Welcome to London, where history and modern life throw the best party. Get ready for three days of jaw-dropping sights, mouth-watering food, and cultural spots.
Whether you’re exploring royal palaces or diving into quirky neighborhoods, this 3-day itinerary ensures a fantastic adventure in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Dario Amade. Image Location: London, England
Day 1: iconic landmarks and the Thames
Morning: the Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Kick off your London adventure at the Tower of London. Arrive early to beat the crowds, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and join a Beefeater tour for some fascinating stories.
Next, stroll across the iconic Tower Bridge. Don’t miss the glass floor walkway — it’s like walking on air, with the Thames flowing beneath your feet.
Lunch: Borough Market
Head over to Borough Market, where foodies’ dreams come true. Try a sausage roll from Ginger Pig or a cheese toastie from Kappacasein.
🚊 See also: London's best street-food markets
Afternoon: South Bank and Westminster
Meander along the South Bank of the Thames, taking in the street performers and epic views. Snap some selfies with the London Eye in the background.
Pop into the Tate Modern for a quick culture fix. Entry is free, but a guided tour can give you the lowdown on all the funky art.
Ride the London Eye for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Sunset rides offer the best Instagram shots.
Evening: Westminster and Covent Garden
Cross Westminster Bridge to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament — iconic doesn’t even begin to cover it. Visit Westminster Abbey, where kings and queens get crowned and celebrities get married.
Head to Covent Garden for dinner. This area is buzzing with cool restaurants and often features live street performances. Perfect spot to end your day on a high note!
🚊 See also: Where to find the oldest pubs in London
Image Credit: Getty Images, Andrea Pucci. Image Location: St. James's Park, London, England
Day 2: Royalty and culture
Morning: Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park
Start your day at Buckingham Palace. Catch the Changing of the Guard — it’s like a real-life British version of a royal parade. Hint: check the schedule in advance as it doesn’t happen every day.
Stroll through St. James’s Park, where you might spot some pelicans — yes, pelicans in the middle of London!
Lunch: Soho
Soho is your go-to for a vibrant lunch scene. From dim sum at Yauatcha to traditional British pies at Mother Mash, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Afternoon: museums and Kensington
Dive into some culture at one of London’s top museums. The British Museum is packed with treasures from around the world, while the Natural History Museum lets you hang out with dinosaurs.
Explore Kensington Palace and its beautiful gardens. The nearby Victoria and Albert Museum is a haven for art and design lovers.
Evening: West End show
Treat yourself to a West End show. Whether it’s the magic of The Phantom of the Opera or the energy of Hamilton, London’s theatre scene will blow you away. Dinner in Theatreland is a must — try The Ivy for some pre-theatre glam or J Sheekey for seafood lovers.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Karl Hendon. Image Location: Notting Hill, London, England
Day 3: trendy neighborhoods and shopping
Morning: Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market
Start your day in the postcard-perfect Notting Hill. Wander through its colorful streets and hit up the famous Portobello Road Market. Hunt for antiques, vintage fashion, and unique souvenirs. Go early to avoid the crowds and score the best finds.
Lunch: Camden Market
Explore London like a local and head to Camden Market for a quirky, eclectic lunch experience. From vegan burgers to churros, this place has it all. Spend some time checking out Camden’s alternative shops and vibrant street art.
Afternoon: Regent’s Park and Oxford Street
Take a relaxing stroll through Regent’s Park. If you’re with kids, the nearby ZSL London Zoo is a hit. Wander down Baker Street and channel your inner detective at the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
End your afternoon with some serious shopping on Oxford Street. From high-street fashion at Topshop to luxury goods at Selfridges, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
Evening: Shoreditch
Finish your trip with an evening in Shoreditch, one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods. Check out the street art and boutique shops.
Enjoy dinner at one of Shoreditch’s many hip eateries. Try Dishoom for some bomb Indian cuisine or The Clove Club for a modern British tasting menu. Wrap up your night with cocktails at a cool bar like Nightjar or Happiness Forgets.
See also: 10 most Instagrammable restaurants in London
Image Credit: Getty Images, Sylvain Sonnet. Image Location: London, England
Departure
Spend your final morning enjoying a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a last-minute visit to a local market or park. Don’t forget to pick up some British treats to take home, like tea from Fortnum & Mason or a box of biscuits from Harrods. Consider taking a ride on one of London’s iconic red buses for one final tour around the city or just copy Joey Tribbiani’s sightseeing trip from the Friends London episode.
This 3-day itinerary packs in the best of London’s rich history, vibrant culture, and modern charm. From iconic landmarks to trendy neighborhoods, you’ll leave with a suitcase full of memories and a longing to come back. Cheers to a fantastic trip!
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Alexander Spatari. Image Location: London, England
