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Visiting London for the first time? Wondering what to see in London in 4 days? I’ve got you covered!
This 4 day London itinerary covers everything you’ll need to make the most of your time in the British capital.
From a day by day list of activities to tips on how to get around the city, the best places to eat and where to stay, this London 4 day itinerary will be your best travel companion.
London is definitely my kind of city: hectic, multicultural, creative, and always reinventing itself. It is posh and sophisticated but also rough and untamed.
I visited it twice already, and counting!
The first time I stayed for a whole week and hit all the top attractions, museums and parks. This was more than 10 years ago, but I still remember it fondly.
Last time, I spent 4 days in London with my boyfriend. It was his first time in the UK, so I ended up seeing many of the same places, but also explored some new neighborhoods and exciting areas.
The result is this 4 days in London itinerary to help you plan and enjoy your own trip to the UK’s capital.
Read More:
The ultimate 4 day London itinerary for 1st timers
How to get around London
First things first: how to get around London without getting overwhelmed.
London has a great public transportation network and you can virtually get anywhere in the city with the tube or bus.
The easiest and cheapest way to travel on London public transport is by using your contactless debit or credit card and pay as you go.
Just swipe your bank card at the ticket barriers when entering and exiting the tube and when entering the bus, and you’re good to go.
Contactless payment is very convenient – no more waiting in line to buy a ticket – and makes you feel like a local.
At the end of each day, your card is charged for the total cost of the journeys you made that day. The fare is the same as Oyster cards, as well as the daily cap.
Contactless cards also have a 7-day cap from Monday to Sunday.
If you don’t have a contactless card or if your bank charges overseas transaction fees, your next best option is to buy an Oyster card.
A Visitor Oyster card has an activation fee of £5 and can be ordered online here and delivered to your home address before you travel to London.
If you decide to buy your Oyster card in London you’ll have to pay a £5 deposit, which you’ll get back in cash once you cancel the card.
If you’re staying in central London for 6 days or more, buying a 7-day Travelcard that you can load on your standard Oyster card (this option is not available for Visitor Oyster cards) can save you money.
The 7-day Travelcard costs exactly the same as the contactless card 7-day cap, but it can start any day of the week, while the contactless 7-day cap runs only from Monday to Sunday.
Ok, now that we’ve covered the basics of the London public transportation system, we’re ready to start exploring.
Pro tip: If you’re planning to visit two or more London attractions, you may also want to get the London Explorer Pass to save yourself time and money.
Day 1 – Hit the top attractions
Tower of London
Start your four days in London by visiting the city’s top attractions.
Among them, the Tower of London stands out as one of its most important monuments.
Dating back to the 11th century, the tower, which is actually a fortress, is a great introduction to the history of London.
It had many uses over the years, from palace and royal residence to prison and site of execution.
Today it’s home to the Crown Jewels and the Royal Armories, and one of the most visited sights in London.
Arrive early to beat the crowds and watch the unlocking of the tower ceremony that takes place daily at 9 am.
You can buy your ticket to the Tower of London here.
Tower Bridge
Just a short walk from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London and another must-see.
Built between 1886 and 1894, this beautiful bascule bridge over the River Thames is one of the most famous bridges in the world.
The Tower Bridge Exhibition tells the story of the building, including a visit to the old steam engines now replaced by electricity.
The upper glass floor walkways offer panoramic views of London, as well as a unique perspective of the bridge and the river below.
South Bank
Cross the Thames and stroll along London’s South Bank for the best views over Tower Bridge and the city’s skyline.
Besides gorgeous views, South Bank offers a great peek into London’s fascinating street life.
It’s one of my favorite walks in London.
I love wandering through its food markets and book fairs, admiring the street art, watching the street performers, and just taking in the vibrant energy of the area.
Millennium Bridge
Inaugurated in 2000, the modern Millennium Bridge is the youngest of the many bridges crossing the River Thames.
Made of steel, this beautiful pedestrian bridge connects the Tate Modern, in the South Bank, with the City and St. Paul’s Cathedral, in the North Bank.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The remarkable St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most impressive buildings in London.
It is the most important and largest church in the city and the second-largest in the country.
Its dome dominates London’s skyline and is one of the highest in the world.
Over more than 300 years, this majestic cathedral has witnessed many state funerals and royal celebrations, including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
St. Paul’s Cathedral’s outstanding interior and the 360-degree views of London make it well worthy of a visit.
You can buy discounted fast-track entrance tickets to St. Paul’s Cathedral here.
London Eye
Back to the South Bank, enjoy a ride on the London Eye for some breathtaking views of the city.
The London Eye is the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe and the second-highest viewpoint in London, after The Shard, so you’re bound to have an exciting and fun experience.
It’s also the most popular paid tourist attraction in the whole of the UK.
Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to avoid waiting in line.
Book your ticket to the London Eye here and avoid the lines.
Houses of Parliament
The sight of the magnificent Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and the famous Big Ben, is impossible to miss from the South Bank.
This sumptuous neo-Gothic style palace is one of the best-known buildings in the world and the epicenter of British political life.
It is the seat of the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two chambers of the Parliament of the UK.
But its most famous feature is the clock tower commonly named Big Ben.
At the time of my visit, the tower was undergoing maintenance work (which was expected to continue until 2020) and was completely covered except for its clock.
But don’t let this put you off visiting this spectacular palace.
You can take a tour of the building or, even better, watch a debate when the Parliament is in session (free of charge).
Book your tour of the Parliament here or check the Parliamentary calendar here.
Westminster Abbey
End your first day in London in another one of its most prominent landmarks.
Westminster Abbey was one of the places that impressed me the most on my first visit to London.
As beautiful as rich in history, the church has a special aura about it.
It is the place of coronation for all British monarchs since the 11th century. The Coronation Chair, dating back to the early 14th century, can be seen here at the Lady Chapel.
Most monarchs until the 18th century were also buried at Westminster Abbey, as well as many national figures, from writers like Geoffrey Chaucer and Charles Dickens, to scientists such as Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, and, more recently, Stephen Hawking.
Over the centuries, 16 royal weddings were celebrated here, the last of which was in 2011 between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
You can buy your Westminster Abbey entrance ticket here (with free cancellation).
Day 2 – Royal and political London
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
On your second day in London, wake up early and get ready for a quintessential London experience.
The Changing of the Guard takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 am, on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II.
The ceremony, which includes Foot Guards in red uniforms and bearskin hats and an accompanying musical band, lasts around 45 minutes and is very popular.
Arrive at least 30 minutes earlier to get a good spot.
I need to be honest here and tell you I found the whole thing a little too long and boring, and Buckingham Palace a bit underwhelming, at least from the outside (I didn’t visit inside).
But this is one of those experiences you need to have at least once.
The Changing of the Guard is free of charge.
You can get a ticket to the Queen’s Gallery at Buckingham Palace here.
St James’s Park
Next, have a pause at St James’s Park, one of the four royal parks that spread around Buckingham Palace.
St James’s Park is one of the loveliest London parks.
Its lake is home to ducks, geese, swans, and even some pelicans.
Rent a deckchair and enjoy the wildlife and the views of the city.
Please be a conscientious traveler and do not feed the wildlife. This may seem like a harmless thing to do, but it can really make the birds sick and destroy their ecosystem. So please, don’t.
No 10 Downing Street
From St James’s Park, head to Whitehall.
This street connecting Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square is considered UK’s political center.
Many government departments and ministries have their address here, as well as several memorials and monuments.
Make sure to take a peek at No 10 Downing Street, the official and famous residence of the British prime minister, and at the next door Cabinet Office.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is London’s most important and vibrant square.
It’s also the best spot in London for people and city watching.
I love sitting here after a walk through the city and watching the world go by.
The square is a meeting point for street performers, sports celebrations, political protests, festivals, and Christmas and New Year’s Eve festivities.
So there’s always something going on here any time of the year.
The National Gallery, one of the biggest and most visited art museums in the world, is also located here.
I visited it during my first time in London and can’t recommend it enough.
Admission is free for all London public museums, including the National Gallery.
Covent Garden
The colorful Covent Garden district is a hub for shopping, food, and entertainment.
It’s easy to spend hours here browsing the high-end boutiques and independent stores, eating and drinking in one of the many restaurants, pubs, and bars, or seeing a musical in London.
If you’re short on time head to the lively Covent Garden Piazza, the central square where street performers vie for attention and an old fruit and vegetable market is now a popular shopping center and craft fair.
Chinatown and Soho
End your day with dinner in Chinatown and a drink in the bohemian Soho.
London’s Chinatown may not be as big as New York’s or overwhelming as Bangkok’s, but it’s certainly worthy of a visit.
Soho is London’s most famous nightlife district. The area is home to world-class restaurants and some of the best bars and clubs in the UK capital.
Piccadilly Circus
Before going to bed, make one last stop at the nearby Piccadilly Circus to admire the famous video and neon signs.
During the day, Piccadilly is one of London’s busiest squares and traffic junctions.
After dark, its proximity to many theatres and nightlife areas makes it a popular gathering point for people of all ages.
I must confess Piccadilly Circus impressed me much more when I first visited London in 2005.
Over the years, the number of advertising signs has been decreasing due to higher rental prices, and now only one building has them.
Nevertheless, it remains an emblematic and mandatory place to visit in London.
Day 3 – Go shopping
Notting Hill
The third of your 4 days London itinerary starts at one of the most picturesque and Instagrammable London neighborhoods: Notting Hill.
The cute pastel houses, trendy shops, and charming pubs look like straight out of a movie set. And in fact, they were, more than once.
Spend your morning strolling along Portobello Road, shopping at the famous Portobello Market, and visiting famous film locations, like the romantic bookstore that inspired the 1999 movie with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.
Saturday is when Portobello Market is at its best, but Notting Hill is lovely any day of the week.
The district is also famous for the iconic Electric Cinema, the oldest cinema in the UK, and Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place annually on the last weekend of August.
If you’d like to explore Notting Hill like a local and learn more about the area, I highly recommend taking a walking tour with a local expert guide.
Oxford Street
In the afternoon, head to Oxford Street for some more shopping.
With more than 300 stores, Oxford Street is London’s major shopping avenue and the busiest commercial street in all of Europe.
You can’t leave London without visiting this shopper’s paradise and spending some money here.
Liberty
End your shopping excursion at Liberty, the most beautiful department store in London.
Located in a Tudor-style house, the upscale Liberty is, however, as charming as expensive.
But the unique atmosphere and gorgeous goods are worth the visit itself.
I’m not much of a shopper myself but I loved this place so much and couldn’t resist buying a thing or two from the beauty section as a souvenir.
Day 4 – Explore the East End
Columbia Road
Dedicate your last day in London to exploring the alternative and multicultural East End.
Start at the picturesque Columbia Road and admire the Victorian buildings and the bright wooden shop facades.
On Sundays, the popular Columbia Road Flower Market takes over this otherwise quiet street with hundreds of plants, colors, perfumes, and a lot of fun.
Brick Lane
Brick Lane is famous for its curry houses and multiethnic immigrant population that settled here over the centuries.
Also known as Banglatown, it is the center of the Bangladeshi community in London, which explains the many curry restaurants you can find along this street sometimes called the UK’s curry capital.
Brick Lane Great Mosque, which was over time a church, a Methodist chapel, and a synagogue, is another testimony of this multicultural past.
Today, Brick Lane attracts also a young and artsy crowd, with its street art, galleries, nightclubs, and vintage markets every Sunday.
Shoreditch
From the birthplace of the hipster subculture in the early 2000s to the creative and tech hub that is today, Shoreditch surely remains one of the coolest London neighborhoods.
Street art and art galleries, quirky bars and trendy restaurants, independent boutiques and vintage shops, tech startups and popular nightclubs, co-working spaces, and the world’s first pop-up mall (the Boxpark) make up the vibrant atmosphere of Shoreditch.
This was my first time in Shoreditch and I absolutely loved it.
I definitely recommend spending some time here shopping, eating, drinking, or just enjoying the district’s unique energy.
Another great option is to join a street art walking tour of Shoreditch and Brick Lane to see some Banksy murals, among many other artists.
Tate Modern
End your day at the Tate Modern, one of the largest and most popular modern art museums in the world.
Located in the South Bank, in a former power station, the Tate Modern has an impressive collection of more than 60 thousand art pieces, including works by Andy Warhol, Picasso, Matisse, or Salvador Dali.
The permanent collection is on constant rotation, meaning that even if you’re visiting for a second time like I was, you’ll always be surprised by something new.
The terrace on the top floor offers stunning panoramic views of London and is just one more reason to visit the museum.
Admission to the permanent exhibition and the viewing deck is free of charge.
If you have more time in London
Madame Tussauds
I know it’s cheesy, but I always have a lot of fun at Madame Tussauds wax museum.
I love taking pictures with all the celebrities and this time was particularly impressed with the Star Wars experience and the 4D movie.
Book your ticket here and skip the lines.
Regent’s Park
Right next to Madame Tussauds, Regent’s Park is a beautiful green area including the lovely Regent’s Canal, a central lake, sports pitches, Queen Mary’s Gardens, and an open-air theatre.
It’s also a great place to roll out your yoga mat and practice amidst nature.
Camden Town
Located in North London, Camden is a lively and captivating district whether day or night.
Camden Market is one of the top attractions here.
Take a day trip outside the city
Check out the best day trips from London here.
Recommended places to eat in London
So Restaurant, Soho
We ate here on our first night in London with our friend Chiaki, a Japanese journalist based in the UK’s capital.
According to her, So Restaurant is one of the best and most authentic Japanese restaurants in London.
I’m no specialist, but I can tell you everything was absolutely delicious.
And I even learned to eat sushi the proper way: with my hands and not with chopsticks.
Forge & Co, Shoreditch
This restaurant slash bar slash coworking space conquered us with its delicious food, friendly staff, and laid-back atmosphere.
We had the lunch menu and really loved the food and local feel.
This is the perfect place to take a peek into Shoreditch local life.
Borough Market, South Bank
Borough Market is the oldest and best food market in London.
From fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, to cheese, pastry, and street food from all over the world, this place is a foodie’s paradise.
The full market is open from Wednesday to Saturday, with Saturday being the busiest day. On Mondays and Tuesdays, only a limited market takes place.
Monohon Ramen, Old Street
This unpretentious ramen restaurant in the East End was another recommendation from our friend Chiaki.
She has been living in London for a year now and considers this to be the best ramen place in the city.
This was my first ramen experience, and I surely couldn’t have asked for a better start. I’ve had ramen again since then, but nothing that compares to the quality of the one I ate here.
Highly recommended!
Canela, Covent Garden
We found this place by chance and were pleasantly surprised.
Canela is a small and cozy Portuguese restaurant in the heart of Covent Garden.
They serve classic Portuguese dishes with a modern and sophisticated touch.
We had mushrooms filled with chorizo and fresh herbs topped with São Jorge (Azores) cheese, traditional smoked game sausage with fried quail eggs, and Canela’s classic salt cod, potato, egg, and salad.
As a Portuguese myself, I can guarantee you everything was just perfect!
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a quintessential London experience and you can’t possibly visit the British capital without indulging in this delicious treat.
You can go for high tea in almost every hotel and many restaurants and bakeries around the city. If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, there are also several great options for a vegan afternoon tea in London.
Where to stay in London
The East London Hotel
This stylish hotel located in Bethnal Green, within walking distance from trendy Shoreditch and just a short tube ride from central London, is perfect for those who want to stay close to all the action.
Recently inaugurated, The East London Hotel offers great value for money in one of London’s most vibrant areas.
Some rooms are on the small side, but you probably won’t spend much time inside anyway.
There’s also a restaurant and cocktail bar on-site.
Click here for more info and booking.
The Resident Soho
The Resident Soho is an affordable luxury boutique hotel situated in the heart of another exciting London district: Soho.
The hotel is also just a 2-minute walk from Oxford Street, the city’s main shopping artery.
Close to all the top attractions and to some of the best shops, restaurants, bars, and clubs in London, this 4-star hotel offers comfortable and spacious design rooms, with an en-suite bathroom and free wi-fi.
If you’re looking for smart luxury combined with a great location, look no further.
Click here for more info and booking.
What to do in London for 4 days, where to eat, and where to stay – this detailed itinerary covers it all. Now all you need to do is pack your bags and go.
From my side, I promise it won’t take me another decade to get back to London!
More travel tips
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.
They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.
You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.
Cheap flights
Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.
Accommodation
When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.
Yoga Retreats
Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.
Tours
GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.
Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.
Car Rentals
Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.
Have you been to London? What would you add to this 4 day London itinerary? Share in the comments section below!
Read more:
- 3 Days in Lisbon: The Ultimate Lisbon Itinerary by a Local
- Paris 4 Day Itinerary for First-Timers
- Zagreb Itinerary: How to Spend 4 Days in Zagreb, Croatia
- Budapest 4 Day Itinerary for 1st Timers
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Michelle says
These are such great suggestions thank you. I just returned from London and now wish I had found these suggestions before going, definitely feel I missed out and now I know for sure I did! Haven’t heard of South Bank, I can see through your pics why it’s one of your fav walks – would love to see it next time we go 🙂