This plan pairs nearby sights so you spend more time exploring and less time crossing the city. It mixes iconic landmarks, historic streets, good food, and relaxed evenings; costs are rough per person and in pounds sterling.
Budget
About £300–£450 per person for the listed sights and meals, excluding accommodation and local transport.
Best time to visit
April–June or September–October for pleasant walking weather and long daylight; book popular attractions ahead.
Westminster and the South Bank
See London’s best-known landmarks on foot, then cross the river for a riverside evening.
Morning
Visit
Allow time to admire the Gothic architecture and royal history. From here, it’s about a 5-minute walk to .
About £30Morning
See and the Palace of Westminster
Take in the landmark views from Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the .
FreeAfternoon
Ride the
Enjoy a sweeping view of the city from the riverside observation wheel. Walk about 15 minutes along the South Bank to .
About £39Afternoon
Explore
Browse the modern and contemporary art galleries; the main collection is free. Walk around 10 minutes to Shakespeare’s Globe.
FreeEvening
Catch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe
Check the programme for a play or take a guided tour if there’s no evening performance. It’s about a 5-minute walk to for dinner.
About From £5Evening
Have dinner at
Choose from the market’s food stalls and nearby eateries; check opening times, as evening options vary. The walk from the Globe takes about 5 minutes.
About £15–£30
St James’s, Buckingham and Soho
Start among royal landmarks and parks, then finish with a lively evening around Soho and Covent Garden.
Morning
Walk through St James’s Park
Enjoy the lake, flower beds, and views toward . It’s about a 10-minute walk to the palace gates.
FreeMorning
See
Admire the palace exterior and check the official schedule if you hope to see the Changing of the Guard. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the National Gallery
See major European paintings in Trafalgar Square; general admission is free. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Browse the
Explore portraits spanning British history and culture. It’s about a 15-minute walk to .
FreeEvening
Explore Covent Garden
Browse the market halls and enjoy the street performers around the piazza. Walk about 10 minutes to for dinner.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Settle in for Bombay-inspired cooking; booking ahead is helpful at busy times. The restaurant is about a 10-minute walk from .
About £20–£35
The City and Tower Bridge
Discover the City’s historic lanes and landmark views before spending the evening beside the Thames at .
Morning
Visit St Paul’s Cathedral
Explore the cathedral interior and, if you like, climb to the galleries for city views. It’s about a 15-minute walk to .
About £26Morning
Wander through
Admire the ornate Victorian roof and browse the shops and cafés. Walk about 15 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Explore the
Allow several hours for the fortress, the Crown Jewels, and its historic displays. It’s about a 10-minute walk to .
About £35Afternoon
Walk across
Take in river views from the bridge; the walk to the exhibition entrance is short, about 5 minutes from the Tower. It’s around a 10-minute walk to the riverside at .
FreeEvening
Stroll around
Enjoy the marina, boats, and waterside atmosphere. Walk about 10 minutes to for dinner.
FreeEvening
Dinner at
Choose a relaxed pub meal in a historic dockside building; allow about 10 minutes to walk from .
About £20–£35
Kensington and Hyde Park
Spend a final day among South Kensington’s museums and finish with an easy walk and dinner in nearby Kensington.
Morning
Explore the
See the grand Hintze Hall and fascinating collections; general admission is free, though some exhibitions are ticketed. It’s about a 5-minute walk to the .
FreeMorning
Visit the
Browse world-class art and design collections, with plenty to choose from even on a short visit. Walk about 10 minutes to the .
FreeAfternoon
Discover the
Explore interactive exhibits and historic inventions; general admission is free, but special experiences may cost extra. It’s about a 15-minute walk to the in Hyde Park.
FreeAfternoon
Relax by the
Take a breather among the fountains and formal gardens at the edge of Hyde Park. It’s about a 20-minute walk to .
FreeEvening
Visit
See the historic royal residence and its exhibitions; check the closing time before you go. Walk about 15 minutes to for dinner.
About £20Evening
Dinner at
Enjoy a characterful pub setting and Thai food in Kensington. It’s about a 15-minute walk from .
About £20–£35
Good to know
Getting around
Use an Oyster card or contactless payment on the Tube and buses, and walk between the close-together stops. Travel times listed are approximate walking times.
Booking
Reserve timed-entry tickets for the , , the , and , and check museum and market opening hours.
Changing of the Guard
The ceremony does not happen every day and can change due to weather or official events, so check the Household Division schedule before planning around it.