With its rich history, cultural diversity and ample of sightseeing options, planning a trip to London can be a little overwhelming. Whether you are a first-time visitor or are a seasoned tourist, picking the right attractions and activities is always the tricky part. While we understand you don’t want to miss out on anything important, we have curated a 3-day London itinerary, that saves you the hassle of planning and covers all the major points of the city. From the grandeur of Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace to the bustling markets of Covent Garden and the cultural treasures of the British Museum, this guide ensures you won’t miss a thing. So, pack your bags and get ready for the best 3 days in London for an unforgettable journey!
Best Time to Visit London
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best time visit London; with pleasant weather you will be able to enjoy exploring around the city. Summers (July to August) in London are usually hot and is packed with events around the city, you can expect more crowded and high prices during this time. Winters (December to February) is a great time to visit if you want lesser crowd. The colder weather and festive decorations have its own charm and will add to your experience.
How to Get Around London
The best way to travel around London is on foot, or to take public transport. You can also take the iconic red-double decker buses for a London Hop-On, Hop-Off tour, which is a convenient way to cover major attractions of the city. The London underground, or ‘the is the fastest way to travel in and around the city. For a unique perspective, consider taking a riverboat along the Thames.
Itinerary
Day 1: Classic London Landmarks
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The right way to start a London trip is by exploring all the important landmarks of the city. You will get to learn about the rich history and culture of London. Start your day by exploring the Westminster in the heart of London, where you can visit some of city’s most famous landmarks. Continue your day visiting places like Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben. Marvel at the grandeur of the iconic clock tower and surrounding building. Later you can take a Buckingham Palace tour, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Make sure to check the schedule of the ceremony before planning your day.
After a morning full of exploring iconic landmarks, next head to the Trafalgar Square. Visit Nelson’s column and the surrounding fountains to enjoy the atmosphere. Later in the day visit the National Gallery, that houses an extensive collection of the Western European paintings by artists like Van Gogh, Da Vinci, and Turner.
For lunch you can head to Covent Garden, known for its lively market, street performances and wide variety of eateries. Later cross over to the Southbank and board the London Eye, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels. A ride on the Eye offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful as the sun sets.
After your ride, explore the Southbank Centre and take a leisurely stroll along the Thames. Hop to any nearby bar or restaurants to enjoy a lively night.
Day 2: Cultural and Historical Treasures
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Start your day 2 in London with visiting the British Museum in Bloomsburry. A world-renowned museum, it houses over eight million works spanning over two million years of history. After this take a short walk to the Russel Square. You can also enjoy nearby coffee in a nearby café and visit beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon, head to the St. Paul’s Cathedral, this iconic dome has dominated the London skyline for over 300 years. Climb to the Whispering Gallery for stunning acoustics and panoramic views. Later take a walk across the Millenium Bridge to the Tate Modern, this contemporary art gallery is home to great works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney.
For lunch head one of London’s oldest food markets, Borough Market. You can also take the bridge’s tour to learn about its history and engineering and enjoy spectacular views from the high-level walkways. End your day with a visit to the Tower of London. This historic castle has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Don’t miss the Crown Jewels and the famous Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters.
Day 3: Royalty and Modern Marvels
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Start your last day in London with visiting the Kensington Palace, the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Adjacent to it is the London’s largest green space, the Hyder Park. You can take a leisurely walk around the Serpentine Lake here or just visit the Diana Memorial Fountain. Next, head to South Kensington to visit the National History Museum. Often referred to as a “cathedral of nature” this museum houses exhibits on everything from dinosaurs to gemstones. Later you can explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, that houses one of the world’s largest collections of decorative art and design.
For some shopping spree, head to the Harrods in Knightsbridge. This department store offers a wide range of high-end products, from designer clothes to gourmet food. It’s a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs on your London trip. To enjoy your evening head to Soho, which is known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and diverse dining options.
For a touch of luxury, visit Harrods in Knightsbridge. This iconic department store offers a wide range of high-end products, from designer clothes to gourmet food. It’s a great place to pick up some unique souvenirs. In the evening, head to Soho, known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse dining options, and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual pub meal or an upscale dining experience, Soho has it all.
End your trip with a bang by catching a West End show. London’s theater district offers a variety of performances, from long-running musicals like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Les Misérables” to contemporary hits like “Hamilton” and “The Book of Mormon.”
Additional Tips for Your 3 Days in London
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- To make your travel around the city easy, purchase an Oyster Card. This smart card offers discounted fares on the London underground, buses and other public transportation.
- You can also take one of the guided tours. This way you will not only cover the attractions but will also get insights into the history of the place. Opt for either, walking tour, bike tour or bus tour, whichever suits your convenience.
- When in London, you cannot miss out the quintessential British experience of afternoon tea. Many local cafes and hotels serve traditional tea with scones, sandwiches and pastries.
- Don’t forget to take advantage of various free attractions in London. Many museums like the British Museum and the National Gallery, parks and iconic sights like changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace can be enjoyed without paying an entry fee.
- While planning your London itinerary, lookout for any events and festivals. Summer music festivals, cultural celebrations and Christmas markets are great to add to your travel plan.
Conclusion
Experience the best of city’s rich history and cultural treasures on your 3 days in London travel plan. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this London itinerary covers all the major attractions, activities and additional tips you need to consider before planning your next trip. Also, check out various London tours and embark on a journey to create unforgettable memories.
