Experience London's most essential sights in this carefully curated itinerary featuring world-famous landmarks, historic palaces, and cultural treasures. From Westminster Abbey to Tower Bridge, discover the iconic must-sees that define this legendary city.
This plan is built around the city’s best-known sights, in a sensible order to keep travel time low. Opening days and times change, so check the official website of each place before you go. Not sure 5 days is right? Read how many days you need in London.
Know before you go
Best Time to Visit
May–June is London at its finest — long evenings, parks in bloom and the city at its most energetic. Chelsea Flower Show and Trooping the Colour make June particularly special.
July–August brings warm weather (averaging 23°C) and the tourist peak. The South Bank, parks and outdoor markets are buzzing. Book the Tower of London and major attractions well in advance.
September–October offers milder crowds and the full London cultural season — new theatre productions, gallery openings and Frieze Art Fair. The parks turn gold and the city feels distinctly itself.
Getting Around London
The Tube (Underground) is the fastest way around. Use an Oyster card or contactless payment. The Elizabeth line now connects Heathrow to central London in 35 minutes.
Black cabs & buses let you see the city while you travel. The iconic red bus is great for sightseeing. Night buses run when the Tube closes.
Walking connects many central attractions — it's only 2.5km from the Tower of London to St Paul's Cathedral, and 3km from Westminster to Covent Garden. The Thames Path makes for a spectacular riverside route.
More on neighbourhoods, food and practical tips in our London city guide.
Royal London & Westminster
Iconic landmarks in the heart of the capital
- Morning
Westminster Abbey
Explore one of London's most magnificent Gothic churches, the coronation church of monarchs and burial place of kings and queens. A must-see architectural masterpiece with over 1,000 years of history.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Late Morning
Palace of Westminster & Big Ben Walk
Stroll past the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, London's most recognizable symbols. Enjoy free views of these Gothic Revival masterpieces from the riverside.
- Afternoon
Lunch near Westminster
Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafés around Parliament Square and the Thames.
- Afternoon
Churchill War Rooms
Descend into the secret underground headquarters used during World War II. Experience the hidden nerve centre where Churchill directed British operations during the Blitz.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Tower & Thames: Medieval London
Historic fortress and iconic bridges
- Morning
Tower of London
Visit the historic fortress that has stood for nearly 1,000 years. See the Crown Jewels, explore medieval towers, and discover the stories of kings, queens, and prisoners.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Midday
Tower Bridge
Walk across London's most iconic Victorian bridge with stunning views of the Thames. Explore the bridge's interior and learn about its engineering marvel.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch at Tower Bridge
Dine at one of the restaurants with views of the Thames and Tower Bridge.
- Late Afternoon
Thames River Cruises
Sail along the Thames to see London's landmarks from the water. Pass iconic sights including Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral, and the Houses of Parliament.
🎟️ Book tickets →
St Paul's, Shard & City Views
Iconic cathedral and modern London skyline
- Morning
St Paul's Cathedral
Climb to the famous Whispering Gallery of Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Admire the stunning baroque dome and explore the crypt of this iconic cathedral.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Midday
Millennium Bridge Walk
Stroll across the iconic pedestrian bridge connecting St Paul's to the South Bank. Enjoy free views and photo opportunities of London's skyline.
- Afternoon
Lunch on the South Bank
Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants and cafés along the Thames South Bank.
- Late Afternoon
The View from The Shard
Experience London from the top of Western Europe's tallest building. See 360-degree views of the city from the 72nd-floor observation deck.
🎟️ Book tickets →
Royal Palaces & Museums
Kensington Palace and world-class collections
- Morning
The British Museum
Explore one of the world's greatest museums with collections spanning human history. See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and countless treasures from ancient civilizations.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch near the British Museum
Enjoy lunch at a café or restaurant in the Bloomsbury area near the museum.
- Afternoon
Kensington Palace
Tour the royal residence in Kensington Gardens. Discover the apartments where Princess Diana lived and explore the opulent state rooms of this historic palace.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
Kensington Gardens Walk
Stroll through the beautiful free gardens surrounding the palace. Enjoy peaceful green spaces and views of the Round Pond.
London Eye & West London Icons
Panoramic views and final must-sees
- Morning
Hampton Court Palace
Visit the magnificent Tudor palace of Henry VIII. Explore the opulent state rooms, beautiful gardens, and the famous hedge maze of this royal residence.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Afternoon
Lunch at Hampton Court
Enjoy a meal at one of the palace's restaurants or cafés.
- Late Afternoon
London Eye
Experience a 30-minute rotation on the London Eye. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of London from 135 metres above the Thames.
🎟️ Book tickets → - Evening
South Bank Promenade
Walk along the Thames South Bank enjoying free views of the city at sunset. Visit the street performers and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic London destination.
Tickets for this itinerary
Popular sights sell out or have long ticket lines in high season. Booking ahead fixes your time slot; prices are shown live on the booking page.
- Day 1Westminster AbbeyBook →
- Day 1Churchill War RoomsBook →
- Day 2Tower of LondonBook →
- Day 2Tower BridgeBook →
- Day 2Thames River CruisesBook →
- Day 3St Paul's CathedralBook →
- Day 3The View from The ShardBook →
- Day 4The British MuseumBook →
- Day 4Kensington PalaceBook →
- Day 5Hampton Court PalaceBook →
- Day 5London EyeBook →