I have been living in London for almost 8 years now and in these 8 years I have fallen in love, head over heels, with this city that I call my second home, my current home!
When I am not travelling abroad, I am that quintessential local tourist exploring the various London neighbourhoods, each unique in its own respect; taking long walks by the river; trying out exciting new flavours in restaurants and food markets; clicking pictures of the many, many Instagrammable places that the city is brimming with.
My experience with London has guaranteed me the official tour guide and trip planner for any of my friends and family who visit us and I think it’s high time that I shared it on the blog 😉 In fact, a friend recently asked me why I don’t have a London Itinerary on the blog. To be honest, I had no answer.
So, here it is – The ultimate London travel guide by a local Londoner (ahem ahem!) and the perfect itinerary for spending 4 days in London, UK.
London can be very overwhelming for the first time visitors. You want to pack in it all – sightseeing, museums, monuments, parks, markets, restaurants and nightlife. There’s always so much to see and almost always so little time. In this post, I will share the best things to do and places to see, where to stay and eat, what to pack along with some practical tips to make the most of your time. I hope my London travel guide will help you plan your ultimate and unforgettable trip to London, one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Getting there – London Airports
There are currently 6 airports in and around London. Crazy, right? I wasn’t joking about the overwhelming bit! Check out my London Airport Guide for a quick summary of all the airports and choose the one that’s right for you.
Here are some useful links for planning your journey to/from the airport and booking the tickets.
Trainline – For booking train tickets for outside London.
National Express: For booking bus tickets for outside London.
TFL – Journey planner within London, status updates for all Underground/Overground/DLR/TFL Rail services.
Public Transport in London
London has a fantastic public transport system with a large network of Underground, Overground, DLR, Buses, Bikes and Ferry services. It is very extensive but is quite easy to understand. Generally speaking, the Underground train service or the Tube, as it is called here, will be your fastest mode of transport to get from from point A to B. London is divided into 9 zones which determine the travel fares and most of the major tourist attractions are in Zone 1.
Tickets
Instead of buying single paper tickets, I would highly recommend buying a “Pay as you go” Oyster Card. Oyster card is a smart card that you can use to make any journey within London by touching in and out on a yellow card reader at the stations. There is a daily price cap that allows you to make as many journeys as you want but there will be no extra charge once you reach a certain amount (different on different modes of public transport).
This electronic Oyster Card can be purchased at ticket counters in big stations or at Transport for London stalls at the airports. You pay a £5 deposit and extra credit on it to use up on your journeys. It is easily possible to top it up again at the ticket machines on all major stations. Once you are ready to leave London, deactivate the Oyster card at the ticket counter and get your deposit as well as any remaining credit back.
If you have a contactless bank card, you can use it in place of Oyster card. The fares will be the same, just touch in and out in the same way that you’d use the Oyster card.
For more details, click here.
Where to stay in London
There are various London neighbourhoods that could be vying for the ideal place to stay during your visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning tourist, you would want to be centrally located and preferably well within walking distance of public transport, ideally Tube. You would also need to factor in the ease of getting to and from the airport. No one wants to lose their precious time on travel when you could be sightseeing, specially if you have a jam-packed itinerary. Since most of the tourist sights are in Zone 1, it would make sense to stay in Zone 1 too as it will help you save on the ticket fares.
Keeping all these points in mind, my top areas to stay in London for tourists would be Covent Garden, Mayfair, Kings Cross, Knightsbridge and London Bridge.
When to visit London
If you ask me, it’s always a good time to visit London. This bustling city is always busy and does not know the concept of off-peak season 😉 Late Spring and Summer months are perfect because the sun doesn’t set until late and you can take advantage of the long days. Christmas is also a great time to visit London when the city is wrapped up and glowing in the festive cheer.
Read: Click here and here for the best Christmas Decorations in London.
What to pack for London
These are my general tips on what to pack for London because everyone has different needs. Pack clothes that are comfortable yet stylish (Londoners are quite trendy!). Dress in layers because the weather can be unpredictable. A sturdy umbrella and a good pair of walking shoes are a must.
Where to eat in London
London has a fantastic food scene and you will be spoilt for choices. Try to schedule your sightseeing so that you are around a food market at lunch time. With affordable and freshly prepared food, borrowing flavours from around the world, street food markets are a must for every foodie. Also, there will be many options which is great if you’re travelling in a group. Those who are on a tight budget or short on time should look out for affordable eateries like Pret, Eat, Pilpel, Wasabi, etc. For sit-down meals, use Trip Advisor to find good restaurants as it will allow you to filter on budget, area and cuisine. If you have a sweet tooth, you should definitely book yourself an afternoon tea experience.
4-Day Itinerary for first-time visitors and tourists
I have designed this itinerary for first-time visitors in London keeping in mind that you have full 4 days to explore London. I have optimised it using my local knowledge to group together the sights that are nearer to each other and are very easy to get to from each other thus making it a very efficient itinerary.
This is an ideal 4 day London itinerary for Spring/Summer when the days are longer. In winter, you may need 5 days in London to see all of this. It also depends on your pace and interests. Don’t worry if you are not able to do it all and feel free to customise it based on your liking 🙂
Make sure you book all your attractions tickets online in advance so that you save precious time and can also tailor the itinerary depending on the tickets booked.
Day 1
Day 1 in London begins at Tower of London and will involve a lot of walking. In fact, this is one of my favourite London walking routes with lovely riverside views and iconic landmarks. The nearest stations are Tower Hill (Tube) and Tower Gateway (DLR).
Tower of London
Tower of London is a medieval castle built in the 11th century on the Thames river. This UNESCO World Heritage Site was once notorious for being a prison and a place of torture and execution. Today it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London where you can explore the grounds of this fortress, see the guardian ravens, the royal armoury exhibits and the Crown Jewels, a collection of over 20,000 gemstones including the Koh-i-Noor (my Indian friends would know 🙂 ).
Note: Try to get here as soon as it opens, that’s either 9 am or 10 am depending on the time of the year. Allow 2 hours to visit. Click here for details on tickets and opening hours.
Tower Bridge
Now make your way towards Tower Bridge. One of the most iconic London landmarks and one of my favourites, Tower Bridge is a majestic bridge made of two stone towers and blue and white metal suspensions. It is possible to tour the engine rooms as well as walk the glass corridor at the top of the bridge for a price if you’re interested in it.
Note: Allow an hour to visit for crossing the bridge on foot and clicking photos from either side. Believe me, there will be a lot of photos 😉 If you’re lucky, you may be able to see the central part of the bridge being raised in order to let a ship pass.
Photo Spots nearby – St Katherine Docks and Shad Thames
St Katherine Docks is a marina full of docked boats and yachts. There are many cafes and restaurants in the area including the pub Dickens Inn which looks absolutely lovely decked in flowers during the Summer. For some beautiful photos of the Tower Bridge, consider walking along the river on the Shad Thames side (Butler’s Wharf Pier).
The Shard
Walk along the river on the other side towards The Shard, which at 95 storeys, is the tallest building in UK and Western Europe. It gets its name because of the glass shards design at the top. The highest habitable floor is the 72nd one which has a viewing gallery and open-air observation deck. The building also has offices, residential apartments, 3 restaurants and a five star hotel.
Note: Undoubtedly, the View from the Shard is high on every tourist’s list. However, having done it once already during peak summer, I wouldn’t really recommend it. It was expensive and extremely crowded in a small space with everyone trying to get a spot near the glass walls. I would rather recommend booking a meal or an afternoon tea in one of the restaurants at Shard if you are ok with the expense (you will have to book way in advance) or to get your “London View” fix from Sky Garden instead which is free (more on it later in this post)!
If you decide to go up to Shard’s viewing gallery, allow an hour to visit.
Borough Market
Borough Market is a historic market featuring stalls and shops of fresh produce like fruits, vegetables, fish and bread, small-scale artisan products and flowers. It’s a bustling marketplace with a great vibe set in a heritage building. You must be hungry by now and Borough Market is an excellent place to grab some lunch. There are amazing food stalls that serve not only British specialties but food from all over the world.
Note: Allow 1 hour to visit. Borough Market is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Shakespeare’s Globe
Make your way back to the riverside and soon you will see Shakespeare’s Globe on your left. This theatre is a replica of a 16th century timber-framed playhouse that was associated with William Shakespeare’s plays.
Tate Modern
Further ahead is Tate Modern. It’s a famous London museum running free as well as ticketed exhibitions on modern and contemporary art from 1900 till date. Don’t miss a chance to go up to the viewing level (free entry) in Tate Modern with panoramic views of London skyline and Thames river.
Millenium Bridge
It’s now time to cross from the South Bank of the river to the North Bank via Millenium Bridge. This modern steel suspension pedestrian bridge is a great photo spot with a fabulous view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Paul’s Cathedral
The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is an unmissable part of London’s skyline. This magnificent cathedral is not only stunning from the outside but has incredible interiors too. You can buy a ticket to access the worship area along with the crypts and also climb up the dome for some fabulous views. Click here for more details.
Note: It is possible to gain free entry into the cathedral for those who wish to worship. Photography is not allowed without prior permission. Allow an hour to visit.
Photo Spots nearby – One New Change
Now if you have some spare time and are in mood for more London views, I have a rooftop to talk about. This “secret” rooftop is on the 6th floor of One New Change shopping mall right across the Cathedral. Anyone can go up free of charge and indulge in some amazing straight-on views of St Paul’s Cathedral.
Sky Garden
About 15 minutes’ walk away is the “20 Fenchurch Street” building, nicknamed Walkie Talkie due to its shape. The top 3 floors of the Walkie Talkie building are designed to be London’s highest public gardens. This lush green atrium with floor to ceiling glass windows provides panoramic views of the city and sunset is the best time to visit. I cannot recommend it enough! Details here.
Note: Although the entry is free of charge, the slots are limited and must be booked in advance.
Day 2
Day 2 again involves many essential London sights and a lot of walking. Aim to arrive at Trafalgar Square by 9:30 am. The nearest tube station is Charing Cross.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a huge square in central London and gets its name from the Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson’s Column is in the centre of the square with a statue of Horatio Nelson on the top who was the commander of British Navy during the Battle of Trafalgar. At the base of the column are four bronze lion sculptures. The square also has two very beautiful fountains. It’s filled with tourists, entertainers and sometimes protesters 🙂
Note: Allow half an hour to visit.
National Gallery
At the north terrace of Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery, an art museum with over 2300 paintings. It also has the National Portrait Gallery which has world’s most extensive collection of portraits.
Note: There is no entry fee.
Buckingham Palace and Change of Guard
It’s now time to walk down the Mall, a grand tree-lined avenue leading to Buckingham Palace from Trafalgar Square. Buckingham Palace is the official royal residence of the Monarch in London. For the most part of the year, the palace is closed to tourists and can only be seen from outside its gilded gates. However, during the summer months (late July to late September), the Palace is open for a guided tour of its ornate state rooms and a special exhibition that changes every year. Click here for more details.
At 11 am, you will be able to watch the Changing of Guard, a ceremonial exchange of duties between the Old Guard who were on duty and the New Guard who are taking over. There is a band and march involved, so quite a pageantry on display!
Note: Allow half an hour to visit if not visiting inside.
St James’s Park
Need a break? Head to the nearby St James’s Park, 23 hectares of tranquil green space with flower beds, walking paths, lakes and resident waterfowl. The Blue Bridge is the ideal place to click some photographs of the Buckingham palace as well as the London Eye and Big Ben. There is a playing area for children as well as a cafe to grab some lunch. You can even plan ahead and buy some sandwiches in the morning to have a picnic in the park.
Westminster Abbey
Now make your way through the park towards Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a royal church where coronations have been taking place since 1066. It is also a burial site for British monarchs as well as a venue for royal weddings, most recent one being Prince William and Kate. If you’d like to visit from inside, here are the details for opening times and tickets. Alternatively, the budget-conscious travellers may simply admire the Gothic architecture from the outside.
Palace of Westminster – Houses of Parliament
The next stop is the beautiful buildings of Palace of Westminster. It is also known as Houses of Parliament because it’s the seat of the UK Parliament. This stunning Gothic style building is Grade I listed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Note: There are audio and guided tours available if you wish to visit the Houses of Parliament from inside. Details here.
Big Ben
Big Ben is one of the most iconic and must-see London landmarks. It’s the clock tower at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. This clock tower is officially called Elizabeth Tower and technically speaking, Big Ben is the name of the grand bell inside Elizabeth Tower. However, the tower with its four clock faces and the bell are all been commonly known as Big Ben.
Note: Currently, Big Ben is undergoing refurbishment and is covered with scaffolding. The clock and bell mechanism has also been stopped until the work finishes in 2021.
South Bank and London Eye
Let’s cross the bridge now and walk towards the London Eye. This side of the river is called the South Bank, a cultural district that is home to national centres for arts and performance. South Bank is always buzzing with activity with many street performers and entertainers, used book stalls under the bridge, people enjoying riverside walks and plenty of cafes and restaurants.
London Eye is Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel and is famous for beautiful London views. The ride takes about 30 minutes but expect long queues as it’s the most famous paid tourist attraction in London. Click here for tickets and other details.
Oxford Street
Now shopping may not be on everyone’s agenda but it’s worth checking out Europe’s busiest shopping street – Oxford Street. It can get crazy busy so don’t say I did not warn you 🙂 If you are visiting during Christmas, you will be treated to the Christmas lights installations.
While you are in the area, I would highly recommend checking out the Liberty London store, a gorgeous department store set in a historic timbered building. Also, the nearby Carnaby Street is a must-visit for cool and trendy brands and some amazing restaurants.
Note: Take the Tube (Bakerloo line) from Waterloo station to Oxford Circus station.
Regent Street
You can also skip Oxford Street and turn on to Regent Street from Oxford Circus station. Stroll this famous shopping street lined with Grade II listed buildings which are homes to several high-end international brands.
Note: Towards the end, you will see Regent Circus, a famous photography spot. Bonus points if you could get an iconic red bus in your shot 😉
Piccadilly Circus
Finish your walk at the Piccadilly Circus, a major square famous for its bright advertising screens and Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain and statue. Think a mini Times Square of London 😀 The neon advertising screens were originally a collage of multiple screens but were replaced by a single state-of-the-art 4K LED digital screen in late 2017.
Day 3
Day 3 itinerary may seem odd to you considering the spots are not necessarily in the same area but it’s perfectly doable and very easy to get from one place to the other. Trust me, it will make sense 🙂
Greenwich
Greenwich may seem a little out of the way; yes, I know it’s not Zone 1! But this historic village should be on every visitor’s London bucket list, in my very humble opinion. The old world charm, quaint shops and narrow streets and the beautiful green expanse feels like a retreat without ever leaving the city.
Here’s my detailed guide on things to do in Greenwich that you can use to plan a visit to the Cutty Sark, Greenwich Market and The Royal Observatory. Make sure you walk through the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and check out a spectacular view of London’s skyline from the top of the hill in Greenwich Park.
Thames River Ferry
After Greenwich, head back into Central London, this time via a scenic river route that provides a different perspective of London. Take the Thames Clippers ferry from Greenwich Pier and alight at Westminster Pier. Then from the Embankment tube station, take the Tube (District line) to South Kensington station.
Natural History Museum
It’s time to check out the Natural History Museum, easily one of my absolute favourite buildings in London. The impressive and ornate facade made of blue and terracotta bricks will stop you in your tracks! This is a free museum dedicated to nature, its history and evolution and is home to over 80 million specimens related to earth and life sciences. With interactive exhibits, the Natural History Museum is always a hit with children.
One of its most famous attractions was Dippy, a 32m skeleton replica of a Diplodocus dinosaur which was displayed in the central hall since 1905 until 2017 when it was replaced by a real skeleton of a young Blue Whale. Dippy is currently on a tour of British museums 🙂
V&A Museum
The other two prominent museums in the area are Science Museum and Victoria and Albert Museum. I would highly recommend checking out Victoria and Albert Museum, world’s leading museum of art and design. Even if you are longer in the mood of browsing more exhibitions, don’t miss a chance to stop by its drop-dead gorgeous cafe for a cuppa break. You can ready my post on the V&A Museum Cafe for inspiration 🙂
Covent Garden
Now take the Tube (Piccadilly line) from South Kensington station to Covent Garden. Covent Garden is your one-stop destination for shopping, eating and drinking, entertainment and culture. The main piazza and the cobbled streets leading off it are bustling with tourists and locals alike, street performers, markets with handmade artisan products, plenty of amazing restaurants and shops of all possible brands; both high-end and high-street. Covent Garden is also the home of Royal Opera House and London Transport Museum. Nearby Neals’ Yard is a hidden gem bursting with colours, so rare in London.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdnB7ExF_Kk/
Note: Click here to read my Covent Garden Area Guide for inspiration.
Day 4 – Instagrammable London
Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
The obvious first choice when it comes to Instagrammable spots, Notting Hill is an iconic London neighbourhood with streets lined with pastel-coloured houses, trendy cafes and boutiques. Portobello Road has many vintage shops and is famous as an antiques market. Take an aimless stroll in this upscale area’s pretty lanes and you will be enamoured with it as many others have been and before you know it, you will be one of the many people posing at the doorsteps of picture-perfect houses. My only tip is to be respectful of the residents!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP9zRclFwGA/
Note: Start at Ladbroke Grove tube station, walk along Portobello Road (along with detours in the lanes) and finish at Notting Hill Gate tube station.
Elizabeth Street
From Notting Hill gate tube station, take the tube to Sloane Square and then walk to Elizabeth Street. A beautiful tree-lined street in Belgravia, Elizabeth Street is home to gorgeous boutiques selling artisanal products and trendy cafes. Lately it has been enjoying a cult status when it comes to the best Instagrammable spots in London because of cafes like Peggy Porschen (yes, that famous pink cafe!) and Dominique Ansel bakery along with the fact that many of its shops like Les Senteurs, Moyses Stevens and Jo Loves have absolutely gorgeous floral displays at the storefronts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfbsCjsFMpy/
Camden Market
You can now take the tube to Camden Town from Victoria station. Camden Market, a wonderfully weird market, is one of the most visited spots in London. The entire Camden area has an edgy, alternative, grunge vibe to it. From Camden High Street to Camden Stables Market and Camden Lock Market, it is filled with shops after shops selling all kind of clothing, accessories, unique gifts, etc. There are loads of food stalls, cafes, bars and restaurants in the area too. One of the best ways to enjoy in Camden Market is on a sunny day, sitting by the canal chilling with a drink and people-watching for there will be a LOT of people around you 😀
Note: The nearest tube station is Camden Town and it’s on the Northern Line.
Primrose Hill
A short walk from Camden Town via Regent’s Park Road will take you to Primrose Hill. Primrose Hill, one of London’s most famous viewpoints, is a grassy hill on the northern side of Regent’s Park. At 65m height, it gives a clear view of central London. It is a popular spot with locals and tourists alike for picnics and kite flying. The nearby area is also called Primrose Hill and is a very upmarket neighbourhood with beautiful insta-worthy houses, cafes and shops along Regent’s Park Road and Gloucester Avenue, absolutely worth taking a stroll for some pretty Instagram photos.
Day 4 (Alternate) – Classic London
Yes, I have an alternate Day 4 itinerary for you too, in case you’re not a big fan of Instagrammable London spots and would rather do some more classic bucket list tourist spots. This one is particularly good for a family-friendly holiday where you can pick and choose based on your interests. All these spots are based near Regent’s Park and can be combined with Primrose Hill and Camden Market mentioned above.
Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds is a major tourist attraction and a museum in London with more than 250 life-like wax figures of famous people from the UK and around the world including members of royalty, world leaders, sports personalities and international stars from the music and film industry. You can find the details about planning your visit here.
Note: Take the Tube to Baker Street Underground station. Allow 2 hours to visit.
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
This is an off-beat one! If you’re a fan of either the classic Sherlock Holmes novels or the slick TV series featuring Benedict Cumberbatch, it would be worth visiting the Sherlock Holmes Museum a few minutes from Madame Tussauds. Dedicated to the life and the time of the famous literary character, the museum is located at 221B Baker Street where consultant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr Watson lived in the Victorian times.
Note: Allow 1 hour to visit. You can buy the tickets from the gift shop at the entrance.
Lord’s Cricket Ground
Also in the area is the the Lord’s Cricket ground which any self-respecting cricket fan would not need any introduction to 🙂 Steeped in 200 years of history and tradition, Lord’s is the most famous cricket ground in the world and is often referred to as the Mecca of Cricket. A lot of my friends and family from India who visit London opt for a tour of the Lord’s. Details here.
Regent’s Park
Regent’s Park is one of the Royal Parks in London and is perfect for a stroll through, a picnic or simply to sit down and take a break for a while. It has over 400 acres of grounds with tree-lined avenues, beautiful flower gardens like the Queen Mary’s Rose Garden, sports and play areas, boat hires for rowing, etc. You can also stroll up to Primrose Hill for a panoramic view over London’s skyline.
ZSL London Zoo
London Zoo is set in the northern part of the leafy Regent’s Park. With more than 750 species of animals from all over the world, including lions, penguins, giraffes, etc., it is the perfect activity for family with children. Details here.
Day Trips
If you have more time to spare and would like to venture out of the city, here are some day trips from London to consider.
Mayfield Lavender Farm
White Cliffs of Dover: An Easy Coastal Walking Trail
Bibury Day Trip: Is it One of the Prettiest English Villages?
A Day Out in Canterbury
Summer picnic on Devil’s Dyke
Broad Campden: Weekend wanderings in Cotswold
A Day Out in Rye, Sussex
I hope you enjoyed my London travel guide and the perfect itinerary for spending 4 days in London. Have you been to this exciting city or planning to visit? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to know!
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Cheers,
Ameeta xx
I need to head back to London soon! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂
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