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Words Contributed by London local travel photographer and writerBronwyn Townsend. Images by Jessica Wright.
Having lived in London for almost a decade now, I’ve come to enjoy its varying neighborhoods and thriving creative scene. And I’m still not over being able to walk past centuries-old historic corners. Whether cozying up beside the fireplace in a pub on a cold winter’s evening or making the most of long summer days in the city’s green spaces, London is perfect to visit any time of the year.
If you’re heading to London for the first time, I always recommend three days as the perfect taster trip. It gives you enough time to see the iconic sights the city is known for, enjoy a few quintessential London activities, and visit some of the city’s best neighborhoods. This itinerary will guide you through how to make the most of that time in England’s capital.
London is a big city and with dozens of museums, plenty of monuments, and hundreds of incredible coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs, narrowing down exactly what to see can feel like a challenge. That’s where this itinerary for 3 days in London will help you maximize your time in the British capital.
Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in London:
Hotels
- Henrietta Experimental, for the best central London hotel
- The Langham London, for the best luxury hotel
- Cheval Gloucester Park at Kensington, for the best family-friendly hotel
Things to Do
- Visit the Tower of London and see the Crown Jewels
- Ride the London Eye and take in panoramic views of the city
- Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the changing of the guard
- Tour Westminster Abbey
- Enjoy Royal High Tea at Kensington Palace
- Visit Tower Bridge
More Helpful London Posts
You can also read my complete guide of where to stay in London for a more comprehensive breakdown on the different neighborhoods and hotels I recommend. For even more London intel, don’t miss these posts:
- 48 Hours in London: Best Things to Do in 2 Days
- The 15 Essential Things to Do in London
- Where to Stay in London: Best Areas For First-Timers
The Perfect 3 Day London Itinerary
London Travel Tips Before You Arrive
There are a few things to know that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable while you’re in London. From how to best navigate the destinations on this itinerary to when to visit, these are some tips to ensure you have a great trip to London.
How to Get Around
One of the things I love most is how well-connected London is. The tube takes you from east to west and north to south on colorful lines that intersect throughout the city. Those cherry-red double-decker buses take you from A to B above ground, and you can even take in the sights from the Thames via a river boat. And of course, you can walk between destinations too when they’re closer together.
Oyster is London’s tap-on/tap-off public transport payment system. You can top up a card and use it to tap on and off for most journeys (you only need to tap on but not off for buses) and it will charge you based on your journey. Alternatively, your credit card can also be used the same way if your provider allows it.
Book Tickets for Attractions in Advance
If you’re planning to visit popular attractions such as the Tower of London, it’s recommended to book your ticket in advance. Sometimes tickets sell out in advance or you may spend time waiting in long queues, so choosing your date and (sometimes time) for entry is advisable.
Check Which Airport
Most international flights will arrive/depart at London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports, however five airports are typically listed for flights to and from London, especially if you’re arriving from European destinations. London Heathrow and London City are the most convenient and well-connected airports that are closer to central London. I’d recommend avoiding flights to/from London Stansted or London Luton airports, as they are quite far north of the city.
Day 1: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, and Covent Garden
Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
The best place to start your trip to London is in the historic and iconic area of Westminster. Home to the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower (where you’ll find Big Ben), it’s best to arrive here early in the morning. As black cabs and red double-deckers drive over Westminster Bridge, it will feel like scenes straight out of a movie. From Westminster Bridge, you can also spot the London Eye in Southbank.
From there, make your way to Westminster Abbey. Considered an architectural masterpiece with styles from the 13th to 16th centuries, it’s a treasure of London. You can choose to take a guided tour and visit the interior which will highlight the history of the Abbey as well as showcase numerous historical artifacts through several exhibitions.
Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park
London is known for its green spaces and the next part of your day will take you through a few of them. Walking through St James Park from Westminster Abbey you’ll spot ponds, shaded park spaces, and swans. In spring and summer, the gardens are in bloom with beautiful floral displays and it’s the perfect place for a picnic lunch.
At the opposite end of St James Park is Buckingham Palace. The official residence of His Majesty King Charles III, and one of the top spots for tourists to visit in London. For a few weeks each summer you can also book to visit the state rooms, usually from July to September. From Buckingham Palace, head across the road and you’ll enter Hyde Park. Enjoy an afternoon out on a boat or pedalo in The Serpentine, wander through the rose garden, or enjoy royal high tea at Kensington Palace. There are also several cafes and huts selling drinks and ice creams making it a great spot for a sunny afternoon.
If you’re into history, the Churchill War Rooms is also located on the edge of the park and offers an immersive look into what life was like during the Second World War.
Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a must-visit while in London. Home to The Apple Market, several west-end shows, and plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops, it’s a great place to wind up your day. From Hyde Park, you can jump on the tube and head here. There are regular exhibitions from local artists on display in the market building or piazza, as well as pop-up events celebrating everything from Wimbledon to Christmas.
The area is home to some great cafes and coffee shops, including Grind, Fair Shot Cafe, and Monmouth Coffee. I also recommend grabbing a freshly baked cinnamon bun from Buns from Home.
Covent Garden is a great spot for dinner with plenty of choice of cuisine. Some of my personal favorites are Ave Mario serving up Italian in a boldly decorated interior, SUSHISAMBA which has a lovely open terrace in a Grade II listed building, and Dishoom which offers modern Indian cuisine.
To end your day, walk down towards Waterloo Bridge and take in the scenes along the Thames where the London Eye is lit up at night.
Day 2: Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Sky Garden, Borough Market, Piccadilly and Soho
Tower Bridge and Tower of London
In the morning start with a coffee at WatchHouse Coffee, before heading to one of London’s defining landmarks, Tower Bridge. With its two towers and sky-blue and white beams, it’s a stunning architectural addition to London’s skyline. If you want to, you can visit the two towers and walk across the glass walkway above the road below for a unique view of the bridge.
From here, head over to the north side of the Thames to the Tower of London. Home to the Crown Jewels and steeped in history, this castle has been UNESCO Heritage listed and is home to the Ravens who are known as the guardians of the Tower. You can easily spend one to two hours visiting the Tower of London.
Sky Garden
There are several iconic places to get a bird’s eye view of London, but my favorite is Sky Garden. This viewpoint has 360-degree views across the city, two bars, and a restaurant, all among a lush indoor botanical garden. I don’t recommend eating here, as your next stop is all about food, and you’ll want to save space. Tickets to Sky Garden are available three weeks in advance and are free, but you do need to book a timed entry.
Borough Market
Head across London Bridge and straight to Borough Market for lunch. In the last 30 years or so, this historic market has become a mainstay of London’s food scene, filled with dozens of brilliant food and drink stalls, as well as brick-and-mortar stores, cafes, and restaurants. For a lighter lunch, I recommend the gooey grilled cheese sandwiches from Kappacasein or the slow-cooked meat baguettes from Hobbs Roast.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, Agora souvla bar offers great Greek dishes based around a charcoal rotisserie, or Brindisa Kitchen Bar serves classic Spanish cuisine. For those with a sweet tooth, Humble Crumble is a must-try thanks to its farmers market fruity base topped with crunchy crumble and vanilla custard.
Lastly, if you’re a fan of modern design, the Millennium Bridge and Tate Modern Museum are also on this side of town and worth considering a visit.
Piccadilly Circus and Soho
Piccadilly is the home of London’s theater scene and the iconic neon-lit square that earned the ‘circus’ part of the area’s name. The most remarkable thing about these light-up billboards is that they’re never turned off, they run 24/7. There are numerous theaters in the area showing some of the most popular musicals in the world, including Les Miserables, Matilda, and The Book of Mormon. It’s worth checking out if there are any shows you’d like to catch while in town.
From Piccadilly Circus, you can explore the surrounding areas including Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery, over to Regent and Oxford Streets for shopping, or Leicester Square. Fortnum and Mason and Liberty of London are must-visit stores that showcase some of the UK’s best produce and a great place to pick up some souvenirs to take home. If you’re visiting in December, Fortnum and Mason also have an excellent Christmas display and decorations that are worth visiting.
Soho is a great place to end your day due to its vibrant dining scene. Foodies will appreciate the abundance of choice in cuisine from Italian and Indian to Iranian and Japanese. A few recommendations I’d suggest include Berenjak for Iranian grilled tandoor, grab Spanish at Barrafina, and vegetarians will love Mildreds. Generally, Greek Street has great restaurant offerings and I recommend making a reservation if you have your heart set on eating somewhere in particular.
Day 3: Kensington, Museums, Notting Hill and Afternoon Tea
Kensington and V&A or Natural History Museum
You can’t visit London without stopping by at least one museum and best of all, many are free to enter. While there are dozens to choose from, my favorites are located in South Kensington; the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum. The first is great for art lovers and offers a range of paid temporary exhibitions, from musical icons to fashion powerhouses. The Natural History Museum is perfect for families, with displays ranging from botany to zoology and science and several interactive exhibits.
If you want to grab breakfast before heading to one of the museums, Farm Girl and Coco Momo are great brunch options in Kensington.
Notting Hill
Staying in West London, head over to Notting Hill. Much loved by locals and visitors alike, the colorful mews and townhouses make this the insta-perfect spot. Notting Hill has numerous great eateries making a good place to stop for lunch today. Akub offers delicious Palestinian cuisine in a quaint street, Orasay is a great seafood restaurant inspired by the Outer Hebrides, or try out Taqueria for low-key Mexican dining.
If your itinerary in London falls on a Saturday, Portobello Road Market runs along the street with stall holders selling handcrafted goods, antiques, vintage cameras, and tons of food choices. It can become quite busy, especially when the weather is great, so I’d recommend starting here in the morning and then heading to Kensington afterward. Even if you don’t visit Notting Hill on a Saturday, there are loads of independent shops and boutiques worth browsing.
Traditional Afternoon Tea
If there’s one thing that feels quintessentially British, it’s afternoon tea in London. Finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a good brew are the perfect way to spend an afternoon and it’s a year-round activity that can’t be dampened by bad weather. When it comes to choosing where to enjoy afternoon tea, you’re spoiled for choice.
For a timeless classic, I highly recommend afternoon tea at The Palm Parlour at The Ritz. The Drawing Room at Brown’s Hotel has a great atmosphere without needing to be overly formal, and Dean Street Townhouse offers a budget-friendly afternoon tea option under £50 per person.
As your trip draws to a close, you can either spend your final hours wandering around neighborhoods like Marylebone with its upscale restaurants and boutiques or wander along the Thames at Southbank.
More Helpful London Posts
- 48 Hours in London: Best Things to Do in 2 Days
- The 15 Essential Things to Do in London
- Where to Stay in London: Best Areas For First-Timers
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PS — Are You Booking a Trip Soon? Use My Booking Checklist!
These are the sites I use most to book my own trips. Using the links below is a great way to support Bon Traveler’s travel journalism at no extra cost to you. If you need help organizing your itinerary, get my free travel itinerary template here.
1. Book Your Flights
I use Skyscanner to find the best flights. It searches 100s of airlines and websites across the globe to ensure you’re not missing out on any route options or deals.
2. Book Your Accommodations
I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses. They have the biggest inventory and consistently offer the best rates.
3. Book Your Tours & Experiences
I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines. I always check both as their inventory varies depending on the destination.
4. Book Your Rental Car
Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations. I use Discover Cars for our rental cars, select full coverage insurance, and opt for a reputable company like Alamo, Hertz, or Sixt.
5. Don’t Forget Airport Lounge Access
I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover. I’ve been a member for over a decade, and having a comfortable place to relax before and between flights makes air travel so much more enjoyable.
6. Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.). I use it frequently for my travels to stay protected.
My favorite companies that offer the best coverage and rates are:
- World Nomads (best for all-around)
- Safety Wing (best for frequent travelers)
Xx,
Jessica
