The Perfect London Itinerary: 4 Days of Fun

As one of the most historical but innovative capital cities in Europe, flocks of tourists head to London each year. As such a large and diverse city, there's so much to see, do and explore, but usually, so little time to try do it all. We here at Plum Guide are here to help you – not only with our remarkable collection of homes in the city, but also our expert London itinerary for 4 days.

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Today is all about getting an overall feel for the city so wake up, dig into an English breakfast at the local greasy spoon around the corner from your Plum home like The Spotted Cheetah and get ready to sightsee. A neighbourhood like Covent Garden is one of the best places to stay in London for tourists, near to many of its most famous monuments and attractions. It's also home to some of the most impressive aparthotels in the English capital, so you won't even have to venture far from your dream temporary residence. Your first stop is Westminster Abbey. Dating back to 1245, this is the final resting place of Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and more. Royal family aficionados will appreciate this is also the spot where Prince William and Kate Middleton tied the knot. Speaking of royalty, it’s time to go check out Buckingham Palace. If you’ve got the little ones in tow try and arrive in time to witness the Changing of the Guards. Next it’s lunch in Soho at L’Escargot, the neighbourhood’s oldest French restaurant. Once satiated, keep the historical vibe going with a few hours spent at the British Museum. When you’ve had just about all the boredom education you can take, make your way to The London Eye for sunset over the capital. For your first night’s dinner in London, we recommend The Wolseley, a chic and sumptuous establishment. Whatever you do, don’t skip dessert, it’s to die for.

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If any of you work in finance, you’ll know all about London’s City neighbourhood. This is where eager young men and women go to die give up their creative dreams and get down to the business of making money. It is also home to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Tower of London, two excellent ways to spend the second morning of your four day London itinerary. For the fitness or acoustics obsessed, climb up the 257 steps to the top of St. Pauls to check out the Whispering Gallery. Next make your way towards Tower Bridge where the teens can stop for some memorable selfies on the way to the Tower of London. One of the city’s most popular attractions, this former royal residence, prison and now museum was built by William the Conquerer. One of its prime attractions today is the Crown Jewels. You’ll want to head straight for Bond Street’s jewel shops after seeing these babies, but resist the urge and make your way to Borough Market instead. This street food paradise is the perfect stop for lunch and is London’s oldest food market at 1000 years old (yes, that’s even older than your in-laws). After you’ve eaten and drunk your full, heed the call of your credit card from earlier and make your way to Oxford Street. Check out the fabulous department store Selfridges (of Mr. Selfridge fame) or walk to Bond Street where designer boutiques shine brightly even on grey London days. Work up an appetite for supper with a leisurely stroll through nearby Hyde Park. Anywhere around here is a great place to stay in London with kids. After an early dinner at delicious and nutritious Granger and Co. If the children haven't joined you for this trip to London, then make your date night reservations at 69 Colebroke Row - also known as The Bar With No Name - where you’ll enjoy vintage style cocktails until you truly feel your age, before retiring back to your pick of London's best holiday rentals for a perfect night's sleep.

Hopefully you’re not too hungover today because you’re about to get back on the water. Book a self-guided boat tour with GoBoat London and spend an hour or two exploring the city’s fascinating and beautiful canals. Jump off the boat in Camden to relive your goth high school years and check out the trinkets and souvenirs of Camden Market, or make it a round trip and finish where you started. A delicious seafood lunch at The Summerhouse in Paddington on the canal is a glorious choice for lunch before an afternoon of art. If you're staying in a Plum home like Tamworth in Kensington, then the nearby V&A is home to a diverse and exciting collection that spans from antique Indian furniture, to costumes, fashion, jewels, paintings and sculptures. Choosing this museum means you can make the walk to Harrods afterwards and reward yourself for the dose of culture with a designer item of your choice. The iconic department store is also home to a dreamy ice cream parlour which will be the highlight of your kids day should you choose to indulge them. If you tend to prefer contemporary art, go to the Tate Modern. Located on London’s South Bank, a visit to the Shakespeare’s Globe theatre is a must when around here. If you’re a fan of the Bard, arrange to come for a matinee. You can’t come all the way to London on your budget without going out for sushi. If you really want to splash the cash, head to the ultra-exclusive The Araki where you're offered a set menu of tantalising top-grade sushi in a simple space that seats only nine. This is definitely not one for the kids if you're enjoying your London itinerary of 4 days with them. Otherwise keep it classic with a table at Zuma or Nobu where the only thing buzzier than the atmosphere is how the cocktails will make you feel. All of these dinner options are perfect for a special occasion, like celebrating a birthday in London, and you need to book one of the top vacation rentals in London for any special trip too.

It’s the final morning of your London itinerary of 4 days, and we’re not going to be taking it easy on you. Rise early and appreciate waking up in one of the most remarkable short stay lets in London, before grabbing a classic salt beef or smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel at Brick Lane Beigel. Now that you’re suitably fuelled, it’s time to enjoy Brick Lane where vibrant street art, outdoor food markets, vintage fashion boutiques, coffee shops and curry shops line the cobbled street. Spend a few hours browsing, shopping, snacking and getting that Instagram content (you don’t want to be the one friend not showing up their perfect brood). Your next stop is Old Spitalfields Market, which dates back to the 17th century. Here you’ll find scrumptious food stalls in case you’re hungry again, as well as jewellery, books and clothes vendors. Let the shopping continue. As evening nears, enjoy your last night in Shoreditch. There are many great restaurants to choose from, but for some delicious Indian food in a fun and relaxed atmosphere, we recommend Dishoom. Left the kids with the grandparents for this trip? Well then, there's no excuse. Next, hit a lively local pub or trendy cocktail bar Nightjar if you prefer your drinks pink. It’s your last night in London and you deserve to let your hair down.

And there we have it, our carefully crafter London itinerary of 4 days. If this has tempted you to a city break, browse our collection of London luxury serviced apartments to start planning your trip. Our home critics meticulously vet each and every award-winning home on our site, considering everything from WiFi speed to interior design. We're serious about standards, and we know you are too.