The rich history, lively culture, and famous sites might make a first visit to London overwhelming. This three-day London itinerary is made to allow you to see the main attractions.
From world-famous museums to theme parks, experience the unusual things to do in London that will add charm to your London vacation.
Travel Advice for London Before You Go
While in London, there are a few things you should be aware of to make your vacation smoother and more pleasurable. Here are some recommendations to make sure you have an amazing vacation in London, from when to visit to what to see in London in 3 days.
1) How to Navigate
One of the things about London is its well-connected public transport. The tube travels over several lines that cross the city from east to west and north to south. You may travel from point A to point B above ground in those cherry-red double-decker buses, and you can even hire a river boat to see the sites from the Thames. Naturally, if your destinations are close, you can also walk between them.
2) Buy Attraction Tickets in Advance
It is advised to get your ticket in advance if you intend to visit well-known sites like the Tower of London. Selecting your day and sometimes time of entrance is advised because tickets occasionally sell out in advance or you risk spending time in long lines.
3) Check the Nearest Airport
However, five airports are usually included for flights to and from London, especially if you are travelling from European places. The majority of international flights will arrive or depart from London Heathrow or London Gatwick airports. The two airports closest to downtown London in terms of convenience and connectivity are London Heathrow and London City. Due to their distance from the city, it is advisable to stay away from flights to and from London Stansted and London Luton airports.
Day one – Covent Garden, Hyde Park, Westminster, and Buckingham Palace
1) Covent Garden
A place to visit whilst in London is Covent Garden. It is a terrific area to conclude the day because it has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and stores, as well as The Apple Market and many west-end concerts. You may take the tube from Hyde Park and come here. In addition to pop-up events commemorating anything from Wimbledon to Christmas, the market building or piazza often hosts exhibitions by local artists. With a wide variety of food options, Covent Garden is a fantastic place to have supper.
2) Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park
The following portion of your day will show you some of London popular green areas. Ponds, swans, and areas of shady park may be seen when strolling through St James Park from Westminster Abbey. The gardens are in full bloom with lovely flower displays throughout the spring and summer, and it is the ideal spot for a picnic. Buckingham Palace is located at the other end of St James Park. One of the most popular tourist destinations in London is the official home of His Majesty King Charles III. Hyde Park is located across the street from Buckingham Palace.
3) Big Ben and Westminster Abbey
Westminster, a famous and historic neighbourhood, is the ideal site to begin your vacation in London. It is best to go here early in the morning because it belongs to the Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, where Big Ben is located. It will seem like scenes from a movie when red double-deckers and black taxis cross Westminster Bridge. The London Eye in Southbank is also visible from Westminster Bridge. Proceed to Westminster Abbey from there. You have the option of visiting the inside and taking a guided tour, which will highlight the Abbey history and feature many historical relics in various galleries.
Day Two – Borough Market, Sky Garden, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, Piccadilly, and Soho
1) Borough Market
With hundreds of excellent food and drink booths, as well as physical shops, cafes, and restaurants, this ancient market has grown to be a pillar of the London culinary scene over the past 30 years or so. If you want something heartier, Brindisa Kitchen Bar delivers traditional Spanish food, while Agora Souvla Bar serves delicious Greek food centred on charcoal rotisserie.
2) Sky Garden
Although there are a number of popular places to see London from above, Sky Garden is my favourite. Surrounded by a magnificent indoor botanical garden, this perspective offers a restaurant, two bars, and 360-degree views of the city. Since your next destination will be about food and you want to preserve the room, I would not advise dining here. Sky Garden requires a timed admission, although tickets are free and available three weeks in advance.
3) Tower Bridge and Tower of London
You can enjoy a cup of coffee at WatchHouse Coffee in the morning before seeing Tower Bridge, one of London most iconic sights. It is a magnificent architectural contribution to the London skyline, with two towers and sky-blue and white beams. For a unique view of the bridge, you may cross the glass walkway over the road below and visit the two towers if you want to. From here, proceed to the Tower of London on the north bank of the Thames. The Ravens, regarded as the Tower protectors, reside in this historic castle, which is home to the Crown Jewels and is classified as a UNESCO Heritage Site. The Tower of London may be visited in one to two hours with ease. Visiting London in January allows you to enjoy these iconic attractions with fewer crowds.
4) Piccadilly Circus and Soho
The famous neon-lit plaza that gave the neighbourhood its circus appellation and the centre of London theatrical culture is in Piccadilly. The most amazing feature of these light-up billboards is that they never shut they operate around the clock. Some of the most well-known musicals in the world, such as Matilda, The Book of Mormon, and Les Miserables, are being performed in some theatres in the region. If there are any shows you would like to see while in town, it is worth looking out. Soho lively eating scene makes it a terrific spot to conclude the day. The variety of cuisines, including Italian, Indian, Iranian, and Japanese, will appeal to foodies.
Day Three – Kensington, Museums, Notting Hill and Afternoon Tea
1) The Natural History Museum and Kensington
You cannot visit London without visiting at least one museum, and many of them are free to attend. There are hundreds to pick from, but among the popular ones are the Natural History Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. It is among the best museums in London. A must-visit for art enthusiasts and has a variety of paid temporary exhibitions, ranging from fashion powerhouses to musical luminaries. Families will love the Natural History Museum exhibitions on botany, zoology, and science, as well as its interactive exhibits.
2) Notting Hill
If you are staying in West London, visit Notting Hill. The vibrant townhouses and mews make this the ideal location for Instagram, and both residents and tourists like it. With so many excellent restaurants, Notting Hill is a terrific spot to stop for lunch today. Try Taqueria for casual Mexican eating, Orasay is a fantastic seafood restaurant with inspiration from the Outer Hebrides, or Akub serves delectable Palestinian food in a charming street.
3) Traditional Afternoon Tea
In London, afternoon tea is one of the things that feels most British. The ideal way to spend a day is with finger sandwiches, scones with jam and clotted cream, and a decent beer. This is a year-round hobby that is unaffected by inclement weather. You have plenty of options when it comes to where you can have afternoon tea. I suggest afternoon tea at The Palm Parlour at The Ritz for a timeless classic.
You will see famous sites, learn about British culture, and find undiscovered treasures with this program. Your vacation will be remembered whether you choose to explore the top museums in London, visit exhilarating theme parks in London, or indulge in unique London activities.