This plan balances London’s landmark sights, historic streets and lively food-and-theatre scene, with each day grouped into nearby areas. Travel times are approximate walking times between stops; costs are per person in pounds sterling.
Budget
About £220–£350 per person for the listed attractions and meals, excluding accommodation and most transport. Many museums and outdoor sights are free.
Best time to visit
April to June or September to October for milder weather and comfortable sightseeing. London is enjoyable year-round, but summer is busier and winter days are shorter.
Westminster and the South Bank
Start among London’s landmark sights, then cross the river for a relaxed stroll and evening views.
Morning
See
Allow time to explore this remarkable historic church. and the Houses of Parliament are about a 5-minute walk away.
About £30Morning
Admire and Parliament Square
Take in the famous clock tower and Parliament buildings from the riverside and Parliament Square. From , it is about a 5-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the
Cross Westminster Bridge and follow the riverside path past street performers and landmark views. It is about a 15-minute walk from to the .
FreeAfternoon
Ride the
Enjoy a slow-moving panoramic view over the Thames and central London. The entrance is right on the , around a 2-minute walk from the riverside promenade.
About £30–£40Evening
Have dinner at
Head east along the river for a lively choice of food stalls and nearby restaurants. It is about a 25-minute walk from the ; check market opening hours, as stalls generally close in the evening.
About £15–£30
The Tower and historic City
Explore the and , then stay in the nearby City for historic lanes and an easy evening meal.
Morning
Explore the
See the Crown Jewels, historic towers and the stories behind this riverside fortress. Give yourself a few hours; is about a 10-minute walk away.
About £35–£40Afternoon
Walk across
Cross the bridge for classic river views, or visit the exhibition and glass walkways. From the , it is about a 10-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Visit
Browse the ornate covered market and its historic shops and pubs. It is about a 20-minute walk from ; allow extra time if you stop for photos.
FreeEvening
See
Admire the cathedral’s striking exterior as the City settles into the evening. It is about a 15-minute walk from ; entry inside usually closes before evening.
Free
Bloomsbury, Covent Garden and Soho
Pair a world-class museum with ’s lively streets, then finish with dinner and a show in the West End.
Morning
Discover the British Museum
Explore highlights from the collection, including the Rosetta Stone and ancient Egyptian galleries. The museum is free to enter, and is about a 20-minute walk away.
FreeAfternoon
Explore
Browse the covered market, watch street performers and enjoy a coffee or lunch nearby. It is about a 20-minute walk from the British Museum.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Find this colorful little courtyard tucked among the nearby lanes. It is about a 7-minute walk from Market.
FreeEvening
Have dinner in
Choose from the area’s many restaurants, then enjoy the neighbourhood’s bustling evening atmosphere. is about a 10-minute walk from .
About £20–£45Evening
Catch a West End show
Round off the trip with a musical or play; book ahead for popular performances. Many West End theatres are about a 10-minute walk from central .
About £25–£100+
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses. Tap in and out on the Tube, and tap in only on buses; check the current fare cap before travelling.
Reservations
Book the , and West End show ahead, especially for weekends and school holidays.
Opening hours
Check current opening times before you go. is best visited during its daytime trading hours, rather than as an evening food stop.