Perfect Five Day Itinerary-London

My husband and I spent the second leg of our honeymoon in the London. Our biggest problem with this city is that it is too vibrant, too large, and has too many incredible options. I know that British food doesn't have the best reputation but that's far from all that London's food scene has to offer. The cuisine is both worldly and world class, we had great Indian food, Mediterranean food, Detroit-style pizza, French pastries, and incredible creative and seasonal British food. We went in mid-August, during peak tourist season. The weather was perfect for us, low to mid-70s and sunny or slightly cloudy. We stayed in Notting Hill and explored more of the west side of the city, north of the Thames but I think that you could stay anywhere in Zone 1 or 2 and have an amazing trip.

Tube map! Featuring transport zones.

Check out my guide below, featuring our daily itinerary and mini-reviews of the places that we ate.

How do you travel around London?

Public Transport- The tube is a marvel of public transportation. We spent a few nights falling asleep watching videos on its history and its truly fascinating and impressive. You can either get a ticket at the station or just tap your phone or card at entry and exit. Make sure that you use the same card for entry and exit.

Taxis- You need to take a ride in an iconic black cab at least once while you are in London. Black cabs are metered, and the minimum charge is £3.20, with a higher base fare if you are coming from Heathrow and on major holidays. All black cabs are wheelchair and service dog accesible. The real appeal of taking a black cab is that the drivers double as highly experienced tour guide. They must pass a multi-stage knowledge test that shows that they have an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of London's streets and landmarks. This really is such a cool experience!

Walking- I would walk around London when you can if you are able. The architecture and charm of the city is one of the appeals and walking around the city is the best way to experience it.

My Perfect London Map

This map has everything that you need for your trip to London. Everything mentioned in the itinerary below is pinned on this map. Make sure that you download before your trip.

Day 1-Settling in to London

We landed at London Heathrow Airport the night before (Day 0) at 10:00 am and got to our AirBNB by 12:00pm.

Hermanos Colombian Coffee Roasters: This place is perfect for big Americans right off a flight. It can be difficult to find drip (they call it filter) coffees in London if you are trying to check out bakery/cafes with good reviews and reputations. Drinking cappuccinos and americanos was completely fine for us most days, but this day required a large drip coffee. If you prefer espresso drinks or matcha to drip coffee, this cafe has options for you as well. The adorable pink store front on Portobello Road doesn't hurt either.

Hyde Park: As mentioned above, we love seeing a city on foot so we decided to walk to Hyde Park from Notting Hill. Hyde Park is a truly gorgeous thing to behold. It is a Grade I listed urban park, meaning that is it of exceptional interest to the United Kingdom. Hyde Park is a truly remakable green space, with gorgeous gardens, open space for sport or picnics, waterfront lounging along Serpentine or Long Water Lakes, and no shortage of places to grab a coffee, tea, or other beverages.

Kensington Palace and Gardens: Hyde Park connects seamlessly to Kensington Gardens which are also Grade I listed. These gardens are also immediately adjacent to Kensington Palace, the birth place of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for 300 years, which is a must see. We just walked by the exterior but you can purchase a ticket for £24 and get access to the Victoria: A Royal Childhood and Untold Lived exhibitions, and the King and Queen's State Apartments. Kensington Palace has two eateries that are open to the public. The Kensington Palace Cafe, where you can get coffee, pastries, refreshments, and sandwiches, and the Orangery, where you can book a reservation for lunch, dinner, or afternoon tea. Kensington Gardens close at dusk.

Buckingham Palace: The iconic gates of Buckingham Palace are a site to see. This is obviously a touristy area, and it's a little odd watching people clamoring and crowding the gates for a glimpse of the Palace, but it is something that you should see at least once. Guided tours can be purchased on their website and you can watch the changing of the guards most days at 11:00. Check the website for specific times and days. We walked here from Kensington Palace

Chelsea: After viewing the royal residences and walking around the gardens we walked through Kensington and Chelsea. Obviously, we brought our best walking shoes for this 35,000 step day. Walking through these boroughs is so fun after you know a bit about their history. Here is one fun video about how the boroughs got their names, featuring some fun facts about the historical (and ever present) privileges of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Portobello Road Market: We all remember this market from the beginning of Notting Hill (or at least the girlies do). The market is the busiest on weekends but is open everyday from 8:00am to 7:00pm. Vendors at this market sell everything from vintage clothing and watches to kids toys to produce. Even when the market is closed, Portobello Road is home to some of the most iconic shops, attractions, and restaurants in London.

Gold: This neighborhood restaurant features delicious, seasonal, European food. They take reservations but also reserve a limited number of tables for walk-ins. We went here on a busy weekend night, there were no tables available but we were able to secure a spot at the bar. Everything around us looked delicious but we got (and really enjoyed) the short rib agnolotti, ricotta toast, sweet potatoes with tzatziki, and braised pork meatballs. I also got a glass of orange wine (Pirouettes (Gewüerztraminer) ‘22 Domaine d’Ecole) which was so flavorful (almost tasted like tropical fruit?) and perfect with the pork meatballs!

Day 2- A Day in Central London and Soho

Chai Guys Bakeshop: This was the perfect place to stop for pastries and caffeine. We each got an iced Masala chai (SO GOOD) and shared a cardamom bun and a spicy tomato aubergine danish. The pastries were flavorful, creative, and well made and the chai was some of the best I've ever had! If you are a fan of chai, definitely stop here.

Westminster Abbey: Westminster Abbey is a stunning, historic church in the heart of London, known for its beautiful Gothic architecture and its role in British royal events. This gorgeous church is has been the site of the coronation of Kings and Queens of the United Kingdom since 1066, the burial site of 17 monarchs, and the final resting place of many famous figures, from monarchs to writers like Charles Dickens. Inside, you'll find impressive stained-glass windows, intricate stone carvings, and memorials to some of the most important people in British history. It’s a place where the past really comes to life, blending centuries of history with an incredible atmosphere. If you're in London, it's definitely worth a visit!

Big Ben: Big Ben is one of London's most iconic landmarks, and it's a must-see if you're in the city. Though many people think "Big Ben" refers to the clock tower, it actually is the nickname for the massive bell inside. The tower itself is part of the Palace of Westminster, and it's officially called the Elizabeth Tower. With its classic Gothic architecture and the famous clock face that keeps London on time, it's a symbol of the city. Whether you're catching a glimpse from the street or hearing the bell chime, Big Ben is a piece of history that's hard to miss!

Sanderson London: We were so excited for high tea at Sanderson London, and honestly, it was kind of a letdown. I had pretty high expectations due since it came so highly recommended, but the experience just didn't live up to the hype. The place was quirky and whimsical, but it ended up feeling more like a themed restaurant than an elegant tea setting to me. Some people might be into this, but I did not love it! The sandwiches and pastries looked cute, but the taste was just meh. The scones were dry, and the clotted cream was lacking that rich, indulgent flavor you crave. I've definitely had better at much less fancy places. For what we got, it felt way overpriced. I get that you're paying for the experience, but when the experience itself is underwhelming, it's hard to justify the cost.

Overall, I wouldn't recommend going out of your way for high tea at Sanderson London. There are plenty of other spots in the city that offer a much better experience for the same price or less.

END Clothing: This is your go-to spot for all things stylish and trendy. Nestled in the heart of the city, this store is a haven for fashion enthusiasts looking to score the latest in streetwear and high-end fashion. With a sleek, modern interior, END Clothing offers a curated selection of the coolest brands and exclusive drops. Whether you're after the newest sneakers or a standout piece to elevate your wardrobe, this place has got you covered. The staff are super friendly and always ready to help you find exactly what you need to stay ahead in the fashion game. We did not buy anything because it is pretty expensive, but it was a blast to browse!

Gymkhana: This was an unforgettable dining experience in London. The decor is chic yet comfortable, with a nod to the old-world charm of Indian gymkhana clubs. The food was freaking phenomenal. The menu offers a fantastic variety of traditional Indian cuisine with a modern twist. Every dish was so incredibly flavorful and interesting. We were obsessed with the perfectly spiced lamb chops and the rich, creamy butter chicken, each dish was a testament to the culinary expertise behind the scenes. The service was also top-notch, our waiter helped us navigate the menu and narrow down our choices. The drink menu is as impressive as the food, with creative concoctions that pair beautifully with your meal. Overall, Gymkhana is a must-visit for anyone who loves Indian cuisine or simply appreciates a well-crafted dining experience. It's the kind of place that makes you want to come back again and again. Highly recommend, just make sure that you make a reservation 30 days before your desired date.

Day 3- Covent Garden and City of London

Layla Bakery: This cozy little spot was walking distance from our AirBnb in Notting Hill. The vibe is just right, it has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes you want to linger a little longer than you planned. Now, let's talk about the pastries. Oh my god, the pastries! We got the blueberry danish and pistachio pan suisse, the ridiculously good quality of these pastries makes me confident that all of their pastries are just as delicious. Everything is freshly baked, and you can really taste the quality in each bite. Their coffee is also on point. If you find yourself in this area, do yourself a favor and swing by Layla Bakery, it might even be worth a trip.

St. Paul's Cathedral: This iconic landmarks is definitely worth a visit. This stunning cathedral, with its massive dome, is a masterpiece of architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren. As you wander through, you'll be amazed by the intricate details and beautiful artworks. The Whispering Gallery is a must-try—it's famous for its unique acoustics that let you whisper against the wall and be heard on the other side. If you're up for a climb, head up to the Golden Gallery for breathtaking views of the city. Whether you're into history, architecture, or just looking for a peaceful spot to take in some beauty, St. Paul's is a fantastic place to explore.

Tower Bridge: This isn't just any old bridge; it's a masterpiece of Victorian engineering and design. Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is a stunning combination of bascule and suspension bridge, which means it can lift up to let tall ships pass through. It's got these two massive towers connected by walkways, offering some seriously amazing views of the River Thames and the city skyline. Whether you're strolling across it or just admiring it from a distance, Tower Bridge is a must-see when you're in London. Plus, it's right next to the Tower of London, so you can soak up a bit of history while you're in the area. Don't forget to check out the glass-floored walkways if you're feeling brave—they're pretty cool!

Tower of London: Visiting the Tower of London is honestly like stepping into a time machine that takes you straight back to medieval England! Nestled right on the banks of the River Thames, this iconic fortress has served many roles over the centuries—royal palace, prison, treasury, and even a zoo. It's most famous for housing the Crown Jewels, which we didn't see but sound pretty cool. Wandering through its ancient walls, you can almost hear the whispers of history, from tales of infamous prisoners to the legendary ravens that call it home. Whether you're a history buff or just love a good story, the Tower of London is a must-visit spot that brings the past to life in the heart of modern London.

Buns&Buns: This was so freaking good! The buns were fluffy, the vibes were funky, and your taste buds embark on a culinary rollercoaster ride! Buns&Buns isn’t just about buns. Their main dishes and other appetizers are equally divine. The spicy tuna on crispy rice, the crispy satay buns, pork belly buns, pork & prawn dumplings, and Tom Ka Soup were all equally delicious. Whether you're a bun enthusiast or just looking for a unique dining experience, this is a great place to have a meal. It doesn't hurt that it is literally inside Covent Garden.