This first-time London itinerary balances royal landmarks, historic streets, and local food, with each day focused on nearby sights to keep travel simple. Costs are rough per person in pounds sterling and exclude accommodation.
Budget
About £280–£390 per person for listed admission, meals, and small treats; excludes accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for milder weather and long sightseeing days; expect crowds at major sights in peak summer.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s best-known landmarks, then cross the river for an easy evening stroll and dinner.
Morning
Explore
Allow time for the abbey’s remarkable architecture and royal history. From , is about a 5-minute walk away.
About £30Morning
See and the Houses of Parliament
Admire the riverside views and the Elizabeth Tower from Parliament Square. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Trafalgar Square.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the National Gallery
Browse paintings by artists including Van Gogh and Turner in this landmark Trafalgar Square gallery. From the National Gallery, walk about 15 minutes to the by way of Whitehall and the Golden Jubilee Footbridge.
FreeAfternoon
Walk along the
Enjoy Thames views and street performers on a relaxed riverside walk. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the riverside path to the .
FreeEvening
Ride the
Take in the city from above as the light changes; book a timed ticket ahead. From the , it’s about a 10-minute walk to dinner at .
About £30Evening
Have dinner at
Settle in for a polished meal with river views inside the Royal Festival Hall. The is about a 10-minute walk away.
About £40–£70
St James’s, Mayfair, and Soho
Pair royal London with leafy parks and the lively dining streets of Soho, all within a compact central area.
Morning
Watch the Changing of the Guard
Check the official schedule before setting out, as the ceremony does not take place every day. is a short walk from St James’s Park.
FreeMorning
Stroll through St James’s Park
Enjoy the lake, flower beds, and palace views on a gentle park walk. Allow about 15 minutes on foot from the park to .
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Explore this historic Piccadilly food hall and pick up a tea or picnic treat. It’s about a 15-minute walk from here to the British Museum.
About £5–£20Afternoon
Visit the British Museum
Make time for a few highlights, such as the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian galleries; entry to the main collection is free. From the museum, walk about 15 minutes to for dinner.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Enjoy Bombay-inspired comfort food in a lively setting; booking ahead is a good idea. Soho’s is about a 15-minute walk away.
About £20–£35Evening
Explore
Finish with a wander through this atmospheric junction of small streets, shops, and bars in Covent Garden. It’s about a 15-minute walk from .
Free
Tower of London and Borough Market
Follow the Thames through the City’s historic sights, then spend the evening around the market and Southwark’s riverside lanes.
Morning
Explore the
See the Crown Jewels and centuries of fortress history; arriving near opening time helps beat the busiest crowds. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
About £35Morning
Walk across
Enjoy one of London’s most memorable river crossings and its views of the City. It’s about a 20-minute walk along the Thames Path to .
FreeAfternoon
Sample lunch at
Pick from the market’s stalls for an informal lunch, and check opening days before visiting. From , it’s about a 15-minute walk to along the riverside.
About £12–£25Afternoon
Visit
See modern and contemporary art in a former power station, with free entry to the main collection. It’s about a 15-minute walk along the river to Shakespeare’s Globe.
FreeEvening
Tour Shakespeare’s Globe
If you’d like a closer look, book a guided tour or catch a performance when available. From the Globe, it’s about a 10-minute walk to dinner at .
About £25Evening
Have dinner at
Enjoy a relaxed pub meal by the Thames and toast your last night in London. Shakespeare’s Globe is about a 10-minute walk away.
About £20–£35
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless or an Oyster card for buses and the Underground. The itinerary is walkable in sections, but you may want to take the Tube between days or when tired.
Booking
Reserve the , , and popular restaurants in advance, and check the Changing of the Guard schedule before planning your morning.
Market hours
has limited opening days and hours, so check its current schedule and swap the lunch stop if needed.