This three-day plan pairs nearby sights so you spend more time enjoying London and less time crossing it. Costs are rough per-person estimates in pounds; travel times are between consecutive stops and assume walking or public transport.
Budget
About £260–£470 per person for the listed admissions and meals, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for pleasant sightseeing weather and long enough days.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s landmark sights on both sides of the river, then stay by the South Bank for an easy evening.
Morning
Explore
Start inside this remarkable historic church; allow around two hours. From , is about a 5-minute walk.
About £30Morning
See and Parliament Square
Admire the Elizabeth Tower and Parliament from outside, then walk about 10 minutes to the via Westminster Bridge.
FreeAfternoon
Take in the view from the
Book ahead for a panoramic ride above the Thames. From the , the South Bank Centre is about a 10-minute walk.
About £30Afternoon
Browse the South Bank Centre
Explore the riverside arts complex and its public spaces; exhibitions and events vary. It is about a 10-minute walk to the .
FreeEvening
Catch a performance at the
Finish with a play or performance, or enjoy the riverside atmosphere around the building. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk from the to Gabriel’s Wharf for dinner.
About £20–£80Evening
Have dinner at Gabriel’s Wharf
Choose from the restaurants and casual spots in this compact riverside area; allow about 10 minutes to walk here from the .
About £20–£40
The City and Tower Bridge
Follow London’s history east through the City, with the and riverside views close together.
Morning
Visit
Explore the cathedral’s interior and, if you’re up for the climb, its famous dome. From St Paul’s, walk about 15 minutes to .
About £26Morning
Walk through
Enjoy the ornate covered lanes and stop for a coffee or a snack. It’s about a 15-minute walk from to the .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Allow several hours for the fortress, Crown Jewels and historic towers. is about a 10-minute walk away.
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
Take in the views from the bridge; the exhibition inside is optional. From , walk about 15 minutes to .
FreeEvening
Eat your way around
Pick up dinner from the market’s food stalls or nearby restaurants; check opening hours, as many stalls close earlier than restaurants. It’s about a 10-minute walk from to .
About £15–£30Evening
See a show at
End the day with a performance at this riverside reconstruction of the historic theatre; book in advance. Allow about 10 minutes to walk here from .
About £10–£60
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Pair a world-class museum with nearby central London streets, then enjoy ’s lively evening scene.
Morning
Discover the British Museum
Choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything; entry to the permanent collection is free, though special exhibitions may cost extra. From the museum, walk about 15 minutes to .
FreeAfternoon
Take a break in
Enjoy the colourful courtyard and nearby cafés, then walk about 5 minutes to .
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Explore the market’s shops, cafés and street performances. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square.
FreeAfternoon
See highlights at the National Gallery
Make time for a few celebrated paintings; general admission is free. From the gallery, walk about 15 minutes back to for dinner.
FreeEvening
Have dinner in
Choose from the area’s restaurants and cafés, then head to a nearby theatre or enjoy the lively piazza; the walk from is around 5 minutes.
About £25–£50Evening
See a West End show
Book a performance at a theatre in the West End; venues are a short walk from , typically 5–15 minutes depending on the show.
About £25–£100
Good to know
Tickets
Reserve the , and West End performances ahead of time, especially for weekends and school holidays.
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on public transport. These days are grouped by area, and several stops are easiest on foot.
Opening hours
Check current opening times before you go; museum, market and performance schedules can vary by day.