London in 5 days: budget itinerary, relaxed pace
A 5 days itinerary for London designed for a tight budget and a relaxed pace (3 or 4 stops a day, no rush).
Interests: Parks, Viewpoints, Cafés
Day 1: Westminster Parks, River Views & St James's
Area: Westminster & St James's
London Free Walking Tour
10:00 · about 120 min · Guided Walking Tour
Why go: The ultimate budget-friendly introduction to London's royal landmarks led by passionate local experts.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point near Trafalgar Square and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Address: Trafalgar Sq, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 10:00–12:00 · Price: free
St James's Cafe
12:15 · about 75 min · Parkside Cafe & Lunch
Why go: Scenic lakeside dining surrounded by royal parkland, resident pelicans, and manicured flowerbeds.
Tip: Grab an outdoor terrace table overlooking the lake bridge for great views of the London Eye above the trees.
Address: St. James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 · Price: £10–£20
St James's Park & The Blue Bridge Viewpoint
13:30 · about 60 min · Royal Park & Scenic Viewpoint
Why go: Offers London's most picturesque free viewpoint framed between Buckingham Palace and Whitehall.
Tip: Watch out for the daily pelican feeding near Duck Island Cottage between 14:30 and 15:00.
Address: St. James's Park, London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 05:00–00:00
Regency Café
20:00 · about 75 min · Traditional British Eatery
Why go: Legendary art deco diner serving authentic British comfort dishes at genuine everyday prices.
Tip: A quintessential London staple; bring card/cash and enjoy the lively, classic counter service.
Address: 17-19 Regency St, London SW1P 4BY, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 07:00–14:30, 19:00–21:30 · Price: £8–£15
Buckingham Palace Tickets
about 120 min · Historic Palace Visit
Why go: Step inside the King's official London residence to admire the lavish State Rooms, magnificent royal art, and pristine gardens—an exclusive seasonal access not to be missed.
Price: price unavailable
Day 2: South Bank River Walk & City Vistas
Area: South Bank & Waterloo
Thames River Sightseeing Pier Walk
10:30 · about 75 min · Riverside Promenade
Why go: A refreshing vehicle-free riverside stroll along South Bank with panoramic views of the Houses of Parliament.
Tip: Stroll down Queen's Walk towards Jubilee Gardens for prime street performer shows and skyline angles.
Address: Queen's Walk, South Bank, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 24 hours
Wahaca Waterloo
13:00 · about 75 min · Street Food Restaurant
Why go: Vibrant and budget-friendly Mexican street food spot right by Waterloo and the riverside promenade.
Tip: Their lunch taco combos provide incredible value without compromising on taste or quality.
Address: 119 Waterloo Rd, London SE1 8UL, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 12:00–22:30 · Price: £12–£22
Royal Festival Hall Riverside Terrace & Viewpoint
14:30 · about 60 min · Riverside Viewpoint & Arts Centre
Why go: Free public access indoor/outdoor cultural hub offering elevated river panoramas across to Somerset House.
Tip: Head up to Level 5 or the rooftop terrace garden for quiet seating and sweeping Thames views.
Address: Southbank Centre, Belvedere Rd, London SE1 8XX, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 10:00–23:00
Azzurro Waterloo
20:00 · about 80 min · Italian Trattoria
Why go: Warm, authentic Italian comfort food tucked into the historic railway arches behind Waterloo Station.
Tip: Generous pasta and stone-baked pizza portions with wallet-friendly set evening menus.
Address: 1 Sutton Walk, London SE1 7ND, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 11:30–22:30 · Price: £15–£25
Thames Cruise with Afternoon Tea, Coffee or Dinner
about 60 min · Scenic River Cruise
Why go: Sail effortlessly past the Tower of London, Big Ben, and the Shard while relaxing with hot tea and treats—London's best river perspective at unbeatable value.
Price: from €26 (~20 GBP approx.)
Day 3: Historic City, Sky Gardens & Medieval Alleys
Area: City of London
Old City of London Free Tour
10:30 · about 120 min · Guided History Walking Tour
Why go: Discover 2,000 years of Roman, medieval, and financial history through hidden cobblestone courtyards.
Tip: Look out for ancient Roman wall remnants and hear stories of the Great Fire of London.
Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 10:30–12:30 · Price: free
Ye Olde Watling
13:00 · about 75 min · Historic Pub & Traditional Restaurant
Why go: Built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1668, serving hearty British pies and roasts in a storied setting.
Tip: Sit upstairs in the wood-panelled dining room for table service and traditional steak & ale pies.
Address: 29 Watling St, London EC4M 9BR, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 11:00–23:00 · Price: £12–£22
Horizon 22 & Horizon Public Observation Deck
14:30 · about 75 min · Skyline Viewpoint
Why go: Europe's highest free viewing platform offering 300-degree vistas over Tower Bridge, the Thames, and beyond.
Tip: Admission is completely free; book your free timed slot online in advance to skip the ground floor queues.
Address: 22 Bishopsgate, London EC2N 4AJ, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 10:00–18:00
Pizza Union Spitalfields
20:00 · about 70 min · Italian Pizzeria
Why go: London's favorite ultra-crispy Roman style thin crust pizzas baked fresh in three minutes at unbeatable prices.
Tip: Order at the counter with a buzzer; don't miss their warm Nutella-filled dough ring for dessert.
Address: 25 Sandy's Row, London E1 7HW, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 11:00–23:00 · Price: £7–£14
Ultimate Jack the Ripper : Guided Tour of London
about 60 min · Evening History Walking Tour
Why go: Unravel Victorian London's darkest mystery as a specialist guide leads you through the shadowy cobbled alleys of historic East End.
Price: from €26.10 (~20 GBP approx.)
Day 4: Bloomsbury Culture, Green Squares & Cafes
Area: Bloomsbury & Holborn
British Museum Tour
10:15 · about 120 min · Museum Guided Tour
Why go: Uncover masterworks of world civilization—from the Rosetta Stone to Egyptian mummies—with expert commentary.
Tip: The museum's Great Court with its iconic glass roof opens at 10:00; meet your guide at the designated foyer point.
Address: Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 10:00–17:00 · Price: price unavailable
Fork Deli & Cafe
13:00 · about 60 min · Artisan Cafe & Light Lunch
Why go: Charming Bloomsbury neighborhood cafe serving fresh focaccia sandwiches, vibrant salads, and specialty espresso.
Tip: Their homemade toasted sourdough paninis and seasonal soup combo make a light, affordable lunch.
Address: 85 Marchmont St, London WC1N 1AL, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 08:00–17:00 · Price: £8–£15
Russell Square & St George's Gardens
14:15 · about 60 min · Historic Garden Square
Why go: Lush 19th-century landscaped public gardens offering shaded lawns, majestic plane trees, and peaceful reading benches.
Tip: Pick up a takeaway flat white from the central park kiosk and relax by the central fountain fountain plaza.
Address: Russell Square, London WC1B 5EH, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 07:30–21:00
TAS Restaurant Bloomsbury
20:00 · about 75 min · Anatolian Mediterranean Restaurant
Why go: Warm Turkish-Mediterranean neighborhood kitchen famed for delicious meze platters, fresh pitas, and grill specialties.
Tip: Their evening set menus offer tremendous value with complimentary fresh bread and dips.
Address: 22 Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SH, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 12:00–23:00 · Price: £15–£26
Afternoon Tea at the British Museum
about 60 min · Traditional British High Tea
Why go: Indulge in fresh scones with clotted cream, delicate finger sandwiches, and fine loose-leaf teas under the museum's spectacular glass atrium.
Price: from €50 (~45 GBP approx.)
Day 5: Hyde Park Serpentine & Kensington Gardens
Area: Hyde Park & Knightsbridge
Afternoon Tea Bus with a Glass of Prosecco
12:00 · about 60 min · Panoramic Sightseeing Tea Experience
Why go: Sip sparkling prosecco and indulge in gourmet pastries while cruising past London's royal parks and grand boulevards.
Tip: Departs right by Victoria / Hyde Park Corner; arrive 15 minutes before departure for optimal upper-deck boarding.
Address: Hyde Park Corner, London W1J 7NT, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 12:00–13:00 · Price: from €57 (~50 GBP approx.)
The Serpentine Lido Cafe & Terrace
13:30 · about 65 min · Lakeside Cafe & Casual Dining
Why go: Idyllic waterside spot right on the bank of the Serpentine lake inside London's largest Royal Park.
Tip: Sit out on the deck facing the lake to watch swans, paddleboats, and open-water swimmers.
Address: Hyde Park, South Carriage Dr, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 08:00–18:00 · Price: £10–£18
Hyde Park Rose Garden & Serpentine Viewpoint
14:45 · about 60 min · Botanical Garden & Royal Park
Why go: A peaceful oasis filled with vibrant seasonal flowerbeds, pergolas, and classical bronze fountains.
Tip: Take the scenic footpath heading toward the Serpentine Bridge for sweeping park vistas.
Address: Hyde Park, London W2 2UH, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 05:00–00:00
Maroush Express Knightsbridge
20:00 · about 75 min · Lebanese Restaurant
Why go: Long-running local favorite for authentic grilled shish taouk, crisp falafel, and creamy fresh hummus.
Tip: Very generous portions and affordable set platters just minutes south of Hyde Park.
Address: 68 Brompton Rd, London SW3 1BW, United Kingdom · Opening hours: 11:00–02:00 · Price: £14–£25
Private Photoshoot with Video Clip Option
about 30 min · Private Photography Experience
Why go: Capture postcard-worthy memories among Hyde Park's iconic tree avenues and historic fountains with your own personal photographer.
Price: from €140 (~120 GBP approx.)