How Many Days Do You Need In London? With Itinerary & Pro Tips!
Are you planning a trip to London in the UK and wondering how many days you should spend in this vibrant city? If so, you’re in the right place! Having visited London multiple times over the years, I’ve gathered some great insights to help you make the most of your stay.
London, a must-visit destination on many travelers’ bucket lists, holds a special place in my heart. My family all hails from the UK, and as a dual citizen (Canadian/British), I’ve had the privilege of exploring this iconic city extensively.
For centuries, London has been a hub of culture and commerce, offering a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re passionate about history, culture, or art, or food London has something for everyone. Love history? Check! Interested in culture? Double check! How about breathtaking works of art? Absolutely!
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How Many Days Do You Need In London?
There are hundreds of things to do in London, and incredible culturally significant sites. I recommend anywhere from 3 – 7 days to get a good feel for this historic city! Get a taste below of what you could see depending on your time constraints.
If you’re just stopping by for one day on your way to another destination, you’re not going to get a thorough look at what London really has to offer, but you may be able to check out a couple of the major attractions.
Is 3 Days Enough for London?
Short on time? Perhaps all you have is 3 days to spend in London on your way to another destination. Or, perhaps you’re just wanting a weekend away from home as a quick break. You will be able to see some of the most popular sites in the city if you only had 3 days.
I would suggest a good mix of activities if you plan on staying in London for 3 days. Mix it up with things like food tours, art and history. These are the things you could see if you had only 3 days to visit London:
**My favorite places on this list are: The Tower of London, Tower Bridge + Engine Rooms, Borough Market, V & A Museum, and Westminster Abbey.
Is 4 Days Too Long in London?
Personally, I think 4 days in London is the perfect amount of time. You’ll get to add in some extra iconic attractions with an extra day. Your feet will be sore, but after 4 days you will have seen the most popular attractions and sites and had the time to appreciate them without rushing.
You’d be able to see the entire list in the section above, along with visiting some other famous and interesting attractions such as:
**My favorite from the above list has to be St Paul’s Cathedral – it is magnificent!!
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Is 7 Days in London Too Much?
There is so much to see and do in London, you could easily spend 7 days there. I know I could!
Personally, I would recommend going a little further afield if you planned on spending 1 full week in London. Take some time outside of the city center because there are some really stunning places!
Outside of the city proper, there are some other really great sites to see, places like:
Even though these places are outside of the busy central London district, they are easily accessible via the underground metro system, simply referred to as “The Tube” or “The Underground”.
Pro Tip: If you’re wanting to stay closer to Heathrow Airport, take The Tube to the ‘Egham’ station. Some of the major attractions above can be reached within minutes from this fantastic bed and breakfast that my family and I stayed at recently near Heathrow in the Windsor area.
London Itinerary: 4 Days
Let me help you take the stress out of planning a trip to London. It’s a huge city filled loads of people (8.8 million) and so many great activities to do!
After visiting London extensively, I understand and know the things people like to see and what’s worth the time and effort. I’ll save your feet a little bit as well; by choosing attractions close together.
Let’s dive straight into the good stuff!
Day One: The Tower of London and Tower Bridge & More
You’re not going to want to miss these iconic landmarks in London.
View the Crown Jewels at The Tower, see where Anne Boleyn lost her head, grab a yummy snack from a fantastic market, and finish the day off with an amazing performance at The Globe Theater.
Morning
The Tower of London
Welcome to one of the most infamous places on the planet! Explore the central keep that was built by William the Conqueror in 1066, see the execution place of Anne Boleyn and other famous queens and ogle at the Crown Jewels of England.
Visiting the Tower of London is going to take around 3-4 hours (or longer) depending on how much you like to read. If you you get hungry for a snack, be sure to stop at The Ravens cafe located right in the courtyard of The Tower.
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Tower Bridge
You may have heard this iconic bridge referred to as “London Bridge” from the famous song, but you’d be mistaken. This bridge is a more recent creation, being completed only in 1972 (London Bridge further downriver is MUCH older). It was made to fit the landscape, and blend-in seamlessly with The Tower of London behind it.
Up at the top of Tower Bridge you’ll have an awesome view of The Thames River. Stand, sit or lay down on the glass floors for some amazing photos to show friends and family back home.
Pro Tip: If you have time, I recommend booking a ticket to see The Tower Bridge Engine Rooms. My family found this super fascinating and gives you a different perspective on the engineering that went into this amazing bridge.
Tower Bridge requires around 30 minutes to enjoy, and the Engine rooms will keep you busy for another 45 minutes or so. (**read at the bottom of this post for a pro tip location to take amazing Tower Bridge Photos)
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Afternoon
Borough Market
After working up an appetite with all those steps at the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, it’s time to head over to Borough Market to get your fill of the local food scene. Why not book a food tour with a local while you’re in the area?
Located under the train lines, is one of the most historic markets in London. Here you’ll find all sorts of yummy treasures from fresh seafood, to Turkish delight, to dozens of food trucks offering a plethora of food options; sure to satisfy even the most discerning foodie.
Grab a bite, and spend an hour browsing or shopping before heading out to the next location. Or if you fancy a real education on the local food scene, book a tour with a local below.
>>> Take A Food Tour of Borough Market with a Local <<<<
The Tate Modern
This beautiful art staple in London is spread out over multiple floors, includes modern and contemporary art displays, is kid friendly and FREE! There are a few rotating exhibits that cost money to enter, but for the majority of displays you will not pay a cent.
On display are paintings, sculptures and large-scale installations from artists around the world including Pablo Picasso, Yayoi Kusama and Henri Matisse. Explore the iconic Turbine Hall alongside our underground Tanks, a striking space dedicated to live performances and video.
Folks normally like to spend 2-3 hours browsing the collection at The Tate Modern.
Evening
Shakespeare’s Globe Theater
Now that evening has rolled around, lets rest those feet at the reconstructed version of Shakespeare’s Globe Theater from 1599 AD! The “new” theater was reconstructed only 750 feet from the original.
There are typically a couple of Shakespearean Plays to choose from each week starting at 7:30pm in the evening.
Pro Tip: Grab an early bite to eat at >> The Swan, London. A bar and restaurant serving Shakespearean themed afternoon tea, lunch and dinner. Located right next door to The Globe Theater.
Daily tours done by experts are available if you want to pop in beforehand to understand the behind the scenes stuff. The tour guides bring this place to life!
I definitely recommend grabbing some gallery seating (these are benches without backs), and a renting a cushion for your butt. Choosing floor seating means you will likely be standing for a 2 hour play in the center of the theater.
No outside food allowed, and dress for the weather.
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Day Two: Buckingham Palace and Camden Market
See the iconic Royal Balcony where The Royals stand and wave from television, watch the Changing of the Guards and stroll some fantastic green spaces in London all for day two!
Morning
Buckingham Palace
You’ve probably seen Buckingham Palace loads of times on TV, but you’re definitely going to want to see it up close on your next trip to London!
If you’re lucky enough to be traveling during the summer, the palace is open for visitors from July – Sept. View the magnificent State Rooms, take a guided Garden Tour, and stop by the Garden Cafe for some tea, cake or ice cream!
If you’re traveling outside of the peak season, you can still stand in front of the Buckingham Palace gates and check out the Changing of the Guards at 11:00am Monday, Wednesday, Friday, & Sunday.
The Royal Mall and the Queen Victoria Fountain are also worth seeing in the area.
Spend anywhere from 1-3 hours here depending on the time of year.
Afternoon
Hyde Park
Next on the agenda is only a 5 minute stroll from Buckingham Palace to the magnificent Hyde Park established by Henry VIII in 1536 AD. This oasis is 350 acres in size and located in the heart of London as a Grade I listed urban park.
Highlights of this park include the Serpentine Lake; perfect for a little boat ride, The Diana Memorial, beautiful manicured gardens and paths to stroll, and a handful of cafes to grab a snack, coffee or tea.
Pro Tip: On the Way to the next destination, you’ll pass by a great German Restaurant if you’re hungry for a snack. >> Stein’s Berlin has fantastic Apple Strudel, Pretzels and German Beer.
Visitors normally spend anywhere from 1-2 hours here.
The Victoria and Albert Museum
If you zipped through the previous two attractions fairly quickly, you’ll want to slow down and take in all the amazing details at the V & A Museum! Did you know it’s FREE to enter?
No visit to London is complete without stopping by to see this stunning museum! It is set inside a beautiful brick heritage building, close to The Tube, and is absolutely chock full of treasures! You’ll find everything here from Egyptian artifacts to rotating displays like Taylor Swift’s Iconic Costumes.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours wandering around all the different galleries here.
Evening
Camden Market
After you’re finished sight seeing for the day, I recommend a trip on The Tube out to Camden Market.
This weird and wonderful market is full of surprises! Not only is it an amazing place to grab something to eat from the 100’s of food vendors, but you can shop to your hearts content. Find vintage clothing, unique handicrafts, pet supplies and locally distilled liquors.
Camden Market has a very interesting and storied past; it’s definitely worth booking a tour to hear all about it from a local guide.
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Depending on how much time you spend shopping, this visit could last anywhere from 1-3 hours.
Day Three: The Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey
On day three, you’ll see things like the clock tower: Big Ben, the beautiful riverside Houses of Parliament also known as The Palace of Westminster, and a very famous church!
Pro Tip: Make a reservation for a window table at the ‘Peacock London’ for dinner. You’ll sit under the last attraction: The London Eye, and from here you can see Westminster Palace and Big Ben.
Morning
Westminster Abbey
Start your morning off with a trip to the stunning gothic cathedral of Westminster Abbey. This is the coronation and burial site of British Monarchs since the year 1066 AD. Many other famous people who have passed on grace these hallowed halls as well. Be sure to stop by Poet’s Corner.
Your admission gets you into see the Cloisters, College Garden, Chapter House and the Pyx Chamber.
Extra admission with timed entry is required for the new exhibit upstairs named ‘The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries’ which definitely worth a look in my opinion.
These galleries have been hidden from the public for 700 years and only recently opened.
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Most people typically spend 3-4 hours at Westminster Abbey.
Afternoon
Palace of Westminster (The Houses of Parliament)
The Houses of Parliament, also known the Palace of Westminster in London are some of the most recognizable structures in the world right next to structures like the Eiffel Tower and The Great Wall of China. You’re definitely going to want to book an exclusive guided tour.
The building is constructed from Anston limestone and is set on top of a huge concrete raft on the banks of the Thames. It has 1,100 rooms, 100 staircases, three miles of passageways, four floors and 65 different levels.
The House of Lords and Commons meet here to discuss all things in the governance of Great Britain. Westminster Palace and all of it’s stunning rooms are one of the most popular tourist spots in London, you don’t want to miss it!
Pro Tip: Key rooms that you’ll want to see are the Great Hall which is over 700 years old, the Robing Room, The Royal Gallery, The Lords Chamber, Commons Chamber and St Stephens Hall.
Plan to spend 2-3 hours at this location. Arrive ahead of time for airport-style security at the door.
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Big Ben
The ‘Big Ben’ bell, or the ‘Elizabeth Tower’ is one of those iconic landmarks that is quintessential Britain. It’s now possible again after extensive renovations to once again view the ‘Great Clock’ from the exterior and hear the peeling of the Big Ben bell.
The Great Bell was cast at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1858 and weighs 13.5 tons. Fun fact: after only 2 months of it’s originally installation, the great bell cracked. It was repaired on site, and was turned so that the hammer strikes a different location on the surface.
It is possible several times a year to get a tour of the Elizabeth tower and see the Big Ben bell, along with the smaller quarter bells inside. The tours sell out VERY quickly, so I would suggest setting an alert to buy the tickets on the official website.
Pro Tip – Best photo of Big Ben without tourists: cross the Westminster Bridge so that you’re on the opposite side of the river. There’s a staircase on the clock tower side that will take you down to the walkway by the river. This is a great quiet spot for photos.
Touring the Elizabeth Tower will take you about 1 hour, but if just viewing from the outside, 30 minutes is time enough for pictures.
Evening
The London Eye
If you’ve just finished dinner at my restaurant recommendation from above the ‘Peacock London’ you’ll be perfectly positioned for the last attraction of the day – The London Eye.
The best time of day to get on the London Eye is the evening, as you can see the best of both worlds as the sun sets. Watch as the London skyline lights up with all it’s modern glory. Just make sure you book your ticket before the last revolution at 8:30pm.
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You’ll spend just over 1 hour at the London Eye.
Day Four: St Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square & The National Gallery
On day four you’ll explore places like the enormous church of St Paul’s, Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, along with the famous wax museum of Madame Tussaud’s.
Morning
St Paul’s Cathedral
As one of the most recognizable sites in London, I highly recommend making a stop at St Paul’s Cathedral. It is Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, completed in 1710 with it’s dome one of the highest in the world, still to this day.
It is a magnificent building. You can visit the entire church including the crypts and the dome, often referred to as the ‘Whispering Gallery’ so-called because of its acoustic properties. A whisper or low murmur against its wall at any point is audible to a listener with an ear held to the wall at any other point around the gallery.
Amazing views of London are best viewed from the outside at the top of the Dome. If you’re afraid of heights, you might want to give this one a miss.
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Spend 2-3 hours exploring St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Afternoon
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is a must-visit spot in London, known for its iconic landmarks and lively atmosphere. It’s home to the famous Nelson’s Column, surrounded by four massive lion statues.
The square often hosts events, protests, and performances, making it a bustling hub of activity. It’s also a great starting point to explore nearby attractions like the National Gallery, which is just a stone’s throw away. Whether you’re grabbing a quick photo or simply people-watching, Trafalgar Square is a spot you won’t want to miss.
Pro Tip: If you’re hungry, check out one of Gordon Ramsay’s famous restaurants: Gordon Ramsay Street Burger – only a 4 minute stroll from Trafalgar Square.
Spend 1 hour or so browsing Trafalgar Square.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery in London is a family-friendly art museum with an impressive collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It’s located right in Trafalgar Square, so it’s easy to pop in while you’re exploring the area.
The gallery is FREE to enter, making it a budget-friendly option for families. They even offer kid-friendly activities like art trails and workshops, which help keep younger visitors engaged. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a relaxing way to spend an afternoon, the National Gallery has something for everyone.
You’ll want to spend 2-3 hours checking out all the beautiful works of art in The National Gallery.
Evening
Madame Tussaud’s
Next, walk on over to the Piccadilly Circus Tube Line (bonus of seeing Piccadilly Circus this way) and take the train to Baker Street to see the famous and original Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum in London.
Pro Tip: Be mindful that the last entry into Madame Tussaud’s is at 5pm. Plan your arrival accordingly.
This amazing wax museum was founded in 1835 by Marie Tussaud. A major London tourist attraction since the Victorian era, here you can see all sorts of celebrities, politicians and famous people displayed in exacting wax replicas.
>>> Book your Madame Tussaud Tickets here <<<
While visiting Madame Tussaud’s, you’ll probably spend around 2 hours exploring.
Where To Stay In London
When staying in London, it’s a great idea to stay someplace that is centrally located so that you can utilize The Tube, along with walking and Taxis/Ubers.
I recommend Westminster, Covent Garden or Soho if you’re wanting to tour central London.
Stays by Heathrow Airport ($) : If you’re wanting to stay by Heathrow Airport, I HIGHLY recommend The Kings Arms in Egham. This is a fantastic pub with family rooms upstairs. It includes a phenomenal breakfast and is close to Windsor Castle and Thorpe Amusement Park. I wrote more about my family’s experience at this pub here.
>>> Book the Kings Arms Pub in Egham <<<
Budget Option ($) : Ibis London Blackfriars offers a great location, putting you within a 15-minute walk of Thames River and Borough Market. You can grab a bite to eat at the restaurant or wind down at the end of the day with a drink from the bar/lounge. Walking distance of many popular attractions.
>>> Book the Ibis London Blackfriars Hotel <<<
Mid-Range Option ($$) : The Grand at Trafalgar Square is an upscale centrally located hotel only 5 minute walk from Trafalgar Square and The Strand. This beautiful hotel offers standard and kitchenette rooms perfect for families. Dine in the hotel restaurant for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
>>> Book your stay at The Grand at Trafalgar Square London <<<
Luxury Option ($$$) : Stay at the exquisite Raffles Hotel at the OWO in central London. This location is supreme being directly in the center of Westminster Palace and Trafalgar Square. This is a highly rated luxury hotel, with superb wait-staff, and a rare spirits cocktail bar.
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Getting Around
Getting around London can seem incredibly daunting. It is a huge city full of people with many different transportation options. Luckily, the city of London has done a fantastic job of making public transportation very accessible.
I’m here to tell you that you shouldn’t have a problem getting around London. There are buses running every few minutes, along with the underground metro also known as The Tube or Underground.
All of the popular tourist destinations are along a Tube Line. Grab yourself an Oyster Card and scan into the public transportation system. The subway maps are straightforward and you can easily get to where you need to be within a reasonable amount of time.
I would not recommend ordering a taxi or uber in the central part of London during business hours. Traffic can be VERY bad and it can leave you stuck in a car for much longer than you need to be.
Pro Tip: Do yourself a favor and only order an uber or taxi on off-peak hours.
There is also a large network of bicycle lanes in London. Although not as efficient as the bike lanes in Amsterdam, I’ve still been sat in a car (stuck in traffic) watching bicycles whiz by me.
- Get your Underground Tube Map here: Transport for London Tube Lines
- Find the Cycle Network Map here: Transport for London Bicycles
- Using the Underground Tube Stations make visiting London a breeze. Grab a Visitor’s Oyster Card for Transport here.
FAQs
There are some common questions I get when speaking to people about visiting London, and because I’ve been to the UK several times and am duel citizen (Canadian/British), I feel well placed to answer them!
What is the best month to go to London?
If I was planning a trip to London, and had all 12 months to choose from, there are TWO months I would pick if I had no time constraints. Those months would be May and September.
I would choose May or September because it’s the shoulder season for tourism in London.
Early Spring (May) will offer you a glimpse at all the beautiful trees and flowers blooming in the United Kingdom; truly stunning. May also tends to be a little quieter in terms of crowds at the major attractions. It can still be a little rainy in the springtime though.
If you choose Autumn (September), which is also a shoulder season; you’ll get the best of all worlds. The weather in September is still amazing, likely around 18 degrees every day, the rain typically holds off, and tourism is a little quieter as families with children go back to school.
What is the rainiest month in London?
The rainiest month in London is definitely January. This month, just after Christmas can feel a little bleak in the city. It can be overcast and you can experience rain periods every other day, with on average at least 12 days of rain this month alone.
The great thing about visiting in January is the prices can be some of the lowest for the entire year, so if you’re okay with some gloomy weather; you can save a bundle.
Is London expensive to visit?
London is an expensive place to visit, especially if traveling with children. On average you will pay around £250/night for a family room. The price decreases slightly if you book a room for two people at £158/night.
What is the most beautiful part of London?
The most beautiful part of London in my opinion is the area around The Tower of London. You get awesome views of the 11th century keep, along with the 20th century Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast WWII Warship.
Pro Tip: For awesome Tower Bridge Photos head to the South East side of Tower Bridge and take the steps down to the street level below. Go under the bridge and take the covered walk-way marked “Horsleydown Steps”. The tide must be out to do this. You can search “Horsleydown Steps” on google maps.
Conclusion
Visiting London in the United Kingdom is on many travelers bucket-lists. From amazing historic attractions, to beautiful art and delicious food; there is something for everyone in this cosmopolitan city.
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I guarantee that the above attractions are just the tip of the iceberg and will leave you wanting more London in the future! Be sure to book some of the great tours above conducted by local experts, it’s absolutely the best way to learn about London while visiting.
How many days you decide to spend in London will of course be a personal preference. If you’re not able to get it all done the first visit, you can always plan a second or third trip to the ‘Big Smoke’. Happy traveling!
Cheerio,
Tanya
We’re headed to London next week! It’s our first trip, and it’s so hard to narrow down the top attractions to visit!
There is so much to see in London. It will take you multiple trips!!
Great suggestions for a visit! We love to visit in the shoulder or off-seasons to avoid crowds. We’ve generally been fairly lucky with the rain, and can find enough indoors to do when it does rain.