On the surface, five days in London is more than enough time to get to know the city, but with 32 boroughs, almost 1500 square kilometres and many landmarks and attractions, you could soon find yourself overwhelmed with the choices at hand. Guests of hotels near Paddington Station London visiting London for the first time will soon find that two museums in a day, might be one too many, and that exploring both Oxford Street and Greenwich Market might be a little overambitious.
Below you’ll find some tips on how to manage your time in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with a few of the unmissable attractions and tips on how to navigate the city. From dining at the Grand Court Restaurant to climbing the dome of the O2 Arena, here’s how to make the most of 5 days in London.
Day One
Depending on the time of your flight or transport into the city, you may want to take things easy on your first day. Get to know the local area which, if you’re staying at the Park Grand Hotel Paddington, definitely has a lot going for it. With Hyde Park and Little Venice just around the corner, there are plenty of landmarks and areas you can enjoy with beautiful scenery and plenty of pubs and restaurants.
Day Two
Your second day in the city is your chance to tick off one – or some (depending on your energy levels) – of those famous London museums. Keep in mind that many have permanent galleries that are free to visit and many are much larger than you think. The British Museum for instance, holds over 8 million objects, and covers tens of thousands of years of human civilization. The Natural History Museum is another great option if you’re visiting the city with kids.
Day Three
A great option for your day in London is to explore its heart. A walk along the South Bank to London Bridge’s Borough Market is a great way to start the day, whilst the famed West End and Soho offer plenty of exciting eateries (see Chinatown) and landmarks. Tie off your third day in London with a trip to the West End. Make sure to book your tickets in advance though, new shows can sell out very quickly indeed.
Day Four
Day four is a great opportunity to explore a little further afield. Greenwich and Shoreditch are easy to reach from your central London hotel special offers via the London Underground. Depending on what takes your fancy, each of the 32 boroughs of London offer a unique perspective and style. Popular options include Shoreditch, Camden and Greenwich, each of which comes with its own selection of museums and landmarks.
Day Five
Your last day in London is a good opportunity to do a little shopping on Oxford Street and Covent Garden. For the shopaholics who don’t want to fall off the wagon, get up early and take a trip to one of the city’s many art galleries. Options include the National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, the Tate Modern and the Tate Britain, both ideally placed along the banks of the Thames.
