Discovering the Best of London in 5 Days

• Day 1: Exploring Westminster
  10 minutes (2.5 miles) from London City Centre

  Westminster Abbey: Discover the rich history of London by stepping into the iconic Westminster Abbey, the site of numerous royal coronations and weddings. Big Ben: Catch a glimpse of the famous Big Ben and snap a photo for your Instagram. Houses of Parliament: Enjoy a guided tour and learn more about the political heart of Britain.

• Day 2: Art and Culture
  15 minutes (3 miles) from London City Centre

  Tate Modern: Experience the world-class art collection housed in the former Bankside Power Station. Shakespeare's Globe: Take a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe, a stunning reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre where the Bard premiered his famous works. National Gallery: Marvel at one of the greatest art collections in the world spanning over 700 years of Western European art.

• Day 3: Historical London
  20 minutes (4 miles) from London City Centre

  Tower of London: Discover the dark history of this historic castle and learn about its use as a royal palace, fortress, and prison. Tower Bridge: Explore the iconic bridge over the River Thames and enjoy stunning views of London from the walkways above. The Crown Jewels: Admire the impressive collection of jewels, including the famous Koh-i-Noor diamond, kept safe within the Tower of London.

• Day 4: Retail Therapy
  25 minutes (5 miles) from London City Centre

  Oxford Street: Shop till you drop on the world-famous Oxford Street, home to over 300 shops and designer outlets. Harrods: Visit the iconic department store known for luxury goods, including gourmet food halls and a fine jewelry department. Borough Market: Satisfy your food cravings with delicious street food and fresh produce.

• Day 5: Greenwich and Beyond
  40 minutes (8 miles) from London City Centre

  Cutty Sark: Climb aboard the world’s last surviving tea clipper and discover its rich history. National Maritime Museum: Enjoy an interactive and immersive journey through the history of the Royal Navy and British maritime history. Greenwich Observatory: Stand on the Prime Meridian and snap a photo with one foot in each hemisphere.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Westminster Abbey (2 hours, £23)
• Tate Modern (3 hours, free entry)
• Tower of London (3 hours, £29.90)
• Oxford Street (4 hours, varies)
• Cutty Sark (2 hours, £14.50)

Transportation

London is well connected by public transport, including the famous London Underground (the Tube), buses, and taxis. A Visitor Oyster Card is a great way to save money on transportation costs as it offers discounted fares and a daily price cap. Taxis can be expensive, especially during peak hours, so it is best to utilize public transport where possible. Expect to spend about £10 per day on transportation.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider taking a day trip outside of London to nearby attractions such as Stonehenge or Cambridge. For shorter trips, you can easily spend half a day at any of the listed locations. If you have less time, focus on one or two areas that interest you the most and explore them in-depth.

Airports

London has several airports, including Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), and City (LCY). Heathrow is the largest and most well-connected airport, with direct connections to most major cities worldwide. City airport is the closest to the city centre, located just 10 miles away.