How many days do you actually need in London?

When planning your 4 day Itinerary in London, your first question will probably be, is 4 days actually enough? The short answer, yes, I do think 4 days is enough time to spend in London to at least get a good introduction to the city. However, London is HUGE and very spread out, so you could honestly spend your whole life exploring London and never get bored. At a minimum, I would suggest at least 3 days but even then you would barely scratch the surface!

Tips for Visiting London/ FAQs About London

Best time to visit London

Which time of year is best to plan your 4 day itinerary in London will depend on what type of activities you’re going for and the weather you prefer. As such, I’ve broken it down by season with pros and cons of each to help you decide along with a weather chart at the bottom

Average Temperatures in London

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How to get to London – London Airport Guide

Fly of course! However, there are multiple airports in London which can be confusing when try to decide where to fly into. To help you out, I’ve put together a quick London Airport guide explaining the location and difference of each to give you a better idea . Don’t forget to grab your Priority Pass membership to get access to over 1,700 Airport Lounges around the world when flying.

If you’re coming form elsewhere in the UK, you can obviously get the train into central London.

London Heathrow Airport

The largest international airport in the city and located in west London (Zone 6). There are a few different ways to get here via public transport (which I cover below). My favourite is by using the newest tube line called the Elizabeth Line. You can take this all the way to the airport from Paddington. It’s cheaper than the Heathrow Express and only takes about 15 min. longer. The Heathrow Express used to be the best and fastest option compared to the piccadilly line, however, with the Elizabeth line you can get there cheaper and almost just as fast.

Gatwick Airport

The second largest airport located in South London. This is one of my favourite airports as trains run directly to and from London Bridge and Victoria. It’s smaller than Heathrow but still has loads of flights. Don’t bother with the Gatwick Express train as it’s more expensive but takes the same amount of time as the normal Southern trains.

London City Airport

The hidden gem of London airports and my absolute favourite to fly in and out of if I can. City airport is geared towards “City workers” i.e. people working in the business district and traveling for work. It’s TINY which means it’s not very crowded and security is quick and efficient. It’s also centrally located and super easy to get to via the DLR (a train line). If there’s an option to fly from City, this will always be my first choice.

Luton Airport

Luton airport is like Gatwick but North and a popular budget airline hub. The Thameslink trains run to and from London St. Pancras.

Stansted Airport

Same as Luton in that it’s North and a popular budget airline hub. The Stansted Express trains run to and from Liverpool street.

How to get around London

When planning your 4 day itinerary in London, one thing you’ll want to know before you go is how to get around quickly and make the most of your time. Even though London is massive and quite spread out, it’s public transportation system is incredibly well connected which makes getting around a breeze.

London Zones

Firstly, it’s important to note London transport is segregated into “Zones.” At the very centre and heart of London is Zone 1, and then as you move further outside of that either direction, the Zones increase. It goes all the way up to Zone 9, but if you’re visiting London you’ll probably want to stay mainly within Zones 1 and 2 which is central and close to all of the action. The zones are mainly there to determine transport fares, but they can also give you an indication of how far from central an area or neighbourhood is.

Types of trains

There are a few different public transport options you need to be aware of when getting around London or even to and from London if you’re heading out on a day trip.

The most popular option for getting around is the famous London Underground subway system also referred to as “the Tube”. Most of it’s underground (hence the name), but there are parts of the line which are above ground.

There are three other types of trains you need to be aware of and these are referred to as the Overground, the DLR, and the trains.

The Overground and the DLR are London specific train lines that are pretty similar to the tube, but operate mostly above ground.

When someone refers to “the trains” they usually mean the train lines that operate throughout the whole of the UK including London. These are all above ground and are run by privatised companies such as Southern, West Midlands, Lumo etc. So for example if you wanted to take a day trip to Brighton from London, you would take the train operated by Southern.

Last but not least, the famous double decker red buses. These operate all over the city and are a great option if you’d rather see London from above ground. However, the downside to taking the bus is getting stuck in traffic.

Tickets and Paying for London Transport

If you’re using public transport within the London Zones, you no longer have to bother with getting an Oyster card. Instead, you can simply use contactless or “Apple Pay” on your phone and just tap your phone on the card reader at the station or when boarding the bus. The system is very clever and will calculate your fare based on where you tap in and out. It will also cap your spend at the daily fare rate if reached. For busses, the distance doesn’t matter it’s just a base fare per ride.

Just be careful to NOT use contactless to travel in and out of London as you will be fined for not having bought the proper ticket.

Which brings me to my next point, if you’re traveling outside of the London Zones, for example to Stansted or Luton airport, then you have to buy a regular ticket. I use trainline to buy all of my train tickets as it’s quick, convenient, and the tickets are delivered right to your phone.

Currency used in London and is Cash or Card preferred

The currency used in London and all throughout the UK is the British Pound (aka sterling). Almost everywhere in the UK will accept card. I haven’t used cash in years and some places don’t even accept it anymore. If you’re paying for something using your phone or by tapping your debit or credit card, you’ll hear that referred to that as “contactless” payment.

Also, a major difference I’d like to point out for US visitors, if you’re paying the bill at a restaurant, the waiter or waitress will ask if you want to pay by cash or card. If you say card, they’ll bring over what’s called a “card reader” and you will pay for the bill on the card reader at the table. Splitting the bill is very common and you do so by telling the waiter or waitress by how many ways you’d like to split or how much each person would like to pay. They’ll type in the amount and you’ll simply tap or insert your card and voila, it’s done. It’s not like in the US where the wait staff will take your card away and make the payment at the till in the back or make a fuss about splitting the bill.

One of the most important things you should bring with you during your 4 day itinerary in London is credit card that doesn’t charge you foreign transaction fees. Bonus if you have one that also let’s you collect points! Here are some of my favourite credit and debit card recommendations for using abroad.

Do people speak English in London?

Duh, it’s England 😂

Common Shops in London

If you need a pharmacy, the two most common chains are Boots and Superdrug.

If you’re looking for a grocery store, the most common grocery stores in the UK are Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and M&S. Tesco and Sainsbury’s are on the budget side while Waitrose and M&S are a little more expensive.

A good hack if you’re looking to save on food and eating out while visiting London is to take advantage of the “meal deals” offered at many of the supermarkets (and even Boots). For example, at Tesco you can get a meal deal which includes a main, drink, and snack for only £4.

Is London a good destination for solo travellers?

Yes! London is a great place for solo travellers as there’s plenty to do, the people are friendly, and the city is safe. As a solo female traveller, I would definitely recommend London for your next solo trip. Check out this article I’ve written on How to Make Friends While Traveling Solo if you want some tips during your 4 day itinerary in London!

Is London Safe?

For the most part, yes. What you really need to be careful about is phone theft as it’s been rampant the past couple years. Always keep your phone in a secure pocket and if you’re out in public, make sure to keep a tight grip on it if you need to look at something while walking around. Thieves have started operating on electric bikes and snatching phones from unsuspecting people on the sidewalk.

Aside from that, just practice the normal precautions you would at home such as not walking alone at night, avoiding rowdy crowds, etc.

No matter how safe a destination is, you should ALWAYS have travel insurance. I highly recommend Safety Wing for travellers who will be traveling long term. Their essential plan not only covers medical emergencies but also travel emergencies such as lost luggage or trip cancellation.

How to get phone data when visiting London

If your phone provider doesn’t have a great international roaming plan, then I’d recommend getting an eSIM. I normally use the Yesim or Airalo app to get my eSIM to access data abroad. You can use my code WRIGHT3 to get $3 off your first eSIM with Airalo.

Is London Dog Friendly?

London is very dog friendly! You’re allowed to bring dogs on public transport and to almost all pubs. They’re not allowed in grocery stores and in some restaurants, but you’d be surprised at how many places will let them in! London also has an incredible amount of parks and green spaces so you’re never too far from somewhere to let your four legged friend play and relieve themselves.

Where to Stay During Your 4 Day Itinerary in London

The first thing you’ll need to decide when figuring out where to stay in London is which area you’ll want to base yourself. Each neighbourhood has it’s own eclectic feel so you’ll want to choose one that’s not only centrally located, but one that also fits your own personal interests and style. Here is an overview of the most popular areas and neighbourhoods to help you decide

As mentioned above, London is split into Zones. If you want to be centrally located and close to all of the action and best sites, you’ll want to make sure you’re in Zones 1 or 2. Of course, it will be more expensive to stay in central London, however, it may work out to be around the same price to if you were staying further out and paying for a train ticket in and out of central everyday.

Southwest

South of the river tends to be a bit cheaper than the North. This is mainly because even as recently as 30 years ago, some neighbourhoods in South London were seen as dangerous and a no go zone. This has massively changed with development and gentrification over the years. I have personally always lived in South London and love it. Southwest tends to be more for the young professionals and families and includes popular neighbourhoods such as Clapham, Tooting, and Brixton.

Southeast

The further east you get the more eclectic things become. While you have the trendy and hipster neighbourhoods such as Peckham and Camberwell, you also have the famous and charming spots like London Bridge, Borough, and Greenwich.

Northeast

If you’re looking for posh and a little bit of an older crowd (30+) but also a bit eclectic with hipster and artsy vibes, I’d say neighbourhoods like Angel, Shoreditch, Hackney or Dalston in Northeast London would be right up your alley.

Northwest

The poshest neighbourhoods in all of London are in the Northwest. The likes of South Kensington, Chelsea, Knightsbridge and Mayfair is where you’ll find all of the luxury hotels and shopping. It’s also where you’ll probably find the highest prices.

Where to Eat During Your 4 Day Itinerary in London

Eating is one of my all time favourite things to do in life, which is one of the many reasons why I love living in London. You can find any type of cuisine you could possibly want here. I could give you hundreds of restaurant and food suggestion for your 4 day itinerary in London (and I do in my London Google Map Guide) but here are some of my top favourites for this blog!

Borough Market

Yes it’s famous, but for good reason. Not only are the food stalls incredible, but so are the restaurants and pubs which are buzzing well into the evening after the market itself has shut for the day. My favourite restaurant in Borough Market has to be Arabica. It’s always a hit when I take my friends who are visiting. My favourite pub in all of London is also here called The Wheatsheaf. There’s nothing quite like a Thursday evening in Borough Market on a warm sunny evening.

A few other food market options in London include Mercato Metropolitano, Spitafields, Camden Market, and Maltby Street Market.

Sunday Roast

If you come to the UK and leave without having a Sunday Roast, you have failed. A Sunday Roast is a classic British meal served only on Sundays at pubs and restaurants featuring roasted meat (such as beef, chicken, lamb, or pork), crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, vegetables, and gravy. You also HAVE to add the cauliflower cheese as a side if it’s an option. I tend to stay local for my Sunday roast and my favourite place is either The Camberwell Arms in the winter or the Angel Oak in the summer for their massive beer garden. The Guinea Grill is also an incredible upscale option in Mayfair.

Cheap Eats

If you love Lebanese food, head to Pilpel for the fluffiest and most delicious falafel in own. For pasta, check out Padella. Don’t let the long queue scare you. You can use the app to get a spot in the queue and it usually goes fast. Lastly, if you’re looking for some of the best Roti in the city, head to Roti King which has a number of locations.

Casual Dining

There are 5 million places I could recommend but these are some of my favourites. Duck and Rice in Soho for a trendier and absolutely delicious Chinese. Randall and Aubin is also right around the corner in Soho and does great seafood. ‘O Ver in Borough does amazing Italian food and pizza. Lastly, St. John is a lovely little spot in Shoreditch offering modern European fare. If you’re looking for some incredible brunch recommendations, check out my Brunch in Peckham Guide for all the best spots.

Fine Dining

Whenever I’m in the mood for a special treat, my friends and I head to Noble Rot. There are a few locations in some of the best neighbourhoods including Mayfair, Soho, and Clerkenwell and I love each of them.

If you’re looking for an indulgent Sunday feast but can’t decide between a roast or brunch, you don’t have to! Just head to the Ned for their Sunday Ned Feast.

Lastly, if you’re after a tasting menu and chef’s table, I highly highly recommend Counter 71 in Hoxton.

Indian

It would be a crime to visit London and not try the Indian food as it’s one of the most beloved cuisines in all of the UK. For a unique and budget friendly experience, head to Brick Lane which is literally a lane full of Indian restaurants. Most are BYO and you will be bombarded with choice and people trying to get you to come to their restaurant. Just take your time and check out each menu to see which one suits. If you’d rather avoid the hassling on Brick lane, head nearby to Tayyabs which is a local favourite serving legendary lamb chops and sizzling curries in a laid back setting.

For a casual and trendy dining experience, head to Dishoom. There are a few around the city and the menu is extensive. I’ve never had a bad meal here and this is a sure win. They also do a unique brunch menu.

Lastly, if you’re looking to splurge, head to Michelin-Star Gymkhana in Mayfair which offers an elegant fine-dining experience.

Sites to See During Your 4 Day Itinerary in London

If you’re visiting London for the first time, there are some “touristy” spots that I would actually recommend you see because they’re quite cool. After this section, I’ll also give you some tips on unique experiences you can add to your 4 day itinerary in London.

Museums

Given how expensive London is, you might be surprised to hear that most of the museums have free entry! That’s right, you can get into the likes of the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, National Gallery and Tate Modern for FREE!

Double decker bus tour

When planning your 4 day itinerary in London, I think taking one of the hop on hop off bus tours is one of the easiest and best ways to get the lay of the land and see the best sites London has to offer quickly. I always recommend this option to friends who are visiting London for the first time.

Sky Garden at The Fenchurch Building (aka The Walkie-Talkie)

Another great FREE thing to do in London is head to the Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie Talkie Building (called that because it literally looks like a walkie talkie) for some of the most incredible views of the city. They put all sorts of events on here as well so check out the calendar and you might be able to snag yourself a sunrise yoga class!

Tower Bridge and Tower of London

This is one for the history and architecture buffs. Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in the entire world and often confused for London Bridge. Nearby you’ll find the Tower of London which was once a royal palace and prison and now home to the Crown Jewels. I’d highly recommend taking the guided tour led by one of the Beefeaters (a ceremonial guard of the Tower).

The West End

If you love musicals and Broadway in New York, you have to hit up The West End for a show while you’re in town. If you can’t find tickets on the theatre’s website, try the Today Tix app which sells last-minute theatre tickets for London shows.

Parks

You may be surprised to hear that London is an incredibly green city. There are almost 3,000 parks which make up around 20 per cent of the city. Londoners love their parks and you’ll find them quite busy in the summer with people enjoying a picnic, sport, or a lunch break at work. Some of my favourite parks around the city I think you should visit are Hyde Park, Battersea Park, Primrose Hill, Peckham Park, Queen Elizabeth Park and St Jame’s Park (which offers views of Buckingham Palace). Also, just an FYI you’re allowed to drink alcohol in the park.

Unique Things to Do During Your 4 Day Itinerary in London

Now that I’ve covered some of my favourite tourist attractions in London, I want to give you some unique local suggestions for your next visit that you won’t necessarily see on every blog. If you add some of these to your 4 day itinerary in London you’ll have definitely experienced London like a local!

See a Jazz Show at the Famous Ronnie Scott’s

Ronnie Scott’s is an institution in London having been around since the 1950’s and hosting performances from the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davies, and Buddy Rich to name a few. You’ll definitely need to buy a ticket in advance but this is definitely a local experience to put on the list. In addition to the shows run in the main room, they also hold late night sessions at the upstairs club.

Food Tour

One of the best ways to try some classic British favourites is a local Food Tour. In this 3 hour tour you’ll enjoy staples such as fish and chips, a bacon and egg bap at Borough Market, and more.

I’ve also been on this amazing London Cheese Tour and would highly recommend. You’ll get to sample a selection of delicious London cheeses from legendary spots like Fortnum & Mason’s and Paxton Whitfield.

Rooftop cinema

If you love going to the cinema, why not try unwinding after a long day of sightseeing by catching a film in a unique rooftop location. Rooftop Film Club offer iconic movies, comfy chairs, incredible views of the city, and delicious food and drink.

Bermondsey Beer Mile

If you’re a brewery and beer lover you’re going to love this next suggestion. The Bermondsey Beer Mile is a must-visit spot in London. Located in the railway arches, running from London Bridge to South Bermondsey, it’s here you’ll find some of the city’s best independent breweries and taprooms. Some of my favourite spots include Hiver Taproom, The Doodle Bar, The Barrel Project, and Mash Paddle Brewery.

See a Concert at BST Hyde Park

Every summer, Hyde Park puts on a summer concert series with some of the biggest acts in the world. BST stands for British Summer Time and you can find all of the details on the website here. If you have an American Express card, I believe you can get early access to some of the ticket sales.

Christmas Carols at Royal Albert Hall

Of course this one can only be done in December but it’s definitely one to put at the top of your list if your in London that time of year. If not, The Royal Albert Hall actually has amazing shows all throughout the year so definitely check out their website for more info!

Regent’s Canal walk

For a scenic and unique day out, the Regent’s Canal Walk is a hidden gem worth exploring. Stretching from Little Venice to Camden Market, this picturesque route takes you along the many canals and locks of London where you’ll pass charming houseboats, incredible shops, markets, and restaurants at places such as Camden Lock and Coal Drop Yard.

Sunset from Telegraph Hill or Primrose Hill

London can really put on a show from time to time with her sunsets and two of the best places to catch them for free in the city are Primrose Hill or Telegraph Hill. Take a blanket, a pizza and a bottle of wine and enjoy the show!

Swimming in Hampstead heath

When the annual summer heat wave hits London, you’ll find the locals cooling off with what they refer to as “wild swimming” in the Hampstead Heath ponds. There’s a women’s only pond as well!

Comedy Show at Soho Theatre

This is one of the absolute best places to see a comedy show in London. There’s something on almost every day of the week and it host some pretty well known acts. The bar is also a fun place to hang out after the show.

Supper Clubs

A great way to meet locals and try some really amazing food is to head to a supper club. This article lists some great options.

Nightlife During Your 4 Day Itinerary in London

London has something for everyone when it comes to nightlife. Pubs, raves, bars, concerts, gay bars, you name it, London has it. Here are some of my top suggestions for nightlife to add to your 4 day itinerary in London and if you want a ton more, you can find them in my London Google Map Guide.

Soho

The world is your oyster when you’re in Soho. It has everything from Jazz clubs to pubs, karaoke bars to salsa dancing and more. Some of my favourite pubs and bars include The Sun and 13 Cantons, Coach and Horses, The Little Scarlet Door (a bar made to feel like a house party), and Soho House.

Gay Bars

Most of my best friends are gay men so trust me, I know my gay bars. Here’s a list of some of my favourites around the city:

• The Cock -This is probably my favourite in all of London. It’s a bar with dancing and open late located in Kennington.
• The Bridge – A fun little bar in the arches of Clapham High Street Station.
• Eagle London – I’ve only ever been to the one in New York but I hear this one is just as fun!
• Two Brewers – I spent a good chunk of my 20s in here dancing on the glitter stage 😂 It’s a bar locted on Clapham High Street and it’s always full with people of all ages. There are two dance rooms and a stage where they host performances.
• Royal Vauxhall Tavern – I’ve been here a few times for drag shows and other performances. It’s such a good vibe and crowd.

Pubs

You can’t walk more than two blocks without running into a pub in London, it’s the epitome of UK culture. Here’s a short list of some of my favourites:

• The Wheatsheaf – My all time favourite pub in London located in Borough Market. The perfect spot for Thursday after work drinks.
• The Crown and Shuttle – Pub with a huge beer garden in Shoreditch
• Angel Oak – Pub with a huge beer garden in Peckham

Bars

• Archer Street – This place is so much fun. It’s a bar where the waiters and waitresses put on performances throughout the night. There’s lots of dancing and the crowd is always a vibe.
• Frank’s Cafe – One of the most famous rooftop bars in the city located in Peckham. Only open during the summer
• Gordon’s Wine Bar – London’s oldest wine bar which has been opened since 1890. Incredible wine, incredible food, incredible time.

Cocktail Bars

If a fancy cocktail sounds right up your alley, Mr Fogg’s is a must-visit. Inspired by Around the World in 80 Days, this quirky bar has several locations, each filled with Victorian-style décor and creative, travel-themed cocktails. For a more modern vibe, Nightjar in Shoreditch is an intimate speakeasy known for its inventive cocktails, live jazz, and prohibition-era ambiance.

Clubs and DJs

If you love clubs, house music, techno, and/or a rave, Ministry of Sound and Printworks are two iconic clubbing destinations in London. Ministry of Sound has been hosting world-class DJs and epic dance nights since 1991. Meanwhile, Printworks, set in a former printing factory, offers a more industrial, immersive experience with cutting-edge light shows and a line-up of top-tier electronic, techno, and house artists.

4 Day Itinerary in London Summary

Phew, that was a lot of info! If you’re looking for a quick summarised 4 day itinerary in London, I’ve put one together taking into consideration all of my recommendations in this guide. This itinerary will give you a good mix of top sites and local favourites as well as the best restaurant and nightlife suggestions to keep you busy well into the evening.

Day 1

• Breakfast: WatchHouse Roastery for a lovely coffee and breakfast
• Sightseeing: Tower Bridge and Tower of London tour
• Lunch: Borough Market
• Sightseeing: Walk across the bridge to see St. Pauls and then walk or take the tube to Shoreditch (I’d recommend walking as the city architecture is beautiful.
• Dinner: Dishoom Shoreditch
• Drinks: The Crown and Shuttle

Day 2

• Breakfast: Buns from Home for a light pastry and coffee to take away.
• Sightseeing: Wander around Notting Hill and take a stroll down Portobello Road Market.
• Lunch: Beam
• Sightseeing: Hyde Park and Kensington palace
• Dinner: The Duck and Rice
• Show: See a show in the West End such as Hamilton, Wicked, or Titanique.
• Drinks: The Little Scarlet Door

Day 3

• Breakfast: Gail’s for a ham and cheese croissant or pastry and coffee.
• Sightseeing: Head to the Tate Modern and enjoy free entry into one of the world’s best art galleries. Next, walk along the Southbank and enjoy the sites. Walk across Waterloo Bridge to Seven Dials and have a wander around the lanes and pop into some shops.
• Lunch: Homeslice for pizza
• Sightseeing: Walk around Soho and enjoy the buzzy atmosphere and shopping.
• Dinner: Noble Rot Soho
• Show and Drinks: Ronnie Scott’s for a Jazz show and drinks.

Day 4

• Lunch: Sunday Roast at The Guinea Grill
• Sightseeing: Walk through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace. Next, walk to Westminster Abbey and Big Ben.
• Dinner or Snack: Market Halls Victoria