London travel guide

🇬🇧 London · Itinerary

4 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary

Four days covers London’s landmarks, a couple of world-class (free) museums and a market or show, grouped by area so you’re not crossing the city twice a day. The Tube ties it all together.

Best for: First-timers who want the icons, the museums and a proper London evening.

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Day 1: Royal & political London

Based around Westminster

Morning

Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament with Big Ben, then a walk past Downing Street.

Afternoon

St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace (catch the Changing of the Guard if it’s on), then Trafalgar Square.

Evening

The West End — dinner in Soho and a theatre show.

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Day 2: Tower & the river

Based around The City & South Bank

Morning

The Tower of London (book ahead) and Tower Bridge.

Afternoon

Cross to the South Bank: Borough Market for lunch, then the riverside walk past the Globe and Tate Modern.

Evening

Drinks with a view — a South Bank rooftop or the Sky Garden (free, book ahead).

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Day 3: Museums & markets

Based around Bloomsbury & Covent Garden

Morning

The British Museum (free) — pick a couple of wings, don’t try to do it all.

Afternoon

Covent Garden’s piazza and street performers, then a wander through Soho.

Evening

Dinner in Covent Garden or Chinatown.

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Day 4: Museums or Greenwich

Based around Kensington or Greenwich

Morning

South Kensington’s free museums (Natural History or V&A) and a walk in Hyde Park — or take the boat to Greenwich.

Afternoon

Greenwich: the Royal Observatory, the Cutty Sark and the park view; or browse Notting Hill/Portobello.

Evening

A classic pub dinner to finish.

London itinerary tips

  • Just tap a contactless card or phone on the Tube and buses — no need to buy tickets.
  • The best museums (British Museum, National Gallery, Tate, NHM, V&A) are free — that takes pressure off the budget.
  • Book the Tower of London, any show and the Sky Garden ahead of time.

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