Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in London?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in London?
Many travelers spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in London during their visit. After all, the global city has plenty to explore such as the famous sights and museums, the big city activities, and the theatre.
London is a world class international city that has charming neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and a vibrant nightlife scene. There are a diversity of attractions that offer something for everyone. Although prices can be steep, there are many free activities as well, with wandering the many markets being a favorite of many visitors.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit London? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in London?
London offers plenty of activities and attractions and remains a top choice for tourists. So with three days, you'll probably feel rushed to see the main attractions. You really need more time to appreciate everything that the global city has to offer. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the city. If you have three days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
How to spend 3 days in London
When visiting London, you absolutely can't miss Big Ben as it's one of the most famous places in the world. Make sure you allow yourself enough time to fully experience it.
Don't miss an evening at the theater while in town. Whether it's a musical, opera, ballet, or a famous Broadway-style production, London is known for its wide range of shows. The West End theater district is where you'll find the most popular musicals. Famous theaters include Apollo Theatre, Palace Theatre, and Piccadilly Theatre. There are often Wednesday matinees that are a bit cheaper than the evening shows. You may also be able to get discounted last minute tickets if you're visiting during the less touristy times.
A few tour suggestions include:
- London Theatre: The Phantom of the Opera ($46)
- London Theatre: Moulin Rouge! The Musical ($36)
- London Theatre: SIX The Musical ($60)
London is a walkable city and easy to explore on foot. With only a day in the city, you'll have no trouble seeing the local sights. With many walkable areas, it is considered to be one of the world's most walkable major cities.
London is known for it's world-class museums and famous landmarks, so make sure you spend at least a day exploring at one or more of the most appealing. The city has so many iconic sights that we can't list them all, but some of the most famous include the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and the British Museum. You can fill many days exploring the treasures found at each of the venues.
Make sure to set aside around 3 hours for The British Museum, which is free. It's great for backpackers and is known for its historical collections and antiquities including the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon Sculptures, Crouching Venus, and more.
The Natural History Museum is worth visiting for around 6 hours, which is great for families. Known for exhibits about nature, animals, dinosaurs, and more, entry is free.
The National Gallery is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for its large collection of world-famous artwork and its stunning architecture, entry is free.
You'll want to have around 3 hours for Buckingham Palace. It's a nice activity for families and couples and is known for being the home of the royal family and the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It's from £50 to £100, depending on the tour.
It's worth around 2 hours for The Tower Bridge. Entry is from £13 to £27 depending on the chosen tour option. It's known for great views and maritime history.
The Tower of London is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for families. Known for the Crown Jewels, the Beefeaters, and its bloody history, entry is £34.
You'll want to have around 3 hours for Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. It's a nice activity for anyone and are known for its historic architecture, famous clock, and home to Parliament. It's around £20 to £32 depending on the chosen tour.
You'll want to have around 3 hours for Westminster Abbey. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for royal weddings and coronations, gothic architecture, and historical events. It's around £29 without a tour, or more depending on your selected tour option.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for St. Paul's Cathedral, which is £21. It's great for couples and is known for Baroque architecture, impressive views over the city, and the burial ground of historic figures.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Private Guided Tour of Hampton Court Palace ($247)
- The London Landmarks. 3.5 hour Morning tour ($48)
- The London Landmarks, 3.5 hour Afternoon tour ($48)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. Some of the best neighborhoods for nightlife are Camden, West End, Soho, and Shoreditch. There are many festivals, concerts, and shows worth checking out and the nightlife scene is diverse enough that there really is something for everyone.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Camden Pub Crawl in London ($34)
- London Pub Crawl ($29)
- The Great East London Pub Crawl! ($34)
The public transit in London is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the city quite easily and affordably. From the iconic double decker buses to the Tube, there are plenty of options throughout the city.
In the big city of London, you'll want to dedicate at least a full day to discovering the unique neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and lively activities that are spread around the city. Don't miss out on visiting some of the city's most unique neighborhoods. This city is well connected to the rest of the world, making it international and diverse, as well as cosmopolitan. It has a thriving nightlife, world class theaters, and a restaurant scene that is impressive and evolving.
Make sure to set aside around 2 hours for The Top of the Shard, which is £28. It's great for families and couples and is known for its impressive views over London and its modern architecture.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Thames Rockets Sunset London Speedboat Experience ($82)
- Thames High-Speed Zone Speedboat in London ($89)
- Westminster Walking Tour, River Cruise & Tower of London Entry ($203)
Live music is very popular in London, so make sure you spend the evening exploring some of the more popular venues. Famous music venues include Dominion Theatre, the Roundhouse, and Dublin Castle.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Soho Music & Historic Pubs Tour ($44)
- Music of London Rock And Pop Private 3-Hour Walking Tour ($240)
- Sex Pistols and Punk Music Walking Tour ($32)
Is 4 days enough time in London?
Four days is generally not enough time to experience everything in London. A shorter schedule may leave you with a sense of urgency to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, take in a show, and enjoy an evening out. To genuinely appreciate the highlights, a more lengthy visit is typically recommended. Many tourists opt for at least 3 or as many as 7 days to immerse themselves fully in the charms of the area. After all, The very popular city of London has many activities and attractions for visitors. However, if you're working with limited time, we have some great ideas for making the most of your stay below.
How to spend 4 days in London
With 4 days in London, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the city has to offer.
Shopping in London is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. With so much iconic shopping around town, it's hard to decide where to go. Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, or Piccadilly Circus for a quintessential British shopping experience.
Borough Market is worth visiting for around 3 hours, which is great for couples. Known for amazing local and international food in a lively atmosphere, entry is free.
You'll want to have around 3 hours for Camden Market. It's a nice activity for couples and is known for a variety of food options as well as vintage clothing and eclectic items for sale. It's free.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Bicester Village Shopping Trip from London with VIP Discount ($62)
- London Makeup Shopping Experience inc make your own lipstick ($302)
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. Although food here was once the butt of a number of jokes, the restaurant scene has come a long way, and you can find anything and everything around town. Head to Chinatown to try dim sum or hot pot. There are no shortage of Indian restaurants as well. If you want the best food for the lowest prices, your best bet is to get out of the touristy areas and discover where the locals eat. There are also many markets that are perfect for grabbing a unique lunch or snack. Burrough Market has a number of ethnic and seafood vendors as well as fresh produce and snack options.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Eating London: The Heart of 'The City' Food Tour ($136)
- Eat the East End food tour with London Bites Tours ($123)
- London Foodie Adventure:More than 10 dishes with Sherpa Food Tour ($125)
Is 5 days enough time in London?
London is home to a multitude of sights and attractions, making it an extremely popular destination for tourists. Five days is just the right amount of time to see pretty much everything in London. Most visitors prefer to spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days here, and we have a few suggestions of things to do while you're visiting. Also, London is popular with families, couples, backpackers, and students which enjoy visiting because the city offers activities specifically for them.
London, England
How to spend 5 days in London
If you have more than 5 days in London, you'll appreciate the added time for everything the city has to offer.
After you've explored most of London, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath Day Trip from London ($151)
- Stonehenge and The Stone Circles of Avebury Day Trip from London ($156)
- Warwick Castle, Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon & Cotswolds Day trip ($108)
London is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. The city has quaint neighborhoods and stunning architectural landmarks that are not to be missed.
A few tour suggestions include:
- The Great British Rock and Roll Walking Tour ($37)
- Rock 'n' Roll Soho - a Walking Tour ($29)
- Thames Rockets Sunset London Speedboat Experience ($82)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about London, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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