London Travel Guide
Everything you need to plan 3 to 5 days in London, United Kingdom — neighborhoods, food, budget, and day-by-day itineraries.
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
excellentBig Ben, Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace
South Bank
excellentTate Modern, Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, London Eye
Notting Hill
excellentPortobello Road Market, colorful houses, boutique shopping
Shoreditch
excellentStreet art, vintage markets, nightlife, artisan coffee
Camden
goodCamden 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
Poppies in Spitalfields · £12-15
Simpson's in the Strand · £28-35
Dishoom (any location) · £7-9
Beigel Bake on Brick Lane · £3-4
M. Manze (Tower Bridge) · £8-10
Fortnum & Mason · £45-60
Street food highlights
Getting Around
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
Per-person estimates in USD. Full category breakdowns available on each guide page.
Best Time to Visit
Mild weather, long daylight hours, and parks in bloom make walking London most pleasant
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.
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Places that didn't make the main itinerary but are worth knowing about.
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Ready to explore London?
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