Whether you’re in need of a break from the chaos of work, fancy a spot of retail therapy, or are seeking to explore a new city for the first time, London is the perfect place for you to surround yourself with some of the UK’s greatest attractions, restaurants, and activities.
Can you see London in 3 days? Absolutely. But to make the most of your short stay, you will need to plan strategically and efficiently. That is why we have put together the perfect itinerary that will ensure you see the city’s highlights during your time in London.
Day 1: Exploring London's Iconic Landmarks
London is famous for its many historical landmarks — Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral…the list goes on. But, if you’ve decided to come to London with the goal of taking in London’s most iconic sights, you’ll need to be tactical. During your stay, thousands of other tourists will also make it their mission to do just this, so if you don’t plan beforehand there is a high possibility that you’ll have to join lengthy queues to enter some of these must-see attractions.
Alongside this, a trip to London can see costs quickly add up. So before we give our recommendations of London’s best landmarks, we recommend taking a look at the London Pass which provides admission to 90+ attractions and direct access to architectural wonders such as The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and Tower Bridge. Your second option to save time at major attractions is to buy individual fast-track passes for the main monuments and activities you would like to do during your stay.
Must-see attractions in London
On your first day, it's a good idea to wake up bright and early so you can start your trip in good stead. Depending where you are located, we suggest getting the tube to St. James’s Park (District or Circle line).
One of London’s royal parks, St James’s Park can provide you with peace and relaxation before a hectic day of sightseeing. After a stroll in the park, we recommend taking a 7-minute walk to Buckingham Palace where you can have a guided tour of the King’s quarters, as well as witnessing the famous Changing of the Guard.
Alternatively, if you’re interested in seeing one of London’s oldest religious buildings, then we recommend going in the opposite direction and checking out Westminster Abbey. With an impressive collection of tombstones and mausoleums commemorating historical British figures, this is a popular architectural marvel that tourists enjoy visiting and can explore at their own pace (with an audio guide disclosing details about the abbey’s history).
Top tip: Always check the opening hours of London’s landmarks before visiting, since these can vary depending on the day of the week and the season.
When exiting Westminster Abbey, head towards the River Thames. Here you’ll be greeted by the iconic duo: Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster. After taking a few pictures, cross Westminster Bridge and there you will find the London Eye — which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
London is perfect for foodies, and this area is no exception — there are plenty of places for you to enjoy along the South Bank of the Thames, including luxurious rooftop bars, vibrant street food markets, cosy pubs, and contemporary cultural hotspots.
Day 2: Immersing in History and Culture
It’s Day 2 and time to travel back in time to immerse yourself in the history of London. Begin the day at the Tower of London — here you can learn about the building’s secrets, which for over 900 years locked away the offenders of the Monarch. We recommend getting there as early as possible as you will want to spend a couple of hours here, taking in the rich history of the building.
Here you’ll also find one of London’s top attractions — The Crown Jewels. From crowns, to sceptres and swords, you’ll be stepping into a room with treasures valued at more than £4 billion — keep an eye out for the ravens on guard!
After a few hours here, it might be time for a breath of fresh air. For a scenic view of London, take a walk across Tower Bridge. Here, you can explore the bridge and its inner workings, visiting the magnificent Victorian Engine Rooms and walking across glass floors high above the bridge below. Across the river, you will also be able to step on-board the HMS Belfast, the largest surviving Royal Navy combat ships of World War II.
At this point in the day, you will definitely start feeling peckish. We recommend taking a quick 15-minute stroll to Borough Market. Here you will find one of London’s oldest and largest food markets, that caters to every palate. This foodie heaven offers an assortment of sweet treats, baked goods, fresh seasonal fruit & vegetables, sizzling pans of street food and so much more — how could you possibly resist?
After tantalising your taste buds at Borough Market, soak up some culture at the world-renowned British museum. This free museum boasts an incredible collection of artefacts spanning continents and millenia. Prepared to be amazed by the ancient Egyptian mummies, the Rosetta stone, and awe-inspiring Parthenon sculptures. They also host special exhibitions and tours.
Following your museum exploration, hop on the tube and head to the West End, London’s vibrant theatre district. Here you can catch a world-class performance, grab a pre-theatre dinner, or simply immerse yourself in the area’s dazzling atmosphere. It's the perfect way to end a day of cultural exploration!
Day 3: Discovering London's Neighbourhoods
Devote your final day to exploring London’s diverse neighbourhoods. This is also the day to treat yourself to some retail therapy. Start your morning with a charming walk through Covent Garden. This car-free piazza is home to several luxury stores, craft stalls (located at the Apple Market), and the Royal Opera House.
Next, take a tube ride to Camden Town. Known for its quirky, alternative scene, if you're tired of the typical tourist spots and craving something unique, Camden Town is the place to go. It is also overflowing with an abundance of top-notch food stalls that truly provide something for everyone.
In the afternoon, head to Notting Hill — a picturesque area known for its colourful houses and Portobello Road Market, the largest antique market in the UK. Here you can find over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique, collectible and even a few hidden treasures.
Finally, end your London adventure in style with a visit to Harrods, one of the world's most iconic department stores. Marvel at its luxurious offerings, indulge in a decadent afternoon tea at Tiffany Blue Box café or in Harrods Tea Rooms, or simply window shop for the perfect souvenir before bidding farewell to this remarkable city.
Staying in London
Here at Luxury London Listings, we offer modern luxury apartments in numerous locations that are all minutes away from London’s vibrant city life, including Mayfair, Green Park, Covent Garden, St James’, and Marble Arch.
If you would like to find out more information about our properties don’t hesitate to contact us at info@luxurylondonlistings.com.
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