London is big, busy and full of surprises — and many of its best museums are completely free. Four days gives you a great first taste.
Top things to do in London
- British Museum — free entry to world treasures like the Rosetta Stone.
- Tower of London — the Crown Jewels and nearly 1,000 years of history.
- Westminster — Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace in one walk.
- South Bank — walk from the London Eye to Tate Modern and Borough Market.
- Camden & Notting Hill — markets, colourful houses and street food.
- A West End show — look for same-day discount tickets at Leicester Square.
The most popular sights sell out in high season, so check skip-the-line tickets and guided tours in London a few days before you go — most can be cancelled for free.
Where to stay in London
Choosing the right area makes a big difference. Here are our favourite neighbourhoods — whatever your budget, compare hotel prices in London and pick a room with free cancellation.
- Covent Garden / Soho — right in the centre for theatres and restaurants.
- South Kensington — elegant, near the big free museums and Hyde Park.
- Southwark / Bankside — riverside, great food, good value hotels.
- King’s Cross — excellent transport links, including Eurostar.
Getting around
Use contactless bank cards or your phone on the Tube, buses and trains — daily fares are capped automatically. From Heathrow, the Elizabeth line is the best value fast option; the Heathrow Express is quicker but pricier.
Before you go
- Flights: prices usually rise as the date gets closer — compare flights to London and use the whole-month view to find the cheapest days.
- Insurance: medical care abroad can be very expensive, so get travel insurance before you leave.
- Internet: install an eSIM for United Kingdom before you fly to be online as soon as you land, without roaming fees.
Practical tips
- Check entry rules before you go: many visitors now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).
- Stand on the right on escalators.
- Pack an umbrella in every season.
- Many museums are free, but booking a time slot is sometimes recommended.
Plan your trip to London
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
