This itinerary balances London’s landmark sights, historic streets and lively food spots, with each day focused on nearby neighbourhoods. Costs are rough per-person estimates in pounds sterling (£), excluding accommodation and most transport.
Budget
About £170–£250 per person for the listed activities and meals, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
Late spring to early autumn (May–September) for longer daylight and milder weather; book major sights and theatre tickets ahead.
Westminster and the South Bank
See the capital’s best-known landmarks, then cross the river for a relaxed riverside walk and evening views.
Morning
Explore Westminster
Walk around Parliament Square, and the Houses of Parliament. is about a 5-minute walk from Parliament Square; entry to the abbey is paid, while the outdoor landmarks are free.
About £30Afternoon
Visit the
Walk about 15 minutes from across Westminster Bridge to the . Book ahead for a ride, or enjoy the riverside views without boarding.
About £30Evening
Dinner at
Take the Jubilee line from Waterloo to London Bridge, around 10 minutes including station access, then walk about 5 minutes to the market. Check opening hours before you go; stalls and nearby restaurants offer plenty of dinner options.
About £20–£35
Tower Hill and the City
Pair London’s medieval riverside fortress with the City’s historic lanes and striking modern architecture.
Morning
Tour the
Allow a few hours to explore the fortress and its exhibits. The Tower is about a 5-minute walk from Tower Hill Underground station.
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
From the Tower, it’s about a 5-minute walk to . Cross on foot for free, or buy a ticket to visit the high-level walkways and engine rooms.
About £13Evening
Explore St Dunstan in the East and dine nearby
Walk about 20 minutes back toward the City to the garden ruins at , a peaceful free stop. From there, choose dinner around Leadenhall Market, about a 10-minute walk away.
About £0
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Spend the day among world-class collections and central London’s bookshops, theatres and lively public spaces.
Morning
Visit the British Museum
Explore the museum’s galleries at an easy pace; its permanent collection is free, though some exhibitions require tickets. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road Underground station.
About £0Afternoon
Browse
Walk about 15 minutes from the British Museum to Piazza. Browse the market halls and nearby streets, and pause for lunch at a café or restaurant.
About £15–£25Evening
See a show in the West End
Theatreland is about a 10-minute walk from . Catch a musical or play, then enjoy dinner or a drink nearby; ticket prices vary widely, and booking ahead usually gives you more choice.
About £30–£100
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses. Check journey times on the day, and walk between nearby sights when practical.
Bookings
Reserve the , and West End show in advance, especially during weekends and school holidays.
Opening hours
and St Dunstan in the East have specific opening hours, so check before setting out.