BFI London Film Festival: a 5-day travel itinerary (Luxury)

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

Accommodation: $220–400 per night. Food: $90–150 per day. Activities & tours: $80–160 per day. Transport: $60–110 per day (car share, transit, or short transfers).

Typical daily total: $420–680. Typical 5-day total: $2,100–3,400. 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.

Start with breakfast at Fallow — Great · highly reviewed · 52 Haymarket Vibe / cuisine: Modern British. A great spot at 52 Haymarket — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

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

Break for lunch at Scully — Excellent · highly reviewed · 4 St James's Market Vibe / cuisine: Fine dining. An excellent spot at 4 St James's Market — 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 West End is London's premier theatre district, offering a dazzling array of world-class shows. It's the perfect place to catch a musical, play, or comedy after a day of exploring the city.

Break for lunch at Evelyn's Table — Fine Dining — Dinner ~$140 per person — Evelyn's Table is a fine dining establishment perfect for a special evening out. Enjoy their exquisite culinary creations in an elegant atmosphere. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Bantof — This restaurant is a highly-rated spot perfect for a meal during your travels. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Continue on to Tower of London — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Wind down with dinner at Tattu London — Great · highly reviewed · The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St Vibe / cuisine: Asian. A great spot at The Now Building Rooftop, Outernet, Denmark St — 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.

Start with breakfast at The Ned London — Good · highly reviewed · 27 Poultry Vibe / cuisine: Hotel. A good spot at 27 Poultry — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to The Shard — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch 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.

Begin at Tower Bridge — bridge — A true London icon, Tower Bridge offers stunning views and a fascinating glimpse into Victorian engineering. It's a must-see landmark that provides a memorable experience for any visitor.

Continue on to 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. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Close the day around London Wall — Explore a remnant of Roman London by visiting the London Wall. It's a fascinating piece of history that offers a glimpse into the city's ancient past. — an easy walk from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner 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.

Day 3 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom.

Start with breakfast at The Delaunay — Good · highly reviewed · 55 Aldwych Vibe / cuisine: Austrian. A good spot at 55 Aldwych — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Continue on to Tower Bridge — a well-reviewed sight that rewards a slow visit.

Break for lunch at Flat Iron Covent Garden — Great · highly reviewed · 17-18 Henrietta St Vibe / cuisine: Steak. Pricing: Dinner ~$14 per person. Enjoy a delicious steak dinner at Flat Iron Covent Garden, conveniently located near many West End theaters.

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

Continue on to The London Dungeon — Step back in time and experience the gruesome and dramatic history of London. It's a thrilling and immersive attraction that brings the city's dark past to life. — about 1.4 mi from the previous stop.

Close the day around 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 of London's famous landmarks from above. — about 1.4 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at The Ritz Restaurant — Great · highly reviewed · 150 Piccadilly Vibe / cuisine: Fine dining. Pricing: from £150 per person. A great spot at 150 Piccadilly — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 4 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom.

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 London Eye — 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. An excellent spot at 3-5 Great Scotland Yard — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Begin at Trafalgar Square — Plaza — Trafalgar Square is a bustling public plaza in the heart of London, famous for its iconic fountains, Nelson's Column, and the National Gallery. It's a great spot to soak in the city's atmosphere and people-watch.

Continue on to 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. — about 0.6 mi from the previous stop.

Close the day around 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. — about 0.8 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at Kitchen Table — Excellent · highly reviewed · 70 Charlotte St. Vibe / cuisine: European. An excellent spot at 70 Charlotte St. — useful when you want a crowd-tested meal without gambling on a random reservation.

Day 5 of this 5-day London itinerary stays walkable around United Kingdom.

PrivateUpgrades: Discover & Book Luxury Hotels Worldwide — Complimentary room or suite upgrades (subject to availability) · Daily breakfast for up to two guests · A hotel credit of 100 USD (for Spa, dining, or activities) Source: privateupgrades.com

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.

Break for lunch at Osteria romana — Roman — Dinner ~$28 per person — Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at this highly-rated spot. It's a great place to experience traditional Italian flavors. — about 1.1 mi from the previous stop.

Wind down with dinner at VATAVARAN — Modern Indian — Experience modern Indian cuisine at VATAVARAN, a highly-rated spot perfect for a flavorful meal during your travels. — about 1.1 mi from the previous stop.

Osteria romana — Excellent · highly reviewed · London, United Kingdom Vibe / cuisine: Roman. Pricing: Dinner ~$28 per person. Enjoy authentic Roman cuisine at this highly-rated spot. It's a great place to experience traditional Italian flavors.

Greenwich — Discover Greenwich with a private driver-guide and a scenic Thames River Cruise. Explore the Royal Observatory, Cutty Sark, and Maritime Greenwich with expert commentary and priority access. This tour has a 7-hour duration including a lunch stop. Source: luxuryvacationsuk.com

The Old City of London — Explore the Old City of London with a private guide and visit St Paul's Cathedral, the Guildhall, and other historic interiors. Discover Roman ruins, medieval streets, hidden courtyards, and 2,000 years of history. Travel by Black Taxi, Tube, and Taxi Cab. This tour has a 7-hour duration including a lunch stop. Source: luxuryvacationsuk.com

The British Museum — Discover the secrets of the British Museum with an expert archaeologist and guide. This museum is also a stop on the family tour of London, which includes Harry Potter film locations. An expert guided tour is 2 hours and 30 minutes. The family tour is 7 hours including a lunch stop. Source: luxuryvacationsuk.com

Tower of London — Explore the historic Tower of London, a must-see landmark in the capital, from the comfort of a luxury vehicle on an exclusive private chauffeured tour. Private cars provide pick-up and drop-off from across London between Zones 1-3. Source: evanevanstours.com

Browse tours on Viator · Browse tours on TourRadar

Premium stays near London — highly rated hotels and resorts (4.5★, 500+ reviews) with room for upscale nightly rates when sourced.

The Soho Hotel — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.5 mi from London Pricing: from £545 per room, per night. Located just over half a mile from your current location, The Soho Hotel is a great option for your stay. Its high Google rating suggests a positive guest experience.

1 Hotel Mayfair — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.6 mi from London Pricing: from $450. This hotel is a great option for travelers looking for a comfortable stay with a good rating. Its convenient location makes it easy to explore the surrounding area.

The Londoner — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.2 mi from London Pricing: from $254. Located just a short walk from its surroundings, The Londoner offers a convenient base for exploring the area.

Rosewood London — Great · highly reviewed · ~0.8 mi from London Rosewood London is a luxurious hotel located 0.82 miles from your current location. With a 4.7-star rating from over 3,600 reviews, it offers a highly-rated stay.

Marriott pick: Hotel Xenia, Autograph Collection — Great · highly reviewed · ~2.8 mi from London Hotel Xenia, Autograph Collection is a great option for your stay, offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploring the area.

Distinctive Airbnb-style villas and scenic stays (4.5★+, 100+ reviews) for a private luxury base.

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% of your rental revenue; Earn up to 60% more than long-lets; Local team handles pricing, guest communication, cleaning, compliance, and multi-platform management; Monitors 90-day rule short-let limit; Handles council applications and renewals. 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 income from short-term rentals.

Houst — Great · 4.6★ (374 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: professional photography; listing setup; dynamic pricing; guest vetting; check-ins; linen & toiletries. Perks: earn up to 30% more with our unique pricing strategy; manage your property within local regulations; track your night count so you stay compliant; pricing covers listing setup, dynamic pricing, guest comms, cleaning coordination and performance reporting; London is one of the strongest short-let markets in the UK, with high nightly rates and year-round demand; professional management lifts revenue by optimising pricing and occupancy. 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 and ensure compliance with local regulations, making short-term letting hassle-free.

Scenic London Water Lodge Escape | Sleeps 6 — Well-reviewed Amenities: Free WiFi; Professionally Cleaned; Fully Equipped Kitchen; Free parking; Full size beds; Decking at the back. Perks: Unique living experience right in the heart of London; Fantastic views of the City; Peaceful waterside retreat; Stylish floating home; Modern comfort; Memorable setting. Experience a unique stay on a stylish floating home in Poplar Marina, offering modern comfort and stunning city views. It's an ideal tranquil retreat perfect for exploring London's attractions with easy access to transport and amenities.

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 airy 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 added bonus of a sunny garden.

Find stays on VRBO · Find stays on IHG Hotels & Resorts · Find stays on Expedia · Find stays on Booking.com

Fine dining and standout restaurants (4.5★+, 500+ reviews) near United Kingdom for this luxury itinerary.

VATAVARAN — Excellent · highly reviewed · 14-15 Beauchamp Pl Vibe / cuisine: Modern Indian. Experience modern Indian cuisine at VATAVARAN, a highly-rated spot perfect for a flavorful meal during your travels.

Bantof — Excellent · highly reviewed · 31 Great Windmill St Vibe / cuisine: Restaurant. This restaurant is a highly-rated spot perfect for a meal during your travels.

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. Source: visitbritain.com

8 of the most scenic train journeys in the UK — The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, 5. Strathspey Railway, 7. Severn Valley Railway, Worcestershire and Shropshire. Cambrian Coast Railway, ... Source: nationalgeographic.com

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. Source: muchbetteradventures.com

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. Source: muchbetteradventures.com

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. Source: muchbetteradventures.com

Spend-based hotel perks and premium credit card travel benefits tied to London — lounge access, dining and event credits, transport upgrades, and exclusive booking extras. Confirm current card and property terms before you rely on them.

Rosewood London | Fine Hotels + Resorts — A one-category room upgrade at check-in, when available† Credit: $100 credit towards eligible food & beverage charges. Complimentary Wi-Fi Guaranteed 4pm check ... Source: americanexpress.com

The Langham, London — Experience the quintessential British hotel stay at The Langham, London, a true London icon since 1865. This 5-star hotel offers elegant accommodations, world-class dining, and unparalleled service, making it a perfect base for exploring the city. Book an Executive Room or Suite to enjoy exclusive access to The Langham Club Lounge, which offers culinary privileges, private meeting spaces, and dedicated concierge services. Source: langhamhotels.com

Artesian — Indulge in a feast for the senses at Artesian, one of The Langham, London's renowned dining establishments. It's a great place to experience contemporary European cuisine and expertly crafted cocktails. Source: langhamhotels.com

Palm Court — Palm Court at The Langham, London is the ideal spot to treat yourself to traditional British afternoon tea sets. It's a classic experience within a luxurious setting. Source: langhamhotels.com