Land at Heathrow; allow time for immigration, baggage and VAT/taxi options. Expect 60–90 minutes depending on queues. If hungry, Heathrow has many food outlets in Terminals 2–5.
Take Heathrow Express to Paddington (~15–20min) then a short taxi (15–20min) or direct taxi from Heathrow for door-to-door comfort; traffic can vary so allow ~60–90min total. Private/minicab possible if you have heavy luggage.
Stroll through St. James's Park to view Buckingham Palace from the outside and enjoy the park's lake and pelicans — a calm free introduction to London. Changing of the Guard is free but runs on a specific schedule; check the official schedule ahead (typically around 11:00am on selected days).
Short taxi/Tube to Trafalgar Square — the National Gallery is free and open until usually 6:00–6:30pm (check day-specific times). Visit iconic paintings quickly (rooms 30–36 for masterpieces).
A grand, popular spot for modern European classics; reserve ahead. Good for a first-night elegant dinner near St. James and Piccadilly. (Open evenings; booking recommended.)
Have a hearty hotel breakfast for convenience before a full day, or try Regency Cafe for classic British breakfast and an iconic Art Deco interior (opens around 7:30–8:00am).
From the hotel, walk to see Big Ben, Houses of Parliament and the exterior of Westminster Abbey. Interior visits are paid and typically open 9:30am–3:30pm; if you want to go inside, book timed tickets in advance.
Walk east along the Thames to the South Bank promenade for lively street performers and river views. London Eye is iconic but paid (approx 30–40min for the ride); the riverside walk is free and worth doing.
Tate Modern's permanent collection is free and normally open 10:00–18:00 (Fridays later). Walk along the Thames and see the modern art galleries and Shakespeare's Globe (tours are paid).
Cross to Borough Market for varied lunch options: artisan sandwiches, British cheeses, or international street food. Market trading hours vary but many stalls open 10:00–5:00; best to arrive by 12–1pm.
Head east to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and medieval towers. Typical opening is 9:00–16:30/17:30 depending on season; buy timed tickets online to avoid queues. If short on time, admire Tower Bridge exterior and the riverside instead (free to walk across).
Return west along the river or take the Tube to Covent Garden to experience the piazza, street performers and shops — a good late-afternoon relaxation point.
Popular Bombay-restaurant with great flavors; book or expect a wait. Open in evenings (usually until ~10–11pm); dishes are shareable and excellent for a lively dinner.
Catch a West End show (book ahead) or enjoy Covent Garden’s nighttime atmosphere and street performances. If you prefer free options, walk through Leicester Square and see neon lights and buskers.
If your return date is Sunday, Portobello Road Market is bustling with antiques, fashion and street food; best explored 9:00–12:00 when most stalls are active. It's free to wander — buy souvenirs if you like.
Short Tube ride to South Kensington to visit either the Natural History Museum or V&A — both have free permanent collections and typically open 10:00–17:30; pick one depending on interest and time.
Casual lunch at Honest Burgers for a quality burger and chips near the museums, or choose The Ivy Chelsea Garden for a more relaxed sit-down menu. Allow time to return to hotel, collect luggage and check out.
Head back to your hotel to collect luggage; leave buffer for traffic and transport to Heathrow. Aim to depart central London by 3:00pm for a 7:00pm flight to give three-plus hours at the airport.
Take a pre-booked taxi (60–90min depending on traffic) or Tube + Heathrow Express from Paddington (Express ~15–20min + Tube to Paddington). For international flights, arrive airport by ~4:30pm–5:00pm for check-in/security.