This plan pairs London’s best-known sights with nearby neighbourhoods, so you spend less time crossing the city and more time enjoying it. Costs are rough estimates in pounds sterling (£) per person; travel times are approximate and assume walking unless noted.
Budget
About £160–£310 per person for listed attractions and meals, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
Late spring (May–June) or early autumn (September) for mild weather and long days. London is enjoyable year-round, but bring a rain layer.
Westminster and the South Bank
See the grand landmarks around Westminster, then cross the river for a relaxed South Bank stroll and dinner.
Morning
See
Explore the historic abbey, then walk about 5 minutes to and the Houses of Parliament.
About £30Morning
Admire and Parliament Square
Take in the riverside views and famous clock tower; it’s about a 5-minute walk from .
FreeAfternoon
Walk across Westminster Bridge to the
Cross the bridge in about 10 minutes and enjoy the view from the observation wheel; allow extra time for queues.
About £30–£45Afternoon
Stroll the South Bank
Follow the riverside path past street performers and cultural venues; it’s about a 10-minute walk from the to the .
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Take a roughly 15-minute walk east along the river to the market area, or use public transport if you’d rather save your steps. Check opening hours, as evening options vary by day.
About £15–£30
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Spend the morning among the British Museum’s collections, then wander south through central London to Covent Garden for the evening.
Morning
Explore the British Museum
Allow a few hours for the galleries; entry to the permanent collection is free, though some exhibitions are ticketed.
FreeAfternoon
Take a break in
Enjoy a quiet pause in the garden, about a 10-minute walk from the museum’s main entrance.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Walk about 20 minutes from to Covent Garden, passing central streets and shops along the way.
FreeEvening
See a show in the West End
Choose a performance nearby; theatres around Covent Garden are generally a 5–15-minute walk from the market. Book ahead for popular shows.
About £15–£150
Tower Bridge and the City
Explore London’s riverside history around , then finish with a walk among the City’s landmarks.
Morning
Visit the
See the historic fortress and Crown Jewels; arrive early to make the most of your visit.
About £35–£40Afternoon
Walk across
It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Tower’s entrance to the bridge. You can cross it for free or buy a ticket to visit the high-level walkways.
FreeAfternoon
See the view from
Walk about 20 minutes from to this indoor garden and viewing space; book a free timed ticket in advance.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Walk about 8 minutes from through the City to this atmospheric covered market; check individual restaurants’ hours and booking requirements.
About £20–£40
Good to know
Getting around
Use an Oyster card or a contactless bank card on public transport; tap in and out where required. Many central stops are an easy walk apart.
Bookings
Book timed tickets for the , , and West End shows ahead of time, especially for weekends.
Opening hours
Check current opening times before you go, particularly for and , where food stalls and restaurants may have different schedules.