London is a city that needs little introduction. From its grand history to its modern energy, there’s a palpable magic that draws travelers from around the world. Whether you’re marveling at the architectural wonders of the Tower of London or enjoying a cup of coffe in a hipster cafe, London never fails to suprise and delight. For first-time visitors, it can feel a bit overwhelming trying to fit everything in, but don’t worry! This guide is designed to help you navigate London like a pro, with a carefully curated 4-day itinerary that blends iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and a touch of local flavor.
Preparing for Your First Trip to London
The excitement of planning your first trip to London is unparalleled, and we were no exception. We couldn’t wait to immerse ourselves in this cosmopolitan city of culture, food, and endless adventure. Here’s a peek into how we prepared for our journey to make the most out of every moment.
First things first: research! We compiled a list of all the major must-see landmarks, from the majestic Buckingham Palace to the grand London Eye. Then we grouped the attractions by their proximity, so we wouldn’t waste time backtracking. Let’s be honest—London is a big city, and you don’t want to spend your days crisscrossing the streets unnecessarily. A well-planned itinerary is key. Regardless you will be getting your steps in, trust us! But remember, it’s also important to leave room for spontaneity. Some of the best moments in London happen when you wander off the beaten path.
We also made sure to dedicate ample time for food. After all, London’s food scene is one of the best in the world, and you don’t want to miss out on sampling its vibrant culinary culture. We researched a few popular restaurants, but we also made sure to explore the lesser-known food spots. Our noteworthy restaurants throughout the trip were Gymkhana, Brother Marcus, and Borough Market. Trust us, some of the best meals are found in hidden corners of the city.
Packing for London involves more than just the usual essentials. For us, the long-haul flight meant comfort was key. A neck pillow and cozy blanket became our best friends in economy class. And if you’re traveling internationally, make sure you bring a portable charger—you’ll be using your phone for directions, photos, and general navigation, so keeping it charged is a must.
Check out our Amazon Storefront for quick travel necessities for your next trip!
Since London uses Type G plugs and operates on 230V, don’t forget an adapter. A small but crucial item—especially if you want to avoid any awkward moments with your hairdryer! We learned the hard way in Ireland when we didn’t plan ahead for foreign transaction fees, so now we always make sure to have a credit card that supports international payments without extra charges. London is a city that fully embraces tap-to-pay technology. We barely needed cash during our entire trip, and having a credit card with no foreign transaction fees made everything much more convenient.
Choosing where to stay in London can be daunting, but we found the perfect spot: The Hilton Bankside. Check out this blog on how we accrued travel points to make this stay possible! Located just a stone’s throw away from the iconic South Bank Station, the hotel was a fantastic base for our adventures. It was close to some of the city’s top landmarks, and we could easily hop on the Tube to explore further. Plus, we were within walking distance of Borough Market, which quickly became one of our favorite spots in London for food and atmosphere. If you’re a first-time visitor, staying near the river is a great way to experience the city from a different angle.
Our 4-Day London Itinerary as First-Time Travelers
Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the South Bank
We landed at Heathrow Airport bright and early, eager to dive straight into the London experience. As always we booked our airport transportation in advance through the Uber schedule feature. This allows us to be stress free while landing in unfamiliar territory. After checking into our hotel, we wasted no time in hitting the streets. The first thing we wanted to do was take in the view, so we headed straight to the London Eye. If you’re visiting for the first time, this is a must-do. The ride gives you spectacular panoramic views of the city, and during the winter months, the holiday lights make everything feel even more magical. Though the line can be long (especially around the holidays), the experience is definitely worth it.
From the Eye, it’s a short walk to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben is a bit smaller than you might imagine, but it’s still one of those iconic landmarks that takes your breath away. We also took a moment to admire Westminster Abbey from the outside—its history and architecture are awe-inspiring.
For dinner, we were fortunate enough to meet up with a local friend who recommended Double Knot, a lively Caribbean restaurant. The vibe was great, and the food was even better. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing and get a taste of London’s diverse food scene.
Day 2: Iconic Landmarks and Michelin-Star Dining
After a restful night, we started our second day with a delicious English Breakfast at our hotel. We then hopped on the Tube to head towards Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square. Both locations are quintessentially London, with bustling crowds, impressive architecture, and plenty of holiday cheer in December. We also explored Regent Street, which is lined with shops and, during the winter, one of the best Christmas light displays we’d ever seen. Here you fill find the iconic angel light display through the whole street.
One of the highlights of the day was our visit to the Gymshark Flagship Store on Regent Street. If you’re into fitness, this is a must-visit. We spent some time browsing the latest gear before heading to Borough Market for lunch. This bustling market is a haven for foodies, with an impressive array of fresh produce, cheeses, and gourmet snacks. It’s one of those places you could spend hours in, just grazing on all the tasty bites.For dinner, we indulged in an unforgettable experience at Gymkhana, a two Michelin-starred Indian restaurant in Mayfair. From the butter chicken to the decadent curries, every bite was heavenly. If you’re a fan of Indian cuisine, you’ll be in for an unforgettable treat. We are still raving about it, and won’t stop any time soon.
Day 3: Historical Sights and Hidden Gems
Day 3 kicked off with an early morning visit to Buckingham Palace for the iconic Changing of the Guard. It’s one of those experiences that really makes you feel like you’re in London. Be sure to get there early to snag a good spot—it can get crowded, especially during peak tourist months.
Afterward, we wandered through Westminster Abbey (which we explored from the outside) and then took a leisurely walk to Notting Hill. We stopped by Kensington Palace, but unfortunately, it was closed on Mondays. Always check opening hours before you go! We made our way to Portobello Road Market next, which is famous for its vintage and antique shops. It’s a fun area to explore, especially if you enjoy rummaging through quirky treasures.
Later in the day, we ventured to the Christmas Market by Tower Bridge. This charming market is perfect for sipping on mulled wine, nibbling on festive treats, and soaking in the holiday atmosphere.
Day 4: F1 Experience and Covent Garden Fun
On our final day, we decided to mix things up with something a little different: the Formula 1 Experience at ExCel London. If you’re a racing fan, this interactive exhibit is a must. We spent a couple of hours touring the championship cars and learning about the rich history of Formula 1. It was a nice change of pace from the usual tourist attractions.
After the F1 experience, we headed to Tower Bridge. For a small fee, you can climb to the top for breathtaking views of the Thames and the city. It’s one of the best spots in London for panoramic photos.In the afternoon, we explored the vibrant Covent Garden. Known for its street performers, boutique shops, and cozy cafes, Covent Garden is a great place to wander around and soak in the atmosphere. For dinner, we headed to Brother Marcus, a Mediterranean restaurant that was the perfect way to wrap up our London adventure. You will leave there absolutely full if you order Marcus’ choice. Afterward, we finished the evening with a fun visit to the Formula 1 Arcade Bar, where we raced on simulators and had a blast.
Tips From the First-Timers
Though our 4-day trip was packed with excitement, there are a few things we’d definitely do differently next time:
Afternoon Tea: This is an essential London experience that we unfortunately missed. Make sure you carve out time for afternoon tea—it’s a quintessential part of British culture, and the selection of teas, finger sandwiches, and scones is unbeatable. Good tea places book up fast so plan in advance if there is a particular place you are wanting to attend!
St. Paul’s Cathedral & British Museum: These two gems were on our list, but we ran out of time. Both are rich in history, and we’ll be sure to see them on our next visit.
The Shard: We didn’t make it to The Shard, but the views from the observation deck are some of the best in the city. We would love to indulge in the views next time versus all the ground level views we gather passing the infamous Shard.
Day Trips: If we had more time, we would have loved to take a day trip to places like Oxford, Cambridge, or even King’s Cross Station for all the Harry Potter fans out there.
London is a city that has something for everyone—whether you’re into history, food, shopping, or just exploring new neighborhoods. This 4-day itinerary offers a perfect introduction to the best that the city has to offer, but there’s so much more to discover. The key to making the most of your trip is balancing planning with spontaneity, because sometimes the best experiences come when you least expect them. We can’t wait to go back, and we’re sure you’ll fall in love with London just as we did.
As always, safe travels Jet-Setters!
– A & K