This blog post is about 3 days in London itinerary.
If you are planning a trip to London but short on time, and have only 3 full days in the city, first of all – no worries!
3 days in London are definitely enough to experience the city and see the highlights without feeling rushed and overwhelmed.
From iconic landmarks like the Buckingham Palace and the Big Ben to iconic neighborhoods like Notting Hill, and more!
This 3 days in London itinerary includes all the must-see highlights and locals favorite places you should visit.
Let’s get started ✈
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3 days in London itinerary
Table of Contents
Is it worth going to London for 3 days?
In general, a 3-day trip to London is often considered the “ideal” length for a first-time visitors, because it allows you to see the famous highlights of the city without feeling overly rushed.
I can say that 3 days in London is a “straight to the point trip”, meaning you’ll see all the iconic landmarks, and have an idea of the vibe of the city, but you probably won’t have extra time for different activities or unique museums for example.
If you do have the time for 3 days, I recommend making an effort for one extra day, just to have one more day for exploring less touristy things. But of course it’s up to your schedule!
Where To Stay in London For 3 days?
If you only have 3 days in London, I highly recommend staying as central as possible.
Be close to everything, don’t waste time on public transportation, just be a walking distance from all the major attractions and soak in the vibes of staying in the heart of London.
Here are the TOP 3 neighborhoods to stay at in London if you have two days:
1. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is the heart of London. By staying here, you’ll feel right in the middle of all the action the second you step outside of your hotel.
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants, there are street performers in the piazza, and there are a lot of shops to wander through in the area.
Staying in Covent Garden means staying in the heart of the city, it’s one of those areas where something is always going on.
And the best part? You’ll be a walking distance from many of London’s major attractions and locations!
Best Hotels in Covent Garden:
According to reviews, guests describes the hotel’s location as closest to all the major attractions and streets.
Guests rave in reviews about how the rooms are clean, comfy, and spacious!
Guests keep talking about the amazing location of the hotel, right in the center of Covent Garden!
2. Westminster
If you want to stay in a central, but yet more quiet and relaxed area in London, Westminster is a fantastic place to stay at!
You’ll be just a short walk from famous landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, making it perfect for first-time visitors!
It’s the perfect area to stay at to fully experience the classic side of London, while having peaceful evenings rather than in Covent Garden, yet still being super close to everything.
Best Hotels in Westminster:
Guests are raving about the expectational service and the amazing, central location of the hotel.
Guests keep talking about the amazing, central location of the hotel and the very friendly staff members!
Guests are raving about the amazing location of the hotel, only a 5-10 minutes walk from major attractions!
3. Soho
Soho is the perfect place to stay at if you want to experience “modern London”.
Meaning you want to fully explore London’s nightlife, while staying right in the heart of the city.
This trendy neighborhood is packed with stylish cocktail bars, live music venues, unique pubs, and offer an amazing mix of restaurants serving just about every cuisine you can think of.
Staying here means you are also in the heart of the city, an easy walking distance from the famous Oxford Street, Chinatown, and the West End, making it incredibly convenient for a short trip!
Best Hotels in Soho:
Guests are LOVING the location of the hotel, as well as raving about the delicious food in the hotel’s restaurant!
Guests keep saying that the hotel is a hidden gem, beautifully designed, and how the location is very central and close to everything.
Guests are raving about the hotel’s amazing location in Soho! A walking distance from China Town, Oxford Street, Soho restaurants and bars, and more!
Day 1: Iconic London & Royal Highlights
1. Breakfast at an iconic cafe
Start your first day in London with breakfast at one of the city’s iconic cafes!
If you want to start your first morning in an elegant, beautiful cafe in London, I highly recommend checking out EVE, that is one of my favorite cafes in London.
I also recommend checking out Granger & Co. which offers delicious brunch dishes and a relaxing vibe!
2. Visit Buckingham Palace
Next up, is time for some British royal culture!
After breakfast, head to the Buckingham Palace gates, and see one of London’s most iconic traditions – watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
It’s a famous ceremony that takes place right outside the palace gates, and takes around 45 minutes, and it’s completely free to watch.
It usually takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11am, and on Sundays at 10am.
But it’s always worth checking the schedule the day before (or even the morning of the ceremony), as it can change or be canceled in bad weather.
To get a good view and actually see something, I recommend arriving at least 45-60 minutes early, as the whole area fills up QUICK.
And if you’ll arrive last minute, it will be very difficult for you to find some good spots where you’ll actually be able to see something.
After the ceremony, your plans depends on when you are visiting (or if you are trip is between the ceremony days and you won’t be able to see the ceremony during your trip).
You can still experience the Buckingham Palace in other ways;
During the summer months (around early July to September), the Buckingham Palace opens it’s State Rooms to visitors, offering a rare chance to step inside the Buckingham Palace and take a peak.
These spaces are still used for official events, and you can specifically visit the Throne Room, the Grand Staircase, and the White Drawing room.
Tickets tend to sell out fast, so I do recommend booking your tickets even months in advance to secure your slot.
If you’re visiting outside of summer like I did, consider visiting the King’s Gallery (formerly known as the Queen’s Gallery), where you can explore beautiful exhibitions from the Royal Collection and still admire beautiful artwork and treasures owned by the king.
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3. Visit Westminster Abbey
Afterwards, head over to Westminster Abbey, which is one of the most historical building in the UK.
This beautiful Gothic church has been the site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials for centuries!
Inside Westminster Abbey, you’ll find stunning architecture, beautiful stained glass windows, and more.
Even if you’re not usually into history, the atmosphere here is amazing, and I highly recommend going on a quick visit.
4. Explore the Palace of Westminster
Just a short walk away from Westminster Abbey you can find the Palace of Westminster, aka the Houses of the Parliament.
This beautiful building is one of London’s most iconic symbols.
While you can admire the stunning architecture from the outside, you can also book a guided tour to explore inside and learn more about British politics and history.
We personally didn’t go inside, only admired it from the outside, but I do recommend visiting inside if you have the time.
5. Wander around the Big Ben Area
Obviously you can’t visit London without seeing the Big Ben up close. It’s like visiting Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower, or visiting NYC without seeing the Statue of Liberty, you get it 😉
Anyways, take some time to wander around the area of the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, I recommend walking across the Westminster Bridge for the best views and photo options.
For a different perspective, consider riding the London Eye, where you’ll get breathtaking panoramic views of the area and of the city skyline.
It’s especially beautiful around sunset if you want to make the moment extra special!
6. Watch a West End Show
End your first day in London with an unforgettable evening in London’s famous theatre district!
Watching a West End Show is a must-do experience, whether you’re into musicals, dramas, or classic plays. There’s something for everyone to see in London, and these West End Shows are truly world-class.
It’s the perfect way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing, while soaking up on London’s amazing cultural scene.
Btw, I encourage you to buy tickets well in advance, because tickets sell out fast (especially during peak season).
And I highly recommend booking your West End Show tickets through Get Your Guide, because they have great prices on the best shows you can watch in the city.
Day 2: Culture, Museums & City Life
1. Visit The Tower of London
Start your second day in London at the Tower of London, one of the most fascinating sites in London.
This is a former royal palace, prison, and fortress that is PACKED with centuries of history and stories.
One of the biggest highlights in my opinion, is seeing the Crown Jewels, which are still used today!
2. Walk across the Tower Bridge
Right next to the Tower of London, you’ll find the iconic Tower Bridge. This is the symbol of London, the most iconic spot in the city!
Take some time to walk across it and enjoy the views over the River Thames.
If you want an extra experience, you can visit the glass-floored walkway at the top of the bridge for a unique perspective looking down at the traffic below, and to see the view of the city from the top of the bridge.
3. Lunch at Borough Market
When you’re ready for lunch, head over to Borough Market, one of the best food markets in London.
This is THE PLACE for foodies, and you can find here everything from gourmet street food and fresh pastries to international dishes and delicious treats.
No matter what you’re craving, you’ll probably find plenty of options here.
4. Watch the views from Sky Garden
After your tummy is full and you had a great lunch, make your way to the Sky Garden, one of the best viewpoints in London.
The best thing here is that this viewpoint is COMPLETELY FREE! You will need to book a time slot in advance, but entry is completely free.
It is located at the top of a skyscraper, this indoor garden offers panoramic views over the city skyline, including famous landmarks like the Shard, the Tower Bridge, and the Thames.
It’s an amazing spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy a different perspective of London from above.
5. Go on a sunset Thames River Cruise
One of the best ways to see London is also from the water! Consider hopping on a cruise along the River Thames.
It’s a relaxing break from walking and enjoying the city from a different perspective.
I highly recommend aiming for sunset time, but you’ll enjoy it during day time as well.
6. Dinner at Soho & Hang out at a unique pub
End your day in the amazing Soho neighborhood, known for incredible food options and busy nightlife.
You’ll find here everything from cozy local spots to trendy international restaurants, making it the perfect place for a fun dinner.
Afterward, head to a unique pub for some drinks.
I highly recommend Ballie Ballerson, which is a quirky cocktail bar famous for its giant ball pits and fun vibes.
It’s definitely not your typical pub experience, which is what makes this place even more memorable!
Day 3: Local London Experiences
1. Visit the V&A East Storehouse
Start your final day inn London with a visit to V&A East Storehouse, one of London’s newest and most unique cultural attractions.
Basically, unlike a traditional museum, this massive open-access collection space gives you a behind-the-scenes look at thousands of objects from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s archives.
From fashion pieces, furniture, to photography and design collections – it’s a fascinating experience that feels much more create and unique than your typical museum visit.
This is a must-visit. Especially for art, fashion, and design lovers, but not only!
2. Explore Camden Market
Next, head over to Camden Market, one of London’s most vibrant and unique neighborhoods.
Camden Market is famous for amazing atmosphere, and offers a huge variety of vintage shops, quirky boutiques, street food halls, and live music.
It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend hours just by wandering around, discovering hidden corners, and soaking up the creative energy that makes this area so iconic.
3. Wander Notting Hill
After Camden, head to Notting Hill, one of the prettiest neighborhoods in London.
It’s famous for its beautiful colorful houses, charming cafes, and a relaxed atmosphere that feels totally different than the busy city center.
Walking through the quiet residential streets is a fun experience on it’s own, and it’s easy to see why Notting Hill has become one of London’s most iconic and photographed neighborhoods.
4. Check out the Portobello Road Market
In Notting Hill, don’t miss the Portobello Road Market, one of the most famous street markets in the world!
This market is mainly known for its antiques, vintage finds, unique clothes, and delicious food stands if you’re still hungry after Camden Market 😉
Saturdays are by far the best days to visit, but even during the week it’s still a great time to visit and this whole road market is charming and definitely worth experiencing.
5. Do some shopping at oxford street
If you’re in the mood for shopping, spend part of your afternoon exploring Oxford Street, the most famous shopping street in London!
You can find here anything from international brands, local brands, iconic department stores, and more! This area has just about everything you could think of.
You can also wander down nearby Regent Street or Carnaby Street if you want to check out a more unique type of shopping experience.
6. Have a drinks at a rooftop
Celebrate the end of your amazing trip with drinks at one of London’s incredible rooftop bars, while enjoying beautiful views over the city.
I highly recommend The Rooftop, which isn’t a cheap place but definitely a stunning one that offers amazing views of the city and has great drinks.
There’s also the Florattica Rooftop, which is a trendy cocktail bar that offers great drinks and food options, amazing interior design, and beautiful views.
That’s it for today! I hope you got an idea of what to do in London in 3 days 🙂
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This blog post was about 3 days in London itinerary.
