How to Spend Three Days in London England – Detailed Itinerary
Are you planning a trip to England and wondering how much time to spend in London?
What are the best things to see and do? How should you create your itinerary to make the most of your trip?
Use this guide to plan your three-day adventure to London, England!
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A trip to England wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the capital city of London. Here you will find plenty of interesting sights and activities to enjoy. A nicely thought-out itinerary will ensure that you make the most of your time, have a realistic plan and stay within budget. You’ll also be able to book entrance tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
As tempting as it can be to have a jam-packed itinerary, it’s best to prioritize must-see destinations. Give yourself enough time to discover the highlights, but remember you won’t be able to see everything London has to offer. Have some flexibility built in to your itinerary for unforeseen circumstances, such as inclement weather or longer than expected queues at popular attractions.
This guide is structured to provide an overview of the best activities, historical sites, museums as well as dining and shopping experiences that can be accomplished during a 3-day visit. Adjust accordingly to suit your own travel timeline, budget and personal preferences.
How Many Days to Spend in London
Do you prefer to pack in as much as possible in a short period of time or travel at a more leisurely pace?
Are you visiting in the summer when there are plenty of daylight hours for exploring?
Are you travelling luxuriously or on a budget?
London’s main highlights can be seen in three days. This is the perfect amount of time for first-time visitors. London is an essential stop if you are continuing on to see other parts of the United Kingdom or Europe during an extended stay.
Take into consideration your arrival and departure time when creating your itinerary. This guide assumes travellers have three full days available to explore. Even if you only have a short period of time, exploring London and surroundings areas for a few days will certainly be worthwhile. Allow additional time if you plan to venture further from the capital.
London – Three Day Itinerary
This itinerary has been created with the must-see highlights presented in a logical, geographical order. Follow this route to maximize your travel time and make the most of your budget. Some destinations you may choose to enter, typically by paying an admission fee. Others, your preference may be to view for free from the outside and just snap a quick photo.
Decide ahead of time which attractions you want to explore in more detail so that you can book entrance tickets in advance. This will help you to better organize your day and to figure out if your itinerary is going to be jam-packed or more easy-going. Some travellers prefer the non-stop pace, while others would rather have a little down-time.
London is known for being an expensive city, so it’s best to have an idea of how much things cost before you arrive. Costs for airfare, accommodation, meals and entertainment add up quickly if you are not prepared. Planning in advance is the best way to save money and to have an unforgettable experience. With so much to see in London, let’s get started!
Day 1 – Westminster
The majority of travellers arrive in England either by air through Heathrow International Airport (LHR) or train via St Pancras Station. Once you have arrived in Central London, check into your accommodation.
If you have arrived prior to check-in, ask your hotel/hostel staff if there is a secure place to store your belongings. It’s time to start exploring the capital city!
London is a very walkable city with its famous landmarks located reasonably close to each other. One of the best ways to see the city is on foot, but there are bike rentals, taxis, buses and underground/subway options available as well.
Today you will spend time in the Westminster neighbourhood discovering some of London’s most iconic buildings. As you wander the streets, keep an eye out for members of the British Royal Family. Learn about The Blitz and the impact war has had on the capital city.
Start today’s adventure by making your way to Charing Cross Station. Walk from there along The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.
1. Buckingham Palace
Official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom (King Charles III). The Mall is the main ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace from Trafalgar Square via the Admiralty Arch. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular attraction for tourists to attend and is free to watch. Green Park & St. James Park also border the palace and are beautiful to walk through.
Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details.
Cost: £30 (Adult – Purchased in Advance); £33 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: 2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Charing Cross or Victoria Station
2. Westminster Abbey
Royal church located in the heart of London with over one thousand years of history. This religious site has hosted British coronations and royal weddings (Prince William & Kate Middleton). Westminster Abbey is also the burial site for British monarchs and prominent people such as prime ministers, military leaders and poets.
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-3:30pm. Open for church services on Sunday.
Cost: £27 (Adult)
Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours. Queue times can be 30 minutes – 2 hours. Fast track entry is available for an additional fee.
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station
3. Big Ben
Nickname for the Great Bell that can be found within London’s iconic clock tower. The structure is officially named Elizabeth Tower.
Opening Hours: Temporarily closed for renovations.
Time Needed: Less than 30 minutes
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station
4. Palace of Westminster
Complex of buildings that now serves as the meeting place for the United Kingdom House of Parliament. The original palace functioned as the primary residence of reigning Monarchs during the Medieval period.
Opening Hours: Saturdays from 8:45am-4:45pm.
Cost: £29 (Adult – Guided Tour); £22.50 (Adult – Audio Self-Guided Tour)
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station
5. Churchill War Rooms
Secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during World War II. The bunker complex was not actually “bomb-proof” and thankfully was never struck during the war. Give yourself about 2 hours to explore the museum. Book your entrance ticket online in advance to guarantee your arrival time.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am-6:00pm. Last entry at 5:00pm.
Cost: £27.25
Time Needed: 2 hours
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station
From the Churchill War Rooms, walk about 15 minutes across the Westminster Bridge to get to the London Eye.
6. London Eye
The Millennium Wheel is a popular paid tourist attraction located along the River Thames which provides incredible views of the city. The observation wheel completes one revolution every 30 minutes with each capsule holding up to 25 people.
Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details.
Cost: £32.50 (Adult – Purchased in Advance); £36 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: Ride duration is 30 minutes. Queue times can be 30 minutes – 2 hours. Fast track entry is available for an additional fee.
Closest Tube Station: Waterloo Station
After an adventurous day spent strolling up and down the streets of London, celebrate this evening at an authentic British pub, meet lively locals, watch a football match and sample the city’s best fish and chips. This is one of the best ways to immerse yourself into a new culture.
Day 2 – City of London & South Bank
Start your morning with a traditional English breakfast, known locally as ‘The Fry Up’ – fried eggs, sausages, back bacon, black pudding, beans, fried tomato and toast. Pair it with a cup of tea, England’s national drink. Once you are full, make your way to Westminster Pier to kick off today’s adventures.
Climb aboard a boat cruise that takes you through the heart of London along the River Thames. Enjoy fantastic views and identify famous landmarks, while giving your legs a rest. In less than an hour you will travel from Westminster Pier to Tower Bridge Quay, located in the historic centre of the city.
1. Tower Bridge
Iconic draw bridge crossing the River Thames with glass floor pedestrian walkway above. The bridge lifts at pre-scheduled times to allow boats to pass through. An entrance fee is required to access the towers and walkway.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am – 6:00pm.
Cost: £11.40 (Adult)
Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station
2. Tower of London
Historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Built over 1000 years ago, Tower of London now functions as a tourist attraction and World Heritage Site. The entrance fee includes access to several areas of the castle including the White Tower, Royal Armouries, Crown Jewels and Royal Menagerie (former home to exotic animals never before seen in London). Listen to ghost stories and haunting tales of torture and execution that occurred within the fortress walls.
Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details.
Cost: £29.90 (Adult). Price will increase to £33.60 on May 26/2023.
Time Needed: 3 hours
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station
Walk about 20 minutes or take the tube from Tower Hill Station to Mansion House Station (Green/District Line or Yellow/Circle Line) in less than 5 minutes. The walk from Mansion House Station to St. Paul’s Cathedral is an additional 5 minutes.
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral
Anglican cathedral renowned for its dome and impressive interior. Rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666, St. Paul’s Cathedral has become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. The cathedral survived the Blitz during WW2, but was damaged by two bombs in 1940 and 1941. If you plan to enter the cathedral, please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing.
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (except Wednesday) 8:30am – 4:30pm. Wednesday 10:00am – 4:30pm. Sunday open for worship only.
Cost: £20.50 Adult – Purchased in Advance); £23 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: St. Paul’s Station
4. London Millennium Footbridge
Pedestrian-only suspension bridge spanning the River Thames connecting the City of London to the South Bank neighbourhood. If you are looking for something delicious to eat, walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral over the Millennium Bridge to reach the Borough Market. The journey takes about 20 minutes and there is no fee to cross.
5. Borough Market
Historic market located on the south side of the London Bridge. Established in 1776, this market has served fresh and delicious food to locals and travellers from all over the world for hundreds of years. Find meats, cheeses, produce, breads, desserts, coffee and more.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday from 8:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday from 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge Station
6. Tate Modern
London has so many free museums and Tate Modern is one of them. Spend an hour or more browsing unique paintings and sculptures at this modern and contemporary art gallery. There is a fee if you want to access the speciality exhibitions.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Cost: Free admission.
Time Needed: 1+ hours.
Closest Tube Station: Southwark Station
7. The Shard
Visit London’s tallest skyscraper to enjoy incredible views of the city. The View from The Shard provides indoor viewing platforms on levels 68 & 69 as well as 360° panoramic views from the Skydeck on level 72. Enjoy a refreshing drink or an ice cream cone while checking out the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, River Thames and other iconic landmarks from above.
Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on special events taking place. Check out the official website for details.
Cost: £32
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge Station
To complete your second day in London, get up high to gain a new perspective of the city. Observation platforms offer unobstructed views of your surroundings. After a few days exploring, you will now be able to recognize some of London’s most iconic landmarks from above.
Day 3 – Trafalgar Square & Kensington
Today will be spent browsing artwork and historical displays at one of London’s most popular galleries. Get a little lost wandering the cobblestone streets of Covent Garden and the pathways that meander through Hyde Park. Complete your final day in London by attending a performance or taking a guided tour of a world-renowned concert venue.
1. Trafalgar Square
Public square located in the middle of the city surrounded by museums, galleries, fountains, statues and historic buildings. Trafalgar Square is within walking distance to some of London’s most popular attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey & Big Ben.
Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross Station
2. The National Gallery
Located right in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is another free museum in Central London. Museum lovers typically spend half a day here browsing the collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00pm – 6:00pm. Open until 9:00pm on Friday.
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross Station
3. Cleopatra’s Needle
After exploring the National Gallery, walk down towards the riverfront to check out Cleopatra’s Needle, an Egyptian obelisk gifted to Britain in 1819. The structure has survived bombing attacks from both world wars. Shrapnel damage was not repaired but rather left as a reminder of the brutality of war.
Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross or Embankment Station
4. Covent Garden
Convent Garden is one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways packed with boutique shops, coffee bars and food vendors. Grab a bite to eat from the market and catch a performance by the talented buskers.
Closest Tube Station: Convent Garden Station
Next hop on the tube, and head west to spend the afternoon exploring the district of Kensington.
5. Kensington Palace
Royal Residence surrounded by the Kensington Gardens that is currently home to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (William & Kate) and their children. The memorial dedicated to Princess Diana is located on the palace grounds. Paid guided tours are available.
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am – 6:00pm.
Cost: £25.40
Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: High Street Kensington or Queensway Station
6. Hyde Park
The largest Royal Park in central London perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Popular features in the park include Speakers Corner, Wellington Arch, Marble Arch and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Many seasonal events, concerts and festivals take place here. The grounds are transformed into a Christmas Market every year for Winter Wonderland.
Opening Hours: Daily 5:00am – Midnight.
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 2 Hours
Closest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge Station.
7. Royal Albert Hall
World-renowned concert venue hosting musical shows, orchestra, ballet, opera and sporting events. The Hall was named in memory of Queen Victoria’s late beloved husband, Prince Albert. There is no better way to spend your last evening in London than by watching a performance. Book tickets in advance to avoid being sold out. There are also guided tours available to get a behind the scenes look at where some of the world’s most famous artists once performed.
Opening Hours: Daily 9:00am – 9:00pm.
Cost: £18.50 for guided tour. Free entry with the London Pass.
Time Needed: 1 hour
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington Station
If you are a Harry Potter fan, make a brief stop at King’s Cross Station on the way to the airport or train terminal before you depart London. This popular attraction is conveniently located only a short walk from St Pancras Station. Alternatively visit the platform when you first arrive in the city.
8. Harry Potter Shop at Platform 93/4
Popular attraction and souvenir shop for Harry Potter fans located inside King’s Cross Station. Outside the Harry Potter Shop, visitors have the opportunity to snap a famous trolley photo. Take your own photo for free or pay for professional photographs. If you are planning to stop by for a quick photo prior to boarding a train, be aware that there is often a long queue.
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 10:00pm. Saturday from 8:00am – 10:00pm. Sunday from 9:00am – 8:00pm.
Closest Tube Station: King’s Cross Station
Depending on your schedule, you may have a final night at your accommodation before heading off to another part of the county or you may need to prepare for a flight home. Although it was a brief visit, you will leave London with memories that last a lifetime!
Start Booking Your Trip
Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to London, England!
- Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld.
- Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
- Book your flight with SkyScanner.
- Book activities with Get Your Guide.
- Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
- Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.
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Have any questions about planning your trip to London? Please share your questions or comments below!
