Many Americans choose London as one of their first destinations abroad. While the majority of Americans no longer claim English ancestry, there is no doubt that the history of the United States is closely tied to England. Combine that with the fact that you don’t have to deal with a foreign language, and it’s an appealing destination.
If you’re not an American or a native English speaker, this grand old city still is a great place to visit. So if you want to go to London what can you expect to see? What should you do?
What to See in London in 5 Days
Big Ben. One of the most iconic things to see is Big Ben – the nickname for the Great Bell, as it’s officially known. The smaller bells chime “Westminster Quarters” on the quarter hours, a little tune you’re probably familiar with. Big Ben chimes the hour.
Most tourists are referring to the tower and clock when they say Big Ben, and of course, that’s what you want to see. The tower is at the corner of the Palace of Westminster — the Parliament building — right next to the Westminster Bridge.
Walk the Westminster Bridge over the River Thames to get a photo back at the Parliament Building and clock tower from that angle. That could be the cheapest thing you do in all of London. It’s an expensive city.
Most “must see” places have fees to visit. They include:
Tour the Houses of Parliament. Have you ever watched BBC news and seen the Members of Parliament banging on that podium? You can see it on the tour.
See Westminster Abby. It’s across the street and through Parliament Square from the Palace of Westminster. This historic church is the place where England’s Kings and Queens have been crowned and buried for centuries. There are tombs of some of those Kings and Queens, and also about 3000 tombs of famous people in history. Wander around and find their names along the walls and under stone slabs in the floor.
Visit the Tower of London. Castle Fortress, Palace and prison. Find where Henry the VIII did away with a couple of his wives. See the crown jewels. The Beefeaters who give the tours make history come alive. Learn why they love the ravens in the Tower of London.
Look at the London Eye — the giant ferris wheel across from Big Ben. You can be sealed in one of its gondolas and take an hour or so to slowly rise over the city for a sky-high view, but it’s expensive. You’ll get a bigger dose of English reality if you walk the streets and find a cute little pub to have a pint and some pub grub – and for less money at that!
Another palace that calls to most tourists is Buckingham Palace. You can watch the changing of the guard for free, but buy a ticket when the Queen isn’t in residence, and you can tour the palace. Who wouldn’t want to see where the Queen lives?
Take a cruise on the Thames down to Greenwich and see the Prime Meridian. You know GMT – Greenwich Mean Time. Time schedules always say you’re so much before or behind GMT. Well, this is what you’re before or behind!
If you want to cut your expenses, head for the museums. Most of those are free, but we’ll save that for another article. There is just no shortage of things to see in London. And if you only have 5 days, start with the attractions above and then see if you can extend your trip!
Here are London Tours from Viator:
Thames River Cruise, Tower of London and City of London Tour
Price: $70.26
See the best of London in an afternoon, with a visit to the Tower, a City tour including St. Paul’s Cathedral and a cruise on the River Thames.
Private Tour: London Walking Tour
Price: $93.57
Your tour starts from Westminster Abbey, perhaps the most beautiful early Gothic building in Great Britain and still used for daily worship and royal functions. The Abbey was a royal mausoleum for many centuries and from 1066 when William I was crowned in the Abbey. The Abbey was rebuilt in 1220 in the then new Gothic style and the Henry VII Chapel (1503-19) is one of the most beautiful examples of the perpendicular Gothic.
Private Tour: Harry Potter Black Taxi Tour of London
Price: $81.69
From Diagon Alley to the Leaky Cauldron take a private black taxi tour of Harry Potter sites by black taxi. Nobody knows the streets of London like a cab driver, and each taxi can hold up to five wizards and/or Muggles. This is your chance to put yourself in the shoes of Harry Potter and friends as you tour the sights of London!
Private Tour: London Walking Tour of the British Museum and Soane Museum
Price: $64.44
Discover London’s wealth of history and culture in style on a private walking tour of the British Museum and Sir John Soane’s Museum, with an expert to guide you. Accompanied by your own private guide who specializes in art history, you’ll enjoy personalized attention on your special private tour of two of London’s most famous museums.
Private Tour: London Walking Tour of Apsley House and the Victoria and Albert Museum
Price: $72.38
Your tour begins at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London’s Victorian center of art and crafts dedicated to the royal couple. Now a museum of arts from all countries, styles and periods. Apart from the main collection of oil paintings and watercolours (with emphasis on the British ones and a collection of Constable’s oil sketches), sculpture and architectural examples, the museum contains the world’s finest collection of applied arts such as weapons and armours, bronzes and carpets etc. Visit the famous Cartoons for tapestries which Raphael created for Pope Leo X and the sculpture gallery collection where are some of the best examples of Donatello.
London Bike Tour – East, West or Central London
Price: $27.06
Explore London by Bike, and enjoy the city in a different and highly entertaining way. Centuries of history, a story around every corner, tales of the good, the bad and the ugly.
London Rock Music Bohemian Soho and North London Small Group Tour
Price: $47.9
Hit the bohemian neighborhoods of London including Soho and Camden Town as you delve into the city’s rock ‘n’ roll past on a this small group London Rock Music Tour. With names like The Beatles, Madness, The Clash and Jimmy Page this tour offers something for all music fans. Numbers are limited to a maximum of 16 people, ensuring you’ll receive personalized attention from your knowledgeable guide.
Blenheim Palace Tour and The Cotswolds Custom Day Trip from London
Price: $70.26
Travel to Blenheim Palace and the Cotswolds. Our custom day trip guarantees unbeatable low prices, deluxe coaches, experienced guides and the flexibility to add walking tours or entrance tickets along the way. Explore each site independently or upgrade when you get there for a more in-depth guided visit – the choice is all yours!
I Love London Walking Tour
Price: $31.93
Combine top London attractions with film locations, pop-culture landmarks, and more on the I Love London Walking Tour! Led by an entertaining local guide, the tour takes you on a discovery of how London’s established music and fashion scenes have influenced the city and inspired its unique charm! Stroll through the colorful boroughs of Mayfair and Soho, see the sights along the Southbank and enjoy a River Thames sightseeing cruise (no additional cost).
Jack the Ripper Tour and London Ghost Walk
Price: $39.92
See the sinister and ghostly side of London as you follow the blood-soaked footsteps of murderer Jack the Ripper down gas-lit alleyways on a walking tour of London that will have you trembling with fear! You’ll visit all four murder sites in Whitechapel, accompanied by an expert “Ripperologist” who will provide all the clues to this real-life Victorian Whodunit.
London in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Price: $110.18
On the London in One Day Sightseeing Tour, you will explore the very best of London on a fully-guided tour. You’ll take a scenic drive through the West End and City past famous sights such as Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Trafalgar Square, see the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of St Paul’s Cathedral, visit the Tower of London and cruise on the River Thames. For those not ready for the day to finish, upgrade your tour to include a flight on the London Eye!
Private Tour of London’s Historic Pubs
Price: $53.89
A trip to London is not complete without popping into a traditional pub for a drink. So why not take a private, walking tour of four historic London pubs with a local expert and professional beer taster? Get your beer goggles on and don’t forget your camera!
London Morning Tour: Royal Wedding Procession Route and Changing of the Guard Ceremony
Price: $41.52
To commemorate the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, your London morning tour will follow the route that the Royal Wedding Procession took on April 29, 2011 from Clarence House to Westminster Abbey. See the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace, then spend the afternoon exploring London at your leisure.
London in One Day from Paris: Guided City Tour, Buckingham Palace and Lunch at Harrods
Price: $333.75
Join this escorted day trip from Paris to London by train, and tour London’s highlights in one day. See top London attractions as you tour the capital by a vintage Routemaster open-top bus, and take a leisurely cruise down the River Thames. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, before finishing your tour with lunch and shopping at the world-famous Harrods department store.