4 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary for Your First Visit

By Cristian G. Guasch •  Updated: 08/15/22 •  15 min read

Full of interesting buildings, monuments, and a history that dates back to Roman times, this is how the city of London, capital of England and the United Kingdom, stands out.

If you are not clear about the places to visit in London, you may get lost and your time may be running out, so that this does not happen to you, you can tour the city with this travel guide where we explain the most beautiful places to see in London in 4 days.

Related: When is the best time to travel to London?

Day 1

Palace of Westminster

Touring the entire city of London can be overwhelming if you do not have a travel itinerary, in this sense, I want to let you know the most interesting architectural monuments.

The Palace of Westminster, also known as “the Houses of Parliament”, is one of the most important buildings to see in London in 4 days.

It differs from the other buildings in the area, for its imposing architecture, characterized by its peaked roofs, full of trim, and sober color that stands out in its design.

It is a work that was rebuilt in 79, all under the projects presented by the architects Charles Barry and Augustus Welby Pugin. This building has about 1,200 rooms, 11 courtyards, and 3.5 kilometers of corridors.

But that’s not all, the building also has a beautiful facade, with a panorama embellished by golden pinnacles, and statues of kings reflected in the river.

Admission to the palace is priced at 25 euros for adults, and in addition to the guided tour, you can also enjoy a parliament session.

Westminster Abbey

The tour continues, and now the stop is at Westminster Abbey, a religious building, the oldest in the city.

This church has a great history, as here were held the coronations, ceremonies and burials of the Anglo-Saxon monarchs. It is a temple that stands out for its architectural design, where the most impetuous of the Gothic style is revealed.

For the eighteenth century, this temple underwent a variety of modifications, after the construction of two main towers.

Once you enter the temple, you must visit the Lady Chapel, which undoubtedly attracts many eyes. It has a solid structure, and many decorative details, including the choir chairs, which match many idyllic details of the time. The cloisters and gardens are also a must-see once you visit the Westminster Temple.

Buckingham Palace

Another must-see tourist attraction in London in 4 days is Buckingham Palace. This has been the place of residence of the British priests, and has a great architectural value.

The palace was built in 1703 for the Duke Buckingham, by the year 1762 the building was acquired by King George III, to be used as his private residence.

Walk through its interior, appreciating the combination of styles that are consolidated through elements of the Georgian period, the Belle Époque, and other decorative pieces of the Chinese tradition.

And finally, visit its surroundings, as a good royal palace, it has a beautiful garden with an artificial lake, which will leave you enchanted. Admission for adults is valued at 26 euros, children and seniors pay 24.50 euros.

Big Ben Tower

Another of the famous monuments to see in London in 4 days is the Big Ben clock. It is nothing more than the bell of the Palace of Westminster, although at first glance it is not one of the most interesting buildings to see, we can not fail to mention that this tower rises to give to demonstrate the power, elegance, and education that the British wish to have.

This 106 meters high building is expressed through an imposing gothic style that makes it admirable. The most interesting thing is undoubtedly a huge bell that previously weighed 14 tons and then was changed by one of 2.5 tons, because the weight was causing damage to the tower.

Whoever wants to know the concept of the city of the Londoners, should certainly walk around the Big Ben, an important work built in 1857 by Edmund Beckett.

London Eye

The London Eye, also known as “the millennium wheel”, is one of the best attractions to see on the banks of the Thames and another site that should be on your list of things to see in London in 4 days.

It is a viewpoint in the shape of a wheel that rotates vertically, where you can appreciate the beautiful views from Big Ben, and Parliament.

It was built in 2000, with the aim of welcoming the new millennium. The views, more than 135 meters high, are amazing, so you can not think of leaving London, without getting on the London Eye.

As for its structure, we can say that this metal-based wheel is composed of 32 glass cabins, each weighing 10 tons, and has a capacity to accommodate up to 25 people.

Finally, I can tell you that it is the highest Ferris wheel in Europe, and the price of admission is 27 euros.

Day 2

Tower Bridge

Another of the icons to see in London in 4 days is the Tower Bridge; this is the ultimate iron symbol of the English nationality. It is considered one of the most famous in the whole European continent.

But what makes it so attractive, the first thing is the Victorian style with which it was built, there is no doubt that this building that is also very well preserved, maintains the essence of a work built in steel frame, which are assembled with giant arches that give it a solemn firmness.

This striking drawbridge was the first to be built in London. In the 19th century, the bridge achieved high growth in the London and Bridge area, and it was built with a steam-powered drawbridge system, so as not to affect river traffic.

In terms of design and structure, this bridge is 244 meters long, and is supported by two 65 meter high towers. These are located at a distance of 60 meters from each other.

City Hall

Not as popular as other buildings, but very unique. The City Hall is an oval-shaped building that generates a perspective of futuristic work and is another of the charming places to see in London in 4 days.

This is one of the newest, opened in 2002. Inspired by the architect Norman Foster, this work of 45 meters high, divided into ten floors, is considered one of the most interesting glass buildings in the world, because its design is based on a system of recycling heat from computers, to save energy.

Tower of London

Also known for a long time as the Tower of Terror. It was so called for more than 900 years, because it was the place where all those who offended the monarch were locked up.

According to history, the prisoners lived very vulnerable situations, and their conditions were terrifying, some tortured, and executed on the hill of the tower. None came out alive.

The first thing you should see in the tower, is the exhibition of the crown jewels, composed of swords, scepters, crowns, and a quite historical material, which will leave you hallucinating.

On the tour you will see some crows, these are an emblematic icon of the place, even the legend says that if the crows disappear, the tower would collapse. That is why they are well cared for by the Ravenmaster, better known as the master of the crows, who ensures that they do not escape.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

One of the recommended temples to see in London in 4 days is St. Peter’s Cathedral. It is among the largest cathedrals in the world, the first is the Basilica of Rome.

It is a temple built in the mid-seventeenth century, and its design was in the hands of the architect Christopher Wren. The cathedral imposes itself through its baroque style, which can be appreciated from its façade to the interior.

Its ceiling is decorated with fresco paintings, and its dome is composed of three circular galleries; one of the most famous is the gallery of whispers, which is about 30 meters high.

The price of admission to the church, and the guided tour, is at a value of 27 euros.

Chinatown

With its hundreds of red lanterns, its surrounding stores, and the wide variety of restaurants, Chinatown is a Chinese neighborhood located in the Westminster area. It is one of the busiest neighborhoods of the city, but it is nothing like the city of London.

It is a very lively neighborhood, during the day and at night. Do not hesitate to visit it, if you really want to have a great experience. It attracts more than 17 million visitors each year.

Day 3

Museum of London

One of the museums to see in London in 4 days is the Museum of London, a building worth visiting. Here you can admire beautiful exhibitions organized in galleries chronologically, where more than 7,000 original and replica pieces are exhibited, as well as exhibits showing the construction of streets and houses of the time.

In the tour of the museum, you will find many exhibitions where you can appreciate the history of the people who lived at the foot of the Thames. The museum is divided into two floors, and between them you can also see elements of Egyptian, Greek and Mesopotamian art. Admission to the museum is free.

National Gallery

The National Gallery of Art is one of the essential museums to see in London. It has a fascinating collection of works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present.

It was founded in 1856, and the main objective was always to gather the portraits of the most important people in Britain. Although by that time only deceased characters could be added, today this rule no longer prevails.

Currently, the museum has about 2,000 works, which are exhibited through a very large collection. You will find not only paintings, but also photographs, drawings, caricatures, and sculptures. All of these have preserved their historical value.

The exhibitions are organized by level, and among the most famous paintings is one of Queen Victoria, Sir Winton Churchill, or Paul McCartney.

Natural History Museum of London

Located inside a beautiful Victorian palace, the Natural History Museum of London is another must-see.

In addition to its free admission, this museum exposes the fabulous history of the development of the earth, where visitors can see the way of life of some 70 million natural specimens.

See a life-size dinosaur, stuffed mammals, or enjoy the large collection of plants, are part of the activities you can do inside the museum. Do not hesitate and visit it. If you come with children, all the better, they will always be entertained.

Science Museum

One of the most dynamic and interactive museums to see in London in 4 days is the Science Museum. This was created in 1857, and the main objective was to gather objects from the Great Exhibition of London in 1851, with the collection of the Royal Society of Art.

Unlike other museums, this one is divided by six floors, in the middle of them you can find cars, airplanes, and a lot of engines, which undoubtedly have marked the history.

In the middle of the exhibitions, you can learn about the evolution of medicine, and take a tour of space travel in history. There is no doubt that a visit to the science museum is one of the most essential activities to do with children.

Piccadilly Circus

This is one of the most beautiful and crowded squares in London. For its privileged location and the wide range of leisure activities that are around it, this undoubtedly becomes an essential place to visit.

The place is not shaped like a square, on the contrary, the different buildings, video screens, and neon billboards, have made this place lose the concept of square.

However, in one of its surroundings you can’t miss the Eros fountain, this is the sculpture of the Angel of Christian Charity, one of the first statues cast in aluminum.

In addition, you can not miss the London Pavilion, today a building dedicated to museum headquarters, where you can see strange things.

For those who also want to know the nightlife of London, this epicenter is perfect.

Day 4

Kensington Palace

On your last day you could visit another of the recommended palaces to see in London in 4 days as it is the beautiful Kensington Palace.

There are many stories about this palace, taking into account that it is the seat of residence of the British monarchy and their families for over 300 years, we could say that all these stories are anchored to love, disillusionment, loneliness and resentment. Events, which at one time could have obscured the beauty of this palace.

The best thing about touring this palace, is that you can admire from up close the way of life of royalty, from some luxury rooms that are open to the public, to give us an idea of how can be the monarchical eccentricities.

And it does not end there, in the guided tour you can admire various exhibitions of gadgets, objects, and jewelry belonging to members of the British royal family.

Hyde Park

If you want to breathe fresh air and connect with nature, one of the most recommended parks to see in London in 4 days is Hyde Park. Having a picnic in this spectacular park is one of the most common things to do in London so do not rule out this plan!

It is the oldest park in the city, but with many attractions around. Get organized, find comfortable clothes, and discover the beautiful green paths of this garden, while you relax in a space without any noise.

And if you are in a romantic plan, in the surroundings of the lake you can rent a boat, and travel the infinity of the beautiful lake.

Finally, I would like to recommend you to make this visit on a Sunday. In one of the corners of this park, you will find the “Speakers’ Corner”, a very curious place that attracts colorful characters, speakers and eccentrics, who make speeches on any topic.

Regent’s Park

Another spectacular park to see in London in 4 days is Regent’s Park, a park that dedicates its surroundings to the practice of outdoor sports. From athletics, soccer, rugby, to field field hockey, are part of the activities that Londoners do in the area.

In case you have the time, then come and enjoy a few hours watching, or having the time of your life.

You can take a boat ride on the famous lake, or just walk around and observe the 400 varieties of roses, and birds of different breeds that perch on them. You will also see an open air theater, and beautiful neoclassical villas completely charming.

There is no excuse to leave London without visiting Regent’s Park.

As you will see, here I have exposed the most beautiful places to visit in the city of London, having an estimated time of 4 days. Now I want to recommend you the best time to travel, and how to move around in this city.

How to get around in London: public transportation, prices, and routes

If you do not have this clear before coming, you may find the journey overwhelming, that is why before traveling to any destination, it is best that you know everything about the place.

Luckily, we bring you not only a travel guide, but also a series of elementary indications, when it comes to know the capital of England.

Public transportation in London is a marvel, but we cannot hide the fact that its cost is somewhat high. The city is divided into zones, and the price varies according to the destination.

One of the safest systems is the subway, there are 11 lines that cross the city from north to south; although the service is very good, you may have to wait a bit for the train to arrive at the station, especially in distant areas. The minimum cost of a ticket can be between 5 euros, but its value may increase depending on the destination.

The red double-decker buses are also one of the best options to get around, and the best of all is that they work 24 hours a day. The transfer service costs 1.50 euros, but to enjoy it you must have an Oyster card, as you can not pay directly on the bus.

You will also find Uber service in the city, and a train line that can take you around the capital. It all depends on your budget, and the destination you wish to explore.

What is the best date to travel to London?

The weather is very varied, in one day you can have rain, sun and cold. Even, most of the days in London are very rainy. However, this weather instability will not harm your trip at all.
But if you want to come at a good time, then spring is a fabulous season. The temperatures rise, and the weather is pleasant, cool, and dry. Although, you may be surprised by a shower.

Cristian G. Guasch

I have traveled the world visiting 18 countries, including Japan, most of Europe and North America. I love to learn about the culture and history, taste the different dishes and enjoy the beauty of this planet. I also work completely remotely, and this helps me discover new places all year around.

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