How Many Days Do You Need in London? 1, 3, 5 & 7 Day Itineraries

Wondering how many days you should spend in London? This guide will help you decide, with tips and sample itineraries for different trip lengths.

With its world-famous landmarks, royal history, diverse neighborhoods, and endless cultural experiences, London has plenty to keep you busy, whether you’re visiting for just a day or a full week.

If you’re planning a trip to London and are not sure how long to stay, then this guide is for you. We’ll break down exactly how many days do you need in London, with suggested 1, 3, 5, and 7-day itineraries to help you make the most of your time in the city.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, you’ll find practical tips and curated routes to match your schedule and travel style.

Ideal Number of Days to Spend in London

When deciding how many days do you need in London, the answer really depends on your travel style and the type of trip you want. If you’re a fast-paced traveler who loves checking off landmarks, even one or two days can give you a taste of the city’s most iconic sights.

For first-time visitors, three days is often ideal to cover the highlights without feeling rushed. Those who prefer a slower pace with time for day trips may find five days just right, while a full week allows you to explore London like a local and discover its hidden gems.

Ultimately, the “right” number of days comes down to whether you want a quick introduction to London, a balanced city break, or an immersive experience that goes beyond the usual tourist trail.

How Many Days Should You Spend in London if You Just Want to See the Major Attractions?

If you’re planning a trip to London and your goal is simply to see the major attractions, about three days is usually enough. At this timeframe, you can cover the city’s highlights without feeling overly rushed. Three days also give you the chance to enjoy an afternoon tea, stroll through Covent Garden, and catch a glimpse of London’s famous West End.

With a well-planned itinerary, a long weekend in London provides the right balance of sightseeing and cultural experiences, making it the ideal length for travelers who want to check off the must-sees.

How Many Days Should You Spend in London if You Want to Have Time to Explore Local Places?

If you’re wondering how many days in London you need to truly experience the city beyond the typical tourist trail, plan for at least five to seven days. This gives you enough time to see the famous landmarks while also wandering through local neighborhoods, relaxing in London’s beautiful parks, and browsing the city’s lively markets.

With a week in London, you can explore areas like Notting Hill, Camden, or Greenwich, enjoy pub lunches in quieter corners, and even take a day trip to places like Windsor, Oxford, or Bath. This slower pace lets you connect with the local culture and lifestyle, making your trip feel more authentic and memorable.

How Many Days Should I Spend in London if I Want to Take Day Trips?

If your trip to London UK includes exploring beyond the city itself, you should plan for at least five to seven days. This allows you to enjoy London’s must-see attractions while setting aside one or two days for memorable excursions.

Popular day trips from London include Windsor Castle, Oxford, Bath, Stonehenge, and even the Harry Potter Studio Tour. With five days, you can fit in a day trip while still covering the highlights of central London. With a full week, you’ll have the flexibility to see the city at a relaxed pace and add two or more day trips without feeling rushed.

This way, you’ll return home having experienced both London’s iconic landmarks and the charm of England’s historic towns and countryside.

How Many Days to Spend in London with Kids

If you’re traveling with children and wondering how many days do you need in London, a longer stay of four to five days is often ideal. This gives you enough time to explore the city’s family-friendly attractions without rushing.

Kids will love interactive experiences like the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and the London Zoo, while parents can explore iconic sights like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.

A slightly longer itinerary also allows for relaxing breaks in parks such as Hyde Park or St. James’s Park, and perhaps a day trip to kid-friendly destinations like Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter.

With a well-planned itinerary, you and your kids can enjoy a mix of fun, education, and sightseeing, making London a fantastic destination for family trips.

How Many Days to Spend in London if You’re a Solo Traveler

If you’re traveling alone and wondering how many days in London are ideal, three to five days is usually a perfect range. This allows you to see the city’s main attractions at your own pace, while also leaving time to explore neighborhoods, cafes, and hidden gems without feeling rushed.

Since you are traveling solo, you can be flexible with your London travel itinerary. Visit landmarks like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the British Museum, and then take breaks in parks or cozy coffee shops.

A longer stay of around five days allows you to take day trips, such as Windsor or Oxford, or to immerse yourself in London’s local culture, street markets, and independent shops.

Itineraries For 1, 3, 5 & 7 Days You Spend in London

To help you make the most of your trip, here’s a London travel itinerary for 1, 3, 5, and 7 days. From short visits to week-long stays, these suggested itineraries will guide you through the best sights and experiences London has to offer.

1 Day Itinerary: Top Highlights for a Whirlwind Trip

One day in London may be short, but it’s just enough to soak up some of the city’s most iconic sights, flavors, and culture. This itinerary keeps you right in central London so you can see the highlights without feeling rushed.

The highlights:

Start your morning at the Tower of London. Explore the Crown Jewels, then step outside to take in the views of Tower Bridge.

Stroll along the Thames, making your way to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Snap a photo of its dome before heading inside for a quick look.

Pause for afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason, one of London’s most beloved institutions, where you can savor delicate sandwiches, pastries, and freshly baked scones.

Spend your evening in Covent Garden. Wander its charming streets, enjoy street performances, and settle into dinner at Clos Maggiore, dubbed the most romantic restaurant in London.

3 Days Itinerary: Ideal Length for First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting for the first time and wondering how many days do you need in London, three days is often the perfect answer. It gives you enough time to see the city’s iconic landmarks, explore world-class museums, and still enjoy a few local experiences without feeling too rushed.

The highlights:

Day 1: Begin in Westminster with Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. Walk along the Thames to the London Eye for sweeping views. End the day with dinner along the South Bank.

Day 2: Spend your morning at Buckingham Palace, then stroll through St. James’s Park to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. In the afternoon, explore Covent Garden’s markets and street performers. Dine in Soho for a lively evening atmosphere.

Day 3: Head east to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, followed by a walk through the historic streets leading to Borough Market for a delicious lunch. In the evening, catch a show in London’s West End to wrap up your trip in true London style.

5 Days Itinerary: Slower Travel With More Day Trip Opportunities

If you’re planning a trip to London and prefer a slower pace with room for day trips, five days is the ideal length. This gives you plenty of time to see the city’s iconic landmarks, enjoy leisurely afternoons, and even venture beyond central London for a different perspective.

The highlights:

Day 1: Settle into the classics (Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the London Eye) before enjoying dinner on the South Bank.

Day 2: Visit Buckingham Palace, stroll through St. James’s Park, and explore Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. Spend your evening in Covent Garden.

Day 3: Head east for the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, then wander Borough Market for lunch. Cap the day with a show in the West End.

Day 4: Take it slower. Explore Hyde Park, shop at Harrods, and indulge in a proper afternoon tea. In the evening, enjoy the nightlife of Soho or Shoreditch.

Day 5: Use your final day for a day trip, perhaps Windsor Castle, Oxford, or the Harry Potter Studio Tour.

7 Days Itinerary: Perfect for Feeling Like a Local

A full week is the ideal amount of time to explore London like a local. A 7-day London travel itinerary gives you the chance to see all the major sights at a comfortable pace, discover hidden gems, and spend time in diverse neighborhoods that many short-term visitors miss.

The highlights:

Day 1: Kick off with London’s icons. Check out Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and go for a ride on the London Eye.

Day 2: Explore Buckingham Palace, stroll St. James’s Park, and dive into art at the National Gallery. Wrap up with dinner in Covent Garden.

Day 3: Spend the day in the East. Visit the Tower of London, walk across Tower Bridge, and graze through Borough Market. End with a West End show.

Day 4: Immerse yourself in culture at the British Museum, then enjoy an afternoon tea at Fortnum & Mason. In the evening, wander the lively streets of Soho.

Day 5: Dedicate the day to South Kensington. Visit the Natural History Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum, then relax in Hyde Park.

Day 6: Go beyond the city with a day trip. Choose from Windsor Castle, Bath, or Oxford for a refreshing change of scenery.

Day 7: Live like a local with a market day at Camden or Portobello Road, followed by a leisurely walk along Regent’s Canal. Wrap up your trip with a cozy pub dinner.

Things to Consider When Deciding How Long to Spend in London

When planning a trip to London, it’s not enough to consider the number of days you should spend there. It's also about knowing how to make the most of your time there. Below, we'll list down some things to consider when deciding how many days do you need in London:

1. Your Travel Style

Do you like fast-paced sightseeing or slow, immersive travel? If you prefer checking off the landmarks, a shorter stay works. If you enjoy leisurely strolls and hidden gems, plan for five to seven days.

2. Must-See Attractions

London has an endless list of highlights, from Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London. Narrowing down your priorities will help you decide how many days you really need.

3. Day Trips Beyond London

If you’d like to add places like Windsor, Oxford, or Bath to your itinerary, factor in at least one or two extra days.

4. Budget and Accommodation

London can be pricey, so your budget might influence how long you stay. Booking accommodation near central transport hubs can save time and money.

How much does a trip to London cost?

One of the first questions travelers ask, right after putting together their London travel itinerary, is how much a trip to London will cost. The truth is, London is known for being one of the more expensive cities in Europe, but your total spend will depend on your travel style, length of stay, and personal preferences.

On average, budget travelers can get by on £70–£100 per day, mid-range visitors may spend £150–£250 per day, and luxury travelers can expect costs well above that. This usually covers accommodation, food, transportation, and attractions.

The good news? Even though London can be pricey, there are plenty of ways to save money. Opting for free attractions like the British Museum or the National Gallery, using Oyster cards or travel passes for public transport, and choosing affordable eats at markets like Borough Market or Camden can help stretch your budget.

Another smart way to save is by skipping expensive roaming charges. Instead, use an eSIM for UK travel. The Jetpac eSIM London is a convenient and affordable option that keeps you connected without the hassle of switching physical SIM cards.

Jetpac eSIM: Your Key to Seamless Connectivity in the UK

Staying connected is essential when embarking on a trip to London UK. From navigating the Underground to booking tickets online and sharing your experiences in real time, having reliable mobile data makes travel stress-free. That’s where a Jetpac eSIM London comes in handy.

With Jetpac eSIM, you can skip the hassle of buying a local SIM card or paying costly roaming fees. Simply activate your eSIM for UK before you land, and you’ll have instant access to fast, affordable data across London and beyond.

So, stop wasting time searching for Wi-Fi or juggling SIM cards. Get your Jetpac eSIM today and navigate London with ease and confidence!

FAQs

What Can I Do in London in 3 Days?

If you’re following a London travel itinerary for three days, you can see the city’s major attractions while still enjoying a taste of local life. Start with Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, and take a ride on the London Eye before having dinner along the South Bank. On your second day, visit Buckingham Palace, stroll through St. James’s Park, and explore Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, finishing the day wandering through Covent Garden or Soho. On the final day, head east to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, enjoy lunch at Borough Market, and cap off your trip with a West End show.

Is 3 days in London enough?

For first-time visitors asking how many days in London are needed, three days is often enough to see the city’s major attractions. You can cover landmarks like Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and even enjoy an afternoon in Covent Garden or a quick museum visit. While it won’t allow for a deep dive into every neighborhood or a long day trip, a well-planned three-day itinerary gives you a satisfying taste of London’s highlights.

What is the best month to visit London?

The best time to visit London is typically May, June, or September, when the weather is mild, the days are longer, and the city isn’t overcrowded with tourists. These months offer a perfect balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, making sightseeing more enjoyable. If you’re wondering when is a good time to visit London, these months are ideal for exploring the city comfortably and taking full advantage of outdoor attractions and events.

What are the best free things to do in London?

London is packed with incredible experiences that won’t cost you a penny. You can explore world-class museums like the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern. Take a stroll through beautiful parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, or St. James’s Park, and enjoy the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.

What's the best area to stay in London for tourists?

For first-time visitors, Covent Garden, Soho, South Bank, and Westminster are among the best areas to stay. These neighborhoods put you close to major attractions, theaters, restaurants, and public transport, making it easy to explore the city. If you’re planning a trip to London, choosing accommodation in these central areas ensures you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the sights.

What's the cheapest month to go to London?

If you’re looking for budget-friendly travel, January and February are generally the cheapest months to visit London. Fewer tourists mean lower hotel rates and better deals on attractions. While the weather can be chilly, it’s a great time to enjoy the city without the crowds. So if you’re wondering when is a good time to visit London for affordability, these months are perfect.

What is the most beautiful part of London?

London is full of stunning spots, but many travelers say that areas like South Bank, Kew Gardens, Notting Hill, and Greenwich showcase the city’s most picturesque charm. So, if you’re planning a trip to London UK, make sure to include a stroll through these neighborhoods to capture the city’s authentic beauty.