London 6-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Gatwick

Arrive at London Gatwick Airport (LGW) from Lisbon.

Head towards your accommodation for check-in.

Take the Gatwick Express train to Victoria Station for quick city access (approx. 30 mins, tickets around GBP 39 for 2 return). From Victoria, use the Tube to reach your hotel.

Hotel Check-in

Check into your hotel in London.

Take some time to freshen up before heading out.

Unpack and relax after your journey.

Westminster Evening Walk

Take an evening stroll around the iconic Westminster area.

See Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey from the outside, beautifully lit up.

All views are free! Perfect for atmospheric evening photos. Nearest Tube station: Westminster.

Budget Dinner

Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly dinner in the Westminster or Victoria area.

Look for local pubs offering good value meals.

Many pubs offer 'pub grub' at reasonable prices. Check out places off the main tourist routes for better deals.

The National Gallery

Explore one of the world's greatest art collections in Trafalgar Square, featuring masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and more.

Admission is free.

Entry is free. Focus on a few key rooms or artworks that interest you to avoid 'museum fatigue'.

Trafalgar Square

Spend some time in the iconic Trafalgar Square.

Admire Nelson's Column, the lion statues, and the fountains. This is a great spot for people-watching.

Often hosts street performers and public events. A central hub with great photo opportunities.

Lunch near Covent Garden

Grab a budget-friendly lunch in or around Covent Garden.

Explore the market stalls for diverse food options, or find a quick bite from a cafe.

Covent Garden Market has various food stalls and cafes, or head to Seven Dials for more options.

National Portrait Gallery

Discover famous faces and stories through portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, located just off Trafalgar Square.

Admission is free.

Reopened in 2023 after a major refurbishment, offering a fresh perspective on British history and culture.

Covent Garden Exploration

Wander through the lively Covent Garden area.

Enjoy the street performers, browse the unique shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere.

Great for window shopping and entertainment. Look out for the Apple Market and Jubilee Market for crafts and antiques.

Dinner in Soho

Enjoy dinner in Soho, known for its diverse culinary scene.

You can find everything from casual eateries to international cuisine.

Soho has many affordable options, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Italian restaurants. Explore the side streets for hidden gems.

The British Museum

Immerse yourselves in human history, art, and culture at the British Museum.

Marvel at the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and the Parthenon sculptures. Admission is free.

It's enormous, so pick a few key galleries or themes to focus on. Guided tours are available (some free) or use the free museum app.

Lunch in Bloomsbury

Enjoy a casual lunch in the charming Bloomsbury neighborhood, known for its garden squares and literary connections.

Look for a local cafe or sandwich shop.

Bloomsbury offers many independent cafes and bakeries perfect for a light, affordable lunch.

Bloomsbury Garden Squares

Take a leisurely walk through Bloomsbury's beautiful garden squares, such as Russell Square and Gordon Square, offering tranquil green spaces in the city.

These squares are perfect for a relaxing break and offer a glimpse into London's quieter, academic side.

Old War Office Building

Pass by the historic Old War Office Building in Whitehall, a grand architectural masterpiece with significant historical importance.

While typically not open to the public for free tours, its exterior is impressive and worth seeing as part of a walk through Whitehall.

Dinner in Shoreditch

Head to Shoreditch for dinner, an area known for its vibrant street art, trendy eateries, and diverse culinary offerings, often at more budget-friendly prices than central London.

Explore Brick Lane for delicious and affordable curry, or Curtain Road for modern restaurants and bars. Excellent for people-watching.

Tower of London Exterior

Walk around the historic Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While entry requires a fee, the external views and surrounding areas offer a rich sense of history for free.

Enjoy the Thames views and imagine its thousand-year history as a fortress, palace, and prison. You can walk across Tower Bridge nearby.

St Katharine Docks

Explore the picturesque St Katharine Docks, a charming marina with historic boats, cafes, and restaurants, just a short walk from the Tower of London.

A peaceful escape from the bustling city, perfect for a stroll and admiring the boats.

Lunch at Borough Market

Indulge in a wide array of gourmet street food and fresh produce at Borough Market, one of London's oldest and most renowned food markets.

It's bustling, so be prepared for crowds.

While individual items can be pricey, it's a great place to sample diverse foods for a reasonable lunch. Try some free samples!

Southbank Riverside Walk

Enjoy a vibrant walk along the Southbank of the Thames.

See Shakespeare's Globe (exterior), the Tate Modern (exterior), and street performers. Cross the Millennium Bridge for views of St. Paul's Cathedral.

This area is always lively with cultural attractions and provides stunning views of the city skyline. Plenty of photo opportunities.

Flanders Fields Memorial Garden

A peaceful garden dedicated to those who fought in WWI, located behind Westminster Abbey.

A serene spot for reflection.

A quiet, beautiful space perfect for a moment of contemplation. Free to enter.

Dinner near Southbank

Find a casual dinner spot on the Southbank or cross back over the river.

There are plenty of chain restaurants and pubs offering varied menus.

Consider walking further east for potentially cheaper options around Waterloo or London Bridge stations. Many places offer pre-theatre menus which can be good value.

Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens

Start your day with a peaceful stroll through Hyde Park, one of London's largest Royal Parks.

Continue into Kensington Gardens to see Kensington Palace (exterior) and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Perfect for a morning walk, a picnic, or simply relaxing. It's free to enter and enjoy the vast green spaces.

Kensington Palace Exterior

View the elegant exterior of Kensington Palace, a working royal residence and the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. The gardens immediately surrounding it are free to explore.

A beautiful photo opportunity and a chance to feel connected to royal history without paying for entry.

Lunch near Notting Hill

Head to the Notting Hill area for a delightful lunch.

Explore the charming streets and find a budget-friendly cafe or takeaway.

If it were a Saturday, Portobello Road Market would be ideal, but on a Sunday, it's still lovely to explore the charming streets.

Liberty London Window Shopping

Wander through the iconic Tudor-revival building of Liberty London.

While luxury, it's free to browse its unique interiors, renowned floral prints, and curated designer goods.

A truly unique shopping experience, even if just for window shopping. The architecture alone is worth the visit.

Oxford Circus & Regent Street

Take a stroll along Oxford Street and Regent Street, London's famous shopping arteries.

Soak in the atmosphere and enjoy the energy of the city.

Great for people-watching and experiencing London's commercial heart. You don't have to buy anything to enjoy the buzz.

Casual Dinner & Relax

Enjoy a relaxed final dinner of this chunk of your trip.

Perhaps try a cuisine you haven't yet, or revisit a favorite type of pub.

Consider Wagamama for affordable Japanese-inspired dishes or a local pizzeria for a classic comfort meal.

The British Museum

Explore the vast collection of world art and artifacts, including the Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures, and Egyptian mummies.

Entry is free.

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on a Monday. Plan which galleries you want to see most in advance.

Lunch at Borough Market

Enjoy a delicious and diverse lunch at one of London's most famous food markets.

Grab street food from various vendors, offering options for every taste and budget.

Monday can still be busy. Look for stalls offering samples to try before you buy. Plenty of seating areas available.

Thames Walk & Parliament Square

Stroll along the South Bank of the River Thames, enjoying views of iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the London Eye. Cross Westminster Bridge to admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

Great photo opportunities. Many street performers can be found on the South Bank.

Travel to London Gatwick (LGW)

Allow ample time to travel from Central London to London Gatwick Airport for your flight back to Lisbon.

Purchase train tickets in advance for potential savings. Check real-time train schedules closer to your departure.