London has a way of making every day feel like a “greatest hits” tour—royal palaces, world-class museums, riverside walks, cozy neighborhoods, and those postcard-perfect views around every corner. This 6-day London itinerary is designed for travelers staying at The Trafalgar St. James (near Trafalgar Square), so you’ll be perfectly positioned to explore the city on foot and by Tube.

A quick note before you go: London attractions can change opening hours seasonally, and popular sights may require pre-booked time slots, even when entry is free—so it’s smart to confirm details a few days ahead.

Day 1: Central London Classics (Trafalgar Square to the Thames)

Start: Trafalgar Square

Step out of your hotel and straight into one of London’s most recognizable gathering spots. Trafalgar Square is lively any time of day—take a moment for photos with Nelson’s Column and soak in the city energy.

The National Gallery (free entry)

A London must-do and conveniently right beside the square. Wander through masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Botticelli—it’s one of the easiest “wow” moments to add to your first day. (It’s also free to visit—another London win.) National Gallery

Pro tip: Fridays often run later than other days, which can be perfect if you want to shift the gallery to late afternoon.

Walk The Mall to Buckingham Palace

From Trafalgar Square, stroll down The Mall—the classic ceremonial route lined with flags and royal vibes—toward Buckingham Palace.

Catch the Changing of the Guard (if scheduled)

If you’re timing this right, the Changing of the Guard is one of the most memorable free spectacles in London. It’s often scheduled on certain weekdays (commonly Monday/Wednesday/Friday), but it can change or be canceled (weather and official events do that). Always check the official schedule close to your visit date. Household Division

Westminster Abbey + Parliament + Big Ben

Next, head toward Westminster Abbey (a cornerstone of royal history), then walk along to the Houses of Parliament.

And here’s your update: Big Ben’s chimes returned to regular service in 2022 after major conservation work, so you can once again hear that iconic strike of the hour.

Sunset ride on the London Eye

End Day 1 with a “pinch me” view from the London Eye. Book ahead if you can—this is a popular one, especially around sunset. The London Eye

Day 2: Historic London (Tower, Bridges, Cathedrals, Museums)

Tower of London (morning)

Start early at the Tower of London—it’s one of those places where the stories are as dramatic as the setting. Give yourself time to explore the grounds, learn the history, and (yes) see the Crown Jewels.

Tower Bridge

A short walk away, Tower Bridge is a London icon for a reason. If you love viewpoints, consider the bridge’s high-level walkways.

St Paul’s Cathedral

Next, head to St Paul’s Cathedral for breathtaking architecture and one of the city’s most rewarding domes (those views are worth the steps).

The British Museum (free entry)

Spend your afternoon at the British Museum, home to world-famous objects like the Rosetta Stone and extensive ancient collections. Entry is free, and the museum encourages visitors to book online to manage capacity. British Museum

Evening: Covent Garden

Wrap up with dinner and a wander through Covent Garden—street performers, boutiques, and a fun “London-at-night” feel without needing a big plan.

Day 3: Royal London & Parks (Palaces, Gardens, and a Gorgeous Stroll Day)

Kensington Palace

Kick off the day in royal territory at Kensington Palace—fascinating history, elegant rooms, and beautiful gardens. Historic Royal Palaces

Hyde Park + the Serpentine

From Kensington Gardens, flow right into Hyde Park. If the weather’s nice, this is a perfect “slow travel” moment—grab a coffee and do the loop around the Serpentine.

Royal Albert Hall (tour or performance)

Nearby, Royal Albert Hall is both historic and still very much alive—great for a guided tour or an evening concert if you can snag tickets.

Serpentine Galleries (free entry)

Before heading back, pop into the Serpentine Galleries—a quick, inspiring stop with free admission (and a lovely setting in the park). Serpentine Galleries

Optional evening add-on: St James’s Park stroll

If you still have energy, finish with a golden-hour walk around St James’s Park, back toward Buckingham Palace—classic London scenery, especially around the lake.

Day 4: South Bank Culture (Modern Art, Shakespeare, Film, and River Views)

Tate Modern (free entry)

Start at Tate Modern, one of the world’s most famous contemporary art spaces—also free for the main collection. Tate

Shakespeare’s Globe

Next up: Shakespeare’s Globe. Guided tours are a fantastic way to understand how theatre worked in Shakespeare’s time—pre-booking is strongly recommended. Shakespeare’s Globe

South Bank stroll + Southbank Centre

Walk the riverfront—the South Bank is packed with energy, views, pop-up moments, and performance spaces. The Southbank Centre (including Royal Festival Hall) is a great place to duck inside for a drink, a warm-up, or to check out what’s on. southbankcentre.co.uk

British Film Institute (BFI Southbank)

Film lovers: this is your spot. Catch a screening at BFI Southbank—from classics to new releases and special events. BFI Southbank

Evening: West End theatre night

Tonight is perfect for the West End—whether you want a big musical or a smaller play, London does theatre exceptionally well.

Day 5: Hidden Gems & Neighborhoods (Choose-your-own-adventure London)

Instead of trying to cram five neighborhoods into one sprint (London is big!), pick one of these two excellent neighborhood pairings—both are fun, scenic, and very “local London.”

Option A: Markets + Canals + Colorful Streets

Camden Town → Regent’s Canal → Little Venice → Notting Hill

• Camden Town: Alternative energy, street food, and markets—perfect for browsing and people-watching.
• Regent’s Canal walk: Follow the canal west for a slower, more scenic London.
• Little Venice: A calm, charming canal junction that feels like a secret pocket of the city. Canal & River Trust
  If you want to read more about the area, here’s a helpful guide: Little Venice Canal & River Trust
• Notting Hill + Portobello Road: Bright houses, cute shops, and one of London’s best market streets (especially lively on weekends).

Option B: Maritime London + Trendy East London

Greenwich → Shoreditch

• Greenwich: Ride a boat down the Thames (scenic and fun) and explore Maritime Greenwich, the Royal Observatory, and the Prime Meridian line.
• Shoreditch: Street art, independent boutiques, creative energy, and great dinner options—an easy place to end the day.

Day 6: Best Day Trips from London (Pick Your Favorite)

London’s rail connections make it incredibly easy to see beyond the city. Here are three standout choices:

Windsor Castle (easy, classic, and very “royal”)

Windsor is one of the most popular day trips for a reason. Windsor Castle is famously the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, and it’s straightforward to reach by train. Booking ahead is recommended. Royal Collection Trust

Oxford (history, architecture, and cozy streets)

Oxford is packed with beautiful college buildings and bookish charm. A highlight for many visitors is touring the Bodleian Libraries—some areas are free to enter, while others require a guided tour booking. Bodleian Libraries

Stonehenge + Bath (big day, big memories)

If you want a full “I can’t believe we did that” day:

• Stonehenge: Managed by English Heritage, with daytime visiting hours and special experiences available outside normal times.
• Bath: Visit the Roman Baths, one of England’s most iconic historic sites. Roman Baths

This option is longer and busier—many travelers do it via a guided tour for smooth logistics.

A few London tips that make the whole trip easier

• Book popular attractions early (London Eye, Tower of London, West End shows). The London Eye
• Even free museums can be busy—timed entry bookings can save stress. British Museum
• Wear comfortable shoes. This itinerary is wonderfully walkable—your feet will notice.