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 per person in pounds sterling; many of the best views and walks are free.
Budget
About £160–£330 per person for the listed paid sights and meals, excluding accommodation, transport and optional theatre tickets.
Best time to visit
April to June or September to October for milder weather and pleasant sightseeing conditions.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s landmark government and riverside sights, then stay close by for a relaxed evening on the South Bank.
Morning
Walk around Westminster
See , the Houses of Parliament and from the surrounding streets and Parliament Square. is about a 5-minute walk from ; entry to the abbey is paid.
About £0Morning
Visit
Explore the historic church and its royal tombs; allow around 1.5 hours. It’s about a 5-minute walk from .
About £30Afternoon
See the
Walk across Westminster Bridge in about 10 minutes for panoramic views from the riverside landmark. Tickets for a ride are optional.
About £0–£30Afternoon
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 .
About £0Evening
Dinner at
Take the riverside walk east in about 30 minutes, or ride the Tube from Waterloo to London Bridge in roughly 15 minutes including the station walk. Browse food stalls and nearby places to eat; opening hours vary.
About £15–£30
Covent Garden, Bloomsbury and Soho
Spend the day among central London’s museums, lively market streets and West End dining, with short walks between each area.
Morning
Explore the British Museum
Browse major collections spanning ancient Egypt, Greece and beyond. Allow at least two hours; general admission is free, and it’s about a 15-minute walk to Covent Garden.
About £0Afternoon
Wander Covent Garden
Enjoy the market piazza, shops and street performers; walk here from the British Museum in about 15 minutes.
About £0Afternoon
Browse
Take a colourful little detour for independent shops and cafés, about a 5-minute walk from .
About £0Evening
Dinner and theatre in
Walk about 15 minutes from Neal’s Yard to for dinner, then catch a West End show nearby. Meal and ticket prices vary; book popular performances ahead.
About £25–£100
The City and Tower Bridge
Follow London’s history from the to the City’s modern skyline, finishing with a riverside walk and dinner nearby.
Morning
Explore the
Visit the fortress, Crown Jewels and historic towers; allow around three hours. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
Enjoy the river views from the bridge, with the walk from the taking about 10 minutes. Entry to the bridge’s exhibition is optional and costs extra.
About £0–£13Afternoon
Visit
Take the Tube from Tower Hill to St Paul’s in about 20 minutes including the station walk, then explore the cathedral and its dome. Check service times before visiting.
About £25Evening
Dinner at
Head to the Heron Tower area by Tube or taxi; allow about 20 minutes from St Paul’s. This high-rise restaurant has sweeping city views, and booking ahead is a good idea.
About £35–£70
Good to know
Getting around
Use contactless payment or an Oyster card for the Tube and buses; check current fares and daily caps before travelling.
Bookings
Reserve timed entry for , the and any West End show, especially during busy periods.
Opening hours
Check venue and market hours before setting out, particularly for and St Paul’s Cathedral.