Things to do in London in 6 days

When planning a trip, you often have to choose between what you can visit and what, due to time constraints, will be impossible to see. With so many things to see and do in London, it’s essential to plan your itinerary carefully, as the city’s offerings can overwhelm even the most experienced traveler.

This six-day itinerary through London includes its main attractions, from the Tower of London to the British Museum, plus a day trip to a highly recommended destination like Stonehenge. Remember that the best way to enjoy your trip is to be flexible so you can adjust your route on the fly if you come across something that particularly interests you.

One of the best places to start exploring the British capital is the Westminster area. It remains the cultural and political heart of the city and is home to some of the must-see attractions.

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

The first stop of the day can be done on foot, just like the rest of the tour, though if you prefer, you can book a London sightseeing bus that tours the area. Buckingham Palace is sure to be on the route of most of them.

Also, booking a visit to Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guard is a must on your trip. It is one of the most famous buildings in the entire United Kingdom, as it is the primary residence of the British monarchs. In addition to visiting the palace itself, many tourists come hoping to see the famous Changing of the Guard in London, which takes place around 10:30–11:00 a.m.

Visit Westminster Abbey

On your way to the next stop, you can spend some time in St. James’s Park, one of London’s best parks. If you’re lucky, you might spot some of the pelicans that live in its lakes. It’s also an ideal spot to grab a coffee before continuing on to Westminster Abbey.

This abbey is one of the most important churches in all of England, both for its architecture and its history. It’s worth visiting the interior, though I recommend buying tickets for Westminster Abbey in advance or purchasing, for example, the London Pass that includes it.

During the visit, you’ll see the tombs of some of the UK’s most famous historical figures. The remains of English monarchs also rest there. To get the most out of it, I suggest using the audio guide provided at the entrance.

Explore Trafalgar Square and enjoy the art at the National Gallery

From the abbey, the tour continues to Trafalgar Square, one of the most popular and well-known squares in the entire city. Here you’ll find the famous statue of Admiral Nelson and another featuring four lions.

If you prefer, almost all organized tours of London cover this area and usually include guides who explain its history.

In addition to spending some time strolling through the square, art lovers absolutely must book a visit to the National Gallery, which offers free admission.

The gallery houses one of the world’s finest collections of paintings and specializes in European artists from the 13th to the 20th centuries. There, you’ll enjoy works by Rembrandt, Titian, Velázquez, and Van Gogh, to name just a few.

On the way to Big Ben, passing by Downing Street

From Trafalgar Square, take Whitehall, which leads to Parliament Square. Along the way, you can admire the surviving section of a palace that burned down in 1698, which includes a ceiling painted by Rubens.

Before reaching Parliament Square, the walk passes through the famous Downing Street, home to the British Prime Minister’s official residence, specifically at number 10.

On one side of this square stands the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament. It is in this building that the tower is located, which is mistakenly known as Big Ben. In reality, that name refers only to the bell housed there, but over time many have come to use it for the entire tower.

Westminster Bridge

After visiting all the previous sites, you can head to the nearby Westminster Bridge and take in the views of the Houses of Parliament and the river.

Given the time of day, you’ll likely be looking for a place to have dinner along the banks of the Thames. Another great option is to book one of London’s fascinating night tours, which will let you see London’s landmarks from a different perspective.

The second day of your trip will also focus on central London, but this time highlighting the attractions along England’s longest river, the Thames. The recommended itinerary starts at the Tower of London and ends at the London Eye.

Enter the Tower of London

The day begins with a visit to the Tower of London, an ancient fortress used as a prison for over 900 years. Many critics of the crown were imprisoned there, and it was infamous for the torture and executions that took place.

Among the unfortunate souls who ended up in the Tower of London were such notable figures as Anne Boleyn, Thomas More, and Queen Jane Grey.

Booking a tour inside the Tower of London is highly recommended, especially for the exhibition showcasing the Crown Jewels, its chapel, or the White Tower. If you’re lucky, you might also spot one of the ravens that live there and are the subject of an interesting legend.

Relax on the Thames with a short cruise

After admiring the attractions of the Tower of London, you might want to spend some of your time :::link|text=booking a cruise on the Thames|element=pa-2233:::.

There is a wide variety of these cruises available, as well as a range of prices for Thames cruises. Some are designed for evening trips, such as those that include dinner, while others combine the Thames cruise with a visit to the London Eye.

Two of London’s most famous bridges: Tower Bridge and London Bridge

Although you may have already seen them during the cruise, it’s also worth taking a stroll along the river to see two of the city’s most famous bridges: Tower Bridge and London Bridge.

Although both bridges offer their own exhibits, for time’s sake it’s best to continue the tour. In any case, you can always choose to visit one and improvise later.

London Dungeon

The next stops require returning to the Westminster Bridge area. First, if you’re into this sort of thing, it’s worth buying tickets for the London Dungeon.

It’s an interactive attraction that recounts the city’s darkest history and is sure to give the faint of heart a few scares. If you think it might be too much for you, the Sea Life London Aquarium is not too far away.

Hop on the London Eye and enjoy the views

If the previous attraction wasn’t suitable for the faint of heart, the London Eye—a spectacular 135-meter-tall Ferris wheel—might make those with a fear of heights feel a bit queasy.

If that’s not the case for you, I recommend buying tickets for the London Eye in advance so you can enjoy the best views from the London Eye.

Depending on the time of day, you might want to check out one of the restaurants near the London Eye for dinner.

Now that you’re halfway through your trip, it’s time to visit another museum and one of the most important churches in the entire United Kingdom. In principle, you can do this day’s itinerary on foot, but in case your legs start to give out, here’s a quick guide on how to get around using the London Underground.

British Museum

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best museums in all of London, both for its vast collection and its facilities.

Admission is free, and the museum is so large that it’s worth booking a guided tour of the British Museum. You’d actually need several days to see it all, but you’ll have to settle for at least a couple of hours.

The best way to make the most of your time is to pick up the map available at the entrance, as well as the audio guide in Spanish.

Grab a bite to eat in Covent Garden

Continuing the walk, you’ll reach a square full of atmosphere and magic: Covent Garden. There used to be an old flower market here, and today you’ll find numerous street performers, restaurants, pubs, and food stalls.

If you’re visiting with children, this square is home to a museum they usually really enjoy: the London Transport Museum.

St. Paul’s Cathedral, the country’s living history

It’s important to buy tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral because it’s simply breathtaking. In fact, in terms of size, it’s second only to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Its interior further enhances the sense of being in a truly unique place—undoubtedly one of London’s finest landmarks. Amid the overall marvelous decor, the frescoes adorning the ceilings stand out. When visiting, it’s essential to climb up to the dome and explore the crypt.

As with other London landmarks, admission to St. Paul’s Cathedral includes an informative audio guide.

For lovers of contemporary art: Tate Modern

Upon leaving the cathedral, cross the Millennium Bridge to reach one of the world’s leading temples of contemporary art: the Tate Modern. The building that houses the museum alone is worth a visit, as it was the former Bankside Power Station.

The Tate Modern, which offers free admission, houses works by some of the most renowned artists in contemporary art, and it’s well worth seeing by booking a guided tour. Among them are artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Salvador Dalí, and Monet, among others.

Go see a musical

After enjoying the masters of contemporary art, you have two options. The first, simpler option is to grab a bite to eat and head back to the hotel. The second, which I recommend, is to head to London’s West End to enjoy some of the best musicals in London’s West End.

For the fourth day, it might be a good idea to leave the London streets behind for a day trip to the London area. Among the most interesting places to visit from London, I’ve chosen Stonehenge, both for its own appeal and for the chance to combine the visit with beautiful destinations like Bath.

To make this trip, you can choose to go on your own or book a tour to Stonehenge from London that includes this destination. In the first case, it’s important to keep in mind what I explain in my article on How to Get to Stonehenge from London and to weigh both the pros and cons.

Day Trip to Stonehenge and Bath

To make the most of your time, I suggest a tour that combines the megalithic monument of Stonehenge with the city of Bath.

Stonehenge is, without a doubt, one of the most magical places on the entire planet; moments like the summer solstice at Stonehenge are the kind of experiences that are etched into your memory. When you arrive, you’ll be able to admire the structures built thousands of years ago and learn about how our ancestors lived during that era.

Bath, for its part, is considered one of the most impressive cities in the entire country. Not only is it essential to visit the Roman baths that give the city its name, but also a host of other attractions scattered throughout its streets.

After a busy day visiting Stonehenge and Bath, the fifth day can begin with a visit to Camden Town and its market, followed by a leisurely stroll through Hyde Park. Finally, you can choose to follow in the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes or visit the world’s most famous wax museum.

Camden Town and its market

Once you’ve finished taking photos with your favorite characters, head to the subway stop that takes you to Camden Town. In this revitalized neighborhood, you’ll find London’s most famous market. It usually takes a couple of hours to see it all.

This market is located in a spot that’s worth seeing in itself: between the two beautiful canals in the Camden Town neighborhood. It’s really fun to wander through all the stalls you’ll find there, from crafts to all kinds of food.

Have a picnic in Regent Park

If you’d like to eat somewhere quieter than Camden Market, a great option is to head to Regent Park, another well-known park in the city. It’s the ideal spot for a picnic after picking up something at a supermarket or a fast-food restaurant.

Regent Park isn’t your only option for a relaxed meal. Nearby is Primrose Hill, another park that also offers wonderful views of the city.

In case the weather is bad—which isn’t unlikely in London—you can always pop into a local pub. In that case, I recommend The Volunteer.

Take a stroll through Hyde Park

Hyde Park is, without a doubt, one of the best parks in London. Plus, it’s very easy to get to its entrance from Buckingham Palace, as the distance can be covered with a leisurely stroll.

If you’re visiting London during the summer, in addition to strolling along its paths, you can try to find the ** Peter Pan statue**, Kensington Palace, or, if you’re up for it, rent a rowboat on the park’s central lake.

On the other hand, if you’re visiting London in winter, Hyde Park is home to one of the city’s most popular and fun Christmas markets.

Step into the world of Sherlock Holmes on Baker Street

The millions of fans of Sherlock Holmes stories have a must-see when in London: the house where Arthur Conan Doyle set the residence of the most famous detective in history.

The house, now converted into a museum dedicated to the character, is located, as all fans know, at 221B Baker Street.

Madame Tussauds

Although it’s not a visit everyone enjoys, there’s no doubt that Madame Tussauds features the best wax figures in the world.

Inside, you’ll see thousands of famous figures from around the globe, ranging from athletes to major historical figures, as well as actors and scientists.

Many travelers spend their last day at a destination shopping for souvenirs. On this tour, we’ve made sure that shopping doesn’t mean missing out on a day of sightseeing. So, the itinerary takes you through the city’s best-known and most atmospheric shopping streets, which often feature significant architectural landmarks and truly historic establishments.

Mingle with the thousands of visitors on Oxford Street

The approximately two and a half kilometers that make up this street are packed with restaurants, pubs, and shops that attract thousands upon thousands of Londoners and tourists every day. In fact, many claim it is the busiest street in Europe.

If you walk down the street toward Marble Arch, you’ll come across one of London’s most famous department stores: Selfridges, located in a building of great architectural significance.

This street is also a must-see if you’re in London during Christmas due to the spectacular Christmas lights and decorations considered the best in the city. You can enjoy them starting in mid-November.

At the end of the street, you can see the ** Marble Arch**. It is a triumphal arch that was originally placed at the entrance to Buckingham Palace. Even today, having been moved, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Guided tour of the city center

If you have plenty of time and want to take one last look at the monuments in central London, one of the best options available is to take a guided tour of the British capital. Even if you’ve already seen most of the attractions, your guide’s explanations will help you better understand everything you’ve visited previously.

Start the evening at Piccadilly Circus

Without a doubt, Piccadilly Circus is London’s most famous intersection, as well as an essential stop on the way to the city’s many tourist attractions.

All things considered, some regard this spot as London’s equivalent of New York’s Times Square. Just a few minutes away are some of the city’s busiest shopping streets.

Stroll aimlessly through the streets of Soho

One of the most enjoyable things to do in a city is simply to wander aimlessly. London’s Soho is, without a doubt, the best place to do so. In this area, you’ll find several theaters and a good number of iconic bars.

Among the must-see spots is Carnaby Street, Soho’s most famous street. Its atmosphere and extravagant Christmas decorations have made it a must-see for anyone visiting London during the holidays.

As you walk down this street, I recommend keeping an eye on the right-hand side to spot a beautiful arcade with a sign reading Kingly Court. Inside, you’ll find a wonderful open courtyard and two floors packed with restaurants and terraces.

Say goodbye with the best views of the city from The Shard

There’s no better way to say goodbye to London than from The Shard’s observation deck, a modern skyscraper housing the impressive The Shard observation deck with the best views of London.

In the same building, you’ll also find a fantastic restaurant at The Shard. You can treat yourself to dinner here or take a stroll around the area to find a place near The Shard to eat.