BFI London Film Festival: a 5-day travel itinerary

Rough USD planning ranges for this comfortable travel style in London — lodging, meals, activities, and getting around for a 5-day trip.

Accommodation: $120–200 per night. Food: $50–80 per day. Activities & tours: $40–70 per day. Transport: $40–70 per day (car share, transit, or short transfers).

Typical daily total: $250–380. Typical 5-day total: $1,250–1,900. Season, fuel, and booking lead time can push either end of the range.

Day 1 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom at a moderate pace.

Start with breakfast at Brother Marcus Covent Garden — Excellent · highly reviewed · 23 Slingsby Pl Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. Pricing: Dinner ~$42 per person. This restaurant is a great option for a meal before or after attending an event in Covent Garden.

Continue on to Trafalgar Square — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Evelyn's Table — Excellent · highly reviewed · The Blue Posts, Cellar, 28 Rupert St Vibe / cuisine: Fine dining. Pricing: Dinner ~$140 per person. An excellent spot at The Blue Posts, Cellar, 28 Rupert St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Begin at London West End Theatre® | Official Tickets Box Office — Theater company — The London West End Theatre is the heart of the city's vibrant performing arts scene, offering a world-class array of shows and musicals. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the magic of live theater.

Continue on to The National Gallery — The National Gallery is a must-see for art lovers, housing an impressive collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It's a fantastic way to spend a few hours immersing yourself in masterpieces. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Fatt Pundit — Asian Fusion — Fatt Pundit offers a unique Asian Fusion experience. It's a great spot to try something different during your travels. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

If you want a guided option nearby, consider Private London Day Tour with a Local: Custom Highlights & Gems. Experience a private, tailor-made day tour of London, customized to include iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, as well as the city's hidden gems. This tour offers a unique way to explore London's highlights and secret spots. From $1,351.

Continue on to Lake District National Park — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Wind down with dinner at Fallow — Great · highly reviewed · 52 Haymarket Vibe / cuisine: Modern British. Pricing: Dinner ~$8 per person. A great spot at 52 Haymarket — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 2 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom at a moderate pace.

Start with breakfast at beeyond cafe — Great · highly reviewed · 2 Hercules Rd Vibe / cuisine: Cafe. Pricing: Dinner ~$15 per person. A great spot at 2 Hercules Rd — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Big Ben — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Ekstedt at The Yard — Excellent · highly reviewed · 3-5 Great Scotland Yard Vibe / cuisine: Fine dining. Ekstedt at The Yard offers a fine dining experience perfect for a pre- or post-festival meal.

Begin at London Eye — Take a ride on the London Eye for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. It's a fantastic way to get your bearings and see many famous landmarks from above.

Continue on to The London Dungeon — Step back in time and experience the gruesome and hilarious history of London at The London Dungeon. It's a thrilling and interactive journey through the city's dark past. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Close the day around SEA LIFE London Aquarium — Explore a diverse range of marine life at the SEA LIFE London Aquarium. It's a great stop for families and anyone interested in underwater ecosystems. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Rules — Great · highly reviewed · 35 Maiden Ln Vibe / cuisine: British. Pricing: Dinner ~$26 per person. A great spot at 35 Maiden Ln — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 3 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom at a moderate pace.

Start with breakfast at Drury Covent Garden | Cafe & Brunch — Excellent · highly reviewed · 188-189 Drury Ln Vibe / cuisine: Cafe. An excellent spot at 188-189 Drury Ln — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Sky Garden — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at OMA — Great · highly reviewed · 3 Bedale St Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. A great spot at 3 Bedale St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Begin at The View from The Shard — For breathtaking panoramic views of London, head to The View from The Shard. It's a must-see for any visitor wanting to grasp the city's vastness.

Continue on to Tower Bridge — Bridge — A visit to London isn't complete without seeing the iconic Tower Bridge. You can walk across it for free and enjoy fantastic views of the city and the River Thames. — about 0.5 mi from the previous stop.

Close the day around Tower of London — A historic castle on the north bank of the River Thames, the Tower of London is a must-see for its rich history and iconic status. Explore centuries of royal intrigue and see the Crown Jewels. — about 0.5 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Blacklock Covent Garden — Great · highly reviewed · 16a Bedford St Vibe / cuisine: Steak. Enjoy a prime cut of steak at Blacklock Covent Garden, perfect for a pre- or post-theatre meal.

Day 4 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom at a moderate pace.

Start with breakfast at The Buttery — Great · highly reviewed · 135-137 Ebury St Vibe / cuisine: Cafe. A great spot at 135-137 Ebury St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Palace of Westminster — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Riviera — Excellent · highly reviewed · 23 St James's St Vibe / cuisine: Modern French. An excellent spot at 23 St James's St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Begin at Buckingham Palace — Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch and a must-see for any visitor. Witness the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony for a quintessential British experience.

Break for lunch at Ekstedt at The Yard — Fine Dining — Experience fine dining at Ekstedt at The Yard, a restaurant known for its unique culinary approach. — about 0.8 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Osteria romana — Roman — Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at this highly-rated spot. It's a great place to experience traditional flavors. — about 0.9 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at HIDE — Good · highly reviewed · 85 Piccadilly Vibe / cuisine: Modern European. A good spot at 85 Piccadilly — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 5 of this 5-day London itinerary links stops best covered with short drives around United Kingdom at a moderate pace.

Start with breakfast at Eggbreak — Great · highly reviewed · 30 Uxbridge St Vibe / cuisine: Breakfast. A great spot at 30 Uxbridge St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Hyde Park — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Begin at Kensington Palace — Explore the historic State Apartments and beautiful gardens of Kensington Palace, a royal residence with centuries of stories to tell.

Close the day around Zip World London at ArcelorMittal Orbit — Experience the thrill of the world's tallest and fastest urban zip line, soaring over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It's a unique adventure offering incredible views of the London skyline. — about 7.9 mi from the previous stop.

Break for lunch at Carlotta — Excellent · highly reviewed · 77-78 Marylebone High St Vibe / cuisine: Italian. Pricing: Dinner ~$62 per person. An excellent spot at 77-78 Marylebone High St — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

L'Enclume — Excellent · highly reviewed · Grange-over-Sands, United Kingdom Vibe / cuisine: Fine Dining. Pricing: Dinner ~$275 per person. This fine dining establishment is a must-visit for a memorable culinary experience. Indulge in their exquisite dishes for a truly special meal.

Folkestone — Folkestone offers a quick escape for those craving salty seaside air. This artsy town boasts one of the closest sandy beaches to London, alongside a pebbly option. It's also home to the UK's largest beach spa, featuring saunas, a hot tub, plunge pools, and a wellness cafe.

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Highly rated stays near London — hotels at 4.5★ with 500+ reviews and a short hop from the main sights. Graded picks first.

Page8 - Page Hotels — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.1 mi from London This hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from your next destination, making it an ideal base for exploring the area.

Wilde Aparthotels, London, Covent Garden — Excellent · highly reviewed · ~0.3 mi from London Pricing: Typical nights from ~$325. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, Wilde Aparthotels offers a convenient base for exploring London. Its proximity to attractions makes it an ideal choice for a multi-day city adventure.

The Hoxton, Holborn — Good · highly reviewed · ~0.7 mi from London Located in the heart of Holborn, The Hoxton offers a stylish stay with easy access to London's vibrant attractions. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city's cultural landmarks and entertainment.

St. James' Court, A Taj Hotel, London — Good · highly reviewed · ~0.7 mi from London This hotel is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable stay with excellent service. Its convenient location makes it easy to explore the city.

Marriott pick: St. Ermin's Hotel, Autograph Collection — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.6 mi from London Pricing: Typical nights from ~$400. A great stay about 0.6 miles from the venue — practical when you want less transit stress.

A few rare, scenic Airbnb-style stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews). When pricing is sourced, we lean toward steal or reasonable nights — amenities included so you can compare at a glance.

GuestReady — Excellent · 4.8★ (1400 reviews) · ~1.2 mi from London · Fora Space, 31-35 Kirby St, London EC1N 8TE, United Kingdom Steal: great value for a scenic stay. Pricing: from 12% commission. Amenities: Online management; Multi-platform listings; Professional photography; Listing creation; Price optimisation; Marketing. Perks: Award-winning; Commission-based pricing from 12%; Handles pricing, guest communication, cleaning, compliance, and multi-platform management; Monitors 90-day rule short-let limit; Handles council applications and renewals; Coordinates lawful development certificates and council correspondence. GuestReady offers professional Airbnb management services in London, handling everything from guest communication and cleaning to compliance and multi-platform listings. They aim to help property owners maximize their rental income without the day-to-day hassle.

Houst — Great · 4.6★ (373 reviews) · ~2.2 mi from London · 5 Cranwood St, London EC1V 9GR, United Kingdom Steal: great value for a scenic stay. Pricing: Typical nights from ~12% to 18% fees. Amenities: Multi-platform listings; Professional photography; Listing setup & optimisation; Dynamic/smart pricing; Guest vetting; Check-ins. Perks: Revenue & Growth Forecasting; IT Support & Infrastructure; Property Managers Assistance & Training; Partnership Liquidity Assurance; Sustainable Hosting; Refer a friend. Houst offers comprehensive Airbnb management services in London, handling everything from listing optimization and dynamic pricing to guest communication and property maintenance. They aim to maximize your rental income while ensuring compliance with local regulations.

Scenic London Water Lodge Escape | Sleeps 6 — Well-reviewed Amenities: Free WiFi; Professionally Cleaned; Fully Equipped Kitchen; Full laundry facilities; Free parking. Perks: Self check-in; Spacious roof terrace; Stunning views across the water; Cosy living space; Premium quality high thread count fresh white linen; Decking at the back. Experience a unique stay on a stylish floating home with modern comforts and a memorable waterside setting. Enjoy stunning city views from the roof terrace after a day exploring nearby attractions like the London Museum Docklands.

Beautiful Unique Kensington & Chelsea Ground — Well-reviewed Amenities: Wifi; TV; Washer; Dryer; Kitchen essentials. Perks: Guest favorite; Exceptional check-in experience; Scenic and walkable area; South facing garden; Accessible for those less able. This centrally located ground floor apartment offers a bright and beautifully designed interior, perfect for exploring London's museums and fashionable King's Road. Enjoy the convenience of being a short walk from tube stations and the charm of a sunny garden.

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Top-rated restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near United Kingdom for this itinerary.

Fatt Pundit — Excellent · highly reviewed · 6 Maiden Ln Vibe / cuisine: Asian Fusion. Fatt Pundit offers a unique Asian Fusion experience. It's a great spot to try something different during your travels.

Osteria romana — Excellent · highly reviewed · 3-4 Park Cl Vibe / cuisine: Roman. Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at this highly-rated spot. It's a great place to experience traditional flavors.

Ekstedt at The Yard — Excellent · highly reviewed · 3-5 Great Scotland Yard Vibe / cuisine: Fine Dining. Experience fine dining at Ekstedt at The Yard, a restaurant known for its unique culinary approach.

Iconic British train journeys — Lowland routes include: London to Glasgow or London to Edinburgh. Highland routes include: London to Aberdeen, London to Inverness or London to Fort William.

The Ridgeway — This trail offers a fantastic hiking experience, with a notable section running from Tring to Princes Risborough. It's a great option for those looking to escape the city and enjoy the outdoors. Komoot maps are provided for inspiration but are not for direct navigation. Always conduct further research with your own map and ensure you are confident in navigating the route.

The Seven Sisters Cliff Walk — This iconic walk takes you from Seaford to Eastbourne along dramatic white cliffs. It's a stunning coastal path offering breathtaking views and a memorable hiking adventure. Komoot maps are provided for inspiration but are not for direct navigation. Always conduct further research with your own map and ensure you are confident in navigating the route.

The Chess Valley Walk — A scenic route stretching from Rickmansworth to Chesham, this walk meanders through the picturesque Chess Valley. It's an accessible and beautiful trail for a day out from London. Komoot maps are provided for inspiration but are not for direct navigation. Always conduct further research with your own map and ensure you are confident in navigating the route.