4-day London Itinerary Options – Classic, Foodie + Active

London is an incredible city to visit for a city break, or as a base to see more of the United Kingdom. Spending 4 days in London will allow you to pack in lots of different activities, tourist attractions, and will allow you to experience the city from the perspective of a local. Whether you are visiting the city for the first time and are seeking a classic experience, want to sample the best dishes London has to offer, or are seeking an active and thrilling mini-break, London has something for everyone.

London Itinerary

Best areas to stay in London

Soho

Soho is a vibrant, colourful and eclectic area of London that is a great base for your trip.

Soho was once well-known for its sex shops and rock ’n’ roll ties, however today this area has transformed into a friendly and lively hub.

There are many great restaurants, shops and bars, and is a stones throw away from some of London’s most famous attractions.

Covent Garden

A haven for tourists, and a destination that is as popular as ever, Covent Garden is also a great place to base your London stay.

Prices around Covent Garden can be quite steep, but you are paying for an excellent location, access to many fantastic restaurants and to be within the heart of the West End.

Covent Garden is also a great destination for shopping with a range of quirky boutiques and trendy staples all within a short walk of its famous Apple Market.

Shoreditch

For a buzzing destination with plenty of nightlife, Shoreditch is the perfect place to stay.

The area is filled with the coolest clubs and bars in the city, and has a trendy and creative edge that allows you to find somewhere perfect to enjoy your evening.

Shoreditch also has a great day-vibe, with many independent cafes and restaurants, and must-visit markets.

Best way to get around

The best way to get around London is to take advantage of its excellent public transport system.

By using the London Underground or its famous red double decker buses, you can get anywhere in the city with ease.

To travel on the London Underground, TFL buses, London Overground simply tap on the barriers at Underground stations or as you get onto a bus with a contactless card, or digital card accessible through a digital wallet such as Apple Pay.

Each area of London falls into zones, and as a result the fair you will pay can vary.

The easiest way to keep track of your journeys and fairs is by creating a TFL account on their website, and linking your preferred payment card.

This will allow you to see how much your journeys have cost you, and will allow you to make any payments if needed.

Please be aware however that contactless payment cards are only valid for one passenger, so each member of your group will need their own payment method to travel.

Classic London Itinerary

Day 1

Buckingham Palace

An essential thing to do when visiting London is a trip to Buckingham Palace.

The palace is the King’s official London residence, and has some areas open to the public.

Visit in Summer to see the State Rooms, or book onto a guided tour offered during Spring and Winter.

Buckingham Palace is at London, SW1A 1AA.

Palace of Westminster

Another essential stop is the Palace of Westminster, the heart of British politics.

The palace is most well-known for its iconic Elizabeth Tower, home to the famous Big Ben bell.

Visit the palace on a guided tour to see the House of Commons and the House of Lords to learn more about the palace’s rich history.

Palace of Westminster is at London, SW1A 0AA.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge in the UK, having been used in numerous film and TV shows, and often mistakenly identified as London Bridge.

The bridge is a true landmark of the city, and can be crossed on foot.

For stunning views over London and the River Thames, take the Bridge Lift to the top of the towers and enjoy the high-level walkway and glass floors.

Tower Bridge is at Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP.

Tower of London

Next to the River Thames and a short walk from Tower Bridge is the infamous Tower of London, a historical royal palace that houses the Crown Jewels.

During your visit, admire the spectacular Crown Jewels and learn more about their history.

Book onto a Yeoman Warder tour where Yeoman Warders, often known as Beefeaters, will take you through the tower’s fascinating and at times grizzly history.

Royal Parks

Take a break from touristy sites and enjoy a picnic in one of London’s 10 Royal Parks.

The most famous and most popular parks include Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, however each park is well worth a visit for their beauty, spectacular flowerbeds and tranquillity.

The Royal Parks often hold a range of events including festivals, outdoor exercise classes and bat walks.

There are 10 royal parks across London with information available at www.royalparks.org.

Trafalgar Square

One of the most visited and iconic squares in London is Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, four giant bronze lions, a spectacular fountain and The Fourth Plinth.

The Fourth Plinth is an exhibition space for large-scale contemporary art works.

After admiring the square, board the T15 heritage bus to ride on a traditional London Bus from 1956, and enjoy a relaxing tour of some of the most iconic sites in London.

The tour runs between Trafalgar Square and ends at Tower Hill.

Trafalgar Square is at London WC2N 5DS.

Day 2

Oxford Street

Get started on an iconic day of London shopping on Oxford Street.

Oxford Street is home to Selfridges, an iconic department store dating back to 1909, where a wide variety of streetwear, designer clothing, delicious restaurants, extravagant food hall and even a skate bowl can be found.

There are many shops, restaurants and cafes along and just off of Oxford Street, and it offers easy access to the designer stores of Bond Street.

Regent Street

Regent Street is another famous street and shopping destination in London that runs from Oxford Circus down to Piccadilly Circus.

The street is famous for its iconic Grade II listed buildings that date back to 1819.

There are many flagship stores along Regent Street including Burberry and Coach.

Soho

A shot walk from Regent Street is the trendy, boundary-pushing and lively Soho district.

Here you will find a variety of interesting shops, bars and restaurants all packed into a small area of the city.

Soho is a must-visit destination for nightlife with many night clubs open all night.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a popular tourist destination in London.

Famous for its Apple Market, the shops around Covent Garden frequently update and change, meaning no two visits are the same.

Enjoy a street performance from dancers, magicians, and acrobats, before grabbing a bite to eat at one of its many restaurants and street food stands.

West End Show

Round off your day with a trip to the West End.

London is famous for its musicals, and its best theatres are all located in the iconic West End.

From long running shows such as Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and The Lion King to shorter running shows, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Day 3

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of the most popular and iconic museums in London, and it is free to enter.

Inside you will uncover the evolutionary history of many plants and animals, uncover extinct species and learn about dinosaurs.

The museum frequently holds events throughout the year, and guided tours are available.

The Natural History Museum is at Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD. Download this audio tour before you go.

V&A

A short walk from the Natural History Museum is the V&A Museum.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, or V&A as it is known, is filled with a staggering 2.27 million objects in their permanent collection.

The museum is the largest in the world for applied arts, design and decorative arts, with impressive temporary collections to admire.

V&A is at Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL.

The British Museum

The British Museum is a must visit when in London, regardless of whether it is your 1st or 10th visit.

The museum has the largest permanent collection in the world, with over 8 million objects, works of art and artefacts.

Inside this free museum are collections of fine art, Japanese paintings and ceramics, mummies from ancient Egypt, and more.

Check out their impressive collection of fossils and gemstones, before admiring the famous Rosetta Stone.

The British Museum is at Great Russell Street, London, WC1B 3DG.

The National Gallery

Overlooking Trafalgar Square is the National Gallery.

Another free to enter museum, the gallery offers visitors a chance to experience a vast collection of European art.

Inside the gallery are works from Sergent, Da Vinci, Monet, Picasso, Caravaggio and more.

The National Gallery is at Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN.

Day 4

Kew Gardens

Get out into nature and explore Kew Gardens, a magnificent botanical garden home to more than 50,000 plant species that are growing outside in the grounds, and inside Kew’s Victorian glasshouse.

Species in the gardens are from every corner of the globe, with some rare and endangered species thriving.

Kew Gardens is also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kew Gardens is at Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE.

London Eye

For impressive views and an unforgettable experience, book a trip on the London Eye.

On the banks of the River Thames, the London Eye has become an iconic part of the city’s skyline.

The London Eye is the tallest cantilevered observation in Europe, offering spectacular views along the river, and over some of the most iconic buildings in London.

London Eye is at Riverside Building, County Hall, London, SE1 7PB.

Alexandra Palace

Alexandra Palace is an excellent location to experience a range of cultural and entertainment events.

The Ally Pally, as it is affectionately known, is 150 years old and has a regularly changing roster of events including music concerts, exhibitions, comedy performances and the annual World Darts Championship.

Alexandra Palace is at Alexandra Palace Way, London, N22 7AY.

Foodie London Itinerary

Day 1

Borough Market

Begin your foodie stay in London by visiting one of the city’s most popular markets.

Borough Market is on the south bank of the River Thames, and is filled with a myriad of stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables, artisan baked goods, local cheeses, wines and more.

There are also plenty of stalls selling ready to eat dishes from across the globe to get your tastebuds tingling.

Borough Market is at London SE1 9AL. A fun way to explore is to join this tour.

Camden Market Food Tour

Visiting a food market can sometimes be overwhelming, so book onto a guided tour of the delicious Camden Market to fully explore.

There are many guided food tours of Camden Market available that will take you to some of the top stalls in the market for the tastiest dishes

Experience a twist on a classic roast dinner, enjoy a historical drink, and indulge in a secret dish selected by your tour guide.

Camden Market is at 54-56 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF.

Brixton Food Market

Hop on the tube and head to Brixton to experience London’s most diverse food market.

The market sits inside Brixton Village, an area of the neighbourhood that combines delicious restaurants and street food stalls, quirky cocktail bars and microbreweries alongside shops and gallery spaces.

The market is filled with tasty dishes from a variety of cultures including Jamaican, Japanese and Mexican.

Brixton Food Market is at Coldharbour Lane, London, SW9 8PS.

Day 2

Duck and Waffle

Start your day with a luxurious breakfast with a view at Duck and Waffle, located in the Salesforce Tower, with excellent views over London.

Duck and Waffle’s breakfast menu offers variety including traditional English breakfasts, and their speciality duck dishes including their signature Duck & Waffle, which the restaurant is named after.

Duck and Waffle is at 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2N 4AY.

Afternoon Tea at The Ritz

Indulge in a British classic at a true British icon, by having afternoon tea at The Ritz.

The Ritz offers indulgent dining in a historical setting, with luxury around every corner.

Your afternoon tea will include a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, artfully designed patisserie, and light, fluffy scones, all roundned off with a selection of tea chosen by The Ritz Tea Master.

Do bear in mind that the Ritz has a dress code, which can be found on their website.

The Ritz is at 150 Piccadilly, London,W1J 9BR. If The Ritz sounds too ritzy, check out this Classic Afternoon Tea Bus Tour is a lot of fun.

Harwood Arms

Round off an indulgent day of dining at Michelin Starred restaurant, Harewood Arms, located in the leafy neighbourhood of Fulham.

Harwood Arms is the only Michelin Starred pub in London, and head chef Josh Cutress has worked hard to create a relaxing and cosy atmosphere with impeccable dishes.

Harwood Arms is at Walham Grove, London, SW6 1QP.

Day 3

Harrods Food Hall

Head to famous department store Harrods to stock up on some delectable souvenirs from their food hall.

Within the food hall you will find a delightful range of patisserie, exotic and colourful fruits, fresh seafood, rustic sourdoughs and one of the best cheese counters in London.

Why not gather a selection of items for a picnic in the park, or add some jams, biscuits or oils to your basket as a souvenir?

Harrods Food Hall is at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, Knightsbridge, London, SW1X 7XL.

Fortnum and Mason Tea Making

Visit one of the most beautiful department stores in London and spend some time making your own blend of tea.

This bespoke tea blending service allows visitors do create their own personalised blend of tea with expert help, before presenting it in an attractive Fortnum and Mason tin with a personalised label.

Top off your trip to Fortnum and Mason by picking up some cakes, patisserie or scones from their food hall to pair perfectly with your hand-crafted blend.

Fortnum and Mason is at 181 Picadilly, St James’s, London, W1A 1ER.

Day 4

Soho Independents

Explore Soho from a foodie point of view and take in their wide variety of independent cafes and restaurants.

The area is ever changing and developing, however local favourites include Bar Bruno, a small Italian sandwich shop, and Koya, a traditional Japanese eatery with a wide variety of traditional and fusion dishes served.

Be sure to check out the street food offerings at Berwick Street Market, which is open daily from 8am with a wide variety of cultural dishes offered.

Shoreditch

Shoreditch is another excellent neighbourhood of London to visit for a range of culinary delights.

Walk along Brick Lane and call into a traditional bagel shop, or visit Dark Sugars to indulge in some of the best, and most Instagrammable, hot chocolates in London.

A short walk from Brick Lane is Old Spitalfields Market, where there are a variety of pop-up food stalls including trendy Humble Crumble, where a traditional crumble dish is served. You might like this tour.

Active/Outdoor London Itinerary

Day 1

Cycle along Thames

What better way to explore the River Thames than by hiring a bike and cycling along its edge.

Cycle paths run along both sides of the river and will take you through busy areas such as Embankment and South Bank, and more leafy suburbs such as Richmond.

Summer – swim in a lido

If you are visiting London during summer and want a fun and family friendly activity, visit a lido at Tooting Bec or Brockwell.

The lido is open all day and offers visitors a chance to swim in a spacious outdoor swimming pool surrounded by lush green trees.

Brockwell Lido is another excellent outdoor swimming pool that has been used by families since 1937.

It is 50m (164ft) in length, and also includes access to a gym and a variety of exercise classes.

Tooting Bec Lido is at Tooting Bec Road, Tooting, London, SW16 1RU.

Brockwell Lido is at Brockwell Park, Dulwich Road, SE24 0PA.

Winter – Outdoor ice rinks

During winter London comes alive with outdoor ice rinks.

Outdoor ice rinks can be found across the capital including at Alexandra Palace, Brent Cross and Hyde Park’s annual Winter Wonderland.

Cutty Sark Rig Climb

Experience views over London like never before by climbing the rigging of the iconic Cutty Sark.

Start on the deck before strapping into a harness and hard had before climbing up the ratlines, along the rigging and to the platform at the top for incredible views.

Your final challenge is to abseil back down to the deck below!

Day 2

Canoe or boat hire along canals

For a unique and active experience in London hire a kayak with London Kayak Company and enjoy a guided tour of the historical river.

Trips run throughout the day, with some on an evening offering a truly unique experience.

Start your trip in Greenwich, and kayak past some of the most iconic sites in London on your way to Battersea Power Station.

London Kayak Company is at Springham Walk, Greenwich, SE10 0YP.

Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Football fans and those not afraid of heights should book an unforgettable experience at the Dare Skywalk and Dare Skywalk Edge.

Climb to a height of 46.8m (153ft) above the pitch below to observe Tottenham Hotspur’s ground like never before.

For daredevils, brave Dare Skywalk Edge to experience a controlled descent from the top of the stadium.

Dare Skywalk is at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, N17 0BX.

Crystal Maze Live

Crystal Maze live is a family-friendly escape room experience based on the popular TV show.

Challenge your team to see if you can crack a range of interactive games and puzzles to successfully escape.

Crystal Maze Live is at 22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1D 7EU.

Day 3

Kew Gardens Treetop Walkway

Visit the beautiful and leafy Kew Gardens and see if from a new angle by walking along its treetop walkway.

The treetop walkway twists and turns through the garden from a height of 18m (59ft), allowing you to see the garden’s complex ecosystem of trees, and the habitats they have created.

Kew Gardens Treetop Walkway is at Kew, Richmond, London, TW9 3AE.

Nike Running Club

For a simple, social and active activity in London, join Nike’s running club.

Niketown London regularly hosts running club events across the capital, allowing visitors and locals alike to join a group of likeminded people on a fun run.

Running club distances vary, and booking in advance through their website is recommended.

Yoga at Sky Garden

Begin your day with mindfulness in a beautiful rooftop garden at Sky Garden.

Take part in a yoga class surrounded by tropical plants and incredible views over the city.

Tickets must be booked in advance as spaces are limited.

Sky Garden is at 1 Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF.

Day 4

Climb Up at the O2

Admire the city after a thrill-seeking climb at Up at the O2.

The O2 arena is one of the most iconic entertainment venues in the United Kingdom,, and it is now possible to walk over its huge roof.

On a clear day from the top of the O2 it is possible to see for as far as 15 miles, allowing you to take in some of London’s most famous landmarks from a unique vantage point.

Daytime, sunset and twilight climbs are available, each creating a unique climbing experience.

Up at the O2 is at Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Slide at the Arcelormittal Orbit

Brave the Slide at Arcelormittal Orbit, an unusual slide experience allowing you to explore the famous sculpture originally designed by Sir Cecil Balmond for the 2012 Olympics.

The sculpture has been transfrmed into a winding slide that allows you to descend the tower in 40 seconds along the worlds longest and tallest tunnel slide.

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Slide at the Acelormittal Orbit is at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, 5 Thornton Road, London, E20 2AD.

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