4 days in London: a local’s itinerary
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London is one of the most layered and dynamic cities in the world — and I say that as someone who lives here. You could easily spend years exploring it (as I have), and still feel like there’s more to discover. But if you’ve only got a few days, it helps to have a bit of direction.
4 days is a great amount of time to spend in London. It gives you space to see some of the big sights while also exploring smaller pockets of the city that are full of charm and character.
As a London local, art historian and traveller, I’ve drawn on years of exploring the city to put together this 4 day itinerary — focusing on standout architecture, world-class museums, independent shops, and excellent food — with a few hidden corners along the way.
Here’s my guide to spending 4 days in London.
Landmarks of central London
Richmond and Kew
The City and East London
South Kensington and Hyde Park
Getting around London
London is a big city, but it’s surprisingly easy to get around. The public transport system is extensive and reliable, and using a contactless card or phone to tap in and out on the Tube, buses and trains makes it super straightforward — no need to buy separate tickets.
I tend to use the Tube for getting across the city quickly, but buses are great if you want to actually see where you’re going. They’re also cheaper, with a daily cap that makes multiple journeys good value. For shorter distances, walking is often the nicest way to soak up different neighbourhoods — just be prepared for crowds in the more central areas.
Cabs and Ubers are easy to find too, though with traffic they can be slow (and expensive). I usually only take one if I’m out late or heading somewhere that’s tricky to reach by public transport.
The boat services on the Thames are a fun way to travel — the Uber Boat by Thames Clippers is a good option if you want a different view of the city from the river. A few options:
Where to stay in London
London’s huge, and choosing where to stay can make or break your trip—especially if it’s your first time here. I’ve written a full post about the best London neighbourhoods for first-time visitors, with local insight into which areas combine charm and convenience. But to keep things simple, here are four well-located, design-forward hotel picks to get you started:
Mason & Fifth, Bermondsey – A beautifully designed aparthotel in a cool, quiet area with great food spots and easy access to Borough Market, Tate Modern and Tower Bridge.
Lime Tree Hotel, Belgravia – A cosy and well-priced boutique hotel tucked into a pretty, residential street not far from South Kensington and Sloane Square.
The Culpeper, Spitalfields – Stay above a lively East London pub in a Georgian building, with a rooftop garden and easy access to Brick Lane, Shoreditch and Liverpool Street.
The Academy, Fitzrovia – A charming, characterful hotel with a literary twist, ideally placed for walking to Soho, Oxford Street or Regent’s Park.
For more hotel suggestions by neighbourhood (and which areas to avoid), check out my full guide to where to stay in London for first-time visitors.
Day 1 in London: exploring the landmarks of Central London
London’s historic centre is packed with iconic landmarks, grand architecture, and plenty of green spaces to break up the sightseeing. This day covers the most famous sights, with a mix of classic London experiences and a few great food stops along the way.
If you wan to minimise walking, this vintage bus tour will take you past many of the places I recommend in this itinerary: Guided Sightseeing Tour on a Vintage Open-Top Bus
Breakfast at Regency Café
Start the day with a proper London breakfast at Regency Café, a classic greasy spoon in Pimlico. This spot has been around since 1946 and is known for its no-frills, old-school charm—think Formica tables, black-and-white checkered tiles, and the occasional barked order from the staff. The Full English is the thing to get here, complete with crispy bacon, fried eggs, sausages, and a good helping of beans and toast.
Big Ben & Westminster
From Regency Café, walk down Marsham Street toward Westminster Abbey. Even if you don’t go inside, the exterior is worth a moment—this is where kings and queens have been crowned for centuries, and where some of Britain’s most famous figures are buried. If you do want to visit, book a ticket here.
A short walk brings you to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, towering over the River Thames. There’s usually some kind of protest happening outside—an unintentional but fitting part of the Westminster experience.
If you’re into your history and want the full experience, here’s a highly rated tour: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Guided Tour
From here, turn left down St George’s Street and follow Birdcage Walk into St James’s Park.
St James’s Park
One of London’s most picturesque parks, St James’s Park is a great place to slow down and take in the view—especially in spring, when the flower beds are in full bloom. My favourite time to visit is when the daffodils bloom in March, so if you’re visiting around then, do check out my Spring in London guide. There are excellent views of Buckingham Palace from here, plus a resident colony of pelicans that have been here since the 1600s.
If you time it right, you can also catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. It happens most mornings at 11am, though it’s best to check the schedule in advance. Expect big crowds, but if you haven’t seen it before, it’s a classic London moment.
Buckingham Palace
A quick stop outside Buckingham Palace is enough to take in the grandeur of the royal residence. If you’re visiting in summer, the State Rooms are open for tours—but otherwise, this is more of a photo stop before moving on.
Trafalgar Square The National Gallery
Walk up The Mall toward Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column, the famous stone lions, and often some lively street performers.
Right on the square, the National Gallery is an easy stop if you’re up for an art break. It’s home to an incredible collection, from Van Gogh’s Sunflowers to Turner’s glowing seascapes—and best of all, it’s free to visit. But before the galleries, it is time for lunch.
Lunch Options
There are lots of great choices nearby for lunch, so here are my recommendations depending on the vibe you’re going for:
The Pem – A refined option near Westminster, focusing on modern British cuisine. This would be a fancier, sit-down lunch. Head Chef Sally Abe recently won Great British Menu, my favourite TV show, so I’ve been dying to go here — hopefully it will be soon and then I’ll give my full review.
The Clarence – A classic London pub near Trafalgar Square for fish and chips or a Sunday roast. The food is really nice here.
Chinatown – A short walk away, with plenty of options for dumplings, roast duck, or noodle soups. Lanzhou Lamian Noodle Bar is my personal favourite for steamed dumplings.
Ochre – A stylish spot inside the National Gallery, serving seasonal British dishes.
The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery
Hopefully you are refreshed after eating and ready for an afternoon of art! I moved to London to study history of art, so the city’s museums have a special place in my heart. The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery are two of my favourite places to revisit—not just for their collections but for the atmosphere. You don’t need to spend hours here, but they’re well worth a stop.
The National Gallery, sitting right on Trafalgar Square, has an incredible collection of European paintings. Some of my very favourite works in the gallery:
Van Gogh’s Sunflowers
Turner’s The Fighting Temeraire and Rain, Steam and Speed
The Rembrandt portraits
Vigee Le Brun’s Self Portrait in a Straw Hat
The Wilton Diptych
There’s a lot to see at the National Gallery, but it is free to enter so there’s less pressure to see everything. There are lots of art lovers out there (like me) who can walk around galleries for hours, but I know that many people get tired of it easily. I don’t think you should feel pressured to see it all, and I usually advise people to choose a few highlights, mark them on the map, and walk through the other rooms simply soaking up the atmosphere.
If you have time and are keen, the National Portrait Gallery, right behind the National Gallery, has just reopened after a major renovation. It’s filled with fascinating faces, from the Tudors and Shakespeare to modern icons like David Bowie and Stormzy. A great place to dip into British history through the people who shaped it.
There are wonderful temporary exhibitions on at both galleries year-round. I keep track of London art exhibitions here:
Covent Garden
After the galleries, head into Covent Garden, a lively area known for its street performers, boutique shops, and covered market. Covent Garden is a tourist hotspot, and it is definitely worth seeing. However, do be prepared for crowds!
You might be in need of a treat after viewing so much art. I love Arome Bakery, a French-Asian bakery with options like honey butter toast and miso pear pastry.
Another hidden gem of Covent Garden is the rooftop bar above the Royal Opera House. It is usually pretty quiet, with a great view over the busy market and lovely mocktails for non-drinkers like me.
Here’s a few more Covent Garden recommendations:
Old Chang Kee Covent Garden – Singaporean street food, famous for its curry puffs. A great snack stop.
Seven Dials – A charming area with seven streets converging, filled with boutiques and cafes.
Neal’s Yard – A hidden courtyard bursting with colour, home to organic beauty shops and cafes. Homeslice Pizza and St Johns Bakery are amazing.
Choosing Keeping – A beautifully curated stationery shop with gorgeous notebooks, inks, and art supplies.
Bagariet – A Swedish bakery with amazing cinnamon and cardamom buns, perfect for an afternoon treat.
Dinner in Covent Garden
There are endless great dinner options to choose from in Covent Garden. Please don’t fall for a tourist trap! Lots of great independent places will have pre-theatre deals as well. Here’s what I recommend from many, many wonderful experiences:
Lahpet – A modern Burmese restaurant known for its tea leaf salad, coconut noodles, and punchy flavours. It is beyond delicious.
Dishoom – Bombay-inspired small plates in a beautifully designed space. A very popular Indian place with several outposts in London. You will need to queue.
Both are popular, so it’s best to book ahead.
Optional: Catch a Show
If you have time (and energy), the West End is just around the corner, with plenty of theatre options. From long-running classics like Les Misérables to newer plays and musicals, it’s always worth checking last-minute ticket availability, or maybe you’ve booked something ahead.
That’s Day 1 in London—a busy one! Day 2 will be a change of pace.
Day 2 in London: charming streets and natural wonders in Richmond and Kew
Richmond and Kew are my favourite places in all of London. I’m a local, so I am biased towards South West London, but as a lover of gardens and history there is so much to enjoy here.
Different travellers have different paces, so I wanted to leave this day open for you to decide how much you’d like to fit in. I will give a basic itinerary to allow some time to chill, and suggest options to fill the time if you like to keep busy.
How to get to Richmond
Richmond is a bit further away than any of the other spots in my itinerary, but it is worth it. It will take a little longer, but is not too bad and there are lots of connections from Central. You can take the District Line on the Underground directly to Richmond Station, which takes around 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, there are regular trains from London Waterloo to Richmond, with a journey time of about 20 minutes.
Breakfast/Brunch
If you’re a busy traveller, then I suggest having a quick breakfast at your accommodation and heading out early.
If you’re feeling a bit more relaxed, you can have brunch in Richmond. I suggest either the super cute Peggy Jean boat restaurant on Richmond Riverside, or the quaint Hollyhock Cafe in Terrace Gardens.
Must-see spots in Richmond
First, I’ll give you my insights about the most charming streets to see while exploring Richmond. Then, I’ll suggest the optional activities that you can use to fill the day.
Richmond Hill & Terrace Gardens
Walk up Richmond Hill, passing independent shops along the way, and take in the stunning views of the Thames and South West London. It’s a perfect viewpoint that’s been admired by artists, including Turner. If you fancy a quiet moment, descend into Terrace Gardens, a peaceful spot with fountains, lavender, and seasonal blooms.
Richmond Riverside
The riverside path in Richmond is one of my favourite places for a slow walk. It’s lined with pubs, cafes, and people walking dogs or sitting out with a pint by the water. If the weather’s good, you can rent a rowboat or just sit on a bench and watch the boats go by. You might even witness one of the dramatic high tides, when the White Cross pub becomes semi-submerged.
Old Palace Lane & Richmond Green
Tucked away behind the riverside, Old Palace Lane is one of the cutest streets in Richmond. It leads from the river up to Richmond Green, and is lined with small white cottages covered in wisteria. The other streets nearby are similarly filled with historic architecture, and the White Swan pub is a really wonderful gem to stop off in. The streets will all lead to Richmond Green, a big open space, often filled with cricket matches, dog walkers, and people heading to the nearby pubs.
Paved Court & Ted Lasso streets
Paved Court is a narrow lane filled with independent boutiques and old-fashioned shop signs. It’s incredibly photogenic—especially at Christmas—and fans of Ted Lasso will recognise it from the show. There’s a few Ted themed shops there now, too. There are several other small alleyways like this on the surrounding blocks. The Prince’s Head Pub is another Ted Lasso hotspot, but equally charming even if you haven’t seen the show.
Options for the afternoon
There’s so many lovely things to see in the area, so depending on how much energy you have, choose from the following options.
Visit Kew Gardens
If you’ve got more time to spend in the area, hop on the 65 bus from Richmond station and head over to Kew Gardens. It’s one of the most impressive botanical gardens in the world—and definitely worth a visit if you love plants, architecture, or just a good walk. You’ll find everything from Victorian glass houses and waterlily ponds to contemporary art galleries and a treetop walkway.
There’s far too much to cover here, so if you're planning a visit, have a look at my full guide to what to see at Kew Gardens. I’ve included highlights, tips for when to go, and all my favourite corners of the gardens.
If you need a snack nearby, Jin Bao is great for dumplings and bao buns, while The Original Maids of Honour (just down the road) is the spot for a proper English scone and a cup of tea—they’ve been baking there since the 1800s.
If you opt for the Kew route, I’d suggest visiting in the morning before heading into Richmond to maximise the day.
Walk to Ham House and Petersham Nurseries
One of my favourite ways to spend a weekend is walking along the Thames from Richmond to Ham House and then over to Petersham Nurseries. It’s peaceful, scenic, and full of charm at every turn.
Ham House is a 17th-century mansion with beautifully restored interiors and a charming garden in all seasons. It’s managed by the National Trust and worth a look inside if you're interested in historic design or just want to roam somewhere atmospheric. The kitchen garden and cafe is especially wonderful in May when it is covered in wisteria.
From there, continue on foot to Petersham Nurseries. The setting alone makes it special—greenhouses filled with plants and beautiful boutique objects and a fabulous restaurant and tea room. The afternoon tea at Petersham is wonderful and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for that kind of experience while in London.
Explore Richmond Park
You can’t come to Richmond and not go to the park. Richmond Park is huge—more like a small wilderness than a typical city park—and it’s easy to spend a few hours here just wandering.
If you're up for it, renting a bike is the best way to cover more ground. You might spot deer grazing in the open fields or come across ancient trees and secret clearings. Isabella Plantation is particularly beautiful in spring and early summer, with its rhododendrons and hidden ponds. Or head to Pembroke Lodge for a coffee and one of the best views over the Thames Valley.
Dinner
Depending on the pace of your day, you may end your activities in different spots. But if you are still in Richmond, I recommend eating a hearty pub meal at the White Swan on Old Palace Lane. Scott’s and Peggy Jean are two other places by the river that I would recommend.
Day 3 in London: Borough Market, Tower Bridge, and two ways to spend your afternoon
This day starts with food and ends with options — either an afternoon in the City with galleries and hidden gardens, or a wander through East London’s markets and murals. You’ll get another riverside walk, more historic landmarks, and a chance to explore whichever side of London you’re in the mood for.
Morning: Maltby Street Market (Saturday only) or Borough Market
If it’s a Saturday, Maltby Street Market in Bermondsey is where I’d go instead of Borough Market. It’s one of my favourite food spots in London—tucked under railway arches on a hidden little street, with a mix of proper restaurants, food trucks, and bars. Go hungry. Don’t miss St. John’s Bakery just around the corner—they do the best doughnuts in London, hands down (better than Bread Ahead, which is in Borough Market).
Afterwards, you can wander over to Bermondsey Street for a post-snack stroll—it's full of great shops and galleries. I’ve written a full guide to Bermondsey for more on what to see and eat.
If it’s not Saturday, head over to Borough Market instead. Yes, it’s busy, yes, it’s hyped—but it’s also iconic, and if you know where to go, it’s worth the stop.
Go straight to The Black Pig and get the pork sandwich. There’s always a queue, but the sandwich is incredible—I like to get 'The Best One’ which is herby, creamy and a little spicy. The queue is worth it. For dessert, Humble Crumble lives up to the hype. It’s one of the few viral food spots that’s actually good. I’d skip the chocolate-covered strawberries and Bread Ahead—they’re not bad, just not worth the space in your stomach when there’s better stuff nearby.
Don’t hang around too long though—the best part of this day is still to come.
Walk to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London
From the market, take the short walk over to Tower Bridge, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks. The views from the south bank are great for photos, especially if the light’s good, and you’ll get a proper sense of the bridge’s scale as you walk across it.
You can go up into the bridge itself and walk across the glass floor if you fancy, but honestly I’d skip it unless you’re really keen. There are better high-up views later in this itinerary, and this one isn’t free.
On the other side of the bridge you’ll spot the Tower of London, another major tourist spot. It’s packed with history and if you’re into that side of things, it can be a really interesting place to explore (the Crown Jewels are here too, if that’s your thing). But it’s not cheap and you’ll need to set aside a couple of hours to do it properly.
Book: Tower of London Guided Tour with Boat Ride
You can still get a feel for it from the outside and then carry on with the walk through the City of London—which is where things get a bit more unusual.
Options for the afternoon
After seeing Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, you have two great choices:
The City of London & Tate Modern: Explore London’s historic heart, with hidden gems like Leadenhall Market and St. Paul’s Cathedral, then finish at Tate Modern for contemporary art.
Spitalfields, Brick Lane & Columbia Road: For a more creative vibe, wander through East London’s markets, street art, and independent shops, finishing at the iconic Columbia Road.
Afternoon option 0ne: The City of London & Tate Modern
This route gives you a glimpse of London’s oldest heart—where glass towers sit next to medieval ruins, and where you’ll find some of the city’s strangest little corners.
Start by heading into the City of London, which is just across from the Tower. This is the financial centre of the city, but it’s also full of surprises if you know where to look.
Leadenhall Market is a good first stop—it's a covered Victorian arcade with dramatic architecture (you might recognise it from the early Harry Potter films). From there, you can wander past the cluster of London’s “nickname” skyscrapers—the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater, the Walkie Talkie—and take your pick of free views from the top.
The Sky Garden is the most popular (and you’ll need to book in advance), but 120 Fenchurch Street is another great rooftop and usually easier to get into without a booking.
Make sure to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral as well. This iconic landmark is absolutely worth a look, whether or not you decide to go inside. If you want to skip the entrance fee, you can still admire its beauty from the outside and get a great view of its dome from the roof of One New Change, the shopping centre across the street.
Other interesting stops nearby include:
St Dunstan-in-the-East: a beautiful ruined church turned into a public garden
Postman’s Park: a quiet spot with a moving memorial to everyday acts of bravery
Guildhall Art Gallery: good for Victorian painting fans and a peek at Roman ruins underground
Host Café or Wren Coffee: for a quiet drink in a converted church, open on weekdays
End the afternoon by crossing the Millennium Bridge towards Tate Modern, which is open late on Fridays and Saturdays. The gallery is huge, free to enter, and often quieter in the evenings—ideal for a wander if you’ve still got some energy. The views back across the river from here are some of the best.
Option Two: Spitalfields, Brick Lane & Columbia Road
From Tower Bridge, make your way to Liverpool Street station, where you’ll find the lively Spitalfields Market just a short walk away. It’s a great spot for grabbing a bite or wandering through the eclectic mix of shops and stalls. Right across the street is Townhouse, a beautifully historic homewares shop that’s well worth popping into.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Dennis Severs' House—one of London’s most mystical hidden gems. It’s an immersive experience that transports you through time, offering a glimpse into the lives of its former residents.
Next, stroll over to Brick Lane, where you’ll find everything from vintage shops to iconic food spots. Stop by the Truman Brewery Market for more food and unique finds, or head to Cuemars, a stylish shop known for its great selection of art, books, and homeware. For a delicious bite, try a sandwich from Dal Fiorentino or pick up a classic treat from Beigel Bake—the salt beef bagel is basically London folklore.
Finally, make your way to Columbia Road, a charming street full of independent shops. Even when the flower market isn’t on, the area is still buzzing with its beautiful boutiques and artisanal stores. Stop by Lily Vanilli Bakery for a sweet treat or simply enjoy the unique shops around. For more on exploring East London, check out my full guide.
Day 4 in London: Notting Hill and Kensington
Day 4 in Kensington is the perfect mix of easygoing vibes and a bit of culture. You’ll wander through Notting Hill’s colourful streets, pop into bookshops, and grab a coffee before heading over to one of London’s most peaceful parks. From there, it’s a choice between exploring museums or just taking in the gardens.
Breakfast in Notting Hill
Start the day with breakfast in Notting Hill at one of its beloved bakeries. Layla Bakery is known for having a long queue, meaning you’ll have to arrive early to snag one of their perfect pastries. If you’re too late, head to Moi et Toi, another really beautiful bakery that is new on the scene so less busy.
Morning: Notting Hill shopping
After your breakfast, it’s time to wander the picturesque streets of Notting Hill. Start with a stroll down Portobello Road Market, the vibrant London market street with anything you can imagine, from vintage jeans to Victorian maps. While you’re at it, pop into Daunt Books, a charming bookshop with a unique travel section. If you love cooking, Books for Cooks is where you can browse beautiful cookbooks while enjoying a meal made from the books on the shelf, if you are lucky enough to snag a lunchtime seat. The Spice Shop is filled to the brim with any spice you can imagine, wrapped in a retro yellow label that I find really charming. Lastly, take a detour to Westbourne Grove for chic boutiques.
Lunch
For lunch, I’m suggesting my favourite London restaurant, the jewel that is 6 Portland Road. This cute neighbourhood restaurant serves monthly menus of seasonal dishes with super friendly service. If you’re craving something more casual, Ria’s is a viral deep dish pizza spot. And if it’s been a long day of wandering and you need a proper sit-down, head to The Pelican for classic British comfort food in a relaxed pub setting.
Afternoon: Holland Park & Leighton House
In the afternoon, make your way to Holland Park for a much-needed break. The Kyoto Garden is a tranquil escape, with its calming pond, stepping stones and wandering peacocks.
Afterward, head to the Leighton House Museum if you love ornate house museums. Home of the artist Frederick Lord Leighton, this 19th century home is full of surprises, including the glimmering Arab Hall. Or, if you have other priorities, skip it and head to Hyde Park.
Late Afternoon: Kensington Gardens & Hyde Park
Hop on a bus to Kensington Gardens, where you can lose yourself in the green expanses of this well-manicured park. Take a moment to admire the Albert Memorial—it’s grand in the best way possible—and then enjoy a peaceful walk by the Serpentine Pond. For something more active, you can rent a paddle boat and glide across the water or simply sit by the Italian Gardens, which are always picture-perfect.
Evening: Museums & Dinner
If you’re still in the mood to muse over something, the V&A Museum is a great choice for anyone fascinated by art, design, and fashion. Alternatively, the Natural History Museum is as much about the building itself as it is about the exhibits—step inside and be wowed by the stunning architecture. Both museums have late opening hours on certain days, giving you more flexibility to fit them in.
Finally, some dinner recommendations in South Kensington:
Brother Marcus is a Mediterranean sharing plates restaurant right near the station
Daquise is a lovely Polish restaurant with a classy vibe, also right outside the station
I really like Gỗ, a high-end Vietnamese restaurant just down the stret
And I haven’t tried it yet, but I’m obsessed with Georgian food, and Shoty looks good (across the street)
And there you have it — 4 busy days in London, but I hope I’ve been able to guide you to some hidden gems alongside the important spots for first-time visitors. If you have more time in London, check out my longer itineraries including day trips. Or, have a look through my favourite spots off the beaten track in London.
This 2-day itinerary will help you make the most of your short time in London, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. This guide focuses on the main landmarks, from Big Ben to Tower Bridge.