The hardest part of planning a 3 day London itinerary isn’t finding things to do, it’s choosing what to do from the cornucopia of museums, galleries, palaces, restaurants, bars and hidden gems across this sprawling city. Whether you’re searching for the best way to see London in 3 days, making a list of things to do in London in 3 days, or just want some London travel tips for first timers, the options can feel endless.
After all, sightseeing London in 3 days is no small feat—London is a global metropolis packed to the rafters with art, history, food and nightlife.
But if you have three days to make the most of what London has to offer, here’s what you should do.
3 days in London can give you a good idea on how massive the city is.
Day 1: Westminster & Notting Hill
If you ask most people what the most famous sites in London are, they’ll say Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey.
And they’d be wrong.
Technically, these are located in the Royal Borough of Westminster, a city in its own right and the perfect place to start your “three days in London” adventure.
The area of Westminster Abbey is a must, full of fascinating history.
Walking through Westminster
When you exit Westminster station, marvel at the world’s most famous clock tower (and don’t mind the pedants that tell you that its name is the Elizabeth Tower—Londoners have always called it Big Ben, even though that’s actually the name of the bell inside of it).
Circle Parliament Square to get a view of the Houses of Parliament and the ancient abbey. Pause to snap a photo at the most iconic red telephone box in the city before you head up Whitehall, passing Downing Street (home of the prime minister) and Churchill’s War Rooms, bunkers frozen in time from WW2.
As you head through the Horse Guards Parade, you can walk the mall leading to the front of Britain’s most famous residence, Buckingham Palace. On certain days—and depending on your arrival time—you may even catch a glimpse of the Changing of the Guards ceremony, the snazziest soldiers undertaking the most complex shift change known to man, woman or child.
If you don’t catch the ceremony on a whim and want to carve out time to see it (with two separate ceremonies from four distinct viewpoints), check out the Changing of the Guard & Buckingham Palace tour.
If you hear mention of the Elizabeth Tower, they’re actually referring to this tower!
Snacking in Soho, London
After all that wandering in Westminster, you’ll definitely feel hungry.
Head into Soho for a multicultural melting pot of taste. You can choose from:
- The locally renowned, decently priced and famously rude Cantonese canteen Wong Kei (ignore the reviews)
- The Italian-regional-dish-highlighting Bocca di Lupo
- Or, if you don’t mind walking a little further, the unbelievably cool Mercato Mayfair
Here you enter a street food heaven located in a deconsecrated church. Have you ever slurped noodles under stained glass windows before? Now you can.
After the amazing Changing of the Guard ceremony, you’ll want to go somewhere you can eat, and there are plenty of options in Soho.
Seeing the Best of the West London
From here, jump on the tube to Notting Hill Gate to spend a pleasant afternoon wandering the lengthy Portobello Road. The area bursts with antique markets, pastel-coloured houses, and the iconic bookshop from the film. If you still feel peckish, pop by the Grain Shop and grab some health in a box from a selection of hot and cold vegetarian and vegan dishes prepared fresh in-house since the ‘70s.
Enjoy a walk around Notting Hill before or after you visit Core. Photo credit: AXP
Day 2: The city, Borough Market & Southbank
Exploring the historic heart of London
Today, focus on the Square Mile, which is the most historic part of London. You’ll find the Royal Exchange (London’s first commercial building), the Financial District, and a cluster of sacred spaces from Christopher Wren’s stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral to the oldest surviving church in the city, the atmospheric St. Bartholomew The Great.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is right in the heart of London’s historic downtown district. Photo credit: Belinda Fewings
Since St. Barts sits just on the edge of Smithfield, you should start your day around here for two reasons. Firstly, indulge in a bacon butty at the family-run Beppes (23, W Smithfield). With a history dating back to the ‘30s, it stands as a fine example of the classic London caff (keep in mind that traditional caffs tend to close after lunch).
Secondly, this area also boasts an absolute hidden gem that most Londoners don’t even know about. The Charterhouse is a complex of 14th-century buildings that have, at different points, been a monastery, a boy’s school, and an almshouse.
The London Charterhouse has been many different things at many different points throughout history. Photo credit: Geoff Henson
From here, wind your way through the streets of the historic city, get your Roman fix at the Mithraeum (also free entry, but book in advance), take in the Monument to the Great Fire of London, and eventually cross London Bridge for unforgettable views of the river.
When you reach the other side, you’ll arrive at the Borough Market, a perfect place for lunch.
Eating in Borough Market
The iconic Borough Market has fed hungry Londoners and visitors for over 1000 years. Whatever your tastes, you’ll find something here. For example, you can enjoy:
- British cheese
- Fiery curries
- Oysters (the oldest street food in the city)
- Fish and chips
London’s Borough Market is equally popular among locals and tourists. Photo credit: Hulki Okan Tabak
If you want the most delicious overview of seven traditional tastes and a drink in this area, try the Ultimate London Food Tour right in this very market.
Exploring Southbank
Next, continue along the south bank of the Thames, and stroll down the area known as Southbank. While the area features brutalist buildings, this stretch stands as a testament to the tenacity of Londoners.
The area was heavily bombed in WW2 due to being an important dock area. Here, the post-war rebuild gave us the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Festival Hall. Pop into the BFI to watch archival infomercials in pods out the back. Alternatively, visit the Tate Modern for a completely free immersion into works from Mondrian, Picasso, Anish Kapoor, and Guerilla Girls.
Finally, head back to Borough and enjoy a British beef dinner at award-winning steak spot Hawksmoor. Don’t miss out on the Tunworth mash and the best sticky toffee pudding in town!
The Tate Modern museum opened its doors in 2000 and has become an iconic London landmark ever since. Photo credit: Toa Heftiba
Day 3: Tower of London & Shoreditch
Visiting the Tower of London
On your final day, rise early, grab a quick coffee and a Full English from Devine (another amazing little family-run joint), and beat the crowds into London’s most famous fortress.
William the Conqueror started the Tower in 1079. Successive monarchs continued to develop it over centuries, and now it houses ravens, Beefeaters, and the most famous jewels in the world.
Insider’s Tip: Since it gets super busy as the day wears on, join an early access Tower of London tour that gets you inside before the crowds so you can catch a glimpse of the Crown Jewels with no line at all.
The Tower of London was founded around 1066 as part of the Norman Conquest of England.
Shopping in Shoreditch
Once you’ve had your fill of history, make your way through Aldgate, onto Brick Lane, and onwards to Shoreditch. Here, you’ll find:
- Record shops
- Vintage stores
- Spitalfields market
- Street art galore
- London’s Curry Mile
The Curry Mile was founded by Bangladeshi, Punjabi, and Pakistani arrivals in the 1970s.
Despite being a London landmark, you should indulge in Indian food at the surrounding streets. Top recommendations (be sure to make a reservation!):
- Meraz (one of the originals): Small prices, big flavors, and a seriously tasty Tandoori Lamb
- Dishoom: A local favorite offering stellar tastes like House Black Dahl—so creamy, so good
Shoreditch is a must-see when visiting London. Photo credit: Hulki Okan Tabak
Drinking cocktails in Shoreditch
After an afternoon spent shopping and eating your way around the hipster haven that is Shoreditch, you should toast to three days in London, well spent.
Head to the award-winning Cocktail Trading Co. where bartenders shake up creative takes on traditional cocktails. Since the menus change often, whatever you order will be game-changing.
Looking for some creative cocktails in London? You’ll find them in Shoreditch. Photo credit: Nikita Tikhomirov
More London activities: Harry Potter, Museum of Zoology, & Neal’s Yard
If you have extra time during your three days in London, consider these activities:
- Harry Potter fan? Check out behind the scenes at Warner Bros. Studio with a tour of their London facilities. At their Making of Harry Potter tour, you will walk in Harry Potter’s footsteps, one of the most beloved characters of his generation.
Get tickets to Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter, one of the most in-demand attractions in the UK. Photo credit: Finn
- Love animals and learning about them? Visit the Grant Museum of Zoology. The museum offers a diverse range of exhibits, including a jar of preserved moles, dodo bones, a quagga skeleton, specimens in fluid, taxidermy collections, and extensive skeletal displays.
- Neal’s Yard is a vibrant and colorful courtyard nestled in the heart of Covent Garden, London. You can easily access it on foot, and it’s a fun place to explore, check out shops, buzzing cafes, and unique architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions: Planning Your 3 Day London Itinerary
What is the best way to see London in 3 days?
Focus each day on a different area or theme—such as Westminster & Notting Hill, the City & Southbank, and Tower of London & Shoreditch. Use the London Underground, buses, and plenty of walking to maximize your time and soak up the atmosphere. Prioritize your must-see sights and book key attractions in advance to avoid lines.
What are the top things to do in London in 3 days?
In three days, you experience iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Borough Market, the Tower of London, and trendy Shoreditch. Don’t miss a stroll along Southbank or a bite at Borough Market. If you have extra time, try a Harry Potter studio tour or explore the quirky exhibits at the Grant Museum of Zoology.
How much can I actually see when sightseeing London in 3 days?
Three days in London give you a solid sense of the city’s scale and diversity. While you won’t see everything, a smart itinerary lets you tick off major landmarks, sample different neighborhoods, and enjoy a mix of historical sites, food markets, and modern culture.
Three days in London, sorted. However, if you have even less time, don’t worry—we know exactly how to help you see London in just one day.