London Itinerary 2026
London's greatest trick is that most of its finest experiences are free — the British Museum, Tate Modern, the National Gallery, Hampstead Heath. This 5-day itinerary builds around the world-class free museums and mixes in the markets, parks, and neighbourhoods that make London more than its tourist checklist.
London Travel Guides
Day-by-Day London Itinerary
Westminster + South Bank
Houses of Parliament + Westminster Abbey
Westminster Bridge views at dawn (free). Westminster Abbey entry is £27 — the interior, Poets' Corner, and Coronation Chair make it worth it. Book online. Houses of Parliament tours from £28.
Tate Modern (free) + Borough Market
The former power station houses the world's finest collection of modern art (free, special exhibitions £20+). Walk 5 min to Borough Market for lunch — the best food market in London, open Monday–Saturday.
South Bank walk + dinner
Walk the South Bank east past the Tate, Shakespeare's Globe, and the Shard for views of the Thames at sunset. Dinner at one of the riverside restaurants near London Bridge.
Tip: Get an Oyster card at any Tube station or at the airport (capped daily fares, much cheaper than buying single tickets). Contactless bank cards also work directly on all London Transport.
British Museum + Bloomsbury + Shoreditch
British Museum (free)
One of the world's greatest museums: the Rosetta Stone, Sutton Hoo Helmet, Elgin Marbles, Egyptian mummies. Allow 3 hours minimum. Free entry to permanent collection.
Covent Garden + the Strand
Street performers at Covent Garden market (free). Afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason (from £60/person) or a cream tea at a more affordable cafe nearby. Walk down the Strand to Trafalgar Square (free).
Shoreditch street art + dinner
Brick Lane and Shoreditch are the heart of East London's creative culture. Boxpark Shoreditch for a casual dinner, or one of the many Brick Lane curry houses.
Tower of London + City of London
Tower of London
The Crown Jewels, the medieval fortress, and the resident ravens — £33.60/adult. Buy tickets online to skip the queue. The Yeoman Warder ("Beefeater") guided tours are excellent and free with admission.
Tower Bridge + City of London
Tower Bridge exhibition (£10.60 for the glass walkway experience). Walk through the City of London's ancient streets — the Roman and medieval city walls, Leadenhall Market, and the Sir John Soane's Museum (free, book ahead).
Canary Wharf + sky bar
The Shard Bar (level 31–33, free to access the bar floor, cocktails from £16) or the Duck & Waffle (24th floor, open 24hrs) for elevated views of the City. Pre-dinner cocktails with a view.
Parks + Notting Hill + Portobello
Portobello Road Market (Saturday only)
The famous antique and vintage market in Notting Hill (opens 8am Saturdays, stalls by 9am). Browse antiques, vintage clothes, and street food for 2–3 hours.
Hyde Park + Kensington
Hyde Park is free and wonderful year-round. The Serpentine Gallery (free) shows contemporary art. The nearby Natural History Museum (free) has the world's most dramatic grand hall.
Notting Hill neighbourhood dinner
The Portobello Road restaurant strip and Westbourne Grove have excellent options — from a proper pub Sunday roast to small plates at The Cow.
Tip: If visiting on a weekend, plan the free museums on Saturday/Sunday — they're actually less crowded than weekdays because Londoners don't visit their own attractions at the weekend.
Greenwich + Departure
Greenwich by boat or DLR
Take the Thames Clipper boat from Embankment for a scenic riverside journey to Greenwich (£7.60 with Oyster). Visit the Royal Observatory (£16), stand on the Prime Meridian, and see Wren's Painted Hall (free).
Greenwich Market + National Maritime Museum
Greenwich Market (artisan food and crafts, Wednesday–Sunday, free entry). The National Maritime Museum (free) is one of London's finest.
Heathrow transfer
Heathrow Express from Paddington (15 min, £25 book-ahead or £37 on the day). Elizabeth Line from central London to Heathrow is cheaper (£10.60 with Oyster) but takes 35–45 min. Allow 3 hours before departure at T2/T3/T5.
Practical Information
June–August: warmest (18–25°C), longest days. April–May and September: shoulder season with good weather and smaller crowds. December–February: grey but festive markets, cheap hotels.
London Underground (Tube) + Overground + buses. Use contactless bank card or Oyster card — daily caps prevent overpaying. Walk wherever possible: most central London is compact.
£120–200/day ($150–250) mid-range. The free museums and parks keep activity costs low; accommodation and eating out are expensive. Budget: £60–90/day in hostels with market lunches.
Almost all major London museums and galleries are free. Budget travellers can have a world-class cultural experience spending almost nothing on attractions — budget everything for food and accommodation instead.
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London Itinerary: FAQs
How many days should I spend in London?
5–7 days covers the highlights. London is one of those cities where the more time you have, the more you find. 3 days is possible but rushed. 10+ days lets you do day trips to Oxford, Cambridge, Brighton, or Bath.
Is London expensive?
Yes — London is one of Europe's most expensive cities. A pint of beer: £6–8. A sit-down lunch: £15–25. Museum entry: mostly free! The free cultural institutions (British Museum, Tate, National Gallery, V&A) are world class.
Is London safe for tourists?
London is generally safe. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded tourist areas (Oxford Street, Camden). Keep phones in your pocket on the Tube. Use Uber or black cabs (not unlicensed minicabs) at night.