London United Kingdom 4 Day Itinerary
Four-Day Itinerary for Exploring London, United Kingdom
Day 1: Central London Attractions
Activities
- Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard (11 am daily except Sundays during August and on Gallop days).
- The Tower of London: Explore the historic castle with its iconic Crown Jewels.
- Trafalgar Square & National Gallery: Take a moment to see Nelson’s Column, then pop into the free National Gallery to appreciate world-class art.
- Covent Garden: Enjoy street performances, shopping, and dining in this vibrant area.
- London Eye & Southbank: Get panoramic views of London from the London Eye and stroll along the charming South Bank.
- Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Don’t miss these iconic landmarks. (Note: Big Ben is currently under restoration until 2021)
Food
- Lunch at Dishoom (Covent Garden, Shoreditch, or Kensington): Try the Irani biryani and chai.
- Dinner at The Harwood Arms (Fulham): Award-winning gastropub with excellent British fare.
Accommodation
- The Zetter Townhouse Marylebone: Quirky boutique hotel in a stunning Victorian townhouse.
- The Hoxton, Holborn: Trendy, affordable hotel with a great location and rooftop bar.
Things to Know
- London’s public transport operates 24/7 (tube from 5:00 am - midnight; buses operate all night).
- An Oyster card or contactless payment is the best way to navigate London’s transport network.
- Check opening hours for attractions and restaurants, as they may vary.
Day 2: Museums & Markets
Activities
- British Museum: Explore thousands of years of history, including the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles, and Egyptian mummies.
- Natural History Museum: Marvel at dinosaur fossils, a 4.5 billion-year-old meteorite, and the famous Diplodocus skeleton, Dippy.
- Sherlock Holmes Museum (221B Baker Street): Step into the world of the famous detective.
- Camden Market: Browse a variety of food stalls, vintage clothing shops, and live music performances.
- Portobello Road Market: Famous for its antiques, vintage clothing, and street food.
Food
- Lunch at KERB (Camden Market or various locations): Street food from London’s best vendors.
- Dinner at Padella (Shoreditch or Borough Market): Authentic Italian pasta dishes made fresh daily.
Day 3: Modern London & Parks
Activities
- The Shard: Visit the UK’s tallest building for breathtaking views of the city from its observation deck.
- Shoreditch & Brick Lane: Explore this trendy neighborhood, known for its street art, independent shops, and vibrant nightlife.
- Tate Modern: Discover contemporary and modern art in this iconic power station-turned-museum.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral: Climb to the top for fantastic views of London, or simply admire the stunning architecture.
- Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens: Take a leisurely stroll through these beautiful royal parks. Visit Kensington Palace and Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park.
Food
- Lunch at Dishoom Shoreditch: Try the bacon naan roll or black daal.
- Dinner at The Palomar (Soho): Middle Eastern sharing plates in a lively atmosphere.
Day 4: Royal Borough of Greenwich & Thames Cruise
Activities
- Cutty Sark: Explore the world’s fastest tea clipper ship.
- Greenwich Market: Shop for unique handmade goods, vintage clothing, and delicious street food.
- Greenwich Park: Stroll through the park to the Prime Meridian Line at the Royal Observatory, where east meets west.
- Thames River Cruise: Hop on a boat for a leisurely cruise along the Thames to see London’s landmarks from a different angle.
Food
- Lunch at Gourmet Burger Kitchen (various locations): Delicious burgers and sides, with vegan options available.
- Dinner at The Painted Heron (Greenwich): Modern British cuisine with stunning river views.
Tips & Additional Information
- London’s public transport runs 24/7 during the weekends in summer months, so make the most of it to explore late into the night.
- The Oyster card is not just for the tube—it also works on buses, trams (Docklands Light Railway), and most National Rail services within London’s zone 1-6.
- Check out free museum days in London, such as the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum, which offer late-night openings and special events throughout the year.