5-Day London Itinerary 2026: Complete First-Timer Guide
Quick Answer
5-day London itinerary covering Tower of London, British Museum, Westminster, Camden Market, and a day trip to Windsor. Most museums are free. Total cost: $1,200 to $2,500 per person including flights from JFK.
Day 1: Arrival and Classic London
Land at Heathrow (LHR) or Gatwick (LGW). Take the Elizabeth Line from LHR to central London ($15, 30 minutes) or Gatwick Express from LGW ($25, 30 minutes). Check into your hotel in Bloomsbury, South Kensington, or Westminster ($90 to $200 per night). Walk to Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. Cross Westminster Bridge for the classic London photo. Walk along the South Bank to the London Eye ($35, book ahead). Have dinner at a pub ($15 to $25 for fish and chips and a pint).
For cheap flights to London, see our complete London booking guide. Book 8 to 12 weeks ahead.
Day 2: British Museum and West End
Start at the British Museum (free entry, opens 10 AM). Must-see: Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, Parthenon Sculptures. Budget 3 hours. Walk to Covent Garden for lunch ($12 to $20). Watch a street performance. In the afternoon, explore Soho and the West End. Book a theater ticket in advance ($30 to $80). Have dinner before the show in Chinatown ($15 to $25).
Day 3: Markets and South Bank
Morning: Borough Market (Saturday is best). Food market with samples from around the world. Budget $15 for lunch from various stalls. Walk to Tate Modern (free entry). Cross the Millennium Bridge (Harry Potter destruction bridge). Visit St Paul Cathedral ($25 entry, or attend a service for free). Afternoon: walk to Camden Market (open daily, best on weekends). Vintage clothes, street food, and canal walks. Dinner at a Camden pub ($15 to $25).
Day 4: Royal London
Morning: Tower of London ($35 entry, book ahead). See the Crown Jewels first (lines grow by 11 AM). Walk across Tower Bridge. Take a Thames Clipper river boat to Greenwich ($8). Visit the Royal Observatory ($20, stand on the Prime Meridian Line). Afternoon: explore Greenwich Market and the Cutty Sark ($18 entry). Evening: return to central London for dinner in Mayfair or Soho.
Day 5: Windsor Day Trip and Departure
Take the train from Paddington to Windsor ($15, 30 minutes). Visit Windsor Castle ($30 entry, the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world). See St George Chapel and the State Apartments. Return to London by 2 PM. Spend your last afternoon shopping on Oxford Street or at Harrods. Take the Elizabeth Line or Heathrow Express to the airport. Depart from LHR or LGW.
Trip Cost Breakdown
- Flights (JFK to LHR): $280 to $480
- Hotels (5 nights): $450 to $1,000
- Food ($35/day): $175
- Transport (Tube, trains): $60
- Activities and entrance fees: $130
- Theater ticket: $30 to $80
- Total: $1,125 to $1,825 per person
London Travel Tips
- Use contactless payment on the Tube. Tap your credit card or phone on the reader. The system caps your daily spending at $10. No Oyster Card needed.
- Most museums are free. British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, V&A. Budget for special exhibitions only.
- Book the Tower of London online. Save $5 and skip the ticket line. Arrive at opening time (9 AM) to see the Crown Jewels without a crowd.
- Eat at pubs for affordable meals. A pint and a pie costs $15. Wetherspoons is the cheapest pub chain (not great food, but cheap).
- Walk, do not take the Tube for short distances. Many Tube stations are 5 to 10 minutes walk apart. Walking is faster for central London and you see more.
- Bring a rain jacket. London rain is usually light and brief. A compact umbrella is essential.
FAQs
Is 5 days enough for London?
5 days is enough for a first London trip. You can see the Tower of London, British Museum, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Camden Market, Tate Modern, and take one day trip to Windsor or Oxford. You will want to return, but 5 days covers the essentials.
How much does a 5-day London trip cost?
A 5-day London trip costs $1,200 to $2,500 per person. Flights from JFK: $280 to $480. Hotels: $90 to $200 per night. Food: $30 to $50 per day. Most museums are free. A Tube pass costs $10 per day. London is expensive but most attractions are free.
What is the best time to visit London?
April to September is the best time for weather. June to August is peak with long days (sunset at 9:30 PM) but most crowds. April, May, and September are shoulder season with mild weather and fewer tourists. January to March is cheapest but cold and gray.
Is London safe for tourists?
Yes, London is very safe. Violent crime is rare. Watch for pickpockets in tourist areas (Oxford Street, Camden Market, Piccadilly Circus). Phone snatching by cyclists on e-bikes is a growing problem. Keep your phone in a zipped pocket.
Do I need a visa for the UK?
US citizens do not need a visa for the UK for tourism up to 6 months. You need a passport valid for your stay. You may be asked for a return ticket at immigration. The UK is not in the Schengen zone, so a UK visit does not count toward Schengen 90-day limit.
Are London museums really free?
Yes, most major London museums are free: British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum. Special exhibitions inside these museums charge entry ($15 to $25), but the permanent collections are free.