

Day 5

Greenwich by river

Views and maritime London

  1. 1.Thames boat ride
  2. 2.Greenwich market
  3. 3.Royal Observatory hill

Return by DLR for a different view of the city and Docklands.

Personalize this London itinerary

Best time

May–June and September; winter works well for museums and theatre

Ideal first stay

4–6 days

Getting around

Underground, buses, suburban rail and plenty of walking

Budget profile

Premium overall; museums, parks and public transport help balance costs

Make time for

Three defining experiences

1

The Thames

Use the river as a walking route between Westminster, Tate Modern and the eastern bridges.

2

World-class museums

Choose one collection per visit so the rest of the neighborhood still fits.

3

Evening culture

Compare West End shows with smaller theatres, jazz rooms and live comedy.

What to taste

  • Sunday roast
  • South Asian cooking
  • Market breakfasts
  • A seasonal pub lunch

Know before you go

  • Use contactless payment on public transport
  • Group each day by neighborhood
  • Reserve popular dinners and performances
  • Carry a light waterproof layer

Your trip, your pace

Turn this guide into a day-by-day plan.

Choose your days, pace and interests, then edit or replace any suggestion.

Plan London

Planning questions

London travel FAQ

How many days are ideal for London?

Four to six days is comfortable for a first visit. Three days works if you group each day by neighboring areas and limit major museums.

What is the easiest way to get around London?

Use contactless payment on the Underground, buses and local rail. Walking between nearby sights often reveals more than taking short Tube trips.

Where should first-time visitors stay?

Central areas near a Tube interchange are convenient. South Bank, Bloomsbury, Paddington and Victoria each offer useful transport connections.