London is a city that offers a plethora of things to see and do. From iconic landmarks like the Big Ben and the London Eye to world-class museums and galleries, there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy.
However, with so much to do, it can be difficult to decide how many days are enough for London. In this article, we’ll explore the ideal duration of your stay in London.
Factors to Consider
Before deciding on how many days you need in London, consider your interests and preferences. If you’re a history buff, you may want to spend more time exploring the city’s rich past. On the other hand, if you’re a foodie or a shopaholic, you may want to allocate more time for dining and retail therapy.
3 Days in London
If you only have three days in London, it’s important to prioritize your itinerary. You can’t see everything in such a short amount of time, so choose what interests you most. Here’s an example itinerary:
- Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben
- Day 2: British Museum, National Gallery, Covent Garden
- Day 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market
5 Days in London
With five days in London, you can add more attractions and activities to your itinerary. Here’s an example itinerary:
- Day 1: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard Ceremony, Westminster Abbey tour
- Day 2: British Museum tour with Blue Badge Guide (in-depth), National Gallery visit
- Day 3: Tower of London guided tour (Beefeater), St Paul’s Cathedral visit (audio tour)
- Day 4: London Eye ride, Thames River Cruise, Kensington Palace visit
- Day 5: Covent Garden shopping and dining, Borough Market visit
7 Days in London
With seven days in London, you can explore the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods and attractions. Here’s an example itinerary:
- Day 1: Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard Ceremony, Westminster Abbey tour
- Day 2: British Museum tour with Blue Badge Guide (in-depth), National Gallery visit
- Day 3: Tower of London guided tour (Beefeater), St Paul’s Cathedral visit (audio tour)
- Day 4: London Eye ride, Thames River Cruise, Kensington Palace visit
- Day 5: Camden Market visit, Notting Hill neighborhood walk
- Day 6: Greenwich Park and the Royal Observatory, Emirates Air Line cable car ride over the Thames River
- Day 7: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre tour and performance or West End show
The Verdict?
So how many days are enough for London? It ultimately depends on your interests and preferences. However, we recommend a minimum of five days to truly experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there is always something new to discover in London. With proper planning and allocating sufficient time for each activity on your itinerary, you’ll be able to make the most out of your trip to one of the world’s most exciting cities.