4 Day Itinerary for London: What to See & Do

London is one of the best cities to visit in Europe. It has modern skyscrapers, lush green parks, historic landmarks, and a diverse cultural scene.

I’ve been to London a lot of times, altogether I’ve already spent over 3 months in this amazing city, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. There’s just so much to do in London, you’ll never get bored.

But I know most people don’t have months to explore London, that’s why I created this 4 day itinerary for London with all my favorite things to do.

Day 1: Attractions near the Themes

Many main attractions are located near the Thames River. I’ve added them all to the first day of this four day London itinerary, grouping each day by area.

If you only admire the attractions near the River Themes from the outside, you’ll have enough time for them in one day. If you want to visit inside, you might need to shift some activities to the next day. But don’t worry, the following days are less packed, so it won’t be a problem.

Tower of London

Start your first day in London with the iconic Tower of London. This medieval castle, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been used as a royal palace, prison, and even a zoo throughout history. It’s also where the Crown Jewels are kept!

You can purchase tickets to enter the Tower of London or simply enjoy its exterior and take some photos from outside.

🤩 Visit the best attractions of London on this walking tour!

Tower Bridge

Just next to the Tower of London is the famous Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognizable landmarks. You can walk across the bridge for free and enjoy the stunning views of the Thames River and the city skyline.

In case you like to buy souvenirs, the Tower Bridge souvenir shop on the south side of the bridge is my favorite souvenir shop in London. They sell some more unique pieces you can’t find anywhere else.

Borough Market

Walk along the Queen’s Walk on the South shore of the Themes River until you get to the Borough Market, one of the oldest and largest food markets in London. It’s the perfect place for a quick snack.

🤩 See the best sights of London on this walking tour!

Millennium Bridge

Keep walking along the Bankside until you reach the Millennium Bridge. On the way you’ll walk past Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a replica of the original Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were performed, and the Tate Modern, a contemporary art museum.

Cross the bridge to get to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Harry Potter fans will recognise the Millennium Bridge as one of the Harry Potter filming locations, in the movies the death eaters collapse it.

🤩 I love this walking tour for the small group sizes!

St Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and the seat of the Bishop of London.

If you want to wander around the cathedral, you’ll need to buy an entrance ticket for £25. However, if you’re on a budget, just admiring the cathedral from the outside is worth it!

🤩 I love this walking tour for the local guide!

Big Ben & Palace of Westminster

It’s time to head to Big Ben, one of London’s most famous landmarks. You can walk for about 40 minutes along the River Thames, take the tube from Mansion House to Westminster, or catch the water taxi from Blackfriars Pier to Westminster Pier.

Big Ben is the bell inside the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster. Also known as the Houses of Parliament, it’s where the UK government meets. It’s a stunning building, and you can take tours to learn more about its history.

🤩 See the best sights of Westminster on this amazing walking tour!

Westminster Abbey

Next to the Palace of Westminster is Westminster Abbey, a royal church where many monarchs have been crowned, married, and buried. Even if you’re not interested in its historical significance, it’s still worth visiting for its stunning Gothic architecture.

🤩 I love this walking tour because it includes tickets to Westminster Abbey!

London Eye

End your first day in London with a ride on the iconic London Eye. It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and offers breathtaking views of the city. You can purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long lines.

Day 2: Soho, Museums & Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Start your second day in London with a visit to Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most famous parks. It’s the perfect place to relax, go for a walk or have a picnic.

If you visit London in summer, you can even rent a pedal boat and explore the Serpentine Lake in the park.

Museum at Exhibition Road

From Hyde Park, take a short walk to Exhibition Road, where some of London’s most famous museums are located. You can choose to visit one or all of them depending on your interests and time. The best part is, most of these museums are free to enter!

• Natural History Museum: Discover the wonders of the natural world, from dinosaur skeletons to a giant blue whale model. When I first entered this museum I felt like inside the movie “Night at the Museum”, so cool.
• Science Museum: Engage with interactive exhibits that explore scientific advancements and technological innovations.
• Victoria and Albert Museum: Immerse yourself in a vast collection of art and design spanning over 5,000 years.
• Royal Albert Hall: Although not a museum, it’s a historic concert hall worth a visit for its stunning architecture. You can even catch a concert there.

Piccadilly Circus & Leicester Square

After exploring the museums, make your way to Piccadilly Circus by tube from South Kensington.

Almost half way in between is Buckingham Palace, but to be honest, I don’t think it’s worth visiting. So, just take the tube and head straight there.

Piccadilly Circus is often referred to as London’s version of Times Square, and it’s a hub of neon lights and entertainment. From there, you can walk to Leicester Square, known for its movie premieres and theaters.

Chinatown

In between Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square is London’s Chinatown. Here you’ll find an array of Asian restaurants, shops, and markets.

Covent Garden

From Leicester Square, take a short walk to Covent Garden, a popular shopping and dining destination. You can also catch street performances in the main square or explore the unique shops inside the old market halls.

I really like Whittard tea house, they have a delicious selection of teas and even hot chocolate. On my last visit I bought the most amazing salted caramel hot chocolate there.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s largest museums. It houses over 8 million artifacts from around the world, including famous pieces like the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures. And just like many other London museums, it’s free to enter!

Soho

Finish your day in Soho, a area known for its trendy bars, restaurants, and nightlife. Enjoy delicious vegan food in Soho and then see a show at the West End. Whenever I visit London, I make it a point to see a different performance, it’s one of the best things to do in Soho.

They have a range of old and new productions, like Les Miserable and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. By the way, in case you love Harry Potter, in Soho you can find the most unique Harry Potter souvenir shop and you can even get some Harry Potter-themed afternoon tea.

🤩 Visit the best pubs in Soho with this fun tour!

Day 3: Camden & Brick Lane

The third day of this London itinerary is quieter, so you can add things from previous days if you didn’t have time to see them.

Camden Market

Start your day in Camden Lock Market, known for its alternative fashion, street food, and unique stalls. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and pick up some souvenirs.

Sky Garden

After you explored Camden Market take the tube from Camden Town to Bank Underground Station. A short walk from there is the Sky Garden, the best view of London you can get for free.

It’s a super picturesque space on the 35th floor of a skyscraper with an indoor garden and panoramic views of the city.

It’s free to visit, but you need to reserve your ticket in advance. You might get lucky and be allowed in without a ticket, as I was last time, but I wouldn’t count on it.

Leadenhall Market

Close by is Leadenhall Market, a beautiful covered Victorian market filled with boutique shops and restaurants. However, every time I visit almost all the shops are closed, but if you’re a Harry Potter fan it’s still worth visiting even if the shops are closed.

This market served as the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in the movies, strolling through the Leadenhall Market is one of the magical Harry Potter things to do in London.

Brick Lane

Afterwards make your way by foot or by tube to Brick Lane, also known as Banglatown. Here you’ll find a melting pot of cultures, with street art, vintage shops, curry houses and markets. It’s definitely worth spending an afternoon here exploring its unique atmosphere.

Day 4: Day Trip or More of London

For the last day of your London itinerary, you can either take a day trip outside of the city or explore more of what London has to offer.

Day Trip Options

• Bath: A day trip to Bath from London lets you explore this beautiful historic city. Highlights of Bath include visiting the Roman Baths and admiring the stunning Georgian architecture.
• Stonehenge: The best way to visit this ancient landmark is by taking a guided tour from London. I recommend picking a Stonehenge tour from London with some additional stops.
• Oxford: Another popular day trip option is to visit the historic city of Oxford, known for its prestigious university and beautiful architecture.
• Cambridge: Another famous university town, Cambridge offers beautiful architecture, punting on the River Cam, and picturesque streets lined with shops and cafes.
• Brighton: For a coastal getaway from London, Brighton is a great option. It’s one of the best UK cities to visit. On a day trip, you can relax on the beach and enjoy the arcade games.
• Harry Potter World: If you’re a fan of the wizarding world, a visit to Harry Potter World is a must. Getting from London to the Warner Bros studio tour is very easy and there you can look behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films.

🤩 Combine a day trip to Stonehenge and Bath with this tour!

More London Exploration

If you choose to stay in London, here are some additional places you can check out:

• Kensington Palace: Explore the beautiful gardens and rooms inside Kensington Palace, which was once home to royalty like Quee Victoria and Princess Diana.
• Buckingham Palace: While I didn’t recommend visiting Buckingham Palace earlier, if you’re interested in seeing the Changing of the Guard ceremony, you can do so on certain days during the summer.
• Portobello Road Market: This famous market in Notting Hill is known for its antiques and vintage finds. It’s a great place to find unique souvenirs or just enjoy the bustling atmosphere.
• Bus Tour: If you want to see more of London without walking, hop on a sightseeing bus tour. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city and learn about its history.
• Festivals: London has a variety of festivals happening year-round, from food and drink festivals to cultural celebrations. One of the most unique festivals is the Notting Hill Carnival, which is held every August in London.
• Museums: There are plenty more museums you can check out in London, like the National Gallery next to the Trafalgar Square, or the National Portrait Gallery.
• Greenwich: Take a ferry along the Thames River to Greenwich and explore its historic streets and parks. You can also stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory.

Is 4 Days Enough in London?

Of course, there is always more to see and do in London, but with this 4-day London itinerary you’ll be able to see the top attractions, as well as some hidden gems. You can always customize the itinerary to fit your interests and add or subtract activities depending on your pace.

If you have more time, I recommend spending an extra day in London to explore even further or taking a day trip outside of the city. But if 4 days is all you have, it’s definitely enough to get a taste of what this amazing city has to offer.

How to Get Around London

London has an extensive public transportation system, so getting around is very easy. The best way to travel in London is by using the tube (underground/subway) or buses.

You can pay for the tube and buses by tapping your credit or debit card at the reader when you enter the station or get on the bus.

If your bank has bad exchange rates or transaction fees, getting a Visitor Oyster Card at any underground station and topping it up might be a better option depending on your stay in London. You’ll have to pay for the card, but you won’t have transaction fees.

Where to Stay in London

For accommodation, I would recommend staying in the central areas of London like Soho, Westminster, or Camden. These areas are close to major attractions and have great public transportation connections.

Mirabilis Apartments – Bayham Place is a great option if you prefer staying in apartments. It’s a spacious, modern apartment located in Camden, right next to a tube station.

Another excellent accommodation option is the Vintry & Mercer Hotel, which offers luxurious rooms in central London.

Hazlitt’s is a more rustic looking hotel in Soho with excellent reviews. It’s the best option if you want to explore the nightlife of Soho without having to worry how to get home in the middle of the night.

Final Thoughts: 4 Day Itinerary London England

This 4-day London itinerary covers the best things you can do in a short amount of time.

From iconic landmarks like Tower Bridge and Westminster Palace to vibrant neighbourhoods like Soho and Camden, this itinerary ensures you won’t miss the best attraction.

But as I mentioned before, there’s so much more to see and do in London. If you have more time, consider adding additional days or exploring different areas of the city.

No matter what you choose, one thing is for sure – you’ll never run out of things to do and discover in this amazing city.

Read more about London:

• 4 Day Itinerary for London: What to See & Do
• 21 Best Things to Do in London in August
• 15 Amazing Things to Do in Soho London
• Best Fully Vegan Restaurants in Soho London
• How to get to Harry Potter Studios from London
• 21 Magical Harry Potter Locations in London
• 13 Magical Harry Potter Things to Do in London
• 10 Most Magical Harry Potter Shops in London
• Do You Tip in London? All You Need to Know
• The Best Oxford and Cambridge Tours from London
• Top 10 Most Vegan Friendly Cities in Europe You Should Visit

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