Let’s face it—London isn’t particularly famous for sunshine. When you imagine the British capital, chances are you envision rain, trench coats, and that incessant drizzle that simply refuses to go away, a bit like in Sherlock Holmes. But if you catch it at the right time, London can well be a great place to visit minus all that gloominess.
So rain isn’t your thing and you want to see the city at its best then? You need this 4-day itinerary. Whether you’re a first-timer here or want to catch more of London’s atmosphere, I’ve got the must-visit tourist attractions as well as some secrets—and a few of my favorites that I can’t resist visiting.
So wear on those shades (for real), put on some walking shoes, and let’s make the most of London while the sun is out!
Day 1: Traditional London but with a twist!
Morning: Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Let’s start with some of the city’s coolest attractions. The Tower of London is full of history—literally, it’s got queens imprisoned, royal intrigue, and those incredible Crown Jewels. I took the Yeoman Warder tour (aka the guys with the formal gear), and it was incredibly enlightening. You hear the actual stories, a little bit of dark wit, and side-splitting little tidbits you can’t get anywhere else.
Next door, literally, is Tower Bridge, and I highly recommend that folks walk across it rather than merely admiring it from afar. If you’re okay with heights, the glass walkway offers a crazy view of the cars and boats below. It’s such a blast to start the day and explore London from both above and below.
Afternoon: St. Paul’s Cathedral & Millennium Bridge
You can either walk or hop on the Tube to reach St. Paul’s Cathedral. It is seriously beautiful to look at on the outside, but let me tell you, the magic is within. I completely walked all the way to the Golden Gallery (yeah, I even counted it—528 steps) and was able to view one of the coolest city views ever.
You’ve got to visit the Millennium Bridge—it’s this totally amazing pedestrian bridge with great views of the Thames, and it leads you directly to Tate Modern if you’re feeling up for some culture. No joke, even if you only linger there for half an hour, it’s well worth it.
Evening: Southbank Stroll & Dinner
Finish your day with a relaxed sunset stroll at the Southbank. It’s not only a great spot: there are street performers, bookstalls, and plenty of street food on offer. You can eat at one of the riverfront restaurants or visit Borough Market if you get there early enough (there are some of the stalls closing by 6 PM). I chanced on this fantastic paella stall there once, and I am obsessed ever since!
Day 2: Museums, Parks, and a Bit of Royalty
Morning: British Museum
You can’t truly experience London unless you’ve done a museum day, right? You have to start at the British Museum. It’s free, it’s huge, and it’s full of amazing things from everywhere—such as the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles. How great is that?! I always put a timer on myself because, honestly, it’s incredibly easy to get sucked away there!
Afternoon: Hyde Park & Kensington Palace
After soaking up all that history, it’s time to get out. Start things out at Hyde Park—rent a bike or simply relax with a coffee and people-watch by the Serpentine. Kensington Palace is within super-walking distance, so you can get your royal fix too. I took a tour there last time I was here and discovered so much more than I was expecting, particularly about Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
Tonight: West End Show
End your day with a little drama—like, for real. London’s West End is buzzing with performances every evening. From the classic Les Misérables to more recent things like Six or Hamilton, there’s something for everyone. I totally splurged and got orchestra seats for The Lion King, and I seriously have zero regrets—it was incredible.
Day 3: London’s Quirks & Secret Gems
Breakfast? Camden Market!
It’s time to experience the weird side of London. Camden’s absolutely loud, incredibly colorful, and a gorgeous mess. You’ve got your punk fashion stalls, vegan brownies. it’s a sensory overload, but a good one. I was spending the entire morning browsing through vinyl records and all these funky retro shops. And don’t even begin on the street food—it’s crazy. You’ve got to do the Ethiopian curry or the Thai stir-fry prepared before your eyes.
Afternoon: King’s Cross & Harry Potter Stop
If you’re even slightly a Harry Potter fan, you’ve simply got to visit King’s Cross Station—it’s one of the coolest places to visit. Yes, Platform 9¾ is a bit touristy, but you absolutely need that wand-waving photo—it’s a must-do. And yes, it does have a Harry Potter shop there where I absolutely acquired a Gryffindor scarf (no apologies there!).
Tonight: Soho & Chinatown
Finish your day with dinner at Soho – it’s extremely lively, a bit crazy, but full of personality. You’ve got a lot of hip cocktail bars and quirky restaurants. I end up in Chinatown myself for dim sum or roast duck most times. It’s always crowded, but that’s what makes it great.
Day 4: Markets, Views, and Farewell
Morning: Borough Market
If you didn’t make it to Borough Market on Day 1, here’s your chance! Attempt to get there early in order to take it all in before it gets crowded. I typically grab a Monmouth coffee and a savory pie or a gourmet grilled cheese. No kidding, the samples are absolutely worth it!
Afternoon: London Eye & Thames Cruise
Let’s go check out London from a high vantage point! The London Eye is absolutely relaxed with views that are simply unequalled. You can then catch a Thames cruise straight from there (it’s within reach) and experience a relaxed sightseeing atmosphere. I enjoyed cruising past all the major attractions with a cider at hand on the deck.
Evening: Covent Garden Farewell
OK, then for your last evening, Covent Garden is the ideal place for dinner, a beverage, and grabbing a few final souvenir gifts. If the weather is good, plenty of restaurants offer open-air seating. I ate my last meal at this sweet little Italian restaurant, enjoying wine and the sounds of the live violin music wafting from the square. It was a wonderful farewell!
6 Pro tips to optimize your London experience!
1. Check the Weather Smartly
London’s weather apps can be hit or miss, but AccuWeather and the BBC Weather app tend to be more reliable. Plan indoor attractions for cloudy days and parks or walking tours for sunnier ones.
2. Get an Oyster Card or simply use Contactless
London public transport is great, and the most convenient way to travel is to use an Oyster Card or simply tap your credit card. You have buses, trains, the Tube – everything is there, and it will cost you less than paper tickets.
3. Stay Central to Save Time
Areas such as South Bank, Bloomsbury, or Covent Garden are ideal for beginners. You’ll be close to all the major attractions and won’t be wasting time traveling. I stayed in Bloomsbury last time and was able to walk to the British Museum, West End, and Soho easily.
4. Plan for Off-Peak Travel
London can get incredibly crowded, especially rush hour (7:30-9:30 AM and then 5-7 PM). It makes sense to plan ahead and visit then, or visit popular attractions at times you know it will not be so crowded then.
5. Book in Advance for Popular Spots
If you’re planning to visit the London Eye, Buckingham Palace (if it’s open), or go to a major West End production, book ahead of time. It secures your place and typically gains you more favorable rates.
6. Check out Google Maps Offline Mode!
You’re going to be walking a lot, so download some offline London maps in advance. I don’t even know how many times that’s rescued me when my signal died on the Tube or in busy areas.
In a nutshell: London at its best—and a bit of sun!
London is this strange blend—it’s antique history bumping shoulders with totally contemporary architecture, high-class royal trappings comingling with punk attitudes, and every so often, the sun coming out from behind the clouds to make everything pop a bit brighter. London on a sunny blue day was a total draw, and it highlighted how well-walkable and energizing the city is.
Wandering on the Southbank or being swept up in Camden antics, there wasn’t a single second on this trip that didn’t impress me with the number of layers London has. You’re always finding something new—even for a visitor who’s been here before, as I am.
So if you’re planning your own trip and crossing your fingers for good weather, remember: timing helps, but so does attitude. Rain or shine, London delivers—but when the sun’s out? It absolutely shines.