A plan for your group trip, in a minute

1. Day 1

   Westminster & South Bank

   1. 09:30· MorningBig Ben and the Houses of ParliamentThe classic photo from Westminster Bridge, then a loop round Parliament Square. Free and easy to pair with the Abbey.~1 hFree
   2. 12:30· LunchChinatownA few compact streets of dim sum, noodles and bakeries off Leicester Square — easy for a quick, cheap group lunch.~1 hLow cost
   3. 15:00· AfternoonLondon EyeA slow half-hour loop above the Thames with views over Westminster. Pre-booked tickets save time in the queue.~1 hPriceyKid-friendly
   4. 19:30· EveningSouth Bank riverside strollWalk the river from the London Eye towards Tower Bridge past street performers, book stalls and lit-up bridges.~1.5 hFree
   ☔ Rainy day? National Gallery and Trafalgar Square — Van Gogh, Turner and Da Vinci for free, right on Trafalgar Square. An hour on the highlights suits most groups.
2. Day 2

   The City & Bankside

   1. 09:30· MorningSt Paul's CathedralWren's great dome — climb to the Whispering Gallery and the outer galleries for a view over the City.~1.5 hPriceyIndoors
   2. 12:30· LunchLeadenhall MarketOrnate Victorian covered market in the City with lunch spots and pubs. Buzzing on weekdays, quiet at weekends.~1 hLow cost
   3. 15:00· AfternoonTower BridgeWalk across for free; the exhibition with the high glass-floor walkway is an optional paid extra.~1 hFree
   4. 19:30· EveningShakespeare's GlobeOpen-air replica of Shakespeare's theatre; standing 'groundling' tickets are cheap. Summer season — bring a layer.~3 hMid-range
   ☔ Rainy day? Sky Garden — Free indoor garden and viewing deck at the top of a City tower. Free tickets are released in advance and go fast.
3. Day 3

   East London

   1. 09:30· MorningColumbia Road Flower MarketSunday-only flower market on a street of little shops and cafés. Go early — it's a squeeze by late morning.~1 hFree
   2. 12:30· LunchOld Spitalfields MarketCovered market with food stalls, makers and vintage finds. An easy group lunch where everyone picks their own.~1.5 hLow costIndoors
   3. 15:00· AfternoonShoreditch street-art walkMurals and paste-ups around Brick Lane, Redchurch Street and nearby lanes. Go on your own or join a walking tour.~2 hFree
   4. 19:30· EveningShoreditch barsOne of London's liveliest nights out — cocktail bars, rooftops and late venues within a few streets.~3 hMid-range
   ☔ Rainy day? Tate Modern — Modern art in a former power station, free to enter. Don't miss the free viewing level at the top.

Suggestions are a starting point: check opening days and book tickets ahead.

More on planning a trip to London