London is one of the great world cities, with a history that runs from Roman walls to glass towers. Royal palaces, free museums, huge parks, markets, theatres and thousands of restaurants sit within a single transport network.
It is huge and varied, so pick a few areas rather than trying to cover it all. Even repeat visitors find new corners, and the river and the parks make the city much calmer than it first looks.
How many days: 4
Four days covers the classic sights, a couple of museums and a market or two. A long weekend works if you plan each day by area.
Use each day for one part of the city, such as the royal and political centre, the museums, the City and the South Bank, or the east. Keep a slow afternoon free for a park or a pub.
What to do in London
- Walk through the royal and political centre
- Westminster has the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the Abbey. Buckingham Palace and St James's Park are a short walk away.
- Visit a major museum
- The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum are free to enter. Pick one or two and give each time.
- Walk along the South Bank
- A riverside path runs from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, past theatres, galleries and street performers. A very good way to see the city.
- Climb or visit the Tower of London
- A medieval fortress with the Crown Jewels and a thousand years of history. Book ahead on the official site.
- Relax in a Royal Park
- Hyde Park, Regent's Park and Richmond Park offer green space in the middle of the city. Good for a walk, a picnic or a boat on the lake.
- Explore a market
- Borough Market, Camden and Portobello Road each have a different feel. Go early to avoid the crowds.
- See a show
- The West End has world-class theatre, musicals and comedy. Many theatres have day-of-show sales.
- Take a day trip
- Windsor, Greenwich, Oxford and Cambridge are all within easy reach by train.
What to eat and drink
- Fish and chips
- A British classic, best eaten fresh in a traditional chippy. Mushy peas and tartare sauce are the usual extras.
- Sunday roast
- Roast meat, potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding in a pub. A British tradition.
- A full English breakfast
- Eggs, bacon, sausage, beans, tomatoes and toast. A big meal, best before a long day on foot.
- Afternoon tea
- Sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and cakes, with tea. A classic treat in a hotel or tea room.
- Food from every culture
- Curry houses, Chinese restaurants, Turkish grills and Caribbean kitchens are all excellent. London's food is among the most varied in the world.
- A pint in a traditional pub
- Many pubs are centuries old and serve local ales. Order at the bar.
Getting around
The Underground, buses, Overground and trams use one contactless payment system. Tap in and out with a card or phone.
Walking is the best way to link sights in the centre, and distances are shorter than they look on the map.
Black cabs and ride-hailing apps are available. Traffic is often slow, so the Tube is usually quicker.
Good to know
- The weather is changeable, with rain possible at any time of year. Pack a waterproof and comfortable shoes.
- Many attractions are free, but the biggest sights sell timed tickets that are cheaper online. Book ahead.
- Sunday trading hours are shorter, and some restaurants close on Mondays. Check before you go.
- Stand on the right on escalators, and let people pass on the left. Locals appreciate it.
- Visitors from some countries need an electronic travel authorisation. Check the official government site well before you travel.