Six Days, One City: The Best of London Unlocked

From royal palaces to riverside pubs, here’s how to ace London in six days!

Published: June 16, 2026
London in Autumn

Six days in London? The city is your oyster—full of treasures, tales, and tea. Whether you crave royal grandeur, leafy parks, cool museums or seriously delicious grub, this itinerary packs in all the highlights without skimping on downtime. From classic London vibes (think Tower Bridge and red buses) to outrageously catchy musicals, legendary stadium tours and riverside walks, you’ll experience the capital from every angle. Here’s your day-by-day breakdown for doing London right—never rushed, always fun, fully unforgettable. 

London is bursting with attractions, but these are some of our absolute must-sees and dos: 

  • Tower of London 
  • The London Eye 
  • Westminster Abbey 
  • Thames River Cruise 
  • St Paul’s Cathedral 
  • Tower Bridge 
  • Buckingham Palace (The Royal Mews) 
  • Kensington Palace 
  • London Zoo 
  • The View from The Shard 

Day 1: Royal Riverbanks & Tower Treasures 

Morning: Start your London escapade with a stroll across Tower Bridge—its blue arches and glass walkways get the pulse racing, especially when boats glide below. Snap a photo, then head right into the Tower of London next door. Listen for Ravenmaster tales and discover centuries of drama within those ancient stone walls. 

Lunch: Wander down to Borough Market (just a 10-minute stroll across London Bridge). Here, the aromas are irresistible. Try a salt beef sandwich from Nana Fanny’s, or grab a seat at Padella for perfect hand-rolled pasta, if you’re hungry for a longer lunch. 

Afternoon: Just across the road, the glistening Shard pierces the skyline. The View from the Shard gives you spell-binding vistas no matter the weather. The lift shoots up in seconds, and wow—London sprawls beneath you, river curling around landmarks and rooftops shining. 

Evening: Wrap up with a Thames River Cruise departing from London Bridge City Pier. Whether you choose an early evening ride or a sunset spin, the city lights glimmering on the water feel magical—especially the views of St Paul’s and the London Eye further along. 

Dinner: For a true local experience, head up to The George Inn just off Borough High Street. This centuries-old pub oozes English charm—the steak and ale pie is a no-brainer, but they pour a cracking pint too. If you’re in the mood for a riverside bite, try The Swan at Shakespeare’s Globe for classic fish and chips overlooking the Thames. 

Day 2: Parliament, Royals & Abbey Magic

Westminster Abbey

Morning: Begin at Westminster Abbey—a gothic marvel and the backdrop for British coronations and royal weddings, its soaring arches give instant goosebumps. Wander the cloisters and spot poets, kings, and world-changers in the grand memorials. 

Midday: Take a short walk to Buckingham Palace, where the Changing of the Guard crowds are always buzzing. Snap photos at the gates, then check if The Royal Mews is open. The majestic coaches and horses here make you feel like a proper royal for the day. 

Lunch: Jump on bus 11 or 211 from Victoria to King’s Road and settle in at The Ivy Chelsea Garden. The garden terrace is a leafy oasis. Try the crispy duck salad—it’s famous for good reason, or the afternoon tea if you fancy a treat. 

Afternoon: Continue to Kensington Palace by taking the Circle or District line from Victoria to High Street Kensington. Palace tours let you waltz through royal apartments that mix history with a modern twist—Princess Diana’s fashion gallery is fascinating. Stroll through Kensington Gardens afterward for fresh air (and, in spring, a riot of blooms!). 

Dinner: Dishoom Kensington is the go-to for atmosphere and food. This buzzy “Bombay canteen” serves black daal that’s hours in the making—pair it with signature chai and buttery naan for a meal you’ll crave again tomorrow. 

Day 3: Art, Culture, and Covent Garden 

Morning: Jump into London’s creative scene with a stop at the Moco Museum in Mayfair. Think Banksy, Basquiat, and bright contemporary statements—every wall here pops with color and energy. 

Midday: Hop on the Piccadilly line to Covent Garden. Pre-book a London Food Tour of Soho & Covent Garden for an expertly guided whirlwind of sweet and savory bites, from steaming dumplings to gooey cookies. The guide peppers your stroll with fun facts and secret alleyways—even locals learn new things. 

Afternoon: For your next hit of culture, head to the London Transport Museum nearby. Kid-friendly, interactive, and nostalgia-inducing, it’ll have you dreaming of driving a Routemaster bus. 

Dinner: Seven Dials Market is dining perfection—a converted warehouse packed with food stalls, craft beer, and street eats in every flavor. The Toastie at Pick & Cheese is everything cheesy dreams are made of. 

Evening: Venture up to Soho for a pre-theater cocktail at Swift, where the bar’s dim lighting and snazzy drinks menu set the scene. Ready for a show? Wicked The Musical at the Apollo Victoria Theater is pure magic from start to finish. 

Day 4: Greenwich, Parks & Planetary Wonders

Royal Observatory

Morning: Ride the Uber Boat from Embankment to Greenwich for river breezes and city views. Hop off at Royal Observatory Greenwich and stand astride the Prime Meridian, where time quite literally begins. The observatory’s astronomy galleries inspire, and the walk up the hill is rewardingly scenic. 

Midday: Get hands-on at Cutty Sark, the legendary tea clipper docked by the river. Below decks, you can almost hear the crew clattering about, and above, admire sleek riggings and city panoramas. 

Lunch: Pop into Greenwich Market for street food from all corners—Try a gourmet sausage roll from Goddards at Greenwich or the West African jollof rice at Spinach and Agushi’s cozy stand. 

Afternoon: Journey back toward Central London via the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) to Bank. Then stroll through St Paul’s Cathedral—you can climb all the way to the Golden Gallery for unbeatable skyline views, but there’s plenty to explore even if you stay at ground level—Sir Christopher Wren’s architecture, hauntingly beautiful memorials, and the enormous organ pipes fill the space with grandeur. 

Evening: No need to dash off—wander over the Millennium Bridge as dusk settles. The bridge glows with lights, and you’ll catch a perfect view of the river and Tate Modern. If you fancy post-cathedral dinner, The Happenstance on St Paul’s Churchyard pairs a cozy, modern vibe with crowd-pleasers like crispy squid and chicken schnitzel. 

Day 5: Wild Things and Royal Retreats 

Morning: Start with a wild adventure at London Zoo in Regent’s Park (Northern line to Camden Town, then a short canal-side walk). Kids and grown-ups alike will love the Land of the Lions and the neon-colored butterflies in the butterfly house. In spring, tulips and cherry blossoms line your way through the park. 

Midday: Walk south through Regent’s Park to the bustling streets of Marylebone. Stop for coffee and a pistachio croissant at Ole & Steen, a Scandi bakery with big windows for people-watching. 

Lunch: For a proper meal, The Providores on Marylebone High Street is famous for its Turkish eggs and inventive brunches. Light, stylish, and friendly, it’s the kind of place you’ll wish you had in your neighborhood back home. 

Afternoon: Jump on the Bakerloo Line to Warwick Avenue and board a canal boat for a Cruise to Little Venice. It’s unexpectedly tranquil, with willow-edged waterways, colorful boats, and waterside cafes. Alternatively, take the Jubilee Line to St John’s Wood and visit Abbey Road for that must-have zebra crossing walk. 

Evening: Head back to the West End (Bakerloo Line to Piccadilly Circus) for dinner at Dishoom Carnaby—this branch echoes 1960s Bombay in décor, and their house black daal never disappoints. Swing by Cahoots just around the corner afterwards, a quirky underground bar inspired by post-war London, complete with tube carriage booths and ration-book cocktails. 

Day 6: Palaces, Playtime & Last-Minute Pleasures

Hampton Court Palace

Morning: End your trip on a high note at Hampton Court Palace, Henry VIII’s riverside Tudor playground. South West trains from Waterloo whisk you straight there, and once inside, you’ll wander through echoing halls, grand formal gardens, and a famous hedge maze. Interactive guides and costumed interpreters bring the place to life, and you might even spot a ghost (or just a friendly guide in period dress). 

Lunch: Grab a bite at the Tiltyard Café in the palace grounds—think hearty Cornish pasties, sausage rolls, and millionaire’s shortbread for dessert. 

Afternoon: Back in the city, jump off the train at Richmond and head to Kew Gardens, one of the world’s top botanical spaces. Roam glasshouses filled with tropical plants, stroll across the treetop walkway, and, if the weather is fine, spread out under an oak with a gelato from the family-run ice cream hut near Victoria Gate. 

Dinner: Finish your London adventure in Notting Hill. Take the District line from Kew Gardens to Notting Hill Gate and explore its pastel townhouses and vintage stores before dinner at The Churchill Arms. Flower baskets smother the outside, while inside, Thai curries sizzle and the old-world pub charm feels like a secret local haunt. 

Evening: If you’re up for one final treat, let your last night sparkle with a chocolate-infused cocktail from The Chocolate Cocktail Club in Farringdon (Hop on the Circle line and finish with their signature Chocolate Espresso Martini). Cheers to six days of London, done brilliantly! 

You Did It—London in Six Glorious Days  

From royal palaces to riverside walks and legendary dishes, you’ve tasted, toured, and trekked your way through the city’s best. Whether you’re craving history, adventure, or a great pint, this itinerary keeps the surprises and delights coming, day after day. What are you waiting for? 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do with Friends in London or Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes  

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

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Visiting London in January

January is London’s quietest month when it comes to visitor numbers, meaning there are usually some great flight and hotel deals to be had. What many people don’t realize is that London in January remains a hive of activity. Not only is it still possible to experience the Christmas festivities, but also to grab a bargain in the January sales and celebrate Spring Festival with the capital’s Chinese community. Weather in London in January   London in January is typified by short days and cloudy skies. Whilst milder than most other capitals in northern Europe, temperatures struggle to hit double figures, with top daytime temperatures reaching eight or nine degrees Celsius. Rain can be expected at almost any time, although significant rainfall is limited to about a third of the month. Snow in the heart of the capital is rare, and deep snow falls even rarer. 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Expect Scottish salmon to make an appearance, alongside haggis, neeps (turnips) and tatties (potatoes) rounded off with a portion of whisky-dosed cranachan. Or you could forgo this raspberry and cream concoction and jump straight to a whisky tasting at one of London’s cocktail bars. Tick off a museum or two   January’s rainier days are just the excuse you’ve been looking for to jump headlong into London’s museums and galleries. Whatever your interests, you can pretty much guarantee there’s a collection somewhere in the capital that suits. For an overview of two million years of humanity look no further than the British Museum, whose riches include the Rosetta Stone and the Anglo-Saxon treasures of the Sutton Hoo ship burial. Less celebrated but still worth any amount of time you can dedicate to them are Kensington Palace and the Royal Greenwich Observatory. The palace in Hyde Park was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and is presently the home of Prince William and his young family. Meanwhile, the Royal Greenwich Observatory has been leading the way in mapping and timekeeping for four centuries. Pierced by the prime meridian, it’s one of the most photogenic places on Earth to have your photo taken with one leg in the eastern hemisphere and the other in the western. Whilst in the area, take a turn at some of Greenwich’s additional attractions, including the Cutty Sark, the last tea clipper sailing ship to be built before steam power took over. Capable of conducting the journey between Chinese ports and the southeast of England in a record-breaking three months, this elegant masted vessel kept Londoners’ obsession with tea fed for just eight years before swapping to a role in the wool trade. Don’t miss your chance to save with Go City There’s plenty to see and things to do in London in January. Many of the capital’s top attractions welcome Explorer Pass holders, allowing you to save on standard admission costs. So, if you’re considering January in London because of the deals available, don’t forget to add Go City to your list of budget-stretching buys.
Ian Packham
The Tower of London will a foreground of fallen leaves
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What to do in London in November

Fall is kind to the British capital, and London in November isn’t short of local color. In addition to its year-round historic attractions, the Royal Parks are a swirl of oranges and reds as the London planes lose their leaves. The start of the month sees Diwali and Guy Fawkes’s Night ignite the sky with fireworks, followed quickly by Christmas light switch-ons and shopfronts dolled up for the festive season. Wondering what to do in London in November? You’ve come to the right place! Cruise along the Thames The River Thames has been at London’s heart since the Romans converted a humble Saxon village into a city worthy of becoming the future British capital. Its banks are the location of an array of major landmarks, from the Whispering Gallery of St Paul’s Cathedral to the contemporary form of Tate Modern’s $360m Switch House, expanding the gallery’s floor space by 60%. Bringing together the rival north and south of the Thames, its bridges are some of the most recognizable structures in the world, with Tower Bridge a symbol for both London and the UK. Slipping beneath them on a Thames river cruise adds a new dimension to hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours. Hop on and see the sights in comfort. Hop off to explore attractions such as the Cutty Sark and historic dockyards of Greenwich. Time it right, and you’ll capture the capital at its most romantic, as dusk settles over its parks and monuments and lights flicker on along its banks. Celebrate Guy Fawkes’ Night The grisly origins of Guy Fawkes’ Night (or Bonfire Night) are intricately linked to several London attractions, not least the Houses of Parliament and Tower of London. One of the biggest nights of the cultural calendar, the festivities now extend from Halloween until the big day itself on November 5. Neighborhoods large and small mark the event with organized fireworks displays and the lighting of bonfires. Some of the biggest and most spectacular take place at Battersea Park and Alexandra Palace. Topping many bonfires will be a representation of Guy Fawkes himself, whose band of Catholic rebels attempted to blow up Protestant King James I in the Houses of Parliament in 1605. If you’re wondering where the Tower of London fits in to all this – the plot was discovered, and Fawkes arrested. Imprisoned in the tower, he was tortured on the rack before being hung, drawn and quartered. His head ended up on a spike on London Bridge. Take in a show London’s West End is probably only second to New York’s Broadway when it comes to its shows. Whilst you’ll find theaters dotted right throughout the capital, Shaftesbury Avenue continues to be the place to head. It stretches from Piccadilly Circus and the Statue of Eros to New Oxford Street and the Georgian townhouses that lead towards the British Museum. Shaftesbury Avenue, together with the cobblestone streets around Covent Garden, are home to all sorts of characters – on and off the stage – who seem to come to life beneath the twinkling Christmas lights of late November. New shows are opening all the time, although some have serious staying power. Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap is one, holding the record for the longest theater run in the world. It’s first night was back in 1952. For festive fun and a huge dose of British custom look no further than the annual pantomimes (or pantos) at theaters like the Palladium. A mix of fairy tales and folk legends – from Cinderella to Peter Pan – they see British audiences at their most boisterous and gleeful. Explore Westminster Abbey In a city of historic structures, few beside the Tower of London can compete with the heritage of Westminster Abbey. Hidden from the riverside by the Houses of Parliament, this royal church has witnessed the coronation of every British monarch since William the Conqueror in 1066, and was the setting for the marriage of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Site of the grave of the Unknown Warrior and center of the capital’s November memorial services, the cathedral contains over 3000 burials, with kings accompanying prime ministers and notables such as physicist Stephen Hawking. The abbey’s soaring gothic edifice is home to many treasures including the Coronation Throne, a simple chair of English oak, dating to 1296. But when it comes to hidden gems, this title has to go to the Jewel Tower, built as a treasure house for King Edward III in around 1365. Few Londoners have even heard of it, although it’s one of only two buildings to have survived the fire which engulfed the original Houses of Parliament in the early 1800s. Tour the capital’s markets When the weather holds, the capital’s markets are attractive propositions for any list of things to do in London in November. Often situated in some of the capital’s most interesting neighborhoods, a smooch around their stalls acts as the perfect gateway to experiencing life in Britain’s biggest city. They’re also sure to never be far from a historic pub with a cozy fireplace serving the nation’s famously warm beers. Borough Market, for instance, has been reborn from a sorry spot between London Bridge and the Globe theater to a destination well worth seeking out for its own merits. On its edges you’ll find several noteworthy pubs, including The George Inn, which dates back to the 17th century. Delve a little further, and you’ll encounter flavorful foods from every corner of the globe, as well as traditional British favorites from fish and chips to pie and mash. Alternatively, make your way to the pastel shades of West London’s Portobello Road, whose weekly antiques market is a great place to pick up quirky mementos. But wherever you find yourself in London in November, it’s likely there’s a market somewhere close. Save on London November attraction admission November in London can be glorious. Although the year might be coming to a close, there are arguably more places to visit in London in November than at other times of year. What’s more, you can explore many of the British capital’s top attractions with Go City, giving you flexibility whilst saving in one of the world’s most evocative yet expensive cities.
Ian Packham
A couple in London having fun on a sunny day while crossing a bridge
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Cheap things to do in London

You might scoff at the idea of there being cheap things to do in London, where pints typically top £7, and every step seems to spill pennies. However, for those in the know, it’s actually quite easy to hit the town on a tight budget. Much of the city’s history, as well as its modern culture, thriving food scene, and even many events, can be enjoyed for very little money if you know where to head. So, let’s explore cheap things to do in London, so you can squeeze those vital pennies ever-tighter. Our picks include: Some of London’s best museums and galleries Bites that won’t break the budget Value views Cheap nights out (yep, really) And more! The cheap things to do in London don’t end there Of course, there is another way to explore London in a budget-friendly way without having to miss out on the big-ticket attractions that brought you to the British capital in the first place. Go City lets you visit the London attractions you want to, when you want to, whilst giving you incredible savings on attraction admission. That trip to London doesn’t look so expensive after all, does it? Enjoyed this? Check out our Complete Guide to Visiting the London Eye or discover Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes.    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.    See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!    
Ian Packham

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