how to spend 4 days in london

ultimate itinerary for food, views, and iconic spots

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Here’s my 4-day itinerary that covers top London sights, food markets, unique neighborhoods, and must-see landmarks—all with a mix of famous spots and local finds. Check out my recommendations below on how to spend 4 days in London.

Day 1: Hidden Gems and City Views

• Horizon 22
  • Start with some insane views at Horizon 22! It’s one of the best places to see the whole city from above. You’ll need to book a few days (or even weeks) in advance.
• Tower of London
  • You can tour the inside if you’re a history fan, but we kept it simple and just admired the outside before heading over to London Bridge.
• London Bridge
  • A beautiful, quick walk from the Tower of London. Snap a few photos and enjoy the Thames views.
• Borough Market
  • A foodie dream and one of the top food markets in London. Great for lunch or just grabbing a few snacks as you wander!
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
  • Another famous stop. We didn’t go inside, but it’s a fun sight to pass on the way to Tate Modern.
• Tate Modern
  • A free art museum where you can also take a break inside, rest up, and see some seriously cool art.
• Millennium Bridge
  • Right outside Tate Modern, this bridge leads you to St. Paul’s Cathedral—totally worth the walk and the views.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Stunning architecture, whether you go inside or not. It’s one of those “stop and admire” spots.
• New Change Mall Rooftop
  • A great spot if you’re up for more city views, check out this rooftop for a fantastic look at London’s skyline with St. Paul’s in the foreground.
• Camden Passage
  • A super cute street lined with shops and cafes. Just note, everything closes early, so plan for a morning or early afternoon visit.
• King’s Cross Station
  • A must for Harry Potter fans, though it’s really just a busy train station.
• The 411 London
  • This place has all the fun vibes! Think NYC-themed with a twist: on Wednesdays, they have a “stock market night” where drink prices change based on popularity. Super fun spot for drinks and dinner!

Where to Eat in London on Day 1

Day 2: Charming Neighborhoods, Museums & West End

• Notting Hill (Optional)
  • I’ll be honest—Notting Hill felt a little overhyped, but there are a few cute parts. If you’re short on time, skip it and head straight to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace.
• Kensington Gardens & Palace
  • Perfect for a laid-back morning. The gardens are beautiful, and you can check out the palace from the outside or head inside.
• Natural History Museum
  • This museum is free and super chill. Great for an easy afternoon stop with some cool exhibits.
• Covent Garden
  • A fun spot for shopping, grabbing dinner, or just wandering. Ideal before catching a West End show!
• West End Show
  • A must if you’re into theater. There are so many amazing shows in London’s West End. Top picks: Les Misérables and Six.

Where to Eat in London on Day 2

Day 3: Parks, Shopping, and Iconic London Landmarks

• Hyde Park
  • Start your day with a walk through Hyde Park. It’s so peaceful and beautiful—one of my top highlights from London.
• Mercato Mayfair
  • An indoor market perfect for lunch! Tons of choices inside—we tried pasta, dumplings, and nachos.
• Oxford Street & Selfridges
  • Oxford Street is packed with shops and people, and Selfridges is an experience on its own. It’s like no department store I’ve seen in the States!
• Touristy Spots to Skip or Quick-Visit
  • They’re fun to see and take cute pics at but very busy and crowded:
    • Piccadilly Circus
    • Leicester Square
    • Trafalgar Square
    • Big Ben
    • London Eye
    • Westminster Abbey
    • Buckingham Palace
      • Tip: If you’re short on time, hop on a London city bus to pass by them instead of walking. There are a few busses that pass through and you can see all of the top sites without having to actually spend time there. Loved this option!
      • What I would explore instead:
        • China Town
        • Soho
        • Covent Garden

Where to Eat in London on Day 3

Day 4: Day Trip to Windsor, Bath & Stonehenge

• Day Trip to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge
  • If you have an extra day, a day trip to Windsor, Bath, and Stonehenge is a must! We booked our tour through Viator (super easy and trustworthy), and it was one of the highlights of our trip. The tour guide was awesome, and the English countryside is stunning.

We loved this itinerary and felt like we got to see everything London had to offer. It’s perfect for a first-time visit to see the touristy sites as well as some hidden gems. Also great if you’re coming back to London and want some ideas on how to explore the city a bit differently.

If you want ideas on what to pack for your trip, check out my travel essentials from Amazon and my packing list for London in the fall.