London calling! This city is a vibrant mash-up of royal history, punk rock, and endless cups of tea. Planning a trip across the pond is more affordable than you might think. For our US and Canadian readers, keep an eye out for deals. At the time of publishing, we're seeing direct round-trip flights on budget-friendly airlines like Norse Atlantic Airways from New York (JFK) to London (LGW) for around $420 USD. With 4 days in London, you have enough time to hit the iconic sights, wander through charming neighborhoods, and eat your weight in fish and chips. This guide will help you make the most of every moment.
🗓️ Day 1: The Royal Treatment – Palaces, Parks & Parliament
✅ Must-Do:
- Start at Buckingham Palace – Arrive around 10:45 AM to catch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony.
- Stroll through St. James's Park – A beautiful walk from the palace leads you towards Westminster, with great views and resident pelicans.
- Westminster Abbey & Big Ben – Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Abbey, the site of royal coronations, and get that essential photo with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
- Ride the London Eye at Sunset – For a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, take a spin on the iconic Ferris wheel as the sun goes down.
🥐 Food Tip: Kick off your London adventure with a Full English Breakfast at a traditional café. Expect bacon, sausages, eggs, beans, tomatoes, and toast!
🎨 Day 2: History, Crowns & Culture
✅ Must-Do:
- Explore the Tower of London – Get there early to see the Crown Jewels without the crowds and take a tour with a Yeoman Warder for fascinating stories.
- Walk Across Tower Bridge – Learn about the history of this iconic bridge and walk across its high-level glass floor walkway.
- Lunch at Borough Market – A foodie paradise! Grab lunch from one of the dozens of stalls offering everything from gourmet cheese toasties to fresh oysters.
- Visit the Tate Modern – Cross the Millennium Bridge to this modern art gallery housed in a former power station. The viewing platform offers another incredible free view of the city.
🎟️ Pro Tip: For transport, get a Visitor Oyster card. It's a pay-as-you-go smartcard that's cheaper than buying single tickets for the Tube and buses.
🛍️ Day 3: Markets, Museums & Musicals
✅ Must-Do:
- Wander through Notting Hill – Famous for its colorful houses and the Portobello Road Market (busiest on Saturdays), it's a perfect spot for antique hunting and photo ops.
- Visit the British Museum – Home to world treasures like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. Entry is free!
- Explore Covent Garden – Enjoy the street performers, browse the unique shops in the market, and relax in the lively piazza.
- See a West End Show – End your day with a world-class theatre performance in London's famous theatre district.
🏨 Accommodation Tip: Areas like Covent Garden or South Bank are central and perfect for first-time visitors. To find great deals on hotels that put you in the heart of the action, check out Booking.com for a huge range of options.
🛶 Day 4: Greenwich Meantime & A Pint
✅ Must-Do:
- Take a boat to Greenwich – Hop on a Thames Clipper for a scenic ride to the historic maritime neighborhood of Greenwich.
- Stand on the Prime Meridian – Visit the Royal Observatory, stand with one foot in each hemisphere, and enjoy one of the best views of London from Greenwich Park.
- Explore the Cutty Sark – Discover what life was like aboard this famous 19th-century tea clipper ship.
- Enjoy a Farewell Pint – Find a traditional pub, order a pint of ale and some classic fish and chips to toast the end of your trip.
🍻 Fun Fact: There are over 3,500 pubs in London, some of which are centuries old!
💼 What to Pack for 4 Days in London
- Comfortable walking shoes (essential!)
- A waterproof jacket and umbrella (the weather is famously unpredictable)
- Layers of clothing for changing temperatures
- A universal power adapter (Type G plug)
- A portable power bank for keeping your devices charged on the go
📌 Final Tips for Your London Adventure
- Look Right: Remember to look right, then left, when crossing the street!
- The Tube: "Mind the gap" isn't just a saying. Stand on the right on escalators to let people pass on the left.
- Embrace the Pace: Don't try to cram too much in. Take time to sit in a park or enjoy a pub, as that's part of the London experience.
🎯 4 Days in London – An Unforgettable Trip
With this 4-day London itinerary, you'll experience the best of the city's history, culture, and charm. From royal palaces to bustling markets, London offers an adventure that is both grand and delightfully down-to-earth.
✨ “ When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. ” — Samuel Johnson