Best things to do in London — top-rated attraction
London travel guide highlight — popular destination 2
London travel guide highlight — popular destination 3
London travel guide highlight — popular destination 4
London travel guide highlight — popular destination 5

London Travel Guide

Everything you need to plan 3 to 5 days in London, United Kingdom — neighborhoods, food, budget, and day-by-day itineraries.

$525–$895/personBest: April - June2 itinerariesmid-range budget

Choose Your Duration

Each guide includes a full day-by-day itinerary, budget breakdown, map, and local tips.

Top Neighborhoods

Get a quick feel for each area before you arrive.

Westminster neighborhood in London — things to do and see

Westminster

excellent

Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace

South Bank neighborhood in London — things to do and see

South Bank

excellent

Tate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, London Eye

Notting Hill neighborhood in London — things to do and see

Notting Hill

excellent

Portobello Road Market, colorful houses, boutique shopping

Shoreditch neighborhood in London — things to do and see

Shoreditch

excellent

Street art, vintage markets, nightlife, artisan coffee

Camden neighborhood in London — things to do and see

Camden

good

Camden Market, alternative fashion, music venues, Regent's Canal

What to Eat in London

The essential dishes to try — full eating guides with etiquette and meal strategies are on each itinerary page.

Must-try dishes

Fish and chips — must-try food in London at Poppies in Spitalfields
Fish and chips

Poppies in Spitalfields · £12-15

Sunday roast — must-try food in London at Simpson's in the Strand
Sunday roast

Simpson's in the Strand · £28-35

Bacon naan roll — must-try food in London at Dishoom (any location)
Bacon naan roll

Dishoom (any location) · £7-9

Salt beef beigel — must-try food in London at Beigel Bake on Brick Lane
Salt beef beigel

Beigel Bake on Brick Lane · £3-4

Pie and mash — must-try food in London at M. Manze (Tower Bridge)
Pie and mash

M. Manze (Tower Bridge) · £8-10

Afternoon tea — must-try food in London at Fortnum & Mason
Afternoon tea

Fortnum & Mason · £45-60

Street food highlights

Grilled cheese sandwich · Borough Market - Kappacasein stall · £5-6Chorizo sandwich · Borough Market - Brindisa stall · £6-7Jerk chicken · Brixton Market · £7-9

Getting Around

Master the Tube system

Use contactless payment or Oyster card - both auto-cap at daily limits (£8.50 in central zones). Download Citymapper app for real-time updates. Stand right on escalators. Rush hour is 7:30-9:30am and 5-7pm - avoid if possible.

Full transit details including booking instructions and platform tips are in each day-by-day guide.

Budget at a Glance

Budget Range
$525 – $895
From 3 days to 5 days
Daily Average
$179
per person/day
Budget Tier
mid-range
accommodation, food, transport, activities

Per-person estimates in USD. Full category breakdowns available on each guide page.

Best Time to Visit

Best months
April - June

Mild weather, long daylight hours, and parks in bloom make walking London most pleasant

Avoid
November - December

Shorter days, frequent rain, and holiday crowds make outdoor activities less appealing

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 3 days enough for London?

Yes, 3 days covers London's highlights well. You'll see major landmarks (Big Ben, Tower Bridge), world-class museums (British Museum, Tate Modern), and experience neighborhoods like Shoreditch and Notting Hill. However, you'll miss deeper cultural experiences, day trips to Greenwich or Windsor, and many excellent museums. For first-timers, 3 days is perfect to decide if you want to return.

Where should I stay in London?

Stay in Covent Garden or South Bank for walking access to major sights, or King's Cross for excellent transport links and emerging food scene. Avoid Earl's Court (far from attractions) and stick to Zones 1-2 for convenience. Paddington offers good value with Heathrow Express access.

How much does 3 days in London cost?

Budget £120/day ($150), mid-range £175/day ($220), luxury £300+/day ($380+). This includes accommodation, meals, transport, and attractions. Save money with free museums, pub lunches, and an Oyster card. Splurge on afternoon tea and West End shows.

What should I not miss in London?

Westminster Abbey and Big Ben for royal history, Borough Market for food culture, British Museum for world artifacts, and a proper pub experience. Add Tate Modern for contemporary art and a Thames river walk from Westminster to Tower Bridge for iconic views.

What's the best time to visit London?

May-June and September offer the best weather with 15+ hours of daylight and mild temperatures. Avoid July-August (crowds and higher prices) and December-January (short days and frequent rain). Spring brings blooming parks, autumn has comfortable walking weather.

Is 5 days enough for London?

Yes, 5 days covers London's essential highlights: Westminster landmarks, major museums, markets, and diverse neighborhoods. You'll see Big Ben, British Museum, Borough Market, and experience proper pub culture. However, you'll miss Windsor Castle, Greenwich, many West End shows, and deeper neighborhood exploration. Consider 7-10 days for a more relaxed pace.

How much does 5 days in London cost?

Budget: $75-100/day (hostels, street food, free museums). Mid-range: $150-200/day (decent hotels, pub meals, paid attractions). Luxury: $300+/day (4-star hotels, fine dining, West End shows). Major costs are accommodation (£60-150/night) and food (£30-60/day). Many top museums are free.

Visiting more of United Kingdom?

Our United Kingdom itineraries cover multiple cities with transit connections and full trip planning.

United Kingdom Guides →

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More Options inLondon

Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.

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Bars & Nightlife

Ready to explore London?

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