London in 4 days: an itinerary with Greenwich and Camden

Four days in London give you far more than the landmarks: besides Westminster and the City, you sail down the Thames to Greenwich, catch a West End musical and finish among Camden's stalls and the views from Primrose Hill.

Personalise this itinerary →

Day 1. Westminster and royal London

  1. Westminster Abbey

    Coronations and royal weddings for centuries. Buy tickets online; on Sundays it's open for worship only.

    View on map

  2. Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

    Big Ben looks best from Westminster Bridge. Guided tours of Parliament are booked in advance.

    View on map

  3. St James's Park

    The prettiest park in the centre, with pelicans and views of the palace from the lake bridge.

    View on map

  4. Buckingham Palace

    The Changing of the Guard is free but not daily: check the schedule and arrive 30–45 minutes early.

    View on map

  5. Trafalgar Square & National Gallery

    The National Gallery is free: Van Gogh, Turner and Velázquez in an hour.

    View on map

Day 2. The City and the South Bank

  1. Tower of London

    Medieval fortress with the Crown Jewels. Go at opening and start with the jewels.

    View on map

  2. Tower Bridge

    Cross it on foot; the glass-floored high walkway is paid.

    View on map

  3. Borough Market

    London's most famous food market: ideal for lunch. Partly closed on Mondays.

    View on map

  4. Tate Modern

    Free modern art in a former power station; go up to the viewing level of the Blavatnik building.

    View on map

  5. St Paul's Cathedral

    Cross the Millennium Bridge to Wren's dome. At sunset the view from the bridge is lovely.

    View on map

Day 3. Greenwich by boat and the West End

  1. Cutty Sark

    Arrive on the Uber Boat from Westminster or Tower: the ride down the Thames is a sight in itself. The tea clipper sits by the pier.

    View on map

  2. Royal Observatory Greenwich

    Stand on the Greenwich meridian and enjoy the best view of Canary Wharf's towers from the park.

    View on map

  3. Covent Garden

    Head back for the afternoon: street performers, shops and, at night, a West End musical.

    View on map

💡 Last-minute musical tickets are cheaper at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square or through the shows' official lotteries.

Day 4. British Museum, Camden and Primrose Hill

  1. British Museum

    Free. Focus on the Rosetta Stone, Egypt and the Parthenon sculptures.

    View on map

  2. Camden Market

    Markets, street food from everywhere and an alternative vibe by Regent's Canal.

    View on map

  3. Primrose Hill

    Walk 15 minutes along the canal and climb the hill to say goodbye to London with a skyline view.

    View on map

Practical tips

  • Pay with a contactless card on the Tube and buses: there's an automatic daily cap.
  • The big museums are free; book a time slot if they ask for one.
  • The Uber Boat takes contactless like the Tube and is a cheap way to see the river.
  • Always carry a rain jacket: the weather changes fast.

Frequently asked questions

Is Greenwich worth it?

Yes: the boat on the Thames, the meridian and the park views make a half day quite unlike the rest of London.

How long is the boat to Greenwich?

About 40–50 minutes from Westminster and 25–30 from Tower Pier.

Which day is best for Camden?

Weekends have more stalls and atmosphere; weekdays are quieter.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

Personalise this itinerary →

Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.