London England 4 Day Itinerary

London, England 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Classic London Landmarks

Morning

  • Start at Trafalgar Square, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the National Gallery and St Martin-in-the-Fields church.
  • Take a short walk to Whitehall, home to the Ministry of Defence and the Cabinet War Rooms.

Afternoon

  • Visit Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) and take a stroll along the South Bank of the Thames, offering great city views.
  • Stop by Westminster Abbey, a beautiful Gothic church that has hosted coronations, royal weddings, and state funerals for centuries.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at The Sherlock Holmes, a themed pub serving traditional British fare like fish and chips and bangers and mash.
  • Catch a show or musical in the West End, London’s equivalent of Broadway.

Day 2: Royal London

Morning

  • Visit Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch, to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (daily at 11:30 am from April to July and on alternate days the rest of the year).
  • Stroll through St. James’s Park, one of London’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces.

Afternoon

  • Explore Kensington Palace, where Princess Diana lived with her sons, and see exhibits on royal fashion and history.
  • Wander through Hyde Park, another sprawling green space in the heart of the city.

Evening

  • Dine at The Delaunay, a grand European-style cafĂ© serving delicious pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
  • Take a sunset cruise on the Thames to see London’s landmarks from a different perspective.

Day 3: Museums and Galleries

Morning

  • Spend the morning exploring the British Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and mummies in the Ancient Egypt gallery.
  • Visit the Tate Modern, a museum of modern and contemporary art located in a former power station.

Afternoon

  • Stop by the Natural History Museum, home to over 80 million specimens, including dinosaur fossils and a giant squid.
  • Browse the National Gallery, which features an impressive collection of Western European art, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Vincent van Gogh.

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Dishoom, a popular Indian restaurant with several locations throughout London.
  • Take in the views from the top of the Shard, the tallest building in Western Europe.

Day 4: Markets and Street Food

Morning

  • Visit Borough Market, one of London’s oldest and largest food markets, offering artisanal produce, street food, and restaurants.
  • Explore Southwark Cathedral, a beautiful church with stunning stained-glass windows.

Afternoon

  • Wander through Camden Market, a vibrant marketplace filled with independent shops, street food stalls, and live music.
  • Stop by Regent’s Canal, a peaceful waterway lined with cafes and boutiques.

Evening

  • Dine at Padella, a fresh pasta bar serving delicious Italian-inspired dishes.
  • End your trip with a West End show or a night out in Soho, known for its lively bars, clubs, and LGBTQ+ scene.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Meininger London Covent Garden or Generator London
  • Mid-range: Premier Inn London County Hall or Novotel London City South
  • Luxury: The Ritz London or The Savoy

Transportation

  • Tube (London Underground): An efficient and convenient way to get around the city. Buy a Visitor Oyster Card for discounts and convenience.
  • Bus: A good option for shorter journeys or sightseeing routes like the Big Bus Company.
  • Walking: London is a walkable city, and exploring on foot can be a great way to discover hidden gems.

Tips and Essentials

  • Buy a Visitor Oyster Card for discounted travel and entry to many attractions.
  • Pack layers, as London’s weather can be unpredictable.
  • Tip 10-15% at restaurants and bars, as service charges may not be included.
  • Be prepared for crowds at popular attractions and tube stations during peak hours.
  • Learn some basic British slang to better navigate the city and interact with locals.

Things to Know

  • Tipping culture: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service.
  • Cashless society: Many businesses in London no longer accept cash, so be prepared with a credit or debit card.
  • Queueing etiquette: Be respectful of queues and let people exit before entering busy areas like tube stations.

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a day trip to nearby destinations like Oxford, Windsor Castle, or the Cotswolds.
  • Explore street art in Shoreditch, Brick Lane, or Camden.
  • Visit one of London’s many parks, such as Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park, for a peaceful escape from the city.

Enjoy your trip to London!