First-Time London Itinerary: 3, 5 & 7-Day Travel Plans

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Planning your first trip to London can feel overwhelming. With centuries of history, iconic landmarks, world-class museums, vibrant neighborhoods, and endless day-trip options, it’s hard to know where to start—or how to make the most of your time.

This guide breaks it all down with carefully crafted 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day London itineraries, designed specifically for first-time visitors. Whether you’re visiting London for a short city break or a full week, these itineraries balance must-see attractions, cultural experiences, and relaxed exploration—without rushing.

To save time and avoid long queues, booking guided tours and attraction tickets in advance is highly recommended. Platforms like Viator and GetYourGuide offer reliable London tours, skip-the-line access, and flexible cancellation policies, making them ideal for travelers visiting for the first time.

Before You Start: Practical London Travel Tips

Before diving into the itineraries, here are a few essentials to know:

• Getting around: London’s public transport is excellent. Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment.

• Walking-friendly: Many attractions are close together—comfortable shoes are a must.

• Book ahead: Popular attractions sell out fast, especially during peak seasons.

• Free museums: World-class museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern are free.

3-Day London Itinerary (Classic Highlights)

Perfect for first-time visitors with limited time, this itinerary focuses on London’s most iconic sights.

Day 1: Historic London & Royal Landmarks

Morning

• Start at Westminster Abbey, one of the most important religious buildings in the UK.

• Walk past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

• Cross Westminster Bridge for classic photo views.

Midday

• Take a stroll through St. James’s Park.

• Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace (check schedule in advance).

Afternoon

• Visit Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery (free entry).

• Wander through Covent Garden for street performances and boutique shopping.

Evening

• Enjoy dinner in Soho or Chinatown.

• Optional: See a West End theatre show.

Day 2: Tower Bridge, Thames & Iconic Views

Morning

• Visit the Tower of London (arrive early).

• Walk across Tower Bridge and explore the glass walkway.

Midday

• Lunch near the Thames or at Borough Market.

Afternoon

• Explore St. Paul’s Cathedral.

• Walk along the South Bank, passing street performers and riverside cafés.

Evening

• Ride the London Eye at sunset for unforgettable city views.

Tip: A guided combo tour covering the Tower of London and Tower Bridge can save time and provide valuable historical insight.

👉 Book Tower Bridge + Tower of London Combo Tours

Day 3: Museums & Modern London

Morning

• Visit the British Museum (must-see for first-time visitors).

Afternoon

• Explore Camden Market or Notting Hill.

• Optional visit to Madame Tussauds.

Evening

• Dinner along the Thames or a relaxed pub experience.

5-Day London Itinerary (In-Depth Exploration)

With five days, you can explore London more deeply while still keeping a comfortable pace.

Day 1–3

Follow the 3-day itinerary above.

Day 4: Culture, Parks & Neighborhoods

Morning

• Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum or Natural History Museum.

Midday

• Lunch in Kensington.

• Walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.

Afternoon

• Explore Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market.

Evening

• Rooftop bar experience at Sky Garden (free, booking required).

Day 5: Markets, Street Life & Hidden Gems

Morning

• Explore Greenwich: Prime Meridian, Cutty Sark, and Greenwich Park.

Afternoon

• Visit Shoreditch for street art and vintage shopping.

• Stop at Spitalfields Market.

Evening

• Thames dinner cruise or riverside dining.

Booking a guided London city tour or Thames cruise is a great way to tie everything together.

7-Day London Itinerary (London + Day Trips)

Seven days allows you to combine London’s highlights with unforgettable day trips.

Day 1–5

Follow the 5-day itinerary above.

Day 6: Day Trip from London

Choose one of the following popular options:

• Windsor Castle – Royal residence and easy half-day trip

• Stonehenge & Bath – Ancient history and Roman architecture

• Oxford or Cambridge – Historic university towns

Guided day tours from London are convenient and often include transport and entry tickets.

👉 Take a look at London day trips here

Day 7: Flexible & Relaxed London

Morning

• Revisit favorite areas or do last-minute shopping on Oxford Street or Regent Street.

Afternoon

• Visit Harrods or relax at a traditional afternoon tea.

Evening

• Farewell dinner with Thames views.

Where to Book London Tours & Tickets

For first-time visitors, booking tours through trusted platforms ensures smooth planning and stress-free sightseeing.

Why Use Viator & GetYourGuide?

• Skip-the-line access to major attractions

• Wide selection of London tours and experiences

• Mobile tickets and flexible cancellation

• Ideal for short stays and packed itineraries

Final Thoughts: Planning the Perfect First Trip to London

London is a city that rewards good planning—especially on your first visit. Whether you have 3, 5, or 7 days, these itineraries help you see the highlights while still leaving room to explore at your own pace.

From royal landmarks and world-famous museums to lively neighborhoods and scenic river walks, London offers an unforgettable introduction to British culture and history.

Related Articles You May Like

To further enhance your London travel planning, check out these detailed guides on my blog:

• The Best Views of Tower Bridge & How to Visit (Tips, Tickets & Combo Tours)

• When is the Best Time to Ride the London Eye?

These articles pair perfectly with this itinerary and will help you plan your sightseeing more efficiently.