London Itinerary (4 Days)

Day 1: Monday - Classic London Landmarks

Morning

• 9:00 AM: Start at the iconic Buckingham Palace. Watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony if it’s a working day for the royal family.
  • Transportation: Tube - Green Park or Hyde Park Corner
• 10:00 AM: Visit nearby Big Ben (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Houses of Parliament.
  • Walking distance from Buckingham Palace

Afternoon

• 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at The Delaunay, a grand café serving traditional European cuisine. Try their famous Wiener Schnitzel or Goulash.
  • Transportation: Tube - Covent Garden
• 2:00 PM: Visit the world-famous Trafalgar Square and see the imposing Lord Nelson’s column. Explore the National Gallery nearby, featuring an extensive collection of art from the West, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Claude Monet.
  • Transportation: Tube - Charing Cross

Evening

• 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at Dishoom in Covent Garden, a popular spot for Indian cuisine. Try their famous Baingan Bharta or Chicken Tikka.
  • Reservation recommended
• 9:00 PM: End your day with the vibrant Leicester Square, known for its theaters and lively nightlife.

Day 2: Tuesday - Cultural Experiences

Morning

• 9:30 AM: Visit the Tate Modern museum, a must-visit for art lovers. The collection includes works by artists from around the world.
  • Transportation: Tube - Southwark
• 12:00 PM: Have lunch at the museum’s restaurant or café, offering a variety of dining options.

Afternoon

• 1:30 PM: Take a walk along the South Bank and visit the Shakespeare’s Globe, an iconic reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater. Explore the surrounding area, which includes street performers and live music.
  • Transportation: Tube - Waterloo
• 4:00 PM: Visit the British Museum, one of the world’s greatest museums. Its collection spans 2 million years of human history, from the earliest Egyptian artifacts to mummies, ancient Greek pottery, and much more.
  • Transportation: Tube - Russell Square

Evening

• 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, a luxurious restaurant serving classic British cuisine. Try their famous Beef Wellington or roasted scallops.
  • Reservation required
• 9:00 PM: End your day with the lively area around Covent Garden.

Day 3: Wednesday - Royal Connections

Morning

• 9:30 AM: Visit Kensington Palace, a working royal residence where you can see displays of State Rooms and learn about the lives of royal residents, past and present.
  • Transportation: Tube - High Street Kensington
• 11:00 AM: Take a stroll through nearby Hyde Park, one of London’s largest green spaces. Visit the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Afternoon

• 1:30 PM: Have lunch at The Orangery in Kensington Palace Gardens, offering delicious sandwiches and salads.
  • Transportation: Tube - High Street Kensington
• 3:00 PM: Explore the famous Sloane Square, known for its fashionable boutiques and lively atmosphere.

Evening

• 7:30 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Ivy Chelsea Garden, a popular spot for modern European cuisine. Try their seasonal small plates or Sunday roasts.
  • Reservation recommended
• 9:00 PM: End your day with the vibrant area around Sloane Square.

Day 4: Thursday - More London

Morning

• 9:30 AM: Visit Hampton Court Palace, a favorite of Henry VIII, featuring beautiful gardens and an impressive Great Vine.
  • Transportation: Train from Waterloo Station
• 12:30 PM: Have lunch at the palace’s restaurant or café.

Afternoon

• 2:00 PM: Take a boat ride on the Thames River to explore London’s riverside attractions. Start from Westminster Pier and enjoy views of the city.
  • Transportation: Thames Clipper boats
• 4:30 PM: Visit the iconic Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels, as well as famous ravens. Explore the surrounding area.

Evening

• 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at The Anchor and Hope in Southwark, a cozy spot for seasonal British cuisine. Try their famous Sunday roasts.
  • Reservation recommended
• 9:00 PM: End your day with the lively area around the Tower of London.

Accommodation

Consider staying in a centrally located hotel or flat to make it easy to get to the places listed above.

Some options include:

• The Grosvenor (5-star): A luxurious hotel with comfortable rooms and excellent service.
• The Hoxton, Shoreditch (4-star): A trendy hotel with stylish rooms and a lively atmosphere.
• Airbnb: Choose from a variety of apartments and flats in central London.

Transportation

London has an efficient public transportation system. Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card for convenient travel:

• Tube: The fastest way to get around the city.
• Bus: A good option for shorter journeys or when you don’t need to rush.
• Train: Connects London with surrounding areas and airports.

Tips

• Buy a Visitor Oyster Card for easy transportation and discounts on attractions.
• Use cashless payments (e.g., Apple Pay) for food, transport, and shopping.
• Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular attractions during peak season.
• Try to avoid traveling in rush hour (7:30 AM - 9 AM and 4 PM - 7 PM) if possible.

Other Tips

• Learn some basic London phrases, like “mind the gap” on the Tube or “excuse me” when asking for directions.
• Explore local markets and shops, such as Camden Market or Covent Garden, for unique experiences and shopping opportunities.
• Consider visiting during shoulder season (April-May or September-October) for smaller crowds and better deals.

This itinerary provides a great balance of classic London landmarks, cultural experiences, royal connections, and more. Enjoy your trip to this amazing city!