England, UK, United Kingdom · Trip plan
4 days in London
Royal palaces, free museums and the West End lit up for Christmas.
- Best time
- Nov – Dec, Apr – Sep
- Ideal length
- 4 days
- A day, mid-range
- $250 per person
- Trip for two
- about $2,000
Planning a 4-day trip to London? Here's a day-by-day London itinerary with what it costs, where to stay and how to get there, ready to follow or make your own.
Why go now
From mid-November London's streets are strung with lights, Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park and the West End is at its most festive.
London packs royal history, world-class museums, theatre, markets and food from every culture into one sprawling, endlessly interesting city.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr: a good time to go
- May: a good time to go
- Jun: a good time to go
- Jul: a good time to go
- Aug: a good time to go
- Sep: a good time to go
- Oct
- Nov: a good time to go
- Dec: a good time to go
November to December: 4–10°C, short days and drizzle.
Don't miss
Best things to do in London
- 01
Westminster
Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey.
- 02
Tower of London
The Crown Jewels and 1,000 years of history.
- 03
British Museum
Free, with the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon sculptures.
- 04
Covent Garden
Christmas decorations, street performers and theatres.
Day by day
London itinerary for 4 days
- D1
Day 1: Westminster
- Morning
- Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
- Afternoon
- Walk through St James's Park to Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard (check days).
- Evening
- Christmas lights on Regent Street and Oxford Street.
The guard change doesn't happen every day; check the schedule.
- D2
Day 2: The City and the river
- Morning
- Tower of London and the Crown Jewels at opening.
- Afternoon
- Tower Bridge, then Borough Market for lunch and Tate Modern.
- Evening
- A West End show.
Buy theatre tickets at TKTS for discounts.
- D3
Day 3: Museums and markets
- Morning
- British Museum.
- Afternoon
- Covent Garden and Soho.
- Evening
- Hyde Park Winter Wonderland.
Winter Wonderland runs mid-November to early January.
- D4
Day 4: Notting Hill and home
- Morning
- Portobello Road market (Saturdays are busiest).
- Afternoon
- Kensington's museums.
- Evening
- Fly home.
The Elizabeth line reaches Heathrow fast.
Shorter or longer
London in 3, 4 or 6 days
3 days in London
Follow days 1 to 3 above and leave out “Notting Hill and home”. Start early each day and book the main sights ahead.
6 days in London
Slow down with a free day for a spa, a cooking class or simply wandering, then add 1 day in The Cotswolds.
What it costs
London trip budget
| Style | Per person, a day | 4 days for two |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $120 | $960 |
| Mid-range | $250 | $2,000 |
| Luxury | $600+ | $4,800 |
Stay, food, local transport and entry fees; travel to London is extra. Rough guides from recent prices, so check before you book.
Where to stay
Best hotels in London for every budget
What to eat
Food to try in London
Sunday roast
Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding in a pub.
Fish and chips
Best at a traditional chippy.
Borough Market
Street food stalls galore.
Getting there
How to reach London
- Travel
- Heathrow and Gatwick, with direct trains to the centre.
- Getting around
- The Tube, buses and walking; tap in with a contactless card.
- Tap a contactless card on the Tube; it caps daily fares.
- Most big museums are free.
Before you go
What to pack for London
- Power bank and charging cables
- Passport and visa printouts
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for temples
- A forex card or some local cash
- Travel insurance
Good questions
London trip FAQs
How many days are enough for London?
4 days are enough to see the highlights: Westminster, Tower of London, British Museum. Add a day or two if you like a slower pace.
How much does a 4-day London trip cost?
Roughly $120 a day per person on a budget, $250 mid-range and $600+ for luxury, not counting travel to get there. For two people mid-range, that's about $2,000 for 4 days.
What is the best time to visit London?
Nov – Dec, Apr – Sep. From mid-November London's streets are strung with lights, Winter Wonderland opens in Hyde Park and the West End is at its most festive.
Where should I stay in London?
Budget: Generator London (King's Cross), from about $90 a night. Mid-range: The Hoxton, Holborn (Holborn), from about $280 a night. Luxury: The Savoy (Strand), from about $800 a night.
How do I reach London?
Heathrow and Gatwick, with direct trains to the centre.
Is 3 days enough for London?
Yes, if you focus: follow days 1 to 3 of the itinerary above and skip "Notting Hill and home". 4 days is the comfortable length.
What is the weather like in London?
November to December: 4–10°C, short days and drizzle.
What food should I try in London?
Sunday roast: Roast beef with Yorkshire pudding in a pub. Fish and chips: Best at a traditional chippy. Borough Market: Street food stalls galore.
How do I get around London?
The Tube, buses and walking; tap in with a contactless card.
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