3 days in London itinerary: what to see and do on your first visit

3 days in London itinerary: see the must-visit attractions, explore colorful neighborhoods, relax in parks and enjoy helpful travel tips.

This is why 3 days in London is the perfect amount of time

London is one of those cities you can return to again and again without ever running out of things to see. From world-famous landmarks and museums to lively markets and unique neighborhoods, there’s always something new to discover. But you don’t need an entire week to get a real feel for the city. With 3 days in London you can cover the main highlights, wander through some quintessential neighborhoods and still have time to relax in a park or a cozy pub.

I’ve visited London four times now, and I think three days is the sweet spot for a city break. It’s enough to tick off the classics like Big Ben, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, while leaving room to choose what you enjoy most. Maybe that’s exploring a museum, shopping on Oxford Street or strolling through the colorful streets of Notting Hill.

In this guide you’ll find a complete 3 days in London itinerary. Each day comes with a suggested route along the city’s highlights plus practical tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable.

3 days in London itinerary: the perfect daily schedule

Wondering how to plan your days in London? In my opinion, this is the best daily schedule for exploring the city in 3 days.

Day 1: Classic London

Start your trip in Westminster, the heart of the city where you’ll find London’s most famous landmarks. As soon as you step out of the tube at Westminster Station, you’re face to face with Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Take a moment to capture this iconic view, as it’s the true postcard image of London.

From there, head over to Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations and weddings. It’s a fascinating place to visit, and the audio tour brings the impressive interiors and hidden stories to life. Did you know that William III of Orange, Charles Dickens and Stephen Hawking are buried here?

👉 Want to avoid the queues? You can buy your ticket for Westminster Abbey in advance.

For lunch, either sit down at a restaurant in Westminster or grab something from a supermarket and enjoy a picnic in Victoria Tower Gardens, right by the Thames.

Next, stroll through St. James’s Park on your way to Buckingham Palace. If you’re lucky, you might catch the Changing of the Guard. Even without it, the park is a peaceful spot for a short break.

From there it’s a 15-minute walk to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and the famous lion statues. In the mood for art? Step into the National Gallery, one of London’s finest museums, and admission is free.

End your first day in Covent Garden, a lively area with street performers, boutique shops and plenty of restaurants. It’s the perfect place to enjoy dinner and soak up the atmosphere of the city.

Without detours this route is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles), but you’ll likely walk more if you add stops like 10 Downing Street, take extra time in St. James’s Park, or head from Trafalgar Square via Leicester Square to Covent Garden.

Day 2: The Tower and the Thames

Today’s focus is the eastern side of the city, where history and modern London come together. Take the tube to Tower Hill and start with a visit to the iconic Tower of London. Here you’ll learn about the city’s dramatic past and, of course, admire the Crown Jewels.

👉 It gets busy, especially at the Crown Jewels, so it’s best to arrive early and book your ticket for the Tower of London online in advance.

Right next door is Tower Bridge, perhaps the most beautiful bridge in Europe. Walk across it and enjoy the views of the Thames. Don’t miss Shad Thames, the charming riverside neighborhood right beside the bridge.

For lunch, head to Borough Market, a lively food market with dishes from all over the world.

From there, follow the river and cross the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re up for the climb to the dome, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama of the city.

👉 Want to go inside? Buy your ticket for St. Paul’s Cathedral in advance to skip the line.

In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed walk along the South Bank of the Thames. This riverside stretch is perfect for admiring London’s skyline. Along the way you’ll pass Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern, one of the world’s leading modern art museums with works by Dalí, Warhol and Picasso. Entry is free, though special exhibitions may require a ticket.

Eventually you’ll reach the London Eye. A ride just before sunset offers some of the best views over the city. The surrounding area has plenty of restaurants for dinner.

Without detours, this route is about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). You’ll likely walk more if you add a museum visit or wander through side streets.

Day 3: A day of choice! Museums, parks or shopping?

On your third day you have room to make it your own. Do you feel like shopping, visiting more museums, or exploring one of London’s neighborhoods?

If you’re unsure where to start, here are a few ideas. Begin at the British Museum, where you can wander for hours among world-famous collections. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles and impressive Egyptian mummies.

Prefer nature and architecture? The Natural History Museum is a great alternative, with enormous dinosaur skeletons and the striking Hintze Hall, home to a giant blue whale. Right next door is the Victoria and Albert Museum, a must-see for anyone interested in fashion, design and decorative arts.

All of these museums are free to enter, though special exhibitions may require a ticket.

After your museum visit, take a stroll through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, two of London’s largest green spaces and a great escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

In the afternoon, head to colorful Notting Hill. Wander past pastel-painted houses and, if it’s the weekend, browse the lively Portobello Road Market for antiques, vintage finds and street food.

Still have energy left? Dive into the shopping heart of Oxford Street and Regent Street, or enjoy the buzz of Soho. A classic pub dinner is the perfect way to round off your 3 days in London.

How far you walk today depends on your choices, but to give you an idea: walking from the Natural History Museum through Kensington Gardens to Notting Hill is about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

Practical tips for this 3 days in London itinerary

A city break in London is fantastic, but it can also feel intense because of the crowds and the distances between sights. With these practical tips you’ll make your trip a lot easier and more comfortable.

• Transportation in the city: buy an Oyster Card or simply use contactless payment with your debit or credit card. Fares are capped daily and automatically calculated, which is always cheaper than buying single tickets.
• Comfortable shoes: London is best explored on foot. Distances can add up quickly, so good walking shoes or sneakers are essential.
• Weather: British weather can change in an instant. Always carry a light rain jacket or umbrella, even in summer.
• Best time to visit: spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, with pleasant temperatures and slightly fewer crowds.
• Safety: London is generally safe, but keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas like Oxford Street or the Underground.
• Daily schedule: don’t overpack your itinerary. London has so much to offer, but you’ll enjoy it more if you also leave time for a pub stop or a relaxing hour in the park.

More great spots in London

This 3 days in London itinerary will give you a very complete impression of the city. But of course, it’s far from everything London has to offer. If you come back or have a little more time, these places are also worth exploring:

• Camden Town: an alternative neighborhood with a lively market and plenty of street art.
• Greenwich: famous for the Prime Meridian, the Royal Observatory and a beautiful park with views over the city.
• Hampstead Heath: a vast park where you’ll feel surrounded by nature, with a great view of London from Parliament Hill.
• Shoreditch: creative and trendy, packed with street art, cafés and vintage shops.
• Primrose Hill: a hill in Regent’s Park that offers one of the most beautiful views of the London skyline.

These spots show just how much variety London has to offer, and they make it easy to extend your city break if you have more time.