4 days in London
Free museums, royal parks and a food scene drawn from the whole world. A 4-day plan.
London is several cities stitched together: royal pageantry in Westminster, markets in the East End, riverside walks along the South Bank and villages like Hampstead that feel miles away.
Day by day
Day 1: Westminster and the West End
Visit Westminster Abbey and see Parliament, walk Whitehall to Trafalgar Square, and end with a West End show.
Day 2: Museums and the river
Spend the morning at the British Museum, visit St Paul's, cross the Millennium Bridge to Tate Modern and walk the South Bank at dusk.
Day 3: Tower and markets
Be at the Tower of London when it opens, cross Tower Bridge, lunch at Borough Market and spend the evening in Shoreditch.
Day 4: Kensington and parks
See the Natural History Museum, stroll Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, then head to Notting Hill (Portobello Road is liveliest on Saturdays).
Make it work
- Best months: Apr–Sep. See the season calendar.
- Book ahead: the most popular sights and restaurants, especially in peak season.
- Where to eat along the way: Dishoom, St. JOHN, Borough Market.
- Getting around: Use contactless or Oyster on the Tube, buses and trains; daily fares are capped.
Short on time, or staying longer?
With less time, keep the first days and skip the day trip. With more, add a slower day for a neighbourhood from our best areas to stay, or choose more from the full list of things to do.
Opening days and times change, and some sights close one day a week. Check before you go. Last reviewed October 2026.