4 Days in London ; Itinerary Between Museums and Districts

Museums, iconic districts and gourmet addresses make up this 4 days in London itinerary in the heart of the English capital.

A 4 Days in London Programme

The British capital lends itself perfectly to a short but intense stay. Between culture, cinema and treats, each day reveals a different side of the city.

Day 1 ; Natural History Museum and Sherlock Holmes

The stay begins in a friend’s pretty, cosy house in South Kensington, a true cocoon in the heart of London. The district is home to the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum. Its elegant streets offer an atmosphere that is cultural, refined and full of life. An inspiring visit easily precedes a lovely address for lunch or a coffee.

A visit to the Natural History Museum perfectly launches this first day. A few steps from the house, this museum impresses as much with its architecture as with its collections. Dinosaurs, fossils, meteorites and a blue whale suspended in the central hall take young and old on a spectacular journey. Natural history is discovered here in an immersive atmosphere.

The building opened in 1881, designed by the architect Alfred Waterhouse. Its terracotta facade hides sculpted monkeys, birds and plants. Since 2017, the blue whale skeleton nicknamed Hope has dominated the great hall. Entry remains free, as in most major London museums. Booking a time slot online nonetheless avoids queues at peak times.

Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street

The day continues with the Sherlock Holmes Museum, a charming address in the heart of Baker Street. From the entrance, the atmosphere of Victorian London takes hold and recalls the famous flat at 221B. Antique furniture, period objects and details inspired by the novels immerse visitors in the detective’s world. Each room evokes his famous cases with delightful precision.

Opened in 1990, the museum occupies a restored Georgian house. The 221B address, imagined by Arthur Conan Doyle, did not exist at the time of the novels. The museum later obtained this legendary number for its facade. On the top floor, wax figures bring the detective’s great cases to life. The neighbouring shop extends the visit with books, pipes and typical hats.

The day ends at Patara Thai, a gourmet address in the Kensington district.

Day 2 ; The Making of Harry Potter

Every trip to the English capital almost traditionally means an escape to the Leavesden Studios, near Watford. Behind the scenes of The Making of Harry Potter (in French) reveal the Great Hall and Diagon Alley.

Platform 9 ¾ and the Hogwarts Express sit alongside costumes, props and special effects. Between interactive exhibitions and legendary sets, the magic of British cinema works fully. Tickets should be booked well in advance directly on the Studio Tour website. At each visit, the wonder remains intact and the world of Harry Potter as immersive as ever. The day ends at Pizza Express, a well-known pizzeria chain in London.

From Euston station, the train reaches Watford Junction in about twenty minutes. A shuttle in the saga’s colours then runs to the studios. Allowing at least half a day on site lets you see everything without rushing.

Day 3 ; Notting Hill and Camden Town

Scones at Cheeky Scone, in Notting Hill, offer a gourmet break to start the day. The elegant and warm setting lets you gently soak up the district’s atmosphere. The walk continues to the famous Portobello Road market and its colourful stalls. The pastel facades of the Victorian houses and the locations of the film Notting Hill reinforce the cinematic atmosphere.

Portobello market is at its liveliest on Saturdays, antiques day. Released in 1999, the film Notting Hill made the district famous everywhere. Its blue door and the travel bookshop still attract fans. The neighbouring streets also reveal houses in bright colours, ideal for photos.

Paddington Station and Camden Markets

The walk then leads to Paddington Station, an iconic historic station and a major transit point for travellers. Paddington Bear embodies an endearing symbol of London culture there, loved by young and old. The afternoon is spent in Camden Town, a lively district known for its international street food. Alternative markets, original shops and a creative atmosphere make it a must-see cosmopolitan place.

Created by Michael Bond in 1958, the bear from Peru owes his name to this station. His bronze statue awaits travellers on one of the platforms. In Camden, the markets stretch along Regent’s Canal, around Camden Lock. Former stables, world food stalls and vintage shops coexist in a bohemian atmosphere.

The day ends on Regent Street, at Hamleys. Founded in 1760, this shop is considered the oldest toy store in the world. Each floor offers a playful experience that instantly revives your inner child. Demonstrations and activities punctuate the visit throughout the day.

Day 4 ; Shoreditch and the End of 4 Days in London

The last day begins with breakfast at Shoreditch Grind, in the heart of Shoreditch. This East London district cultivates a creative and alternative atmosphere. A former industrial area, it has become a hotspot for street art, design and concept stores. Brick Lane, Old Spitalfields Market and Boxpark Shoreditch blend culture, gastronomy and nightlife. The whole perfectly embodies modern and artistic London.

On Sundays, Brick Lane and Columbia Road host their markets, including a famous flower market. The district’s walls change regularly, with new murals by artists from all over the world. A walk remains the best way to discover this open-air museum.

Tower Bridge and Temple Church

Before catching the plane, a final walk passes Tower Bridge. It continues to Temple Church, famous for serving as a set for the film The Da Vinci Code.

Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge houses glass walkways more than 40 metres above the Thames. Temple Church, consecrated in 1185, was built by the Knights Templar. Its circular plan is inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.

A stop at Toklas Bakery restores energy before the return. As always, London leaves behind its share of discoveries and comforting moments. Other addresses in the capital can be found in the account of a previous trip to London (in French).

Preparing Your 4 Days in London

From Switzerland, a direct flight reaches London in less than two hours. At Heathrow, the Elizabeth line and the Piccadilly line lead to the city centre without changing. On the Tube and buses, a contactless bank card is enough to pay for each journey. A daily cap automatically limits total spending. The major national museums remain free, which lightens the budget. The Making of Harry Potter, on the other hand, should be booked several weeks in advance. With these tips, 4 days in London offer a rich and varied first glimpse.

4 Days in London