3 Days in London: Ultimate Itinerary & Insider Tips

Aerial view of London city located in England with modern buildings and Shard skyscraper near railroads under gray cloudy sky in hazy day in daytime
© Ollie Craig

Discover the best of London in 3 days with this detailed itinerary. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we've got you covered. Get ready for a whirlwind adventure in the heart of England!

Day 1 in London: Discover London's Historic Heart

A Royal Journey Through History

Begin your day with a grand tour of London's most iconic landmarks. Start at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, explore the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, a historic church where monarchs have been crowned for centuries. Finally, stand in awe of the Houses of Parliament, the seat of British government, and marvel at the iconic clock tower housing Big Ben. This journey through time will leave you breathless.

A Royal Journey Through History
© Jack Entis

Soar Above London's Skyline

After your historical adventure, take a break and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of London from the iconic London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers stunning vistas of the city's landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Shard. It's the perfect way to get your bearings and appreciate the scale of this magnificent city.

Soar Above London's Skyline
© Milan Rusin (SidewaysRat)

Immerse Yourself in History

Step back in time at the Tower of London, a historic castle that has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. Explore the Tower's many towers and courtyards, and learn about its fascinating history. Don't miss the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of precious stones and artifacts that are sure to leave you speechless.

Immerse Yourself in History
© Simon Brace

Day 2 in London: Explore London's Maritime History

A Day of Nautical Delights

Embark on a journey through London's maritime history with a visit to Greenwich Park. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the hill, and explore the historic Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian. Take a stroll along the Thames River and visit the Cutty Sark, a preserved tea clipper that once sailed the world's oceans. This day will transport you to a bygone era of exploration and adventure.

A Day of Nautical Delights
© Francois Du Plessis

Witness London's Iconic Bridge

Walk across Tower Bridge, a magnificent Victorian engineering marvel that spans the River Thames. Explore the bridge's engine rooms and learn about its fascinating history. Take a stroll along the South Bank and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this bustling area. This iconic bridge is a must-see for any visitor to London.

Witness London's Iconic Bridge
© Steve Jackson

Soar Above London's Skyline

As the day winds down, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of London from the iconic London Eye. This giant Ferris wheel offers stunning vistas of the city's landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Shard. It's the perfect way to get your bearings and appreciate the scale of this magnificent city.

Soar Above London's Skyline
© Milan Rusin (SidewaysRat)

Day 3 in London: A Day of Culture and Entertainment

A Royal Journey Through History

Begin your day with a grand tour of London's most iconic landmarks. Start at Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen, and witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony. Next, explore the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey, a historic church where monarchs have been crowned for centuries. Finally, stand in awe of the Houses of Parliament, the seat of British government, and marvel at the iconic clock tower housing Big Ben. This journey through time will leave you breathless.

A Royal Journey Through History
© Jack Entis

Immerse Yourself in History

Step back in time at the Tower of London, a historic castle that has served as a royal palace, a prison, and a treasury. Explore the Tower's many towers and courtyards, and learn about its fascinating history. Don't miss the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of precious stones and artifacts that are sure to leave you speechless.

Immerse Yourself in History
© Simon Brace

A Day of Nautical Delights

Embark on a journey through London's maritime history with a visit to Greenwich Park. Enjoy stunning views of the city from the top of the hill, and explore the historic Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian. Take a stroll along the Thames River and visit the Cutty Sark, a preserved tea clipper that once sailed the world's oceans. This day will transport you to a bygone era of exploration and adventure.

A Day of Nautical Delights
© Francois Du Plessis

References

Transportation in London

To get around London, I recommend using the city's public transportation system, which is world-class and convenient. You can buy an Oyster card, which can be topped up and used to access the Tube (underground train system) and buses. The Oyster card is capped at £10 for the day in zones 1-3, making it a cost-effective option. Alternatively, you can use a contactless debit/credit card, which operates in the same way as an Oyster card. For longer stays, consider purchasing a 7-day Travel Card for unlimited travel in zones 1-3. If you prefer to walk, London is a great city to explore on foot, and you can use a walking tour to see the sights. For help navigating the complex transportation network, download the CityMapper app, which provides the shortest possible route to your destination using trains, buses, boats, walking, cycling, and even Uber.

Dos in London

Don'ts in London