How Many Days in London? 3, 5, 7 or 9-Day Itinerary
London,  Europe,  UK

How Many Days in London? 3, 5, 7 or 9-Day Itinerary

09/01/2025 /

Last Updated on 13/02/2025

London Itinerary – How many days in London? A lifetime might not be enough (laughs). But if it’s your first time visiting and time is limited, I recommend at least three days to explore the must-visit attractions in central London, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum. If you have more time, on days four and five, you can delve deeper into the city, visiting stadiums, watching operas, exploring markets recommended by locals, or taking a day trip to Greenwich. On days six and seven, head out to the famous suburbs of London to visit popular destinations like Bath, Stonehenge, or Windsor Castle. If you still have extra time, why not experience the weekend life of Londoners, immerse yourself in local communities, and feel the unique charm of the city?

London Articles：London Travel Guide｜London Top Attractions Overview & Info｜London Pass Guide｜Day Trips From London｜London Itinerary｜London Transportation Guide

London Main Attractions and Food Distribution Map

This map highlights London’s classic attractions (deep red camera icons), themed experiences within the city (black hearts, yellow footballs, blue music notes), central dining spots (orange fork and knife), and shopping destinations (red and black shopping bags). The map’s default language is English, but you can switch to your preferred language by clicking "Expand Map" in the top right corner!

How Many Days in London? 3, 5, 7 or 9-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Day 3: Must-Visit Attractions in Central London

Central London is packed with iconic attractions, many of which are free to visit, including museums, galleries, and parks. For paid attractions, many are included in the London Pass. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, it’s worth making the most of your London Pass and using it on consecutive days.

If this is your first visit and you only have 3 days, here are the top highlights to focus on:

Day 1: Free Attractions in Central London

All of today’s attractions are within walking distance and completely free to visit.

Day 2 – Day 3: Paid Attractions in Central London

These attractions are all located along the River Thames. Apart from Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the remaining 7 attractions and activities are included in the London Pass, with a total official adult ticket price of approximately £207.80. By using the London Pass, you can save £103.80 if you visit everything in one day, or £63.80 if you spread it across two days. It’s recommended to make full use of the Uber Boat one-day pass included with the London Pass to enhance your travel efficiency.

Day 4 – Day 5: In-depth Exploration of London

For the next two days, I recommend tailoring your itinerary based on personal interests, choosing your own themed route in London:

Option 1: Arts and Culture Itinerary

London Pass Guide 2025 – Worth It? Save £219 in 3 Days!

This day’s itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests, but I personally think that experiencing an opera or theatre show is a must-do when in London.

Option 2: Greenwich Itinerary

How Many Days in London? 3, 5, 7 or 9-Day Itinerary

All of Greenwich’s attractions are within walking distance of each other. After finishing your sightseeing, you can take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) or enjoy a leisurely walk to Canary Wharf for dinner.

Option 3: Football Fan Itinerary

The tours of these four stadiums are included in the London Pass, but since they are spread out across the city, you should allow at least 1 hour of travel time between each. I suggest visiting 2-3 stadiums for a more manageable itinerary, unless you’re a superfan and want to challenge yourself to visit all of them.

Day 6 – Day 7: Iconic Day Trips from London

Day Trips From London – Top 11 Nearby Towns and Attractions

If you want to extend your trip and explore some of the iconic landmarks and charming towns around London, here are some recommended day trips that allow you to visit some of England’s most historic sites.

Day Trips From London – Top 11 Nearby Towns and Attractions

Classic Day Trip Choices for First-Time Visitors to London:

1. Windsor Castle, Bath, and Stonehenge

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Bath are some of the most iconic attractions in England. Windsor Castle admission is included with the London Pass, but only for afternoon entry. If you want to explore all three of these historic landmarks in one day, a day tour is a great option.

2. Cambridge and Oxford

Cambridge and Oxford are two of the most famous university cities in England. If you’re short on time but want to visit both of these cultural hubs in one go, a day trip to Cambridge and Oxford from London is your best bet. This way, you save time on transportation and can immerse yourself in the academic atmosphere and historical charm of both cities in just one day.

Day 8 – Day 9: Londoners’ Weekend Activities

Top 28 Things to Do in London｜First-Time Visitor Guide

London’s weekend life is never dull. Apart from various social gatherings and watching football matches, many people choose to visit unique markets, taste foods from all over the world, and if lucky, find some unique handmade crafts. Others enjoy walking, running, or even horse riding in the parks, relishing the fresh air and outdoor activities. Of course, many also opt to escape the hustle and bustle of the city by heading to nearby towns or the coast for a relaxing day to unwind.

Option 1：Camden Market

Located in the northern part of London, Camden Market is one of the top things to do in London for anyone who loves multicultural vibes, artistic creativity, and delicious food. The market is made up of various areas, including Stables Market and Camden Lock Market, where you’ll find everything from handmade crafts and vintage clothing to unique artworks and souvenirs. Don’t miss the large selection of Japanese models! Plus, the food stalls offer a diverse range of cuisines from all corners of the world, making it a true feast for the senses.

Option 2：Richmond Park

Before living in London, I never imagined that such a vast and tranquil royal park could exist in the heart of this bustling city. Richmond Park, covering around 2500 acres, is a nature reserve home to over 600 freely roaming wild deer.

Aside from the wild deer, close your eyes and listen to the symphony of nature—birdsong, animal calls, the whispers of the wind, and the rustling of leaves—almost like being part of a live Discovery Channel performance. You can also cycle or ride horses here, making it one of the most peaceful things to do in London for outdoor enthusiasts.

Option 3: Brighton + Seven Sisters Cliffs

In addition to the previously mentioned Windsor Castle, Bath, Stonehenge, Cambridge, and Oxford, there are many other charming towns near London worth visiting. Among them, Brighton and Seven Sisters Cliffs are easily accessible without the need for a car and are popular weekend destinations for many Londoners. During my two years in London, I visited these places multiple times, each time discovering something new and exciting.

After reading this London itinerary guide, are you ready to decide how many days to spend in London?

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