London calling! Answer it and let’s uncover collectively how one can spend 4 wonderful days within the capital with the assistance of this London itinerary information!
I’ve lived in London for some time and visited the town quite a few instances afterwards so I obtained to know the capital fairly nicely! I’ve included all the ideas I’ve on easy methods to make one of the best of your holidays and naturally the primary and most vital sights that you just shouldn’t miss out on.
You most likely know by now how standard this metropolis is, so I can’t stress sufficient that it’s tremendous vital to e book your lodges and attraction tickets prematurely and safe your spots.
Quick Picks for Your Stay
Cost: from US$700 if touring on a good price range & round US$900 for mid-range vacationers, as for luxurious you’ll be able to go over that and past
Transportation: bus, tube & prepare
Best luxurious lodge: Hotel 41
Best worth for cash: Z Hotel Covent Garden
Best reasonably priced lodging: The Belgrave Hotel
Here’s a map of all of the locations and sights that I’ve included on this London itinerary”
Day 1: Explore Central London & say hello to Big Ben
There’s no higher place to begin your London adventures than Central London, particularly if that is your first time visiting the capital!
1. Go for a stroll in Covent Garden
Located in London’s West End space, Covent Garden is all the time buzzing with vitality! Packed with retailers, sights and bars, this neighborhood actually has all of it! Including numerous crowds, particularly throughout rush hours, however I really feel that even the crowds are a part of its magic!
The good solution to discover Covent Garden is to go on a stroll to discover its streets! That approach you’ll be able to see many of the space and discover its hidden gems.
However, for those who like having a goal and truly going to a selected area when exploring then I’d positively advocate passing by the Royal Opera House, which you’ll tour (once more if time permits it), catch a present or simply admire its structure.
Then you can also make your solution to Leicester Square (map), which is a cute space, only a 10 min stroll away from the Royal Opera House with statues of various film characters! Make positive to snap a pic of your favourite one earlier than leaving.
From Leicester Square, you solely have to stroll for a minute and voila, you’ve reached the National Gallery! This is a spot I extremely advocate visiting, I truly went twice, simply because it’s so wonderful!
The artwork gallery has free entry and numerous artwork items! The final time I went, that they had one among DaVinci’s work and actually, I by no means noticed such an enormous line to see an artwork piece in a museum!
The National Gallery is positioned within the well-known Trafalgar Square (map), one among my favourite squares in London! I like the ambiance there and normally, there are some avenue performers round, too. So you’ll be able to simply chill on the steps and revel in a front-row present.
If you’re in London for longer than 4 days, we’ve obtained a complete submit on the finest issues to do in London, which I positively advocate testing, particularly when you’ve got time and wish to go to another locations.
2. Head to St. James’s Park & go to Buckingham Palace
Once you’ve had your every day dose of artwork and explored Trafalgar Square you’ll be able to stroll for 10 min or so, till you attain St. James’s Park (map), which is positioned adjoining to a notable avenue, referred to as The Mall (map).
The Mall is a historic avenue that runs from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square. This is the place numerous parades happen and it’s additionally painted in pink, so there’s no approach you’ll be able to miss it. By the way in which, for those who’re searching for extra iconic streets in London, take a look at this submit the place I included the highest ones!
Back to the park, now! St. James’s is ideal for a pleasant stroll, alongside the lake and it even has a small playground (map) the place you’ll be able to take the children.
From the park, you’ll be able to stroll for about 4 min and arrive on the well-known Buckingham Palace, the residence of the royal household in London, which it is best to positively go to!
PRO TIP: The palace has a really particular schedule, so I’d advocate wanting prematurely to see in the event that they’re open for vacationer visits while you’re touring. Usually, they present the provision for every season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter and you’ll verify the dates on their official web site.
I positively advocate testing our submit on easy methods to purchase one of the best Buckingham Palace tickets, earlier than you get yours! You’ll discover numerous helpful ideas there.
The tickets that you just’ll get provide entry solely to the State Rooms and that is the place the monarchs obtain, reward, and welcome topics and visiting dignitaries.
If you’re not that keen on visiting the Palace, you’ll be able to simply admire its structure from the surface and see the Changing of the Guard ceremony (freed from cost). Usually, it takes place as soon as each 2 days at 11AM (verify the schedule right here to know for positive).
PRICE: US$41
3. Visit Westminster Abbey & say hello to Big Ben
Now that you just’ve stated hiya to the King and seen his London residence, let’s stroll to a different iconic place, Westminster Abbey!
An architectural masterpiece, the Cathedral is a must-see for anybody who’s into historical past, royalty or who needs to admire a gorgeous constructing!
Over 40 coronations and 16 weddings have taken place on the Abbey since 1100!
It really is a captivating place and whilst you’re inside you’ll be able to see some actually distinctive issues, together with the coronation chair, some royal tombs and the Lady Chapel.
Since this can be a place of worship, the Abbey has a selected schedule for visiting so be sure to double-check their web site for those who’re planning to purchase the tickets on the door. I extremely advocate reserving them prematurely, because it’s one of the crucial visited locations within the metropolis.
Once you’re executed on the Abbey, stroll for five min and say hiya to Big Ben (map), the well-known clock tower, set on the banks of the River Thames, close to the Palace of Westminster!
NOTE: Since its renovation, you’ll be able to be part of excursions of the enduring Big Ben tower! However, you must climb the 334 stairs! You can study extra about it on this web site. I didn’t embrace it as a major factor to do as a result of it may be tremendous time-consuming and normally folks simply wish to see its exterior. But for those who’ve all the time needed to go to it (and you’ve got the time), then verify the web site and e book your ticket!
PRICE: US$38
4. Enjoy the nightlife in Soho
Alrighty, prepared to finish your first day in London with a bang?
Since we’re nonetheless within the Central space of the town, I believed there’s no higher place to seize some drinks and sit for some time than Soho!
This is likely one of the finest areas to remain in London, for individuals who wish to benefit from the metropolis’s nightlife! You’ll discover numerous pubs and bars the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some drinks together with your journey buddies!
If you’re searching for a spot to begin the evening and dance then head over to Thirst Bar Soho (map) and proceed your bar-hopping from there!
Day 2: Check out London’s parks and buy groceries
Ready in your second day in London? Buckle up, as a result of we’ve obtained tons to see right now!
1. Coffee in Hyde Park
I don’t find out about you however I like beginning some days tremendous early whereas I’m on vacation. I’ll rise up early within the morning, seize a cup of espresso, after which go for a stroll within the park!
Usually, through the weekends the entire metropolis continues to be asleep within the morning, so it feels prefer it’s simply you and the town, on a date, I adore it!
So get one thing heat to drink and head to Hyde Park (map), one among my favourite parks in London (and, actually, in all of Europe!).
Located West of Central London, this park is big (and it has totally different entry factors) so that you’ll most likely get to see solely part of it throughout your morning stroll, however be sure to get to the lake space (map) which is tremendous good!
If you’re searching for a pleasant cafe, you’ll be able to cease by my private alternative, Parcafe (map) earlier than you head contained in the park. But, if it’s too far out of your entry level then simply sort “specialty coffee” on Google Maps, when you’re close to Hyde Park and I’m positive you’ll discover some good choices (that’s what I all the time do as I hate ingesting dangerous espresso).
2. Visit Kensington Gardens & Palace
Now that you just’ve had your morning brew and spent a while in nature, let’s begin visiting some sights!
So fortunately for you, from Hyde Park, you’ll be able to stroll by way of the park to Kensington Gardens, since each parks are type of merged collectively and set in the identical spot.
It will take you most likely round 30 to 40 min to succeed in Kensington Palace from Hyde Park, or possibly extra relying on for those who cease rather a lot.
The Kensington Gardens are simply as stunning as Hyde Park. My favourite time there’s throughout autumn when all of the leaves are on the bottom! It actually seems to be like a portray!
Once you’ve explored the Gardens, you can also make your solution to Kensington Palace, which is positioned inside the Garden grounds!
Home to totally different members of the Royal Family, the palace has an extended and wealthy historical past which you’ll study all about throughout your go to!
Just just like the Buckingham Palace tickets, these ones provide entry solely to sure elements of the palace that are open to the general public. Those are the King’s State Apartments, the King’s Staircase, the Queen’s State Apartments, the Jewel Room, the Palace Gardens, and the Sunken Garden.
If you wish to study extra about combo tickets or particular offers, then take a look at our submit on easy methods to purchase one of the best Kensington Palace tickets!
PRICE: US$31
3. Visit V&A Museum or the National History Museum
Since you don’t have a whole lot of time I needed to present you 2 totally different museum choices right here and allow you to choose which one you’d desire to go to!
Both are positioned only a 20 min stroll away from Kensington Palace, they usually’re proper subsequent to one another! If you have got the time, positively go to each, if not then I’ll inform you a bit about every, just under so you’ll be able to resolve which one you’d desire!
The V&A Museum is one among my favourite museums in London! I like that its exhibitions are tremendous assorted and yow will discover something from trend to Tibetan statues and lots of different issues!
You’ll additionally discover a tremendous good outside space with a shallow pool (good spot for pics) and a restaurant (map) the place you’ll be able to loosen up for just a few moments.
The National History Museum is simply as cool however it has a unique focus, on the pure world. This is a superb place for households as they provide some interactive workshops, enjoyable actions and many dinosaur-related issues that I’m positive your children will love!
NOTE: Although each museums are free, I like to recommend reserving your tickets on their web sites, so that you just don’t have to attend in line to purchase your ticket on-site.
PRICE: Free
4. Look for souvenirs at Portobello Road Market & Notting Hill
Hop on the tube and head to Notting Hill, the well-known London neighborhood that any vacationer who visits the capital has to see and discover!
To get to Notting Hill from the V&A Museum you must take the Circle Line through High Street Kensington, from South Kensington Station (map) and get off at Notting Hill Gate (map).
Make positive you watch the film Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, earlier than your journey! Some of its scenes have been filmed within the space and you’ll truly nonetheless discover a few the places just like the Notting Hill bookshop (map) which is definitely a present store, the Blue Door home (map) and the Coronet Theatre (map).
Before we dive in, I wish to let you recognize that we’ve obtained a complete submit on issues to do in Notting Hill the place I discuss extensively about all of the sights on this space, so positively take a look as I embrace numerous particulars and ideas there!
For now, let’s begin with the primary factor that brings folks right here: Portobello Road Market (map)! Located on Portobello Road, this is likely one of the hottest markets in London, and it takes place each Saturday from 8AM till 11:30 AM.
So that’s when all of the stalls will likely be filled with meals and mainly something from classic objects to garments. However, for those who’re not on the town on that day, you’ll be able to nonetheless go on Portobello Road and discover numerous retailers that promote garments, jewellery, books and different touristy issues.
But the right avenue market with the stalls is just on Saturdays!
Besides the market, Notting Hill can be residence to numerous beautiful, colourful homes that look wonderful in photos! If you wish to see a few of them, listed here are just a few streets within the space the place you’ll be able to go: St Luke’s Mews (map), Farm Place / Hillgate Place (map), Lancaster Road (map) and Pencombe Mews Streets (map).
6. Shopping on Oxford Street
Let’s finish your second day with a purchasing session on the well-known Oxford Street (map)!
Get the Circle Line tube from Notting Hill Gate (map) to Oxford Circus Station and also you’ll be there in 10 min!
Located in Central London, Oxford Street is a well-known avenue within the metropolis that’s filled with retailers from high-end ones to reasonably priced high-street manufacturers.
Don’t fear for those who get right here late, the retailers listed here are normally open till 9PM, so you have got time even for those who get right here round 6 or 7 PM.
Warning although, the crowds are insane right here, particularly throughout rush hour when everybody’s out, attempting to get residence, to the closest pub or who, identical to you, are out exploring!
Subscribe right here to rise up to 35% off your lodging in your subsequent journey!
Day 3: Learn some historical past and revel in a river cruise
On day 3 you’ll get to discover another wonderful sights, together with one which I actually like: St. Paul’s Cathedral!
1. Enjoy the views on a River Thames cruise
Start your morning with a fab cruise on the River Thames!
I discovered this wonderful River Thames cruise tour that prices US$17 and that allows you to choose the route you favor! Depending on which route you choose you can begin your journey from Westminster Pier (map), Greenwich Pier (map) or Tower Pier (map).
During the cruise, you’ll get to admire all of the fab sights within the metropolis and also you’ll additionally get a reside commentary on the historical past and tradition of the town (or you’ll be able to obtain a multilingual audio information in your telephone and listen to all the things in your language).
Don’t fear for those who’re coming throughout wintertime, because the boat has an indoor saloon that’s heated through the colder months.
PRICE: from US$17
2. Admire the gorgeous St. Paul’s Cathedral
You can’t depart London with no go to to the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral!
Located within the City of London space, this attraction is an architectural masterpiece and belief me, you’ll wish to go inside and climb as much as discover the Dome galleries!
The Cathedral was featured in lots of motion pictures like Lawrence of Arabia, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Sherlock Holmes, and Thor: The Dark World!
Your ticket provides you with entry to the Cathedral Floor and Crypt, the Dome Galleries, the multimedia guides, and any momentary exhibitions that they’ve on.
PRO TIP: If you’re touring on a price range however nonetheless wish to see the interiors of the Cathedral, you’ll be able to be part of the Sunday service or go there after 4:30pm every single day once they maintain the Choral Evensong. But keep in mind that you just’ll solely get to see the cathedral ground and possibly not have the liberty to stroll round.
We have a complete submit on easy methods to purchase one of the best St. Paul’s Cathedral tickets so be sure to test it out because it presents numerous ideas, and combo ticket concepts!
PRICE: US$32
3. Visit the Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Since these 2 are set proper subsequent to one another I believed I’d put them collectively!
Set on the banks of the River Thames, these 2 iconic locations have a wealthy historical past and many tales to share with their guests!
Let’s begin with the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that over the centuries served as a fortress, fort and jail! Oh sure, it positively has a tumultuous previous you could study all about throughout your go to.
There are just a few forms of tickets you could get for this attraction, and it may well get a bit complicated when deciding which one to get, so I’d advocate checking our submit on easy methods to e book Tower of London tickets, the place there’s a whole lot of data on costs and forms of tickets.
While visiting, positively be sure to take a look at the Crown Jewel room first, as it may well get tremendous busy there! For anybody who doesn’t know, that’s the place you’ll be able to see a set of royal ceremonial objects, from crowns to different distinctive items!
Once you’re executed exploring the Tower of London and listening to some creepy tales, then stroll for six min and get to Tower Bridge! Here your go to will likely be shorter however you’ll nonetheless get to go contained in the bridge and admire the gorgeous views, the glass flooring and the engine room!
PRICE: US$44 for the Tower of London; US$17 for London Bridge
4. Check out the artwork at Tate Modern
From the Tower of London, you’ll be able to stroll for about 30 min to Tate Modern!
You may additionally take the 344 Clapham Junction bus from Fenchurch Street Stop U (map) to Southwark Bridge Stop BC (map) after which stroll for about 8 min to get to the Museum. The journey takes round 20 minutes so it’s roughly the identical as for those who’d stroll.
Tate Modern is one other museum that I actually like and would return to! Not solely is it free, which is all the time a perk however it additionally has some wonderful artwork items!
Another factor I like concerning the Tate is its location proper on the banks of the River Thames, going through the opposite aspect of the town! There are some benches proper outdoors the museum, the place I all the time like to take a seat and simply admire the views!
PRICE: Free
Day 4: Eat yummy meals & catch a scenic sundown
Woohoo, you’ve made it to the final day! I’ve ready numerous goodies for Day 4 so let’s begin!
1. Explore Camden Market & Camden Town
There is not any higher place to spend your final day in London than in Camden!
This vibrant and iconic space in North London is thought for its market, numerous retailers and wonderful ambiance!
To get right here, leap on the tube and cease at Camden Tube Station (map). From there you can begin strolling down Camden High Street after which simply attain Camden Market (map).
The market is open every single day from 10 AM to six PM, however it’s normally through the weekend that it will get tremendous crowded. So it’s actually as much as you if you wish to expertise that loopy weekend ambiance or head there through the week (however this may also rely in your schedule).
Camden Market is thought for its numerous meals stalls, eating places, bars, clothes and niknaks retailers, e book shops and different issues! You can discover some wonderful souvenirs right here and, actually, the meals is completely scrumptious so positively attempt it out!
It will most likely take you just a few hours to discover the market, particularly for those who’re planning on doing some purchasing, so I’d advocate beginning the day early, so that you could discover the remainder of the world too!
The finest solution to discover Camden is to only go on a stroll! That approach you’ll be able to spot a number of the avenue artwork too, because the neighborhood is filled with some distinctive murals. This is particularly true on Castlehaven Road (map), Hawley Mews & Hawley Street (map), on the again of Electric Ballroom (map) and on Bayham Street (map).
These are simply a number of the space’s highlights, for those who’re searching for extra issues to do in Camden, take a look at our submit, the place you’ll discover many different enjoyable actions!
2. Enjoy the views from Primrose Hill Park
Need a break from all of the craziness in Camden Town? Then there’s no higher place than Primrose Hill Park (map) to relaxation your ft and likewise get pleasure from some wonderful views!
Set only a 16 min stroll away from Camden Market, in an space which shares the identical title, Primrose Hill Park is thought amongst locals for its fab views over the town!
Here you’ll be able to simply chill, sit on the grass and benefit from the contemporary air! If you’re coming round sundown, then even higher!
Before you get all cozy, be sure to take a look at the Shakespeare Tree (map), which was planted in honor of the late poet and playwright.
3. Dinner & drinks in Camden
Now that you just’ve rested for a bit after exploring the market and caught a stunning sundown, you’ll be able to stroll again to Camden to discover a place to eat and revel in some drinks!
I’ve a few eating places that cater to all tastes! Most locations in Camden serve worldwide delicacies so for those who’re a fan you’ll positively discover one thing that you just’ll like.
Casa Tua Camden (map) is nice for individuals who need a style of Italy, as is Mildreds Camden (map) a vegan restaurant or Frida Camden (map), the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from some yummy Mexican meals.
If you wish to seize just a few extra drinks and say goodbye to London in model (and a bit tipsy) then head to one of many many pubs and bars in Camden! Simmons Bar (map) is a superb one!
Since we solely had 4 days I didn’t wish to overcrowd the listing with approach too many issues. However, for those who managed to go to the entire locations that you just needed and located that you’ve got a while in your palms, listed here are a few extra locations that you would go to:
- British Museum: with distinctive items from all around the world the British Museum is certainly a spot that you just’ll love, plus, you’ll be able to go to it at no cost
- Borough Market: open every day, this market (map) is an absolute heaven for foodies! You’ll discover so many baked items and different delicacies
- Royal Opera House: when you’ve got the time, then positively catch a present on the Opera House or you can too simply go to it on a tour if you wish to admire its structure
- Palace of Westminster: wish to see the place historical past was written? Then go to the enduring Palace of Westminster and tour the House of Commons Chamber, the House of Lords Chamber, Westminster Hall and different vital locations
| 🕰️ Unique attraction: | Big Ben |
| 🖼️ Top museum: | V&A Museum |
| 🤩 Best free exercise: | Camden Market |
| 🍽️ Must-try meals: | Fish & Chips |
Where to remain in London
Looking for a spot to remain in London? I do know that’s not a simple job, so I needed to present you just a few choices! However, for those who’re searching for a wider vary of lodging, take a look at our submit on the place to remain in London, you’ll discover numerous areas and lodges there!
- Luxury: Hotel 41 – set behind Buckingham Palace, this luxury lodge presents 2 on-site eating places and trendy rooms.
- Mid-range: Z Hotel Covent Garden – with a tremendous location in central London, this lodge comes with a flat-screen Tv and household rooms.
- Budget: The Belgrave Hotel – set in Westminster, this lodge has a health middle and a bar.
How to get round London
Not positive easy methods to get across the metropolis? Don’t fear, I obtained you coated with a number of the major choices that you need to use to get round London:
- Public transport: for those who’re planning to make use of buses and the tube rather a lot, I’d advocate getting a journey card (obtainable for a selected variety of days) or an Oyster card which you’ll prime up, you’ll be able to take a look at extra on the Transport for London official web site
- Uber: though it’s fairly costly and also you danger spending a whole lot of time in visitors, Ubers can work while you’re sharing with somebody or utilizing them when the town isn’t too busy
- City Bikes: for those who like biking then positively use bikes to get across the metropolis, you’ll be able to study extra about how one can hire a motorcycle and the way a lot it prices on this web site
FAQs about London itineraries
📅 How many days is sufficient for London?
I might advocate spending between 4 to six days in London, that approach you’ll be able to actually see many of the major sights and never hurry to get from one place to the following.
☀️ What is one of the best month to go to London?
April to early June or September to early November are a number of the finest instances to go to London as the town isn’t tremendous crowded and the climate is kind of good.
💷 How a lot cash do I would like per day for London?
I’d say between US$80 to US$100, relying on what number of sights you wish to go to throughout that day.
Final ideas on this London itinerary
Already feeling tremendous excited in your vacation? I do know the sensation!
I hope that this London itinerary helped you resolve easy methods to finest plan your vacation! Don’t neglect you could all the time shift issues round and substitute sights that possibly you’re not that keen on, with others that you recognize for positive you wish to see!
My solely recommendation with that’s to couple your sights by areas, as that approach it can save you cash that you just’d in any other case spend on public transport and likewise time!
Have enjoyable visiting London and don’t neglect that I can all the time assist out when you’ve got questions! Just drop me a remark under and I’ll reply as quickly as I can!
Happy exploring,
Victoria
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