5 Day London Itinerary for Travellers Who Hate Rushing
What should you include on a London itinerary to guarantee your trip is stress free and enjoyable?
When we travel, we prefer to keep things low-key, with maybe only one or two packed days in a five-day trip. That’s exactly why we’ve put together this 5-day London itinerary!
It’s ideal for visitors who have more time and have already ticked off London’s most famous attractions. If it’s your first time, you might want to check out my London Travel Planner, which has a more structured, 3-day Iconic London sightseeing plan. It’s for people who want to save time and see as much as possible, faster.
I’ve lived as an American in London since 2013 and have spent over a decade visiting attractions, finding hidden gems and sharing them here on my website. This itinerary is built from all those experiences to help you get the most out of London without feeling rushed.
And, it offers the help from my British husband as a special edge. He who was born in London. You might recognise ‘Mr Sunny’ from all of our pub videos on social media! Our Sunny News email subscribers get his weekly insight on a Pub of the Week recommendation too.
Day 1: London Icons, Hidden Gems & Afternoon Tea Cruise
Morning: the tower of london
My top recommended attraction in London! I’ve personally visited four times. It’s also one of the only attractions nearly every Londoner has visited, although usually on a school trip!
- Book a Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater Private Meet and Greet for fun stories and insider knowledge. You gain access to areas that you can’t go to with just a general entry ticket. Also, this is a different tour from what is standard with your ticket. Read more about it in my review ‘Tower of London Private Tour’
- Walk across Tower Bridge and check out the Glass Walkway for unique views.
Late morning and afternoon
- St Dunstan in the East is a hidden gem I’ve visited many times and it never gets old. The ruins of this medieval church, covered in ivy, feel like a secret garden in the middle of the city. It’s free to visit and makes for fantastic photos.
- A Thames River afternoon tea cruise lets you see famous landmarks while enjoying classic British treats. It was one of my sister’s favourite activities when she visited me in London!
evening
After your cruise, wander over to St Katharine Docks, a lovely marina with restaurants and a quieter vibe than central London.
- Pub Recommendation: The Hung, Drawn & Quartered is a historic spot near the Tower of London.
- Light Dinner Options: The Dickens Inn (traditional pub food) or Bravas Tapas (great for sharing plates).
Day 2: British Museum, Covent Garden & Theatre
Morning: british Museum
One of the world’s greatest museums, housing treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Arrive early to avoid crowds and focus on the highlights. You will need to book this ahead of time to avoid waiting in a long queue during peak travel times.
afternoon: covent garden
I lived in Covent Garden when I first moved to London and it’s still my favourite area. I visit regularly and share it on social media all the time. It’s especially magical at Christmas. Make sure you don’t miss my tips on Visiting London at Christmas too!
- Where to Eat: Viola’s Cafe – I’ve been here four times! The food is just as Instagrammable as the interior and it’s included in my Hidden Gems Free Guide (subscribe below to get it!).
- Pub Recommendation: The Lamb & Flag – A literary pub with historic charm.
evening: west end theatre show
London’s theatre scene is world-class. Book your tickets in advance through TodayTix or for the best deals. It is the website Mr Sunny and I use for everything. We’ve tried booking with individual theatres and didn’t feel the prices were as good.
Day 3: Day Trip to Windsor & Churchill Arms Pub
Morning & afternoon: windsor castle
We’ve been to Windsor many times and it’s one of the best day trips from London. It’s also stunning at Christmas!
- Windsor Castle: The oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. Don’t miss St George’s Chapel.
- Optional Visit: Eton College or a walk along the River Thames.
To hear about the time I missed St George’s Chapel and mistakes to avoid when visiting, watch my viral TikTok on Windsor Castle tips video (500K+ views!)
evening: return to london & churchill arms pub
On your way back, stop at the Churchill Arms in Kensington. This pub is famous for its floral exterior and amazing Thai food. We’ve eaten here before and it’s lovely.
OTHER LONdon day trip ideas
If you don’t fancy Windsor, you might enjoy Bath & Stonehenge or spending at the Warner Bros Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter.
Please note that I do NOT recommend that you do a Windsor, Bath and Stonehenge tour. My opinion and feedback I’ve had from those who had done it is that it’s just too much in one day. Limit yourself to one or two of those places so you can enjoy your day.
Day 4: Choose Your Own London Itinerary Ideas
option 1: explore a london neighbourhood
Pick one neighbourhood and immerse yourself in its unique vibe. You’ll find separate guides on Sunny in London for each of the below.
- Greenwich– Maritime history, markets and river views.
- Southbank– Borough Market, riverside walks and cultural hotspots.
- Leadenhall Market or Liverpool Street– Beautiful architecture and historic pubs.
- Notting Hill– Colourful streets, Portobello Road Market and boutique shopping.
- Covent Garden– if you haven’t visited on a previous day.
option 2: food tour experience
- London: 3-Hour Secret British Food Tour
- Borough Market Exclusive Secret Food Tour
- Borough Market: Flavours of London
- Twilight Soho Food & Drinks Tour
- 6-Course Luxury Dinner Bus Tour (read my Bustronome lunch review)
- other London food tours
evening: candlelight concert
A unique way to end the day! Candlelight Concerts in stunning venues make for a magical experience. We’ve regularly attend them and wrote a review of the Tribute to Coldplay: Fever Candelight Concert.
Day 5: Relaxed Farewell & Departure
Morning: museums, parks or a leisurely stroll
Victoria & Albert Museum- For art & design lovers.
Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens- A peaceful way to end your trip.
afternoon: traditional sunday roast (or alternative meal)
If it’s Sunday, have a classic roast at:
- The Thomas Cubitt Pub, The Orange, The Alfred Tennyson, The Grazing Goat (Marylebone)
If it’s another day, opt for afternoon tea or a gastropub experience instead. You can visit all of the Cubitt House pubs listed below for this. Or we also recommend Young’s or Fuller’s pubs that serve food.
evening: pack & prepare for departure
Best transport options to airports: Heathrow/Gatwick Express or the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow.
Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Travel Tips for Your 5-Day London Itinerary
public transport
Most people think that you must have an Oyster Card or day travel cards for London’s underground and overground. However, you can use any Contactless Card that you have. My sister used her mobile device and Apple Pay for her whole trip. Just make sure your cards don’t have any foreign transaction fees. The best rate will automatically be calculated for you within a few days or your journey.
packing essentials
You’ll want to make sure you have the basics like comfortable shoes, a portable charger and probably an umbrella for your London trip. For a specific list, don’t miss my London Essentials: What to Pack for a London Trip.
London travel planner
If you want to save time and travel smarter, you’ll find more London travel tips like this in my London Travel Planner.
Need help trip planning?
- Save on hotels
- Book your flights
- Find Things to Do
- Get our London Travel Planner
- Receive weekly London news with discount codes!
Final Thoughts: 5-Day London Itinerary
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This itinerary balances sightseeing with local experiences, making your trip more enjoyable and less exhausting. Let me know if you try it out!
you might also enjoy these london travel tips
- Advice for Mamma Mia! The Party in London
- The Ultimate Speed Boat Tour
- Tipping in the UK
- Things to Do Near Tower of London
- Christmas in London
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