London England 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day London Itinerary: A Taste of Classic & Quirky

This itinerary offers a mix of classic and off-the-beaten-path experiences for a memorable London trip.

Day 1: Historic London

  • Morning: Start your journey with the iconic sights!

    • Visit: Tower of London (allow 2-3 hours). Explore the Crown Jewels, learn about its gruesome past in the Tower of London, and wander through the tower’s ancient walls.

  • Afternoon: Enjoy lunch near the Tower Bridge at Borough Market - a foodie paradise with diverse vendors offering everything from fresh produce to artisanal cheeses and delicious street food.

    • Alternative: Walk across the Millennium Bridge for stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tate Modern gallery, which you can explore later in this itinerary!

  • Afternoon/Evening: Stroll along the Thames River and admire the architecture of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

    • Optional: Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city, or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at a charming spot like The Ritz London or Fortnum & Mason.

  • Evening: Experience the magic of theatre in the West End (book tickets in advance!).

Things to know:

  • Tower Bridge: This Victorian masterpiece is a must-see.

  • Transportation:

    • Start your day: Using the London Underground is the most efficient way to see the city.
    • Walking Tour: A walking tour from Tower Bridge to other landmarks along the Thames (like the Tower of London) is a great way to experience the city.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit the Tower of London: This historic castle offers breathtaking views and fascinating stories. Explore its grounds, see the Crown Jewels, and learn about its past as a prison, palace, and even a zoo!
    • Catch a show: The West End is famous for its world-class theatre.

  • Where to eat:

    • Street Food at Borough Market: Enjoy delicious and affordable food from around the world.
    • Borough Market: Offers various dining options, from casual stalls to sit-down restaurants.

  • Things to see & experience:

  • Day 1:

    • Tower Bridge: This iconic bridge is a perfect place to start your London adventure.
    • Shakespeare’s Globe: Experience theatre as it was in the Bard’s time at this reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse.

  • Where to stay:

    • South Bank Hotels: For a convenient and culturally immersive experience, consider staying on the South Bank itself.

Things to know:

  • Budget: London can be expensive, so consider your budget when choosing where to stay. The Tower Bridge area offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets.

    • Location: This itinerary assumes you’ll be staying on the South Bank, but it’s easily adaptable to other locations!

  • Transportation: You can use the Citymapper app (https://citymapper.com/) for navigating the city.

Day 2:

  • Explore: The British Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts from around the world.

  • Optional: Wander through the British Museum’s diverse collections, from ancient Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone.

  • Alternative: Stay near Covent Garden Market: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and street performers.

Day 3:

  • Discover: The history of London with a visit to the Tower of London, a historic castle with centuries of stories to tell.

  • Morning:

    • Visit: The Tower Bridge Experience: Learn about the history of this iconic landmark.

  • Afternoon:

    • Explore the Houses of Parliament and its stunning architecture.
    • See the Westminster Abbey: A beautiful gothic church with a rich history.

  • Evening:

Enjoy the London Eye at night for breathtaking views of the city.

Day 3:

  • Explore: The South Bank: Take advantage of the vibrant cultural scene and walk along the Thames, enjoying the iconic views and street life.

  • Visit: The National Gallery, the Tate Modern, and other artistic treasures in the bustling South Bank.

  • Transportation:

    • Consider a “Boris Bike” pass: Rent a bike for short journeys around the city.

Things to do:

  • Visit: The Tower Bridge Exhibition: Explore the inner workings of this historical marvel.
  • See: The Tate Modern’s collection, which includes works by modern and contemporary artists.
  • Experience: London’s historic pubs: Enjoy a traditional pub experience with a pint and some pub grub.

Alternative activities:

  • Visit the Churchill War Rooms: Step back in time and explore the underground bunker used by Winston Churchill during World War II (book tickets in advance).

  • Take a walking tour of the London Bridge area: Learn about the history of this landmark while exploring the surrounding streets.

  • Enjoy a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe: Experience the Bard’s works come to life on stage.

Day 4:

  • Explore: The Tower Bridge: Enjoy the stunning views of the city and the Thames River.
  • Visit: The British Museum: Explore more of London’s history and culture.
  • Walk through the historic Borough Market: Discover the diverse flavors and history of London’s food scene.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Budget for travel time: Allow enough time to get between destinations, especially if you are using public transport.
  • Consider a walking tour: Many companies offer affordable tours that explore specific areas of the city.
  • Pack comfortable shoes: London is best explored on foot!

Day 3 & 4:

  • Day 3: The National Gallery is open late on Fridays (9pm).

Things to do:

  • Visit: The Tower Bridge Exhibition: Explore the history of this iconic landmark through interactive displays.
  • Enjoy: a traditional pub meal: You’ll find plenty of delicious options in London, from classic fish and chips to more modern fare.

Day 4 (Evening):

  • Visit: The British Museum:**

Explore the museum’s vast collection after hours.

  • Take a walk on the South Bank: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this area, with its street performers and stunning views.
  • Enjoy a walk along the Thames Path: The South Bank, which is home to the Tate Modern, offers plenty of opportunities for a scenic stroll.

Things to keep in mind:

  • Book tickets in advance: This can save you time and money.

Other things to do:

  • Visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition: Explore the history of the bridge and see the original Victorian engine rooms.
  • Take a tour of the Tower of London: Learn about the Tower’s rich history, from its origins as a Roman fort to its use as a royal palace and prison.

Day 5 (optional):

  • Catch a show at the Globe Theatre: Enjoy a theatrical performance in the reconstructed Shakespeare’s Globe.
  • Visit: The Shard, a towering skyscraper with a breathtaking view of the city, is a great option for a fun evening.

Where to stay:

  • Stay in a hotel near the Tower Bridge: Enjoy a scenic walk and see the London Bridge Experience - an adventure through the history of London’s most famous landmark.
  • Consider Airbnb: For a more unique experience, rent a room or apartment in a historic building near the Thames.

Try these nearby restaurants for a taste of local flavor:

  • Borough Market:

Enjoy fresh oysters and a pint while listening to street musicians.

  • Borough Market Food Market: Explore the diverse food stalls at Borough Market, such as The Fishmonger’s Company for a seafood feast, or Neal’s Yard Dairy for delicious cheese and dairy products.
  • Stay in a hotel near the South Bank: Many hotels offer stunning views of the Thames and its landmarks.

Transportation:

  • Public transport is efficient and affordable: Explore the Tube map (https://tfl.gov.uk/maps/tube-map) and consider using it to plan your routes.
  • Enjoy the vibrant cultural scene:

Visit the South Bank: Explore the many museums, theatres, and theaters on the South Bank.

  • Experience the thrill of a Thames boat cruise. Enjoy a scenic ride with captivating views and learn about the history of the river.

Things to consider for a unique experience:

  • Book: a “Dinner Cruise” on the Thames: This is a fun way to enjoy the sights and sounds of London while enjoying a meal.

Enjoy a traditional pub meal near the Thames River.

  • Visit: The Borough Market: A great place to find delicious food from local vendors.

Other things to do:

Explore**:

Visit Borough Market for lunch and enjoy the atmosphere of the area.

You can also explore other attractions near the South Bank.

Enjoy a play at the Shakespeare’s Globe: Immerse yourself in the historical charm of London’s theatre scene.

  • Discover the South Bank: Explore the vibrant riverside scene with its numerous museums, theaters, and restaurants.

Walking:

Explore the Tower Bridge Experience by foot and enjoy the views of the Thames from the bridge: Enjoy a romantic walk on the bridge or a bike ride along the riverbank. *

Enjoy exploring the South Bank, a popular spot for tourists.

Walk through London:

  • Walk: the South Bank: Experience the history of the South Bank, with its iconic landmarks and street markets.

  • Visit: The Tower Bridge**: Enjoying the architecture of the Thames is a must-do.

  • Visit: The British Museum, which offers a glimpse into London’s past.

Public Transport:

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the South Bank, taking in the sights and sounds of this bustling area.

Enjoy:

A walking tour of the South Bank is a great way to see the sights. *

Other things to do:

  • Explore the South Bank’s many restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

Enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Thames.

For a truly immersive experience:

  • Visit the Globe Theatre: It’s a unique opportunity to see a play in a 16th-century theatre.
  • Book a tour: To enjoy the full history and experience, book a tour of the South Bank, which is a great place for a picnic.

This is just a starting point -

  • The South Bank, with its vibrant cultural scene, offers many options for exploration.

You can customize your itinerary to fit your interests and time constraints. Enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants in the area!

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  • For a more budget-friendly option: Enjoy a picnic on the Thames River.

  • The Thames: Is a great place for a boat trip.

Enjoy the river views and explore the South Bank’s numerous museums, restaurants, and pubs.

  • Enjoy a play: The Globe Market:

  • Enjoy a boat ride: Enjoy a traditional theatrical performance by exploring the history of the Thames’ history.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the South Bank and enjoy a traditional

  • For a unique experience: Visit the National Theatre, which is known for its modern architecture and stunning views.

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Remember to check opening hours and availability before your visit!

Enjoy the history: A quick search for “London landmarks near South Bank” will provide you with a list of nearby attractions.

Other things to do:

  • Enjoy the South Bank’s unique history.

Enjoy the bustling atmosphere: Enjoy the vibrant riverside and enjoy a delicious meal at one of the restaurants in the market. *

Travel Tips:

Buy a Travelcard: This provides unlimited travel on public transport within London. *

Consider the:

Oyster Card (or contactless payment) for transportation.

Explore the Thames:

Enjoy a boat cruise along the Thames River.

Other things to consider:

  • Restaurants and cafes: are abundant in the area, offering everything from traditional English cuisine to international flavors.

Explore London’s South Bank:

Consider your budget and plan accordingly.

  • Travelcards can be purchased online or at Tube stations.

Remember to top up your card with enough credit for your trip.

Enjoy the variety of food options on the South Bank, including delicious cafes and restaurants.

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London Eye:

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the South Bank.

Enjoy:

Thames Path walks are a great way to enjoy the South Bank, especially at night. *

The South Bank is known for its vibrant culture and history.

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Explore the many cultural venues:

The Globe

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The National Theatre:

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Enjoy the theater’s stunning views:

For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a walking tour of the historic South Bank:

You can enjoy the beauty of the Thames River and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

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