This London travel guide is built for a first trip. London is huge, but it’s easy to plan: group sights by area, use the Tube, and take advantage of the many free museums. Four days is a comfortable amount of time to see the icons, a few museums and two or three neighborhoods without rushing.
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Getting around London
Tap a contactless bank card or phone on the Tube, buses and most trains. Daily and weekly fare caps mean you never pay more than a set amount. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line and Piccadilly line reach central London; from Gatwick, trains run to Victoria and London Bridge. Walking between nearby sights is often faster than changing Tube lines.
Free museums
- British Museum: the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.
- National Gallery: Western European paintings on Trafalgar Square.
- Natural History Museum and Science Museum in South Kensington.
- Tate Modern: modern and contemporary art on the South Bank.
- V&A: design, fashion and decorative arts, also in South Kensington.
Royal and historic London
- Westminster: the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey.
- Buckingham Palace: check the Changing of the Guard schedule.
- Tower of London: the Crown Jewels and nearly a thousand years of history.
- St Paul’s Cathedral: climb to the dome for views over the City.
A 4-day London travel guide itinerary
| Day | Area | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster and the West End | Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, a West End show |
| 2 | South Bank and the City | London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Tower of London, Tower Bridge |
| 3 | Museums | British Museum in the morning, South Kensington museums in the afternoon |
| 4 | Neighborhoods | Notting Hill and Portobello Road, then Shoreditch in the evening |
Neighborhoods to explore
- Covent Garden and Soho: theaters, shops and restaurants.
- South Bank: riverside walk from the London Eye to Tower Bridge, with Borough Market nearby.
- Notting Hill: pastel houses and Portobello Road Market.
- Shoreditch: street art, vintage shops and nightlife.
- Greenwich: the Royal Observatory and riverside views, reachable by boat.
Coffee in London
London has one of Europe’s best specialty coffee scenes, and the flat white is a menu staple. Look for independent cafés in Shoreditch, Soho and around Borough Market. Make one at home with the help of our guide to the best espresso grinders.
London travel guide tips
- Stand on the right on escalators.
- Book West End shows and popular attractions ahead.
- Pack a light rain jacket in every season.
- Many museums are free, but special exhibitions charge; book those online.
- Pubs are a good value lunch option, and many serve food all day.
Got an extra day? Brighton is about an hour away by train; see our Brighton travel guide. For history and background, read the London article on Wikipedia.
FAQ
How many days do you need in London?
Four days is a good first visit. It covers the main sights, a few museums and two or three neighborhoods.
Are London museums free?
Most major national museums, including the British Museum and National Gallery, have free general entry.
How do I pay for the Tube?
Tap a contactless card or phone at the gates. Fare caps limit how much you pay per day and week.
What should a first-time London travel guide include?
Transport basics, free museums, a day-by-day plan grouped by area, and a few neighborhoods beyond the main sights.
