London · Itinerary
4 days in London from Notting Hill to Greenwich
Four days allow you to move beyond the central sightseeing circuit without filling every hour. This plan pairs Westminster with the West End, gives the Tower its own eastern route, then slows down around Notting Hill and the canal. Finish in Greenwich, where the riverside buildings and park make a distinct outing within London. Keep one main booked attraction per day.
At a glance
- Where to stay
- Choose Covent Garden for the central evenings, or King's Cross for convenient transport and access to the canal walk. South Bank and Southwark suits travelers who want to begin or finish several days beside the Thames.
- Book ahead
- Tower of London, Sky Garden, West End shows
- Other lengths
- 2 days 3 days
Day 1: Westminster and a focused gallery visit
- Morning
- Start around Parliament Square and visit Westminster Abbey if sightseeing is available. Walk along Birdcage Walk into St James's Park, then approach Buckingham Palace through the park rather than retracing your route.
- Afternoon
- Follow The Mall toward Trafalgar Square and spend a focused couple of hours at the National Gallery. Continue along the Strand to Covent Garden, using the remaining time for its side streets and covered market buildings.
- Evening
- Plan a West End show after an early dinner. If you prefer an unbooked evening, walk down to the Victoria Embankment and follow the river toward Waterloo Bridge for views in both directions.
- Dinner
- Eat at Rules and choose a traditional British main from the current menu, allowing a generous interval before any show.
Day 2: The Tower and the streets of the City
- Morning
- Visit the Tower of London, then cross Tower Bridge for views back toward the fortress. Follow the south bank west to London Bridge, pausing along the waterfront before crossing into the City.
- Afternoon
- Walk through Leadenhall Market and continue toward St Dunstan in the East. These stops give the afternoon a smaller scale after the Tower. Add a booked Sky Garden visit if you want an elevated view nearby.
- Evening
- Head toward Spitalfields and walk along Brushfield Street before exploring Brick Lane. Leave time for dinner in the East End, then use a station suited to your accommodation rather than walking back across central London.
- Dinner
- Book Tayyabs and order Punjabi grilled dishes with dal and bread, checking the current menu when you reserve.
Day 3: Notting Hill and the Regent's Canal
- Morning
- Walk Portobello Road from Notting Hill Gate, exploring the side streets around Westbourne Grove. Market activity varies by day, so check the official market information if stalls are the main reason for your visit.
- Afternoon
- Travel to Warwick Avenue and walk toward Little Venice. Follow accessible sections of the Regent's Canal towpath toward Regent's Park, using street diversions where needed. Keep the route flexible and finish when you have had enough walking.
- Evening
- Continue by public transport to King's Cross and explore Granary Square and the canal nearby. The broad steps and waterside paths make a useful place to pause before dinner after a day spent outdoors.
- Dinner
- Choose a restaurant around King's Cross and order a seasonal vegetable main or grilled fish after the canal walk.
Day 4: Greenwich by river and park
- Morning
- Take a river boat to Greenwich for a different approach to the city. From the pier, explore the grounds of the Old Royal Naval College and walk toward the Queen's House, checking access before entering.
- Afternoon
- Choose the National Maritime Museum or the Queen's House, then climb through Greenwich Park for the view back toward the river. Check the Royal Observatory's official site before planning any visit around the Prime Meridian.
- Evening
- Walk back through Greenwich town center before returning by train or DLR. If you still want a final central walk, finish near London Bridge and follow the river toward Bankside.
- Dinner
- Choose a pub in Greenwich and order fish and chips or a vegetable pie before traveling back.
Tips
Tips for 4 days in London
- Check towpath access before the canal day and use nearby streets whenever a section is closed or feels too narrow.
- Treat the Greenwich park climb as optional if you have limited mobility; the waterfront and museums still fill a rewarding day.
- Reserve the river journey for a day with reasonable visibility, and use rail or DLR if the weather turns.
Questions
4 days in London from Notting Hill to Greenwich
Does Greenwich count as a full day?
Yes. The boat journey, a museum visit, the riverside grounds and a walk through the park comfortably fill a day without needing another major attraction.
Can I replace Greenwich with Windsor?
Yes. Reserve the fourth day for Windsor and check castle opening arrangements before booking transport. Keep the other three days unchanged because they form separate London routes.
What should I do if the canal day is wet?
Replace most of the outdoor walking with the British Museum or a South Kensington museum. Keep dinner around King's Cross if that still suits your accommodation.
Is this suitable for a first visit?
Yes. It covers Westminster, the Tower and the West End while leaving space for neighborhood walks. Add extra museum time by shortening the third day's outdoor route.
Plan the rest