This plan pairs London’s big sights with time to enjoy the neighbourhood around them, keeping each day geographically compact. Costs are rough estimates in pounds sterling (£) per person; transport and meals vary with your choices.
Budget
£250–£550 per person for three days, excluding accommodation; includes a mix of free sights, paid attractions, meals and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for comfortable walking weather and long days. London is enjoyable year-round, but bring a rain layer.
Westminster and the South Bank
See the landmarks around Westminster, then cross the river for a relaxed stroll and an evening on the South Bank.
Morning
Walk through Westminster
Start at , then walk about 5 minutes to Big Ben and Parliament Square. Allow time to admire the buildings from outside or book ahead for an Abbey visit.
About £0–£30Afternoon
Cross to the
Walk about 10 minutes across Westminster Bridge to the . Take a ride for the skyline views, or enjoy the riverside without a ticket.
About £0–£40Afternoon
Stroll the South Bank
From the , the riverside path to the takes about 5 minutes. Browse the public spaces and pause for a snack or a riverside view.
About £0–£15Evening
Catch a performance or enjoy the river
Stay in the South Bank area; the walk from to the takes about 5 minutes. Check the programme for a show, or keep it simple with dinner nearby.
About £0–£60
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Pair the British Museum’s collections with the lively streets, market and theatres of nearby Covent Garden.
Morning
Explore the British Museum
Give yourself a few hours for highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian galleries. General admission is free, though special exhibitions may be ticketed.
About £0–£25Afternoon
Walk to Covent Garden
It’s about a 15-minute walk from the museum to . Browse the arcades and street performances, then take a break in the piazza.
About £0–£20Afternoon
Visit the National Gallery
Walk about 15 minutes from Covent Garden to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. The permanent collection is free; allow extra time if you have a particular exhibition in mind.
About £0–£25Evening
See a West End show
Return to Covent Garden in about 15 minutes on foot for dinner and a performance. Book ahead for popular shows, or look for same-day ticket offers.
About £25–£120
The City and Tower Bridge
Discover historic streets and landmark architecture in the City, finishing with riverside views near .
Morning
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Explore the cathedral and, if you’re up for the climb, head to the galleries for views across London. Check opening times before you go, as they can change for services and events.
About £0–£26Morning
Walk to
It’s about a 20-minute walk from St Paul’s through the City to . Take a look at the historic covered passages and nearby streets.
About £0Afternoon
See the
Walk about 15 minutes from to the . Allow several hours for the historic buildings, displays and Crown Jewels; advance tickets are useful.
About £0–£35Evening
Walk across
From the Tower, it’s about a 5-minute walk to . Cross on foot for river views, then choose a nearby spot for dinner.
About £0
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses. Tap in and out on Tube journeys, and tap in only on buses.
Booking
Reserve timed tickets for popular paid sights and West End shows. Check official websites for current prices and opening hours.
Pacing
The plan includes plenty of walking, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. You can shorten any day by taking a bus or Tube between neighbourhoods.