4 Days London, UK Itinerary
This 4-day London itinerary balances iconic landmarks with local experiences, keeping within a moderate budget. Explore historical sites, immerse yourself in art and culture, and savor the city's diverse culinary scene.
Duration
4 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months
Activities
24
Daily Avg
$250/day
Pace
Fast
London is a vibrant city with a rich history, world-class museums, and diverse cultural experiences. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Your itinerary covers 13 of 14 must-have experiences
Iconic Landmark
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Museum Visit
Day 2: British Museum
Royal Residence
Day 1: Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Park or Garden
Day 1: St. James's Park Walk
Traditional Pub
Day 1: Dinner at The Red Lion (Pub)
Street Food
Day 1: Lunch at Borough Market
West End Show
Day 1: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Panoramic View
Day 4: London Eye
Historical Site
Day 1: Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Multicultural Cuisine
Day 2: Dinner in Chinatown
River Thames Experience
Day 4: South Bank Walk
Shopping Experience
Day 2: Covent Garden
Street Art
Day 3: Shoreditch Street Art Walk
Hidden Gem
e.g., God's Own Junkyard, Kyoto Garden
London's food scene is a diverse and exciting blend of traditional British fare and global influences. From classic pub grub to Michelin-starred restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate and budget. Be prepared for a culinary adventure that reflects the city's multiculturalism.
Must-Try Dishes
Deep-fried battered fish (usually cod or haddock) served with thick-cut fried potatoes (chips). A quintessential British comfort food.
📍 Traditional pubs, dedicated fish and chip shops
A hearty breakfast consisting of fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, tomatoes, mushrooms, black pudding, and toast. Fuel up for a day of sightseeing!
📍 Cafes, pubs, hotels
Roasted meat (usually beef, lamb, chicken, or pork) served with roasted potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy. A classic Sunday meal.
📍 Pubs, restaurants
A delightful experience featuring finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, cakes, and a selection of teas. A sophisticated treat.
📍 Hotels, tea rooms, department stores (e.g., Fortnum & Mason)
Food Neighborhoods
known for its Bangladeshi curry houses
known for artisan foods and fresh produce
known for diverse restaurants and international cuisine
known for upscale dining and Michelin-starred restaurants
London has excellent options for vegetarians and vegans. Many restaurants offer dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus, and most cuisines can be adapted. Halal options are widely available, particularly in areas like Edgware Road. Always inform your server about any allergies or dietary restrictions.
Tipping is customary in restaurants (10-15% for good service). It's polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat. Table manners are generally formal, especially in upscale establishments. In pubs, it's common to order and pay at the bar.
Notting Hill Carnival
AugustA vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture with street parades, music, and food. Expect large crowds and potential travel disruptions in the Notting Hill area.
Totally Thames
SeptemberA month-long celebration of the River Thames with various events, performances, and exhibitions along the riverbanks.
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶Take the Tube (Underground) to Victoria Station. From there, it's a short walk to Buckingham Palace.FREE
9:00 AM - Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Guard
Arrive early (around 8:30 AM) to secure a good viewing spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Check the schedule online beforehand as it doesn't happen every day. Take photos of the Palace afterward.
Book on Klook - 🚶St. James's Park is a short walk from Buckingham Palace.FREE
11:00 AM - St. James's Park Walk
Enjoy a leisurely stroll through St. James's Park, admiring the flowers and wildlife. Walk towards Westminster.
Book on Klook - 🚶Walk through St. James's Park to Westminster Station and take the tube to London Bridge station for Borough Market.$15
12:00 PM - Lunch at Borough Market
Head to Borough Market for a diverse selection of food stalls. Grab a quick and affordable lunch.
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- 🚶Take the Tube from London Bridge Station to Westminster Station.Free (exterior) / $35 (tour)
1:30 PM - Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
Take photos of the iconic Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower). Consider a tour of the Houses of Parliament (book in advance).
Book on Klook - 🚶Westminster Abbey is a short walk from the Houses of Parliament.$33
3:00 PM - Westminster Abbey
Visit Westminster Abbey, a historical church where coronations and royal weddings take place. Allow at least 2 hours for your visit.
Book on Klook - 🚶The Red Lion Pub is located near Westminster Abbey, a short walk away.$25
6:00 PM - Dinner at The Red Lion (Pub)
Enjoy a traditional pub dinner at The Red Lion in Westminster. Try the fish and chips or a pie.
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South Bank
Central location with easy access to many attractions, restaurants, and transportation options.
📅 Best Time to Visit
April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.
The weather in London during the shoulder seasons can be unpredictable. Expect mild temperatures, occasional rain showers, and generally pleasant conditions for sightseeing.
April-May and September-October offer a balance of pleasant weather and fewer tourists compared to the summer months.
Check for bank holidays (public holidays) as some attractions and businesses may have reduced hours.
Getting Around
London Underground, buses, and national rail
Oyster Card / Contactless
Use contactless or Oyster for London transport.
Travel
$150 (Oyster card, Tube fares)Accommodation
$400 (Budget-friendly hotel or Airbnb)Food
$300 (Mix of restaurants, pubs, and markets)Activities
$250 (Entrance fees, tours)Take advantage of London's many free world-class museums (e.g., British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern) and beautiful parks.
Walk as much as possible, and for public transport, use an Oyster card or contactless payment to benefit from daily fare caps, making it more affordable.
Treat yourself to a quintessential London experience like a West End theatre show. Book in advance for the best seats and prices.
Indulge in a traditional Afternoon Tea at a grand hotel or charming cafe for a memorable culinary experience.
Look for 'meal deals' in supermarkets (e.g., Tesco, Sainsbury's, Boots) for affordable lunch options, typically including a main, snack, and drink.
Explore London's diverse street food markets (e.g., Borough Market, Camden Market, Maltby Street Market) for delicious and often more budget-friendly meal options than traditional restaurants.
- Purchase an Oyster card or use contactless payment for easy and affordable travel on the Tube and buses.
- Take advantage of free museum entry at many of London's top museums.
- Book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during peak season.
- Walk as much as possible to explore the city and save money on transportation.
- Take advantage of free walking tours to learn about London's history and culture.
- Try traditional British food at pubs and markets.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Utilize the 'Citymapper' app to navigate London's public transportation efficiently.
- 1Comfortable walking shoes
- 2Layers of clothing (weather can be unpredictable)
- 3Rain jacket or umbrella
- 4Universal adapter
- 5Reusable water bottle
- 6Portable charger
- 7Travel-sized toiletries
- 8Camera
- 9Oyster card or contactless payment method
- 10Small backpack for day trips
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance, especially for peak season, for the best fares.
Accommodation
Secure accommodation 3-5 months ahead, particularly for popular areas or during major events, as options can fill up quickly.
Popular Attractions & Tours
Book tickets for popular sites like the London Eye, Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Buckingham Palace tours, and certain museum exhibitions weeks or even months in advance, as they often have timed entry and sell out.
West End Theatre Tickets
For popular shows, book tickets several weeks to a few months ahead to get good seats and prices. Last-minute deals are sometimes available, but choice is limited.
Airport Transfers
Consider pre-booking airport train tickets (e.g., Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express) for convenience, though using Oyster/contactless is a more budget-friendly option for Tube/trains.
Travel Insurance
Arrange comprehensive travel insurance to cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage.
eSIM / Physical SIM
Arrange your mobile connectivity before arrival (e.g., activating an eSIM or ordering a physical SIM for delivery) to ensure immediate internet access.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo app or website
📍 Vodafone stores, airport kiosks, convenience stores
📍 Online rental and delivery to your hotel or airport pickup
Free WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and public areas like libraries and some parks. Look for 'Free WiFi' signs. The quality and speed can vary.
Useful Apps
Consider downloading offline maps before your trip to save data. Check your mobile carrier's international roaming rates before relying on them. Many cafes require a purchase to use their WiFi. Be mindful of data usage when streaming videos or downloading large files.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10–15% if no service charge
Round up or 10%
£1–2 per bag
Check if service is included. If not, 10–15% is standard.
Safety & Travel Advisories
London is generally a safe city for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and take standard precautions against petty theft.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
999
999
999 or 112 for all emergencies
Payments
Cash declining — many places are card-only
Universally accepted
Ubiquitous
Contactless payment is king. Many places no longer accept cash.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
April-May and September-October are ideal, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the summer. The Christmas season is also popular, though more expensive.
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