Affordable 5-Day London Itinerary for Food Lovers and Sightseers

Day 1: Arrival and North London

London, UK on August 20, 2025

11:00am

Arrive at King's Cross Station

Arrival point and start of your London trip. Store luggage if needed and get ready for the day.
Free, 0h30m

11:30am

Camden Market

Explore the vibrant market with affordable food stalls, vintage clothes, and unique items perfect for budget travellers and food lovers.
Free entry, food varied prices, 2h00m

1:30pm

Lunch at Camden Market

Try street food such as falafel wraps or fresh seafood from one of the many vendors for an inexpensive, tasty meal.
£6-£10, 1h00m

2:30pm

Primrose Hill

A short walk from Camden Market, enjoy panoramic views over London from this peaceful hilltop park.
Free, 1h00m

3:30pm

Check in at LSE Rosebery Hall

Check-in time is from 3pm, settle in and relax after your journey.
Free, 1h00m

4:30pm

Little Venice and Italian Gardens

Take a bus or tube to Little Venice, a quaint canal area, then stroll to the nearby Italian Gardens in Regent's Park for photo opportunities and peaceful green space.
Free, 2h00m

6:30pm

Dinner at a nearby budget-friendly pub

Find a local pub near your accommodation serving affordable British classics like fish and chips.
£10-£15, 1h30m
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Day 2: Central London Markets and Culture

London, UK on August 21, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a Local Café near Rosebery Hall

Enjoy a simple English breakfast or brewed coffee and pastries to fuel your day.
£5-£7, 1h00m

9:30am

Barbican Conservatory

Visit this hidden tropical garden in the heart of the Barbican Centre, open until 5pm, free entry.
Free, 1h00m

10:30am

Neal's Yard

Discover this colourful, charming courtyard in Covent Garden with independent shops and cafes.
Free, 1h00m

11:30am

Lunch at Borough Market

Head to Borough Market to enjoy a wide variety of fresh and affordable street foods from diverse cuisines.
£7-£12, 1h30m

1:00pm

Walk Southbank along the Thames

Enjoy a scenic walk along the river, passing the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. Perfect for photo stops and street entertainment.
Free, 2h00m

3:00pm

Tower Bridge

Visit the iconic Tower Bridge, explore its exhibition and enjoy views from the walkways (open 9:30am-5pm).
£11.40, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk through Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane

Experience East London's vibrant market ambiance with vintage shops and street art.
Free, 1h30m

6:00pm

Dinner in Shoreditch

Try one of Shoreditch’s many affordable eateries offering dishes from around the world.
£10-£15, 1h30m
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Day 3: Royal Parks and City Icons

London, UK on August 22, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at a café in Soho

Enjoy a budget-friendly breakfast with pastries or sandwiches in this lively district.
£5-£7, 1h00m

9:30am

Soho and Chinatown Exploration

Wander through Soho’s vibrant streets and Chinatown’s authentic shops and eateries.
Free, 1h30m

11:00am

Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden

Visit these iconic areas, ideal for shopping, street performances, and people watching.
Free, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Covent Garden

Grab a light meal in one of the many affordable cafés or food stalls.
£7-£12, 1h00m

1:30pm

Visit Big Ben and Abbey of Westminster

Walk to these famous landmarks and admire the architecture from outside (tours limited).
Free, 1h00m

2:30pm

Kynance Mews

Visit this picturesque mews street with colourful houses, perfect for photos and a quieter atmosphere.
Free, 0h45m

3:15pm

Kensington Palace and Gardens

Tour Kensington Palace (entry fee applies) and stroll through Kensington Gardens, including the Italian Gardens.
£19.50, 2h00m

5:30pm

Dinner near Kensington

Enjoy an affordable meal in a local café or pub nearby offering casual dining options.
£10-£15, 1h30m
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Day 4: Greenwich and Markets

London, UK on August 23, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast near accommodation

Simple, budget-friendly breakfast to prepare for a longer day.
£5-£7, 1h00m

9:30am

Morning at Portobello Road Market

Spend the morning exploring this famous market, best visited on Saturday, with vintage goods, antiques, and street food.
Free entry, food prices vary, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Portobello Market

Sample diverse street food options available at the market for an affordable and authentic experience.
£7-£12, 1h00m

1:30pm

Afternoon travel to Greenwich

Take the tube and/or DLR to Greenwich for your evening activities.
Oyster card fare approx. £3, 1h00m

2:30pm

Greenwich Exploration

Visit Greenwich Park and the surrounding area for history and views.
Free, 2h00m

4:30pm

Greenwich Cable Car at Night

Take the cable car ride with spectacular night-time views over the Thames and city skyline. Check closing times around 10pm.
£5-£10, 1h00m

6:00pm

Dinner in Greenwich

Choose a reasonably priced eatery in Greenwich offering hearty meals.
£10-£15, 1h00m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Carnival and Departure

London, UK on August 24, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast near Rosebery Hall

Enjoy your last breakfast in London with a coffee and pastry to start the day right.
£5-£7, 1h00m

9:30am

Visit to Shoreditch and Brick Lane

Explore the street art, markets and vintage shops at Brick Lane and Shoreditch, good for last-minute shopping and cultural immersion.
Free, 3h00m

12:30pm

Lunch at Brick Lane

Try an affordable curry or bagel at one of the famous eateries on Brick Lane.
£8-£12, 1h00m

1:30pm

Attend the Carnival

Enjoy the vibrant carnival atmosphere, music, and street performances starting in the early afternoon until mid-afternoon.
Free, 2h30m

4:00pm

Head to King's Cross Station

Make sure to arrive at King's Cross slightly after 4pm to catch your departure train without stress.
Free, 1h00m
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