This museum is fascinating and you do not need to be a history buff to appreciate this visit. The changing of the guard is at 11, so it would seem difficult to get there on time. You can also book they very popular tour that gives you a guided tour of the palace plus a high tea. Im Leslie, a lifelong traveler and culture vulture. The black taxis are fairly ubiquitous and the drivers are super friendly. From Tower Bridge, walk west along the Thames River to The Shard. If you still have energy, you can climb its 311 steps for another view over London. Its a nice alternative to the vastly more crowded changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace. But otherwise its a bit of an overrated celebrity culture pit stop. Shoreditch was also home to Shakespeare. Hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 am 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11:00 am 9:00 pm. But you can also book a 2-3 hour tour with an expert or a private 3 hour tour to get the full scoop and see the towers hidden gems. The complex has been an abbey, a cathedral, a coronation church, and a royal mausoleum. If you liked Shoreditch and adore spooky sites, try the Jack the Ripper Tour. From the 6th floor, which you can access for free, youll have great close up views of the dome. To have the best experience, check out their recommendations. The entrance is protected behind a fence with armed guards, but you will be able see the residence from a distance. This area is affectionately referred to as Theatreland. There are 40 playhouses clustered around Leicester and Picadilly Squares. There are guided tours of the Globe complex. For more recommendations on where to stay, read ourBest Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide for London. You can also explore the tower walls and tour the White Tower and visit its museum with exhibits containing executioners blocks and the Royal Armory. The theater is a half-timbered and thatched roof reconstruction of the old theater, which was destroyed by fire in 1613. 
If you are arriving into Heathrow Airport, you can also book a private transfer from Heathrow Airport to your hotel. If you have extra time (and do not have museum fatigue yet) you can also visit the National Portrait Gallery, located behind the National Gallery. But the abbey still awes with its long nave, cloisters, choir, funerary tombs, and sanctuary. Youre welcome! This will keep you from spending unnecessary time on Londons metro (the Tube) and backtracking through the city. Sign up to get travel tips and advice for your next journey. Hi, have to say I love this site! We typically dont recommend big bus tours but this is the first thing we did while in London and I loved it. Thanks so much! The Tate Modern is worth it if you are an art lover, but it is skippable if you are not. Theres a free 45 minute Yeoman Warden tour, which begins hourly and which most people rave about.
Enormous neon signs bath the area in colorful light and double decker red buses and cars continually stream by. Next up is Kensington Palace. Its an appealing blend of antiquity and modernity. Check into your hotel and get settled. There are numerous restaurants in this area, including a cluster of restaurants and shops in Apple Market. The view from the Eye is most beautiful in the late afternoon or early evening at sunset. Built in 2000, Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that crosses the Thames River. Cost (online): Adults 18; Children 7.70, Family ticket 43.70; included with the London Pass; tickets are also available through GetYourGuide. Included with your entry fee is an audio guide that explains the history of this amazing place. These ceremonial guards are great storytellers and bring a touch of drama and theatrics to the place. In our opinion, your time is better spent at Westminster Abbey than joining the crowds at the Changing of the Guard. Its known for its edgy shops and massive market featuring indie foodie specialties. Rooms are tastefully decorated and there is a traditional pub on the ground floor that offers hearty meals like fish and chips. Or, you can book a ticket to see the current show. Thanks for saving us so much time with planning and the extra tips we wouldnt have known about. Restaurants on Whitehall either mediocre or expensive (your best bet on Whitehall is The Red Lion). For a four day stay in London,30 on the card is a good place to start. Be sure to check out the tomb of Queen Elizabeth I and her sister Bloody Mary. The museum is home to room after room of world famous modern and contemporary art. To me, it makes the most sense to visit chronologically. On the afternoon of Day 3 visit the British Museum instead of spending time at The Shard, the Globe Theatre, and Tate Modern. Tour of the Churchill War Rooms: Get more out of your visit on this small group tour of the Churchill War Rooms and war sites in Westminster. Glad we could help! Day 2: South Thames, Tate Modern, Globe Theater, Southwark Cathedral, The Shard, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Day 3: North Thames, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery of Art, Covent Garden, British Museum, St. Pauls Cathedral, London Eye. London is enormous. The theater is three levels. how true is this and is it safe? Its motto, Omnia Omnibus Ubique, is Latin for all things for all people, everywhere. And have everything, they do. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. This is the underground bunker where Churchill and his staff ran their operations during World War II. LUXURY: The Savoy. The Crown Jewels, an astonishing display of diamond studded crowns and scepters, are the most amazing in Europe. No, Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford. Samuel Johnson. It is possible to purchase the London Pass with a discount during certain months of the year. Its amazing what getting out into the sunshine can do to revive tired travelers. Or, you can cross Westminster Bridge to access Southbank and the Jubilee Walkway. The food options are endless at this market. Heres my comprehensive guide to the Tower of London. One significant difference is that the Explorers Pass includes the London Eye, while the London Pass doesnt. From the Churchill War Rooms, continue the walk towards Big Ben. The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom is also located on Parliament Square. Makes so much sense! For the full scoop, read my guide to Hampton Court Palace. Constructed between 1245-1517, its an architectural masterpiece. Currently, all tours to Big Ben are suspended due to renovation work (and only UK residents are permitted to tour Big Ben). Click here to book a 2 hour walking tour of Notting Hill. Amazing blog, I loved reading it, please keep on writing blogs like this in future as well. Designed by Renzo Piano, it houses executive offices, restaurants, and a 5 star hotel, the Shangri-La. There are quite a few good boozers in historic Mayfair too the Iron Duke, Audley, and the Golden Lion among others. You can step inside British history and tour parliament any day but Sunday. You can see gowns and sketches from her favorite designer. Everyone crammed in tightly. Founded in 1849, Harrods has every type of product imaginable, with a fantastic Food Hall. You can purchase an Oyster Card online in advance of your trip and have it mailed to your home. If youre a literary buff, you can also opt to head 10-15 minutes northeast to Charles Dickens House at 48 Doughty Street. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to The Geographical Cure, my travel and culture blog. I highly recommend this, if youre able to ascend the 528 steps. On a self-guided tour, youll learn about the history of Tower Bridge and the Victorian engineering feats that made it possible. Stroll, feed the ducks, or rent a paddle boat. If you love history, in the afternoon, pay a visit the labyrinthian underground bunker that is the Churchill War Rooms. Up at the O2 is a 90-minute experience where you get to climb onto the O2 roof. I love London and already have a list of more things I need to see when I go back. Located in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is the most popular art gallery in London. He ended up giving me a 5 hour tour and we also strolled through Belgravia and South Kensington. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Theres an admission fee to enter the cathedral, which includes access to climb to the top. The Victoria and Albert Museum is the worlds largest museum of decoration arts and design. Be prepared to wait in a long queue, if youre not at the tower during off season. Its a Georgian house-museum that opened in 2006. A modern version of the Globe Theatre was built in 1997 on the site of the original theatre. You can also book a 2.5 hour guided tour of St. Pauls and other London viewpoints. However, there are numerous restaurants nearby if you are here when the market is closed. Youll visit Harry Potter filming locations. As befitting its central spot, streets spoke out to the major tourist areas Soho, Covent Garden, Parliament Square, and Buckingham Palace. No visit to London is complete without taking in a show in the West End, which gives Broadway a run for its money. SANDEMANs offers free walking tours that get rave reviews.
It has its own entrance to the right as you enter the abbey. I hope you have a great time in London! If you have any energy left after 5 days of touring London, nows the time to take an eerie evening tour. Even if youre not interested in natural history, you should still stroll by the building is just so stunning. Depending on how much time you have left in the day, you may not be able to get all of these in. One of the best things about London is that its neighborhoods are richly diverse, each with its own character. Or go on a private history tour of parliament and the Churchill War Rooms. Unfortunately, you cant take pictures in this part of the abbey.
On day 3 of your 5 days in London itinerary, head to Trafalgar Square. If youd like to exit the bustling city, I recommend a half day trip to Hampton Court Palace. It gets very good reviews and it is easy to get anywhere in London with its handy location near multiple tube lines. appreciate all your effort. Its the highest vantage point in London with spectacular panoramic views. Cost: Free! Neals Yard is particularly attractive, filled with quaint shops and cafes. Sitting next door to the Globe Theatre is Tate Modern, a museum that is home to modern art. Ben Franklin, in London? You may even see actors rehearsing their scenes. Theres a one time 5 fee to purchase the card. I think Westminster Abbey is a must see but the Changing of the Guard is not. Heres my complete guide to the National Gallery of Art. Click here to book a guided tour of this magnificent museum. London has everything classic English culture, a multi-cultural population, an amazing foodie scene, landmarks galore, royal goodies, and a rich history. You can book a Churchill walking tour that includes the museum or walking tour of Westminster that includes the museum. Youll see funeral effigies of the monarchs, rare books, tapestries, crowns, swords, and coronation capes. Most visitors are besotted with the Crown Jewels. You can also visit Parliament as part of a walking tour of Londons main sites. BUDGET: YHA London St Pancras. Cost (online, purchased in advance): Adults 16, Child 8; included on the London Pass Hours: 10:00 am 5:00 pm. Both museums are free to visit and are open until 5:45 pm. It saves you several pounds to use this method. If you loved the Tower, a good post-dinner option is to attend the Ceremony of the Keys. Audio tours take between 60 and 75 minutes, cost 19.50 for adults, and are available on Saturdays and weekdays when Parliament is not in session. hello, my husband and I are planning to start travelling and happened to find your website. Rothko insisted on a permanent, exclusive room for the murals. This is another viewing platform that gets rave reviews and it is free. If youre hungry and craving some lunch at this point, head to Borough Market. I believe in the salutary and magical effects of a temporary geographical cure and have been running away from real life to seek treatment for years. The cathedral has the scale and classicism of St. Peters Basilica in Rome. London is such a big city that it can seem overwhelming at first. Depending on where youre staying (Ive been in Mayfair my last visits), start with a stroll through St. James Park. But its effectively subdivided into separate areas and little villages, to make visiting more manageable. The pretty market is Londons ultimate foodie destination, dating back to the 12th century. Thank you for great info and contact links. For the performance schedule at the Globe Theatre, visit their website. Its a lovely place for a stroll, particularly the area between Brompton Road and Hyde Park. Another option is this highly rated tour, which begins with the Opening Ceremony of the Tower of London by the Beefeaters, followed by a visit to the Crown Jewels and ends with skip-the-line access to the Tower Bridge Experience. Theress also a London Explorers Pass. This schedule can change and the ceremony will not occur in inclement weather. This is a major shopping street in London. I know they are so useful and we will try to get to it, but most likely it wont be ready in 2022.
I hope you have a great trip to London! You can always add more money as you go (do this in the Underground stations). Just last week, I scored a coveted ticket to the critically acclaimed To Kill A Mockingbird and it was fabulous. If you have any questions about this London itinerary, or if you want to share your experience here, comment below! Built between 1514-25, the palace was originally the home of Henry VIIIs chief minister, Cardinal Wolsey. I particularly like your recommendations for Day 1 and 2, we will follow exactly including the companies you recommend will save us so much time and research. It also makes a tranquil escape from the museums and busy city streets of London. Getting Here: From Oxford Circus Station, take the Central line towards Epping, getting off at Bank Station. Have lunch nearby. You can add or subtract attractions to fit your pace of travel. It is about Winston Churchills first year as prime minister during the bombings by Hitler. The Camden neighborhood is quirky and covered in fantastic street art. Cost: tickets start at 25; included in the London Pass Hours: 10:00 am 10:00 pm, with reduced hours during the winter. Depending on what you want to get out of this visit, you have lots of options. Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent Garden, To skip the line, purchase your fast track tickets, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Pauls Cathedral, Sky Garden, National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2, British Museum, Portobello Road Market, Victoria and Albert Museum, Harrods, How to Adjust this London Itinerary with Less Time, For more recommendations on where to stay, read our. So youll need to use some form of transportation. Just pick one that suits you best. You can even have afternoon tea there. Great question. It is slightly cheaper if you purchase the Oyster Card separately. The one-hour Yeoman Warder tour is not only educational but also entertaining (even for kids!). Cost: Free Hours: Sunday through Thursday 10:00 am 6:00 pm; Friday and Saturday 10:00 am 10:00 pm. Shoreditch is a buzzy part of London, distinct from its grand historic gestalt or the dainty houses in west London. Dubbed the Big Smoke, London is one of the worlds best and most visited cities. Its a smart card used to pay for transportation in London, including the tube and buses. Visit the official website for more information. You can book a guided tour of the British Museum. Its billed as Londons highest public garden.. But its a steep spiral climb. But London also has a thriving beer culture and youll find cutting edge breweries galore. This world-famous hotel dates back to 1889. Hours: 10:00 am 8:00pm, although hours change frequently depending on the season. This story is told by using the journals from Churchills inner circle and it provides a fascinating insight on the mind of Churchill and what it was like to live through this time period. We use Pacsafe bags and highly recommend them. Its a vibrant thin cobbled street running through the Whitechapel neighborhood. Or take a guided tour of the posh place.
Its surrounded by a central fountain and bronze lions. Next, walk up Regent Street. You can: This is a big topic. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. We are putting this museum first in the day. What draws people to Notting Hill is the row after row of Instagram perfect houses in soft pastel hues. Neals Yard is a colorful alley in Covent Garden. Walk one more block north on Whitehall to Horse Guards Parade. Designed by George Edmund Street, the courts have an ornate rippling facade of gothic towers. 
The building is a typical Gothic building, like a solemn palace. For an article that explains the Oyster Card in great detail, click here. It has been featured in several movies, including Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy. Its better to drink some coffee and stay awake so you can adjust to the time change as quickly as possible. I do not recommend adding on the Oyster Card through the London Pass. On these three days, if you did everything, your cost would be 184.70. Click here for a guided walking tour. Plus, you get fast track skip-the-line access. It sits on the River Thames and from here its just a short walk to Covent Garden and the British Museum. Getting here: Use the bus tour to get here, hop off and ride the London Eye, and then hop back on the bus to complete the loop back to your hotel (or your starting destination). Its a joy to wander through. Its been the site of royal funerals and weddings, including that of Prince Charles and Lady Diana. Youll see places like the lane that inspired Dragon Alley, Platform 9 3/4, and a secret spiral staircase at St. Pauls Cathedral. I have been bogged down trying to figure out the London part of it. Its only a couple minutes from Southwark. This spot is similar to Times Square in New York City. By making this the first thing you do today, you will get to tour Westminster Abbey before it gets crowded. Primrose Bakery is famous for its cupcakes. At 2:00 pm on Fridays you can book a guided tour for 10.00. Tickets are valid for one, two, and three days, and extra excursions may be added in, such as a river ride on the Thames. Two courts you can visit inside retain some of the characteristics of the Victorian era. It stretches from Westminster Bridge to the Tower Bridge. The older Norman influences can be seen in the rear facade. Visitors can take a tour of the theatre or watch a performance here. On your 4th day, spend the morning at the British Museum and the afternoon in Greenwich. i watched several news before about pickpockets on the tourist spot.
It was made famous by the movie The Darkest Hour. Click here for the up to date schedule. With booming voices and bawdy jokes, theyll gleefully regale you with delicious sinister bits about torture, beheadings, and executions. We recommend Big Bus, only because this is whom we used and we had a good experience. Enjoy the view and take your photos. Now they sit on display for all of us common folk to see. You may recognize it from the Harry Potter movies, where it appeared in Diagon Alley scenes and as the Leaky Cauldron Pub. Also, I grouped some of the most expensive activities into days 2, 3, and 4, so you can take advantage of the London Pass (more about this at the end of the post). The views over London from the top are spectacular. I think its one of Londons most beautiful parks, with its own lake and bridge. Since this observatory sits on top of a hill, you have a great view over Greenwich and the River Thames from here. Before long, you will be able to see some of Londons most iconic sites: Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and Parliament. Mayfair is a lovely slice of west London bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Picadilly, and Park Lane. Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am 4:30 pm; closed on Sunday for worship only. The Gothic influences are on the front. This museum has two parts to it. Covent Garden is also where youll find Londons Royal Opera House. Youll find works by renowned artists like Rembrandt,Michelangelo,Botticelli, J.M.W. The official name of the abbey is the Collegiate Church of Westminster. The Victoria statue and the wrought iron gates are quite lovely. This is a permanent reminder of the Great Fire of 1666 that destroyed the city of London. Though the museums not ultra high tech, it does have an escalator through the earth.. We put together this 5-day London itinerary to help you have the best experience here. The list of walking tours in London is long. I even discovered some secret hidden gems in East London, like the ancient Roman Mithraeum. If you have more than five days, here are a few sights you can add to your London itinerary. Either you will think the art is rubbish or youll think that its brilliant. Normally, we do not recommend bus tours. Cheers, Julie. On day 5 in London, you should check out some of Londons beautiful neighborhoods. There, you can see some of her world famous portraits, including the Rainbow Portrait.
Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. GetYourGuide also has discounted pricing for the London Pass. Westminster Abbey is a venerable landmark, rich in history, thats an absolute must see site in London. Note: Borough Market is closed on Sundays. The museum is incredibly diverse, featuring 2,000 European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. This is absolutely a must-visit destination in London. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. (no photos allowed). Its an exclusive residential area as well. To travel between the airports and London, you can use the Underground, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service. You may want to book a combined tour of the abbey and the Houses of Parliament. In addition to the tube, you can also take taxis in between attractions.