5 Days London, UK Itinerary
This 5-day family-friendly itinerary balances iconic London attractions with kid-approved activities, ensuring a memorable and manageable experience. We'll explore historical sites, enjoy interactive museums, and savor delicious meals, all while keeping a moderate budget in mind.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
The best time to visit London is typically during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are more reasonable
Activities
20
Daily Avg
$200/day
Pace
Moderate
London offers a rich blend of history, culture, and entertainment, making it an ideal destination for families. With iconic landmarks, interactive museums, and diverse culinary experiences, there's something to captivate every member of the family.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 12 must-have experiences
An Iconic London Viewpoint
Day 5: London Eye
A World-Class Museum or Gallery
Day 4: British Museum
A Royal Palace or Historic Residence
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
A Bustling Food Market
Day 5: Borough Market
A Serene Royal Park
Day 4: Regent's Park
A Historic London Pub
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
A West End Theatre Production
e.g., Les Misérables (Sondheim Theatre), The Lion King (Lyceum Theatre)
A Unique Shopping Experience
e.g., Covent Garden, Carnaby Street
A Thames River Exploration
Day 3: Thames River Cruise
A Quirky London Hidden Gem
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
A Sky-High Bar or Restaurant
e.g., Sky Garden (Bars), Duck & Waffle
An Iconic Cathedral or Abbey
e.g., St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey
London's food scene is a diverse and exciting blend of traditional British fare and global influences. From classic pub grub to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate and budget. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that reflects the city's multiculturalism.
Must-Try Dishes
Deep-fried battered fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fried potatoes (chips). A quintessential British comfort food.
📍 Traditional pubs, dedicated fish and chip shops
A hearty breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast. Fuel up for a day of sightseeing!
📍 Cafes, pubs, hotels
Roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, chicken, or pork) served with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy. A classic Sunday meal.
📍 Pubs, restaurants
A delightful experience featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and a selection of teas. A sophisticated treat.
📍 Hotels, tea rooms, department stores (e.g., Fortnum & Mason)
Food Neighborhoods
known for its Bangladeshi curry houses
known for artisan foods and fresh produce
known for diverse restaurants and international cuisine
known for upscale dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
London has excellent options for vegetarians and vegans. Many restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, and most cuisines can be adapted. Halal options are widely available, particularly in areas like Edgware Road. Always inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15% for good service). It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Table manners are generally formal, especially in upscale establishments. In pubs, it's common to order and pay at the bar.
Notting Hill Carnival
AugustA vibrant street carnival with music, food, and parades. Expect large crowds and travel disruptions.
Winter Wonderland
November-JanuaryA large Christmas market and amusement park in Hyde Park. Can be crowded, especially on weekends.
Chelsea Flower Show
MayA world-renowned flower show. Book tickets in advance.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take the Tube (Piccadilly Line) from South Kensington to Green Park station. Walk to Buckingham Palace (approx. 10 minutes).FREE
9:00 AM - Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony. Arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to secure a good viewing spot. Check the schedule online beforehand as it doesn't happen every day. Stroller accessible in surrounding areas.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk through St. James's Park from Buckingham Palace (approx. 15 minutes).FREE
11:00 AM - St. James's Park
Enjoy a relaxing stroll through St. James's Park. Kids can feed the ducks and admire the flowerbeds. Plenty of space for running around and stroller friendly.
Book on Klook - 🚶Take the Tube (Jubilee Line) from St. James's Park station to Waterloo station, then change to the Northern Line to Camden Town station. Check online for Giraffe World Kitchen locations.$30-40
1:00 PM - Lunch at Giraffe World Kitchen
Family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu including burgers, salads, and international dishes. Caters well to children's tastes with kid's menu options. Several locations throughout London.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶Take the Tube (Northern Line) from Camden Town station to Notting Hill Gate station. Walk to Kensington Gardens (approx. 15 minutes).FREE
3:00 PM - Diana Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens
A fantastic playground inspired by Peter Pan, with a pirate ship, teepees, and sensory trails. Suitable for children of all ages. Be prepared for queues during peak times.
Book on Klook
South Kensington
Close to museums, parks, and good transport links.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit London is typically during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is pleasant, crowds are manageable, and hotel prices are more reasonable. Summer (June-August) offers warm weather and many outdoor events but is the peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and larger crowds. Winter (November-March) can be cold and rainy, but festive lights and Christmas markets create a magical atmosphere, with fewer tourists in January and February.
London's weather is notoriously unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunshine, clouds, and occasional rain. Temperatures are generally mild during the shoulder seasons.
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer a balance of pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices.
Check for UK bank holidays, as some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed.
Getting Around
London Underground, buses, and national rail
Oyster Card / Contactless
Use contactless or Oyster for London transport.
Travel
$200-400 (depending on origin and booking time)Accommodation
$400-600 (family room in a moderate hotel)Food
$300-400Activities
$100-200Take advantage of London's many free world-class museums (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern) and beautiful parks.
Walk as much as possible, and for public transport, use an Oyster card or contactless payment to benefit from daily fare caps, making it more affordable.
Treat yourself to a quintessential London experience like a West End theatre show. Book in advance for the best seats and prices.
Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea at a grand hotel or charming cafe for a memorable culinary experience.
Look for 'meal deals' in supermarkets (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury's, Boots) for affordable lunch options, typically including a main, snack, and drink.
Explore London's diverse street food markets (e.g., Borough Market, Camden Market, Maltby Street Market) for delicious and often more budget-friendly meal options than traditional restaurants.
- Utilize an Oyster card or contactless bank card for public transport (Tube, bus, DLR); it's cheaper than buying single paper tickets and automatically caps daily fares.
- Always stand on the right on escalators to allow others to walk on the left. General etiquette is to queue patiently for buses, shops, and attractions.
- Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. 10-15% is common in restaurants if service isn't included. Round up taxi fares; tipping in pubs is not customary.
- Bring a Type G power adapter (three rectangular pins) for all your electronics. The standard voltage is 230V, 50Hz.
- Be prepared for changeable weather by dressing in layers; London's weather can be unpredictable, with sunshine, clouds, and rain often occurring on the same day.
- Always look right, then left, then right again before crossing the street, as traffic drives on the left in the UK.
- Card payments (credit/debit) are widely accepted everywhere, often preferred over cash. Apple Pay/Google Pay are also very common.
- For emergencies (Police, Ambulance, Fire), dial 999. For non-emergencies, dial 101 for police.
- 1Layers of clothing (t-shirts, sweaters, light jacket) due to unpredictable weather.
- 2Waterproof jacket or umbrella (essential for sudden rain showers).
- 3Comfortable walking shoes (you'll be doing a lot of walking on cobbled streets and through parks).
- 4Type G power adapter for UK outlets.
- 5Reusable water bottle (many public refill points available).
- 6Small, secure crossbody bag or backpack for daily essentials and security.
- 7Portable power bank for charging your phone on the go.
- 8Scarf (can provide warmth or be a stylish accessory for different seasons).
- 9Reusable shopping bag (many shops charge for carrier bags).
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season, for the best fares.
Accommodation
Secure accommodation 3-5 months ahead, particularly for popular areas or during major events, as options can fill up quickly.
Popular Attractions & Tours
Book tickets for popular sites like the London Eye, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Buckingham Palace tours, and certain museum exhibitions weeks or even months in advance, as they often have timed entry and sell out.
West End Theatre Tickets
For popular shows, book tickets several weeks to a few months ahead to get good seats and prices. Last-minute deals are sometimes available, but choice is limited.
Airport Transfers
Consider pre-booking airport train tickets (e.g., Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express) for convenience, though using Oyster/contactless is a more budget-friendly option for Tube/trains.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Arrange your mobile connectivity before arrival (e.g., activating an eSIM or ordering a physical SIM for delivery) to ensure immediate internet access.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Online rental and delivery to your hotel or airport pickup
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas like libraries and some parks. Look for 'Free WiFi' signs. The quality and speed can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider downloading offline maps before your trip to save data. Check your mobile carrier's international roaming rates before relying on them. Many cafes require a purchase to use their WiFi. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10–15% if no service charge
Round up or 10%
£1–2 per bag
Check if service is included. If not, 10–15% is standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
London is generally a safe city, but be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
999
999
999 or 112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash declining — many places are card-only
Universally accepted
Ubiquitous
Contactless payment is king. Many places no longer accept cash.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are ideal due to pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. Summer is warm but crowded, while winter offers festive atmosphere but can be cold and rainy.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: