london trip map

Posted on 18th January 2022 Categories London Travel Tips

By: Author Julianna Barnaby

Interactive London Tourist Map – the City’s Biggest Sightseeing Attractions (+ Free Printable)

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Planning to visit London? Don’t miss this London tourist map complete with 36 of London’s top attractions – in both interactive and printable forms.

You know that here at London x London we are ALL about giving you practical information that helps you really get to the nitty gritty of an awesome trip. 

Well, nothing says practicality like having a good map. 

When we first started travelling, there was a distinct lack of mobile interwebs, and so we learnt to become meticulous map-markers. 

Who remembers the good old days of sitting down with a destination map and marking up all of the things you wanted to say, places you wanted to eat and bars you wanted to booze in? 

Much as we loved those days, it was a bit of a faff. Then came Google Maps and the whole world changed. Even so, the process of marking up the top attractions on any map, even a digital one, is a labour of love. 

That’s why we’ve created this (rather brilliant if we do say so ourselves) London attractions map packed with all of London’s top sights and attractions in not one but TWO formats. 

No sitting around for hours saving places to Google Maps – we’ve done all of the hard work for you – and provided a printable version of the London visitor map too (because you can never fully rely on your phone not to conk out in your hour of need). Enjoy.

London Tourist Map

Looking for the perfect map to help you navigate the city? Save this interactive tourist map of London to your phone (don’t forget to download it offline so you can use it without mobile internet) and go!

Click here to open and save the London sightseeing map.

Free Printable Tourist Map of London 

We’ve also created this handy tourist map of central London’s tourist sites. It has the same attractions marked on it too.

Click here to access the printable London tourist map PDF .

Sights Featured on the London Attractions Map 

Want a little more information on the places featured on the London sightseeing map? Here’s a brief rundown of each entry. 

1. Tower Bridge

Is there anything more London than Tower Bridge? The Victorian bridge is one of the city’s most recognisable symbols.

Try to time your visit for the bridge opening and don’t forget to pop into the Tower Bridge Experience when you’re finished.

We also love this cruise that stretches from Westminster to Greenwich, taking you right under the bridge.

2. The Tower of London 

The Tower of London is the 900-year-old castle sitting next to Tower Bridge. It has a long and interesting history, but today is best-known for the fact that it is home to the Crown Jewels.  

Book Skip The Line Tickets .

3. The Shard 

The tallest building in London (actually in the UK), it’s no surprise that a trip to the top of The Shard offers some of the best views in town. 

Ting at The Shard also makes it onto our list of brilliant London Bridge restaurants … it would be rude to pass up a visit while you’re there.

4. The London Eye 

The London Eye is one of the city’s most iconic sights – the huge observation wheel on the South Bank . Hop on for the 25-minute ride taking in some of London’s best views. 

Book tickets .

5. Buckingham Palace + The Changing of the Guard 

The official London residence of the Queen, Buckingham Palace sits at the heart of London. Visit the State Rooms during the summer months and be sure to time your visit to coincide with the Changing of the Guard. 

You can book a tour of the palace with a visit to the Changing of the Guard.

6. Horse Guards Parade 

The second location for seeing the Changing of the Guard, Horse Guards Parade is on the other side of St James’ Park. See the parade at 11am (10am Sundays).

7. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben 

The seat of British parliament, the Houses of Parliament is located in gorgeous Gothic buildings on the banks of the Thames, with world-famous Big Ben at its side. 

Big Ben recently had a facelift (costing £80,000,000 FYI), so there’s no better time to go and see the famous clock tower.

8. Westminster Abbey 

London’s UNESCO World Heritage church, Westminster Abbey has long been patronised by royalty, with many royal weddings (Charles & Diana, Wills & Kate) and other ceremonies held there. 

We recommend taking a tour to learn about the history of this breathtaking Abbey. 

9. Trafalgar Square 

Immediately recognisable, Trafalgar Square is home to the National Gallery, the famous fountains and, of course, Nelson’s Column. Don’t miss it. 

Psst… you can read all about the mysterious Fourth Plinth here .

10. Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of

It’s no surprise that the famous Covent Garden is one of the busiest spots in central London. 

Start with a peek at the iconic Apple Market, then make your way between the brilliant shops, restaurants, museums and pubs around the square. 

While you’re in the area, head to Neal’s Yard and Seven Dials to explore more.

11. Piccadilly Circus 

The capital’s answer to Times Square of course makes it to this tourist map of London.

You haven’t been to London if you haven’t taken at least one cheesy picture of the bright lights of Piccadilly Circus.

12. Leicester Square 

Leicester Square is bafflingly popular – there are some cool cinemas (and many red-carpet premieres are held here) but other than that, you’re best off just passing through. 

13. The Southbank 

The Southbank is a cool London area filled with some of the city’s leading cultural venues (The National Theatre, The Southbank Centre, BFI Southbank ) along with a smattering of nice bars and street food markets.

Want to learn more? Take a guided tour

14. Borough Market 

Borough Market is London’s best-known food market. Go shopping for fresh produce or pop round to the back for a delicious variety of street food. 

Or try something different with this foodie tour that includes the market. 

15. The Globe Theatre

The Globe recreates the world of Shakespearean theatre for the modern age. A visit will transport you back in time through immersive shows and a unique theatre like no other.

Go and see a show or book a theatre tour. 

16. The Barbican 

The Barbican is all about Brutalist architecture and some of the best cultural events in the city. 

Go to gawp at the buildings and then pop to an exhibition, play, concert or film screening too – oh and don’t miss the cool Barbican conservatory , open selected dates.

17. Madame Tussauds 

The original (and we’d argue, the best) Madame Tussauds is a long-time favourite London attraction. Spot famous celebrities and historical figures at the waxworks. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

18. ZSL London Zoo

Another entry on our map of London tourist attractions is London Zoo.  

Sitting on the edge of Regent’s Park, the zoo is the oldest scientific zoo in the world – teaching visitors about the animal kingdom since 1828. 

19. Somerset House 

Somerset House is one of the few remaining Thameside palaces that used to line the edge of the river. Today it’s a melee of cultural events and exhibitions. 

Check ahead to see what’s on. 

20. HMS Belfast 

Learn about British naval history onboard the HMS Belfast – entry 20 on the central London tourist map. Docked between Tower Bridge and London Bridge, it’s a surprisingly interesting jaunt in the heart of the city. 

21. National Theatre

Boasting exciting new plays and groundbreaking productions – it’s no wonder The National Theatre is such a favourite with both locals and visitors. 

Some of the world’s greatest acting talents have graced this very stage – most recently Nigel Lindsay and Jim Broadbent, among a whole host of household names.

Also, consider visiting the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank next door. 

22. London Dungeon 

London Dungeon takes you on a journey to the city’s darker side. Grim, gory and tonnes of fun, it’s a gruesome jaunt through London’s history – see entry 22 on the London visitor map.  

Buy your tickets.

23. The Gherkin

Between the memorable name and the sleek contemporary design, the Gherkin has certainly become one of the most iconic and recognisable buildings in London. 

Marvel at it from below or pop into one of the many bars and restaurants inside. 

24. St Paul’s Cathedral 

St Paul’s is a spectacular cathedral topped by the world-famous Christopher Wren-designed dome. Pick up a fast track ticket to enter. 

25. Sky Garden

Want to soak up some of London’s best views without the fees? Visit Sky Garden. Perched at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, entrance is free of charge.  

Read our guide to making the most of your visit. 

26. National Gallery & National Portrait Gallery 

London’s two most central galleries, together, the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery are the places to go and see works by some of the world’s biggest and most influential artists – you’ll find both under entry 26 in the interactive tourist map of London. 

27. Tate Modern 

The Tate Modern’s expansive collection is housed in a former power station on the Southbank – go to see some mind-blowing (and sometimes outright bizarre) pieces of Modern Art. 

28. British Museum 

The British Museum is a day out in itself – explore the worlds of civilisations past and present. 

The museum is well-known for its extensive Ancient Egyptian and Greek collections. Check it out at entry 28 on the free London tourist map. Book a guided tour here.

29. London Transport Museum 

The London Transport Museum tells the story of the city’s transport system through an exciting range of interactive exhibits and displays. 

Book your ticket in advance online.

30. Churchill War Rooms 

Find out about Winston Churchill and the decisions he made in this underground bunker that formed the epicentre of the UK’s WWII operations. 

Book a walking tour of the area and entry here.

31. Imperial War Museum

Exploring the meaning and history of conflict from World War I to today, the Imperial War Museum tells the stories behind war in a sensitive and thoughtful manner. 

It’s also one of our favourite museums in London . Not to mention that it’s free to enter.

32. Museum of London

The Museum of London walks you through the evolution of London through the ages – taking in Roman Londinium – more on that here – to the culturally diverse metropolis we find today.

33. Hyde Park

Extensive Hyde Park is one of the many green lungs at the heart of the city. 

In the summer months, it’s the perfect place to take a picnic and flop down to enjoy the sunshine. Whereas in Winter , a visit to Winter Wonderland is a must-do. 

34. Regent’s Park

Gorgeous Regent’s Park in North London used to be the playground of the Prince Regent, so you can bet that it’s every bit as regal as you’d expect. 

Combine with a visit to London Zoo. 

35. St James’ Park

Our favourite London park, St James’ Park sits between Buckingham Palace and Westminster , complete with a pretty lake and lovely lawns well-deserving of exploration. 

36. Green Park

Leafy Green Park may not have the striking beauty of some of its nearby counterparts, but it’s a nice place to have a stroll and a sit down after a long day of sightseeing.

And there we have it – a simple map of London landmarks. We hope that you find it useful! 

Don’t forget to tag us in your pictures over on the ‘Gram at @londonxldn – we’ll be sharing the best.

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Read More London Guides and Tips

• Sightseeing in London
• Where to Stay in London
• Free Things to do in London
• London in Two Days

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London attractions map – 120+ attractions in london in one interactive map.

If you’re planning a trip to London you will have probably realised there are a million awesome things to do in London . The British capital is home to tons of iconic landmarks , epic views , interesting museums , quirky markets and more.

Deciding what to include in your London itinerary can be pretty daunting. I lived in London for 9 years, and there are always new places I haven’t yet seen popping up.

Coupled with the fact London is a gigantic city and getting around can be a bit of a nightmare, I know what you’re thinking. Which is why I put together this map of all the main London attractions for you!

In this London attractions map I have included over 120 sites in London that you simply can’t miss.

This London tourist map includes the main tourist sites, but also more unknown local hidden gems , as well as other must-visit spots like gorgeous parks , pretty streets and popular souvenir shopping spots .

I divided the map by category and made it interactive, so that you can filter by the type of London attraction that you’re most interested in.

Whether you’re a Londoner or visiting London for the first time, it’s the ultimate London map, designed to help you make the most of your time in London. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore this epic London attractions map!

In this guide:

• 2.1 On laptop
• 2.2 On mobile
• 3.1 Iconic landmarks in London
• 3.2 Prettiest streets in London
• 3.3 London museums map
• 3.4 Best viewpoints in London
• 3.5 Best parks in London
• 3.6 Awesome London markets
• 3.7 Londoner hidden gems
• 3.8 Popular London shopping spots

Interactive map of must-see London attractions

You can find all the most important London attractions, colour coded and divided by category, in the map below.

  Sign up below to have this interactive London tourist map delivered to your inbox!

Download your FREE London Attractions Map!

Discover 120+ must-see attractions in London with this FREE interactive map, delivered straight to your inbox!

How to use this interactive London attractions map

If you’re browsing this article from your laptop, you can use the plus and minus signs in the bottom left corner to zoom in and out of the map.

Click on the symbol in the top left corner next to the map name to see the map legend, details and information about each place and what each colour and category stands for.

From here you can also deselect certain categories, so that you can see the attractions you are most interested in. Make sure to sign up to have the map delivered to your inbox, and easily accessible from your phone or laptop!

Once you open the link to the map it will automatically save itself to your Google Maps. Just go to Google Maps and click on “Menu” > “Your Places” > “Maps” and you will find it there, from here you can easily access it whenever you need it.

Similarly on mobile, you can zoom in and out of the embedded map from this page, but it will be easier to have it delivered to your inbox so you can open it and interact with it in Google Maps.

On mobile you will get the suggestion to see the map legend at the bottom of your map screen. From here you can select or deselect the categories you want to know more about.

To access the map again simply click on “Saved” as the bottom middle of your Google Maps Screen, then select “Maps” and you will see “London Attractions Map by London Dreaming” there.

What attractions are included in this London tourist map?

With so many incredible things to do and places to see, this map could have become a bit overwhelming. Which is why I divided it by category, so that you can explore London by interest first.

Read on to discover a bit about every category, and the beautiful places in London that I included in each section and this London tourist map.

Iconic landmarks in London

I couldn’t put together a London attractions map and not include the most iconic landmarks in London. This section includes all the most famous London landmarks you have undoubtedly already heard of.

From the London Eye to Tower Bridge, or from Big Ben to Covent Garden, this category of the London attractions map includes all the main tourist sights!

If you want to make sure you make the most of these iconic London landmarks, check out these popular tours.

Prettiest streets in London

I wanted to include a section on the most beautiful streets in London, because even though they may not be as well-known as those famous London sights, there are many iconic streets in London you have to see.

Some streets, like Portobello Road or Carnaby Street, you will recognise simply from the name, whilst others are more off the beaten track, but equally as beautiful.

I love walking down these gorgeous London streets, as they convey a strong London vibe, without being an official attraction you have to queue and pay for. One of my favourite areas to walk in London is Notting Hill .

Many of the prettiest streets in London are concentrated in this area. From the pastel coloured streets of Hillgate Place to the imposing white Victorian houses of Kensington Park Gardens, you can do a great self-guided Notting Hill walking tour .

London museums map

No London museums map would be complete without a special mention to London’s museums. There are loads of museums in London, including many unique ones that will appeal even to people who don’t usually like museums.

I say so because I am one of those people. I’m not a huge fan of art galleries, but when it comes to engaging and interactive exhibitions like at the Natural History Museum or Science Museum in South Kensington , you can be sure I’m first in line when the museums open.

In London you will find also very specific museums, like the Charles Dickens Museum, the Freud Museum or the London Film Museum.

And what’s best, many of these museums are free entry, making them one of the most popular free attractions in London !

Best viewpoints in London

If you’ve read my blog before, you know how much I love a good viewpoint. London especially has an incredibly iconic skyline, which you can enjoy a panoramic view of from many spots around the city.

This section maps all the best places you can go to to get a gorgeous view of the London skyline. From rooftop bars to park hills, here you will find a great viewpoint for every style.

These viewpoints are also great places to capture those perfect London instagram shots ! If you want all your friends back home to know you had the time of your life in London, make sure to pair your shots with these epic London Instagram captions .

Best parks in London

Because after a couple days in London , I imagine most people will want to take a break from this frenetic city and enjoy a bit of greenery. Places like Hyde Park, Primrose Hill and Kew Gardens are the perfect place to do just that.

But these aren’t just places where you can take a break. Some of these parks are in and of themselves well-known London attractions, or are home to famous events (for example Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland every year, one of the most popular London Christmas activities ).

Others aren’t as famous, but I still wanted to include them in this London map. Whether you need a break from the busy nightlife of Shoreditch , or genuinely want to visit Kyoto Gardens, these peaceful green areas will give you that.

Awesome London markets

If you want to go beyond shops and restaurants, these epic London markets are the perfect place to do just that. In this section I included both street food markets, vintage markets and general items markets.

From the famous markets like those in Camden or Shoreditch , to the more unknown ones like Mercato Metropolitano or Columbia Road Flower Market, this London places to visit map includes them all!

These markets are the perfect place to taste delicious ethnic food, while browsing independent local stalls that sell all sorts of vintage items, unique handmade products and unique souvenirs.

Londoner hidden gems

Welcome to my favourite section of this places to visit in London map! In the previous sections I already included a lot of spots that go beyond the usual tourist sights, but this section goes even beyond that.

Here you will find many gorgeous and fun places that you won’t find on the classic London travel guides. Some are even located in the heart of London, like The Scoop or St Dunstan in the East, but they are often overlooked.

Popular London shopping spots

For a complete London experience, I figured no tourist map of Central London would be complete without a shopping section. After all, I know most travellers will be on the lookout for unique London gifts during their trip!

In this section you will find specific stores, popular shopping streets and also malls. Whether you’re looking to renovate your wardrobe or for quirky souvenirs for your family, one of these places is likely to sell just what you’re looking for.

Not just a London sights map

I hope this map of London neighbourhoods and attractions will help you plan your time in London. When I plan trips I find it very useful to see where places are, so I can plan my journey times and itinerary accordingly.

If you’re looking for more help in planning your time in London, you can download also my FREE London travel planner!

Download your FREE London Travel Planner!

Sign up to receive this free London travel planner delivered straight to your inbox!

Or check these useful travel guides:

• What to pack for a trip to London for any season!
• The best areas to stay in London – for every traveller & budget
• Discover London by area
• London solo travel guide – best things to do alone in London!
• Discover all the best places to eat & drink in London!

Final thoughts on the ultimate London landmarks map

There you have it, the ultimateCentral London tourist map! Have you been to London before? Did you visit popular London attractions that aren’t mapped here? Let me know in the comments below!

I put together this London attractions map based on my 9-year experience in London. I wanted to go beyond the usual tourist spots, and create a map with local hidden gems and epic sights beyond the usual sites.

I hope you find my London tourist attractions map useful in planning your time in London! If you have any questions just let me know in the comments below.

Enjoyed exploring my Map of London tourist attractions? Pin it!

Greta Omoboni is a full time blogger based in London. After 3.5 years of blogging about destinations all over the world on her main site, Greta's Travels, she decided to start a new site, dedicated to her second home and favourite city; London!

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BEST of London in One Day: Detailed Itinerary (+Map & Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 15, 2024

Visiting London, UK, for one day and wondering what to see and how to plan your itinerary for such a short visit? In this guide, we share a detailed London 1-day itinerary that allows you to see many of the top sights in the most efficient way.

London is a huge city that is filled with landmarks, world-class museums, entertainment venues, and tourist attractions. So trying to see the best of London in a day is not an easy task, especially if you want to make the most out of your time, but also keep it enjoyable and fun.

Yes, there are many amazing places to visit, great rooftop bars, and hidden gems in London that would make any visit more memorable… But unless you have much more than one day, you will probably not want to waste your time traveling to the other side of the city in search of a tiny museum or a cute local restaurant that someone recommended…

With just a day in London, you will probably want to see the major landmarks and at least a few of the top sights that London is famous for.

So this is our no-nonsense guide to the VERY BEST things to see and do in London in one day . At the bottom of this article, you can find a short overview of our recommended 1-day London itinerary as well as a map indicating all the places that we mention in this guide. We also include some practical tips for your trip. Take a look!

Top 4 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio .

As you can imagine, there are millions of ways how you could spend a day in London. This is just one suggestion based on our personal experience. It includes some of the most important sights and must-see places that we think are worth your time the most if this is your first time in the city and you have less than 24 hours in London.

Good to know: Our recommended London 1-day itinerary takes into account the locations and the opening times of the main attractions so that you can actually visit some of them if you want to. Although, keep in mind that with just a day in London, you will have to be very selective about the places you decide to visit inside. As you can imagine, this takes much more time and planning compared to just seeing the landmarks from the outside.

TIP: As an absolute minimum, we recommend that you do a Thames Cruise , plus take a ride on the iconic London Eye and/or visit the viewing decks at The Shard . The views are amazing from both! And because you can get timed-entry tickets (or fast-track tickets at London Eye) it’s well worth it, even if your time in the city is limited. You will find more information about these and other landmarks further below.

READ ALSO: London Travel Tips

Here’s what you could do in London in one day:

1. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the official residence of the monarch of the United Kingdom since 1837 and is one of the must-sees in London.

Since you probably won’t be visiting the Palace inside (it’s only possible at the end of the summer/early fall – see here if interested), you can start your day in London here as early as you like.

The best place to be is Victoria Memorial , which is located right in front of the main gate of Buckingham Palace. From here, you can take a few obligatory pictures of the palace.

2. The Mall & St. James Park

Located right in front of Buckingham Palace, The Mall is probably the most famous street in London. If you have seen TV broadcasts of any of the official royal celebrations in London, this is the street where they start/end their trips with golden carriages and Royal Guard parades.

In fact, you could see the Changing of the Guards ceremony here, but it only takes place on certain dates and starts at around 11 am. So it’s not something I would recommend if you only have a day in London.

Instead, simply walk down the Mall and/or take a detour via the adjacent St. James Park . The next destination on this itinerary – Horse Guards Parade – is about 15-20 minutes walk from Buckingham Palace.

3. Horse Guards Parade

The Horse Guards Parade is a big parade ground at the end of the far east end of St. Jame’s Park. This is also where The Household Cavalry Museum is located.

This is one of the best places to see the famous Horse Guards in London. They are always around, so you can take a picture of them if you like.

In addition, there is also a daily Changing of the Guard ceremony here at 11 am (at 10 am on Sundays). If your timing coincides with this, it’s nice to see, but I wouldn’t adjust the entire day’s schedule just for this. There are better things to do with just a day in London!

TIP: If interested, you could take a quick detour to the famous 10 Downing Street , the official residence of the UK’s Prime Minister. It’s located just nearby here. However, it’s now closed with high gates at the entrance of the street so you can only catch a glimpse of it in a distance.

4. Trafalgar Square

Next, head to Trafalgar Square which is less than 10 minutes walk from the Horse Guards Parade. This is another must-see in London that you will probably recognize from many movies and travel guides.

In the center of the square, surrounded by fountains and waterfalls, stands a huge Nelson’s Column which is guarded by four bronze lions. There are usually lots of pigeons here too, plus tourists, street performers, etc. The square is also a busy traffic center with red double-decker buses and traditional black cabs zooming in all directions.

It’s a very lively place, but if you come here early in the morning, it can be very quiet. Either way, don’t miss it as it’s always worth a quick visit. It’s a great place to simply sit back, do some people-watching, and soak in the typical London atmosphere.

Good to know: Trafalgar Square is also home to the National Gallery . It’s free to visit and is usually open daily from 10 am. If you feel like visiting a museum during your short trip to London, check it out.

5. Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional)

Depending on your interests and how early you start your day, you may want to take a quick detour and visit either Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden. Both of these areas are located just a short walk from Trafalgar Square.

Leicester Square is a vibrant hub with lots of big-name stores such as M&M’s London or the LEGO Store. There is also a small green space in the middle where you can see all kinds of statues and sculptures, including the statue of Harry Potter flying on a broomstick. If you are visiting London with kids you won’t want to miss this place! But this vibrant area is worth a quick look either way.

TIP: It’s also in this part of the city that you will find some of the most famous London theaters . If you are interested in seeing a show or a musical, you could easily adjust this itinerary a bit and come back here in the evening. In that case, check what shows are available and book your tickets well in advance !

Covent Garden is a cool bustling area just nearby. Here, you can visit the famous Covent Garden Market , with its 19th-century glass roof and wonderful architecture. There are lots of restaurants and cafes here, so this could also be a good place for brunch or early lunch.

6. London Eye

Next, cross the river at Hungerford Bridge and Golden Jubilee Bridges and head to the South Bank of London. On the way, you can enjoy great views from the bridge and the riverside.

There is a lot to see and do in this part of the city. The most famous attraction is, of course, the iconic London Eye . The highest observation wheel in Europe, a ride here is a great opportunity to see some of the best views in London . From the top, you can see the entire central London. It also gives you a good overview of the city and many of its famous landmarks.

PRO TIP: The London Eye is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . We highly recommend choosing fast-track tickets as this can save you several (!) hours. Otherwise, just admire the structure and the views from the ground, and enjoy the views from The Shard at the end of the day (more info further below).

Sundays in March, April, and May 2024: If you happen to visit London this spring and on a Sunday, you can save 40% on the London Eye tickets. Click here to activate the code and book tickets on the official website (if still available, reserve asap – this is the first time I’ve seen them giving such a big discount). They say it’s not available on Easter Sunday, but I tried booking and it showed me a discounted price for that weekend as well. Anyway, this will only work if you are visiting London on a Sunday.

Additional suggestion: If you would like to get a glimpse of some cool places in London, beyond the main landmarks, make a short detour to the colorful graffiti tunnel, aka The Vaults. This is one of the hidden gems of London that is located so close to the popular sights but is overlooked by most tourists. I indicated it on our map below. Keep in mind that you’ll need at least half an hour extra for a quick detour here (it’s about 10-15 walk from the London Eye).

7. Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace

Next, walk to the iconic Westminster Bridge just nearby. From here, you also have a good view of the famous Big Ben Tower (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower) and the Palace of Westminster (Houses of Parliament).

The view of the bridge with the beautiful gothic buildings of Westminster Palace is among the most recognizable images from London. This is the heart of the city that you really shouldn’t miss, no matter how long or short your visit is.

It’s not possible to visit the Big Ben Tower. There are tours of the Parliament, but – with just a day or even a few in London – it’s probably not the best use of your time. So this is mostly a photo stop, to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

8. Westminster Abbey

If you cross the bridge and walk just a bit further past Big Ben, you will soon see the famous Westminster Abbey .

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important events. Every British monarch has been crowned here since the 11th century, many royal weddings and funerals take place here, etc. The Abbey is also the burial site of countless famous British historical figures, such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, just to name a few…

This Gothic building is remarkably beautiful and you can visit it inside. If you decide to do this, be sure to book the timed-entry tickets in advance! Keep in mind that you will need at least an hour to quickly visit the Abbey. More realistically, you should count at least 1.5-2 hours for a visit.

9. Thames Cruise

Next, take a river cruise on the Thames from Westminster Pier to the Tower Bridge.

This is a great way to see more of London, rest your legs a bit, and at the same time cover the big distance between the two main areas of the city that we recommend visiting if you have just 1 day in London.

Good to know: There are several piers and so many different Thames River cruise options that it can get overwhelming. This is the best ticket for this particular journey . The boat departs from Westminster Pier (we indicated the location on the map further below) and takes you to Tower Bridge. The journey takes about 30 minutes.

10. Tower of London

It will probably be late afternoon by the time you get to Tower Bridge and the Tower of London . These are among the most important landmarks in the city, so you absolutely have to see them.

Whether it’s actually worth visiting any of them inside if you only have a day in London, I’ll let you decide based on your interests and how you choose to fill the rest of this itinerary.

Don’t take me wrong – they are both absolutely worth a visit. It’s just that everything usually takes a lot more time than you anticipate. And your itinerary for a day in London will be packed…

If you visit just one attraction inside, the Tower of London is definitely among the top choices. Built in the 11th century, the building served as a fortress, a prison, but also as a palace over its centuries-long history.

This is where the Crown Jewels of the British Monarchy are kept (and can be seen inside, if you are prepared for an inevitable queue). The only way to avoid the queue is to come here first thing in the morning and run straight to the Jewels when the site opens.

Good to know: Be sure to get (timed-entry) tickets if you want to visit. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours inside (and it will be rushed).

11. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic structure that you can simply admire from the outside (be sure to walk over the bridge too!).

It’s also possible to visit inside, where you can see Victorian engine rooms or walk over the glass walkway and admire nice views of the river and the city.

Also here, if you decide to actually visit the Tower Bridge, be sure to get a timed-entry ticket in advance .

12. The Shard

After crossing the Tower Bridge, walk to The Shard following the river. It’s a nice walk of about 15-20 minutes.

The Shard is an iconic London skyscraper, one of the tallest buildings in Europe, and in the top 100 among the tallest buildings in the world. A visit to its open-air viewing platform Skydeck on the 72nd floor gives you easy access to some of the best 360° views of London. In addition, there are indoor viewing platforms on the 68th and 69th floors.

From the top, you can see the River Thames with Tower Bridge and the Tower of London nearby, plus countless other landmarks in the distance and the entire city at your feet.

Good to know: The Shard is open late in the evening, so it’s very easy to include a visit here at the end of the day. The views are great at sunset, but it’s just as nice to visit during the day or after dark. It never disappoints.

And yes, also here, you really have to book timed-entry tickets if you want to be sure to be able to visit. While walk-ins are possible, they are not guaranteed. So if it’s busy (and it usually is), the only way to visit is by booking in advance.

There are a couple of restaurants in the Shard Tower itself, but they are all quite high-end and definitely have to be reserved.

For dinner, you may want to look for a restaurant in the area around Borough Market . The market itself is closed in the evenings, but there are many eateries nearby. Also here, if you want to dine at a specific place, be sure to reserve a table.

READ ALSO: British Food: best dishes to try in the UK

Theater (optional)

Just like Broadway in New York, London is known for its world-class musicals, amazing shows, and concerts.

While this 1-day London itinerary is quite packed as it is, many people travel to the city just to see a specific show or a musical. So yes, it’s possible to add this experience to this itinerary as well.

In that case, be sure to first check what is available , at which theater, and at what time. Then adjust this itinerary to be sure that you can get there on time, and based on your interests.

London 1-Day Itinerary Overview

Below is an overview of what your day in London could look like.

Important: Keep in mind that you’ll need timed tickets for most of these sites – if you actually want to visit them inside. There is no way you can visit all of these in a day. But you can definitely see them all and visit a few (max 2-3, depending on the place). So you’ll have to plan well and adjust this itinerary based on your interests.

Here’s our recommended 1-day itinerary for London:

• Buckingham Palace.
• St James Park.
• Trafalgar Square.
• Leicester Square and/or Covent Garden (optional).
• London Eye ( book (fast track) tickets if you want to go up!).
• Westminster Bridge, Big Ben & Westminster Palace.
• Westminster Abbey ( book tickets if you want to visit inside!).
• Thames River Cruise ( this is the best ticket for this itinerary ).
• Tower Bridge & Tower of London (book tickets – Tower of London and/or Tower Bridge – and be sure to choose timed-entry (!) if you want to visit any of these inside).
• The Shard ( book tickets if you want to go up!).
• Theater (optional – check what’s available for the day of your visit and adjust the itinerary accordingly if you decide to see a show).

My personal recommendation would be to visit Westminster Abbey and/or the Tower of London and do the Thames River Cruise. I would also probably opt for The Shard rather than London Eye, simply because it’s easier to plan it at the end of the day. The Shard is also open much later in the evening than anything else.

But everything is possible, so pick the sights that look most interesting to you , and plan your own perfect day in London!

Also, start your day very early! The sights that we recommend visiting first can be seen long before any of the landmarks even open.

London is huge but as you can see on the map, many of the major landmarks are located not too far from each other. So you can see and do quite a lot in one day.

To help you with the planning, we created this map indicating all the top places that we recommend visiting in London in a day. You can also see an approximate walking route suggestion. This should give you a better idea of where all these places are located and help you plan a perfect itinerary for your day trip to London.

If you decide to skip some sights or visit them in a different order, it’s perfectly possible too. This is just one of the possibilities, taking into account the opening times of some of the places that we think are worth visiting the most.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Practical Info & Tips

• If you follow this 1-day London itinerary exactly as it is suggested here, you will be walking a lot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes . This itinerary focuses on the main landmarks, many of which are located too close to each other to take a metro every time, but far enough to give you a good exercise. You’ll only take a boat to get from Westminster to Tower Bridge.
• Use a metro to get to the starting point of this itinerary and back to your hotel at the end of the day. It’s the fastest way to cover big distances in London.
• Be sure to pre-book timed-entry tickets (choose fast-track tickets where available) for any of the attractions that you want to visit. Otherwise, forget it and just enjoy the sights from the outside. With just one day in London, you really don’t want to waste time queuing at one or the other attraction for an hour or two before you can even get inside. Plus, in some places, walk-ins are not guaranteed at all.
• With just a day in London, it doesn’t matter that much where you decide to stay. Of course, it helps if you choose a hotel in a somewhat central location, also because you can explore a bit more of the days of the arrival/departure as well. A lot also depends on how you travel to/from the city. For example, Megaro Hotel is a good option next to King’s Cross and St Pancras International Stations where the Eurostar train arrives from Paris , Brussels , or Amsterdam .

MORE INFORMATION: Where to Stay in London

So, this is our suggested itinerary for one day in London. As you can see, there are many possibilities and options, so use this as an inspiration to plan your own perfect day trip to London!

If this guide inspires you to stay longer, check out this guide with our recommended 2-day London itinerary .

Have a great trip!

More travel inspiration for London:

• Good to know: Tips for Visiting London
• What to see: Top London Sights & Attractions & Hidden Gems of London
• What to eat: Traditional British Food to Try in the UK
• Best views: Best Views in London
• Camden: Camden Town & Camden Lock Market
• Greenwich: Things to Do in Greenwich & Painted Hall & Queen’s House
• For families: London with Kids
• Outside the city: Best Day Trips from London & Best Cities to Visit in the UK & Day Trip to Liverpool from London

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

Images: personal collection and Depositphotos.com. Additional credits: ewelinas85/Depositphotos.com// cowardlion/Depositphotos.com// dvrcan/Depositphotos.com.

More 1-day itineraries for some of the nicest European cities:

• 1 Day in Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• 1 Day in Barcelona (Spain)
• 1 Day in Edinburgh (UK)
• 1 Day in Florence (Italy)
• 1 Day in Glasgow (UK)
• 1 Day in Lisbon (Portugal)
• 1 Day in Madrid (Spain)
• 1 Day in Milan (Italy)
• 1 Day in Manchester (UK)
• 1 Day in Naples (Italy)
• 1 Day in Paris (France)
• 1 Day in Rome (Italy)
• 1 Day in Salzburg (Austria)
• 1 Day in Venice (Italy)
• Read also our top tips for planning a trip to Europe .

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Nichole Walz

Monday 19th of February 2024

Thank you for this amazing itinerary! It's incredible helpful for our upcoming trip in May! XOXO

Tuesday 2nd of April 2024

@Jurga, I am also going in May and this is a great help thank you we will be starting in Barcelona then and 11 night cruise ending in Southampton and staying a couple days in Soho

Glad to help, Nichole. Have a great time in London!

Thursday 4th of January 2024

Literally hitting all the places I want to see! THANK YOU for this.. it's almost too perfect! Curious what the ideal to start this in order to hit all these sites.

Monday 8th of January 2024

Hi Ali, it depends a bit on the season when you travel, but mostly on your interests (that is, which places if any you decide to visit). If you start around 9-10, you could probably watch the Changing of the Guard at the Horse Guards Parade (10-11 am depending on the day), but that's really up to you. That way, you could also be at Leicester Square/Covent Garden at around lunchtime. On the other hand, if you want to go up the London Eye and also visit either Westminster Abbey or The Tower of London, then I would start earlier. So first decide which attractions you absolutely want to visit, read our tips for how much time you need, and that will help you figure out when to start your day. You'll also need to prebook timed entry tickets. Hope this helps. Enjoy London!

Monday 7th of August 2023

Hello, thank you so much. I used this post for a day in London and it was so wonderful! Thanks again

Tuesday 8th of August 2023

Glad to hear that you enjoyed your short visit to London, Susan. Happy travels!

Snehalata Tawade

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Thank you for your wonderful blog. I missed my flight connection and was in London just for a day and could enjoy the day perfectly visiting all the places you mentioned. Thank you, thank you, thank you so much. Keep it up. All the best wishes for your future endeavors.

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Glad to help, Snehalata. It's great that you could turn a travel mishap into a fun day in London!

The Best One Day London Itinerary + Map, Guide & Tips

This post may contain affiliate links, from which we earn an income.

What To Do in London in One Day

London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and with good reason.

A true melting pot, London is famous for historical sites interspersed with modern skyscrapers, Royal traditions, British charm, and elegant green areas hidden amongst vibrant neighborhoods.

In this London travel guide, you’ll find a complete itinerary of all the most important must-see London attractions, with an interactive map, organized to make the best use of your time. We also share recommendations for central places to stay, ideas about where to eat local food, and tips about how to make the most of your perfect day in London.

Are you planning your trip to London last minute?

Be sure to book your  accommodation and tours in London  ahead of time to ensure availability! Here are our top picks!

• Want to get from the airport to London hassle-free?   Get the  best airport transfer  options here!
• Driving to or from London? Get the best car hire deals here!
• Need data for your trip? We recommend Airalo or Holafly for eSIMs
• Top Hotels in London:
• Luxury: The Trafalgar St James Hotel (central and very 5*!)
• Mid-Range: Sea Containers Hotel (ultra-modern with amazing views)
• Budget: The Z Hotel Holborn (great location, great price, our fave)
• Hostel: Kabannas St Pancras (best budget stay in town)
• Top Activities & Tours in London:
• First-time visitors jump on London’s hop-on hop-off bus tour for the main attractions
• Get your London Pass for access to 90+ top London attractions
• Grab your London Eye fast track ticket for one of London’s most famous landmarks
• See London history at the Tower of London and crown jewels exhibition
• Get a different perspective with this Westminster Pier to Greenwich cruise

What to See & Do in London

Interactive map.

ROUTE: Tower of London – St Paul’s Cathedral – Shakespeare’s Globe – Tate Modern – South Bank – London Eye – Houses of Parliament and Big Ben – Buckingham Palace – The West End – Covent Garden

How to use this map – Use your fingers (or computer mouse) to zoom in and out. Click or touch the icons to get more info about a place, and click the arrow in the box top left to open the index. To add to your own Google Maps account, click the star next to the title of the map.

Itinerary Notes

• The great thing about London is that a lot of the major sights that London is famous for are located a short distance from each other.
• Outlying activities and attractions are easily reached once you get the hang of the London Underground public transport system, known as the Tube.
• If you’re traveling with kids , check out these days out for families in London , a city known for its huge range of family-friendly attractions and activities.
• If you want to get an overview of the city without taking up too much time, grab one of the London double-decker buses and take a  city sightseeing hop-on hop-off bus tour  and see all the top attractions with on-board audio commentary.
• Is this your first time visiting the UK? Get all the information you need in our United Kingdom Travel Guide , including what to pack, the best time of year to go, getting there, and practical tips to help you have the best trip!

Explore the Tower of London

The Tower of London, officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames.

Built in 1066 during the Norman Conquest, it was initially a symbol of oppression imposed by the Norman ruling class. The White Tower, constructed by William the Conqueror in 1078, is the centerpiece of the castle.

Over the centuries, the Tower served various purposes, including as a royal residence, prison, armory, treasury, royal Mint (where Isaac Newton once worked!), and home of the Crown Jewels of England. It underwent expansions under kings Richard I, Henry III, and Edward I, with its general layout established by the late 13th century remaining intact.

During the medieval period, the Constable of the Tower held considerable power and responsibility in the absence of the monarch. Notable events include the mysterious disappearance of the Princes in the Tower, the use of the castle as a prison for figures like Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh, and the grisly execution of two of Henry VIII’s wives.

Today, the Tower is so steeped in history that it should be at the top of your London bucket list. When you visit, you’ll see the Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, and the famous ravens that guard the Tower. There is a legend dating back to Charles II that says the kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. 

Get an early start with this small group  Tower of London opening ceremony, Crown Jewels and Beefeaters walking tour  to see all the highlights before the Tower gets really busy.

TOP TIP: It’s a 25 minute walk from the Tower to your next stop at St Paul’s Cathedral. Instead, grab a tube heading west on the District and Circle Line (the green and yellow one) from the Tower Hill station to Mansion House station, a six minute walk from St Paul’s. Or, for great views of Tower Bridge, jump on a river boat from Tower Pier to Blackfriar’s Pier, 12 minutes to the east, then walk 7 minutes north to St Paul’s.

St Paul’s Cathedral

There has been a place of worship where  St Paul’s Cathedral   stands on Ludgate Hill for over 1400 years. This whole area of London is steeped in rich history, from Roman remains and medieval buildings to the Great Fire of London in 1666, which devastated much of the area, including the ‘old’ St Paul’s Cathedral.

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and built between 1675 and 1710, this glorious cathedral is famous for its dome, at 111m high it is one of the highest in the world. St Paul’s has been a feature on the London skyline , surrounded by the smaller spires of Wren’s city churches, for over 300 years.

Highlights of a visit to St Paul’s include the Crypt, where you’ll find the tombs of Sir Christoper Wren himself, as well as those of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, and the Whispering Gallery, which clings to the base of the dome structure and provides fantastic views both above and below. 

It’s worth booking entry tickets for St Pauls well in advance. As one of London’s most famous sites, you risk standing in line and using up your precious time waiting if you buy tickets on the day.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

In the afternoon walk off your lunch with a stroll over the Millennium Bridge along Bankside, next to the Thames. Wander past cute local streets and shops while being serenaded by exceptional street musicians, until you arrive at  Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , where there will no doubt be a “poet for hire” outside to write you a sonnet for a fee.

Although not the original theatre, which burned down centuries earlier, this one stands close to the original site and is an almost identical replica right down to the thatched roof.

The circular shape helps achieve the best possible sound quality for the performances, there are cheap standing tickets, and only certain seats (the more expensive ones) are covered in case it rains.

And it’s London, so it very well might! Otherwise, the theatre is open to the elements, but well worth a tour, or if you have time and the performances line up, catch a matinee.

TOP TIP: If you have the energy, why not come back and catch a midnight matinee? Starting at 11.59pm, as the city is going to sleep (as much as it ever does), you’ll enjoy an atmospheric performance, with the added drama of watching the play under the stars.

Tate Modern

If you prefer your art to be a little more contemporary, skip the Globe Theatre and make for the Tate Modern , home to the nation’s collection of British and international modern art from 1900 to the present day. 

The Tate Modern London is housed in the former Bankside Power Station. The building is almost the same size as Westminster Abbey, with the iconic central chimney standing 99 meters tall. The building was converted and opened to the public in 2000.

TOP TIP: The best bit of this building is the top floor of the Switch House, which has an observation deck with far-reaching views over the London skyline, and can be accessed free of charge! The view of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is particularly impressive.

With historical buildings at every turn, gorgeous views of this iconic city, and a less frantic feel than being in the center of London, you’re guaranteed to love the walk from Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, all the way along Bankside and the South Bank .

You’ll pass the  Royal Festival Hall , and the elegant steel pedestrian  Golden Jubilee Bridge on the way, as well as a colorful and eclectic collection of market vendors, food trucks, and street performers.

The London Eye is a fantastic way to see the city, with panoramic views over all of London’s historic and iconic buildings. You’ll have plenty of time to take photos of the best views and check out the key tourist attractions from the air!

The eye is one of the tallest observation wheels in the world, and London’s top attraction, so it’s essential to book well in advance. We recommend choosing the fast-track option with your ticket – you’ll get on board in half the time.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

As you reach Westminster Bridge you’ll get an impressive view of the  Houses of Parliament , also known as the Palace of Westminster, and Big Ben , London’s famous clock tower, which is properly called the Elizabeth Tower. The view just gets better the closer you are as you walk across the bridge. 

The British government buildings are anything but stuffy and boring. Consider spending longer here and planning a tour of the buildings. 

Buckingham Palace

Explore the area around Parliament Square Garden to see Big Ben and  Westminster Abbey , where coronations, royal weddings, and funerals are held, before taking a right into Parliament Street for a quick view of Downing Street , where the Prime Minister lives. 

Parliament Street becomes Whitehall at this point, and if you continue along, you’ll see mounted soldiers of one of the Household Cavalry regiments guarding the entrance to Horse Guards Parade . Unless there is an event on, their role is purely ceremonial and you can pass through, whilst admiring their very shiny boots, to the parade ground itself.

You’ll notice an ivy-clad building on the corner of the parade square, this is the Old Admiralty Building , which is opposite the War Rooms (part of the Imperial War Museums), from where Churchill planned his World War Two victory.

From here, head right through pretty St James’s Park to The Mall . Stroll down this famous London street towards  Buckingham Palace , known affectionately by Brits as ‘Buck House’, the residence of the King and his family.

The Palace, if you’re not at a time of year to be able to explore inside, is still one of the top attractions in London. It’s easy to see why, with its regal status and the ever-present hope that the King might be waving back from one of the windows. He probably won’t be, but fans of The Crown can pretend!

Our recommended Buckingham Palace tickets cover the opulent state rooms, home to the greatest treasures from the Royal Collection. You can also book tickets for Buckingham Palace Royal Mews , a working stables and responsible for all road travel arrangements for the King and the royal family.

TOP TIP: To see the Queens Guard close-up, heading back towards the Admiralty Arch from Buckingham Palace, take a left after the Africa Statue before taking a right into Cleveland Row . Here you’ll find the ‘back door’ to Clarence House and St James’s Palace, which is guarded by a soldier in full ceremonial gear, including a bearskin. Have a photo taken, but don’t try and engage – you’ll just get silence!

The West End

From Buckingham Palace, head through Green Park to Picadilly, then take a right to Picadilly Circus before walking along Haymarket and Pall Mall to reach Trafalgar Square . This famous large square is home to Nelson’s Column and the four enormous Landseer Lion statues, and the gateway to London’s West End theatre district.

It’s also home to  The National Gallery  and the adjacent  National Portrait Gallery , which houses probably the most well-known painting of Queen Elizabeth I, by an unknown artist.

Before you leave the square, make sure to admire the architectural gem, St Martin-in-the-Fields church . From here, you can loop up to the ever-busy Piccadilly Circus at the bottom of Regent Street before meandering on to  Leicester Square and Chinatown .

From there, make your way into the delightful tangle of lanes between Charing Cross Road and  lively Covent Garden . Lined with bookshops, independent traders, cool cafes, and traditional pubs, these alleys are a lively place in the late afternoon.

See a Theater Show

After a filling dinner at a traditional British pub, a trip to the London theatre is the best way to top off any night in London.

The West End is littered with theatres big and small, showing everything from worldwide hits like Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton, and The Lion King, to independent plays featuring a celebrity actor or two if you’re lucky. 

Take the opportunity to get a little dressed up and soak in the majestic splendor of an old West End theater. If your show finishes early enough, enjoy a nightcap in a cool and quirky Soho bar before going back to your hotel.

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Where to eat in london, borough market.

Surrounded by the London of Charles Dickens, this mid-19th century market standing under the south end of London Bridge is about as traditionally English as you can get and is the perfect place to find a variety of food for lunch.

On a nice day, grabbing some locally made food here and then wandering over to Bankside, just a couple minutes away, to sit on the wall and eat your lunch with a fabulous view of the city, is one of the best things to do when in London.

One side of  Borough Market  is mostly produce, fresh meats, and locally crafted deli items that you can take home. The other side has stalls stocked with crafts, baked goods, delectable sweets, and hot food where you can sample many different cuisines.

The Old Bank of England

A proper British pub, the  Old Bank of England  serves traditional English pub food such as fish & chips and steak pie, alongside more modern, but equally delicious dishes. The food is excellent, but the setting is even more so.

The pub is within the building that was the law courts branch of the Bank of England up until the 1970s, it makes the ideal setting for a hearty meal and cold pint of beer when you’re visiting London.

Top Five London Travel Tips

• Get an  Oyster Card . The Tube is expensive, but it will save you time (and feet). Getting a reloadable Oyster travel card gives you single fares for about half the price of paying cash, so even being in London for one day means you will save on getting around.
• Consider buying the London Pass . If you follow our itinerary many of our London sightseeing suggestions are free, but you may wish to use the hop-on hop-off bus element or switch up the itinerary a little and visit some of the attractions covered by the London Pass.
• If you want to time your visit with the  Changing of the Guards ceremony at Buckingham Palace , you might need to switch your morning and afternoon activities as it happens daily around 11am (10am on Sundays). But whatever time you go you’ll see the guards on duty outside the palace.
• Plan indoor activities and be prepared to flip your itinerary depending on the weather. London can be rainy, but having a museum, exhibition, or other indoor activity as a backup plan is a great idea.
• Head to one of the ticket booths around Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square for cheap ‘day of show’ tickets. The best way to see a West End show for less, if you’re not fussy what you see.

More Than One Day in London

If you have extra time in London, add these additional activities to your London itinerary:

Visit the London Museums

To try and beat the crowds, and sometimes long lines in busy seasons, start your day at the city’s museums, without doubt one of the best free things to do in London . 

The Natural History Museum , the  Science Museum,  and the  Victoria and Albert Museum  are all great options, offer free admission, and are conveniently situated next to each other on Cromwell Road at the South Kensington tube station.

Interactive and thought-provoking, the Science Museum is a great place to see, touch and experience science first-hand. From space travel to IMAX, there’s something for all the family. 

The  Victoria and Albert Museum  next door focuses on the history of art and designs, whilst bringing it to life for the visitor.

It’s a bit less stodgy than the  British Museum  in Bloomsbury, which has over eight million artifacts and could take you weeks to get around!

Visit Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace is a working royal residence. Historically important, Kensington Palace was the favorite residence of sovereigns until 1760. It was also the birthplace and childhood home of Queen Victoria.

Today Kensington Palace contains the offices and London residences of The Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, and Prince and Princess Michael of Kent.

Historic parts of Kensington Palace are  open to the public and whilst there, you can visit the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection, with items of royal, ceremonial, and court dress dating from the 18th century to the present day.

Surrounding the palace are the beautiful Kensington Gardens, where you can visit the Serpentine Gallery and see various statues and memorials. Head east into Hyde Park to visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium

Home to over 500 species in fourteen themed zones, SEA LIFE is a popular attraction, especially if you’re visiting London with kids.

Explore the frozen extremities of the Antarctic and meet Gentoo penguins, step into an incredible interactive jellyfish experience (if you dare!), stroke a starfish, and discover the UK’s largest living coral reef.

Another one to book in advance, SEA LIFE London tickets include a timed entry, so you know your slot is reserved.

Discover Stonehenge

The ancient stone circle of Stonehenge is even more incredible in real life than it is in any pictures you’ve ever seen.

This fantastic, highly reviewed, full-day trip from London to Stonehenge also covers Royal Windsor Castle and the Roman city of Bath , giving you three historic British destinations in one!

Visit Harry Potter!

There are ten Harry Potter filming locations in London alone, and you can take this magical Harry Potter London guided tour and visit famous filming locations like the Ministry of Magic, the Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley, and Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross, where the Hogwarts Express leaves at the beginning of term.

If you have enough time, the ultimate experience for Harry Potter fans is to take the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, just outside of London. Our recommended  Warner Bros day trip  includes transfers from central London, and you’ll get to discover behind-the-scenes secrets and visit sets including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s office, the Gryffindor common room, the Ministry of Magic, 4 Privet Drive, the Weasley kitchen and Diagon Alley.

London Practicalities

When to visit london.

London is a beautiful city no matter what time of year you visit. The summers are not too hot, the winters are not too cold. But I would say that rain is inevitable, so it’s best to embrace it, and don’t leave your hotel without an umbrella!

As a green city, London’s many parks spend the spring and summer months in full bloom with seas of colorful flowers and plants. Summer is also one of the only chances you might get to see inside Buckingham Palace, the Queen’s official London residence.

However, summer is also the busiest (and most expensive) time to visit London, especially from mid-July to early September , which is when the school holidays are in the UK. 

To avoid the crowds, the best option is to travel between  late March  and  April , or  mid-September  through to  November . It will be cooler, but to have more of the city to yourself and better deals on flights and hotels, so it’s perhaps worth it. 

December is a magical time to visit London with many Christmas celebrations, dazzling festive lights and decorations adorning the major streets, outdoor skating rinks, and plenty of shopping from busy high street stores to local Christmas markets. Much like summer, December in London can be busy and result in higher prices.

Getting to London

There are five different international airports you can fly into for London, and all offer great transport links into the city. Heathrow Airport is only 14 miles west of the city and is London’s main airport. Gatwick Airport is 29 miles south of the city and is London’s second airport.

You can also fly into London City Airport , which is the closest airport to the city being 6 miles east. Stansted Airport is 42 miles northeast of London and is mainly used by economy carriers, as is Luton Airport , which is 28 miles north of London.

From Heathrow Airport , the quickest way to get into central London is on the Heathrow Express. The train is available from all of Heathrow’s terminals 2, 3, and 5 and runs every 15 minutes. It takes 15 minutes to get to Paddington Station, where you can catch a bus or access the London Underground.

The Elizabeth Line, which was only opened in 2022, runs from all of Heathrow’s terminals, using the same line as the Heathrow Express, and the journey takes between 30-35 minutes depending on your chosen stop. The Elizabeth Line continues from Paddington to stop at Bond Street and Tottenham Court Road, so is ideal if you’re visiting Oxford Street or staying centrally.

The Piccadilly Line on the London Underground will be the slowest route but also the cheapest. You can catch the underground from all of Heathrow’s terminals and the trains leave every 5-7 minutes and take just under an hour to get to central London. There are many stops along the way that allow you to move through the underground system to get to your desired London location .

From  Gatwick Airport  the best way to London is on the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station. Trains leave every 30 minutes and take between 30-40 minutes to get into the city.

From London City Airport you should take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), the trains leave every 15 minutes and take 21 minutes to get to Bank station, from there you can transfer to the London Underground to get to your final destination.

From Stansted Airport , take the Stansted Express, trains depart every 30 minutes and take roughly 50 minutes to get to Liverpool Street Station.

From Luton Airport you can catch a train from Luton Airport Parkway Station, which is a 10 minute shuttle bus ride away, once at the station trains run every 10 minutes and take between 25-40 minutes to get to London St Pancras.

It’s easy (and cheaper) to pre-buy tickets so you can just hop without finding a ticket machine, or you can use any contactless debit card or credit cards to tap in and out on the tube (underground trains).

For a great way to start your London trip book a private transfer from the airport with Intui directly to your accommodation in the city center – it’s more cost-effective than you think! Intui works with a large range of local operators to bring the best options and prices for your transfer.

Are you visiting Lisbon as part of a longer trip? A UK road trip is the best way see this gorgeous country, and our guide to road tripping in the United Kingdom has all you need, including maps, routes, highlights and tips, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Make sure you have travel insurance you can trust when visiting the UK . We recommend True Traveller for their 5-star TrustPilot reviews, variety of cover options, best activities cover as standard, great prices, and excellent service.

Where to Stay in London

Luxury: The Trafalgar St James Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

Centrally located by Trafalgar Square, the St James Hotel is housed in a historic building with beautiful Art Deco interior design. Renowned for world-class service, sumptuous rooms, and a fantastic rooftop restaurant with amazing views of London’s iconic skyline, this is the perfect spot for a celebration or special occasion.

Mid-Range: Sea Containers Hotel – Booking.com | Agoda

This ultra-modern and very cool hotel is right on the banks of the River Thames and most rooms have a sweeping river view from the South Bank. It’s a short walk to all of London’s major attractions and offers a gym, on-site Curzon Theatre, and an excellent restaurant, known for its full English breakfast!

Budget: The Z Hotel Holborn – Booking.com | Agoda

Our go-to hotel in London, the Z Hotel offers everything you need in a good location that is close to a convenient tube station. Rooms are compact and there are no frills, but this is a central London hotel at a great price point.

Hostel: Kabannas London St Pancras – Booking.com | Agoda

Kabannas offers a range of dormitory rooms and private rooms, some with shared bathrooms and others with en-suite. Centrally located with excellent tube, bus, and train links, this is one of the best places to stay if you’re visiting London on a budget.

Written for The Gap Decaders by Emma of Forever Lost in Travel .

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4 Days in London: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visitors)

How to spend 4 days in london: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 4 days in London and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you this 4-day itinerary in London.

During your trip, you will discover all must-see attractions of the city such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Soho, Camden Town and a lot more!

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best places to visit in London in 4 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The London Pass

4 days in london: must-see attractions:, one last tip for a perfect 4-day stay in london, b. westminster abbey, c. buckingham palace, d. trafalgar square/the national gallery, e. london eye, f. tate britain and/or tate modern museum, a. saint paul’s cathedral, b. the city, c. the tower of london, d. tower bridge, e. the shard, a. notting hill, b. the natural history museum, c. hyde park, d. oxford street, f. piccadilly circus, g. covent garden, a. hampstead village, b. camden town, c. regent’s park, d. abbey road (optional), e. madame tussauds or the british museum, where to stay in london, london in 4 days with kids, more things to do during your 4 days in london, map of your 4-day itinerary in london, find the best flight prices for your 4 days in london, you’re traveling to england these articles will help you , how to avoid waiting in line (and save a lot of time) at london’s tourist attractions.

Since London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world , it’s really useful to know how to avoid queuing for hours to see the iconic landmarks of England’s capital.

Every day, thousands of visitors flock to the Tower of London or Westminster Abbey.

You probably agree that there’s nothing more irritating than seeing your plans for your 4 days in London shattered because you lost 3 hours waiting around!

Fortunately, there are 2 very simple solutions to avoid the inconvenience and not miss any of the must-see sites during your 4 days in London.

Here are the details:

To save as much time (and money!) as possible during your 4-day itinerary in London, the first option is to buy the London Pass.

This type of city pass exists for all the most touristic cities around the word.

The London Pass will give you direct access to the most famous sites without having to queue to get your tickets first.

The great thing is that it’s a digital pass , so you can download your London Pass directly on your smartphone and scan it at the entrance of each attractions included in the pass.

Valid for between 1 and 10 days (depending on the option you choose), the London Pass works by giving you tourist credits. They are deducted each time you visit a tourist site in London:

For example the 4-day London Pass comes with 515 credits, which corresponds to 515€ in entrance fees even though the pass costs only 147€ to buy!!

It’s undoubtedly the most comprehensive pass if you’re spending 4 days in London!

What’s included in the London Pass:

• Entry to the main must-see attractions of my itinerary: Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Tower Bridge… It’s quite simple: the 80 best attractions in London are included!
• A trip on the hop-on hop-off tourist bus, which is a great way to see London without wearing yourself out, especially if you’ve decided to visit London with your kids or don’t want to walk too much.
• Discounts in certain souvenir shops
• A tourist guide to the city, including opening hours and how to get to each attraction.

To buy your London City Pass, you simply need to click on the button below:

As an alternative, there’s also the London Go City Explorer Pass which works a bit differently.

You will need to purchase a pass based on the number of attractions you want to see. So you can buy a pass for 2, 3, 4, 5 or 7 attractions.

You can book it by clicking here!

2. Fast track tickets for London’s best tourist attractions

To visit London in 4 days, you can also buy skip the line tickets individually.

Just like the London Pass, they will allow you to access the monuments and tourist attractions without queuing.

There’s a really long list of fast track tickets available for the main historic landmarks and activities you can do in London during your 4-day trip.

For your convenience, I have listed a few of them below . You’ll also find them mentioned throughout this article.

To book, simply click on the attractions names (in orange) or on the green buttons you will find in this guide.

• Westminster Abbey
• Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Tower Bridge + Tower of London VIP Visit
• Tower of London
• Cruise on the Thames
• See a musical
• Madame Tussauds
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Harry Potter-themed guided tour – Awesome if you like Harry Potter’s universe!
• The hop-on hop-off double-decker bus

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As London is one of the most touristic cities in the world , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in London by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in London.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in London , simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

4 days in London: the ultimate itinerary

Now let’s see what you can do during your 4-day itinerary in London

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits , as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

I assume that you’ll be spending 4 full days in London and that you’ve already purchased your London Pass or your fast track tickets.

This way, you won’t waste time waiting in line to buy tickets and will be able to see as many places as possible during your 4 day stay.

And if you have any questions once you’ve read this article or just need help planning your holiday, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section located at the end of this article.

So, what should you see during your 4 days in London?

First day – the historic centre

Day 1 tourist attractions:

A. Big Ben B. Westminster Abbey C. Buckingham Palace D. Trafalgar Square E. London Eye F. Tate Britain and/or Tate Modern

The best way to start your 4 days in London is for sure to go admire the city’s most iconic landmark.

So first, let’s head to the famous Big Ben , located in London’s historic centre.

Built on the banks of the Thames in 1858, the 106 metres high Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower!) features 4 clocks located on each faces of the tower. Each clock is 7 metres in diameter!

Big Ben is part of the Palace of Westminster , perhaps better known as the Houses of Parliament.

If you were thinking of going to the top of the Elizabeth Tower and admiring the view from up high, it’s sadly not that simple: to get to the top of Big Ben, you have to submit an official request.

There’s a few months waiting list and, in addition, you have to be a UK resident.

Continue your visit on foot by heading to Westminster Abbey , located right next to Big Ben.

This historic landmark is the place where many kings and queens have been crowned , including the current monarch Queen Elizabeth II.

Inside the abbey, you can see the tombs of many past kings and queens, including the one of the famous Mary, Queen of Scots .

If you want to learn more about the history of the abbey, you should take an audio guide at the entrance.

The audio guide can be configured to do one of the several tours offered: a short 30 minutes tour, the standard 1 hour tour or the “more fun” tour for families with children.

If you’re visiting Westminster Abbey during your 4 days in London, you really need to buy your fast track ticket if you want to avoid queuing for 2 hours at the entrance!

If you’ve bought the London Pass , entrance is included. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy a fast track ticket by clicking on the button below:

Given your itinerary for the day, you should get to the abbey at the opening (9.30 am on weekdays, 9.00 am on Saturdays and closed on Sundays).

You can also book a 2-hour guided tour by clicking here!

Let’s now head to Buckingham Palace .

The royal residence is another historic landmark you must see during your 4 days in London!

Situated about 1km from Westminster Abbey , it will only take you around 15 minutes to get there on foot.

For a more immersive experience, you should go in the morning so that you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

It’s an impressive show that follows the rhythm of the band, and that will delight young and old alike.

The Changing of the Guard begins at 11.00 am and lasts for around 40 minutes, but you should get to Buckingham early to secure a good spot. The ceremony attracts thousands of spectators every day, so you won’t be alone!

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is cancelled if it rains . You can check whether it’s taking place on the online calendar .

You can only visit the interior of Buckingham Palace during 2 months of the year, generally in August and September. As the places are very limited, you will need to book as early as possible.

You have a choice between 3 different tickets (click on the orange links):

• Ticket for the State Rooms , so you can see the reception chambers
• Entrance to the Queen’s Gallery featuring a large collection of works of art
• Entrance to the Royal Mews (stables) , where the Royal Family’s carriages are kept.

Once you’ve enjoyed watching the Queen’s soldiers parade to the sound of the band, continue your 4-day trip to London by heading to Trafalgar Square.

It’s a 15-20-minute walk to get there through St James’s Park, a public park with lovely flowerbeds just opposite the Palace.

You’ll probably recognise this famous square with its 4 big statues of black lions . It’s a lively spot where you can watch street performances and enjoy a bite to eat.

While you’re at Trafalgar Square, you should visit the National Gallery.

Like all the national museums in London, entrance is free of charge . So you have no excuse to miss one of the city’s most beautiful museums , founded in 1824 and renowned throughout the world.

Here, you’ll discover a rich collection of European paintings, including original works by Van Gogh, Monet, Cézanne, Rembrandt, Picasso, Leonardo da Vinci and more.

You can grab and audio guide at the entrance , and then opt for one of the several itinerary options to see the museum (including a 1-hour tour designed with children in mind).

Opening times can be found on the official website.

After this culture break, let’s continue your 4-day stay in London by returning to the historic centre (a 15 to 20-minute walk – or you can of course take the bus).

The London Eye is located on the banks of the Thames , very close to Big Ben. You have probably already spotted during the morning!

While you’re in London, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity of a ride on the London Eye: the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe allows you to enjoy an incredible panoramic view over the whole of London.

Get ready to ascend to more than 130 metres high in spacious enclosed capsules that can accommodate up to 25 people. As the wheel turns very slowly, the full ride takes 30 minutes.

You need to book your ticket for the London Eye in advance by clicking on the button below:

If you prefer, you can opt for a combined ticket which offers a great value for money: London Eye + Thames Cruise + Hop-on Hop-off Bus.

To end your first day in London on a cultural touch, you can visit 2 more must-see London museums.

The Tate Britain and Tate Modern museums are both located by the Thames , one on the north bank and the other on the south bank.

A river bus operates between the two galleries every 30 minutes, so you can easily visit them one after the other if you wish to.

Opened in 1897, the Tate Britain houses a magnificent collection dedicated to classical British art . You can appreciate works by Turner, Hogarth and William Blake in particular.

The Tate Modern is dedicated to modern art .

Entry to the two museums is free of charge, and the opening hours can be found on the official website.

If you want to see London by night , you can switch the Tate museums with the London Eye and do the Ferris wheel at the end of the day.

Once you leave the National Gallery , head for Embankment Pier , located on the Thames. Take the river bus to Millbank Pier , it will drop you at the entrance to the Tate Britain. For the Tate Modern , get off at Bankside Pier.

2nd day: Things to do and see in London

Day 2 tourist attractions:

A. St Paul’s Paul’s Cathedral B. The City of London C. The Tower of London D. Tower Bridge E. The Shard

Located in the City of London business district, St Paul’s Cathedral is a must-see landmark if you have the chance to spend 4 days in London.

This baroque-style cathedral was built in the 17th century to replace the old church that was destroyed by fire in 1666.

In St Paul’s Cathedral, you can discover:

• The wonderful nave
• The mysterious Whispering Gallery and its incredible acoustics
• The Stone Gallery
• The Golden Gallery and its fantastic panoramic view over the city
• The crypt , featuring tombs of several famous British figures, including the Duke of Wellington and Sir Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.

Entry to St Paul’s cathedral is included in the London Pass .

If you don’t have the City Pass, you can book fast track tickets by clicking on the button below:

After visiting the cathedral, you will stay a bit more in the City of London district.

London’s business district , which is also its geographical centre, is well worth spending some time in.

Take a stroll through the streets and admire the area’s most iconic landmark : nicknamed The Gherkin , this unusually shaped skyscraper is also sometimes called “The suppository”!😆

If you book your place in advance on the Sky Garden website , you can also enjoy a fantastic and free 360° panoramic view over London from the city’s highest public garden.

This 155-metre high skyscraper , nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie”, is situated at 20 Fenchurch Street, in the heart of the City of London.

There are limited spaces available each day and you can only book 3 weeks to 1 month in advance.

The City district is also home to the famous Tower of London .

The fortress siting on the banks of the Thames (not far from Tower Bridge, your next stop) is just a 15-minute walk from The Gherkin .

Built in 1066 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tower of London was once a royal residence , but has also served as a prison and place of execution.

Today, it’s a museum dedicated to medieval history, and focuses in particular on the macabre aspects.

Tales of execution told by guides in period costume , a tour of the torture chamber and other gory details immerse you in one of the darkest chapters in London’s history.

All in good fun, of course, and with a touch of British humour! The visit is totally suitable for children.

Everyday, hordes of visitors come to see the top attraction of the Tower: The Crown Jewels. You can see the crowns of several kings and queens, including Queen Elizabeth II.

And don’t miss taking a look at the beautiful gardens outside the Tower.

Guided tours start from the main entrance every 30 minutes.

And of course, you should purchase your entrance tickets in advance so you don’t waste time in the often endless queue!

Entry to the Tower of London is included in the London Pass . You can also buy your tickets separately by clicking on the button below:

The Tower Bridge , the next stop on your 4-day trip to London is located close to the Tower of London.

With its 2 huge towers and sky blue ironwork , you will instantly recognise this landmark of the city!

Built over the Thames in the 19th century, this impressive Gothic-style bridge connects the north and south banks of London. It’s a bascule bridge, that means it will open up to let big boats through!

When it was built, Tower Bridge was the most sophisticated bascule bridge in the world.

Take your time to admire Tower Bridge from the banks of the Thames over a snack or a drink (there’s plenty of shops around), or simply enjoy the moment.

You can also walk across the bridge and even visit the old engine rooms located inside one of the towers.

If you go up to the highest level , you can walk across the glass walkway and get the feeling you’re floating above the Thames.

Entry to Tower Bridge is included in the London Pass.

At the foot of the Tower Bridge, the charming little marina of St Katharine Docks is a lovely place to take a stroll and enjoy something to eat in one of the many restaurants overlooking the Thames.

To end your second day in style, you should go to the top of The Shard to enjoy panoramic views.

The Shard is the name of London’s newest landmark, a skyscraper standing over 300 metres high located a 10-minute walk from Tower Bridge.

It’s also the highest viewing platform in Western Europe , allowing you to enjoy an incredible 360° view across the whole city.

In addition to the spectacular panorama, you can also learn more about London through multimedia displays within the building.

The Shard is well worth a visit, and you need to book your tickets by clicking on the button below:

3rd day in London: The best places to visit

Day 3 tourist attractions:

A. Notting Hill B. The Natural History Museum C. Hyde Park D. Oxford Street E. Soho F. Piccadilly Circus G. Covent Garden

For your 3rd day in London, you will head to Notting Hill district, located in the western part of the city.

This fashionable part of London, made famous by the film of the same name – “Notting Hill” has more the feel of a quiet and elegant village. If you’re a fan of the movie, you’ll for sure recognise a number of the locations where it was shot!

There, you can admire beautiful houses featuring pastel-coloured façades and take a stroll to Portobello Road Market (open every morning).

This market is actually the main attraction of the area, and is always busy. You will find Second-hand clothes, vintage items, antiques , diverse accessories and even culinary specialties. You will see, it’s lovely place to stroll around!

If you have the chance to spend 4 days in London in August, don’t miss the major annual event held here in the last weekend of the month: Notting Hill Carnival , a festive parade of over 5 km to the sounds of Caribbean music.

To get to Notting Hill, you can take the metro to Notting Hill Gate underground station.

And if you want to be certain you don’t miss anything, you should book this guided tour:

Following your morning in Notting Hill, let’s continue your day with a visit to London Natural History Museum , one of the biggest and most beautiful museums in the city.

It will take you around 20 minutes by bus to get there.

This museum is literally huge, and attracts over 5 million visitors each year. It’s the most visited natural history museum in Europe!

The Gothic building housing the displays is as magnificent from the outside as it is on the inside . During your visit, you’ll discover exceptional exhibits and learn all about zoology, botany, volcanology, archaeology, the dinosaurs, and much more besides.

You can’t actually see everything in one go unless you spend the whole day there. There are also lots of fun activities for kids.

You should spend a maximum of 2 hours in the museum so you have enough time left for the rest of your day’s visits.

Visiting London in 4 days on foot also gives you time to take in some fresh air.

So now, why not enjoy a little greenery in London biggest park: Hyde Park.

It’s one of the most beautiful city parks in the world, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic, have lunch on a terrace or simply take a walk.

And in the north-east corner of the park, you can see a little London oddity: The Speakers’ Corner . Every Sunday, anonymous speakers give a speech to passers-by , often with a touch of humour.

If you’re in London towards the end of the year , you can explore Hyde Park’s huge Christmas Market . There’s also a Winter Wonderland fair and the biggest outdoor skating rink in the United Kingdom.

If your stay in London happens to be during the summer , you can also enjoy the festivals and concerts that are held in the park each year.

After this short break in Hyde Park, you should head to Oxford Street , a continuation of the north-east entrance to the park (Marble Arch).

This 2.5 km long commercial avenue attracts hordes of tourists, and can be likened to Paris’ Champs-Élysées.

This is your chance for a bit of shopping or window-shopping in the 600 stores that line the street, including the big British names like Marks & Spencer, TopShop, Mush, Primark, Urban Outfitters and more.

If you continue along Oxford Street, you’ll arrive in Soho.

This is the most vibrant part of London , and the favourite place for Londoners and tourists to come to party!

It’s a small area, but it’s home to an impressive concentration of pubs, theatres, restaurants, cinemas and clubs. It’s the perfect place for a good night out and to enjoy the party atmosphere on any day of the week.

You can even watch a musical in one of the many theatres in the area, an unmissable experience during your 4 days in London!

If you want to see the famous musical “Les Misérables” at the Sondheim Theatre in London, make sure you buy your tickets in advance here.

And if you prefer to see the no less famous “Phantom of the Opera”, you need to book by clicking there!

If you want an original experience in Soho, you really should opt for the Harry Potter-themed guided tour .

Your guide will take you to the cult locations from the films including Diagon Alley, Gringotts, platform 9 3/4, Knockturn Alley and much more besides. The guide is brilliant and the tour is really well put together.

This tour is so good that it’s labelled “GetYourGuide Originals” . It means that if you’re not 100% satisfied of your guided visit, you can ask for a full refund!

To book your Harry Potter guided tour , simply click on the button below:

Your walk in Soho will inevitably lead you to Piccadilly Circus , the famous London square recognisable from its gigantic advertising screens.

It can be considered as the Times Square of London . Here too, there’s always a lively party atmosphere.

Continue walking east until you reach Covent Garden (a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus).

Covent Garden was once the site of London’s covered market, before it was relocated in the 1970s.

Fortunately, the very beautiful glass roof was kept and the building now houses several shops, restaurants, artists’ studios as well as the brilliant London Transport Museum.

The area attracts crowds of tourists, and you can watch lots of street performances making it the perfect way to end the day.

4th day – Walk around London

Day 4 tourist attractions:

A. Hampstead Village B. Camden Town C. Regent’s Park D. Abbey Road (optional) E. Madame Tussauds or the British Museum

To conclude your 4-day itinerary in London , you should explore the north of the city.

Start with a stroll in Hampstead Village , a delightfully green and quiet area sat on a hill above London. Hampstead is actually an old village that has retained all its charm.

It’s an integral part of London today, but you really feel like you’ve left the city when you’re there.

As quaint and peaceful as a provincial village, it’s full of flower-filled gardens, beautiful Victorian houses, shops, restaurants and cafés. You will see, Hampstead Village is really a calm and relaxed place to take a stroll .

Just 20 minutes by metro from central London, Hampstead Village is a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Continue exploring the north of the UK’s capital with a tour around Camden Town.

This very trendy area of London is home to alternative cultures and alter-globalisation . It’s a blend of punk, Gothic, hip-hop and hippie cultures all in a condensed array of shapes, colours and eccentric shops.

It’s one of the busiest and liveliest areas of the city, especially thanks to Camden Lock Market which is open every day from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

There are all sorts of stalls, unusual clothes and accessories , live music, plus stands selling street food from all over the world.

You can grab something to eat and go by Regent’s Canal, where there’s always a really friendly atmosphere.

Walk south from Camden Town for 10 minutes and you’ll arrive in Regent’s Park.

Of all the parks in London, Regent’s Park boasts the finest flower beds. Covering 166 hectares, this park once belonged to the royal family and was originally (in 1811) intended to accommodate several lavish properties, including a palace.

A lack of funds meant the project was never completed, but not before several neo-classical residences had been built around the park by the architect Josh Nash.

Today, Regent’s Park is one of the most beautiful public green spaces in the city.

A lot of Londoners come here for their daily or weekly running session or to play other sports in the landscaped grounds.

It’s also the perfect place for couples or families to hire a rowing boat or a pedalo , enjoy a picnic or simply stroll through the greenery.

There are also children playground for the little ones, a magnificent rose garden (Queen Mary’s Gardens – not to be missed in the summer!), cafés and restaurants.

If you’re a Beatles fan, you’ll have been waiting for this moment to come!

Abbey Road and its legendary pedestrian crossing is less than 2 km to the west of Regent’s Park. Follow in the footsteps of countless fans, and take a photo on the pedestrian crossing, just like on the famous cover of the group’s Abbey Road album.

You may well face a crowd, and risk annoying drivers who often have problems driving on this very busy street. Opposite the pedestrian crossing, you can see the studios where The Beatles recorded the album as well as a souvenir shop.

So here you are at the final stop of your 4-day itinerary in London .

To end your visit of the city, you can choose one of these two museums:

• Madame Tussauds: 20 minutes by bus from Abbey Road, and one of the most visited museums in London.

It’s a bit like Paris’ Grévin Museum, but fancier and on a bigger scale!

You’ll need 2 to 3 hours here , the idea being to get photographed with the top celebrities …or rather with their wax lookalikes. Most of them are incredibly realistic!

You need to book your tickets in advance by clicking on the green button below:

• The British Museum: if you’re more interested in culture and history , this museum located 20 minutes by metro from Regent’s Park is the perfect way to end to your holidays.

Entry is free of charge and you’ll learn about the history of civilizations, in particular through the many archaeological relics (including the famous Rosetta Stone).

The museum has one of the richest collections in the world with more than 7 million exhibits on display.

Don’t hesitate to book a guided visit (click here) to discover the best of the main exhibitions in 2 hours!

You now have all the information and tips you need to see London in 4 days!

Now you know what to do in London in 4 days, but there’s one crucial question to answer: where to stay for these few days?

I’m not going to lie, the cost of accommodation in London is pretty high and it’s not easy to find affordable hotels, especially in central London. The best deals are always booked months in advance.

That’s why you really do need to book as early as possible to get the best rates!

If you already know your travel dates, you should thus really book your accommodation now.

Here is my selection of the best hotels in London depending on your budget:

• The Chamberlain: Close to Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and the banks of the Thames. This British-style hotel offers cosy, comfortable double rooms from 120€ per night, breakfast 12€. Strong points: a smartphone is made available, excellent locations, the welcoming staff and the comfortable bed linen. It’s my favourite for its excellent value for money!
• Hotel Indigo London – Kensington: This hotel is in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and very close to a tube station. Well-equipped, quiet and warm double room from 200€, breakfast from 19€. Strong points: the quiet area, cosy ambience cosy, the smiling and efficient staff.
• Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: 5* hotel close to London’s “theatreland”, minutes on foot from St James Park and 15 minutes from Buckingham Palace. Really comfortable, spacious and quiet double room from 390€ per night, breakfast 20€. Strong points: perfect location, charming staff and excellent bed linen. The best choice for a romantic stay in London!
• The Soho Hotel, Firmdale Hotels: A luxury hotel right in the heart of London, 5 minutes from Oxford Street and Soho, and just 10 minutes from Piccadilly Circus. Really spacious designer and magnificently decorated double room from 500€ per night, breakfast 29€. Strong points: the perfect geographical location, magnificent bedrooms, the sumptuous breakfast. The best hotel in London for a luxury stay!

If you’d prefer an hotel in London that isn’t too expensive, you should check out the “Z Hotel” chain. You can find them in lots of different areas of London, and prices start of 60€ per night. They’re the best bet for budget accommodation in London.

• The Z Hotel Shoreditch
• The Z Hotel Gloucester Place
• The Z Hotel City
• The Z Hotel Victoria
• The Z Hotel Piccadilly
• The Z Hotel Soho

If you plan to spend 4 days in London with your children , you can be assured they won’t get bored, and they’ll really love most of attractions. You may however need to adjust the itinerary slightly to suit their age and interests.

Here are a few ideas for a 4-day stay in London with kids:

• Spend a bit less time in the museums and more time in the parks (if the weather permits). Nevertheless, you can visit the majority of London’s museums with your youngsters because most of them offer short, fun tours for children.
• The Tower of London, with its medieval ambience, is one of the attractions children love the most
• A ride on the London Eye will make them feel like they’re on a giant merry-go-round.
• The Changing of the Guard on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace will put a sparkle in their eyes
• An evening seeing a family musical in Soho is also a lovely way to spend time together
• Travel by red double-decker bus and sit upstairs, and right at the front if you can! For kids, this sort of journey is a real adventure in itself. Book this double-decker hop-on hop-off bus tour by clicking here!

You also have a choice of several theme parks: the Shrek Adventure Tour at Dreamworks , Legoland or Kidzania.

If you or your kids are Harry Potter fans , you can also spend a day at Harry Potter Studios , located a bit outside the city.

It’s really a magical experience!

The best tour include the entrance ticket to Harry Potter Studios as well as the transportation from your hotel.

You need to book this tour by clicking on the button below:

If you’ve followed my itinerary for 4 days in London and still want to explore more, you should read my guide of the 20 best places to visit in London .

You can read it here: The 20 Best Things to do in London .

It might even leave you wanting to stay longer in London! Why not spend 5 days, or even a whole week there?

To help you visualize your daily itineraries during your 4 days in London, I have created this map with all the places to visit day by day . You can view the legend of the map by clicking on the top left button, the one with a little arrow.

You can thus see the suggested itineraries for each day.

As always, you should book your plane tickets as early as possible to get the best prices.

To check the rates and schedules for flights to London, you can use our flight comparator, in partnership with Skyscanner:

Discover all my articles about London : All my articles to help you plan your trip to England are listed there.

• London: Top 20 best things to do
• 2 days in London – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in London – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in London – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in London – How to plan your itinerary + My best tips!
• One week in London – The perfect 7-day itinerary
• Where to stay in London? My guide of the best places to stay for all budgets

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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Discussion 4 comments.

Hi there! Thanks for writing this very interesting article. Will be visiting in May for 4 days and will use this as a base for my visit. Just a question about the London Pass: does it also allow you to book a time slot? Or you just go and have a separate entrance then? For example the tower of london, will it really help to avoid the long queu? Thanks for the help 🙂

Hi Michele,

Thanks! I’m glad that my 4-day itinerary in London helps you to plan your visit.

For the London Pass, it will depend on the attractions. For the Tower of London, you don’t need to book a time slot, just join the queue of people who already have their ticket, at the security checkpoint. But for The View from the Shard for example, you do need to book a time slot. When you receive your London Pass, it also comes with a digital guide giving you full details of each attraction.

Enjoy your 4-day stay in London!

Thank you for this informative itinerary & tour guide to London We are planning our trip in September & looking forward to our visit My question – I want to visit the Pursley Farm in Shenley, do you have any information about it? I am a Pursley descendant & would love to have the history of this old historical place & possibly visit if possible Thank you very much & God bless!

Thanks Catherine! I’m glad that my 4-day itinerary in London helps you to plan your stay.

About the farm, I didn’t know about it as it’s not a touristic sites and there’s virtually no information about it online. The best is to contact them directly and see what it’s possible to do. Here is the phone number that you can find online: +44 1923 855760

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London in One Day

If you plan to visit London in one day, you want to make the most of it and see the most important attractions and sights, especially if it’s your first time in this beautiful city.

London has a long list of iconic places and attractions that every visitor wants to see and visit, but if you only have one day to spend in London, you need to plan your day to see as much as possible. We have prepared two options for you to consider, two different itineraries for you to have two possibilities and make the most of your one-day trip to London.

One Day in London: Option 1 – Hop on Hop Off Bus Tour + River Cruise + London Eye

If you are only visiting for a day and want to see as much as possible, I highly recommend that you go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, do a Thames River Cruise and go on the London Eye.

Our Experience

We went on the bus tour, which very easily takes you around the most important places in London. With the bus tour, you get a free river cruise, which I enjoyed the most as the views are amazing, and we also went on the London Eye to round it all up. And this is exactly what I recommend you do if you are planning to spend a day in London.

Sightseeing bus tour and river cruise

The open-top bus tour takes you to all the important places, such as Big Ben, the London Eye, the Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Oxford Street, Regent Street… And you can stay on the bus or get off at any stop and then get back on the bus whenever you want to. It´s an easy way to explore London, and not have to worry about public transport.

The free river cruise is fantastic, in my opinion, one of the best things to do in London if you have one day. From the river, you’ll be able to see the houses of parliament, the London Eye, Shakespeare´s Globe, St Paul’s Cathedral… You will also see London Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and the famous Tower Bridge. The river cruise will also allow you to take beautiful photos of Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

If you are arriving at King´s Cross St Pancras Station, then the open-top bus tour would be ideal, as there is a bus stop to hop on the bus as you exit the station.

We recommend that you get fast-track tickets for the London Eye online beforehand, so you avoid the long queues and go directly to the prepaid tickets queue; this way, you’ll make sure you make the most of your day in London.

One Day in London: Option 2 – Walking Route + London Eye

We have designed a walking route enabling you to discover London in a day if you would rather walk to see the city’s sights. With our walking route, you will see some of the most important landmarks, and you will probably have time to see the Changing of the Guard, visit Westminster Abbey and go on the London Eye.

Walking route to visit London in a day step-by-step

Changing on the guard at buckingham palace.

Our walking route starts at Green Park Underground Station . From here, we will walk towards Buckingham Palace, where the famous changing of the guard ceremony takes place at 11.00 am on certain days. Make sure you check the exact dates of the changing of the guard to avoid disappointment.

Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and London Eye

After seeing Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard, we will walk across St James´s Park and head towards Westminster Abbey and Big Ben along Whitehall, past 10 Downing Street. We can then cross Westminster Bridge, admiring the views from this bridge, and make our way towards the London Eye .

Tower of London and River Cruise

At this point, one option is to go to the Tower of London by boat. We can jump on an Uber boat at London Eye Pier and go to Tower Pier. This is a riverboat service (like a river bus), so just an easy and cheap way to cruise the Thames and take in the views. As it isn´t a touristic cruise, there is no live commentary. Still, it´s a perfect way to go from one part of London to another. On the way, you can spot Shakespeare´s Globe , the Millenium Bridge , Tate Modern, Hay´s Galleria … Get off at Tower Pier to see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Afterwards, jump back on the Uber boat and return to London Eye. If you are feeling a bit hungry, you could go to St Katharine´s Dock to grab a bite, as there are several restaurants in the area.

Once we return to the London Eye, we can continue our walking route. Explore London´s beautiful Southbank for a bit. This is where the Sea Life Aquarium, London Dungeons, Shrek´s Adventure and Southbank Centre are . You will find many restaurants here.

Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square and Covent Garden

We´ll cross the Thames over Hungerford and Golden Jubilee Bridges and make our way towards Trafalgar Square . This is where the National Gallery (free entry) is. From Trafalgar Square, we can easily walk towards Piccadilly Circus.

From Piccadilly Circus, we will walk along Regent Street and explore Carnaby Street . After walking through London´s Soho, we will reach Leicester Square and Covent Garden .

Covent Garden is a great place to grab a bite. There are many restaurants in the area. Seven Dials Market is also just around the corner from Covent Garden, another great option if you´re hungry. This is also where we can find several theatres and London´s best musicals .

Itinerary to visit London in a day

Transport suggestions

If you are going to spend just one day in London, it may be tempting to buy single fares if you’re going to use public transport, such as the underground or the bus. We encourage you to buy an oyster card for the day or use contactless payment if possible.

You will pay less for each journey this way than buying single fares or even a day travelcard, as the oyster card´s daily capping makes it cheaper to use than a day travelcard.

You can also use oyster or contactless on the riverboat service mentioned above.

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Changing of the guard in london: dates 2024, the best black taxi tours in london, best musicals in london in 2024, thames river cruises in london: options, offers and available routes.

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The London Marathon 2024 will weave through the streets of the capital from Greenwich to Westminster on Sunday 21 April, and thousands of spectators are going to be lining the route for a glimpse of their running friends.

Over 50,000 people are expected to take on the mammoth two-foot tour of London landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, Cutty Sark and Tower Bridge.

Since the inaugural 26.2 mile event in 1981, the fundraising race has raised millions for charities each year, and, with sunshine on the forecast for now, celebrations of the charitable and physical feat will take place across the city.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan the day if you’re running  or  supporting this year’s London Marathon.

London Marathon 2024 start time and date

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The London Marathon 2024 will take place on Sunday 21 April.

Exact timings for this year’s races are yet to be confirmed but staggered start times from around 8.30am are the norm, with the masses setting off in waves at 10am and all start lines closed from 11.30am.

The finish line on The Mall closes at 7.30pm and is then moved to St James’ Park until midnight.

London Marathon route

Largely unchanged since 1981, the start line for the race is in Blackheath at the top of Greenwich Park .

From here, a leg to Woolwich, jog past the Cutty Sark and stretch around Bermondsey takes runners to cross the river over Tower Bridge .

After a ring around the Isle of Dogs, it’s a relatively straight stretch along the Thames through the City of London to the Westminster finish line on The Mall.

Will there be train and tube strikes?

There is a planned overtime ban for Aslef members working for LNER on Friday 19 and Sunday 21 April (marathon day), as well as strikes on Saturday 20 April, so those travelling into London from the northeast will likely face cancellations.

Substantial road closures across the capital to make way for the race mean spectators should travel on foot or by tube – roads will reopen as and when all runners have cleared the area.

Marathon participants will receive free travel home up to 6.30pm on marathon day on the London Underground and Overground, buses and DLR.

TfL said that a modified DLR service will start at 5.30am from Tower Gateway to Lewisham so runners arrive on time to the start line.

Rail services out of London to the midlands and the northwest are also expected to be extremely busy from 6pm due to an FA Cup semi-final taking place at Wembley Stadium.

The best spots to watch the London Marathon in person

If the live BBC coverage won’t cut it and you’re coming to support from the sidelines, spectators can watch along most parts of the route, including The Highway in Wapping, where runners will pass twice.

To be in the heart of the action, the halfway point of Tower Bridge at mile 13, and the finish line at The Mall are bound to be exciting but busy. For a quieter spot to cheer, stay east and line up in Deptford or the Isle of Dogs.

Track friends and family taking part using their marathon number on the TCS London Marathon app to best position yourself to catch them on the go.

Marathon organisers advise that some areas, including those by the Cutty Sark and St James’ Park, are likely to be very busy on the day.

Five accessible viewing areas also dot the course for those with disabilities: in Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.

Where to celebrate along the route

London has plenty of pubs and bars to quench the post-marathon thirst, whether you’ve been running or cheering.

In Greenwich, The Gipsy Moth has Cutty Sark views, The Angel in Bermondsey sits on the Thames and halfway pub, the Tower Bridge Arms, raises pints of IPA to passers-by.

Wet your palette in Wapping’s local Turner’s Old Star, ride the high at Pergola on the Wharf for city views, or refuel at Hung, Drawn & Quartered in Tower Hill with pies and ales.

At Victoria Embankment, board pub boat Tattershall Castle to cheer runners on for the final mile and savour a cold one at The Westminster Arms just before the finish line.

Once the race has been run, Inn the Park restaurant in St James’ Park is ideal for a light bite or head into Mercato Mayfair for a street food party in a restored church.

How to sign up for the London Marathon 2025

After a  record number of entries  signed up for the 26.2-mile race in 2024 – 578,374 applicants according to event organisers – next year’s London Marathon is bound to be another popular event.

To take on the challenge, entry is available through a ballot, international tour operators, charity spaces and athletics clubs.

The public ballot for the 2025 TCS London Marathon will open on Saturday 20 April and close the following Friday (26 April). Winners will be drawn at random and emailed in July ahead of the 27 April 2025 marathon.

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London Marathon 2024: Date, route map, road closures and how to watch

T his Sunday the capital will play host to the 44th London Marathon – an event which sees elite athletes and amateur runners alike make their way round a 26.2-mile route of the city.

It started in 1981 with 6,255 runners crossing the finish line. By 2016, more than a million had completed the course. And this year will see more than 50,000 people taking part.

Seven world records have been broken in the history of the event, including elite runner Paula Radcliffe’s historic time of 2:15:25 in 2003.

Aside from the sporting achievements, it has also become the largest annual one-day fundraising event in the world, with the total raised for charities in the history of the event surpassing £1bn in 2019.

Last year’s event raised a total of £63m for charities, the highest since 2019.

When is the 2024 London Marathon?

This year’s TCS London Marathon will be held on Sunday 21 April.

Elite wheelchair athletes will begin their race at 8.50am followed by the elite women at 9am and elite men at 9.40am.

For the rest of the participants, it will be a staggered start between 10am and 11.30am.

What is the marathon route?

The world-famous 26.2-mile TCS London Marathon route has remained largely unchanged since the first event in 1981, with runners passing many of the capital’s landmarks on route including the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament.

Starting in Greenwich Park in Blackheath, south of the River Thames, competitors will wend their way past the iconic Cutty Sark, over Tower Bridge, through the tower blocks of Canary Wharf, back through the city and along Victoria Embankment by the Palace of Westminster before ending up on The Mall in front of Buckingham Palace.

There are three colour-coded start lines (blue, green or red) near Greenwich Park, depending on runners’ expected finish times. The Red Start is located at southern Greenwich Park on Charlton Way, the Green Start can be found at St John’s Park, and the Blue Start is on Shooter’s Hill Road.

Which roads will be closed?

Such a massive event on the streets of the capital means there will be a number of road closures throughout the day in different areas of the city as runners make their way around the route.

South of the river :

Construction work taking place at Blackheath Station means four additional roads will be closed this year: Southvale Road, Hurren Close, Collins Street, and Baizdon will be closed from 7am to 1pm.

Charlton Way and Shooters Hill Road will be closed from 4am to 1pm.

Charlton Park Road, St John’s Park, Old Dover Road, Little Heath, Charlton Park Lane , Artillery Place and John Wilson Street will be closed from 7am to 1pm.

Woolwich Church Street and Woolwich Road will be closed from 7am to 2pm.

Trafalgar and Creek Road will be closed from 7am until 3pm.

Evelyn Street, Surrey Quays Road, Salter Road, Brunel Road and Jamaica Road will be closed from 8am to 4pm.

Tower Bridge will be closed from 8am until 7pm.

North of the river :

The Highway (south side), narrow Street, Westferry Road, East Ferry Road and Marsh Wall, North Colonnade, Poplar High Street, Commerical Road and The Highway (north side) will be closed from 8am to 7pm.

Byward Street, Upper Thames Street and Victoria Embankment will be closed from 7.30am until 8.30pm.

The Mall and Marlborough Road will be closed from 5am on Thursday 18th April until 6pm on Monday 22 April.

Spur Road, Constitution Hill, Horseguards Road and Birdcage Walk (eastbound) will be closed from 6am on Friday 19 April until 6am on Monday 22 April.

Birdcage Walk (westbound) will be closed from 7.30am Saturday 20 April until 6am Monday 22 April.

How can I watch the London Marathon?

Whether you want to watch from the sidelines or the sofa, here are the details of how to keep track of the marathon.

How Kenya's Kelvin Kiptum won the 2023 London Marathon with new course record

The route takes in some of the city’s most famous landmarks and spectators are welcome to watch from almost anywhere along the 26.2-mile stretch.

If you plump for The Highway, you will see the runners go past twice and if you stand on Tower Bridge you will see them at almost the halfway mark.

Some parts of the route, such as close to the Cutty Sark and St James’ Park do get very busy on Marathon Day.

For spectators with disabilities, there are accessible viewing areas at: the Cutty Sark, Canary Wharf, Rainbow Row, Tower Hill and Victoria Embankment.

You can also track the progress of any friends or loved ones taking part using the TCS London Marathon app.

For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of home, television coverage will be on BBC One from 8.30am until 2pm, then on BBC Two from 2pm to 3pm with highlights shown on BBC Two at 6pm.

There will also be two live streams from Tower Bridge and the Finish Line on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport app . Tower Bridge cam runs from 11.30am to 2.30pm and the Finish Line cam runs from 1pm to 6pm.

UIL Region 4-5A and Region 4-6A

Uil region 3-5a and region 3-6a, uil region 2-6a region 3-3a, uil region 1-4a and region 1-5a, ai owens classic, continental tour: nairobi, tcs london marathon, penn relays presented by toyota, lhsaa class 3a region 2, payton jordan invitational, gvsu extra weekend, fresno state invitational, aaa outdoor champs | 1a, continental tour: huelva, aaa outdoor champs | 2a, where is heartbreak hill here's the boston marathon course map in 2024, here's the boston marathon route map before the 128th race..

The 128th Boston Marathon begins at 9:37 a.m. EST on April 15 with the professional men's runners starting near Hopkinton State Park on Main Street in Hopkinton. From there, thousands of runners from across the world will run in one of the most prestigious marathons of the year. 

The Boston Marathon follows Route 135 and cuts through several New England towns before getting to historic Boston and ending near the Boston Public Library in Copley Square.

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Coverage of the race begins 8:30 a.m. EST on ESPN2. This year's race is streaming live on FloTrack in Australia , but FloTrack will have complete coverage of the marathon. Check out the Boston Marathon route map below. 

Boston Marathon 2024 Course Map

Boston marathon results.

Results from the race can be found on the Boston Marathon website.

How To Watch The Boston Marathon In The United States

The Boston Marathon is being broadcast on ESPN2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The race will also be available on ESPN+ in the United States. 

How To Stream The Boston Marathon In Australia

The Boston Marathon is streaming on FloTrack and the FloSports app in Australia. Coverage of the race, highlights and breaking news will be available on both platforms.

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FloTrack has in-depth track and field broadcast schedule all summer long and that includes college track. Check out the broadcast schedule for more coverage.

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Apr 16, 2024

Apr 15, 2024

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Map reveals where new rail routes could be introduced across the UK

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New and more frequent rail services could be on the way for millions of Brits, as independent operators roll out plans to launch extra trains around the country.

The Scottish city of Stirling and Carmarthen in south-west Wales are among the places that may soon have direct links to London under proposals from prospective open-access company Grand Union Trains (GUT).

It’s just one of several operators hoping to fill gaps in timetables and give rail travel a boost – while also offering lower fares.

They’ve been backed by the UK government , which says the rise of open access gives customers more choice and increases passenger numbers.

Rail minister Huw Merriman said: ‘It’s not just a question of us having rail operators compete with each other.

‘There’s an opportunity for rail to take passengers that may otherwise fly or indeed drive.

‘Open access is such a positive.’

Mr Merriman added: ‘There’s no industrial action on open-access operators, perhaps because it’s a fresher way of working with the workforce rather than on an old rule book basis.’

During recent rail strikes, companies like Lumo and Grand Central have been able to continue running services due to their separate status.

GUT is also consulting on a possible service between Edinburgh and Cardiff. There is currently no direct route connecting the Scottish and Welsh capitals.

Other would-be open-access operators include Go-Op, which aims to run services between Taunton and both Weston-super-Mare and Swindon, and Wrexham, Shropshire & Midlands Railway, which hopes to create a route between London Euston and Wrexham.

Lumo also plans to extend its route between London King’s Cross and Edinburgh to reach Glasgow, while FirstGroup wants to launch a service between the same London terminus and Sheffield.

What is an open-access rail operator?

Most of the major rail operators in the UK are either owned or paid management fees by the UK, Scottish and Welsh governments.

LNER, Scotrail, CrossCountry, Avanti West Coast and many, many others fall into this category.

But the tracks can also be used by open-access operators, which set their own fares, take full commercial risk, and don’t receive any taxpayer-funded subsidies.

They include companies like Lumo, Grand Central, Heathrow Express, Eurostar and Hull Trains – with several more due to spring up soon.

Proponents say the availability of these other options increases competition which drives down fares.

But critics argue that the companies are simply taking advantage of a ‘false economy’, and it would be better for passengers if the large operators just simplified their timetables.

Grand Central managing director Ian Yeowart said: ‘It’s not only good for passengers – as whether (the operators) survive depends on how good they are and what their customers think – but there are no handouts from the government.

‘Like every other business, if people don’t like it and don’t come, it won’t survive.’

But Gareth Dennis, an engineer who writes about the rail industry, said open-access services should not be permitted in the UK because of the complexity of fitting the trains into already crammed timetables.

He said: ‘The argument on the Continent for open access operators is that they provide competition, but there’s no meaningful competition on a rail network that’s as saturated as ours.

‘What you need is a simple, repetitive timetable that moves huge numbers of people.’

Mr Dennis argued that the operators could charge lower fares because they use depots that exist for other companies and can recruit staff that had been trained already rather than training their own.

He added: ‘It’s a false economy really.’

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] .

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Simple Flying

Qantas pauses perth-london service due to tensions between israel & iran.

Only its northbound service is affected.

• Due to Iran-Israel conflict, Qantas is rerouting flights between Perth and London via Singapore.
• Southbound travelers will still enjoy direct service, thanks to easterly jet streams reducing fuel burn.
• Travelers have been advised to avoid Israel amid ongoing tensions.

Qantas' direct link between Western Australia and England's capital will reroute its service via Singapore in a bid to avoid Iranian airspace due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Israel. This is amid fears that Iranian forces are planning an imminent attack on Israel. Previously, Qantas' direct service from Perth International Airport (PER) to London Heathrow International Airport (LHR) would operate non-stop between the two cities, with an average flight time of around 17 and a half hours.

For the ultra-long-haul service to remain viable, the route between Perth and London must pass over Iran. However, due to the increased likelihood of Iranian retaliation towards Israel, the carrier has quickly rerouted the service via Singapore, and it will ensure the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft for the foreseeable future.

Those heading southbound, however, will be able to enjoy a direct service, with the airline confirming QF10, from Heathrow to Perth will be able to operate non-stop with small changes required to its flight map. This is made possible by easterly jet streams, which provide less fuel burn and no requirement to stop over en route for additional fuel while avoiding Iran.

Breaking: Numerous Flights Canceled After Israel Shuts Down Airspace Due To Iranian Drone Strike

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QF9 to QF209

Outbound travelers will adjust their itineraries slightly, with the usual QF9 flight number changing to QF209 while it operates via Singapore to refuel. As reported by Reuters , a Qantas spokesperson released this advice:

“We’re temporarily adjusting the flight paths for our flights between Perth and London due to the situation in parts of the Middle East. We’ll reach out to customers directly if there’s any change to their booking.”

Qantas has confirmed that the avoidance of Iranian airspace has not affected the flight paths of any other routes currently in its network, such as its flagship QF1 and QF2, which do not pass over the Middle East.

Get all the latest airline route news right here

Avoid Israel

Australia's Government has also reminded its citizens to "reconsider your need to travel" to Israel amid the ongoing tensions. This has been mirrored by many other countries, with the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advising to refrain from all travel to Israel, or New Zealand's Safe Travel , which reiterates, "Do not travel to Israel due to the unpredictable security situation."

It remains unclear if this current diversion of direct services between Western Australia and Europe will affect its upcoming Perth to Paris Charles de Gaulle link , which is expected to launch on July 12th, or its seasonal Rome-Fuimicino service , which is also expected to operate during the Northern Hemisphere summer.

Qantas Invests Millions In Barrier Reef Sustainability And Community Grants

London heathrow airport.