How Many Days Do You Need for London?

By Robert Palmer

London is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors every year. If you’re planning a trip to London, one question that may be on your mind is how many days do you need to fully experience this vibrant city? The answer to this question depends on your interests and the amount of time you have available, but here are some general guidelines to help you plan your itinerary.

Two Days in London

If you only have two days in London, you’ll need to be strategic about what you want to see and do. We recommend focusing on the city’s most famous landmarks and attractions. Here are some must-see sights for a two-day trip:

Day One

  • Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony
  • Take a stroll through St James’s Park
  • Visit Westminster Abbey and Big Ben (currently under renovation)
  • Explore the British Museum

Day Two

  • See Tower Bridge and take a tour of the Tower of London
  • Take a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city
  • Explore Covent Garden and its vibrant market stalls, street performers, and boutique shops.
  • Catch a show at one of London’s famous West End theatres.

Four Days in London

With four days in London, you can explore more neighborhoods beyond central London. Here are some additional activities that can be added on top of those mentioned above:

Day Three – South Bank & East End

  • Cross over Tower Bridge towards South Bank where you can enjoy a walk along the river Thames
  • Visit the Tate Modern Art museum and catch a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre nearby
  • Take the tube to Brick Lane in East End and explore its street art, vintage shops and food stalls.

Day Four – Kensington & Chelsea

  • Visit Kensington Palace and the surrounding gardens.
  • Explore Notting Hill, famous for its colorful houses, independent shops and Portobello Market.
  • Take a stroll in Hyde Park and visit the Serpentine Gallery.

A Week in London

With a week in London, you can take your time to explore more of what this city has to offer. In addition to the above activities, we recommend adding these attractions:

Day Five – Museums

London has some of the best museums in the world, so why not spend a day exploring them? We recommend visiting:

  • The National Gallery
  • The Victoria & Albert Museum
  • The Natural History Museum

Day Six – Day trip outside London

There are many options for day trips outside of London, including:

  • Oxford: Famous for its historic university and stunning architecture.
  • Cotswolds: A picturesque rural area with charming villages and scenic walks.
  • Bath: Known for its Roman Baths which date back over 2000 years.

Day Seven – Foodie Day

London is known for its diverse food scene so why not spend a day trying out some of the city’s best restaurants? Here are some recommendations:

    Morning:

  • Head to Borough Market for breakfast and try some artisanal bread, pastries or coffee.
  • Brunch at The Good Egg in Soho.
  • Afternoon:

  • Enjoy a traditional afternoon tea at the Ritz or another classic venue.
  • Take a food tour of Chinatown or Brick Lane to try different cuisines.
  • Evening:

  • Dinner at one of the many Michelin-starred restaurants in London such as The Ledbury or The Clove Club.
  • End the night with cocktails at a rooftop bar like the Sky Garden or Sushisamba.

In Conclusion

In summary, there are plenty of things to do in London, no matter how many days you have available. Whether you’re visiting for two days, four days, or even a week, we hope this guide has given you some ideas on how to make the most out of your trip. With so much to see and do in this vibrant city, we guarantee that you’ll never get bored!