If you are looking for the best 4 day London itinerary, you have come to the right place! Planning the perfect London itinerary doesn’t have to be difficult, and this guide will make it easy for you! I consider myself a seasoned Londoner to a degree. An adventurer to the core, whenever I’m in a new city, I gravitate to the experiences and activities that are not constantly listed as “must-sees” in every guidebook on the shelf. This is what sets this 4 days in London Itinerary apart from others you may see on the web! 

As one of the largest cities on the European continent, it can be a tricky spot to navigate and find the coolest of attractions, landmarks, experiences, and gastronomy. Planning your London itinerary can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be when you follow this easy guide. Here are our recommendations for the very best 4 day London itinerary full of rare, unique, and popular attractions to satisfy the tourist in all of us.

Depending on how much you want to do during your trip to London, consider looking into a London Pass where you pay a flat fee and you get admission to many of the experiences suggested below instead of paying individually. Check out London Pass.

This is a fabulous guest post by Fill My Passport!

The Best 4 Day London Itinerary For First Time Visitors

Getting Around During Your London Itinerary

London is very easy to get around and has an extensive and easy-to-understand public transportation network. London is also a very walkable city, so if you are in good physical fitness, you will be able to walk to a lot of the sights mentioned here if you don’t want to ride public transport every time.

The two main ways to get around London during your 4 day London itinerary are to ride the tube system or the bus system, both of which are included in this guide. Many people try to avoid busses when traveling, but I encourage you to give the bus system a try during your London itinerary. Sometimes, a bus will get you to your destination quicker than the tube can. The busses in London are also very clean, timely, and are often not as crowded as the tube.

If you choose to take the tube during your 4 day London Itinerary, remember that instead of numbers to lable the trains, you will use names. So instead of saying you will take “the 2 train” you will say “take the Picadilly line.” This can be even easier to understand than a numbered train system and some prefer the named trains because it cuts down on the confusion. I highly recommend trying out the tube during your 4 days in London so you can get around like the locals do!

If you want to take public transportation, consider investing in an Oyster Card. It is well worth the money and is a prepaid card you can buy online or at the tube station. It will save you money instead of buying individual fares. The Oyster Card also includes rides on buses and riverboats, in addition to the tube. Make sure to fill up enough money to cover your 4 day London itinerary.

Buy your affordable airport transfer here!

Day 1: Begin Your 4 Day London Itinerary With Free Experiences

After enjoying a hearty English breakfast (try the black pudding…just do it.) You may also want to consider one of the many bottomless brunches in London! Why not start day one of your 4 day London itinerary with a few freebies!

Did you know that MANY MUSEUMS IN LONDON ARE FREE? Loads of visitors don’t know this and may consider skipping museums on their London itinerary as they are afraid of the cost! After all, museums in larger cities can go from $20-$40 a pop! This is not so in London and many of London’s museums have free admission and cover an extensive amount of British history, style, and pop culture which make them the perfect thing to start off any London itinerary. 

Stop 1: Start Your London Itinerary At The Museum of Natural History

An incredible freebie, the Museum of Natural History located near the V&A [Victoria and Albert Museum] gives you a totally different collection of artifacts to include involving the earth, nature, the animal kingdom, space, and more. This museum is a must-see to include on your 4 day London itinerary. Check out the giant replica of the Blue Whale! You will be floored at the size of the largest mammal on earth along with many other tidbits of priceless information. If you get the case of the nibbles, the café inside the museum does a killer banana split if so inclined. If you are spending 4 days in London in winter, there is also a cute ice skating rink located right outside! 

Tour Suggestion: Kid’s tour of the natural history museum 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at South Kensington Station on the Piccadilly & Circle lines.

Stop 2: Get Cultured At The Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

Take your fashionista to the V&A to marvel at all the incredible fashion through the decades for the second stop on your London itinerary. This large museum is a treasure trove for historians, designers, and connoisseurs alike and will educate even the most ignorant of tourists on the styles and traditions of the world’s multicultural past. Make sure to block out a decent amount of time as the V&A is a huge museum. Of course, if you are running tight on time you can just pop in, but this museum is truly stunning and deserves an hour or two if possible! It is also just a few steps away from the Natural History museum listed above! 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Knightsbridge off the Piccadilly line.

Stop 3: Stop For Afternoon Tea/Lunch On Your London Itinerary At The Berkeley Hotel

After taking in some of the most incredible fashion styles of the centuries, why not indulge in a culinary treat depicting the current trends? This is the perfect lunch to have on your 4 day London itinerary and an afternoon you won’t forget. The Berkeley Hotel’s Pret-a-Portea afternoon tea brings a fusion of the culinary and fashion arts together with a truly unique meal. Enjoy savories and sweets emulating the current designs of such notables as Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Burberry, and more. Afternoon tea at the Berkeley Hotel is a wonderful thing to do on your London itinerary. You can also check out some of the best food tours in London!  

How to get here? It’s a short walk from the V&A; however, if you skipped V&A and came right from the Museum of Natural history, take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Knightsbridge off the Piccadilly line.

Stop 4: Go Shopping At Fortnum & Mason

Want to feel like royalty during your 4 day London itinerary? Then check out the incredible shop where HM Queen Elizabeth II does her grocery shopping- Fortnum and Mason. Grab some gourmet loose leaf teas, preserves, and if there is a smidgen of wiggle room in your budget, a delightful hamper for a picnic in Hyde park in the late afternoon. If you are looking for the perfect place to buy souvenirs, add some time to your London itinerary to shop for goods here! 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Piccadilly Circus on the Piccadilly line.

Stop 5: Explore Carnaby Street

After taking some traditional touristy selfies at Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, do the 2-minute walk over to the fantastically funky Carnaby Street! This artsy and eclectic street shines the spotlight on independent artisans, local vendors, and the true out of the ordinary and is a must-see on your 4 day London itinerary. Be sure while you’re here to stop into Choccywoccydoodah –  one of the coolest chocolate shops in London! Check out the wedding cake alternatives, the huge eggs, and many other items ready to be devoured by even the shyest of chocolate enthusiasts.

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Piccadilly Circus or Oxford Circus.

Stop 6: Soak In Soho On Your London Itinerary

The up and coming borough of Soho is a treasure trove of sites and a wonderful area to explore during your 4 day London itinerary! A short walk from Carnaby Street, have a browse through the unique shops, cross through Soho Park and have a quick glance at Sir Paul McCartney’s office, then indulge in a chili pepper hot chocolate at Paul A Young’s Chocolaterie. The thick and decadent drink is a hefty 5 quid but deemed the best hot cocoa in all of London. 

Stop 7: Enjoy Dinner At Opium Dim Sum During Your 4 Day London Itinerary

Burn off a few of the hot chocolate calories! Walk on over to Chinatown to the flying lanterns, markets, and unique trinkets. Then head to one of the most upscale and obscure dim sum parlors in the city – Opium. A 5-floor walk-up, sign in with the guard at the base of the steps and make your way to the private lounge. Enjoy homemade dumplings, bespoke libations, and a hint of posh as you seriously envision men in smoking jackets with a cigar and brandy with the ladies clad in gowns and pearls. Opium Dim Sum is the perfect place to enjoy dinner to end the first of your 4 day London itinerary! 

Stop 8: End Your First Day At The Magic Hour

After dinner, make your way to the Sheraton Grand Park Lane Hotel for the most exclusive and incredible intimate magic show in the entire city of London. Watch Sonic make things disappear in front of your eyes leaving you perplexed and bewildered. Shows happen daily and include a complimentary cocktail upon arrival. If you are looking for one of the more unique things to do in London on your 4 day London itinerary, you won’t be disappointed with “The Magic Hour.” 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Green Park Station. It is then a 5-minute walk to the hotel.

Day 2: Explore The Outdoors And Culture On Day Two Of Your 4 Day London Itinerary

Stop 1: Begin Day 2 Of Your London Itinerary At Hyde Park

Head to the largest park in the UK first thing in the morning on the second day of your London itinerary. Hyde Park has such an array of sites and beauty that all who visit London must experience during their 4 day London itinerary. First, stop in at the Lido Café for a fresh pastry and barista-crafted latte. This will give you the energy needed to explore more of the incredible manicured grounds.

After breakfast, stroll through the park and stop at Princess Diana’s memorial fountain. Continue after a few moments of reflection to see the Peter Pan statue.

What is super cool about the Peter Pan statue is that if you enter the barcode in your phone, he will talk to you! Whoa….

Once you have spent some time exploring the park, head to the stables and take an hour leisurely horse ride through the grounds. Get dolled up in traditional equestrian gear for a guided tour of some of London’s greenest gardens and fields. This is such a cool and unexpected thing to add to your 4 day London itinerary and you will truly enjoy the experience. 

After your ride, if you ordered a hamper from Fortnum and Mason on day 1 of your London itinerary, find a quiet spot for a delightful picnic amongst the chirping birds, whisking trees, and others enjoying nature.

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Hyde Park Corner.

Stop 2: Unwind At The Banya 1 Russian Spa

Time to relax and rejuvenate after a ton of walking and eating on your 4 day London itinerary. Head on over to the top Russian Spa in London for a real treat! Enjoy unique treatments exclusive to the spa and relax those tired muscles. If you think getting hit with a bunch of foliage doesn’t sound appealing (though the sensation is truly beneficial for your body and circulation), they have many other treatments to choose from. This spa is the only one of its kind in London and has been enjoyed by the likes of Kate Moss, Liv Tyler, and crazily enough – Justin Bieber. It is one of the best things to do in London if you are looking to unwind and relax. 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Old Street Station – then walk 10 mins to the spa.

Stop 3: Visit the famous Covent Garden

After a relaxing treatment at the spa, head on over to Covent Garden for an afternoon of fun and experiences. First, why not check out the upscale shops and possibly splurge on a thing or two! Afterall, your 4 day London itinerary is the perfect time to get some shopping done! Lulu Guinness is my favorite – one of the only shops left in the world!

Next, why not check out the transportation museum during your four day London itinerary? If you enjoy taking the London Underground to navigate the city, why not learn more about this revolutionary method of transportation? The Museum of Transportation gives you a colorful display of England’s Tube and bus lines. In 2015 The red buses celebrated a milestone anniversary with statues spread across the city. Check out some of the sculptures from the Scavenger Hunt as well.

Click Here To Check Out The Prettiest Streets In London

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Covent Garden, or if closed (on Sundays mainly), Leicester Square.

Stop 4: Go Undercover At The James Bond Exhibition at the Film Museum

Are you a 007 fan? Well, if you are, check out Bond in Motion at the London Film Museum in Covent Garden during your 4 day London itinerary. Check out props and artifacts from the 24 franchise films, take photos beside the many vehicles, and grab some priceless souvenirs exclusive to the exhibition.

Tour suggestion: James Bond 2 Hour London Walking Tour

Stop 5: Enjoy Lunch At Rules Restaurant In London

After enjoying some of the smaller museums and displays in the city, head to Rules, the oldest restaurant in London! Opening in 1798, Rules takes pride in its British menu offering numerous classic dishes including beef wellington for 4 or more people on request. It is a yummy place to grab lunch during your 4 day London itinerary. 

Stop 6: Experience The Ballet During Your 4 Day London Itinerary

After a delicious meal at iconic Rules, you should take in a ballet performance to end the second night of your 4 day London itinerary with a bang. Right in the heart of Covent Garden take in the current show marveling at the picture perfect pirouettes these prima ballerinas do so well they could do them in their sleep. This is one of the more unique things to do on your London itinerary and I highly recommend checking it out! It is such a memorable and beautiful experience. 

Day 3: Explore Major London Highlights On Day three Of Your 4 Day London Itinerary

Stop 1: Indulge In Breakfast at the Ritz

For those who have some a more relaxed budget, book breakfast at the Ritz for sheer luxury on your first time in London itinerary. Enjoy a buffet, tea or coffee served in bone china, and a menu fit for royalty with such choices as eggs benedict, pancakes, omelets, and, for the indulgent, truffles and confit. Make sure you make reservations ahead of time and adhere to their strict dress code. If you don’t indulge in breakfast at the Ritz, at least choose somewhere else to experience a traditional English Breakfast during your 4 day London itinerary.  

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Green Park.

Stop 2: Visit The Famous Buckingham Palace

Next, head on over to get a touch of royalty at Buckingham Palace. In certain months of the year, the royal family opens the doors to tours and other occasions. If you visit other times, enjoy photos of the outside, the pristine gardens, and if you arrive around 11 am, the changing of the guard ceremony.  The changing of the guard ceremony is an iconic thing to do in London so if you want to add it to your 4 day London itinerary, make sure to time your trip correctly! 

Get your Buckingham Palace tickets here to skip the line and save money:

State Rooms Entrance Tickets

Royal Mews Entrance Tickets

Queens Gallery Entrance Tickets

Stop 3: Take In The View From The Tower Bridge Glass Floor

Next, hop on the bus and head to Tower Bridge and check out the new glass floor! If you time it right, they even do yoga classes up there! Visiting the Tower Bridge is an iconic part of your 4 days in London itinerary. The best way to experience the bridge is to simply walk across the bridge from one side of the Thames to the other. You will marvel at the architecture and it is completely free to do so. If you want to add more to your London itinerary, you can even pay a small fee to climb up inside the bridge itself which makes for a unique experience and provides wonderful views! 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Tower Hill.

Stop 4: Explore The Tower of London

After seeing some epic views of the Thames, check out Henry VIII’s infamous abode and see just where he beheaded his ill-fated ex-wives. After grabbing some photos there and seeing the crown jewels in person, stop in the café and have an exclusive beer only available here in the canteen. The Tower Of London is an iconic London stop so make sure to see it during your 4 day London itinerary. 

Skip The Line At The Tower Of London And Crown Jewels and buy advance tickets here! 

Stop 5: Enjoy Lunch At The Borough Market

Time for lunch! Cross the Millennium Bridge made famous in the Harry Potter films and make your way to the Borough Market! Enjoy a variety of produce, dairy, and meat stands, unique fusions of flavor like lavender lemonade, and stop into Hotel Chocolat’s restaurant for some incredible mac ‘n’ cheese overlooking where Bridget Jones called home in the three films. Borough Market offers such a variety and is a must-visit place to eat lunch during your 4 day London itinerary. 

Stop 6: Learn About History At The Fire Monument

After enjoying some awesome local grub, cross the London Bridge and make your way to the Fire Monument. This monument honors those who lost their lives in the Great fire of London back in 1666. For a nominal fee, climb up and see some great views of London including the unique buildings – the Gherkin, The Cheese Grater, and of course, the tallest of all – the Shard.

Stop 7: Twinings Is A Must During Your 4 Day London Itinerary

Hop on the Tube and head on over to the Strand to see the first and oldest Twinings tea shop! Learn of the motherhood of English tea and if truly keen, book a masterclass to learn how the favorite British drink is made. If you walk to the back of the shop, be sure to check out the mini-museum of artifacts and historical items shaping the company’s lengthy history. If you are looking for the perfect gift to bring home to family and friends to commemorate your 4 days in London, this is the perfect place to grab some English tea! 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at the Strand station.

Stop 8: Visit The Supreme Court

If time allows, head across the street from Twinings and check out the Supreme Court! See exactly where the legal team of the high courts still adorn the powdered wigs and make some of the biggest decisions in the world. Tours happen daily so if time remains, it is a truly unique experience to see the courthouse from the inside. You may not consider adding the Supreme Court to your 4 day London itinerary but it is quite a wonderful experience! 

Stop 9: See A Show At London’s West End Theatre

London is world famous for its theatrical productions and long-running plays. Tonight, grab some tickets to a favourite show like Billy Elliot or Phantom of the Opera, or, why not check out Mousetrap the Longest running production in the world that has made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records. The Agatha Christie whodunit has been pleasing audiences for more than 50K shows and is a staple in the heart of the big Smoke. Prices are quite reasonable as well at 25 quid and higher. This is the perfect thing to do on your London itinerary during your first visit and you will want to see a show every time you come to London! 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Leicester Square.

Day 4: Explore Local Favorites On The Last Day Of Your 4 Day London Itinerary 

On your trip so far, you have enjoyed a few popular spots as well as some local favorites. Today it is about unique experiences! First, make sure you fill your Oyster card with enough credit to travel all districts of the tube. The suggested places to see will involve a touch more commuting than the downtown core and these stops are a wonderful way to cap off your London itinerary. 

Stop 1: Choose Between Wimbledon/Greenwich To Begin The Last Day Of Your London Itinerary

Wimbledon and Greenwich are on the opposite sides of the city but choosing one to begin your final day of your London itinerary will be truly rewarding. If you are a tennis freak, you will want to choose Wimbledon to see where the biggest and most famous tournament is held each year. Check out the museum, the courts, and learn about how many strawberries are consumed each year.

Tour suggestion: Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum And Tour

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Wimbledon. You will need to switch lines a couple of times.

If you are not a tennis fan so much, make your way to Greenwich and see where time begins. Cross the Meridian line and take those famous photos. Enjoy a tour near the Meridian line and then explore the marine museum nearby. This is a wonderful and unique thing to do during your 4 day London itinerary! 

Tour suggestion: Royal Observatory Greenwich Audio Guide Tour

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Greenwich. You will need to transfer onto different lines and pay close attention to the signs to make sure you get on the right train.

Stop 2: Take Trapeze Lessons

If you chose to head to Greenwich, why not book a fun trapeze lesson at Gorilla Circus? I’m telling you this was one of the most exciting experiences I have ever had, and I can affirm that this facility in London made it that way. You get three attempts and if you succeed and show ease and comfort in your jumps, on the third attempt you may be partnered with a pro! This is such a fun way to end your London itinerary and you will get some awesome photos of your attempt in the process! 

How to get here? Take the bus from the Meridian Line as Gorilla Circus is in the borough of Greenwich.

If you chose Wimbledon, make your way back into the city and head to Brick Lane.

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Liverpool Street.

Stop 3: Marvel At Murals At Brick Lane

Are you a fan of murals and street art? Then you MUST check out Brick Lane during your 4 day London itinerary. Famous for the outside galleries, their murals and street art have warranted walking tours and photography sessions. If you are looking for some wonderful places for Instagram photos, this is it! While here, stop in Dark Sugars- a chocolate boutique founded by a woman from Ghana who creates some of the most delicious truffles you will ever try! 

Tour suggestion: Alternative London 2 Hour Street Walking Tour

Stop 4: Imitate The Beatles At Abbey Road

After some amazing street art, head on over to Abbey Road and walk across the infamous zebra crossing just like the Beatles. Be so careful as this is a working zebra crossing and people do drive through this roadway. There are busking photographers available to help you nab that perfect photograph and if you can’t manage a photo or forgot your camera, there is a webcam hooked up where you can see your infamous emulation of the Fab Four for the next 24 hours. If you can, try walking across barefoot. Paul McCartney would be impressed.

Tour Suggestions:

Beatles Walking Tour

London Rock And Roll History Tour

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off St John’s Wood station.

Stop 5: Ride On The Afternoon Tea Bus

After becoming the 5th Beatle, take the Tube to Victoria station and hop on the vintage double-decker Afternoon tea bus! Enjoy one of the best tea experiences ever which includes not only the usual sweets and savories, but also a guided tour of some of the most famous landmarks in the city including Parliament, Notting Hill, and Trafalgar Square. Don’t worry about safety on a moving vehicle! Hot beverages are served in secure travel mugs that are the most adorable cups you’ve ever seen, and everything is anchored to the tables. This is such a fun thing to add to your 4 day London itinerary and the best way to enjoy afternoon tea in England! 

Stop 6: Try Your Hand At Beekeeping

After your incredible afternoon tea experience, hop on the Tube and head to Kennington station to Hivers Beers. Here, you can take a stab at beekeeping! This experience shows you the ins and outs of helping the beautiful bees as they are diminishing rapidly and at the end includes a few beer tastings. This is a more unique thing to do in London and something a little under the radar! If you have already been to London or are looking for a more local and sustainable experience, trying your hand at beekeeping is a wonderful thing to add to your 4 day London itinerary. 

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Kennington Station – then walk 10 mins to the brewery.

Stop 7: Finish Your 4 Day London Itinerary By Heading To The Opera

As you are probably still stuffed from afternoon tea, after helping the bees, why not take in a beautiful opera performance? Book tickets and watch in awe as the performers hit those high notes that seriously sound like they could travel through the rafters. This is a wonderful way to cap off your busy and fun-filled 4 day London itinerary

How to get here? Take the Tube (BEST WAY) and get off at Leicester Square.

Getting To London For Your 4 Day Itinerary 

London is an internationally famous city and, as a result, there are multiple ways that you can arrive in the city. The first and most popular way is to fly in to begin your London Itinerary. The two large airports that service the sity are London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport. Depending on where you are coming from depends on which airport you fly into. Luckily, both airports are well connected to the city center by trains and public transportation so you can quickly get to/from without much hassle.

Alternatively, you can arrive for your London itinerary via the Eurostar train direct from Paris. This train is fast, direct, and affordable when you book online in advance. Unlike most trains in Europe, there is TSA-style security that you must go through before you ride the train. There are also two passport checkpoints, one for France and one for the UK. If you choose to take the Eurostar, you want to arrive at the train station at least 1.5 hours in advance in case there are lines or a problem with processing tickets. If you are coming to London from a nearby European country, you can easily catch the train from your location to Paris and then ride the Eurostar from Paris to London.

If you are looking for an affordable way to arrive for your 4 days in London, you can also choose to take a bus. Bus travel in Europe is extremely affordable while still offering travelers a positive experience. The busses are usually clean and come equipped with wifi and cost only a fraction of what train or air travel ring in as. If you are looking to save some money during your London itinerary, then consider taking the bus if you are already coming from somewhere else in Europe!

Map Of Things To Do In London In 4 Days

Are you more of a visual person? Don’t worry! This handy map of the best things to do in London in 4 days has this entire itinerary laid out for you. You can also click the link below and head straight to the Google Maps page featuring everything listed on this London Itinerary. I highly recommend downloading this map to your smartphone “offline” so you can access it anywhere and anytime during your London itinerary. You will be able to see the exact location and address of each “thing to do” included on this itinerary so you can easily map out the things to do and see if you want to switch up this itinerary to fit your own tastes and schedule.

Click Here To Download Google Map Of This London Itinerary 

So, there you have an incredible 4 day London itinerary mixing some of the most famous landmarks with some out of the ordinary experiences. For more incredible things to do that aren’t in every typical guidebook, check out this compilation of 150 uncommon things to do in London for all budgets – everything from the free experience all the way to the exorbitant.

Author Bio: Janine is an active traveler who enjoys uncovering untold stories, writing about her adventures to 40 countries, and has yet to find a cupcake she doesn’t like. She is a published author, Disney vacation guru, and thrives on supporting local tourism. Check out her blog Fill My Passport for further inspiration.

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