3 Days in London
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to encapsulate the magic of London in just three days? We’ve got the perfect 72-hour itinerary for you that combines classic sights, culture, history, and modern wonders.
London, with its rich history and vibrant culture, is a city that often feels infinite in possibilities. Yet, with a bit of planning, one can truly embrace its spirit in just three days. Intrigued? Let’s dive in!
Be sure to take a look at our other guides to the England, such as the Top 10 Things to do in London and the Best Time to Visit London. Enjoy!
5 Key Takeaways
- Concise Itinerary: The article offers a well-structured 3-day plan, categorising activities into mornings, afternoons, and evenings, ensuring tourists make the most of their short stay.
- Blend of Old and New: London’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of historical landmarks, such as the Tower of London and Westminster, with modern attractions like The Shard and Camden Market.
- Cultural Emphasis: A significant portion of the itinerary is dedicated to immersing oneself in London’s rich culture, including visits to The British Museum, West End shows, and bustling markets.
- Practical Tips: Beyond sightseeing suggestions, the article offers practical advice, such as using an Oyster card for transport and always carrying an umbrella due to London’s unpredictable weather.
- Concluding Guidance: The FAQs at the end provide rapid answers to common queries, ensuring tourists are well-informed and prepared for their London adventure.
The below should give you enough to get started! We have also added a list of other things to do, restaurants to eat at, and how to get around London with ease.
Day 1: The Classic London Experience
Morning: Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Kick off your journey at the iconic Tower of London. Dive into the history of British royalty and, of course, behold the dazzling Crown Jewels. A short walk away is the majestic Tower Bridge, a sight that’s simply unmissable. Can you believe this has stood over the River Thames since 1894?
Recommended Tours:
Afternoon: Westminster & Buckingham Palace
From the ancient to the seat of current power, Westminster is the political heart of the UK. After marvelling at Big Ben, take a leisurely walk to Buckingham Palace. Time it right, and you can catch the Changing of the Guard. Ever wondered how this tradition has remained unchanged for centuries?
Recommended tours:
Evening: Thames River Cruise
Conclude your first day with a tranquil Thames River Cruise. As the sun sets, the city’s skyline, with landmarks like the London Eye, is a sight to behold. Isn’t it amazing how the city transforms as the day turns to night?
Recommended tours:
Day 2: Cultural and Historical Exploration
Morning: The British Museum
Start your day with a trip through history at The British Museum. From the Rosetta Stone to the Elgin Marbles, these artefacts have stories that span continents and millennia. Can you picture the hands that once held these treasures?
Recommended tour: British Museum Tour
Afternoon: Covent Garden & The West End
Head to Covent Garden for a mix of culture, shopping, and entertainment. Why not check out the Transport Museum while you are there! As evening nears, make your way to The West End. Why not catch a matinee? The plays and musicals here rival Broadway. Ever considered how the arts shape our understanding of culture?
Current West End Shows can be found here
Evening: A West End Show
End your day with a bang! Whether you choose a timeless classic or a modern hit, the performances in London’s West End are always captivating. How does a story come to life on stage so vividly?
Current West End Shows can be found here
Day 3: Modern London & Shopping
Morning: Camden Market
Dive into the eclectic world of Camden Market. Here, the vintage meets the avant-garde, making for a shopping experience like no other. Do you feel the pulse of contemporary London?
Recommended tour: Camden With a Local , Canal boat hire
Afternoon: Shard & Southbank
Soar high at The Shard, London’s tallest skyscraper. The panoramic views are unparalleled. Later, stroll along Southbank, a melting pot of artists, food stalls, and live performances. Can you sense the city’s modern heartbeat?
Fancy a FREE view of the Shard and London? Head up to the SkyGarden! Just make sure you book 3 weeks in advance, here.
Recommended tour: Shard skip the line Ticket and tour
Evening: Leicester Square & Piccadilly Circus
Experience the vibrant nightlife of London at Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. The lights, energy, and buzz of the city are infectious. Doesn’t it feel like the city never sleeps?
Recommended tour: Harry Potter walking tour
Recommended Restaurants in London
Duck & Waffle: Located on the 40th floor of the Heron Tower, this restaurant offers British and European cuisine. The highlight is its 24/7 service and the stunning views of the London skyline. Perfect for those seeking a culinary experience with a view.
Dishoom: Paying homage to the Irani cafés of Bombay, Dishoom provides a delightful mix of traditional and contemporary Indian dishes. With a nostalgic ambiance reminiscent of post-colonial India, it’s a treat for both the palate and the soul.
Sketch: Nestled in Mayfair, Sketch offers a unique dining experience with its quirky and eclectic pink interiors. Renowned for its afternoon teas and Michelin-starred gourmet dinners, it’s an experience of art, food, and ambiance combined.
The Ledbury: Located in Notting Hill, this two Michelin-starred restaurant serves modern European dishes with a hint of British influence. With its elegant setting and a menu curated by Chef Brett Graham, it’s a destination for fine dining enthusiasts.
Borough Market’s Food Stalls: While not a single restaurant, Borough Market is a haven for foodies. This bustling market offers a plethora of food stalls serving dishes from around the globe, ranging from artisanal cheeses to gourmet burgers. It’s a must-visit for those keen on sampling a variety of flavours in one location.
Other Things to Do in London
Kew Gardens: Explore the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage site. With a vast collection of plants from around the world, the iconic Palm House, and treetop walkways, it’s a breath of fresh air within the city.
Visit the Tate Modern: Situated along the River Thames, the Tate Modern is a renowned contemporary art museum housed in a former power station. It boasts an impressive collection of modern art from artists like Picasso, Hockney, and Warhol.
Stroll through Hyde Park: One of London’s largest royal parks, Hyde Park is the perfect place to relax, have a picnic, or even go boating on the Serpentine Lake. The park is also home to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and the historic Speaker’s Corner.
Explore the Seven Dials: Located in Covent Garden, the Seven Dials is a unique junction where seven streets converge. It’s a vibrant area filled with independent boutiques, theatres, and cosy cafés, making it perfect for shopping and people-watching.
Climb The O2: For the adventurous, take the challenge of climbing the iconic O2 Arena’s rooftop. This guided expedition offers panoramic views of the city from a unique vantage point, especially enchanting during sunset.
Little Venice: Experience the tranquillity of London’s canal district. Stroll along the waterways or take a canal boat from Little Venice to the bustling Camden Market.
Harry Potter Studio Tour: Dive into the magical world of Harry Potter. Located just outside London, the Warner Bros. Studio offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the iconic film series, showcasing intricate sets, costumes, and props.
Royal Observatory, Greenwich: Stand astride the Prime Meridian Line, where the East meets the West. Explore the home of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and delve deep into the wonders of space and time at the observatory’s planetarium.
Brick Lane: Delight in the eclectic vibes of Brick Lane, famous for its array of vintage shops, vibrant street art, diverse eateries, and the renowned Sunday market, showcasing antiques, fashion, and mouth-watering global cuisines.
Getting Around in London
Navigating London, with its sprawling urban landscape and iconic red double-decker buses, might initially seem daunting. However, the city boasts one of the world’s most efficient and comprehensive public transport systems. Here’s a handy guide on how to get around:
The Underground (Tube):
- The London Underground, commonly referred to as the ‘Tube’, is one of the quickest ways to traverse the city.
- There are 11 colour-coded lines connecting various parts of London and even some suburbs.
- Services generally run from 5 a.m. to midnight, with Night Tube services on certain lines on Fridays and Saturdays.
Buses:
- London’s iconic red buses are a great way to sightsee while commuting. The city has an extensive bus network covering all areas.
- The front of each bus displays its number and final destination, while stops en route are announced onboard.
Trains:
- Overground trains connect various parts of London and are particularly useful for places not served by the Tube.
- There are also regional trains departing from major stations like King’s Cross, Paddington, and Waterloo that connect London to other UK cities.
Trams:
- Predominantly found in South London, trams are an efficient way to get around areas like Croydon and Wimbledon.
River Services:
- The Thames Clippers provide river bus services along the River Thames, offering a scenic commute option with stops like Westminster, Tower Bridge, and Greenwich.
Bicycles:
- London’s public bicycle scheme, popularly known as ‘Boris Bikes’, allows for short-term bike rentals. Docking stations are scattered throughout the city.
Walking:
- Central London is surprisingly walkable. Many attractions are located close to each other, making walking a pleasant option, especially on pedestrianised streets and parks.
Taxis & Minicabs:
- The black cabs are a London institution. They can be hailed on the street when their yellow ‘TAXI’ sign is illuminated.
- Minicabs, or private hire vehicles, need to be pre-booked. It’s illegal for them to take passengers without a prior booking.
Oyster Card & Contactless Payments:
- The Oyster Card is a smart card that can be topped up and used on most public transport, offering significant savings compared to buying individual tickets.
- Alternatively, contactless debit or credit cards can be used directly on Tube and bus readers, charging you the best fare for your day’s travel.
Apps & Tools:
- Citymapper and TfL Go are invaluable apps for real-time transport updates, route planning, and service disruptions.
Practical Tips for Visiting London
Oyster Card: Obtain an Oyster Card or a contactless payment card for cheaper and more convenient travel on London’s public transport system, including buses, trams, and the Underground.
Weather Preparedness: London weather can be unpredictable. Always pack an umbrella or a raincoat, and layer your clothing to adjust to changing conditions.
Free Museums: Many of London’s top museums, like the British Museum, Tate Modern, and the National Gallery, have free entry, though donations are appreciated.
Walking & Comfortable Shoes: Central London is quite walkable. Often, attractions are closer than they appear on the map. Wear comfortable shoes as you might end up walking more than expected.
Theatre Deals: If you’re keen to watch a West End show but are on a budget, check the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted same-day tickets.
Local Markets: Explore local markets like Borough Market, Camden Market, and Portobello Road Market for unique food, antiques, and souvenirs.
Avoiding Crowds: If possible, visit popular attractions early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak tourist crowds.
City Maps & Apps: Carry a pocket map or download offline maps on your smartphone. Citymapper is a particularly helpful app for navigating London’s transport system.
Stay Connected: Purchase a local SIM card for your phone if you’re visiting from outside the UK. It’s usually more cost-effective than roaming.
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not compulsory, but it’s customary to leave around 10-15% in restaurants if you’re happy with the service. However, check your bill as some establishments include a service charge.
Safety: London is generally safe, but like in any major city, remain vigilant, especially in crowded places or late at night. Beware of pickpockets in popular tourist areas.
Sunday Closures: Remember that many shops and restaurants may have shorter opening hours on Sundays, while some might be closed entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and tourist crowds are thinner.
Yes, but like any major city, always stay alert and be aware of your surroundings.
The Heathrow Express or the Tube are convenient options.
It’s not mandatory, but a 10-15% tip in restaurants is customary for good service.
The British Pound Sterling.
Final Thoughts
Three days in London might seem fleeting, but with this itinerary, you’ll leave with a lifetime of memories. From the historical to the modern, London’s beauty lies in its blend of eras and cultures.
(Note: Ensure to check the official websites for any changes in ticket prices or visiting hours before planning your trip.) Also add us to your socials!
Thank you for reading! Goodbye!
Related articles: Top 10 Things to do in London
Recommended websites: Visit Europe , Visit England
Author
Nick Harvey
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