Planning your first trip to London? Four days give you the perfect taste of this incredible city without feeling rushed.
You’ll see iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, experience world-class museums, catch a West End show, and explore vibrant neighborhoods from trendy Shoreditch to historic Westminster.
This complete 4-day London itinerary covers everything you need, from choosing the right neighborhood to stay in to navigating the Tube system like a local.
We’ll show you how to maximize your time, save money on attractions, and find those perfect Instagram spots that most tourists miss.
Ready to make the most of your London visit? Let’s turn those four days into memories that will last a lifetime.
Why Visit London?
London stands as one of the world’s greatest cities, where centuries of history blend with modern life on every street corner.
From the iconic Big Ben and Tower Bridge to world-class museums like the British Museum, this vibrant capital offers something for every traveler.
You’ll walk through the same streets where Shakespeare once lived, see the Crown Jewels up close, and catch a West End show that rivals Broadway.
With excellent public transport connecting royal palaces, markets, and green parks, London makes it easy to pack incredible experiences into just four days.
Fast Facts Box:
- Currency: British Pound (£)
- Language: English
- Getting Around: Oyster Card or contactless payment for the Tube, buses, and trains
- Tipping: 10-15% at restaurants if a service charge is not included
- Weather: Pack layers and a light rain jacket year-round
London Travel Planning Essentials
Source: tripsavvy.com
Before diving into your London adventure, it’s crucial to get the basics right, from choosing the perfect neighborhood to stay in to navigating the city like a local. This section covers everything you need to plan smart, travel smoothly, and make the most of your 4 days in London.
1. Best Time to Visit London
- May-September: Warmest weather, longest days, but higher prices and crowds.
- March-May: Mild temperatures, fewer tourists, better hotel deals.
- September-November: Comfortable weather, autumn colors, smaller crowds.
- December-February: Cold but festive, lowest prices, shortest attraction lines.
2. Where to Stay
- West End: Walk to theaters, Oxford Street, and major attractions. Best for first-time visitors.
- South Bank: River views of Big Ben and the Thames. Perfect for couples and food lovers.
- Shoreditch: Hip local vibe with street art and indie cafes. Great for young travelers.
3. How to Get Around
- Tube: Use an Oyster Card or contactless payment. Runs 5 AM-midnight with daily price caps.
- Walking: Many attractions are 10-15 minutes apart on foot. Download offline maps.
- River Boats: Scenic Thames Clippers connect major sights with great views.
- Taxis: Black cabs or Uber for convenience, especially with luggage or bad weather.
Pro tip: Avoid Tube rush hours (8-9:30 AM, 5-7 PM) for comfortable rides.
How Much Does 4 Days in London Cost?
Here’s a quick look at what you can expect to spend in London over 4 days, whether you’re on a budget, going mid-range, or treating yourself.
| Category | Budget Option | Mid-Range Option | Luxury Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotels | $80/night × 4 = $320 | $150/night × 4 = $600 | $300/night × 4 = $1,200 |
| Attractions | Free + $70 pass (Go City 2-day) | $120 (Go City 3-day) | $180+ (Individual tickets + upgrades) |
| Meals | $20/day = $80 | $40/day = $160 | $80/day = $320 |
| Transit | $30 (Oyster Card cap + Heathrow Express) | $40 (Zone 1–2 + occasional taxi) | $80 (Mix of Uber, Black Cabs, Express trains) |
| Total | ~$500–550 | ~$950–1,000 | ~$1,800+ |
London in 4 Days: Complete Daily Itinerary Guide
Source: voyagetips.com
Explore London’s top sights and neighborhoods with this carefully crafted day-by-day plan designed for first-time visitors.
Day 1: Royal London & Westminster
Morning: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament. Start at Westminster Abbey to see where royals are crowned. Walk outside for classic Big Ben photos. Book tickets online to skip lines.
Afternoon: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard. Watch the colorful ceremony at 11 AM (select days only). Explore St. James’s Park for palace views. Arrive early for the best spots.
Evening: London Eye + South Bank Stroll Ride the London Eye at sunset for city views. Walk South Bank afterward for street performers and dinner options.
Local Tip: Best Big Ben Photo Cross Westminster Bridge to South Bank – no crowds, perfect lighting at golden hour.
Day 2: Museums & West End Culture
Morning: British Museum or Natural History Museum. Choose the British Museum for Egyptian mummies and ancient artifacts. Pick the Natural History Museum for dinosaurs and Victorian architecture.
Afternoon: Soho + Borough Market Stroll Soho’s quirky streets and independent shops. Take the Tube to Borough Market for amazing international food and samples.
Evening: West End Show Book a musical or play. Get discount tickets at TKTS Leicester Square for up to 50% off.
Best Shows for First-Timers: Lion King (families), Hamilton (modern), Phantom of the Opera (classic London)
Day 3: Markets & Hidden Gems
Morning: Tower of London & Tower Bridge. See the Crown Jewels and Beefeater guards early. Learn 1,000 years of royal history. Book ahead during the busy season.
Late Morning: Thames Walk, Walk from Tower Bridge to Borough Market (20 minutes). Stop for photos at HMS Belfast or City Hall.
Afternoon: Notting Hill or Camden Market. Notting Hill for colorful houses and Portobello Road antiques. Camden is for alternative fashion and street food.
Evening: Rooftop Views or River Cruise, Sky Garden for free panoramic views (book ahead) or evening Thames cruise for lit-up landmarks.
Hidden Photo Spots: Leadenhall Market (Harry Potter location), St. Dunstan East (secret garden), Neal’s Yard (colorful courtyard)
Day 4: Day Trips or Local London
Option A: Day Trips Windsor Castle: Queen’s home, 1 hour by train Oxford: Famous university city, 1 hour by train Harry Potter Studios: Film sets and props, 45 minutes by tour bus
Option B: Stay Local Morning: Kensington Gardens and Palace for royal history Afternoon: Traditional tea at Fortnum & Mason or The Ritz Shopping: Oxford Street flagship stores or luxury Harrods Evening: Sunset views from Sky Garden (free) or The Shard (paid)
Map-Based Guide to Exploring London
Source: secretldn.com
Planning your London itinerary becomes simple with the right map and route information. Below you’ll find detailed walking routes and transport connections to maximize your time and minimize travel stress.
Day 1: Westminster Walking Route
Distance: 2.5 miles total | Walking Time: 45 minutes between stops
Start at Westminster Tube Station → Westminster Abbey (15 mins) → Big Ben & Parliament (5 mins) → St. James’s Park → Buckingham Palace (20 mins) → Walk to Westminster Bridge → London Eye (15 mins) → South Bank → Covent Garden (20 mins by Tube or 30 mins walk)
Transport Tips: Use Westminster, Victoria, or Waterloo Tube stations. River bus from Westminster Pier to London Eye saves walking time.
Day 2: Museum & Culture Route
Distance: 3 miles total | Transport: Mix of Tube and walking
British Museum (Russell Square Tube) → Soho area (15 mins walk) → Borough Market (London Bridge Tube, 10 mins) → West End theaters (Leicester Square/Covent Garden Tube)
Transport Tips: Central and Northern Lines connect all major stops. Walk from British Museum through Bloomsbury to Soho for local atmosphere.
Day 3: East London Explorer
Distance: 4 miles total | Mix of walking and Tube
Tower Hill Tube → Tower of London → Tower Bridge (5 mins walk) → Thames Path to Borough Market (20 mins scenic walk) → London Bridge Tube to Notting Hill Gate OR Camden Town → Evening return to central London
Transport Tips: Circle/District Lines serve Tower Hill. Hammersmith & City Line reaches Notting Hill. Northern Line connects to Camden.
Day 4: Flexible Routes
Local Option: Kensington Gardens → Oxford Street → Sky Garden Day Trip Options: Direct trains from Paddington (Windsor), King’s Cross (Cambridge), or Euston (Harry Potter Studios via Watford)
Essential Transport Information
- Oyster Card Daily Cap: £8.50 for Zones 1-2 (covers all central attractions)
- Peak Hours to Avoid: 8-9:30 AM, 5-7 PM weekdays
- Night Tube: Limited weekend service on Central, Victoria, Northern, Piccadilly Lines
- Walking vs. Tube: Many central attractions are 10-15 minutes apart on foot
Offline Map Recommendations
Download Citymapper or Google Maps offline before your trip. Both show real-time Tube updates and walking directions. Mark your hotel location first for easy returns.
Pro Tip: Screenshot your daily routes or save them as favorites in your map app. London’s mobile signal can be spotty underground.
Final Travel Tips for First-Timers
Source: mytravaly.com
- Packing List Must-Haves – Rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes, portable phone charger, and layered clothing for unpredictable weather.
- Safety and Etiquette Tips – Stand right on escalators, mind the gap on Tube platforms, keep valuables secure in crowds, and always queue politely.
- Currency Exchange Tips – Use contactless cards everywhere possible, get cash from ATMs rather than airport exchanges, and always decline dynamic currency conversion.
- Weather by Season – Spring/Fall: Mild but rainy, pack layers. Summer: Warm days, cool evenings. Winter: Cold and wet, bring a warm coat and waterproof shoes.
Final Call
Your 4 days in London will fly by faster than you expect. From watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace to catching a West End show, every moment offers something special.
You’ll walk through centuries of history, taste incredible food at Borough Market, and create photos that capture London’s timeless charm.
This itinerary gives you the perfect balance of must-see attractions and local experiences. Follow our day-by-day plan, use the transport tips, and don’t forget to book those theater tickets early.
London has a way of surprising visitors; you might find your new favorite neighborhood or stumble upon a hidden gem we didn’t mention.
What’s your London must-do? Share your plans in the comments below, and don’t forget to bookmark this guide for easy reference during your trip!
