3 day London itinerary

London is a city of history, culture and energy! See iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben, as well as world-class museums and vibrant neighborhoods with my recommended 3 day London itinerary. It covers all the best things to do in three days in one of my favorite cities, which I’ve visited several times.

This itinerary is fully based on my experiences in London and I made sure that within every day, you can walk pretty much everything. You can find out more on public transport below.

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How many days do you need in London?

London is a huge city and you could probably spend months exploring it. However, the average traveler spends 2 to 5 days in London. 3 days in London is the sweet spot that allows you to see all the major attractions without feeling rushed. Plus, a 3 day itinerary is perfect for a long weekend!

How to get to London? Which airport in London is best?

There are many ways to get to London. The three most common are by bus, train and plane. The main bus stations are London Golders Green Coach Station, London Liverpool Street Coach Station, London Stratford Coach Station and London Victoria Coach Station. Liverpool Street and Victoria Coach Stations are the ones you should aim for to be close to the city center. There are also several train stations, but if you’re arriving on the Eurostar, you’ll find yourself at St. Pancras. As if there weren’t enough options, London also has a whopping SIX international airports. The main one is Heathrow, from which you can take the Underground into the city. Gatwick, Stansted and Luton are the other popular ones, all of which are further away. If you can, try to arrive at Heathrow.

How to get around in London? What is the Oyster Card?

Public transport is great in London and you can easily follow this 3 day itinerary using the extensive Tube and bus network. However, the days are planned so you can walk inbetween attractions, saving some money on public transport. Oyster Cards are the way to pay for public transport in London. They are prepaid cards that you tap on and off. Contactless cards also work, just make sure you use the same card every time you travel in London to limit your daily fare.

How much money do you need for 3 days in London?

Your budget really depends on how you want to travel. In addition to travel and accommodation, which can vary greatly, you can expect to spend around €25 per day on everything else (on a very low budget). This is assuming you spend €10 per day on transportation, €10 on food (mostly cooking and living off Tesco meal deals), and €5 on miscellaneous expenses. Most people will spend more, so evaluate your spending habits and budget accordingly. Visiting London doesn’t have to be expensive, but it certainly won’t be cheap.

When is the best month to go to London?

In terms of weather, plan to go to London in the summer. The summer months have the best weather, with less rain and higher temperatures than usual. However, this also means that London can get crowded. To get the best of both worlds, aim for the shoulder months such as April, May and September.

What is the best London itinerary for 3 days?

While London is far too big to cover everything there is to see and do in just 3 days, I’ve put together a 3 days in London itinerary that covers all the highlights. I’ve done London in one day twice before and just recently had the opportunity to spend a few more days. This itinerary includes everything I’ve learned from my trips to London to help you have the best 3 days possible!

Day 1 – Highlights in the West

Hyde Park

Start your day with a stroll through Hyde Park, arguably London’s most famous park. From royal hunting grounds to public debates and rock concerts by the Rolling Stones and Queen, it has earned its nickname of “the people’s park”.
Be sure to visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and the Hyde Park Rose Garden.

Buckingham Palace and Changing of the Guards

Just a 15-minute walk from Hyde Park’s Rose Garden, you’ll find Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the British monarchs. The Changing of the Guard ceremony usually takes place here at 11 a.m., so be sure to arrive in time to see it. It is an important tradition and is watched by millions of people every year.

Westminster Abbey

After the Changing of the Guard ceremony, make your way to Westminster Abbey, a stunning Gothic church with a rich history. It’s not just any church, though – it’s been the coronation site of British monarchs for over 900 years! The walk takes about 15 minutes and entrance to the Abbey is £ 29. However, you can attend the services for free.

Big Ben

Next, walk towards the River Thames to the iconic Big Ben clock tower. Big Ben is actually the nickname for the giant bell inside the tower, but most people use it for the whole thing. Fun fact: The clock faces are 23 feet in diameter – that’s almost as wide as a bus! Be especially vigilant about your belongings in this area, as it is a popular place for pickpockets.

London Eye

You will be able to see the London Eye across the Thames from Big Ben. While I recommend checking it out, I strongly urge you not to spend any money here. There are some amazing free viewpoints like The Lookout, which you will visit on day 2.

Leake Street Graffiti Tunnel

To end the day, head down to a hidden gem – Leake Street, also known as the Graffiti Tunnel. Hidden beneath Waterloo Station, this 300-meter long tunnel is a vibrant and ever-changing exhibition of urban art. Since 2008, it’s become a legal haven for street artists who constantly transform the space with murals and graffiti.

Day 2 – Eastern Highlights

Tate Modern

Start your day at the Tate Modern, one of London’s many free things to do. Located on the south bank of the Thames, this modern art gallery is a must for art lovers. The huge museum houses a massive collection of modern and contemporary art, from Picasso and Matisse to Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei.

Millenium Bridge

After your visit to the Tate Modern, take a walk across the Millennium Bridge, a pedestrian bridge that connects the museum to St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank. Nicknamed the “wobbly bridge” because it wobbled slightly when it first opened, the Millennium Bridge is now a popular spot for stunning views along the Thames (and is perfectly aligned with St. Paul’s Cathedral, making it perfect for pictures). It has also been used in many famous movies, including Guardians of the Galaxy and Harry Potter.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral is known for its iconic dome. Construction of the current cathedral began in the late 17th century after the Great Fire of London destroyed the previous one. Fun fact: St. Paul’s dome is actually inspired by the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, but it’s slightly wider! Climb to the top of the dome for a panoramic view of the city and explore the beautiful interior (entry is £25), or simply admire the stunning exterior from the Reflection Garden. As with Westminster Abbey, services are free to attend.

St. Dunstan in the East

For a London hidden gem and a peaceful break, head over to St. Dunstan in the East. This beautiful church ruin has been transformed into a public garden and is a 20-minute walk or 3 stops on the #15 bus from St. Paul’s. After being damaged during World War II, the church was not rebuilt, but instead given new life as a green oasis in the heart of the city and is one of the best places to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a must-see for anyone interested in England’s past. The impressive fortress has served as a royal palace, a prison and even a zoo over the centuries. The main reason to visit is to see the Crown Jewels, but queues can be long and admission is £34.80. Personally, I think it is not worth it to enter if you are on a budget, but you should make up your own mind.

Tower Bridge

Right next to the Tower of London you’ll find the iconic Tower Bridge. This beautiful bridge is a symbol of London. Stroll along the pedestrian walkways for stunning views of the River Thames, or take a tour inside the bridge to see the engine rooms that once powered it. Admission is £13.40. For one of the best photo spots, walk across the bridge to the Horsleydown steps.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a beautiful Victorian covered market that also holds a secret for fans of the wizarding world. This historic market provided the exterior shots for Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter movie. While us Muggles can’t see the magic, you can still browse the charming shops and passageways. Fun fact: Look for an optician’s shop – rumor has it this was the doorway used to film the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron pub! You can walk here from Tower Bridge in less than 20 minutes.

The Lookout

For stunning and free(!) panoramic views of London, check out The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate. Located on the 50th floor of a skyscraper, The Lookout offers breathtaking views! Tickets to The Lookout are free, but they release every other week on Mondays and tend to get booked up. If you can’t get one, head to the Garden at 120, which is also free and doesn’t require a booking. Sunset is magnificent to watch from both of them.

Day 3 – Everything in between

British Museum

Start your day at the British Museum, one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world. With over 8 million objects spanning continents and civilizations, the British Museum features mummies, samurai armor, the Rosetta Stone, and much, much more. There are themed tours, but I recommend following the highlights route outlined in the free visitor’s guide. It will take you to the most important exhibits you can’t miss. While you could easily spend more than a day here, be sure to leave around noon or early afternoon to explore more of London.

Outernet

For something a little different, head to the Outernet, a unique digital immersive exhibition near Tottenham Court Road, a 10-minute walk from the British Museum. There are three rooms, two smaller ones and a main one, which show different types of immersive art on a loop. The best way to experience this is to sit down for a bit and take in the screens around you.

Covent Garden

Next, check out Covent Garden. It is a vibrant area known for its atmosphere, history and vibe. Originally a fruit and vegetable market, the area is now home to a variety of shops, cafes, restaurants, theaters and street performers. You can reach it within 10 minutes from Outernet.

Picadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a bustling intersection in the heart of London’s West End, famous for its bright curved screen and energetic atmosphere. Nicknamed “London’s Times Square,” Piccadilly Circus is a great place to people-watch, take photos and enjoy the buzz of the city.

Chinatown

End your 3 day London itinerary with a visit to London’s Chinatown, an area full of authentic Chinese restaurants and shops selling traditional ingredients. It’s a great place to grab a delicious meal, explore the shops or experience a bit of Chinese culture and diversity in the heart of London. We had a bun at Bun House and fresh custard taiyaki at Chinatown Bakery and I can recommend both.

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