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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
- Research and plan your itinerary carefully and be realistic about what you can see and do in one day.
- Consider purchasing a London sightseeing pass to save time and money.
- Buy a London Pass to make the most of your trip.
- Make your reservations in advance and your hotel reservation in advance.
- Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket as London can be rainy.
- Bring a travel adapter as the UK has different power outlets.
- Consider purchasing a local SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi to save on roaming charges.
- Let people off the train first when using public transportation.
- Look right before crossing the street in London as traffic rules are different.
Don'ts in London
- Don't forget to have some cash with you, although you can pay by credit card pretty much everywhere.
- Don't tip in the UK as service charge is often included in your restaurant bill.
- Don't try to do everything in one day, plan only one or two things to do each day.