How to Spend 4 Days in London
London was my first stop of a month-long trek around Europe in the summer of 2018 and the city immediately captivated me. It’s a multicultural metropolis that exudes history. You could spend weeks in London without ever being bored! If you have the time, I would highly recommend staying more than four days. However, if you find yourself stopping in London as a part of a multi-city trip across Europe, then this guide will help you make the most of just a few days in the British capital.
Day 1
Start your first day in London at Buckingham Palace – get here by 11:30 so you can see the Changing of the Guard (check for dates and times here)
Walk from Buckingham Palace down The Mall towards Admiralty Arch
Here you can either turn right and walk down to St James’ Palace or go straight to Trafalgar Square
If you choose to turn right to St James’, consider going to check out Churchill’s War Rooms, the underground WWII headquarters of Churchill’s war effort. Perfect for history buffs, or simply those seeking insight on what London was like during the war and the Blitz.
If you continue to Trafalgar Square, check out Nelson and the lions – a recognizable monument in Trafalgar Square. The National Gallery is also located here and boasts many important pieces of European Art.
Walk north from Trafalgar Square towards Leicester Square and the West End (Theatre District).
From Leicester Square, head east towards Covent Garden – an area that’s well known for its many cool restaurants, pubs, and bars. Try the Punch and Judy, or whatever strikes your fancy! The Royal Ballet is also here.
Day 2
Start your day at Westminster and the Houses of Parliament Be sure to check out Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
Walk over Westminster Bridge and take a ride on the famous London Eye (avoid the queue by reserving ahead of time here).
Continue east down the river to the Tate Modern. Even if you aren’t interested in modern art, the Tate Modern is worth going in and checking out the building alone. From here, continue on to the Globe Theatre.
You can then cross the river on the Millennium Bridge and check out St. Paul’s Cathedral. Tip: There are many great places to eat fish and chips down here.
Cross back over the river at Tower Bridge and check out the Tower of London – home of the Beefeaters and Traitor’s Gate (the place Anne Boleyn lost her head)!
Day 3
Start your third day in London at the British Museum – the biggest and arguably the best in London (and it’s FREE). The British Museum is full of very cool, old stuff, most of which the English stole from the French after they stole it from someone else!
From the museum head down to Oxford Street, one of the biggest shopping streets in London. It has many international chains as well as Top Shop’s flagship store at Oxford Circus and Selfridges which is a London institution.
Skirt around to Regent Street and check out Hamley’s and Liberty – one of the oldest stores in the city with really cool window displays, fabrics, and designs.
Next, wander down Carnaby Street for many cool shops and eats.
Day 4
Start your day in Kensington Park and Hyde Park (which are right next to each other).
Go to the Albert Memorial and then walk past the Royal Albert Hall, a beautiful music venue.
Continue to The Natural History Museum – even if you don’t go in, check out the incredible building!
On the other side of the road is the Victoria and Albert Museum. Definitely go here if you are interested in fashion.
Head over to South Kensington and check out the designer stores and the ridiculous volume of Ferraris, Bentleys, and Aston Martins.
Travel south towards the river and the Kings Road – a trendy spot with more cool bars and shops
Head back via Knightsbridge and check out Harrods, one of the world’s most famous department stores.
If you have more time in London…
Go to Spitalfields Market an indoor market with cool art and clothes. This is an up and coming area, a bit grittier, and the scene of the Jack the Ripper murders.
Go to Brick Lane and have THE best Indian food in the city! There are tons of restaurants to choose from.
Borough Market – by far my favorite, this is the oldest covered market in Europe and is a haven for foodies! All of the items for sale are fresh and locally grown. You can sample your way around here – it’s impossible not to eat. There are great cheese stores, local breweries, and bakers. Use the London Bridge tube to get here.
Go to Canteen and eat Scotch Eggs.
For live music, check out the Roundhouse or KOKO. Both are located in Camden and both are famous venues in their own right. Tickets are easily available online and they both have an eclectic mix on offer.
If you’re interested in going to a club, try Fabric in Kings Cross. Then, go straight to the biggest and the best and check out Ministry of Sound at Elephant & Castle.
Check out the Ice bar – near Regent Street.
Try afternoon tea at the Ritz or Claridge’s – both are very posh with a huge selection of teas and endless supplies of sandwiches and cream cakes.
London Tips
Use the Tube! Buy an Oyster card and ‘tap’ it up! It’s way more convenient than buying individual tickets each time you travel – plus, it will save you money.
Buy yourself an A to Z – a street map of London, you’ll need it!
Take at least one ride in a black cab – talk to the driver, ask him about “the knowledge” and what you have to do to drive the cabs in London.
Eat crumpets and bacon butties!
Go to a ‘chippy’ and have real fish and chips, and be sure to have a Sunday Roast!
Find a local pub (not a chain like All Bar One or Witherspoon’s) and watch the football.
If you find yourself in Chinatown, do yourself a favor and order crispy duck from one of the restaurants.
