This plan pairs nearby sights and food stops to keep journeys manageable, with a mix of historic London, riverside views and West End highlights. Costs are rough per person in pounds sterling; transport and meals vary depending on your choices.
Budget
About £180–£300 per person, excluding accommodation, most meals and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for pleasant walking weather and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s best-known landmarks, then cross the river for a relaxed riverside afternoon and evening.
Morning
Explore the abbey and its remarkable royal and literary history. From Westminster Underground station, it’s about a 5-minute walk.
About £30Morning
See Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Walk around Parliament Square for classic views of the and the Palace of Westminster; it’s about 3 minutes on foot from the abbey.
FreeAfternoon
Walk across to the South Bank
Cross the bridge for river views and an easy stroll towards the , about 10 minutes on foot from Parliament Square.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Take in the city from the observation wheel. It’s about a 5-minute walk along the river from the south end of .
About £30–£40Evening
Dinner at the
Choose from the restaurants and food options around the arts centre, then enjoy the riverside atmosphere. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the .
About £15–£30
The City and Tower Bridge
Discover the City’s historic lanes and cathedral before heading east along the Thames to the .
Morning
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
See the cathedral’s soaring interior and, if you like, climb to the galleries for city views. It’s about a 5-minute walk from St Paul’s Underground station.
About £25Morning
Explore
Browse the covered Victorian market and its distinctive architecture. It’s about a 15-minute walk from St Paul’s Cathedral.
FreeAfternoon
Tour the
Explore the fortress, the Crown Jewels and its centuries of history. From , it’s about a 15-minute walk east.
About £35–£40Afternoon
Walk across
Cross the bridge for lovely Thames views; the pedestrian walkways are about a 5-minute walk from the entrance.
FreeEvening
Have dinner at
Pick up dinner from the market’s food stalls or nearby restaurants. It’s about a 20-minute walk from , or a short ride by bus.
About £15–£30
Bloomsbury and Covent Garden
Pair a world-class museum with a gentle stroll through central London, finishing among Covent Garden’s shops and theatres.
Morning
Explore the British Museum
Spend the morning with highlights from the museum’s vast collections; admission to the permanent collection is free. From Russell Square Underground station, it’s about a 10-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Wander through
Enjoy the colourful courtyard and nearby independent shops. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the museum, or roughly 10 minutes by taxi.
FreeAfternoon
Browse
Look around the market halls and surrounding streets, with plenty of cafés nearby. It’s about a 5-minute walk from Neal’s Yard.
FreeEvening
Catch a show in the West End
Choose a musical or play in the Covent Garden and Leicester Square area; arrive early to find your theatre and settle in. The walk from is usually about 5–15 minutes, depending on the venue.
About £25–£100
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card on the Tube and buses; tap in and out on the Tube, and tap once when boarding a bus.
Bookings
Book timed entry for , the and the in advance, and reserve West End tickets early for popular shows.
Museum visit
is free, but special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Check opening hours before you go.
Walking
Central London looks compact on a map, but comfortable shoes help—the daily walks add up.