Writing a complete article on everything to do in London in 3 days would be like writing an impossible book to finish. But I’ll try to share the essentials you should visit in London in 3 days when traveling for the first time.
It was one of the first cities I visited when I moved to Spain, and it’s the one I’ve had the chance to visit the most. Still, there are so many things left to see in London.
It’s very hard to write an article about such a complete city, with so many things to see, and on top of that, it’s my favorite. What I’ll try to do is write it from the perspective of someone going to London for the first time and wanting to follow an itinerary.
💯 The English capital may seem, at first glance, a bit expensive to visit considering the pound is a strong currency. That’s why we’ve prepared this article with tips for traveling cheaply to London.
Best things to do in London in 3 days or more – Complete Itinerary
Take a Free Tour in London
These days, there are countless “free tours” to choose from, and I really think it’s one of the best ways to get a first glimpse of any city at a reasonable price and on your own terms.
There are several free tours to take in London, among which we recommend the following:
- Free Tour London Clasicc: a must-do. A walk through Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye.
- Free tour Camden Town, like Notting Hill, is another iconic neighborhood in London, famous for its street food stalls and alternative markets.
- Free Tour Old City of London: a walk through the Tower and Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
🔝 Don’t miss our Guide to Traveling in London, with more useful information to make your trip a success.
London Itinerary in 3 Days Map
In the following map, we highlight all the places to see in London if you’re visiting for the first time.
This route can be done on foot in 3 days (I walked the stretch from Notting Hill to Big Ben twice), but we still recommend taking it easy and making use of the amazing subway and bus system that takes you everywhere.
► Day 1 ◄
1) Notting Hill and the Portobello Market
Notting Hill is a neighborhood in London made famous by the romantic movie starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, with its houses lined up next to each other, usually no more than two or three stories high, featuring stairs leading up to the entrance.
It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in London to live in, and while some houses are true mansions, many of them are actually shared buildings among several families, where the layout has been arranged as best as possible.
One of the main attractions of Notting Hill is the market that takes place every Saturday morning, and it’s one of the top places to see in London in 3 days.
It’s primarily an antique market, but its popularity has led to a variety of items being available today, including some of the cutest souvenirs to take home. Along the street, you’ll also find the most hip and original cafés and bars in London, where you can cozy up and enjoy a warm drink.
Additionally, one of the most recognized shops in Notting Hill is “The Travel Book Co.“, where the protagonists of the aforementioned movie are said to have met. It’s not located on the main Portobello street but on Blenheim Cres, and its facade is painted dark blue. Today, it’s called “Notting Hill Bookshop”.
For the biggest fans of the movie, this isn’t the spot where the film was originally shot; it was actually on Portobello Street, and there’s now a café there.
2) Hyde Park, things to do in London in 3 days with kids
It’s the green lung of London. A meeting point for anyone wanting to enjoy a beautiful day, when it happens, and stroll along its many paths observing the fountains, sculptures, memorials, and the animals -both birds and squirrels- that surround the lakes.
There’s plenty of greenery and benches to sit on. Some cafés have also set up in the park for the enjoyment of Londoners and curious tourists.
3) Buckingham Palace and Surroundings
Buckingham Palace is the residence of the Queen of England in London and is a beautiful 18th-century building located in the city center.
It’s surrounded by lovely parks like Green Park and St James’ Park, which we also recommend visiting. You can tell if the queen or king is at the palace if the royal flag is flying (don’t confuse it with the Union Jack, which is always flown or at half-mast on special occasions).
💯 Check out our article on how to apply for the ETA for the UK, an essential requirement if you’re traveling to England, Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
One of the must-see events at Buckingham Palace that you should fit into your London itinerary is the Changing of the Guard.
It takes place at 11 a.m., although it doesn’t happen every day, especially in winter. You can check the schedule on this website. There will be a lot of people gathered at the gates, so if you want a good spot, you need to arrive early. This event is free.
If you wish, you can visit some of the interior rooms of Buckingham Palace, such as the State Rooms, the royal stables, and the art galleries. Each site can be visited individually. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the official website. The price includes an audio guide.
Right in front of the main entrance of the Palace is a white marble monument in honor of Queen Victoria, and there begins or ends, depending on how you look at it, the Mall.
Along this street, on one side, are other residences of the royal family and buildings that today house important institutions, and on the other side is the lovely St James’s Park. On the street parallel to the Mall is Pall Mall, where you’ll find the gentlemen’s clubs like those frequented by Jules Verne’s character, Phileas Fogg.
The Mall ends at the Admiral Arch, which is a building with three arches marking the entrance to the Mall. If you look closely, the street is painted red to resemble a carpet that the kings walk on. On their way to Buckingham Palace, the kings must pass through this street.
4) Whitehall
This is the favorite spot for kids, well, let’s be realistic, for everyone! Who doesn’t want a photo with the mounted royal guard? They’re elegantly dressed on their horses and ready for a photo op. There are also some guards in their typical booths.
5) Westminster and Big Ben
In this section, it’s important to clarify a few things.
- Big Ben is actually the bell inside the tower.
- The tower was officially called, until 2012, the Clock Tower and is now named Elizabeth Tower (in honor of the former queen).
- The building that houses Big Ben is the Palace of Westminster, which is the House of Parliament, the seat of the National Government.
- And then there’s Westminster Abbey.
We’ll talk about all of these next:
Big Ben
Big Ben is the main bell of the clock tower and it chimes on the hour. It’s accompanied by the quarter bells that ring every 15 minutes. It was the largest bell in the UK until the “Great Paul” was cast at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
The Clock Tower
Everyone calls it Big Ben, but now it has a woman’s name: Elizabeth. It’s the most distinctive symbol of London. A Gothic tower that houses the largest four-faced clock in the world, and the most important one, because it marks the exact time on which the rest of the world bases its time.
Palace of Westminster
This neo-Gothic palace on the banks of the Thames is incredibly majestic and houses the British Parliament. You can visit the interior by taking one of the official tours offered on the official website.
Since some visits depend on whether parliament is in session, you should check the available dates and times as they change.
Another great way to see it like a model, from above, is to go up the London Eye. The views from there are amazing, especially on a clear day.
Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is a Anglican church next to Parliament. Its exterior facade is impressive, and its Gothic style stands out both inside and out.
This is where the coronations of British monarchs usually take place. At the same time, some members of the royal family choose to marry here, with the most recent being William and Kate, while others may not have chosen it but are buried here.
Not only members of the monarchy, but also other notable figures like Isaac Newton, David Livingstone, Charles Dickens, and Charles Darwin. There are memorial plaques for other figures like William Shakespeare and Oscar Wilde.
📷 Book your advance ticket for Westminster Abbey and skip the long lines to enter.
6) London Eye
A good time to end your London itinerary is at the London Eye before sunset and when it gets dark.
The London Eye is a large Ferris wheel located on the banks of the River Thames, almost opposite the Palace of Westminster. You’re not outside; instead, you’re in glass capsules that hold about 20 people. It takes 30 minutes for the wheel to complete a rotation, giving you time to see everything in 360 degrees.
The day we went up the London Eye was right at sunset, and we could see how night was taking over the city and how it lit up like a defense mechanism.
📷 Book your tickets in advance to ride the London Eye and skip the long lines.
► Day 2 ◄
7) Trafalgar Square
If we had crossed Admiral Arch the day before instead of diverting toward White Hall and Westminster, we would have found Trafalgar Square. It’s one of the most important in London, housing several significant buildings and monuments that we’ll review next.
National Gallery
If you like art, especially paintings, you should spend some time at the National Gallery in London. It’s huge, and even though everything is well organized by periods, it takes a few hours to explore.
The entry is free, and it has always been that way, as this gallery was created for the public to access various works of art.
📷 Entry to the National Gallery is free, but there are so many beautiful things to see inside that you might want to hire a guide.
Nelson’s Column
Admiral Nelson is one of the national heroes as he led the Battle of Trafalgar on the British side against the French Navy, which had the support of the Spanish.
With a fleet smaller than his opponents, Nelson managed to defeat them without losing any ships, although this victory didn’t allow him to survive the battle. That’s why in a square that bears such a significant name, there’s a statue of this admiral on a tall column, as if it were a pedestal.
8) Picadilly Circus
Both day and night, this is one of the busiest areas in London, especially at night when the lights turn on and this mini 5th Avenue fills with bright advertising signs.
It’s one of the meeting points for Londoners who want to see a musical, go to the theater, shop, or just go out for dinner in Soho, one of the neighborhoods nearby.
9) Covent Garden
Maybe one of my favorite places, which I recommend you include in your 3-day London itinerary.
It used to be a pretty basic market selling fruits, but now it’s home to dozens of charming shops and some food stalls.
The surroundings are filled with performing arts. There’s street art from those who reinvent themselves every day and strive to catch the attention of passersby, as well as performances indoors at the Royal Opera or the Royal Theatre on Drury Lane.
10) British Museum
The British Museum makes the most valuable archaeological discoveries in the world accessible to everyone. It’s another museum to spend a few hours in, as it’s huge and has a lot to see.
From the Parthenon marbles to the Rosetta Stone, including one of the best collections of Chinese porcelain and numismatics, and even a moai from Easter Island.
Many countries are demanding that the British Museum return several pieces to their countries of origin, but they refuse at all costs.
📷 Admission to the British Museum is free, but there’s so much history inside that you might want someone to tell you all about it. In that case, you can hire a guide from here to tour the British Museum.
11) St. Paul’s Cathedral
In the London skyline, this spectacular cathedral stands out and is well worth a visit. It’s not only huge, but it’s also situated on high ground, making the entire building and dome stand out even more.
However, it’s not the largest cathedral in England; that title goes to the one in Liverpool. It enjoyed over two centuries of splendor as the tallest building in the city.
This church holds incredible beauty inside and was chosen by Prince Charles and Diana of Wales to get married. Funerals for notable figures like Nelson, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher have also taken place there.
📷 Book your tickets in advance to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and skip the long lines.
12) Millenium Bridge, the TATE Modern Museum, and the Shakespeare Globe
If you head straight south from St. Paul’s Cathedral towards the River Thames, you’ll find the Millenium Bridge, a suspension pedestrian bridge built to mark the beginning of the millennium. Crossing it leads you to the TATE Modern Museum and the Shakespeare Globe.
The building housing the TATE Modern, London’s modern art museum, looks like a large factory from the outside, as it was previously a power station that closed in the early ’80s. Admission is free, though some temporary exhibitions require a fee. Within its permanent collection, you’ll find works by artists you might recognize, like Picasso, Warhol, or Dalí.
Right next to the museum is the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a theater that has undergone changes, fires, and interruptions over time, but now it’s here to stay. This is where William Shakespeare premiered his most famous works worldwide.
13) Borough Market
It’s one of the markets that’s on the rise and the best place to buy local fresh produce and other items from around the world.
It has existed since the 13th century, though some say it’s been around for two centuries longer. This market has witnessed the city’s history and has been the setting for blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Bridget Jones’s Diary.
14) Tower Bridge and Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Maybe one of the most beautiful bridges I’ve seen, and it has to be on your 3-day London itinerary. It has a medieval feel despite being from the late 19th century and is known for being drawbridge.
You can visit it from the inside, go up to see the City from its towers, and you’ll need to keep an eye on the times when the bridge lifts to allow larger boats to pass.
It’s very nice to see both during the day and at night.
Tower of London
This is a medieval castle on the north bank of the River Thames that was once a royal residence, though its fame comes from being the prison of some royal consorts and other figures who were later executed.
It’s well preserved, both inside and out, with walls, moats, and towers that have served as a residence, prison, and for other purposes, along with an exhibition of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.
📷 Book your advance ticket to visit the Tower of London and skip the lines.
► Day 3 and beyond ◄
More things to add to your London itinerary if you have 3 days or more
If you want to spend more time at each site mentioned for days 1 and 2, it’s clear you’ll need to dedicate more time to London.
But not just for that reason—there are many more things to do, both in the city itself and in the surrounding areas. If you want to make your visit even more complete, your London itinerary should include:
a) Oxford Street
The street for shopping. All the well-known brands to refresh your wardrobe at affordable prices. Don’t miss Primark at the end of the street, near Marble Arch. Look for a lovely little street that’s somewhat hidden but just as busy: Carnaby Street.
b) Camden Town
Market in north London, where you can find everything from street stalls with second-hand clothes to the most quirky and extravagant shops, featuring alternative fashion.
Part of it is outdoors, another part is indoors, but it’s definitely a place you should visit. One example of a shop to check out is Cyberdog, amazing.
c) We’re heading to Hogwarts at King Cross
If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you have to go to King Cross train station, where the Hogwarts Express departs. You’ll find a shop and platform 9 3/4.
📷 Book your spot to visit the Harry Potter filming studios at Warner.
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d) Sherlock Holmes Museum, perfect for visiting in London with kids in 3 days
If you thought that 221b Baker St in London was fictional, you’re mistaken. This address exists and is home to the Sherlock Holmes Museum.
It’s located in a three-story Victorian house, and inside, you can see the rooms and parlors with period furniture and recreations from the TV series dedicated to this beloved character from London.
Just a few meters away, on Marylebone Rd, you’ll find the statue of Sherlock Holmes.
e) Cross the street next to the Fab Four
I’ve been to Liverpool a few times and also to London, but I’ve never been to the iconic street where the Beatles made one of the most famous album covers of all time. I’ll have to do it someday.
📷 Book the Beatles tour in London here and learn their story in the city.
f) Tour on the Thames
A good way to get from one end of London to the other, hopping between east and west, is to use the riverboats.
They’re a kind of Hop-on Hop-off, allowing you to get on and off as many times as you want in a day or over a couple of days, depending on the ticket you buy. It’s a different way to see London, from the artery that divides it into north and south.
📷 Book your riverboat tour on the Thames in London here.
g) Visit Greenwich
A small town southeast of London marks the exact point where the famous Greenwich Meridian passes, which is the zero degree from which the rest of the planet’s longitudes are measured and time zones are established.
This meridian is an imaginary line connecting the poles, but it has its landmark in this town and is worth a visit.
💯 For those living in Spain or those who enjoy visiting the Mediterranean coast, you should know that the Meridian 0 also passes through Castellón, Altea, and Denia.
What can you visit in a day from London?
In fact, the railway system in England really lets you get anywhere in no time, even reaching Liverpool, but we’ll focus on the typical visits from the city:
- Brighton: south of London, it’s a city where I lived for a month thanks to an English course I took. It’s located on the southern coast of England and is lovely. There are many things to see in the city itself, but also in the surrounding area, like the Seven Sisters Country Park, with its incredible cliffs.
🔝 Check out our article on visiting Seven Sisters Country Park in Brighton.
- Stonehenge: you can take a train to the city of Salisbury, which is also very nice to visit, and then head to see this human mystery.
🔝 Check out our article on visiting Stonehenge, whether on a tour or independently from London.
- Bath: the city known for its incredible Roman baths, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Cambridge and Oxford: two university cities. They’re not in the same direction, so you’ll need to choose one to visit.
- Stratford Upon Avon: Shakespeare’s birthplace. If you have time, you can visit it along with Oxford, since they’re in the same direction.
- Windsor Castle: a medieval palace, one of the residences of the British royal family.
🔝 If you’re looking for more places to see in the country, check out this article on things to do in England in 7 days from London.
Useful information for visiting London
Where to Stay in London?
For budget-friendly areas to stay in London, the vicinity of King’s Cross and the British Museum is a good option. Two hotels we recommend are:
- Astor Museum Hostel: across from the British Museum, it offers clean shared rooms, a communal kitchen, and a small terrace. Great if you’re traveling on a budget.
- The Z Hotel Holborn: has simple and comfortable rooms, suitable for couples and families.
A slightly more expensive area but very strategic, with nearby bars and restaurants, is Covent Garden. Two options we recommend are:
- Fielding Hotel: located in a 19th-century building, it features classic and elegant decor. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds for resting.
- The Z Hotel Soho: while the rooms are a bit small, the hotel is modern with good facilities. It’s just a five-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus and Covent Garden.
🏨 Want to look for other options? Find the best accommodation in London here.
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