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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2

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).

Book tours & tickets near The City & South Bank
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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.

Book tours & tickets near Bloomsbury & Covent Garden
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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.

Book tours & tickets near Kensington or Greenwich

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.

Where to stay in London

London is huge, so the win is staying near a Tube line that suits your plans. Central zones cost more but save hours; east and south-west offer character for less.

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Prices compared across Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com and more on one map.

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London itinerary FAQs

Is 4 days enough for London?

Yes — 4 days is a great length to see London's highlights at a comfortable pace. It's best for first-timers who want the icons, the museums and a proper London evening. The plan groups sights by area so each day flows naturally instead of criss-crossing the city.

How should I spend 4 days in London?

Spend it like this: Day 1 is Royal & political London (Westminster), Day 2 is Tower & the river (The City & South Bank), Day 3 is Museums & markets (Bloomsbury & Covent Garden), Day 4 is Museums or Greenwich (Kensington or Greenwich). Each day is built around one area to keep walking and transport to a minimum.

Which areas does this London itinerary cover?

It's based around Westminster, The City & South Bank, Bloomsbury & Covent Garden, Kensington or Greenwich — chosen so you explore one part of London per day.

What should I know before visiting London?

Just tap a contactless card or phone on the Tube and buses — no need to buy tickets.

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