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London, United Kingdom - Big Ben and Tower Bridge cover photo

4-Day London Summer Highlights

4 dayssummer

Experience the best of London this summer with a perfect mix of iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and local flavors.

Our #1 travel tip

Before Day 1: Book a FREE walking tour

Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.

Local guide, 2-3 hours

Major sights, hidden gems, local stories

100% tip-based

Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best

You tip what feels right

At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right

I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting London, United Kingdom, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.

Adrijana, founder of City Buddy
Browse FREE walking tours
Day 1Introduction and Historic Core
Morning
Free Walking Tour

~2 hours

Start from the Tower Hill Underground Station area and follow the group through iconic landmarks like the Tower of London and the Thames riverside. These tours are run by locals eager to share fascinating stories about the city's rich history and hidden gems.

Book FREE walking tour
Midday

Tower of London

Tower of London

Arrive early to avoid long lines and don't miss the Crown Jewels exhibition. This medieval fortress has thrilling tales of intrigue and royal history that will captivate you.

4.7(117k reviews)~2.5 hours
Afternoon

St. Paul's Cathedral

St. Paul's Cathedral

Climb up to the Whispering Gallery for a unique acoustic experience and enjoy the stunning views from the dome. This masterpiece of architecture is a London icon and took over 30 years to build.

4.7(54k reviews)~2 hours
Evening
Attend a cultural performance

~3 hours

Check listings for nearby theaters such as the Globe or National Theatre located along the Southbank. Booking your tickets in advance is recommended for a popular show.

Book tours & ticketsOfficial website, directions, tips & more

Meals

Breakfast
Full English Breakfast (a hearty morning meal featuring eggs, sausages, bacon, beans, mushrooms, and toast)
~£15
Fish and Chips
Lunch~£12

Traditional Fish and Chips (crispy battered fish with thick-cut fries, a British classic)

Fish and Chips
Ale
Dinner~£25

Eat at a local gastropub (serving British dishes with a modern twist, try Ale with your meal)

Ale
Use the London Underground to quickly move between the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral. For short trips, Uber or Bolt taxis cost about £2.5 per km and are very convenient.
Hotel in City of London (historic financial district and central area)
$120-140/night

Staying here puts you right near many historic sites and excellent transport connections.

Day 2Royal and Iconic London
Morning

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace

Get there early to watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a colorful spectacle of British pageantry at the palace forecourt.

4.5(189k reviews)~2 hours
Midday

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey

This grand gothic church houses royal tombs and stunning stained glass. Guided tours provide deep insights into its 1,000-year history.

4.6(50k reviews)~2 hours
Afternoon

Big Ben

Big Ben

While you cannot enter Big Ben itself, enjoy taking photos from the Westminster Bridge and stroll nearby Parliament Square for great views of the Houses of Parliament.

4.6(94k reviews)~1 hours
Evening
Find a rooftop bar with views of the city

~2 hours

Many bars close to the River Thames such as in Southbank offer stunning sunset city views. Try the Sky Garden or Madison Rooftop Bar in Covent Garden for a lively atmosphere.

Meals

Tea
Breakfast~£8

English Tea and Pastry (a light start with classic British tea served with scones or pastries)

Tea
Sunday Roast
Lunch~£20

Sunday Roast (traditional roast beef, potatoes, and veggies with gravy, popular in historic pubs)

Sunday Roast
Dinner
Modern British cuisine at a rooftop restaurant (try local ingredients with a view)
~£30
The London Underground is the quickest way to access Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. For short distances, consider Uber or Free Now taxis at about £2.5 per km.
Hotel in City of London (historic financial district and central area)
$120-140/night

You will remain centrally located for easy access to all major attractions and nightlife.

Day 3Museums and Markets
Morning

British Museum

British Museum

Spend ample time exploring treasures from around the world including the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies. Entry is free but consider the guided tours for deeper insights.

4.7(170k reviews)~3 hours
Midday

Borough Market

Borough Market

This lively market is a paradise for food lovers. Try different street foods ranging from international to local specialties amid a bustling atmosphere right by London Bridge.

4.6(124k reviews)~1.5 hours
Afternoon

Tate Modern

Tate Modern

Located in a former power station on the Southbank, this museum hosts contemporary art exhibitions that will inspire and provoke thought. The riverside views outside are fantastic too.

4.5(81k reviews)~2 hours
Evening
Explore Southbank promenade

~2 hours

Walk along the Thames from the London Eye to Tower Bridge. The area is dotted with street performers, riverside cafes, and pop-up markets making it a vibrant evening spot.

Meals

Breakfast
Coffee and Pastry from a local café (grab an espresso and a freshly baked croissant)
~£6.5
Lunch
Street food at Borough Market (try international dishes or classic British snacks like Scotch eggs)
~£10
Dinner
Casual dinner at a Southbank restaurant (fresh, modern British dishes with locally sourced ingredients)
~£25
Public transport like the Tube and buses are best to reach the British Museum and Borough Market. For flexible short trips, use Uber or Ola taxis around £2.5 per km.
Hotel in City of London (historic financial district and central area)
$120-140/night

Central location offers easy access to museums, markets, and the vibrant Southbank area.

Day 4Natural History and Local Life
Morning

Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum

Discover fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, and human biology in a beautiful Victorian building. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy the interactive displays.

4.6(33k reviews)~2.5 hours
Midday
Visit a neighborhood garden

~1.5 hours

Head to the nearby Kensington Gardens or Holland Park for a tranquil break away from the city bustle. Both have lovely paths, flower beds, and spots perfect for relaxing.

Afternoon

Covent Garden

Covent Garden

This lively area is known for its street performers, boutique shops, and food markets. Explore the historic market building and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

~2.5 hours
Evening
Try a traditional British pub meal

~2 hours

Look for a cozy pub in Covent Garden serving classics like Fish and Chips or Sticky Toffee Pudding for dessert. Local ales complement the hearty food perfectly.

Meals

Breakfast
Breakfast at a café near the Natural History Museum (try pastries and a good coffee)
~£7
Lunch
Light meal in Kensington Gardens café (sandwiches and salads with garden views)
~£12
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Dinner~£25

Traditional British pub meal in Covent Garden (order Fish and Chips or Sticky Toffee Pudding and a pint of Ale)

Sticky Toffee Pudding
The Tube is the fastest way to get to the Natural History Museum and Covent Garden. Use taxi apps like Uber or Bolt for any short rides costing around £2.5 per km.
Hotel in City of London (historic financial district and central area)
$120-140/night

You stay centrally positioned allowing easy travel to museums, gardens, and vibrant nightlife.

Additional popular things to do in London, United Kingdom

Curated tours, tickets, and activities recommended by travelers

Budget Breakdown

Accommodation / night$120
Food / day$28
Transport / day$10
Activities / day$30
Daily total$188
Trip total$752

Accommodation based on hotel average. Food includes one restaurant meal ($20) and street food ($8). Transport includes public transport and occasional taxi rides. Activities budget includes entry fees and leisure.

Good to Know

Tap Water: Safe to drink
Best Time to Visit: May, June, September
Public Transport: Excellent, includes Underground, Buses, Trams
Taxi Apps: Uber, Bolt, Free Now, Ola
Languages: English, Polish, Punjabi, Bengali
Tipping Culture: Expected but not mandatory
Safety: Traffic safe, moderate violent crime
Walkability: Excellent for exploring
Power Plug: Type G plug used
Weather Consideration: Be prepared for occasional rain

Pre-Trip Checklist

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