This plan balances London’s big landmarks with lively neighbourhoods, keeping each day mostly in one area to limit travel. Costs are rough per person in pounds sterling; transport and meals are estimates unless noted.
Budget
About £250–£400 per person for listed paid attractions, meals and local transport; excludes accommodation and varies with show tickets.
Best time to visit
Late spring or early autumn for mild weather and long, comfortable days; expect crowds at popular sights in summer.
Westminster and the South Bank
See the capital’s most recognisable landmarks, then cross the river for views and an evening stroll along the South Bank.
Morning
Explore
Allow around two hours for this historic church. Walk about 5 minutes to and the Houses of Parliament.
About £30Morning
See and Parliament Square
Take in the Elizabeth Tower, the Houses of Parliament and nearby Parliament Square from outside. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
FreeAfternoon
Visit
Admire the palace from outside and stroll through St James’s Park; check the official schedule if you hope to see the Changing of the Guard. Walk about 20 minutes to the South Bank via Westminster Bridge.
FreeAfternoon
Walk the South Bank
Enjoy riverside views and street performers around the and the South Bank Centre. The walk from Westminster Bridge to the takes about 5 minutes.
About £30–£40Evening
See a show in the West End
Choose a nearby theatre production and allow about 20 minutes by Tube or 30 minutes on foot from the to the West End. Book ahead for popular shows.
About £25–£100
The City and Tower Bridge
Pair historic streets and grand architecture in the City with the and a riverside finish nearby.
Morning
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Explore the cathedral and, if you’re up for the climb, take in the views from its dome. Walk about 15 minutes to .
About £26Morning
Browse
Enjoy the covered Victorian market’s architecture and shops; it’s a handy stop for a coffee or snack. Walk around 20 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Allow at least two to three hours for the Crown Jewels, historic buildings and Yeoman Warder stories. Walk about 10 minutes to .
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
Cross the bridge for classic Thames views; the exhibition and glass walkways are optional. It’s about a 10-minute riverside walk to .
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Sample a range of food stalls and nearby eateries; check opening hours, as many stalls close earlier than restaurants. The market is about 10 minutes’ walk from .
About £15–£30
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Spend a relaxed day among world-class collections, leafy squares and the lively lanes of Covent Garden.
Morning
Discover the British Museum
Choose a few highlights from its vast collection and leave time to wander the Great Court. General admission is free; special exhibitions may charge. Walk about 15 minutes to Neal’s Yard.
FreeAfternoon
Pause in Neal’s Yard
Enjoy the colourful courtyard and nearby independent cafés for lunch. Walk about 5 minutes to .
FreeAfternoon
Explore Covent Garden
Browse the market halls, shops and street performances around the piazza. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
FreeEvening
Catch the atmosphere at
Take in the fountains and National Gallery frontage before dinner nearby. Walk about 5 minutes from .
Free
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses. Check journey times on the day, especially at peak hours.
Booking
Book the , , the and theatre tickets in advance where possible.
Opening hours
Check current hours before visiting, particularly for and ’s Changing of the Guard.