5-Day Christmas Holiday Exploration of London, England

London, England

5 days

Christmas holidays

Tourist

Tower bridge in the night during Christmas

Battersea Power station during Christmas

About London, England

Experience the vibrant and historic city of London, England, a global hub of culture, art, and commerce. Marvel at iconic landmarks like the majestic Buckingham Palace, the imposing Tower of London, and the modern London Eye. Explore world-class museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery, all offering free entry. Stroll through beautiful parks such as Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Enjoy shopping at Oxford Street and savour diverse cuisine at Covent Garden. Experience the magic of West End theatre and the charm of the River Thames. London's efficient public transport system, including the famous London Underground, makes it easy to explore this cosmopolitan city. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, a shopaholic, or a theatre enthusiast, London has something for everyone.

5-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Tower of London and South Bank Christmas Market

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Tower of London. Explore the historic castle, see the Crown Jewels and learn about its rich history.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional British lunch at a local pub in the area.

Afternoon

Take a stroll along the River Thames and cross the Tower Bridge. Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition to learn about its history and construction.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant offering views of the River Thames.

Evening

Experience the magical Christmas market along the South Bank. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, shop for unique gifts and try some seasonal treats.

Day 2

Discovering the British Museum, Covent Garden and Christmas Concert at St. Paul's Cathedral

Morning

Visit the British Museum and explore its vast collection of world art and artefacts.

Lunch

Have lunch at a café near the museum.

Afternoon

Explore Covent Garden, known for its shopping, street performers, and the Royal Opera House.

Dinner

Dine at a restaurant in Covent Garden.

Evening

Attend a Christmas concert at St. Paul's Cathedral. Enjoy the beautiful music in this stunning setting.

Day 3

Visiting the Natural History Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

Morning

Start your day at the Natural History Museum. Explore the various exhibits, including the dinosaur collection.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery in South Kensington.

Afternoon

Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design.

Dinner

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Kensington.

Evening

Experience Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, a large-scale Christmas event with rides, markets, and shows.

Day 4

Witnessing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and Exploring the Houses of Parliament

Morning

Visit the iconic Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard.

Lunch

Enjoy lunch at a café in Westminster.

Afternoon

Explore the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben. Take a guided tour to learn about the UK's political history.

Dinner

Have dinner at a restaurant near the River Thames.

Evening

Take a stroll along the Thames and enjoy the Christmas lights and decorations.

Day 5

Art Appreciation at Tate Modern and Historic Tour of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

Morning

Visit the Tate Modern and explore its vast collection of modern and contemporary art.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local eatery in Southwark.

Afternoon

Explore the historic Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Take a guided tour to learn about its history and reconstruction.

Dinner

Dine at a restaurant in Southwark.

Evening

End your trip with a visit to the Christmas market at Leicester Square. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and pick up some last-minute gifts.

Attractions in Itinerary (13)

1
Tower of London

A historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that houses the Crown Jewels.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

2
River Thames

The River Thames is a river that flows through southern England. It is the longest river entirely in England and the second-longest in the United Kingdom. There are various sightseeing tours available along the river.

Attractions

Landmarks

3
Tower Bridge

A combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become a world-famous symbol of London.

Attractions

Landmarks

Architecture

4
British Museum

Home to a vast collection of world art and artefacts, the British Museum is dedicated to human history, art, and culture.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

5
Covent Garden

A popular shopping and tourist site in London, Covent Garden is known for its luxury fashion and beauty stores, artisanal food and drink, and live street performances.

Neighborhoods

Shopping

Entertainment

6
St. Paul's Cathedral

An iconic feature of the London skyline, St. Paul's Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral and the seat of the Bishop of London.

Attractions

Religious Sites

Architecture

7
Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is a natural history museum that exhibits a vast range of specimens from various segments of natural history. It is one of three major museums on Exhibition Road in South Kensington.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

8
Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world's largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design, as well as sculpture, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects. It was founded in 1852 and named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

9
Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland

Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland is a popular annual Christmas event in London. It features a variety of festive activities, entertainment, and food and drink options.

Attractions

Entertainment

Cultural Experiences

10
Buckingham Palace

The London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace is one of the few working royal palaces remaining in the world today.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

11
Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is a stunning neo-Gothic building and the seat of the UK government. It's one of London's most iconic landmarks, with its distinctive clock tower, known as Big Ben.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

12
Tate Modern

Britain's national museum of modern and contemporary art. It is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

13
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre

A reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse for which William Shakespeare wrote his plays.

Attractions

Cultural Experiences

Entertainment

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Fish and Chips

A classic British dish consisting of fried fish in batter served with chips. It's a must-try when visiting London.

Full English Breakfast

A hearty breakfast that includes bacon, eggs, sausages, beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, and toast. It's a staple in London and across the UK.

Sunday Roast

A traditional British meal that is typically served on Sundays, it includes roasted meat, roast potato, and accompaniments like Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, vegetables and gravy.

Chicken Tikka Masala

A popular dish in London, it's a British-Indian curry made of roasted marinated chicken in a spiced curry sauce.

Beef Wellington

A traditional British dish consisting of fillet steak coated with pâté and duxelles, which is then wrapped in puff pastry and baked.

Pimm's

A fruit cup, but may also be considered a liqueur, based on gin and can be served both on ice or in cocktails. It's particularly popular during the summer months.

Sticky Toffee Pudding

A British dessert consisting of a very moist sponge cake, covered in a toffee sauce and often served with a vanilla custard or vanilla ice-cream.

Ploughman's Lunch

A traditional British dish that typically includes cold, simple, and hearty ingredients like cheese, bread, pickles, and cold meats. It's a common pub lunch in London.

Bangers and Mash

A traditional British dish made of mashed potatoes and sausages, it's a staple in many London pubs.

Black Pudding

A type of blood sausage commonly eaten in Great Britain. It is generally served as part of a traditional full English breakfast.

Eton Mess

A traditional English dessert consisting of a mixture of strawberries, broken meringue, and whipped double cream. It's a summer classic in London.

English Tea

A traditional British drink, typically served with milk and sugar. Afternoon tea is a cultural institution in London.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit London, England as a tourist is typically during the spring (late March to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is generally mild and the city's parks are beautiful and blooming. The summer months (July and August) can also be a great time to visit, but they are usually more crowded with tourists. Additionally, December is a popular time to visit due to the festive Christmas season, despite the colder weather. However, London is a city that offers unique charm in every season, so it really depends on your personal preferences.

How to get around

Underground (Tube)

The London Underground, also known as the Tube, is a convenient way to travel around the city. It has 11 lines covering 402 km and serving 270 stations. It's the quickest way to get around London.

Buses

London's iconic double-decker buses are a quick, convenient and cheap way to travel around the city, with plenty of routes to choose from. They're also a great way to see the city, with routes passing many of London's most famous landmarks.

Trains

London has an extensive overground train network that connects the city to the suburbs and beyond. These trains are a good option if you're travelling outside of the city centre.

Cycling

London has an extensive network of cycle paths and bike-sharing schemes such as Santander Cycles. Cycling can be a quick and healthy way to get around, especially in the city centre.

Taxis

London's black cabs are a famous sight throughout the city. They can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. All black cabs are wheelchair accessible and most have card payment facilities.

Ridesharing

Services like Uber and Bolt operate in London. They can be a convenient way to get around, especially if you're travelling in a group or have a lot of luggage. However, they can be more expensive than public transport.

River Services

Thames Clippers operates services up and down the River Thames and offers an interesting way to travel around the city. You can use your Oyster card or contactless payment card for an easy way to pay.

Trams

London has a tram network that operates in parts of south London. Trams are a good way to travel in areas they serve, offering a reliable and frequent service.

Emirates Air Line

This is a cable car link across the River Thames in East London, providing stunning aerial views of the city. It's a unique way to travel and see London from a different perspective.

Dockless E-scooters

London has several dockless e-scooter rental schemes operating in certain parts of the city. They can be a quick and convenient way to get around, especially for short journeys.

Walk

London is a great city to explore on foot. Many of the most famous landmarks are within walking distance of each other. Plus, you'll save money and get some exercise at the same time.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency£ GBP

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phone112, 999

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Voltage230 V

Things to know about London, England as a first time visitor

1

London is a very walkable city, but it's also quite large. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

2

The city is known for its unpredictable weather. Always carry an umbrella or raincoat, even if the forecast looks clear.

3

Public transportation is very efficient. The London Underground, also known as 'The Tube', is the quickest way to get around the city.

4

If you plan to use public transportation frequently, consider getting an Oyster card. It's a cost-effective way to pay for travel on the Tube, buses, and other forms of public transport.

5

London is divided into several areas, each with its own unique character. Research the different areas to decide where you'd like to stay.

6

Tipping is customary in London. It's typical to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, but check your bill first as some places include it automatically.

7

London is generally safe, but like any big city, it's important to stay aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

8

The city is very diverse, with over 300 languages spoken. However, English is the main language and is spoken everywhere.

9

The currency in London is the British Pound (£). It's a good idea to have some cash on hand, but credit cards are widely accepted.

10

London is in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) zone. Make sure to adjust your watch when you arrive.

11

The legal drinking age in London is 18. You may be asked for ID if you look under 25.

12

Smoking is banned in all enclosed public places and workplaces in London, including pubs and restaurants.

13

London can be quite expensive, so budget accordingly. However, there are also many free activities and attractions in the city.

14

The city is known for its high quality tap water. It's safe to drink from the tap in London.

15

London's peak tourist season is in the summer, from June to August. The weather is warmest during this time, with temperatures typically ranging from 59°F to 77°F (15°C to 25°C).

16

In winter, London can be quite cold, with temperatures typically ranging from 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Make sure to pack warm clothes.

17

London is a city that never sleeps. Many shops, restaurants, and bars stay open late, especially on weekends.

18

The city is very accommodating to those with dietary restrictions. You'll find plenty of vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal options.

19

London is a great city for shopping. From high-end designer stores to vintage markets, there's something for everyone.

20

Finally, Londoners are generally polite and reserved. Don't be surprised if people keep to themselves on public transport. It's just the local culture.

Packing List

Clothing
Underwear (5 pairs)
Socks (5 pairs)
T-shirts (5)
Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)
Sweater or jacket (1)
Pajamas (1 set)
Comfortable walking shoes (1 pair)
Formal outfit (1, if planning to visit high-end restaurants or events)
Raincoat or umbrella (1, considering London's unpredictable weather)
Scarf, gloves, and hat (1 each, if traveling in winter)

Toiletries
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash or soap
Razor and shaving cream
Makeup and makeup remover
Hairbrush or comb
Travel-sized first aid kit
Prescription medications
Sunscreen

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other ID
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (British Pound)
Travel insurance documents
Hotel and other booking confirmations
Maps and guidebooks
Emergency contacts and addresses

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Universal power adapter
Headphones
Camera and charger
Laptop and charger (if necessary)
Portable power bank

Miscellaneous items
Snacks for the journey
Travel pillow and blanket
Books or e-reader for entertainment
Travel-sized laundry detergent
Reusable water bottle
Ziplock bags for organization
Tote bag for shopping
Travel lock for luggage

Weather Conditions

London, England, is known for its unpredictable weather. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip, but here are some general tips to help you prepare. The city experiences a temperate maritime climate with all four seasons, but no extreme temperatures. During the summer months (June - August), you can expect average highs of around 22°C (72°F) and lows of around 12°C (54°F). It's typically the best time to visit for warm weather, but it can also be quite crowded. Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - November) are mild with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). These seasons are less crowded and offer beautiful scenery, but the weather can change quickly, so pack layers and always carry an umbrella. Winter (December - February) can be chilly with temperatures ranging from 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Snow is rare but possible. If you're visiting during this time, be sure to pack warm clothing. Rain is common throughout the year in London. The city is known for its light drizzle, so no matter when you visit, it's a good idea to pack a waterproof jacket or an umbrella. Despite the unpredictable weather, London offers a wealth of indoor activities, such as museums, galleries, and historic sites, so you'll have plenty to do even if it rains. Remember, the weather can change quickly, so it's always a good idea to check the forecast each day and dress in layers. Enjoy your trip!

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	14° / 2°	January is the coldest month in London, with occasional snow and rain. Pack warm clothing and waterproof shoes.
February	12° / 2°	February is still quite cold, with a mix of rain and snow. Warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended.
March	15° / 4°	March sees the start of spring, with slightly warmer temperatures and more daylight. Light jackets and umbrellas are advisable.
April	17° / 6°	April is generally mild, but there can be rain showers. Pack a mix of light and warm clothing.
May	20° / 9°	May is usually warm with longer daylight hours. Light clothing and a light jacket for evenings are recommended.
June	24° / 12°	June marks the start of summer, with warm temperatures and long days. Pack light clothing and sunscreen.
July	28° / 14°	July is the hottest month in London, with long sunny days. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a hat are advisable.
August	28° / 14°	August is also hot, with occasional rain showers. Light clothing, an umbrella, and sunscreen are recommended.
September	23° / 11°	September is generally warm, but evenings can be cooler. Pack light clothing and a light jacket for evenings.
October	19° / 8°	October sees the start of autumn, with cooler temperatures and changing foliage. Warm clothing and waterproof shoes are recommended.
November	15° / 5°	November is quite cold, with shorter daylight hours. Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are advisable.
December	13° / 3°	December is cold and often rainy, with short daylight hours. Warm clothing, waterproof shoes, and an umbrella are recommended.