London in 4 Days: Big Ben, Bites & Bucket-List Sights

I love to start my time in a new city with a walk. There is no better way to feel connected to a new place than to walk its streets. One of the best walks in London starts at the Westminster Underground station. Across the street, you will come face to face with one of the most iconic sights in London, Big Ben. When facing the famous clock tower, you can look to your left to see the River Thames and the London Eye. Looking to the right will show you the Parliament building and Westminster Abbey. Heading in that direction and turning right at the Abbey, you will pass the Winston Churchill statue, Downing Street (home of the Prime Minister), and end up in Trafalgar Square. From here it is an easy walk to Piccadilly Circus, or even Buckingham Palace. Just like that, you have checked some of London’s most famous sights off your list. Along the way, I would recommend stopping at one of London’s famous pubs for a bite to eat. The Chandos is a classic!

While in the area, you have your choice of landmarks to dive deeper into. No visit to London is complete without a visit to Westminster Abbey. There is so much to see here, you could easily budget for two hours. In Trafalgar Square, you will find the National Gallery. This is a free museum that houses one of the world’s finest collections of European paintings. I would highly recommend a visit to Churchill’s War Rooms, which provide a fascinating glimpse into the secret underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his team directed Britain’s strategy during World War II. At the end of the war, the rooms were locked for decades, and only opened again in 1984. The space is so well preserved, you can still see the ashes from Churchill’s cigars in the ashtrays. This is something no history buff should miss!

After a hearty breakfast, head to the Tower of London, a historic fortress and royal palace on the banks of the Thames. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels! Depending on the time of year, there may be a long line to go through this exhibit. I would start there; the earlier you go, the less chance of a long line.

If you are so inclined, after finishing at the Tower, you can walk across the London Bridge for a unique perspective of the city. The bustling pedestrian path gives you a sense of London’s energy while connecting the financial district to the heart of the city’s historic sites.

By now you are probably getting hungry. The nearby Borough Market is one of London’s oldest and most vibrant food markets, offering a bustling mix of fresh produce, artisanal foods, international flavors, and gourmet treats. With its lively atmosphere, historic architecture, and tempting stalls, it’s a must-visit for food lovers and a great place to soak up the local culture.

Now I would hope on a river taxi to sail the River Thames on your way back to the Westminster area. Your taxi can drop you off at the London Eye so you can get a birds-eye view of this spectacular city.

Tonight, I would suggest dinner and a play in London’s famed West End. There is no shortage of amazing restaurants for an early pre-theater meal or a late night meal afterwards. There are many options for plays, but I have my favorites. I am happy to give my personal recommendations. Be mindful that the theaters are dark on Sunday nights.

Today is a great day to visit Windsor! Not only is it a lovely village to explore, but of course there is Windsor Castle to visit. Windsor Castle is a majestic royal residence and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in the world, blending centuries of history with stunning architecture and beautifully maintained grounds. Visitors can explore the State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and the castle’s expansive grounds while experiencing a living symbol of the British monarchy. This is a 30-60 minute train ride from London and is an easy half to full day trip, depending on how long you want to spend exploring the area.

Insider tip: There are tour companies that offer day trips to either Windsor, Windsor and Stonehenge, or even Windsor, Stonehenge and Bath in one day. While I think Windsor and Stonehenge are doable, I would not recommend trying to do all three in one day. You will be disappointed in the amount of time you have to spend at each location.

For your final day in London, I would recommend visiting the British Museum. This should be at least a half day, as there is SO much to see. There are many options for guided tours to get the most out of your visit.

If you are interested, this would also be a good day to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the British Library. While it shouldn’t take too much time, the British Library is definitely worth a visit. There you can see ancient and important works including the Magna Carta, the Gutenberg Bible, and original works of Shakespeare and Jane Austin. You can also see things like handwritten lyrics to Beatles songs, original scores by Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach and Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks.

If you’ve had enough history, London has some of the best shopping in the world, including the famed Harrods. More than just a department store—it’s an iconic London experience. With seven floors of luxury goods, gourmet food halls, designer fashion, and stunning seasonal displays, it’s a feast for the senses. Beyond shopping, the store’s extravagant architecture, themed rooms, and legendary history make it a must-see destination, whether you’re browsing, dining, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.