This plan balances London’s historic highlights with neighbourhood strolls, good food and an easy evening out. Each day stays within a compact area, with approximate travel times between stops.
Budget
About £180–£300 per person for the listed paid attractions, meals and a theatre ticket; excludes accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September), when days are pleasant for walking and the busiest summer crowds are easing.
Westminster and the South Bank
See the city’s grand landmarks, then cross the river for a relaxed riverside walk and skyline views.
Morning
Explore
Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the abbey’s history and architecture. From , is about a 5-minute walk.
About £30Morning
See and the Houses of Parliament
Admire the landmark exterior from Parliament Square and the nearby riverfront. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the via Westminster Bridge.
FreeAfternoon
Ride the
Take in panoramic views from the South Bank; timed tickets are a good idea. From the , the is about a 5-minute walk.
About £30–£40Afternoon
Stroll the South Bank
Browse the riverside walk, street performers and food stalls around the . The walk from here to the is about 20 minutes along the river.
FreeEvening
See art at
Explore the collection and the former power station’s striking spaces; general admission is free, though some exhibitions charge. From , is about a 15-minute walk.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Choose from market traders and nearby restaurants for a casual dinner. It’s about a 15-minute walk from .
About £15–£30
Covent Garden and Soho
Spend the day among central London’s theatres, lively streets and excellent places to eat, with everything close together.
Morning
Browse Covent Garden
Explore the covered market, street performers and surrounding lanes. Neal’s Yard is about a 5-minute walk away.
FreeMorning
Visit Neal’s Yard
Pause in this colourful little courtyard, then walk about 10 minutes to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the National Gallery
See celebrated works in one of London’s great art museums; general admission is free. From the gallery, Piccadilly Circus is about a 10-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Walk through
Wander the lively streets and browse independent shops and cafés. is just a 10-minute walk from the National Gallery.
FreeEvening
Dinner in Chinatown
Pick from the many Chinese restaurants and bakeries around Gerrard Street. Chinatown is about a 10-minute walk from central .
About £20–£40Evening
Catch a West End show
Enjoy a musical or play in the theatre district; book ahead for popular performances. Most West End theatres are about a 5–15-minute walk from Chinatown.
About £25–£100+
The City and Tower Bridge
Discover historic City streets and the , then finish with a scenic walk across .
Morning
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Explore the cathedral’s interior and, if you fancy the climb, enjoy views from its galleries. From St Paul’s, the is about a 5-minute walk.
About £25Morning
Cross the
Enjoy the Thames views and the dramatic approach to . From the bridge’s north end, the is about a 20-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Take in the view at
See the City from this indoor garden; reserve a free timed ticket in advance. From , the is about a 15-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Allow several hours for the Crown Jewels, historic buildings and Yeoman Warder talks. is about a 5-minute walk away.
About £35Evening
Walk across
Take in the views from the bridge and riverside paths; entry to the bridge itself is free. From , the nearby riverside restaurants are about a 5–10-minute walk.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Choose a riverside restaurant and enjoy the illuminated bridge views. Butler’s Wharf is about a 10-minute walk from .
About £25–£50
Good to know
Getting around
Central London is easy to explore on foot. Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for longer hops, and check TfL for service updates.
Bookings
Reserve the and ahead of time, and book West End tickets early for popular shows.
Budget
Many major museums and galleries are free to enter, while special exhibitions and landmark attractions may charge.