When you’re planning a visit to the UK, this publish is chock stuffed with the very best issues so as to add to your 3 days in London itinerary.
Welcome to one of many world’s most essential and influential cities.
On the top of the British Empire, 25% of the world was managed by London.
Choices made within the British capital have formed historical past and created the world we all know as we speak.
For a lot of London is the world’s most cosmopolitan metropolis (sorry NYC). It’s historical past a centre of economics, politics and the humanities give town a dollop of historical past and tradition to which few different cities may even come shut.
Based because the Roman metropolis of Londinium in AD 43, it was the Nice Hearth of London the gave us town we see now.
And in newer historical past, because the British Empire grew so did London’s energy and status.
London’s wealthy historical past is current all over the place. From town’s many glorious museums to the tales and tales which have been handed down from era to era.
Between museums, the humanities, sporting occasions, parks, nice meals and loads of pubs there may be greater than sufficient to maintain you busy for 3 days.
In fact, you might be right here for for much longer as London is packed stuffed with stuff to do.
Nonetheless, our 3 days in London itinerary will provide you with all the very best bits to see, do and eat within the UK’s cosmopolitan capital.
The best way to Spend a Good 3 Days in London Itinerary
Our 3 days in London itinerary goes to take you to lots of the metropolis’s most well-known websites and areas.
Cost your cameras and get your most comfy sneakers prepared as a result of it’s going to be a jam-packed 3 days!
Day 1 – London Should-See Buildings and Structure
Our first day begins out at Westminster station and finishes at both Leicester Sq., Holborn or Covent Backyard tube stations.
This will depend on which station is finest so that you can head again to your lodging as they’re all in the identical space.
You’ll be able to consider this primary day as one lengthy strolling tour.
Take as a lot or as little time as you need at every focal point, however this an excellent introduction to London as a political and cultural centre.
Westminster Bridge
Head out of Westminster Station and take a brief stroll to Westminster Bridge for some pretty views alongside the Thames.
These will essentially embrace some glorious views of the Homes of Parliament.
Get right here early although. From about 10 am the bridge turns into jam-packed with vacationers, hawkers and folks making an attempt to commute.
- Nearest Tube Station: Westminster
Homes Of Parliament And Huge Ben
As of 2019 Huge Ben is present process a moderately main refit, so sadly you received’t get to see the well-known clock in all its glory.
The Homes of Parliament, alternatively, is development free at current.
The perfect views are from both Westminster Bridge or from Parliament Sq..
- Nearest Tube Station: Westminster
Westminster Abbey
This large cathedral is simply off Parliament. It turned most well-known as the situation of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage again in 2011.
Constructed-in 929 AD, this gorgeous piece of structure is a reminder of the significance of Christianity in England.
Be sure to purchase your cross for entrance into the Abbey.
- Deal with: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA
- Opening Hours: 9:30 am – 3:30 pm Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat. 9:30 – 6:00 pm on Weds. Closed on Sundays.
- Price: 16 GBP. Nonetheless, at 5 pm, you possibly can go to the evensong at no cost.
- Nearest Tube Station: Westminster
10 Downing Avenue
From Westminster Abbey pull a little bit of u-turn to stroll previous 10 Downing Avenue, the house of the British Prime Minister.
The structure on this a part of London is especially pretty. However do do not forget that you can not go proper up the home for apparent causes.
- Deal with: 10 Downing Avenue, London
- Opening Hours: 24 hours, nonetheless, you’ll solely have the ability to see the road entrance.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Westminster
Horse Guards and the Family Cavalry
Past 10 Downing Avenue, you will discover the house of the Family Cavalry.
Cue the necessary pictures with a member of the Family Cavalry at their publish.
However don’t get of their means. Though they carry out primarily ceremonial duties, they’re members of the British military.
People who cross the road might be politely reminded of that reality.
When you get right here on the proper time, it is possible for you to to see the altering of the guard, which is nicely value trying out.
If you’re fortunate sufficient you possibly can catch the altering of the guard ceremony.
This ceremony begins right here after which goes all the way in which as much as Buckingham Palace, the sight of one among London’s most well-known demonstrations of pomp and custom.
Guide a tour with a information to ensure you don’t miss it.
- Deal with: Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX
- Opening Hours: You’ll be able to stroll by means of at any time, nonetheless instances for the altering of the guard could be discovered by means of the hyperlink above.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Westminster or St James’s Park.
The Mall and St James’s Park
Passing by means of the Horse Guards brings you out into the beautiful St James’s Park.
When you’re fortunate sufficient you’ll spot a pelican on the pond as you head in direction of the Mall, the end of the London marathon.
This straight street leads on to Buckingham Palace.
The doorway of the Mall from simply North of the Horse Guards presents some gorgeous structure, which is nicely value trying out!
- Opening Hours: 5 am – 12 am
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: St James’s Park.
Buckingham Palace
Any itinerary for 3 days in London will embrace a go to to Buckingham Palance.
One of the crucial well-known sights in the UK is the Queen’s predominant place of residence.
To be truthful, Queen Elizabeth II has a good few different palaces, castles and stately properties dotted throughout the land. However that is essentially the most well-known.
The spotlight of any go to to Buckingham Palace is the altering of the guard.
Because the procession strikes from the Horse Guards to Buckingham Palace you will note the crowds getting ever bigger.
Plan on attending to Buckingham Palace no less than half-hour earlier than the altering of the guard ceremony if you need the very best views.
As a warning, it may be moderately busy!
When you’re to not fussed with pomp and ceremony then you possibly can skip the altering of the guard.
Subsequent to Buckingham Palace, you could find the Queen’s gallery which is dwelling to some unbelievable everlasting displays with common particular displays all year long.
- Deal with: Buckingham Palace London SW1A 1AA
- Opening Hours: 24 hours to view from the skin. Altering of the guard often takes place at 11 am.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Inexperienced Park
Inexperienced Park
Over the street from Buckingham Palace, you will discover Inexperienced Park.
This park was initially an extension of St James’s Park and a moderately uncommon story surrounding its identify.
Supposedly Queen Catherine, the spouse of Charles II, caught her husband selecting flowers in Inexperienced Park for his mistress.
Enraged at his betrayal she ordered the entire flowers within the park to be eliminated.
Earlier than that, it was additionally apparently used as a burial floor for lepers.
Historical past apart that is one among London’s hottest parks in the course of the summer season months.
At lunch and dinnertime, the park swells with picnickers.
- Opening Hours: 5 am – 12 am
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Inexperienced Park
Fortnum And Mason
Any 3 days in London itinerary often features a journey to Harrods, London’s most well-known and ludicrously costly division retailer.
A brief stroll from Inexperienced Park is the much less well-known (however actually no much less fancy) Fortnum and Mason.
The encompassing space is filled with swanky retailers so be happy to discover if this tickles your fancy.
- Deal with: 181 Piccadilly London W1A 1ER
- Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday – 10 am – 9 pm. Sunday 12 pm – 6pm
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Inexperienced Park
Piccadilly Circus
Maintain strolling east from Fortnum and Mason and you’ll stroll straight into Piccadilly Circus.
While actually not have the glitz, glamour or measurement of New York’s Time Sq., that is one among London’s most iconic places.
There are many pubs, eating places and swanky retailers within the neighborhood with the shut proximity of Bond Avenue, Oxford Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Backyard.
Get able to get misplaced within the winding alleys and streets as you discover your individual little piece of London.
- Opening Hours: 24 hours. Eating places and retailers within the surrounding space
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Picadilly Circus
Trafalgar Sq. and the Nationwide Gallery
Take a slight detour right here and head down in direction of one other iconic London location – Trafalgar Sq..
For a few years this gorgeous sq. was primarily well-known for its pigeons.
Vacationers delighted in feeding them, whereas the emotions amongst the locals have been far much less exuberant.
Simply behind Trafalgar Sq. is the Nationwide Gallery.
Like with lots of London’s finest museums and galleries it’s free to enter.
So take the chance to verify off a few of historical past’s most gorgeous items of art work.
Alternatively, you possibly can head earlier than going to St James’ Park and Buckingham Palace because it’s proper subsequent to the Family Cavalry.
- Deal with: The Nationwide Gallery Trafalgar Sq. London WC2N 5DN
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 6 pm day by day, excluding Friday when it’s open till 9 pm.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Charing Cross
Take a Load Off in Leicester Sq. and Covent Backyard
After a protracted day of sightseeing and strolling by means of central London it’s time to place your ft up with a beer or two within the Leicester Sq./Convent Backyard space.
These areas kind of roll into one. The Tube advises travellers to get off at Leicester Sq., versus Covent Backyard, because the latter can get so crowded.
However each areas are chock stuffed with pubs, golf equipment and eating places. So let your hair down on this moderately occurring space of London.
The realm additionally has numerous theatres. So when you fancy catching a present within the west finish then that is the place to do it.
By the way, there are a selection of ticket workplaces on the sting of Leicester that typically have some amazingly low-cost offers on provide.
- Opening Hours: It is a 24-hour space, with eating places, bars, stay music venues, and comedy golf equipment jam-packed into this occurring space.
- Price: As a lot or as little as you need.
- Nearest Tube Station: Leicester Sq., Convent Backyard and Holborn.
Day 2 – Museums and Parks
Our second day might be a bit extra of a relaxed affair as we take a look at a few of London’s unbelievable museums.
Among the best issues about London’s museums is that they’re free – which is a welcome reduction for anybody who has ever visited museums in New York.
Take an Early Morning Journey to Tower Bridge
We are able to begin the time without work with a go to to Tower Bridge. That is one among London’s most iconic sights, so it may be a little bit busy typically.
Nonetheless, getting there early within the morning will provide you with some nice photograph alternatives of each Tower Bridge and the Tower of London (one of many few museums in London that isn’t free).
As well as, there might be some nice views of the Metropolis of London’s extra trendy architectural wonders together with the gherkin, the walkie talkie and the cheese grater.
Guide your ‘Skip the Line’ ticket for the Tower of London right here.
- Opening Hours: 24 hours.
- Price: Free except you wish to go up into the towers.
- Nearest Tube Station: Tower Hill.
Admire One of many World’s Most Spectacular Historic Collections on the British Museum
Welcome to what many consider is the very best museum in London.
The sheer measurement of the British museum is mind-boggling. You may be right here for days and never see the whole lot.
There’s something for everybody right here, so get caught into this unbelievable museum.
- Deal with: Nice Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5:30 pm day by day, excluding Friday when it’s open till 8:30 pm.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Russell Sq.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V and A) and the Pure Historical past Museum
If the British Museum doesn’t tickle your fancy then head right down to South Kensington and take a look at both the Victoria and Albert Museum (affectionately often called the V and A) or the Nationwide Historical past Museum.
Each museums provide in depth collections with the Pure Historical past Museum being the extra family-friendly possibility.
When you’re into structure then ensure you no less than take a look at the Pure Historical past Museum. It’s a significantly pretty constructing.
By the way, in case you are in London on the final Friday of the month they maintain an outstanding silent disco which is a should!
- Deal with: Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Street, London SW7 2RL
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 5:45 pm day by day, excluding Friday when it’s open till 10:00 pm.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: South Kensington
READ MORE: Plan a street journey round Eire.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park might be London’s most well-known park. This large expanse of land is a world away from the chaos of central London.
At its centre is the Serpentine, a big physique of water the place rowboats could be rented to get pleasure from a summer season afternoon.
Go to the enduring speaker’s nook, a website for speeches and debates because the 1800s when protests and demonstrations came about in Hyde Park.
On Sunday mornings audio system come to share their views and observe within the footsteps of Karl Marx, George Orwell and Vladimir Lenin.
- Opening Hours: 5 am -12:00 am day by day.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Hyde Park Nook
Get pleasure from a Spot of Afternoon Tea
London in 3 days is actually a squeeze. Nonetheless, you’ll want to make time to get pleasure from afternoon tea at one of many many institutions providing such a service in London.
Probably the most well-known is The Ritz, very near Inexperienced Park tube station.
Nonetheless you’ll need to e-book upfront, and you’ll need to be well dressed. Denims, trainers and t-shirts are a no go!
The central piece of afternoon tea is scones with clotted cream and jam.
Nonetheless, the talk concerning the order is rife.
Devon and Cornwall, two counties within the south-west of the UK are central to this debate.
In Devon, the clotted cream is unfold first adopted by a dollop of jam on high, whereas it’s the opposite means spherical in Cornwall.
I personally desire the Devon means.
Take a Wander Alongside the Southbank
This pretty part of the Thames stretching east from Waterloo presents some gorgeous night views of London.
Weekend daytimes are stuffed with individuals promoting books and work, locals going for a jog and a few very proficient skate boarders.
You’ll be able to observe this path all the way in which to the Tate Trendy, which can be free!
- Opening Hours: 24 hours
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Waterloo
End Up in a Correct British Pub
Sipping an ale in a pub is a quintessentially British exercise that may be loved from the second the pub opens its doorways.
Pubs begin serving alcohol from 11:00 am and can often end up between 11:00 pm and 12:00 am.
With 3 days in London you need to have sufficient to verify into a few pubs for a uniquely British expertise.
There are a selection of fantastic outdated pubs in London which are nicely value trying out.
The Mayflower close to Rotherhithe overground station, the Cittie of York subsequent to Chancery Lane tube station and the Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese close to Blackfriars tube station are 3 of the very best, and oldest pubs in London.
The Mayflower sits proper on the sting of the Thames and presents nice meals and a few pretty sundown views.
Day 3 – London Metropolis Centre
In the present day we’ll head into the Metropolis of London.
Also called the “Sq. Mile,” that is the monetary coronary heart of the UK. And, for a few hundred years, it was the world’s monetary centre till New York Metropolis knocked London off high spot after World Conflict I.
The Metropolis of London additionally has a moderately extra ugly historical past. It’s right here the place Jack the Ripper operated uneducated in 1888.
There various glorious Jack the Ripper strolling excursions working on this a part of London.
St Pauls Cathedral
After the Nice Hearth of London in 1666 London lay in ruins. The famend architect Sir Christopher Wren was charged with the re-building of town.
Central to this was St Pauls Cathedral.
This gorgeous Cathedral is really breathtaking, and amazingly escaped extreme injury from German bombs throughout World Conflict II.
Nonetheless, one of many clocks was destroyed and by no means changed as a reminder of the horrors suffered.
For wonderful views of St Pauls and the encompassing space head to the shopping center behind the cathedral and go to the highest ground.
This may convey out onto an open-air platform the place you possibly can snap away to your coronary heart’s content material.
Guide your ‘Skip the Line’ ticket on-line right here.
- Deal with: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD
- Opening Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm from Monday to Saturday. The cathedral is open for worship on Sundays.
- Price: 20 GBP per grownup
- Nearest Tube Station: St Pauls
Discover the Guildhall
That is an undiscovered gem in London. This gorgeous piece of structure is a stone’s throw from St Pauls and is dwelling to the ruins of a Roman amphitheatre.
Sure, you learn that proper a Roman amphitheatre within the coronary heart of London!
Head inside and head downstairs and you will note it in all it’s glory.
The Guildhall itself is dwelling to a beautiful museum and is nicely value trying out when you’ve got the time.
- Deal with: Basinghall St, London EC2V 7HH
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 4:30 pm day by day
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: St Pauls, Moorgate or Financial institution
Take A Jack The Ripper Strolling Tour
Jack the Ripper was an notorious and unidentified serial killer who terrorized London within the late 1800s.
As a result of reality the killer was by no means recognized and captured, legend and lore have grown over time.
There are a selection of fantastic Jack the Ripper walks on provide on this a part of London nicely value trying out.
Sharing a few of London’s most attention-grabbing tales these walks an superior addition to three good days in London.
Get Some Procuring Performed at Spitalfields Market
This large market is dwelling to virtually the whole lot and something it appears.
It sits alongside Petticoat Lane, which is dwelling to one among London’s largest clothes markets.
There may be lots to maintain you occupied round right here with various nice meals shops inside Spitalfields Market itself.
- Deal with: 56 Brushfield St, Spitalfields, London E1 6AA
- Opening Hours: 10 am – 8 pm from Monday to Friday. 10 am – 5 pm on Saturdays and 10 am to 4 pm on Sundays.
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Liverpool Avenue
READ MORE: Plan the proper 3 days in New York Metropolis
Absorb Some Avenue Artwork Round Shoreditch and Brick Lane
One in all London’s most well-known streets is the graffiti-laden space that’s Brick Lane.
Look forward to finding loads of different guests embarking on strolling excursions and snapping pictures of a number of the funky art work.
The road is known for curries, and amazingly each single one appears to be the very best curry on Brick Lane, based on TripAdvisor. To be sincere the curry right here is common at finest.
Your finest off heading to the wonderful bagel store on the finish of the road for among the best bargains in London.
- Opening Hours: 24 hours. Sundays market could be particularly busy
- Price: Free
- Nearest Tube Station: Shoreditch Excessive Avenue (Overground)
Get a Really feel For Music Round Camden
When you nonetheless have the vitality after a jam-packed three days then head on up the hedonistic space of Camden.
Anticipate the pubs to be packed and the music to be loud.
There are some nice stay music venues round right here providing up the most recent unsigned wonders.
When you’re round Camden Locks on the weekend it’s particularly busy, but it surely’s an excellent ambiance.
Personally, I like to recommend reserving right into a pub crawl of Camden.
- Opening Hours: One other 24-hour space the place the celebration goes on nicely into the early hours
- Price: As a lot or as little as you need
- Nearest Tube Station: Camden City
London Journey Information
Now that you recognize what to do to your 3 days in London itinerary, we wish to make it easier to make your different plans as nicely by sharing the very best lodging and locations to eat within the metropolis.
Lodging in London
Lodging in London is actually not on the price range finish of the size.
Nonetheless, there are some bargains to be discovered and with London’s glorious transport community so long as your near a tube station you might have easy accessibility to all of London’s finest bits.
London is split into concentric zones, starting from zones 1 to 9 with zone 1 on the centre.
Zones 1, 2, 3 would be the most handy areas for transport.
Naturally, zone 1 is commonly the costliest.
Finest Price range Lodging in London – Wombats Metropolis Hostel
This superior hostel is situated a brief stroll from Tower Hill tube station, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
With a plethora of superior stuff to do proper in your doorstep, it’s comprehensible why so many travellers rave about this place.
Dorms are very fairly priced nonetheless the non-public rooms are actually not in that class.
As well as, it’s solely a brief stroll from the north financial institution of the Thames, an excellent location for a night stroll.
It’s shut proximity to town centre, inexpensive dorms and glorious service make this a winner!
Finest Mid-Vary Lodging in London – Finest Western Wembley
In London, lots of the finest mid-range choices are like this one, a serious resort chain.
Based mostly up in North London it’s a little bit additional away from issues than the opposite two accommodations listed.
Nonetheless central London remains to be only a quick tube trip away.
Being up in North London offers you quick access to Camden and the possibility to take a look at Highgate Cemetery.
Finest Luxurious Lodging In London – Blackbird
This luxurious providing based mostly in South Kensington, one among London’s swankiest districts, has all of the pomp and ceremony you’ll anticipate from a high London resort.
It’s full English breakfast will get rave opinions and it’s a hop skip and a leap over to South Kensington’s highlights together with the V and A, Pure Historical past Museum, Kensington Gardens, and Hyde Park.
It’s additionally a brief stroll to each Earls Courtroom, Gloucester Street, and South Kensington Tube stations, facilitating glorious transport hyperlinks everywhere in the metropolis.
Getting Round London
London’s transport community is outstanding.
Decide up an oyster card at tube and rail stations which can be utilized to swipe on and swipe off the tube, overground, DLR and buses.
Better of all, there’s a cap on the utmost you possibly can pay.
- Zones 1-4: 10.10 GBP
- Zones 1-5: 12.00 GBP
- Zones 1-6: 12.80 GBP
Every thing in our itinerary is inside Zones 1-4.
However the tube could be fairly complicated.
Obtain Citymapper that will help you plan your journey appropriately.
Citymapper additionally supplies stay updates as to the present standing of London’s underground traces, this may be an absolute lifesaver.
Thankfully, you don’t have to cope with native and specific providers as you do in New York and Tokyo, for instance.
Nonetheless, typically trains is not going to go to the top of the road so simply take note of their ultimate vacation spot.
Get your 1-day limitless journey card as we speak on Get Your Information.
Lastly, stand on the suitable and stroll on the left on all escalators.
Failure to observe this may result in some very offended commuters who is not going to be shy about making their emotions recognized.
Though London is a large metropolis it’s a very walkable metropolis inside Zone 1, the very centre of town.
Half the pleasure of any go to to London is getting misplaced exploring the various hidden gems town has to supply.
Alternatively, trip the well-known hop-on-hop-off bus across the metropolis.
Finest Locations to Eat in London
London is chock stuffed with nice eateries from the attention wateringly costly to the pleasantly inexpensive.
Listed here are just a few of my private favourites that may hopefully tick just a few packing containers!
Indian
Don’t get a curry on Brick Lane except you need overpriced, common Indian meals. Extremely each single restaurant claims to be the #1 on journey advisor.
Head as much as Ravi Shankars on Drummond Avenue near Warren Avenue Tube Station for some no-frills however superior south Indian delicacies.
Steak
The Bull Steak Skilled on Crimson Lion avenue serves up wonderful Argentinian steaks at a hefty value. However it’s completely value it.
Pub Grub
Good outdated pub grub is a trademark of any go to to London. Your lodging will most likely have the ability to advocate a neighborhood one shut by.
Nonetheless, my favorite pub grub in London is served up on the Mayflower in Rotherhithe.
One of many oldest pubs in London it was from this location the Mayflower set sail for the New World in 1620, therefore it’s named.
Fish and Chips
The quintessential British dish. Any 3 days in London itinerary should embrace fish and chips someplace.
The wonderful Poppies close to Shoreditch will get rave opinions. Nonetheless this location is actually not a secret, so be ready for a wait.
Markets/Connoisseur Produce
Head to the superior Borough Market near Tower Bridge for all method of superior choices.
As with Poppies, you need to anticipate it to be moderately busy.
Alternatively, when you’re on the town on Saturday head Maltby Avenue market.
You will have to take a bus to get right here. Nevertheless it’s very not often visited by vacationers, a lot to the happiness of the locals.
Pie and Mash
Maureen’s Pie and Mash, up in Poplar is a large hit.
When you’re undecided, that is just about precisely what it says on the tin, meat pies and mashed potato. An ideal winter hotter.
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