4 Days in London: Itinerary + Local’s Guide (2024)

I created this 4 day London itinerary to celebrate my one year anniversary of moving to The Big Smoke. Since then, I’ve spent countless hours exploring the city on my own and playing travel guide for visiting family. And now, I’m sharing my updated guide for spending 4 days in London–along with some insider tips!

Lion statue with Big Ben and red double decker bus in distance seen during 4 days in London.

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Shirakawa-go Day Trip Itinerary: A Scenic Guide

After numerous trips across the Land of the Rising Sun, I can safely say that this Shirakawa-go day trip itinerary was the best travel experience I’ve had in Japan. From the scenic bus ride through the mountains to the steaming bowl of miso ramen that chased the chill from our bones, every moment of our Shirakawa-go journey was pure magic.

Gassho houses near pond covered in snow seen during winter Shirakawago day trip.

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Tokyo Itinerary: 6 Days of Sightseeing and Hidden Gems

Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Ancient shrines sit across from busy shopping centers.  Cherry blossom trees grow in front of flashing billboards. Narrow alleys with tiny restaurants hide behind six-lane roads and skyscrapers. And with this 6 day Tokyo itinerary, you’ll have time to experience the city’s highlights and hidden gems.

Street view of Shinjuku buildings and billboards at night among tourists doing 6 day Tokyo itinerary.

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31 Best Gifts from London Recommended by a Local

From antique books to adorable bears, there are endless things to buy in London when you come for a visit. As an expat, I feel compelled to bring a few of the best gifts from London when I return to the US to see family and friends.

Holiday display with Mario and Santa Claus LEGO figures in Covent Garden, seen while shopping for best gifts from London.

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50 UK Bucket List Ideas For Travel Lovers

From ancient castles to raucous festivals, there’s no shortage of UK bucket list ideas for travel enthusiasts. It seems like every time I check off an item from my own list, I learn about some other incredible thing to see, do, or eat!

Exterior of Blenheim Palace with union jack flag runner, among the top uk bucket list ideas in England.

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Kyoto 2 Day Itinerary: A Super Efficient Guide

Writing this Kyoto 2 day itinerary was an interesting challenge. Trying to condense my favorite city into 48 hours of sightseeing was no simple feat! But if you can only afford to spend two days in Kyoto, this itinerary will guide you through the ancient city’s highlights as efficiently as possible.

Pink cherry blossoms near river and bridge spotted during Kyoto 2 day itinerary.

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13 Easy Day Trips from Kyoto for Nature Lovers

Kyoto is a wonderfully verdant city. Travelers flock here for bamboo groves, flower-lined paths, and tranquil shrine gardens. But if you have some time to spare, there are plenty of easy day trips from Kyoto that will particularly delight nature lovers.

Miho no Matsubara beach with Mount Fuji views is one of the best day trips from Kyoto.

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Osaka-Kyoto-Nara Itinerary: 6 Amazing Days in Kansai Japan

Vibrant streets, awe-inspiring temples, delicious street food… This Osaka-Kyoto-Nara itinerary has it all. If you only have one week in Japan and want to experience as much of the country’s culture and history as possible, head to the Kansai region!

View over Kyoto city from Kiyomizudera main gate area as seen during Osaka Kyoto Nara itinerary.

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Lake Biwa Day Trip: Water, Mountains, and Sacred Sites

If you’re traveling through Japan’s Kansai region, a Lake Biwa day trip is the perfect addition to your itinerary. From floating torii gates to mountain top temples, there’s more to this area than the typical lakeside activities you’d expect.

Floating torii gate at sunrise, a popular place to visit during a Lake Biwa day trip.

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Japan Off the Beaten Path: 16 Amazing Japan Hidden Gems

When planning a dream trip to Japan, the bustling cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka usually spring to mind. But it would be a mistake not to explore Japan off the beaten path, even if it’s your first trip to the country.

Woman with red umbrella walking through forest in Japan off the beaten path.

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