London is a city that is full of history, culture, and attractions, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. With so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to London, especially if you only have a few days. In this article, we’ll provide some tips and recommendations for sightseeing in London over the course of 3 to 4 days.
The London Pass
If you plan on visiting multiple attractions in London, the London Pass is an excellent way to save money and time. The pass gives you access to over 80 attractions in the city, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and the Churchill War Rooms. In addition to free entry, the pass also includes fast-track entry to some of the busiest attractions, which can save you hours of waiting in line. The pass comes in a variety of durations, ranging from 1 to 10 days, so you can choose the one that best fits your itinerary.
Getting from the Airport to Central London
London has several airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, and London City Airport. The easiest and fastest way to get from the airport to central London is by taking the express train or the Tube (London’s subway system). The Heathrow Express and Gatwick Express are fast, direct trains that will take you from the airport to Paddington Station in central London. From there, you can take the Tube or a taxi to your hotel. The Stansted Express and Luton Express also offer direct train service to central London. If you’re arriving at London City Airport, you can take the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) to Bank Station and transfer to the Tube.
Visit the Famous London Squares
London is known for its beautiful squares, which are surrounded by historic buildings, statues, and fountains. Here are some of the most famous squares in London that are worth a visit:
- Trafalgar Square: This is one of the most famous squares in London, and it’s home to the National Gallery, which has an impressive collection of artwork.
- Piccadilly Circus: This bustling square is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and theaters. It’s also a popular spot for street performers and artists.
- Leicester Square: This square is famous for its cinemas, which host many movie premieres throughout the year. It’s also home to the TKTS booth, where you can buy discounted theater tickets.
- Covent Garden: This square is known for its bustling market, street performers, and boutique shops. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Explore the Thames
The Thames is the iconic river that runs through the heart of London, and there are many attractions and sights to see along its banks. Here are some of the top things to do on or near the Thames:
- Take a river cruise: A river cruise is a great way to see many of London’s top attractions from a different perspective. There are many different companies that offer cruises along the Thames, ranging from short sightseeing tours to longer dinner cruises.
- Visit the Tower of London: The Tower of London is one of the most famous landmarks in London, and it’s located on the north bank of the Thames. It’s home to the Crown Jewels, the iconic Yeoman Warders (also known as Beefeaters), and many other historic buildings.
- Walk across the Millennium Bridge: The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian-only bridge that spans the Thames, and it offers stunning views of St. Paul’s Cathedral and the city skyline.
- Visit the Tate Modern: The Tate Modern is a world-famous art museum that’s located in a prime location on the banks of the River Thames. It is housed in a former power station, which has been converted into a stunning modern art museum. The Tate Modern is known for its impressive collection of contemporary and modern art from around the world.