London
5 Days in London: My Itinerary
London felt different for me because this wasn’t really my first time there.
I lived in London for a bit while I was in college, and this trip was my first time coming back in 10 years. So part of the experience was seeing what I remembered, what had changed, and what still somehow felt familiar.
I did plenty of the London things, Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, Sky Garden, Camden, the London Eye, but even something as simple as going back to Nando’s felt nostalgic because it reminded me of that chapter of my life.
Five days in London (went in April) ended up being less about checking off landmarks and more about getting reacquainted with a city I once called home.
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Day 1: Sky Garden + Historic London
Sky Garden
I started with one of my favorite views in London.
Sky Garden gives you panoramic views across the city from high above London, but what makes it different is that the observation space is filled with greenery, restaurants, and places to actually sit and enjoy the view.
My reservation was for 12:30 PM, which gave me plenty of daylight to see the city.
St Dunstan in the East
After Sky Garden, I’d walk over to St Dunstan in the East.
This is one of those places I think is especially worth visiting if you like photography.
The ruins of an old church have basically been transformed into a public garden, with greenery growing through the historic architecture.
It feels completely different from the busy streets around it.
Shane’s Tip: This is a great quick stop. You do not need to dedicate hours to it.
Explore Central London
From there, spend some time walking through central London and taking in the city without overplanning the rest of the day.
Day 2: Buckingham Palace + Notting Hill + South Kensington
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
This is one of those classic London experiences that I actually think is worth doing at least once.
The Changing of the Guard takes place around 11 AM on scheduled days, but I would arrive early because the area gets crowded fast.
You are not just showing up at 10:58 and expecting a perfect view.
Notting Hill
After Buckingham Palace, head over to Notting Hill.
This is a good area to slow down, walk around, check out the colorful streets, and take in a different side of London.
South Kensington
Later, make your way toward South Kensington.
The neighborhood has a completely different feel from Camden or central London and is worth walking around even if you are not trying to pack your day with attractions.
Harrods
Finish the area with a stop at Harrods.
Even if you are not planning to shop, it is one of those London institutions that is worth walking through once.
Day 3: Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle
I would dedicate a good portion of the day to Windsor Castle rather than trying to squeeze it between a bunch of London stops.
It is outside central London, so treating it as its own excursion makes the day feel a lot less rushed.
This is one of the experiences I’d prioritize if you want something beyond just seeing London neighborhoods and landmarks.
Take your time exploring Windsor before heading back into the city.
Dinner Back in London
Once you are back, keep the evening simple.
This is a good night for dinner without another major attraction attached to it.
Day 4: Camden + Abbey Road + Central London
Camden Market
Camden is one of the neighborhoods I think you should experience because it feels completely different from places like Notting Hill or South Kensington.
Start with Camden Market and give yourself time to wander.
There is food, shopping, street art, and plenty happening around the area.
Cyberdog
While you are in Camden, stop inside Cyberdog.
Even if you buy absolutely nothing, go inside.
It is strange, futuristic, loud, and exactly the kind of random London experience that makes a trip more interesting.
Abbey Road
Later, head over to Abbey Road for the classic crosswalk photo.
Yes, it is touristy.
Yes, I still did it.
Piccadilly Circus
Head back toward central London and stop at Piccadilly Circus.
This is especially good later in the day when all of the lights are on.
Chinatown
From Piccadilly Circus, you can easily continue into Chinatown.
Walk around, grab something to eat, or just explore the area before calling it a night.
Day 5: London Eye + River Cruise + Leake Street
London Eye Champagne Experience
For my final day, I’d make the London Eye Champagne Experience the anchor.
My experience started at 1:30 PM and included champagne and binoculars while we went around the Eye.
You can obviously ride the regular London Eye, but if you want to make the experience feel a little more special, I liked doing the upgraded version.
London Eye River Cruise
Afterward, I did the London Eye River Cruise at 3:45 PM.
I actually like pairing these because you get two completely different perspectives of London.
First from above
Then from the Thames
It also makes the day feel connected instead of bouncing around the city.
Leake Street Arches
After the river cruise, head over to Leake Street Arches.
This is another one I’d keep because it gives you something completely different from the palaces, historic buildings, and polished neighborhoods.
The tunnel is known for its constantly changing graffiti and street art, and it is a cool photography stop.
Final Dinner
For your last dinner, you could work in somewhere like Big Easy near Covent Garden.
Or, if you have somehow made it five days in London without going to Nando’s...
This is your moment.
A Few Other Stops Worth Working In
If you have extra time, I also visited:
Greenwich Park
Nando’s
Big Easy
Chinatown
Piccadilly Circus
South Kensington
Harrods
I would treat these as flexible additions rather than forcing every single one into the itinerary.
What I’d Prioritize
If you only have five days, the experiences I would personally make sure stay in the itinerary are:
Sky Garden
Changing of the Guard
Windsor Castle
Camden Market + Cyberdog
London Eye Champagne Experience
London Eye River Cruise
St Dunstan in the East
Leake Street Arches
Those are the experiences that give the trip some personality beyond simply checking London landmarks off a list.
The Bottom Line
Five days in London gives you enough time to see the classics without spending the entire trip rushing between attractions.
I’d mix the obvious London moments with a few things that feel different.
See Buckingham Palace
Ride the London Eye
But also wander Camden
Go inside Cyberdog
Find St Dunstan in the East
And give yourself enough time to actually experience the city instead of just collecting photos of it
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