5-Day London Itinerary: Food, Wine and Shopping Extravaganza

London, England

5 days

Skyline Panoramic
Vintage style red telephone booths
Aerial view of the city and the River Thames
The bank district with famous skyscrapers
Big Ben tower

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 Notting Hill and Knightsbridge

Morning

Start your day with a stroll through the bustling "Portobello Road Market

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional English lunch in a cozy gastropub. Try classic dishes like fish and chips or a hearty Sunday roast.

Afternoon

Head to "Harrods

Dinner

Have dinner at a modern British restaurant, where you can sample innovative dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Evening

End your day with a wine tasting experience at a sophisticated wine bar. Sample a selection of fine wines from around the world.

Morning

Visit the "British Museum

Lunch

Have lunch at a trendy food hall, where you can choose from a variety of international cuisines.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon exploring "Covent Garden

Dinner

Dine at a stylish Italian restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic pasta dishes and a glass of Prosecco.

Evening

Watch a world-class performance at the "Royal Opera House

Morning

Take a guided tour of the "Tower of London

Lunch

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a modern British restaurant, offering stunning views of the Tower Bridge and the "River Thames".

Afternoon

Visit the "Tate Modern

Dinner

Have dinner at a chic riverside restaurant, where you can enjoy gourmet dishes while overlooking the "River Thames".

Evening

Take a romantic evening stroll along the "South Bank

Morning

Start your day with a visit to "Borough Market

Lunch

Have lunch at a trendy food court in the market, where you can try a variety of international cuisines.

Afternoon

Explore the "King's Road

Dinner

Dine at a stylish French restaurant, where you can enjoy classic dishes like coq au vin and crème brûlée.

Evening

End your day with a visit to a chic cocktail bar, where you can enjoy innovative cocktails in a stylish setting.

Morning

Visit the "Victoria and Albert Museum

Lunch

Have lunch at a charming café in the museum, where you can enjoy a selection of sandwiches, salads, and pastries.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon shopping at "Oxford Street

Dinner

Have dinner at a trendy Asian fusion restaurant, where you can enjoy innovative dishes inspired by various Asian cuisines.

Evening

Watch a hit musical at one of the many theatres in the "West End

Attractions in Itinerary (14)

Portobello Road Market

1
Portobello Road Market

One of the most famous outdoor markets in the world, Portobello Road Market is known for its antique goods, vintage fashion, and street food stalls.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Harrods

2
Harrods

A world-renowned department store located in Knightsbridge, London. It offers a wide range of luxury products and services.

Shopping
Food and Drink
British Museum

3
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
Covent Garden

4
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
Royal Opera House

5
Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House is an opera house and major performing arts venue in Covent Garden, central London. It is home to The Royal Opera, The Royal Ballet, and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Tower of London

6
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
Tower Bridge

7
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
Tate Modern

8
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
South Bank

9
South Bank

A cultural district filled with theaters, galleries, and restaurants.

Attractions
Entertainment
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods
Borough Market

10
Borough Market

One of the oldest and largest food markets in London, offering a variety of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and specialty items.

Food and Drink
Shopping
King's Road

11
King's Road

A major street in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, known for its high-end shops, fashion boutiques, and historic sites.

Shopping
Neighborhoods
Victoria and Albert Museum

12
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
Oxford Street

13
Oxford Street

Europe's busiest shopping street, home to a number of major department stores and hundreds of smaller shops.

Shopping
Entertainment
Neighborhoods
West End

14
West End

London's main theatre and entertainment district. It is home to many theatres, cinemas, bars, clubs, and restaurants.

Entertainment
Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Neighborhoods

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Fish and Chips

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 2

Tue

2nd January (Scotland)

March 17

Sun

St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland)

March 18

Mon

Day off for St Patrick's Day (Northern Ireland)

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 1

Mon

Easter Monday (regional holiday)

May 6

Mon

Early May Bank Holiday

May 27

Mon

Spring Bank Holiday

July 12

Fri

Battle of the Boyne (Northern Ireland)

August 5

Mon

Summer Bank Holiday (Scotland)

August 26

Mon

Summer Bank Holiday (regional holiday)

November 30

Sat

St Andrew's Day (Scotland)

December 2

Mon

St Andrew's Day observed (Scotland)

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

December 26

Thu

Boxing Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Power socket type G

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)

  • Long-sleeve shirts (2)

  • Jeans or trousers (2 pairs)

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Pajamas

  • Lightweight jacket

  • Raincoat or umbrella

  • Scarf, gloves, and hat (if 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-size first aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Sunscreen (if in summer)

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and transportation reservation confirmations

  • Guidebook or map

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal power adapter

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Charger for camera

  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)

  • Portable power bank

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Snacks for travel

  • Travel pillow and blanket

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Books or e-books for entertainment

  • Travel-size laundry detergent

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Ziplock bags for organization

  • Travel-size umbrella

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!

MonthHi / 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.

Did you know?

Did you know that London was founded by the Romans, who named it Londinium?

1 of 10

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