London in 5 Days: The Grand Route 🇬🇧

Day 1: Royal London 👑

It is recommended to start the day with a free tour of Westminster ( GuruWalk), after fueling up with a street bagel 🥯, as typical as it is practical for London mornings. Over three hours, you'll cover some of the British capital's most iconic spots while discovering stories and anecdotes about royalty and British politics.

• The imposing Parliament and the Clock Tower, hiding the true protagonist: Big Ben, the bell 🔔.
• Buckingham Palace, residence of the British monarchs and setting for the famous Changing of the Guard 👑.
• The solemn Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens have been crowned since 1066.
• Trafalgar Square, with its imposing Nelson's Column and, during the season, a majestic Christmas tree.
• A walk through St. James’s Park, home to squirrels and some curious pelicans gifted by a Russian ambassador in the 17th century 🦢.
• The world-famous Downing Street, residence of the Prime Minister.
• The Royal Mews, where horses participating in official ceremonies are trained.

The tour may also take you to Waterloo Place, home to London's private clubs. These exclusive circles, ranging from the Reform Club to the Athenaeum, have been meeting points for politicians, scientists, explorers, and writers for centuries. In fact, some have served as settings for classic novels and films 🎩📚.

After the walk, it's recommended to recharge at a traditional pub like The White Swan, where you can try an authentic beef pie 🥧. The flavor is hearty and delicious, although prices, as usual in London, tend to be a bit high.

The afternoon can be dedicated to strolling through Neal’s Yard, one of the city's most colorful and photogenic corners, before immersing yourself in the halls of the British Museum. Entry is free (like most museums in London), making it a must-see. Its treasures include the Rosetta Stone, the Easter Island Moai 🗿, and Parthenon sculptures from Athens—pieces that allow you to traverse centuries of world history in one place.

As night falls, the festive atmosphere will wrap around you. Covent Garden shines with lights, markets, and decorations 🎄. From there you can continue towards Chinatown and end the day walking through the city's most iconic arteries: Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Soho, all illuminated with a display that looks like something out of a movie ✨🎥.

Day 2: History & Views 🌉

It is recommended to start the day visiting the Sky Garden. It is the most modern and, at the same time, oldest part of London: the City of London. Although entry is free, it is essential to book in advance to secure access and the views 🌿🏙️. Here is the official page to book: Book Sky Garden

From there, you can continue the route through some of the city's great symbols:

• Tower of London, guarding the Crown Jewels 👑 and where you can still see the traditional Beefeaters.
• Tower Bridge, probably the most famous bridge in the world, with its lifting mechanism.
• City of London, a unique district within London with its own police, laws, and tax advantages. Its origins date back to Roman times.

For lunch, visiting Borough Market is highly recommended, one of the most vibrant food markets. Although you mostly eat standing up and outdoors, the atmosphere among the street food stalls is an experience in itself 🍜🥪.

The afternoon can be spent walking along the south bank of the Thames, the Southbank, up to Gabriel’s Wharf, a bohemian area with small shops and bars. Along the way, you pass:

• Tate Modern, one of the most important contemporary art museums in the world (free entry 🎨).
• Millennium Bridge, the famous pedestrian bridge that appears in Harry Potter.
• London Eye, Europe's most iconic Ferris wheel, from where you can enjoy the sunset over the Thames 🌅.

You can try visiting St. Paul's Cathedral, although it is a very busy spot ⛪.

If you want to book a tour of the City of London and not miss a thing, here are some options:

Day 3: Notting Hill & Science 🦖

Saturday (or a market day) is ideal to dedicate to one of London's most famous and cinematic neighborhoods: Notting Hill. Known worldwide for the movie of the same name and the Portobello Road Market, this corner of West London combines tourist bustle with quiet alleys that look like postcards. Its pastel-colored houses, iconic bookstores, and movie-like corners make it a must-visit 🎬.

Among its essentials are:

• The Blue Door from the movie Notting Hill.
• The Notting Hill Bookshop, inspiration for the small shop where Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant met in the film.
• The famous collision corner between the protagonists.
• Number 91 Lansdowne Road, home of Hugh Grant's character's sister.
• The Electric Cinema, one of the oldest cinemas in England, where you watch movies from sofas with blankets 🍿.
• The Churchill Arms, a legendary pub covered in flowers on its facade 🌺.

Don't miss the mews, small cobblestone streets full of charm and cozy homes away from the noise. Among them stand out:

• St. Luke’s Mews, setting for Love Actually 💌.
• Pencombe Mews and Codrington Mews, each with its picturesque atmosphere.
• Dunworth Mews and Simon Close, hidden corners perfect for getting lost with your camera.

After touring the neighborhood, it is recommended to cross Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, two of the city's green lungs. There you can visit the Princess Diana Memorial, a space of calm and remembrance. The atmosphere is ideal for sports 🏃.

Eating in a Church

Lunch is recommended at Mercato Mayfair, a gourmet market located inside an old church ⛪ converted into a food hall. Although it usually gets very full, the delicious Italian pasta or other gourmet options are worth it 🍝.

In the afternoon, the Natural History Museum awaits. Although entry is free, it is recommended to book a time slot in advance to avoid long lines. It impresses not only with its collection of animals and fossils but also with the building's architecture, which looks more like a cathedral of science 🦕.

If you have extra time, the famous Harrods department store is very close. Even if it's just to see the Egyptian food hall or buy tea in a tin as a souvenir.

You can close the day with some pints and a casual dinner at a place like Truffle Burger, perfect for recharging after an intense day.

Day 4: Canals & Punk 🎸

This fourth day makes the difference. Start in Little Venice, a haven of peace with houseboats and floating cafes. From here, you can walk along the course of Regent's Canal until you reach Camden. It's a beautiful and quiet walk.

The Madness of Camden

You will arrive at Camden Town, the cradle of punk and the alternative scene. Get lost in Camden Lock Market and the old stables (Stables Market). Visit the Amy Winehouse statue and be amazed by the Cyberdog shop (two giant robots guard the entrance).

For lunch, Camden is unbeatable. Dozens of food stalls from all over the world. Try the famous 'Mac & Cheese' or Asian food at the motorbike-shaped tables.

Farewell Views

To walk off the food, hike up to Primrose Hill, just north of Regent's Park. It is a perfect park for runners and cyclists, with wide paths and lots of green 🌳. Climb Primrose Hill to enjoy spectacular views of the London skyline.

It is the perfect place to say goodbye to the city before heading to the airport or enjoying a final pint in a local pub.

Day 5: Hemispheres & Vintage 🚢🎨

The last day is for enjoying the trip. Head to Westminster Pier or the London Eye and take the Thames Clipper (Uber Boat) towards Greenwich. You'll see the city from the water, passing under Tower Bridge. It's magical and you pay with your normal card.

Greenwich: Time Starts Here

Upon disembarking, you'll see the majestic sailing ship Cutty Sark. Greenwich feels like a separate village, elegant and quiet. Walk up the hill in the park to the Royal Observatory. There lies the Prime Meridian line (Longitude 0º). The views of the Canary Wharf skyscrapers from here are stunning.

Grab a quick bite at Greenwich Market (try the traditional pies) and head back using the DLR light rail, sitting in the front row (it's driverless) as you weave through the skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.

Hipster Afternoon: Shoreditch

Get off in the Shoreditch and Old Street area. It is the coolest and most artistic neighborhood. Walk down Brick Lane, famous for its vintage clothing stores, markets, and graffiti by world-renowned artists like Banksy.

For your last dinner, you have two classic options in the area: an authentic Curry (Brick Lane is the curry capital of London) or, if you want something legendary and cheap, a Salt Beef Beigel at Beigel Bake (open 24h).

Farewell! With 5 days, you leave having seen not just the monuments, but real London life. Have a safe flight back.