Five Days in London ; Itinerary and Favourite Spots with Friends

Spending five days in London with friends is always a feel-good experience.

Five Days in London ; Shopping, Treats and Good Vibes

Between alternative markets, department stores and tea rooms, the English capital never lets up. This five days in London itinerary combines shopping, foodie spots and walks. Each day reveals a different side of the city, from rock London to royal London.

Day 1 ; Camden Town and Music

Off for five days in London. First day: Camden Town, an eclectic rock’n’roll district, ideal for music lovers. With its young population, the area offers a fascinating cultural mix. Fans of punk, rock’n’roll and disco will feel right at home. Its varied markets are perfect for finding vintage clothes, artwork or unique jewellery, for yourself or as a gift.

The first Camden Lock market opened in 1974, beside the canal. Since then, the stalls have spread all the way to the former stables of Stables Market. Shopfronts decorated with giant boots, dragons or guitars line the high street. Street food from all over the world and independent shops complete this unique atmosphere.

If eccentric shops don’t scare you, a visit to Cyberdog is a must. This store blends techno music with futuristic neon clothing. You can also enjoy the outdoors by walking along the canals. Dug in the early 19th century, Regent’s Canal links Camden to Little Venice. Its colourful narrowboats and towpaths offer a calm break after the buzz of the markets.

Day 2 ; Food, Fun and Refinement

Five Days in London with Friends

English breakfast at Nicholson’s Pub in Soho. The cold atmosphere is disappointing, but prices and portions are satisfying. Eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans and toast make up this hearty meal. Enough to keep you going for a good part of the day.

Next, off to Crumbs and Doilies (in French), the famous cupcake shop created by YouTuber Jemma Wilson. Her baking channel, Cupcake Jemma, has made the shop popular far beyond London. Colourful cupcakes, brownies and cakes, delicious but sweet. A quirk: the price differs by 20% between eating in and taking away.

Hamleys and the Shops of Oxford Circus

The trip continues to Oxford Circus and the Hamleys toy shop. Six floors offering an endless variety of toys. From classic teddies to educational toys and dolls, everyone finds the perfect toy here. Founded in 1760 by William Hamley, it is one of the oldest toy shops in the world. Its Regent Street store has welcomed visitors since 1881.

The top floor is dedicated to sweets and confectionery, with lively demonstrations by enthusiastic staff. It is almost impossible to leave without buying something. On the second-to-last floor, a Lego royal family awaits visitors. The Queen, princes and guards in bearskin hats pose there in colourful bricks.

Outside, a stop at the Burberry store, a favourite brand. Founded in 1856 by Thomas Burberry, the house owes its fame to the famous trench coat. Perfect welcome, and the choice falls on the “Burberry London” fragrance. Its captivating notes of bergamot, lavender and black pepper win you over instantly.

Then, another stop at Crabtree & Evelyn (shop since closed). A cosmetics chain known for its floral creams, which also sold biscuits. Their lemon or rose shortbreads were irresistible.

Selfridges ; Shopping and Treats

Still keen to wander around London, next stop Selfridges, a huge department store of more than 50,000 m². This is where shopping takes on its full meaning. Opened in 1909 by American Harry Gordon Selfridge, this Oxford Street store revolutionised retail. Its monumental columned façade remains one of the most recognisable in the city.

A short break at the café, offering various pastries and comforting drinks. To quench your thirst, there is a water fountain with mint and lemon. The lower floor focuses on food, including the cakes of Fiona Cairns. This baker created the famous royal wedding cake for Kate and William.

The upper floors focus on cosmetics and fashion, especially the famous red-soled brand, Louboutin. After exploring this huge store, the day comes to an end. On the way back to our hostel, hunger strikes. A Vietnamese phở satisfies it perfectly.

Day 3 of Five Days in London ; A Walk in the Park and Original Cocktails

On this Easter Sunday, bad surprise: most department stores are closed. Strolling and window-shopping in London. A long walk in Hyde Park, a green space for a moment of calm. Once Henry VIII’s hunting ground, this royal park covers around 140 hectares. The Serpentine lake and Speakers’ Corner, where anyone can speak, make it an iconic place.

After some online research to fill the afternoon, we head to Old Spitalfields Market. A historic London market mixing artwork, ethnic food and stalls from around the world. Its history dates back to the 17th century, in the heart of the East End.

Under its Victorian halls, local designers, record dealers and antique sellers share the aisles. Unlike the shops in the centre, the market stays open on Sundays. A valuable address on a public holiday like this one. The nearby Brick Lane, known for its curries and street art, extends the walk.

To quench our thirst in the late afternoon, we head to BE AT ONE, a quirky cocktail bar. Lucky us, it’s Happy Hour: two cocktails for the price of one. We treat ourselves to a Lychee Martini, a Popster (butterscotch, Oreos and popcorn) and a Pisco Sour.

The evening continues with music, singing and a great atmosphere, highly recommended. Masterclasses are also available to become a cocktail pro. The bartenders share their techniques for measuring, shaking and presentation.

Day 4 ; English Tradition and Harry Potter

Five Days in London ; Shopping

With slightly cloudy weather, another day of shopping awaits. To start, a quick stop at one of the Cath Kidston shops. A chain with a modern vintage style, it sells clothes, objects and utensils of all kinds. Flowers are the watchword of this shop.

Shopping continues at the luxurious Fortnum and Mason, four floors of pure pleasure. An official supplier to the royal family, especially for teas and sweets. Founded in 1707 on Piccadilly, the store is famous for its hampers. Its large façade clock comes to life every hour with two figures, Mr Fortnum and Mr Mason. I bought a peach black tea and a rose one. A raspberry choux bun completed it all, out of sheer greed.

Then, off to Whittard (in French), a tea specialist since 1886. Tasting of three fine teas, including one with white chocolate. A small purchase of a Japanese-style cherry blossom tea.

A change of gourmet register with the Paxton & Whitfield cheesemonger, an English institution for fine cheeses. Located on Jermyn Street, it holds a Royal Warrant. Among its specialities is the famous Wensleydale, a Yorkshire cheese. Its cranberry version is incredible.

Harry Potter Studios and Ramen

The day is gently drawing to a close. Next, outside London, the film sets of the Harry Potter saga (in French). Located in Leavesden, north-west of the capital, the studios reveal original sets, costumes and props. The Great Hall of Hogwarts and Diagon Alley are among the highlights.

In the evening, a stop at Shoryu Ramen. On the menu: chicken and pork buns, ramen (a meat and noodle soup). Perfectly paired with an excellent yuzu mojito. For dessert, a yuzu cheesecake, the lightest and tastiest of the whole trip.

Day 5 of Five Days in London ; Dressed Like a True Englishman

On this last day, the street of tailors catches our interest. A short stop at Gieves and Hawkes and at Huntsman to admire quality suits, jackets and shoes. This street is Savile Row, the temple of men’s bespoke tailoring since the 18th century. Gieves and Hawkes occupies number 1, while Huntsman served as the set for the Kingsman films.

A last sweet moment at Prestat, chocolatier to the royal family. Founded in 1902, the house cultivates an eccentric, very British style. With its fuchsia pink and royal blue walls, you can’t miss this shop. A little tasting of rose and violet truffles. The latter was Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite.

Time flies, and we head to King’s Cross station. Some quick souvenir shopping in the “9¾” shop, dedicated to the world of Harry Potter. Right next to it, a trolley half-embedded in the wall awaits fans’ photos.

Planning Your Five Days in London

From Switzerland, a direct flight reaches London in under two hours. A passport is required, as ID cards have not been accepted since 2021. An Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) must also be obtained before departure. In London, the Tube and buses accept contactless payment directly. The major national museums, such as the British Museum or the National Gallery, are free. On Sundays and public holidays, some shops close earlier, or all day.

Our last train journey takes us straight to Gatwick Airport. And for an alternative, why not read Cinq Jours en Angleterre ; Londres et Newbury (in French)?

Website

Five Days in London