Expert's Easy Itinerary for 3 Days in London

If you only have 3 days in London, what should you see? What should you skip?

As a Londoner, I see tourists underestimate this city all the time. London is huge, not all the attractions are close together, and it takes some careful planning to make the most of your short time here.

As a local, here’s exactly what I would do if I only had three days in this city.

You can see plenty with my itinerary for 3 days in London, including some hidden gems you might otherwise overlook.

Cover image for 'London in 3 Days' guide, featuring iconic London symbols: Big Ben, a red double-decker bus, a Queen's Guard, and crossed Union Jack flags, all set against a light blue background, conveying the essential experiences of a short London trip.

Can You See London In 3 Days?

You can absolutely see a lot of London in just 3 days. But keep in mind that London requires a lot of walking, even if you’re using public transport.

If you have mobility issues, take only the most interesting bits from this itinerary and leave the rest.

There’s a lot to pack into 3 days, so remember to leave time for breaks!

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Itinerary for 3 Days in London

I’ve grouped attractions by neighbourhood to make this an efficient itinerary, but you’ll still need to use the bus or the tube to get around.

Before you set out, check out my essential guides:

3 Days in London: Day One

Itinerary for Day One in London with thematic illustrations: Morning includes a corgi with a crown representing Buckingham Palace or Changing of the Guards and Westminster Abbey. Afternoon activities feature icons of Big Ben & Parliament, the London Eye, and Borough Market. Evening plans suggest Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, accompanied by a portrait of William Shakespeare. The weather is depicted as sunny for morning and afternoon, becoming partly cloudy by evening.

1. Buckingham Palace or Changing of the Guards

If you’re visiting London in the summer, try to book Buckingham Palace tickets in advance. If not, Changing of the Guards is a great way to see the splendour of the British monarchy.

Buckingham Palace

Open July through September and select other dates throughout the year
Adults from £32, children from £16

Buckingham Palace is only open in the summer, and select other times when the King is not in residence.

If you’re visiting London in the summer, it’s a good idea to book these tickets as far in advance as possible. They sell out very quickly, and if you haven’t booked ahead, it’s unlikely you’ll get in.

Changing of the Guards

Free
Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 10:45 am

Select days of the week you can watch the King’s Guards do their ceremonial procession that stretches along The Mall and ends at Buckingham Palace. There’s music, beautiful horses, and those iconic uniforms.

The King’s Guards march from St James’s Palace (and Wellington Barracks) to Buckingham Palace. Arrive early to get the best views.

Crowds will be heaviest right in front of the palace, but anywhere along The Mall will have great views.

2. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey in the calm of winter, its Gothic architecture and intricate façades dusted with snow. Leafless branches in the foreground hint at the chilly season, adding to the Abbey's timeless grandeur.

Adults from £27, children from £13
Open Monday through Saturday, 9am-3 or 3:30pm

This very old church – dating from 1066- has been the site of countless weddings, coronations and funerals. Many Royals and other significant figures are buried inside this church that dates from 1066.

There’s many, many graves and memorials to see inside, along with incredible architecture and history of the building itself. Pick up an audioguide, or join a tour.

3. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Fun fact: Big Ben is actually the nickname for the bell inside the tower. The real name for the structure is Elizabeth’s Tower, and it’s iconic to the London skyline.

Tours inside book up very quickly and far in advance, but you don’t have to go inside. You can get incredible views just walking around the area. It’s a great spot for photo ops.

The Houses of Parliament are the long buildings that stretch along the river. You can enjoy this area just by walking around and taking in the sights.

4. The London Eye

Split image featuring the London Eye: On the left, visitors enjoy a panoramic view of the city from inside a glass capsule. On the right, the full grandeur of the Ferris wheel is showcased against a backdrop of London's skyline and the River Thames.

Tickets from £32 if you book ahead (you should during peak tourist seasons)

One of London’s biggest tourist attractions is the Eye, the giant ferris wheel on the Thames.

Board on the waterfront and enjoy 30 minutes of pristine views in your clear capsule that circles around a full loop.

Tickets can be a bit pricey, so if you don’t want to do this you can also enjoy any of the nearby attractions of Borough Market, The London Dungeons, The Clink Prison Museum, The Old Operating Theatre, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and more along the Southbank & Southwark areas.

5. Borough Market

Vibrant scenes from Borough Market in London: The left side of the image captures the bustling atmosphere outside the historic Market Porter pub, while the right side showcases an array of fresh fruits and vegetables on display at the market stalls

Free
Open Daily 10-5 (not all traders present everyday; food stalls generally don’t open until 11am)

This well-known market has been trading on this very spot for over 1,000 years. Today it’s a gourmet food market, packed with stalls that offer everything from scotch eggs to bao to sticky toffee pudding.

I do not recommend this spot on the weekends – it gets shoulder-to-shoulder packed.

6. Shakespeare’s Globe

Illustrative graphic of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre with a playful cartoon of an actor in Elizabethan garb holding a skull, symbolizing a scene from Hamlet. The Globe’s iconic timbered exterior forms the backdrop, inviting visitors to immerse in theatrical history.

Book ahead to visit this historic (replica) theatre, where The Bard himself wrote and put on the most historic and well-known productions in the world.

It’s an open-air theatre, so be prepared for the weather. But no matter sunshine or rain, you’ll never forget seeing a show where it all began.

If you can’t score a ticket, it’s still worth walking by and taking a few photos.

Guided tours are available March through September multiple times a day, where you get to see behind the scenes and learn all the history.

3 Day London Itinerary: Day Two

Day Two itinerary for a London visit, with colorful graphics: Morning activities include exploring The British Museum and shopping on Oxford Street. The Afternoon is reserved for enjoying a traditional Afternoon Tea and visiting the Churchill War Rooms. Evening plans feature Covent Garden and a West End show, with Union Jack bunting decorating the scene.

Day two begins at the most well-known museum in London and ends with an iconic West End show.

1. The British Museum

A collage of the British Museum's contrasting architecture: The left side shows the modern, geometric glass ceiling of the Great Court, while the right side features the museum's classical exterior with its iconic columned façade and British flag.

Free (you may wish to book your free ticket ahead on bank holidays and in the summer for guaranteed entry)
Open daily 10am-5pm

Few museums are as well-known worldwide as the British Museum. It contains artefacts from all over the globe, including the Rosetta Stone, the “Unlucky Mummy,” sculptures from the Parthenon, and a statue from Easter Island.

Plan for at least 2 hours for a quick perusal, or more if you want to see everything in detail.

2. Shopping on Oxford Street

You’ve seen a bit of heavy history, so now let’s relax and kick back!

Oxford Street is the most well-known shopping area in London, but it’s not only one street. The surrounding streets of Regent Street, Savile Row, Carnaby Street and more all have great shops, restaurants and department stores.

Don’t miss Liberty (a quintessentially British high-end department store) and Hamleys – one of the largest toy stores in the world, fun for all ages.

See my complete guide to shopping on Oxford Street to learn more.

3. Afternoon Tea

Delight in an Afternoon Tea spread, featuring two tiers of desserts: red velvet cakes topped with raspberries, chocolate-covered treats, and scones adorned with edible flowers. A sophisticated setting with a silver tea set and elegant furnishings completes the traditional British experience.

Usually offered from noon-5pm (hours vary per location)
Tea rooms, hotels, cafes, etc.

Afternoon tea is a great substitute for lunch, and with it you get a bit of British tradition.

Everywhere from posh hotels to tiny cafes offer afternoon tea, and you can choose one that’s in your budget.

Afternoon Tea usually consists of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, a selection of sweets, and unlimited tea (or sometimes coffee). Some include bubbly or other drinks, too.

For the fancier places, you must book ahead. Several museums and smaller cafes offer afternoon teas you don’t need to book ahead.

4. Churchill War Rooms

Adults from £32, children from £16
Book Ahead

Explore the underground bunkers where Churchill and his staff ran WWII.

This hidden network of tunnels was a State secret for decades until it opened as a museum. See the vast caverns, hidden passages, original artefacts, and so much more in this intimate museum.

Tickets sell out quickly during peak times; it’s best to book ahead.

5. Explore Chinatown, Soho & Covent Garden

Wandering back East, it’s time to explore some of the most iconic neighbourhoods in London.

Covent Garden is a vibrant shopping district in the heart of the West End. Here you’ll find everything from high street standards to unique boutiques to food halls and gelato.

Don’t miss the original Covent Garden Market buildings that have handmade goods sold by the creators themselves. Find antiques, unique jewellery, souvenirs, artisan foods, and much more.

Soho is a historic district with lively bars and pubs, alongside posh boutiques and shops.

Chinatown is a vibrant area packed with restaurants, bakeries and shops to eat in and explore.

For dinner, I’d recommend perusing the offerings in Chinatown, hit up the new (delicious) food hall Seven Dials Market, or try The Palomar for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired pre-theatre meal.

6. West End Show

A diptych highlighting the West End theatre experience in London. On the left, a bustling evening street scene outside a lit-up theatre with people queuing. On the right, an elegant theatre interior corridor beckons, showcasing plush red carpets and rich wood paneling.

Use Today Tix to get last-minute theatre tickets OR
Book ahead using the theatre’s website

Did you really visit London if you didn’t see a theatrical production? London’s theatre is only rivalled by Broadway, but we’re the original home of groundbreaking productions.

If you’re into musicals, my recent favourites are Six, Mean Girls, Tina, Hamilton, and Hadestown.

If you prefer plays, huge celebrities are often on stage in the West End. Check out what’s on during your trip, and remember to book ahead for these.

If the show has a very big name, it usually sells out months in advance.

London 3 Day Itinerary: Day Three

Day Three of a London itinerary, outlined with charming graphics: Morning visits include the historic Tower of London and St. Dunstan in the East. Afternoon explorations offer skyscraper views and Leadenhall Market's shopping experience. Evening plans suggest a relaxing Thames Cruise and a sunset meal.

Day three takes you from London’s dark history to the Thames to a sky-high viewing platform. It’ll be a last day in London you’ll never forget.

1. The Tower of London

Two perspectives of the historic Tower of London: On the left, a broad view of the White Tower with its ancient stone façade and four turrets under a cloudy sky. On the right, a closer view of the castle complex with a Beefeater guard and visitors near a traditional sentry box.

£38.40 per adult, £17.40 per child, children under 5 go free
Book ahead during peak tourist seasons
Included in the London Pass

The one and only Tower of London has been a castle, a fortress, a zoo, a royal residence, an armoury, and a site of gristly imprisonment and gruesome executions.

There’s so much to see; plan for at least 2 hours for a quick visit or 4 hours for a more detailed one.

I recommend getting there the moment it opens (either 9 or 10am, depending on the day), and going straight to either the White Tower or the Crown Jewels to skip the queues.

You can also join a Beefeater Tour, which leaves every 30 minutes and is included with your ticket.

Visiting the Tower with kids? Read my complete guide to navigating the Tower of London with kids here.

2. St Dunstan in the East

A collage contrasting the serene beauty of St Dunstan in the East: one side shows the church's exterior with its Gothic spire rising into a clear blue sky, while the other reveals a tranquil garden oasis within the church's ruins, where nature and architecture merge.

Free
No ticket needed

Right near the Tower is a lesser-known hidden gem: St Dunstan in the East Church Garden.

The church dates from the 1100s, but was destroyed time and time again by fires and bombs. The last time it was destroyed, it was left in ruins and nature took over.

It’s an incredible mix of architectural history and photogenic & haunting scenery.

3. Skyscraper Views

A dual image capturing London's sky-high views: On the left, the distinctive curvilinear architecture of 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the 'Walkie-Talkie'. On the right, the striking glass façade of The Shard pierces the skyline during dusk, overlooking the city's vast expanse.

Free
Book ahead if you can, or you can try walking up.

Let’s get a sky-high view of London. You have a few different choices that are all close together within the City of London, near the Tower and St Dunstan.

The most popular free views in London are:

Sky Garden: a free viewing platform within the Walkie Talkie building. Tickets go fast, but you can also walk up and try for a ticket.
Garden at 120: At the modern 120 Fenchurch Street, there’s a public rooftop garden that has breathtaking scenery, 360 degrees around. Free entry; no tickets are required.
Horizon 22: At 22 Bishopsgate there is the *highest* free viewing platform with panoramic scenery. Free but must book ahead.
The Lookout: At 8 Bishopsgate, there’s a brand new viewing platform that’s also free to enter.

4. Leadenhall Market

Side-by-side images showcasing London's historic sites: Leadenhall Market with its ornate Victorian roof and colorful storefronts, bustling with activity. Adjacent is St. Paul's Cathedral captured at night, its majestic dome lit against the evening sky, highlighting the architectural splendor.

You may recognize this market from Harry Potter, where it played Diagon Alley.

This charming architectural gem houses a variety of restaurants and shops.

It’s a lovely place to take a break from sightseeing and fuel up with a good meal. My favourites are Osteria Del Mercato for adults and Pizza Express for lunch with kids.

5. St Paul’s Cathedral

£25 adults, £10 children
Book Ahead during peak times
Included in the London Pass

Just a 15-minute walk (or 9 minute bus ride) from Leadenhall Market is the massive St Paul’s Cathedral.

This Christopher Wren-designed cathedral is an integral part of London’s skyline, and the interior is just as mind-blowing.

Don’t miss the Crypt tour, included with your ticket. It’s a guided tour that includes spots like the Geometric Staircase, not usually open to visitors.

No need to book ahead for the tour (though you may wish to for your entry ticket during peak time) – just ask at the front desk where you enter when the next one leaves.

6. Thames Cruise & Waterside Sunset Meal

Evening scene along the River Thames with the iconic Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament illuminated against the twilight sky. In the foreground, a vintage street lamp and lush greenery set a serene mood for the Thames Cruise & Waterside Meal.

It’s your last night in London, and that calls for a waterside experience.

The iconic Thames zig zags its way all through the city, and by hopping on one of the easily accessible cruise ships, you can experience the city the way that Londoners have done for thousands of years.

You can use your Oyster Card to hop on the Uber Boat at any of the docks (there’s one right at the London Eye) and cruise along the water. Hop off at any station and you’ll be ready for your final meal in London.

Alternatively, you can take a Thames cruise ticket package along with your London Eye ticket to get two attractions for a lower price.

End your day with a glass of bubbly (or a pint) at a lovely waterside restaurant or pub.

My Favourite Riverside Restaurants: