4 Days in London Itinerary & Complete Guide
London might be one of the most cosmopolitan European destinations, where you could never get bored. If you only have 4 days in London and are looking for an easy-breezy itinerary, you have come to the right place.
I have visited the city so many times that I couldn’t help but fall in love. Based on my experience, I’ll provide valuable information to help you plan your vacation and create a step-by-step itinerary for each day.
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Table of Contents
- 4 Days in London Itinerary – what to do & complete guide
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- Day 4
- Other things worth doing in London
- Other City Break Options
4 Days in London Itinerary – what to do & complete guide
Where to stay during your 4 days in London
Choosing the best area to stay in the city can be challenging, especially when you will be only for 4 days in London. Of course, you will want to stay close to the most important tourist attractions without breaking the bank.
Moreover, you will want good connections to the airport and the train station.
Considering these criteria, you should look for accommodation in and around Shoreditch, Covent Garden, or anywhere in Central London.
However, if you are mindful of your budget, I would always recommend staying in Paddington (close to the underground, Hyde Park, and Paddington Station) or Camden.
While I often travel to Italy or Greece, where hotels are relatively affordable and often include breakfast, London is a comparatively expensive destination. When traveling on a budget, expect to pay a minimum of 100 euros for a night without breakfast.
Here are a few hotel recommendations worth considering for your 4 days in London.
ibis London City – Shoreditch
The hotel is in the heart of London, close to the most important tourist attractions. Moreover, the price is affordable. The underground is one minute away, and the famous Tower Bridge is ten minutes away.
Previous guests have appreciated how comfortable and clean the rooms are.
citizenM London Shoreditch
It is a modern hotel with a colorful interior design, located close to the city center. Self-check-in and check-out are done on a smart pad in the hotel hall, and rooms are not too big but comfortable enough.
The Z Hotel Trafalgar
You cannot stay in a more central area than this; you can walk almost anywhere. Thus, it might be worth spending extra and skipping public transportation.
Guests appreciated the modern facilities and the hotel’s location.
Corinthia London
I added a luxury hotel option for those who like to travel in style. With an Instagrammable rooftop that offers one of the most amazing views of the London skyline, this hotel has a posh interior design and is set in the perfect location.
Furthermore, after a long time in the city, you can pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa and Michelin-star restaurant.
Booking.comHow to get to the city from the airport
London is served by four major airports, each well-connected to the city. While you will most likely land at Heathrow Airport, you will find it easy to get to your hotel from Luton, Gatwick, or Stansted airports, too.
But let’s see what are your options for each and every one of these airports.
From Heathrow Airport
Heathrow Airport is the largest and one of the most important airports in Europe. It is also the easiest to reach from the city center. Located in the western part of London, Heathrow is served by fast trains and subways.
Option 1: Express Train
The Heathrow Express is a great option if you want to save time, something you might want to consider when you only have 4 days in London. It is the fastest option to get from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station; the ride is only 15 minutes long.
The train only stops at the airport’s terminals and at the final destination. Since this is a special train for those traveling from the airport to the city, you will have more room for your luggage.
Naturally, speed and comfort come with a price tag, but when you book online ahead of time, you can save up to 75%.
Option 2: Subway
The London Subway Piccadilly Line connects Heathrow Airport to some of the most central places in the city.
You can pay contactless with your phone, card, or Oyster card, and you can change lines at various stops.
The downside is that it stops at every station, making the ride much longer. Also, since this is a normal subway train, you won’t have much space for your luggage.
However, if you are mindful of the price and are traveling on a budget, this is the best option for you.
We usually ride the subway when not in a hurry.
Option 3: Private Transfer
A third option is the Private Transfer. This might be the most expensive option, but it is also the most comfortable one.
You can book the transfer in advance, so you won’t have to worry about finding a taxi at the airport. Moreover, you won’t have to navigate the complex public transportation system with heavy luggage in tow. The car will drop you off directly at your hotel.
From Gatwick Airport
Many flights land or depart from Gatwick Airport, especially if you fly in from another European city. The airport is located south of London, toward Brighton.
Option 1 – Express Train
The easiest and fastest way to get there is by Gatwick Express, a train linking Victoria Station to Gatwick Station.
The train departs every 15 minutes and takes around 30 minutes to reach Victoria Station. From there, you can easily take a ride in any direction.
Option 2: By bus
Another option for getting to and from Gatwick Airport is by coach (i.e., a long-distance bus). For prices and timetables, check out the National Express Coaches website and book your ticket in advance.
The ride to Victoria Station takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes, but I would always add 30 minutes as a buffer, especially when traveling during peak hours.
From Stansted Airport
Stansted Airport is located in the northeastern part of London, some 40 miles away.
Option 1: By train
The Stansted Express is the fastest way into the city. The train connects the airport to London Liverpool Street Station, from where you can hop on the Circle Line, Hammersmith & City Line, Metropolitan Line, and Central Line.
Trains run every 15 minutes, and tickets can be booked for as little as 10 pounds (~12 euros, 13 US dollars) one-way when bought in advance.
Option 2: By bus and coach
The cheapest option is by couch, but also the longest (approximately 2 hours). You can book your ticket for as little as 5 pounds if you do so in advance.
From Luton Airport
Luton Airport is mostly serviced by low-cost airlines, and you are likely to arrive here when traveling from Europe.
The airport is located north of London, around 35 miles from Victoria Station.
You can travel by National Express Couch, which is the cheapest and longest option (roughly 2 hours). Book your ticket here!
The other option is to take the train to London St Pancras Station. Please note that you’ll probably have to take the bus for a short ride from Luton Airport to Luton Airport Parkway. The bus fare is included in the train ticket price.
How to get around London
Public Transportation System
The easiest way to get around London is to use its top-notch public transportation system.
Since we used to live in cities with world-class public transportation services, such as Hong Kong and Seoul, we have high expectations in this regard. London passed the test. Its public transportation system is clean, fast, simple to use, and affordable.
A few explanations are in order, though.
Firstly, you can pay by contactless card, so buying an actual ticket is unnecessary. Just make sure you touch your card to the reader every time you board and leave the bus or subway. You can also acquire an Oyster card by ordering it in advance, but it doesn’t make sense if you stay only 4 days in London.
The metropolitan public transportation map is divided into 9 zones, with fares depending on how many zones you cross during a trip. You can check out all the fares here.
Another thing to remember is that the total cost of your public transportation rides is capped per day.
I know it sounds complicated, but it is actually straightforward.
To sum up, use your contactless card when you travel, and don’t worry too much about the cost since it is capped. They will automatically deduct the necessary amounts in a few days. Assuming you’ll stick to inner London (Zones 1 and 2), you won’t need more than 35 pounds (~40 euros / US dollars) for your entire 4-day stay.
London Pass
In addition, you can acquire a London Pass. It is a great option for those who want to take a hop-on-hop-off bus for a day and visit some popular tourist attractions.
You can choose a pass valid for 1, 2, or up to 10 days, and you will enjoy access to more than 80 of London’s top attractions, tours, and museums (most of which are included in our itinerary).
However, if you don’t want to see many places that include admissions tickets and you want to use the hop-on-hop-off bus, you can book your trip separately here.
When is the best time to visit London?
While I love traveling through all seasons, and I have been to London in spring, summer, and fall, I prefer certain times best.
Of course, London before Christmas is charming and unforgettable, but I would always choose to visit during spring or summer. Temperatures rarely get too high, there are fewer chances of rain, and the city’s parks are in bloom.
Day 1
For this first day, you can mostly walk from one place to the other.
Start your day at the Kensington Palace and Gardens
Kensington Palace has been one of the royal residences in London since the 17th century.
Nowadays, it is the official London residence of William and Kate, among other members of the Royal Family.
Although it is one of the key tourist attractions today, there were calls for the palace to be demolished in the late 19th century. Queen Victoria eventually saved it, adamant that the place of her birth shouldn’t be destroyed during her lifetime.
You can walk through the King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s State Apartments, and the Gardens. There are also exhibitions; if you haven’t had your coffee yet, you should try The Orangery Cafe.
The London Pass covers tickets, or you can book a 90-minute sightseeing tour separately.
Go for a walk in Hyde Park
Opened to the public in 1637, Hyde Park is one of the four Royal Parks of London. It forms a chain with Saint James’s Park, Kensington Gardens, and Green Park past the entrance to Buckingham Palace.
Despite its relaxing atmosphere, the place was the scene of several famous duels, often involving members of the nobility.
For the last 150 years, Hyde Park has hosted the Speakers’ Corner, where fiery speeches have been given on many topics, from religious reform to women’s rights advocates and anti-war militants.
In recent decades, the park has hosted several large-scale free rock concerts featuring legendary groups like Pink Floyd, the Rolling Stones, and Queen.
See the changing of the guard at the Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the royal residence and administrative center of the British monarch and one of the most iconic London landmarks. It plays a significant role during state occasions and major events.
One of the world’s most famous attractions today is the changing of the guard. If you have time, it is worth watching, but please don’t stand in the way—the guards are not allowed to stop or go around walking tourists, and they’ll march over you, irrespective of age or gender. There was a fuss about a guard trampling over a child during our last visit, so watch your steps.
Step inside the Westminster Abbey
Probably the most notable religious building in the United Kingdom, Westminster Abbey is a large, mainly Gothic, church.
Since the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066, every English and British monarch has been coronated in the building. That’s one thousand years’ worth of kings and queens.
Furthermore, 3,300 people are buried in the abbey church, primarily people of historical significance: monarchs, prime ministers, military leaders, poets, scientists, and actors. For this reason, the place is colloquially known as “Britain’s Valhalla,” after the hall of heroes of Norse mythology.
Lastly, the church witnessed no less than sixteen royal weddings. The earliest ceremony was in 1100 when King Henry I wed Matilda of Scotland, while the most recent one was in 2011 when Prince William married Kate Middleton.
If you want to step inside and marvel at the beauty of this famous London attraction, I suggest you book your ticket in advance. There are usually huge lines, and you will want to save time, especially when you only have 4 days in London.
The London Pass includes the ticket.
See the city’s skyline from the London Eye
Every movie shot in London over the last two decades features a large white wheel sitting on the bank of the Thames. That’s the London Eye or the Millennium Wheel.
It offered London’s highest public viewing point until the Shard, a 72-story tall skyscraper, superseded it. Even so, it is still worth the ride.
I still think this is an experience worth having in London, and the living proof is the considerable waiting line you always see in front of its ticket booth.
Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance and avoid wasting precious time waiting in line. Moreover, you can choose from various combo options that allow you to do more while saving money.
The National Gallery and Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a public plaza in central London. The site has been a significant landmark since the 1200s, the initial Charing Cross being the ground zero from which distances were measured.
The square is named after the site of Admiral Nelson’s famous victory over Napoleon’s fleet. Nelson’s statue sits atop a tall column guarded by four lions.
The National Gallery is an art museum in Trafalgar Square, Central London, housing an extensive collection of paintings. The collection belongs to the government on behalf of the British public. Consequently, visiting the main exhibition is free of charge.
Day 2
On your second day in London, I suggest you go outside the city and explore some authentic British countryside.
Stepping outside the city will acquaint you with a different side of Great Britain, one you certainly don’t want to miss.
Several day trips are available, or you can rent a car or hop on the train.
My go-to car rental company is Discover Cars. It can help you save up to 70%, and they have a flexible cancellation policy in case your plans change. Get your best offers here!
Admittedly, we never rented a car in the UK because they drive on the “wrong side.” 🙂 Also, finding parking spaces is not always easy, especially in crowded tourist destinations. So when in the UK, we always book guided tours.
Let me share a few day trip options.
The City of Bath
Visit Bath and discover the city’s long history, charming historical center, and the old Roman Baths. It is easy to get there by train, making it the perfect destination for a day trip outside of London.
Tour the Cotswolds
When I think of England, I imagine rolling green hills, fluffy sheep, and quaint villages—in other words, The Shire from The Lord of the Rings (Sighs, it is on the mandatory watchlist if you are married to Alex). That’s real-life Cotswolds.
Getting there by public transportation could be challenging, but there are plenty of tour options to choose from. Check the tours here.
Brighton
If you would rather go to the seaside, Brighton is a good option. Great train connections depart from Victoria Station throughout the day.
Harry Potter Studio
Haven’t we all been seduced by the adventures of Harry Potter?
If you are like me, you will love to go on a day trip to the Harry Potter Studio and discover this incredible world. On top of that, you will get to admire the grounds of Oxford University on a walking tour. See more here!
Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Oxford
Castle and history lovers will love a full-day trip to Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford.
Day 3
Start your day with a coffee at the Sky Garden
Boasting some of the best views in London, the Sky Garden is exactly what its name tells you: a garden located between floors 34 and 37 in a tall business building.
Here, you can admire the 360-degree view of London and its skyline, enjoy a coffee with a snack, or even have a delicious meal at one of the restaurants. Once you had your coffee, take a stroll through the lush garden, snap a picture on the deck, and take your time admiring the city from above.
There is no time limit, and the entrance is free. However, you will have to book your free ticket online here.
Address: The Fenchurch Building (The Walkie-Talkie)
Walk over the Tower Bridge
Everybody knows the highly ornate suspension bridge in London, the one with the two towers on it, right?
One American tycoon liked it so much that he desired to buy it and ship it back to the US.
When the English planned to dismantle the London Bridge in 1968, Robert McCulloch eagerly bought it. To his great surprise, when they reassembled his new acquisition in Lake Havasu City in the US, the bridge looked very different from how he had imagined it.
Why? Because the bridge with the beautiful towers is called the Tower Bridge, while the American gentleman acquired the London Bridge—two different things.
Consequently, be careful what you bargain for when you are in Britain.
To go up the towers, you’ll need tickets. If you acquired it already, be aware that the London Pass covers the tickets.
Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
Another example of British quirky naming habits is the Tower of London. While it is in London, it is not a tower but a castle encircled by medieval stone walls.
It was used as a prison during the Middle Ages, so unsurprisingly, it was associated with torture and execution for most of its existence. Some of the prisoners were kept there for years or even decades, slowly withering away in the damp and dark dungeon.
The Tower also hosted the royal menagerie as early as the 12th century. Kings kept wild animals there, including lions and leopards. By the 18th century, the medieval zoo was opened to the public but with a grizzly twist. The admittance fee was three half-piece or a cat or dog to be fed to the lions. It’s not precisely a child-friendly petting zoo.
Today, the Tower of London is an important tourist attraction, and one can gawk at the opulent Crown Jewels—if you are into bling-bling, it is a must-see destination.
Tickets are covered by those who have a London Pass. If not, book your tickets here.
Go on a cruise on the Thames River
Why not see the city from the water? There are many Thames River Cruises to choose from, but since you are at the Tower of London, only a few steps away, you will find one of the main piers.
The best option is to book a hop-on-hop-off boat and take it from Tower Pier to Greenwich Pier. Afterward, head back to Westminster Pier. You will get to do the whole trip and see all the crucial attractions from the water.
Head to China Town for dinner
After we lived in East Asia for some years, London’s Chinatown became one of our favorite places. If you are into Asian cuisine, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to see this European piece of Asia.
Chinese hot pot, Cantonese shrimp wonton, Taiwanese shao mai—you can find it all, and I can assure you it is as authentic as it can be.
In addition to Chinese restaurants, the area has plenty of Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai places. Be ready for a unique culinary experience.
Finish off your day with a West End show
If you travel by the underground (a.k.a. subway), you will see countless adverts for the most popular West End shows taking place at the moment. If you are into musicals, why not dress up and have a night out?
Check out the latest shows, and book your ticket in advance!
Day 4
Since it is your last day in London, you should take it easy and explore charming neighborhoods and beautiful parks.
Start your day with a coffee in Notting Hill and some shopping at Portobello Market
I absolutely love exploring this area and allowing myself to get lost on the packed streets lined with colorful buildings, posh cafes, and quirky stores.
It always takes me back to the “Notting Hill” movie with Julia Robers and Hugh Grant. Here, you will find plenty of small shops, like the little bookstore in the movie.
Come prepared to search for vintage clothing, taste food from all over the world at the Portobello Market, or sit back and relax with a single-origin coffee.
This is also one of the most Instagrammable areas in London, and where you will find some of the most Instagram worthy cafes as well.
Go for a stroll in Holland Park
Considered one of the poshest and most expensive areas to stay in London, Holland Park is a wooded area in the middle of the city.
Come here, especially if you are traveling during spring. The Japanese Garden is one of the most beautiful places in town. They even have a colorful peacock.
Little Venice
While you might not feel like in Venice but rather Amsterdam, this area is still worth visiting. With its canals, wooden boats, and waterways, come here to discover less touristy cafes, cozy pubs, and charming restaurants.
Simply stroll along the canals or go on a Regent’s Canal Waterbus Boat Trip to Camden.
Eat at the Borough Market
Cross over to the Southern banks and discover one of the largest and oldest food markets in London, dating back to at least the 12th century.
With plenty of food stalls and always some event going on, you won’t be disappointed by your visit to the Borough Market.
See the sunset from the Shard
Climb to the 72nd floor of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and admire a 360-degree view over London at sunset.
Finally, this is the end of your 4 days in London.
Other things worth doing in London
If you are traveling with kids, but not necessarily, visit one of the best aquariums in the world: SEA Life Centre London Aquarium
Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour. It is an original tour with thousands of reviews and happy customers. Pack some comfortable walking shoes and be ready to discover the magical world of Harry Potter hidden in the streets of London. See more here!
Afternoon Tea Bus with Panoramic Tour of London. You cannot visit London without enjoying a posh afternoon tea experience. And while you could head to one of the fancier hotels in town, I suggest you choose to see the city while enjoying traditional sweet and savory treats. See more here!
Jack The Ripper Walking Tour. As night falls, follow in the footsteps of one of the most famous serial killers in history. If you are a fan of true crime series, you should not miss this walking tour. See more here!
If you like taking pictures while enjoying a good coffee, read my post about the most Instagrammable cafes in London.
Other City Break Options
- Spend 4 days and discover Hong Kong
- 2 days in Vienna
- 3 days in Budapest
- Ho Chi Minh Itinerary: Discover Vietnam’s largest city.
- 2 days in Berlin
- One day in Nuremberg
- One day in Frankfurt
- 3 days in Seoul: A Complete Itinerary
- One day in Bruge
- 2 days in Lisbon
- Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
- Love at first sight: 3 days in Stockholm
- Things to do in Barcelona
- One Day in Bologna
- 3 days in Thessaloniki
- Your perfect 2 days in Rome
- 2 days in Athens
