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What to see in Malta in 3 days
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Culture
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A journalist by training and digital at heart, she tells stories through what she sees, experiences, and feels, drawing inspiration from what unfolds in hotels, airports, and conversations.
To discover the British capital in depth, knowing what to see in London in 5 days is key to being able to carry out a good plan that adapts to you, your tastes and interests, and the time you have available.
I have prepared a guide of things to visit and plans to do in London, designed in great detail so that you are clear about where to go and how to get there, and thus, you do not waste time having to look for information or on unnecessary travel.
Culture
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| Day | Route focus | Main areas |
| Day 1 | London icons | Westminster, South Bank and Piccadilly |
| Day 2 | History and the City | Tower of London, Tower Bridge and St Paul’s |
| Day 3 | Museums and elegant neighbourhoods | Kensington, Hyde Park and Notting Hill |
| Day 4 | Markets and leisure | Camden, Soho and Covent Garden |
| Day 5 | Excursion and alternative London | Greenwich |
This tour of London in 5 days begins with the most iconic places in the capital, which are concentrated in the political and religious heart of the city. Forget about public transport because it is an ideal area to explore on foot.
The Big Ben is the symbol par excellence of London and all of England. Although we popularly call the tower this, in reality, the name belongs to the huge 13-tonne bell that marks the hours.
After its recent restoration, the Elizabeth Tower shows off its golden spheres and bluish needles with a unique splendour that makes it the perfect starting point for any tourist guide.
Being attached to Parliament, you will arrive at the next point walking in less than 2 minutes.
The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the two houses of the UK Parliament. An imposing neo-Gothic Victorian building, a World Heritage Site that sits majestically on the banks of the Thames. When you are next to its stone façade you will feel the weight of centuries of history of British democracy.
Skirt the palace towards the main square and you will arrive in about 5 minutes on foot at the entrance to the Abbey.
The Westminster Abbey is the most important temple in England and the setting for all royal coronations since 1066. Inside, figures such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin rest, in addition to the great poets of the English language, which makes it loaded with mysticism.
Cross the River Thames via Westminster Bridge to reach the next location; it will take you about 10-12 minutes enjoying the best views of the skyline.
The London Eye offers a 360-degree panoramic view from its glass capsules. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, with its 135 metres of height, it is the perfect viewpoint to locate yourself geographically and spot everything from St Paul’s Cathedral to Windsor Castle on clear days.
When you get off, simply walk east along the riverbank (Queen's Walk) for about 10 minutes and you will arrive at South Bank.
A vibrant area full of life, with second-hand book fairs, street musicians, the National Theatre and an inexhaustible gastronomic offer, South Bank is the cultural soul of the city of London. Walking around here on the banks of the Thames is one of the most rewarding experiences the capital offers.
From Waterloo or Embankment station, take the Northern or Bakerloo underground line towards the centre (15-20 minutes).
With its huge LED screens, the iconic statue of Eros and the constant flow of people, Piccadilly Circus is the equivalent of the London "Times Square". The epicentre of West End entertainment, surrounded by theatres and neon lights, is one of those places that cannot be missing from your photo gallery, perfect for ending this first day.
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This second day focuses on the most historical and financial London, where you will be able to see how medieval architecture mixes with some of the most avant-garde and spectacular skyscrapers in the world.
The Tower of London is a thousand-year-old fortress that throughout its history has been a royal palace, prison and armoury. Famous for guarding the Crown Jewels and for its characteristic guardians, known as Beefeaters, touring its walls is to immerse yourself in legends of betrayals and incalculable treasures.
The most famous bridge in the city is visible from the exit of the Tower; you will arrive on foot in 5 minutes.
With its neo-Gothic towers and glass walkways, the Tower Bridge is a masterpiece of Victorian engineering. It is a mandatory stop on your itinerary; with some luck, you will be able to see how its bascules are raised to let the boats that sail along the Thames pass. If you have time, it is worth waiting to see the show.
Cross towards the City walking about 15-20 minutes through the financial area or take bus number 15.
The City of London is the name given to the financial district, where imposing skyscrapers like the Gherkin coexist with centuries-old churches. It is the place where Roman London was born and where the global economy beats today, offering a fascinating visual contrast between the old and the ultramodern.
Walk west along Cannon Street and you will reach the cathedral in about 10 minutes.
With its iconic white dome that you will have seen hundreds of times in films, the St Paul’s Cathedral is a masterpiece by Christopher Wren, one of the most acclaimed English architects in history.
The seat of the diocese and the Bishop of London, at 111 metres high, it was the tallest building in the city from 1710 until 1962. It has a simply breathtaking interior, and if you go up to the Whispering Gallery, you will be able to check its incredible acoustics before enjoying the views.
Take the Central underground line at St. Paul's towards Bank or walk 10 minutes towards the Monument.
The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. Located in the building known as the Walkie-Talkie, it offers a glazed viewpoint surrounded by exotic plants that will not leave you indifferent. It is an idyllic place to see the illuminated city while enjoying a cocktail.
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This third day of the London in 5 days itinerary is somewhat quieter, focused on the residential elegance and cultural wealth of the west side of the city.
One of the most impressive in the world, not only for its collection of dinosaurs and biological specimens, but for its spectacular Romanesque-Victorian building. Inside the Natural History Museum, the skeleton of the blue whale held on the ceiling of the main lobby is an image you will not forget.
The adjoining museum is just a 5-minute walk along Exhibition Road.
It is the largest art and design museum in the world. The galleries of the V&A house everything from Michelangelo sculptures to contemporary haute couture costumes. Its central courtyard is a magnificent place to have a coffee surrounded by architectural beauty.
Walk north along Exhibition Road and in 10 minutes you will enter the gardens of Hyde Park.
With its large navigable lake (The Serpentine) and the famous Speakers' Corner, Hyde Park is the green lung of London. It is my favourite place to disconnect, take a walk among squirrels and enjoy the tranquillity in the heart of the city.
Cross the park towards the northwest or take a bus along Bayswater Road to reach Notting Hill in about 20 minutes.
One of the most iconic neighbourhoods, Notting Hill is known all over the world for its pastel-coloured houses, its Portobello Road market and, above all, for the legendary film starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. You will love getting lost in its streets and browsing its antique shops with a unique bohemian air.
Take the District or Circle underground line from Notting Hill Gate to High Street Kensington (10-15 minutes).
Kensington
The heart of sophistication, Kensington is the perfect place if you want to enjoy a somewhat more special dinner in an elegant setting of residential streets that are the perfect example of the most stately London. After dinner, I encourage you to take a walk in front of Kensington Palace under the light of the streetlamps.
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This fourth day will bring variety, colour and energy to your 5-day trip to London, enjoying the most creative side of the city.
The alternative neighbourhood par excellence, Camden Town, with its façades decorated with giant boots and dragons, its vintage clothing markets and street food from all over the world, is a sensory labyrinth next to the Regent's Canal.
Take the Northern line south to Leicester Square or Tottenham Court Road (15-20 minutes).
An area full of life where the old flower market has endless shops and restaurants, in Covent Garden you will find a very lively atmosphere where street artists are a classic.
It is a walk of just 10 minutes crossing the theatre area.
The creative and eclectic heart of London, the narrow streets of the Soho neighbourhood hide historic jazz bars, film studios and, above all, the famous Carnaby Street. It is the perfect place to feel the most urban and modern culture of the city.
Walking less than 5 minutes south from Soho, you will reach Leicester Square.
This fourth day ends in Leicester Square, the cinematic centre of London, where the big premieres take place. It is one of the liveliest areas at night, with cinemas, casinos and an energy that never ends.
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On the last day of this five-day itinerary in London, I encourage you to leave the centre to discover an area with the air of a maritime village and world historical importance.
Declared a World Heritage Site, Greenwich offers a quiet, maritime atmosphere that breaks with what you have seen the rest of the days. Here you can visit the impressive Cutty Sark ship or the Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College, known as the "Sistine Chapel" of London.
Arrive from the centre on the DLR train (from Bank or Tower Gateway) or on the Uber Boat river ferry for a unique experience (20-30 minutes).
The Greenwich Observatory is home to the famous prime meridian, the point that divides the world into eastern and western hemispheres. In addition to astronomical history, the building offers a most interesting context on global navigation.
Walk up the hill from Greenwich market; it is about a 10-minute climb, but with a reward.
Greenwich Park is one of the most beautiful royal parks, and from the hill of the Royal Observatory you will get what is possibly the best view of the financial skyline of Canary Wharf facing the Thames. A perfect place to watch the sun set over the city.
To close your five-day adventure in London, return to the centre on the river ferry to see the illuminated monuments from the water before a final farewell dinner.
To complete this guide to London in 5 days, you can follow the routes grouped by area:
📍See full route on Google Maps
📍See full route on Google Maps
📍See full route on Google Maps
📍See full route on Google Maps
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The advice I can give you to enjoy London in 5 days is that you have everything very well planned, as well as that you combine journeys on foot with the underground or bus, since, as you will see, it is an immense city.
I would organise the days by area as I have done in this itinerary, taking advantage of the mornings for the most touristy points, where large crowds usually occur, and I would leave neighbourhoods like Soho or Camden for the afternoon – evening, which is when they have more atmosphere.
Other day-by-day guides to London:
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