London is a fantastic city, and often top of the list when people think about visiting the UK. It’s also large, hectic, and can be overwhelming when you try to pare down all there is to do to fit in your travel timeline. This guide will help you figure out how many days to spend in London and how to make the most of your time, no matter how many days you have to spare.
Know before you go
✈️ Closest airport: London Heathrow (LHR) or London Gatwick (LGW) are the primary airports for London visitors
💷 Currency: Great British Pound (£) is used throughout the UK.
🕰️ Time zone: The entire UK is in one time zone, Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). From late March to late October, the whole country moves an hour forward to British Summer Time (BST).
🔌 Plugging in electronics: Electric sockets in the UK are unlike those in Europe or the US. If you are visiting from outside the UK, you will likely need this universal travel adaptor.
📱 Using your smartphone: If you want to use your phone data while visiting, the easiest and cheapest solution is to purchase an e-sim for your trip.
🚘 Car rentals: If you are only planning to visit London, then a car is unnecessary. Save your rental for exploring the countryside outside of London. Americans can rent a car in the UK with a valid US driver’s license from any state. I recommend Discover Cars to find the best pricing and convenient pick up locations. Driving in the UK is not for the faint of heart, and I recommend checking out my guide to driving in the UK before you set out!
🚊 Train booking: All major UK cities, and many other destinations in between, can be reached by train. Check train routes, ticket prices, and get your tickets directly through Trainline.
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How Many Days Do You Need in London?
6 days is a perfect trip length for most people to see London’s highlights at a reasonable pace and experience a day trip outside London.
You can see just the top highlights with a shorter trip around 3 days. That assumes you want just a taste of this wonderful city and will likely stay in Central London for your full visit.
I’ve lived near London for years and am still discovering new things to love. Don’t plan your trip with the mindset of seeing everything – the city has too much to offer for that to work. Instead, I’ll help you zero in on the amount of time you need to see as much as possible at a pace that suits you.
How Long Does it Take to Get Around London?
London is very spread out. I have a general rule of thumb that getting from one place to another in London takes 45 minutes. Some tourist attractions are grouped together, but many will require a walk, taxi, or tube ride to reach. For any of these commutes, estimating 45 minutes leaves enough time for wrong turns and map checks along the way.
For example, getting from the Natural History Museum to the Tower of London takes at least 30 minutes by Tube, or nearly 2 hours walking. The walking distance is a little under five miles.
My American friends always look at their step counts after a day in London with a mix of awe and horror. This city is incredibly walkable, which is great for ease of getting around. However, it can take a lot out of you if you aren’t accustomed to it.
How fast do you want to move through London?
Keep in mind – everyone travels at their own pace. If you live to check off highlights and are confident navigating a large city, then you’ll be much faster than someone who wants to save time for relaxing on holiday or is traveling with small children.
Tips for getting around London on the Tube / London Underground
The most common and most well-known way to get around London is on the Tube (London Underground). The Tube originated with the world’s first underground railway, which opened in 1863. Continuing to expand and improve over the years, the most recent Elizabeth Line just opened in 2022.
Riding the Tube is usually a pretty pleasant experience, but rush hour can bring a crush. Avoid it between 8-9am and 4-6pm on weekdays if possible for a less crowded train. Train cars at either end of the trains are less packed any time of day, so move down the platform away from the entrance when you can. Finally, it’s really common for trains to only be a few minutes apart. If the train in front of you is mobbed, consider stepping back and waiting for the next one.
Tube Maps
Maps for the Tube are posted in every station. I recommend going right to the source online for a current map – Transport for London Tube Map. An important thing to remember when reviewing this map is that it is not geographically accurate. Don’t assume that a Tube ride is going to be faster than walking if you’re only going one or two stops. I like to use Apple Maps or Google Maps and compare transit versus walking time. If it’s only 10 minutes or so faster to take the Tube, I’ll walk.
Fares
Paying for passage can be more confusing than navigating the Tube. Your best method to pay adult fares are with a tap to pay credit card or an Oyster Card. Visitor Oyster Cards can be arranged prior to your trip and mailed to your home. It makes for a fun souvenir you get before you even leave! If you are traveling with a child between 6 and 15, they can use a Visitor Oyster Card too. Ask a TfL staff member for help when you arrive to get the child discount applied to their Oyster Card.
If you prefer to pay with a tap-to-pay credit card, keep in mind that you have to use a different card for each person in your party. You will have to tap the card, or your phone if using Apple Pay or Google Pay, at the entrance and exit gates. The service tracks your journey based on these taps and will not admit a second person on the same card account. If you want to pay as you go, but only use one account for your journey, then I’d recommend an Oyster Card for secondary travelers.
Child Fares
Children under 5 travel free with a paying adult on the tube. Use the wide gates and bring the child through with you when you tap in or out. No separate ticket needed.
Finding the Best Fare
I find that pay as you go is the most cost effective fare, but check the TfL website for travelcard rates if you’re planning to be in London 7 days or longer.
Getting around London by bus
The bus will often be a slower option than the Tube, but faster than walking and a great way to see more of the city between your sights. Riding in front on the top level can be a dizzying experience and really fun too!
If you have a Visitor Oyster Card or a tap-to-pay credit card, you simply tap the payment pad as you enter the bus. If you have a Travelcard or other paper ticket, just show that to the driver as you board. Note that you don’t tap anything when you exit – just hop off!
One quick word about safety on the buses. If you are new to bus riding, keep in mind that the bus driver will not wait for everyone to be seated before moving. Especially if you are on the stair headed up top, make sure you hold onto the rail in case of sudden movement.
Getting around London on foot
London is a dream for walking. So many of my best experiences here have happened while I was walking to something else. Don’t limit yourself to only the big tourist sites separated by busy Tube rides. If the distance is reasonable for you, I highly recommend going on foot. Unlike in the US, you can assume that there will be a safe route for pedestrians along any road.
The Key to Deciding How Many Days to Spend in London
To make the most out of your time, you need to be smart planning your days. If you stick to one part of the city, you’re more likely to make it to more things and have a more pleasant experience. With that in mind, this map shows how I group London attractions by area:
You don’t have to stick to this exactly, but it will give you an idea of which attractions are close enough together to be easily grouped into the same day. Pick your ideal attractions and build up how many days you need based on their location.
London itinerary rules to follow
Once you get past the geography, I suggest these general rules for what to do in a day:
- Limit yourself to no more than two museums or historic sites in one day – otherwise museum fatigue is likely to set in and you won’t enjoy yourself
- Expect to spend a minimum of three hours in the British Museum or Tower of London
- Most other attractions can be seen in one or two hours, unless you want to stay longer
- Some attractions can be a walk by, rather than a time consuming visit – for example, you can see Big Ben and take pictures of the exterior of Westminster Abbey in about 15 minutes because they are right next to each other
How Much Can You See in 3 Days in London?
In three days, you can see some of London’s major landmarks and museums. Set a priority attraction for each day – I recommend the Tower of London, British Museum, and Westminster Abbey. Nearby to these attractions, explore Borough Market, Shakespeare’s Globe, Covent Garden, and the Houses of Parliament.
How Much Can You See in 4 Days in London?
With a fourth day, you can either take a more relaxed pace, add another London attraction, or take a day trip outside central London. If you prefer to add an attraction, I’d head to the Victoria and Albert (V&A) museum and take a stroll in Hyde Park. For a memorable day trip, visit one of the castles within easy reach of London.
How Much Can You See in 5 or More Days in London?
Five to seven days is an ideal amount of time to explore London and leave feeling like you made the most of the city and had time for one or two day trips. You should have time for all of the major landmarks, and still be able to keep a relaxed pace. Consider a day trip to Oxford or Bath to explore more of England while you are here.
How Many Days to Spend in London the First Time You Visit
If you’ve been dreaming of exploring London, then you want to give yourself plenty of time to appreciate it. Six days gives you the perfect blend of seeing the sights and keeping a relaxed pace. London can be overwhelming on your first visit, and it’s best to give yourself grace to get lost. Besides, that’s often when you find the best bits.
How Many Days Do You Need in London to Explore Hidden Gems?
I’m assuming you still want to see the major attractions that have a big reputation for a reason. To add in time to also dig into some hidden gems, you’ll need seven to 10 days.
Try out some of the smaller, quirky museums like the Wallace Collection, Sir John Soane’s Museum, or the Old Operating Theatre. Get a taste of neighborhood life in London by exploring Notting Hill or Hampstead.
How Many Days Do You Need in London to Include Day Trips?
I would only plan on taking a day trip outside central London if you have at least three days to spend. Otherwise you’ll be paying expensive London hotel prices while you spend your days away from the city you’ve paid so much to stay in.
With that said, if you aren’t a city person at heart, then planning a day trip every 3rd or 4th day helps break up the city energy. Luckily, there are many places you can visit easily on a day trip from central London that feel a world away.
Take the stress out of your day trip from London by booking a tour:
How Many Days Do You Need in London for a Family Trip with Kids?
London has a lot to offer families traveling with children. Most attractions have activities and exploration trails created just with kids in mind and there are several parks to stretch little legs.
At the same time, getting around London can be challenging with young children. Many of the Tube stations are hard to navigate with a pram (American: stroller). Getting around can require a lot of steps and you need to be on your guard with city traffic.
To balance seeing the sights with a need to move a bit slower, set aside six or seven days to see London as a family. If that is too much city time for your family, then consider splitting your time between London and a quieter UK destination like Cornwall.
How Long Do You Need to Spend in London Before You Feel Like a Local?
Unless you were born in London, you’ll probably never feel like a true local. However, if you want to get a taste of what it’s like to live in London full-time, you should plan to stay at least three weeks.
With a few weeks or longer you can explore more of London’s unique neighborhoods and act like a local as you buy UK groceries and master your favorite commute routes.
Most Popular London Neighborhoods for Expats
If you’re contemplating a long-term move to London, check out these neighborhoods that are among the most popular for expats:
- Notting Hill. Famous for its colorful houses and the Portobello Road Market
- Islington. A mix of residential and commercial areas with a lively atmosphere that attracts young professionals and families
- Shoreditch. Known for its hipster culture, street art, and trendy cafes – great nightlife and thriving tech scene
- Wimbledon. Suburban feel with lots of green space, but still well connected to central London
- Richmond. Affluent area set on the riverside with beautiful parks and a family-friendly atmosphere
- Hampstead. Probably the closest “country feel” spot to central London – quaint streets and lovely pubs around Hampstead Heath
- Canary Wharf. High-rise lifestyle close to it all – often attracts professionals working in finance
- Marylebone. Central location, but slightly quieter feel with lots of high-end shopping and proximity to Regent’s Park
- Fulham. Family-friendly city neighborhood close to the river and offering lots of parks and a variety of shops and restaurants
How to Spend One Perfect Day in London
Every time I visit London with friends or family, we spend a day in London like this. This isn’t going to show you all of the big London hits, but it can be a perfect taste of London that will make you want to come back for more. It’s especially good if this is your first time in London.
Tower of London
Let’s start our day at the iconic Tower of London. Book the earliest entry time available, typically around 9am. This will be your best chance to enjoy the Tower with lessened crowds. The Crown Jewels are a big draw and can build a big line – consider heading here first to avoid being stuck in line later in the day. You also don’t want to skip taking a tour with one of the fantastic Yeoman Warders for a brief history and a dose of charm for your visit.
Tower Bridge
Once you’re ready to leave the Tower, head back out to the Thames and cross over Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is this one:
Potters Fields Park
When you reach the far side of Tower Bridge, take the stairs down and under the bridge to the Queen’s Walk along the Thames. Potters Fields Park is a lovely green space and the perfect spot for getting your beauty shots with Tower Bridge. (The bridge photo above was taken from here).
From here, walk through More London Place up to Tooley Road. Continue down Tooley Road past London Bridge train station and cross Borough High Street. From here, you’ll be looking at Southwark Cathedral. There’s a set of stairs to your left that will lead you down into Borough Market.
Borough Market
A market has been on the site of Borough Market for 1,000 years. Today, it is the perfect place to wander and find a delicious lunch from one or more of the delicious vendors. Stoney Street in the market also holds a collection of sit-down restaurants. Borough Market is open Tuesday to Sunday. Some vendors only open for the weekend or from Thursday to Sunday.
Taking a guided tour of Borough Market really helps avoid being overwhelmed by the vast number of options and ensures you get to taste the best bits.
Bankside and Shakespeare’s Globe
When you’re ready to move on, head down Stoney Street back toward the Thames and take a left on Clink Street. This will bring you out to the Bankside walk along the Thames. A short way down you’ll come to Shakespeare’s Globe, a replica of the Elizabethan theatre that hosts guided tours and stage productions of Shakespeare plays. This is a fun tour if you have the time and energy. If not, take some pictures and continue down the Thames.
Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern
Just past the Globe is the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern art museum. Tate Modern is housed in a former power station, making for a very distinctive façade. The modern art inside isn’t for everyone, but the rotating exhibits in the entrance hall are occasionally great and worth a quick peek to see what’s on.
Cross the pedestrian only Millenium Bridge for more river views and your first peek at St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you can tear your eyes from the beautiful views, also take some time to look down at the bridge itself as you cross it. Ben Wilson, a local street artist, creates tiny artworks on top of gum that has been dropped and ground into the bridge surface. This is one of the easiest places to spot his work as it’s all over the bridge.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
You can’t miss St. Paul’s as you come off Millenium Bridge. Views of St. Paul’s and other London landmarks are actually protected by law. From here, though, it’s a very short walk to be in front of the building itself. If you’re not too exhausted at this point, you can pay to tour the inside of St. Paul’s as well, though the outside of the building is spectacular in its own right.
From here, grab a bite to eat or head back to your hotel to relax and freshen up before taking in a West End show to cap your night.
What a useful guide! I haven’t been to London yet and this was the perfect introduction as I get ready to start planning my trip. I love that you share how to get around and the things to do too!
Wow this is an amazing overview of London! Thanks for adding the activities for kids, it is sometimes hard for me to find good things to keep our little ones engaged! Definitely bookmarked this for our UK road trip next summer 🙂
Such a great article on building a London itinerary and planning. When we visited we rented a flat, took the Tube, and walked around as much as possible. I loved all the information you have here and definitely will reference it next time we visit London!
Such a comprehensive guide to London! I love the idea of walking everywhere. We often do this as, as you said it is much less crowded and almost takes the same time!