Ultimate 3 Days In London Itinerary

Looking to plan a trip to London? Welcome to one of my favorite cities!

London is simply iconic. The city has been the backdrop for so much great history and literature. It’s a destination that appeals to all kinds of passions — whether you’re a museum lover, a history buff, or a fan of royalty and architecture.

But with so many options, planning a trip to London can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-time visitor.

the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

To ensure that you have the best experience, I’ve put together a step-by-step 3 day itinerary that takes you to the city’s must see attractions, famous landmarks, world-class museums, and iconic neighborhoods. And don’t worry, I’ve even included a couple of London’s hidden gems as well.

Snapshot Of 3 Days In London Itinerary

Here’s a quick glance of what you’ll see with this itinerary:

  • Parliament Square
  • Westminster Abbey
  • Changing of Guards at Buckingham Palace
  • Walking tour of Westminster
  • Covent Garden for lunch
  • Trafalgar Square
  • National Gallery of Art
  • Show in the West End
Pinterest pin for 3 days in London itinerary
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral
  • Millennium Bridge
  • Tate Modern or Globe Theater
  • Borough Market for lunch
  • Southwark Cathedral
  • Tower Bridge
  • Tower of London
  • Views at Garden at 120, Sky Garden, or Shard
  • Bermondsy Street for dinner
  • British Museum and British Library
  • Wallace Collection and Soho
  • Mayfair
  • Hyde Park
  • Victoria & Albert Museum
  • Kensington Palace
  • Dinner in West End neighborhood
Parliament Square
Parliament Square

3 Days In London Itinerary

Day 1 of 3 Days in London AM

Begin your 3 days in London in Wesminster, the heart of London. The City of Westminster is actually its own city within London. 

1. Parliament Square

Start with an early stroll in Parliament Square.

You’ll want to be there around 8:30 am or so to check it out. You next destination, Westminster Cathedral opens at 9:30, and you’ll need to get in line at least 15 minutes early.

Parliament Square is flanked with 12 statues of famous historical figures (sadly, only one is a woman). 

I particularly love the one of Winston Churchill, one of the UK’s most famous and beloved citizens.

Big Ben
Big Ben

From the square, you’ll have views of Westminster’s iconic UNESCO landmarks — Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and Westminster Abbey.

The renovations of Big Ben are finally complete and it literally gleams. Now the side of the palace not facing the Thames is under scaffolding.

The palace is probably best know for its famous Big Ben bell, which sits within the golden Elizabeth Tower.

Although perhaps not a priority stop with only 3 days in London, the public can tour the Houses of Parliament on certain dates. Or, you can book a guided tour of Parliament + Westminster Abbey.

Westminster Abbey, a must visit attractions with 3 days in London
Westminster Abbey

2. Westminster Abbey

After a look around, head over to Westminster Abbey. It’s an iconic landmark that is an absolute must-visit attraction with 3 days in London.

Westminster is the most historic church in the English-speaking world, having hosted every coronation from William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II, and 16 royal weddings.

Additionally, it serves as the final resting place for many royals and notables, including Elizabeth I and Mary, two feuding Tudor siblings.

The most beautiful part of the Abbey is the spectacular Henry VII Chapel located in the eastern end. After its debut, the chapel was grandiosely nicknamed a “wonder of the world.”

Henry VII Chapel
Henry VII Chapel in Westminster Abbey

It was built by England’s first Tudor monarch, Henry VII, who defeated the York king, Richard III, in the Battle of Bosworth and seized control of England. The chapel features a truly breathtaking ceiling, as well as the tomb of Henry VII and his wife Elizabeth of York.

To make the most of your self-guided visit, an audio guide is included in your ticket.

For a fee of 5 pounds, you can also head upstairs to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Weston Tower. From the top, you can enjoy great views down over the nave and see the hidden treasures of the abbey.

Here’s my complete guide to Westminster Abbey. Click here to pre-book a ticket to Westminster Abbey. You can also take a 2 hour private guided tour of the abbey.

the Queen Victoria Statue in front of Buckingham Palace
the Queen Victoria Statue in front of Buckingham Palace

3. Changing of the Guard, Walking Tour, or Churchill War Rooms

After you visit the abbey, there are three good options before lunchtime.

You can: (1) head west to Buckingham Palace to watch the changing of the guards at 11:00 am; (2) take a Westminster walking tour; or (3) visit the Churchill War Rooms. You’ll have to choose one because there’s just so much to do with only 3 days in London.

Option 1: Changing of the Guard

At 11:00 am, you can marvel at the traditional Changing of the Guard performance. It involves meticulously dressed soldiers marching to the rhythm of military drums. 

You can book a guided tour if you want to learn about the history of the tradition. If visiting the palace is a priority to you, click here to book a ticket to the state rooms.

the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Option 2: Walking Tour of Westminster

After visiting the abbey, perhaps you want to take a walking tour of the Westminster area to see the highlights. There are plenty of options.

Some tours combine attractions and this may be a more efficient way to visit them.

This tour give you a private walking tour of historic Westminster. This tour offers a 4 hour Westminster walking tour + abbey tour.

You can book a Churchill walking tour that includes the museum or a walking tour of Westminster that includes the museum. You can also combine the museum with London’s WWII sites on this guided tour.

the Map Room in the Churchill War Rooms
the Map Room in the Churchill War Rooms

Option 3: Churchill War Rooms

The third option is for history buffs. The Churchill War Rooms is a fantastic museum. It’s the labyrinthian underground bunker where Churchill waged war underground.

It’s where Churchill’s inimitable voice was broadcast to the public, as German planes rained down bombs.

The exhibits are immersive and expansive. You can hear excerpts of rousing Churchill speeches and first hand accounts of life during WWII.

A highlight is a huge 15 meter touchscreen table that chronicles Churchill’s life and the timeline of the war.

Here’s my complete guide to the Churchill War Rooms

Apple Market in Covent Garden, a must visit with 3 days in London
Apple Market in Covent Garden

4. Covent Garden

Next up, head to Covent Garden for a stroll and lunch.

Covent Garden has been a popular London neighborhood since the 17th century. It’s a mix of tony restaurants, cocktail lounges, boutique souvenir stalls, and indie market halls. 

If it’s your first time in London, you should definitely pay a visit.

In fact, if you love markets (I know I do), you can book a 3 hour guided tour of Covent Garden, Camden, and Borough markets.

Covent Garden’s main draw is Apple Market. But its must see attractions extend to the adjacent streets of Neal’s Yard, Seven Dials, and Central Square (where you’ll find street performers).

Neal’s Yard is a particularly attractive space, filled with quaint shops and cafes. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the market and worth the detour.

There’s a great place to eat there, The Barbary, which serves Mediterranean and Middle Eastern food.

You can also have lunch at Apple Market at Frenchies, the Crusting Pipe, or Creme de la Crepe.

And there are many great eateries near the market, including Ave Mario (Italian), Petersham Nurseries (chic garden cafe), Coral Pearl (British food), or Kebab Queen (kebabs).

Covent Garden is also where you’ll find London’s Royal Opera House. If you passed on a West End show, you can take in a ballet here. Or, take a guided tour of the posh place.

Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square

Day 1 of 3 Days In London PM

1. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is London’s central square and the very heart of London. It’s towering Nelson’s Column commemorates the British naval victory in the Battle of Trafalgar.

It’s surrounded by a central fountain and bronze lions. As befitting its central spot, streets spoke out to the major tourist areas — Soho, Covent Garden, Parliament Square, and Buckingham Palace.

Take a look around and then head inside to visit the National Gallery of Art.

National Gallery of Art in Trafalgar Square
National Gallery of Art in Trafalgar Square

2. National Gallery of Art

The National Gallery is one of the best museums on the planet. It houses one of the richest and best collections of paintings in the world.

The collection is incredibly diverse, featuring 2,000 European paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. 

The National Gallery has the best collection of Italian Renaissance works outside Italy.

There are also impressive holdings of works by various British, Dutch, French, Spanish, and Flemish painters. You’ll find works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci, MichelangeloBotticelli, J.M.W. Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting the National Gallery. Click here to book a guided tour of this magnificent museum.

Day 1 of 3 Days In London Evening

No visit to London is complete without taking in a show in the West End, which gives Broadway a run for its money.

This area is affectionately referred to as “Theatreland.” There are 40 playhouses clustered around Leicester and Picadilly Squares.

Recently, I’ve seen The Phantom of the OperaLes MiserablesWicked, and Book of Mormon there. Just last week, I scored a coveted ticket to the critically acclaimed To Kill A Mockingbird and it was fabulous.

You can buy tickets online in advance. You can also take your chances at TKTS ticket booth in Leicester Square, which sells daily discounted tickets.

If you love show biz tales, you can even book a 2 hour guided musical theater tour.

St Paul's Cathedral, must visit attractions with 3 days in London
St Paul’s Cathedral

Day 2 Of 3 Days In London AM

1. St. Paul’s Cathedral

On day 2, you’ll begin at one of London’s most iconic landmarks, St Paul’s Cathedral.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is the largest and most famous of London’s many churches. It’s the seat of the Bishop of London and parish church of the British Commonwealth.

The church has a colorful history. It’s been looted, burned, and destroyed.

St. Paul’s was rebuilt for good in 1710 by Sir Christopher Wren and survived Nazi bombing. It’s been the site of royal funerals and weddings, including that of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

The cathedral has the scale and classicism of St. Peters Basilica in Rome. The exterior features Wren’s magnificent Renaissance dome, 225 feet high.

The interior is beautiful as well, especially the high altar in marble and gilded wood. There are stunning mosaics in the saucer vaults.

The cupola of the dome was painted by James Thornhill and has been restored. The guards will encourage you to lay down on the sun dial beneath it to get the best photo.

I highly recommend you climb to the top of the dome, if you’re able to ascend the 528 steps. Be forewarned, it’s a steep spiral climb. The passages are dimly lit and not for the faint of heart.

On your way, you can check out the famous whispering gallery (where sounds travels around the circular hall), the Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery. 

enjoying the views from the Golden Gallery
enjoying the views from St. Paul’s Golden Gallery

You’ll have stunning views of London and can inspect the iconic dome at closer range.

Another tip is to visit the mall next to the cathedral. From the 6th floor, which you can access for free, you’ll have great close up views of the dome.

Here’s my complete guide to visiting St. Paul’s Cathedral. Click here to purchase a skip the line ticket to St. Paul’s. You can also book a 2.5 hour guided tour of St. Paul’s and other London viewpoints.

2. Visit The Globe Theater or the Tate Modern

When you’re done admiring the cathedral, cross the Millennium Bridge to get to your next destination on the south bank. Its a beautiful modern bridge with great views.

When you arrive, choose between visiting the Shakespeare’s Globe Theater or the Tate Modern.

Globe Theater
Globe Theater

Option 1: Globe Theater

Fans of William Shakespeare will want to visit the Globe Theater.

It’s an epicenter of English history associated with the bard. The reconstructed theater is a half-timbered and thatched roof reconstruction of the old theater, which was destroyed by fire in 1613.

It was an Elizabethan style theater in the round, hence the term “globe.” Its debut play was Shakespeare’s Henry V. Most of Shakespeare’s tragedies were specifically written for the Globe.

There are guided tours of the Globe complex. You can tour the open air theater, the box office, and the Jacobean theater.

The theater is three levels. Back in the day, the aristocrats’ seats were to the side to avoid the heat of the sun. There was no limit on attendees. Everyone crammed in tightly.

There are also 45 minute public tours that leave every 30 minutes. You may even see actors rehearsing their scenes.

Tate Modern
Tate Modern

Option 2: Tate Modern

Art lovers should opt to visit the Tate Modern. It’s one of the world’s preeminent modern art museums and one of London’s most popular attractions.

The museum is home to room after room of world famous modern and contemporary art. Plus, aside from special exhibitions, it’s absolutely free to visit.

Among other modern artworks, you can clap your eyes on Andy Warhol’s Marilyn Diptych, Marcel Duchamp’s Fountain, Amadeo Modigliani’s Peasant Boy, Pablo Picasso’s Nude Woman in a Red Armchair, and Salvador Dali’s Lobster Telephone.

Don’t miss the room with Mark Rotho’s luminous Seagram Murals. In the 1960s, Rothko gave nine murals to the Tate Modern, which the director called “a princely gesture.”

Rothko insisted on a permanent, exclusive room for the murals. They’re displayed as Rothko intended — in a dimly lit space where the viewer can absorb their meditative character.

Click here to book a guided tour of the Tate Modern.

Southwark Cathedral
Southwark Cathedral

3. Southwark Cathedral

Southwark Cathedral is a little Gothic gem that dates back to 606 A.D. It’s right next to Tate Modern and just 5 minutes from the Globe Theater.

Take a few minutes to step inside London’s oldest Gothic structure. The original building was destroyed by fire in 1212.

What stands today dates back to the 13th century. You can see the older Norman influences in the rear facade, while the front showcases the Gothic style.

Once inside, you’ll be greeted by an airy, vaulted ceiling crafted from sandstone-colored brick. The interior boasts beautiful stained glass, a notable monument to Shakespeare, and some unique 15th-century wooden roof capitals that add to its charm.

flower store in Borough Market
flower store in Borough Market

4. Borough Market

It’s time for lunch. Head to Borough Market just 3 minutes away from Southwark.

This charming market is London’s top spot for food lovers and has been since the 12th century. While seating is limited, it’s the perfect place to shop for high-quality groceries. You’ll find everything from freshly baked goods to a wide range of condiments and seafood.

Alternatively, it’s a great place to grab lunch, offering some of the city’s best food and drinks. With over 100 food stalls, there’s a fantastic variety of ethnic dishes and other delicious options to choose from.

I’ve personally enjoyed the curries and wild mushroom risotto. Don’t miss out on the hot pies at Mrs. King’s Pork, a real treat!

You can book a guided food tour that includes Borough Market.

Tower Bridge

5. Tower Bridge

After lunch, make your way to the Tower Bridge.

It’s one of London’s most defining landmarks. Built between 1886-94 during the reign of Queen Victoria, the bridge was designed to mimic the architectural style of the Tower of London. 

You can walk across the bridge. Or purchase a ticket to cross the upper levels. 

On a self-guided tour, you’ll learn about the history of Tower Bridge and the Victorian engineering feats that made it possible.

me about to walk across the top level of the Tower Bridge
me about to walk across the top level of the Tower Bridge

Some of the walkways are glass. You can see the rush of London traffic beneath you and the cloudy water of the Thames.

From my observations, kids seem to particularly enjoy the experience. You can book a 4 hour Tower Bridge and Tower of London experience specifically for kids and families.

6. Tower of London

Once you’ve crossed the Tower Bridge, you arrive at London’s premiere destination and UNESCO-listed site: the Tower of London. If you’re a history buff, this is a must see site and the place in London to go.

The Tower is history. It has served as a royal palace, a fortress, a prison, a mint, a military storehouse, a treasury, home to the Crown Jewels, an armory, a public records office, a royal observatory, and a royal zoo.

You’ll be blissfully immersed in the various successions of the Edwards, the Richards, and the Henrys.

the Tower of London
the Tower of London

There’s a free 45 minute Yeoman Warden tour. They begin hourly and which most people rave about.

These ceremonial guards are great storytellers and bring a touch of drama and theatrics to the place.

With booming voices and bawdy jokes, they’ll gleefully regale you with delicious sinister bits about torture, beheadings, and executions.

Most visitors are besotted with the Crown Jewels. To me, they’re beautiful in their extravagance, but somewhat boring. 

Be prepared to wait in a long queue to see the jewels, if you’re visiting during high season. Know that you can’t take photos in this area of the tower.

Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London
Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London

Aside from the Crown Jewels, you can immerse yourself in the Tower of London’s medieval architecture and history. 

The infamous Norman castle is almost a 1000 years old, after all — with 21 towers, battlements, an armory, and a palace. This was where Henry VII’s ill fated wife Ann Boleyn was executed.

Here’s my comprehensive guide to the Tower of London. If you loathe queues, be sure to pre-purchase tickets online in advance. The Tower is also free with the London Pass.

A ticket comes with a free audio guide. But you can also book a 2-3 hour tour with an expert or a private 3 hour tour to get the full scoop and see the tower’s hidden gems.

the Sky Garden
the Sky Garden

7. London Viewpoints

Now let’s head to some spots for great views of London. You’ll find two fantastic, free viewing points near the Tower of London.

First, there’s the Sky Garden, just a five-minute walk from the Tower. It’s perched atop the Walkie Talkie building on Fenchurch Street.

This place is a haven for plant lovers, bursting with flowers, herbs, and greenery. It’s the perfect spot for both breathtaking views and a botanical experience.

Spread across three levels, the Sky Garden offers panoramic, uninterrupted views of London’s iconic landmarks. You can stroll through its beautifully landscaped gardens and enjoy the observation decks.

view of London from the Sky Garden
view of London from the Sky Garden

Not only is it the city’s highest public garden, but its Sky Pod Bar offers all day dining services with a wide range of cocktails. 

The Sky Garden is free to visit. But you need to make a reservation.

Another great spot for views is the Garden at 120, which I visited last time. It’s on top of the Fen Court building at 120 Fenchurch Street. The best part? No need to book or reserve – just show up.

It’s 15 stories high and has an outdoor terrace with amazing 360-degree views. Plus, the gardens are beautiful.

The Garden at 120 is still kind of a secret in London, so there’s usually only a short wait. You’ll go through a quick security check, take a fast elevator, and then step out into one of London’s prettiest rooftop spaces.

Garden at 120 viewpoint
Garden at 120

If you have a London Pass, you could also opt to take a spin on the London Eye.

If you don’t have the London Pass, you must pre-book a skip the line ticket for the eye. The lines are epically long.

Day 2 of 3 Days In London Evening

Think about spending your evening in Bermondsy, right across the Thames from the Tower of London. This area is a hidden gem in London and a favorite among locals.

It has changed a lot recently and is now a lively spot. With its cobbled squares and grand buildings, Bermondsy feels like it’s straight out of a period drama.

Bermondsy Street
Bermondsy Street

Bermondsy is also one of London’s culinary destinations. It’s home to street food markets rivaling Borough market and some of London’s best new restaurants.

One of the hottest tables to book right now in Bermondsy is Trivet. It was a just awarded a Michelin star.

You can also check out Pique-Nique, Jose Tapas Bar, Casse-Croute, or the Matby St. Market.

As another evening option, you might book a guided tour of London’s historic pubs or of the trendy pubs in the West End.

Day 3 of 3 Days in London AM

On your final day in London, you have two options for the morning. You can either go to the British Museum and the British Library or to The Wallace Collection and the SoHo neighborhood.

atrium of the British Museum
atrium of the British Museum

Option 1: British Museum & British Library

British Museum

The British Museum is a universal museum holding many of the world’s most important artifacts. It’s another of London’s amazing free museums.

The museum contains a breathtaking collection of over 8 million objects that paint a portrait of the world’s cultures. This is where you come to learn about humankind and its history.

You could spend weeks there, there’s just so much to see. Plot out your course in advance to make sure you get to see the highlights.

The Egyptian Gallery has spectacular busts, sarcophagi and the Rosetta Stone. There’s a massive collection of Roman sculptures and busts of the Roman emperors.

The famous Parthenon sculptures, known as the Elgin marbles, are in Room 18.

These beautiful friezes and sculptures formed part of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis of Athens. The museum’s possession of them has long been a subject of intense controversy.

You can book a guided tour of the British Museum. You can even have afternoon tea there. 

If you’re a literary buff, you can also opt to head 10-15 minutes northeast to Charles Dickens House at 48 Doughty Street.

Grab an audio guide and inspect five floors of the fully restored Georgian townhouse, where Dickens wrote some of his best novels.

British Library
British Library

British Library

London’s British Library is just 5 minutes from the British Museum. It’s the world’s largest library. While the exterior is not particularly pretty, there’s a dashing statue of Newton by Eduardo Paolozzi in the square.

The library is stashed with all kinds of gems: printed books, maps, important documents, and illustrated manuscripts.

You can visit the Treasures of the British Library on a walk in basis. The reading rooms are restricted. You have to apply in advance for a pass to access them.

In the Treasures room, you’ll find Mozart’s hand written musical compositions, Lewis Caroll’s Alice Adventures, Charlotte Brontë’s manuscript for Jane Eyre, Jane Austen’s writing desk, the Gutenberg Bible, and the Magna Carta.

Beatles’ fans will be pleased to find hand written copies of song lyrics.

If you want to grab lunch in the Bloomsbury area before moving on to your next destination, you can check out Honey & Co (Middle Eastern), Boopshi’s (Viennese cuisine), Chez Mamie (French), or Ristorante Olivelli (Italian).

The Wallace Collection
The Wallace Collection

Option 2: The Wallace Collection & Soho

Wallace Collection

Option number 2 is the Wallace Collection. It’s one of the world’s best small museums, a treasure trove of art.

The museum is somewhat pleasantly lost (except for locals) in London’s sea of amazing museums.

The Wallace Collection is housed in a palatial mansion in Marlybone. It’s a perfectly preserved in situ collaboration of art and period setting.

The museum has a fine collection of old Masters paintings set amid fine French furniture. It’s word renowned for its 18th century French paintings, European paintings, Boulle furniture, and medieval armor.

Fragonard, The Swing, 1767
Fragonard, The Swing, 1767

You’ll find works by Rembrandt, Franz Hals, Diego Velazquez, Titian, and Canaletto.

Plus, there’s a slew of works by Rococo-era artists like Watteau, Boucher, and Fragonard. The museum’s most famous painting is Fragonard’s famous The Swing.

You can take a free 30 minute tour of the Grand Gallery on the second floor at 3:00 pm with a museum expert. You need to make a reservation for this tour at the front desk.

But the Wallace Collection is so vast, with so many masterpieces, that you may want to book a proper 3 hour guided tour.

Carnaby Street, a pedestrianized shopping street in Soho
Carnaby Street, a pedestrianized shopping street in Soho

SoHo

Soho is 10-15 minutes from the Wallace Collection. It’s a buzzing hive of activity with people eating, drinking, or shopping. It’s made of 90 streets in one square mile in the West End.

If shopping is on your agenda, pop into Selfridges. This over-the-top luxury department store sells everything from design duds to raw oysters.

It’s not just a retail store. Selfridge’s is a creative playground where people come to socialize or listen to music.

Soho is a great place to stop for lunch midday. One excellent place is Barrafina, a tapas place where it’s hard to snag a seat. You can also try Noble Rot Soho (cool wine bar) or, for Italian food, check out Bocca di Lupo or Melle e Pere.

Day 3 Of 3 Days In London PM

After lunch, take a stroll through the lovely neighborhood of Mayfair and Hyde Park.

shops in the pretty Mayfair area of London
shops in the pretty Mayfair area of London

1. Mayfair

Mayfair is a lovely slice of west London bordered by Oxford Street, Regent Street, Picadilly, and Park Lane. Mayfair is quiet, immaculate, and synonymous with luxury.

You can find scads of high end shopping on Bond Street and Mount Street. But what I love most is Mayfair’s parks, squares, and gardens. 

The Mount Street Gardens are the loveliest. There’s a long line of benches for you to plop down and people watch.

You can also book a 2 hour guided walking tour in Mayfair.

Hyde Park, with a view of the Prince Alfred Memorial in Kensington Gardens
the Prince Alfred Memorial in Kensington Gardens

2. Hyde Park

Of the six royal parks in London, Hyde Park usually takes top prize. It’s a joy to wander through. You shouldn’t rush it. 

Hyde Park is a 350 acre break from city life, after all, and dotted with lovely follies and fountains. Stroll, feed the ducks, or rent a paddle boat.

Hyde Park was a brainchild of Henry VIII, who used it as a hunting ground.

The main attractions in the park are the Princess Diana Memorial, the Albert Memorial, the Serpentine (a 40 acre lake), the Bandstand, the Italian Gardens, and the Achilles Statue.

Hyde Park is also part of a 7 mile long Princess Diana walk, which leads tourists to the key sites associated with her. You can also book a 2 hour guided tour of the Princess Diana attractions.

The John Madejski Garden, an enclosed courtyard at the center of the Victoria & Albert Museum
the John Madejski Garden in the Victoria & Albert Museum

3. Victoria & Albert Museum Or Kensington Palace

For the rest of your afternoon, choose between the Victoria and Albert Museum, known as the V&A, or Kensington Palace.

Option 1: V&A

The V&A is immense museum named for the royal couple who did so much to support the many triumphs of the Victorian era.

The V&A is a non-stuffy place with an eclectic collection of national treasures in the field of decorative and design arts. Locals tells me it’s the best museum in London. It’s certainly the largest.

The huge collection illustrates the far reach of the British Empire. Virtually every medium is represented — photography, furniture, jewelry, paintings, ceramics, etc.

American glass artist Dale Chihuly's glass chandelier.
American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s glass chandelier

If you have limited time, you may want to use their “Greatest Treasures Guide” to ferret out the best pieces.

When you walk inside, you’ll see a stunning display — American glass artist Dale Chihuly’s glass chandelier.

The other must see objects at the V&A include the Ardabil Carpet (world’s oldest oriental carpet from 1539), Tipu’s Tiger (a Sultan’s toy), and a replica cast of Trajan’s Column in Rome.

I also like the Paul and Jill Ruddock Galleries. The rooms are filled with Renaissance sculptures, including a life size replica of Michelangelo’s David that lives in Florence.

The V&A is free to visit. You can also book a guided tour of the museum.

Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace

Option 2: Kensington Palace

If you aren’t up for another museum, head to Kensington Palace instead. The palace was once the official royal residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton and was the birthplace of Queen Victoria.

You’ll see a series of exhibitions, state rooms, and ornate gardens. If you’re a fashionista, you’ll love the collection of Princess Diana’s dresses. 

The Kensington Palace Pavilion is a good spot for afternoon tea. You can also book a special royal high tea at the palace.

You get free entry to the palace with the London Pass. Otherwise, be sure to book a skip the line ticket.

pastel houses in Notting Hill
pastel houses in Notting Hill

4. Notting Hill

Next, visit the famous Notting Hill neighborhood in London. People love it for its rows of Instagram-worthy pastel-colored houses. The area became even more popular after the 1999 movie Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Make sure to walk along Talbot Road, Blenheim Crescent, and Westbourne Grove. You’ll find bookshops, cafes, art, and great shopping spots. Also, check out Hillgate Place – it’s a particularly beautiful part of the neighborhood.

Notting Hill’s Portobello Road Market is one of the most famous street markets in the world. It’s home to hundreds of antique dealers and food stalls.

Portobello Market
Portobello Market

The main market is all day Saturday. It’s also open Monday through Wednesday.

Click here to book a 2 hour guided walking tour of pretty Notting Hill.

You can also book a 1 hour Rom Com tour of Notting Hill or a 4 hour guided tour that includes Covent Garden, Notting Hill, and Portobello Market. 

I recently booked the 4 hour tour and had a wonderful guide. He ended up giving me a 5 hour tour and we also strolled through Belgravia, Chelsea, and South Kensington.

The Churchill Arms, one of London's most colorful pubs
Churchill Arms

Day 3 Of 3 Days In London Evening

Since your day trip ends in West London, why not enjoy a cocktail or dinner there?

Start your evening with a pint at the Churchill Arms, a pub well-known for its stunning floral displays.

For dinner, consider these great options in the area: La Mia Mamma for Italian in Chelsea, Gogi for Korean in Little Venice, or Monti Mahal in South Kensington.

Notting Hill also offers some excellent dining choices. You could try MAM for Vietnamese cuisine, The Ledbury, The Shed, or SNAPS + Rye for a variety of delicious options.

beautiful bricks houses in Chelsea
beautiful bricks houses in Chelsea

Tips For A 3 Days In London Itinerary

1. How To Get To London

London has a total of six airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend. Among these airports, Heathrow and Gatwick are the busiest due to their major international destinations.

If you’re travelling to central London, there are various modes of transportation available to you.

If you’re coming from Heathrow, you can opt to take the Heathrow Express, the tube, taxi, or a private transfer. On the other hand, if you’re arriving at Gatwick, you have the option to take the Gatwick Express, the train, taxi, or book a private transfer.

Aside from airports, London also has an excellent train network that connects to other cities in the UK and Europe. The city’s major train stations are King’s Cross, Euston, Victoria, Liverpool Street, Paddington, and Waterloo.

flowers for the annual Chelsea in Bloom festival
flowers for the annual Chelsea in Bloom festival

2. Should You Get The London Pass?

With 3 days in London, you should consider getting the London Pass.

It gives you free entry to over 60 of London’s top attractions, including the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard.

The Pass also comes with a free hop-on, hop-off bus ticket, hop-on hop-off river boat, and additional discounts on food, shopping, theater tickets, and tours. You can see a full list of attractions and benefits here.

There’s also a London Explorers Pass. With it, you can pre-select entry to 3, 5, or 7 out of 20 included destinations.

In addition, you’ll need to pre-book some of the most popular attractions. This will save you hours of waiting in line.

House of Parliament

3. How To Get Around London

With just three days in London, knowing how to get around is key.

Central London is quite flat and full of sidewalks, making it great for walking. It’s best to explore one neighborhood at a time on foot.

But London is big, so you’ll likely need other transport too. You can use Uber or taxis to travel between attractions. Black taxis are easy to find and the drivers are usually friendly. If you’re looking to hail one, just check if the taxi sign is lit up.

All taxis use meters and accept credit cards. For tipping, you can simply round up to the nearest pound.

The Oyster Card is another handy London pass. It’s a smart card used to pay for transportation in London, including the tube (metro) and buses. Tube stations are everywhere in London, as common as souvenir stands.

beautiful homes in Mayfair
beautiful homes in Mayfair

You can purchase an Oyster Card online in advance of your trip and have it mailed to your home. You can also buy the card at tube stations and airports. There’s a one time £5 fee to purchase the card.

You preload the card with money. Each time you scan the card to take public transport, the fare will be automatically deducted from the card.

Plus, there are lot of other fun ways to explore London. You can book:

4. When To Go To London

With a moderate climate, London is really a year round destination. And it doesn’t have nearly the terrible rainy weather some people claim.

I prefer visiting London in spring or fall. But I’ve also been in winter and had decent weather. I was just there in March and it was a sunny 60+ degrees.

Peggy Porschen cafe and bakery in Belgravia
Peggy Porschen cafe and bakery

5. Where To Stay In London

This is a big topic. London has a booming hotel scene.

Where you stay depends entirely on whether you prefer central London or somewhere less busy and noisy.

I usually stay in West London. Mayfair is especially beautiful, peaceful, and loaded with some of London’s best hotels:

Cecil Court, a lane which may have been the inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films
Cecil Court

If you want something more centrally located, try:

Another interesting and quieter area to stay in is the Regent’s Park/Primrose Hill area north of Marylebone. From Primrose Hill, you can enjoy one of the most iconic views of the London skyline.

The best hotel in this area are the Dorset Square Hotel (boutique luxury that matches the chi-chi vibe of Primrose Hill) and the York & Albany (tiny boutique above Gordon’ Ramsey’s eponymous restaurant).

spiral staircase in St. Paul's Cathedral used in filming a Harry Potter movie
spiral staircase in St. Paul’s Cathedral used in filming a Harry Potter movie

I hope you’ve enjoyed my 3 days in London itinerary. You may be interested in these other London travel guides and resources:

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