London, England: Exploring the Majesty of England’s Capital
So, you’re heading to London, United Kingdom? Chip chip, cheerio, have a cuppa tea ye ole chap and settle in for my perfect 4 day London itinerary for first timers!
My partner and I spent 4 days in London to celebrate my birthday (2022) and it was such a lovely trip. The city is huge and there is so much to see and do. Now many people would probably ask is 4 days really long enough to visit London? Short answer, yes and no. Will you be able to experience all the amazing things London has to offer, of course not. Will you be able to hit the majority of hot spots as well as some hidden gems and truly get a sense for the city, (as long as you’re willing to walk and eat a lot) , absolutely!
So now let’s dive right in to the splendid city and see what we can accomplish in 4 days!
QUICK GUIDE TO LONDON, United Kingdom:
Language: English and boy do I love the accents!
Currency: The London pound £ , most places accept credit cards but good to have some cash on hand just in case
Voltage: London, United Kingdom operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plug type G (3 rectangular pins in a triangle).
ACCOMODATION:
London has so many different areas to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to base yourself. Luckily you can search all types of accommodation in all areas here to find the perfect fit!
Hotels:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
TRANSPORTATION:
London is probably one of the cities with the most iconic forms of transportation! Whether it’s the big red double decker buses, the old black cabs or the worlds first underground railway lines (better known as the Tube), you will never find public transportation lacking in London. It is by far one of the most well connected cities I have ever visited. It also is one of the easiest to use with Apple Pay. Simply scan in and scan out using Apple Pay and you won’t be charged more than £7 a day for all day usage of the Tube! Somehow we timed it perfectly that we were only charged £19 the full 4 days. Buses have a single charge but it’s extremely affordable. Cabs will cost more and aren’t necessary in my opinion.
Alternatively many people suggest getting the Oyster Card. This can be used on all public transportation and you can simply top up the card when needed. However, if you don’t use it all, you can’t take money back off the card. This is why I prefer Apple Pay method.
FOOD:
While London, United Kingdom may not come to mind as one of the worlds top places for fancy cuisine, we enjoyed everything we had!
Rasa Sayang:
Our first night all I wanted for dinner was to visit Chinatown. I was misguided in thinking that it wouldn’t be an expensive meal but it wasn’t as cheap as I expected. We paid £32 for 2 drinks, 2 mains and an appetizer. We ordered spring rolls, Roti Canai, and the chicken Kon Lo Mee Hainanese. It was all good especially if you enjoy spicy food!
Mr Foggs Tavern:
This is a pretty famous spot because the front door is always decorated for the holidays. We came just before they transitioned to the Christmas decor for a few drinks!
Sketch:
What trip to London is complete without a High Tea experience. This is one of the most expensive activities we did and was a birthday present from my partners parents. It was incredible and I highly recommend doing it as it’s worth every penny!
Lantica Pizzeria:
If you want delicious pizza and are near Baker Street this is the place for you!
Maple Leaf:
My partner being the hockey player he is, obsessed with Canada was very excited to visit the Maple Leaf pub. We went tapas style and order a ton of things to share and it was all good pub food.
Pret:
This is one of your main coffee and quick food chains in London. They had delicious coffee and was perfect when we got caught in the middle of a rain storm to help warm us up!
The Churchhill Arms Pub:
This place is a must see as they decorate the outside for the holidays and it has one of the best inside atmospheres of any pub! Also the food is Thai food, not pub food and it is incredible.
Milk Train:
This is the place for all my Instagram lovers. The delicious sweets shop has a ton of interesting flavors and treats to fix your sweet tooth!
Biscuiteers:
Another adorable Instagramable cafe found in Notting Hill area. They are quite expensive but you can be sure the treats are tasty.
Mikes Cafe:
We absolutely loved our breakfast here! The portions are huge and the people are so nice. They used to have a Polaroid where guest could add their photos to the map but it broke. Luckily we had mine and they added us to their map!
The Three Stags:
This pub was located so close to our Airbnb and we went in for some late night snacks and a drink! Delicious cocktails but not the cheapest.
Doughnut Time:
Little doughnut shop in Notting Hill with the most creative names for their doughnuts!
The Sun in Splendour Tavern:
We stopped in here for a few drinks before we left for the airport!
TOP ACTIVITIES:
There are so many things to see in London, United Kingdom! Honestly I could probably write a new article every week on new things to do. For this post I wanted to focus on some of the main attractions for first timers. So let’s dive in on the top sites to see in London, United Kingdom.
Regent & Oxford Street:
These two streets are one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets. With around 300 shops each you are bound to find something special. If you visit in the winter it will have beautiful Christmas lights hanging throughout.
Piccadilly Circus:
Right as you come out to the Regent street from the tube next to Piccadilly Circus you will recognize the London version of New Yorks Times Square.
Big Ben and House of Parliament:
Fun fact, Big Ben is actually not the name of this tower! It is the name of the big ol’ bell that sits in the top and rings every hour on the hour! Big Ben and House of Parliament best view is from across the canal (To capture the angle below, cross over Westminster Bridge and follow the steps down to the right. You’ll find this perfectly framed archway with Big Ben in the background.)
London Eye:
If you’re into super touristy things to do, then you’ll love the Eye. The views over the city are great (IMO the views from The Sky Garden were better) and you can enjoy one of those “London must-dos.” It’s a short tour so you’ll finish in under an hour and then be ready to explore more of London. However if simply seeing it from the ground is enough I suggest going to the viewpoint from across River Thames then walk towards big Ben for the eye and red telephone booth. You can book a tour here.
Westminster Abbey:
The Westminster Abbey is another touristy spot in London, but definitely shouldn’t be missed. This large Gothic Abbey has held a number of historical events including the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in April of 2011. You’ll get to go inside and go on a self-guided tour of all of the royal history, as well as see where famous worldwide names are buried like Charles Dickens and Isaac Newton.
Natural history museum:
This is my favorite museum in London. Entry is mostly free, but you will have to pay for special displays and exhibitions. The grand staircase and the whale skeleton make for an impressive entrance.
Little Venice:
Would you believe Venice in London? Well, kind of. The quirky residential neighborhood referred to as “Little Venice” is located where the Regent’s Canal meets the Grand Union Canal. There is plenty to do and see in London’s Little Venice. You can take a boat ride down the canals from April to November. Or walk along the waterways exploring Regent’s Park or the London Zoo.
Baker Street:
Where are all my Sherlock Holmes fans? 221B Baker street is a must see to snap a quick photo with the front door!
Tower bridge :
A lot of people think this is called the London Bridge. Fergie probably had something to do with that. The fact that you’re reading this makes you smarter than all those people. Congratulations! Tower Bridge is HUGE! So much bigger in person than it looks in pictures. It fits two lanes of rush hour traffic, 2 packed sidewalks, and 2 museums! You can also pay to go up to the top deck and see some Birds Eye views.
Tower of London:
On the North shore of the Thames River at the end of the Tower Bridge you’ll come to the world famous Tower of London. This place has some history! After all, it was built in 1078, almost 1,000 years ago! You can take a guided tour of the inside of the Tower, however we thought the outside was cool enough on its own (and free, remember we are doing London on the cheap…). If you do want to take a tour inside the Tower of London it will cost about £30 per adult.
Sky Garden:
Sky Garden is an indoor garden and bar at the top of what is known to Londoners as the “walkie talkie”, one of the highest buildings in London that offers one of the best 360 degree views over London. The entrance is free but you have to book a time slot online beforehand! Be sure to do it in advance of your trip as slots usually sell out very fast.
St Dunstan:
Saint Dunstan-In-The-East parish church is located on St. Dunstan’s Hill, halfway between London Bridge and the Tower of London. This Church of England/Roman Catholic Church was destroyed during World War II. In 1967 it was decided to restore the grounds and turn the ruins into a public garden which opened shortly thereafter.
Leadenhall market:
Leadenhall Market is a covered market in the financial district of central London. Many tourists may not venture here. Leadenhall Market has been the backdrop for several movies, most notably Harry Potter. There is even a marathon that runs through it. So you can see why it has made the list of hidden gems in London.
St. Paul’s cathedral:
The incredible view from the bottom and the top, the whispering gallery, and the history. These reasons all make St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the best London landmarks without-a-doubt.
Covent garden:
Another very popular area of London is the old market place. It used to be the central market for fruits and vegetables but is now better known as a shopping district. If you visit during the holidays make sure to visit convent garden to see all the decorations.
Notting Hill:
I’m just a girl, standing in front of my reader, asking them to please visit ! Even if you’re not a movie buff, this neighborhood is definitely one of the top things to do in London. The houses are picturesque, the shopping is boutique-style and for some reason, it just doesn’t feel as touristy as some other parts of London. If you are a fan of the movie you absolutely need to visit the Bookshop (small tip ask them to stamp your books for an extra memory)!
Portobello Road:
Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market ad one of the best places for shopping in London. It is also one of the oldest markets in the city, dating back to the 19th century.
Alice’s antiques:
I mention this store as it’s a well-known antique/retro-style store and local landmark that you’ll probably see on postcards and which has been featured in London movies such as ‘The Italian Job’ with Michael Caine.
Kensington palace:
So, everybody knows about Buckingham Palace – but if you really want to run into a young royal or two, you’d best head for Kensington Palace instead. The land was purchased back in the early 1600s, though it’s been added to over the centuries. There’s also a gorgeous garden, where you can sit and live out all your daydreams from The Crown.
Additional Activities & Tours:
Go City
With Go City passes, you can visit bucket list attractions, enjoy top tours, and discover plenty of hidden gems — all of which are handpicked by local experts. Go City allows travelers to avoid multiple entry fees and paper tickets. With Go City, it’s one price, one pass, and everything travelers need, right there on your phone! If you want to see what is available in London , then click here!
Phew, deep breath! I know you’re probably a bit overwhelmed but I promise you can manage all of this in 4 days easily with an hour or two siesta in the afternoon as well! I hope you’ve enjoyed my first timers guide to London, United Kingdom and can add this guide for your next trip!
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Happy travels xx
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Trip: November 2022
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