This plan balances London’s classic sights with neighbourhood time and relaxed evenings. Each day keeps stops close together, with practical travel times between them and costs in pounds sterling.
Budget
About £195–£295 per person for listed attractions and meals, excluding accommodation, local transport and any West End show.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for milder weather and long sightseeing days. London is enjoyable year-round, though summer is busier and winter days are shorter.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s best-known landmarks before crossing the river for a scenic walk and an easy-going South Bank evening.
Morning
Visit
Allow around 1.5–2 hours to explore the historic church. From , is about a 5-minute walk.
About £30Morning
See and the Houses of Parliament
Take in the riverside views and the famous clock tower from Parliament Square. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the .
About £0Afternoon
Take a ride on the
Book ahead for a 30-minute flight over the city. Afterward, it’s about a 10-minute walk along the South Bank to .
About £39Afternoon
Explore
Browse the free collection in this landmark gallery; special exhibitions may cost extra. The riverside walk from to takes about 20 minutes.
About £0Evening
Have dinner at
Pick from the market’s varied food stalls, then enjoy a stroll around nearby London Bridge. From , allow around 20 minutes on foot.
About £15–£25
Tower of London and the City
Spend the day around the City’s historic landmarks, then finish with dinner and views around .
Morning
Explore the
Give yourself at least 2–3 hours for the Crown Jewels, towers and grounds. is about a 5-minute walk away.
About £35Morning
Walk across
Enjoy the views from the bridge; entry to the exhibition is optional and costs extra. It’s about a 15-minute walk to .
About £0Afternoon
Browse
Admire the covered Victorian market and stop for a casual lunch nearby. From here, is about a 10-minute walk.
About £10–£20Afternoon
Take in the view at
Enjoy the indoor gardens and panoramic city views; free visits usually require advance booking. It’s around a 20-minute walk to .
About £0Evening
Dinner at
Choose a waterside restaurant and linger by the marina after sunset. From , the walk takes roughly 20 minutes.
About £25–£40
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Pair a world-class museum with a literary neighbourhood stroll, then enjoy Covent Garden’s lively shops and theatre district.
Morning
Visit the British Museum
Focus on a few galleries, such as the Rosetta Stone and ancient Egypt, rather than trying to see everything. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Neal’s Yard.
About £0Afternoon
Lunch and colourful lanes at Neal’s Yard
Take a break in this tucked-away courtyard and explore the surrounding Seven Dials streets. is about a 10-minute walk away.
About £15–£25Afternoon
Explore
Browse the market, arcades and nearby shops, and enjoy the street performers in the piazza. From the market, is about a 10-minute walk.
About £0Evening
Dinner and a show in the West End
Have dinner around , then catch a West End production if you’d like; allow about 10 minutes to walk from . Show prices vary, and booking ahead is wise.
About £25–£50, plus show
Good to know
Getting around
Use an Oyster card or contactless bank card on the Tube and buses, and tap in and out where required. Many central sights are also an easy walk apart.
Booking ahead
Reserve the , and any West End show in advance. Book a free visit ahead too, as entry slots are limited.
Market hours
Check ’s opening days and hours before you go; its schedule varies by day.