Having spent three incredible months living in London, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia every time I think about this vibrant city. London is a treasure chest of experiences waiting to be discovered, from its iconic landmarks to its charming hidden corners. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or an art enthusiast, I’m excited to share my guide on the best things to do in London in 5 days. Each day is carefully curated to optimize your time so that you can experience all that this city has to offer. No matter how long you’re staying, I hope that my recommendations will help you craft the perfect itinerary for an unforgettable trip.
Let the adventure begin!
Day 1: Classic London Highlights
One of my favorite things to do in London is take a walk along the Thames. There’s seriously no better way to take in the sights! Since I already have a comprehensive London Tourist Highlights post where I share a detailed guided walking tour that hits all the iconic landmarks in the most route-efficient way, I’ll just point you there for all the best tips.
But to summarize: Since you have five days in London (lucky you!), I recommend spacing out your first day by different neighborhoods. In the morning, visit Big Ben & Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, and St. John’s Park. Then, grab lunch at Borough Market — Padella, The Black Pig, Humble Crumble, and Turnips are my all-time favorites. In the afternoon, check out St. Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge before heading over to Covent Garden. Grab dinner in Soho to end your night. If you can, book a reservation in advance for Dishoom Carnaby. You won’t regret it!
Day 2: Notting Hill, Museums, and Afternoon Tea
For your second day in London, we’re going to start in one of my favorite neighborhoods: the colorful Notting Hill! This neighborhood has always had a special place in my heart — not only is it a pastel wonderland (anyone who knows me knows that I’m a huge lover of pastels), but it’s also where my favorite rom-com is set and it inspired both of my novels! I won’t go too much into it now, but let’s just say that the love is real. I’m just a girl, standing in front of a beautiful house, asking for a couple million dollars so I can buy it… *wink*
To begin the day, grab breakfast at Layla Bakery where they have the most mouth-watering pastries. Their croissants are to die for and the perfect treat as you walk down Portobello Road. Wander through the many boutiques and streets, which are full of personality. My favorites are St. Luke’s Mews (home to the pink house from Love Actually), Lancaster Road (where you can find the famous rainbow houses), and the pastel houses on Westbourne Park Road. Of course, you must stop by Portobello Road Market and Alice’s Antique Shop — you never know what unique trinkets you might find!
For lunch, stop by Ottolenghi for a delicious quick bite to-go, and then make your way over to Holland Park. This park may not be as well known as some others in London, but it’s by far my favorite. There’s nothing else quite like it in London and it feels like you’re in the woods as opposed to a designed landscape. Be sure to stop by Kyoto Garden for a waterfall and koi pond!
Next, head over to the South Kensington neighborhood and visit the Victoria & Albert Museum. One of the best things about London is that most museums are free! Home to the world’s largest collection of applied arts, decorative arts, and design, you could get lost at the V&A for hours. Many people do indeed spend a whole day here, but since your time in London is short, I suggest picking a few galleries you want to see. My favorites were the fashion and jewelry exhibits (where they have Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet!), the vintage camera collection, and the Raphael Cartoons. The Natural History Museum is right across the street if that’s more up your alley.
No trip to London is complete without a traditional afternoon tea experience, so after exploring the museum, head over to Dalloway Terrace to enjoy a relaxing treat. Their tea options are exceptional and their food was delicious, on top of their beautiful decor on the terrace. Even my British friend said it’s one of her favorite afternoon tea experiences!
From there, make your way over to Marylebone and check out Daunt Books, one of the most stunning bookstores I’ve ever visited. The Wallace Collection is close by and has an incredible collection of art pieces, as well as special rotating exhibits. If you’re all museumed out for the day and prefer some retail therapy, be sure to visit the iconic Liberty London. Their prints are so pretty and I loved their home goods and stationary sections — I wanted everything!
For dinner, make a reservation in advance for Circolo Popolare. Part of the Big Mamma group that brought us Pink Mamma in Paris, Circolo Popolare has a similar vibe and cuisine. While there are so many hearty options to choose from on the menu, I personally love the pastas — the truffle pasta is my go-to! My suggestions: go with friends and split a bunch of items so you can try a bit of everything. If you can’t get a reservation or if the line is too long, Mercato Mayfair is another great option. A food court nestled inside an old cathedral, there are so many different cuisines and vendors. Dare I say I liked the truffle pasta here even better than Circolo Popolare? Shhh… don’t tell. It can be our secret.
Day 3: North London
When people visit London for a quick trip they usually skip North London, but there’s so much to see here that it would be a shame to miss it. In my opinion, North London feels more quaint than Central London, with so many peaceful parks and cute neighborhoods. If I were to live in London, I think I’d live here!
Begin your day in the lovely neighborhood of Hampstead, which has the cutest high street. Grab a crepe for breakfast at La Creperie de Hampstead, a crepe stand that looks like it belongs on the streets of Paris, and a coffee at Ginger & White. Then, explore some of Hampstead’s charming streets — Flask Walk, Perrin’s Court, and Holly Mount are just so darling! Hampstead is also known for their excellent charity shops where you can score some amazing secondhand (designer) deals, so pop into a shop or two to discover your next fashion find!
Of course, no trip to Hampstead is complete without a visit to Hampstead Heath. With so many different trails to take and attractions to see, you can easily wander around for hours so I recommend focusing on a section of the park to maximize your time. The Hill Garden and Pergola is a personal favorite and absolutely beautiful in the spring, and Kenwood House is a must-see for any Bridgerton fans!
After spending the morning in Hampstead, next up we’re taking the tube (Northern line) to Camden. Grab lunch at Camden Market, go vintage shopping, and take a stroll along the Regent’s Canal to our last neighborhood of the day…
Primrose Hill! This adorable neighborhood is the backdrop to so many films and shows, including Paddington and the Netflix series One Day. Chalcot Square and Chalcot Crescent are home to the most adorable pastel houses, and Primrose Hill Books is a great place to pick up your next read. Climb up Primrose Hill for a stunning view of the London skyline — the perfect spot to curl up with a book or have a picnic with friends. As for dinner, Lemonia is a must for traditional Greek food and Primrose Bakery has the best cupcakes for dessert.
Day 4: Shopping & West End Show
What better way to remember your London trip than to bring home a souvenir? London is home to many historic department stores, each with its distinct flair. While Harrod’s and Selfridges may be the most well known, my personal favorites are Liberty and Fortnum & Mason. The Tudor style design of Liberty is stunning and their prints are iconic — but their home goods and stationary sections are what really drew me in. And Fortnum & Mason? Well, I could spend hours wandering the different floors and discovering all their products. There’s nothing quite like sipping my favorite Fortnum & Mason tea on a chilly day, taking me right back to London. Take a break from retail therapy by grabbing a drink at a pub, and conclude your night with a show on the West End — check out TodayTix for some discount deals on all your favorite shows.
Day 5: Day Trip to Richmond
While there are endless day trips you can take from London, Richmond is by far the easiest as it’s accessible by tube and rail. Check out my detailed Richmond guide on how to make the most of your getaway — including Kew Gardens, Petersham Nurseries, and Richmond Park.
And there you have it! The ultimate five-day guide to London. If you’re planning on staying in London for longer, check out my one week itinerary with even more day trip ideas, as well as my recommendations on the 10 best restaurants in London and most Instagrammable places in London.
From London with love,
