3 Days in London Itinerary: The Best London Landmarks & Where Exactly To Find Them

People are often asking me what to do in London. The list can seem endless. There’s always something going on and the city is completely different every time I visit it. Whether you think London is Britain’s most charming city or not, there’s no denying the city’s special place in the world today. One of the busiest (if not the busiest) cities in the world that is nearly two thousand years old. Even when you only have three days in London, there is a selection of go-to spots for a great weekend trip. I put together this 3-day London itinerary to help you have the best experience.

 

It is, without a doubt, a city to be experienced. When I was looking for ways to spend my 3 days in London, I wanted not just do the top-rated tourist attractions but also to explore and discover some of its hidden gems. London is a sprawling city, and it could keep you busy for weeks. Check my itinerary for 3 days in London, and experience the best things this city has to offer.

 

Things To Do in London in 3 days. 3-Day London Itinerary.

 

how to spend three days in London

 

Getting Around London: From the Airport

With six airports around London, Heathrow is one of the busiest. The cheapest way to reach the London Downtown is by using the Piccadilly line (just don’t forget to get an Oyster Card). Another option is to ride a Heathrow Express, which will take you to Paddington station in 15 minutes. There are also National Express Coaches or National Express that is a way to travel backpacker style. While they offer several long-distance routes across Great Britain, I’ve taken a ride from the Heathrow airport to Victoria Coach Station for £8.

 

Getting Around London

London Underground (the Tube) and buses are extremely effective and straightforward, especially if you’re know how public transportation works in a big city. London is divided into nine fare zones, with zones 1 & 2 being central London. You can always choose the way how to pay for transport. That includes so far: An individual ticket, a contactless card, an Oyster card, a travel card, or a visitor Oyster card along with a London Pass.

 

I know it can be quite confusing planning your trip when you’re already at the airport. So I strongly recommend planning in advance to figure out where your closest stop and routes that can get you there.

 

London itinerary

Day 1: Introduction to London

 

Ride a Bus

When you have only three days for sightseeing in London, that may put some limits on what can be done. If you want to quickly catch some sights, then going on a “Hop on Hop Off Tour” can be your best bet. You can stay on it to see the whole city or hop off at the places you want a closer look at.

 

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Yup, these tours are often pricey. If you’re looking for a more budget and independent way of exploring London, then there are a number of bus routes that take in quite a few of the big landmarks along the way. Famous red double-decker buses (#11 in particular) are often much cheaper and allow you to cover all famous landmarks quickly. For your three day trip, you can pick up a three day London Pass. It will get you free access to museums, river cruise, London Zoo, and many other attractions.

 

what to do in London three days

 

Hit London Museums

London’s museums are among the world’s best and they allow to enjoy their permanent collections free of charge. The biggest problem I have faced during my trip to London has to be the fact that I had to choose which museum I want to visit very carefully. There are more museums than you could actually do in one visit. The National Gallery, the British Museum, and the Science Museum are fantastic stops to include on your 3-day London itinerary. While the entry is free, there will an entrance fee for exhibitions and tours.

 

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If you visit London with kids (or if you are passionate about aviation), then you probably should not miss the Royal Air Force Museum at Colindale. Although not necessarily centrally located, it is just a 30-minute Tube ride from central London at the former Hendon airfield, RAF Museum features an impressive collection of British, American and German planes. With over 85 aircraft on-site, it could take an entire day to see them all, so it is better to stick to a certain exhibition if you’re short on time.

 

Westminster Abbey

Did you know that you can attend the Evening Prayer in Westminster Abbey for free? While you won’t be able to wander around the church, you will still get awe-inspiring views of the church on the way to your seat and during the service. Evening services at Westminster Abbey are held daily at 17:00 (5 p.m.). You can also check the schedule of services on the date you want to attend. Otherwise, it costs £20 to visit or use your London Pass for free admission.

 

Day 2: Top Spots for Aerial Views of London

 

The London Eye

If you’re on a hunt for aerial views of the Old Smoke, chances are the London Eye is already on your list of things to do in London. This huge Ferris is one of the tallest buildings in the City and offers gorgeous 360-degree views of London’s skyline from a bit different perspective high above the River Thames.

 

3-day London itinerary

 

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Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the Ferris wheel runs in 30-minute cycles. The thing I love most is that they don’t stuff the capsules full of people. There is a definite sense of space in capsules because each of them capsule fits up to 25 people. You can move around freely and see all the viewpoints without much trouble. A standard ticket for adults is quite pricey, so it is better to book it online in advance to save 10% and avoid lines on the day.

 

St Paul’s Cathedral

I’ve seen many churches while traveling across Europe. And most of them were built in the Gothic or Neoclassicism architectural styles. It was my first cathedral to visit built with an opulent English baroque design. With three galleries of the Dome to explore, the Stone Gallery and the Golden Gallery offer some breathtaking views of London’s landscape.

 

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As you climb your way up to the top, the Whispering Gallery would the first stop. It runs around the interior of the dome, and it got its name from its amazing acoustics. A whisper on one side can clearly be heard by someone on the other side. This is a perfect place to get a closer look at Thornhill’s artwork.

 

Things To Do in London

The Stone Gallery is 376 steps up and runs around the outside of the dome. You can take a break here taking awesome aerial photos of London before heading skywards once again.

 

Continue on to the highest vantage point at Golden Gallery for some of the best bird’s-eye views of London. I would recommend checking the cathedral’s website before you go because the topmost galleries are occasionally closed for scheduled maintenance and to tourists on Sundays.

Where To Find: St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD

 

The Shard

The first time I saw the Shard was in 2014 and I’ve been promising myself I’d climb the tallest building in London since then. The Shard is a multi-purpose skyscraper and home to an observation deck that sits at 800ft and provides a mind-blowing panoramic view across all of the City. During the long winter months the top this modern skyscraper is up in the clouds, so visiting in summer could provide awesome views.

 

The skyscraper is located near the London Bridge Station, between Tower Bridge and the London Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London. There are plenty of events happening in the immediate area. You can use the Shard as a starting point for exploring the culturally and historically fascinating Shakespeare’s Globe and the cosmopolitan Borough Market. If you put this skyscraper on your list of things to do in London, make sure to book your tickets in advance. Especially during busy periods such as school holidays.

 

Where To Find: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK

 

Day 3: People Watching (And Eating Your Way Through London)

Have I ever told you how much I love to spend time people-watching? When I write a new blog post or do the project, I rarely have time to slow down and observe your surroundings. But when I’m out, I love asking myself some simple questions and wonder whether people around me are doing just the same. There are way too many places in London to go people watching, but spending time doing it can be really enjoyable and so gratifying.

 

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A trip to London isn’t complete without paying a visit to at least one food market. Put Camden, Hampstead, and Brixton on your 3-day London itinerary to try some of the city’s global treats. I recently spent three days (too little time though) eating my way through the food hubs of London.

 

Portobello Road

Located at Portobello Road, Notting Hill (W11 2QB), the market is most famously known for its antiques. Portobello attracts every kind of seller imaginable. That being said, you can expect to find dozens of stalls and antique shops selling vintage clothes, toys, and vintage musical instruments. The market gets packed with Londoners and tourists alike on weekends.

 

You can find fruit and vegetable stalls taking up the space between Talbot Road and Elgin Crescent, along with several stalls selling bread, cakes, fish, and cheese. Stalls selling new goods, such as cheap socks, toys, and household goods occupy the pavement between Talbot Road and Westway.

 

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You may recognize this place from the 1999 classic romantic comedy “Notting Hill”. “The Travel Bookshop” – where Hugh Grant’s and Julia Roberts’ characters first ran into each other and started their love journey.

 

You’re lucky to visit the neighborhood on the last summer weekend. Every year since 1966 on the last weekend of August, the streets of Notting Hill, Kensington and Chelsea neighborhoods fill with the sounds and smells of the Caribbean festival. Twenty miles of brightly colored costumes and masks, sounds of drums, hundreds of stalls with Caribbean food. The carnival takes place on the streets of London W10 and W11, usually along the Ladbroke Grove, Westbourne Grove, Westbourne Park, and Kensal Road.

 

Itinerary for three days in London

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Globe Theater

I love theater. And I think anyone interested in philosophical themes and psychological portraits should pay a visit to the exact replica of the original Globe Theater. The original Globe Theatre was built in 1599 but was destroyed by an accidental fire in 1613. The replica you can now see and visit in London has opened to the public in 1997 thanks to the efforts of Sam Wannamaker.

 

The Globe doesn’t exclusively put on Shakespeare’s plays and offers two different types of tickets. You choose to sit or stand, but no matter what choice you make, you can expect the enchanting performance. The tickets are from £5 to £39.

 

Where To Find: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside London SE1 9DT

 

Borough Market

Like any other capital city, London has loads of charming, extravagant, and magical places to visit. And this place is just one of them. When you want to taste some genuine flavor of English food, the Borough Market has got you covered. With more than 100 stalls selling fresh bread, cheeses, and meat, it dates back to the 11th century. It’s one of the most renowned markets in London and it often makes me break the diets by going on an eating binge.

 

Located in Southwark, the market works at full strength from Wednesday to Saturday, with only one day off is Sunday. Food stalls here range from vegan and vegetarian options to traditional English foods (pork pies), Indian curries and fish & chips.

 

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The Borough Market was one of the best things I’ve put on my 3-day London itinerary. You can spend an entire day here, nibbling free samples, taking photos and watching people. It was my next stop after exploring the Southwark neighborhood because the market offers some great ready-to-eat food. The market has left a very positive impression on me. The entire place is very clean with a range of seasonal food and prices sometimes even lower than in supermarkets. I especially enjoyed the smoked venison sausages.

 

Things To Do in London in three days

 

Hyde Park

When it comes to picking things to do in London, Hyde Park is something I normally don’t skip visiting. Why? Because it is one of London’s most charming Royal parks that offers relief to everyone feeling overwhelmed by sightseeing in London. I love this place since the atmosphere is so relaxing. With a number of events and concerts throughout a year, there are also walking and biking paths within less than five minutes from Queensway or Bayswater.

 

Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone

 

That concludes my list of things to do in London, England in 3 days. Of course, there are plenty of places I didn’t mention in this post because it’s impossible to enjoy everything London has to offer in just 3 days. I hope this has helped you get a better idea and feel for this cosmopolitan city.

 

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48 Comments

  • Great itinerary! You mixed both touristic places as well as great places that are not often considered!

    Lisa | http://fromdreamtoplan.net

    12/04/2018 at 3:01 pm
  • great post and very informative, loved the pictures. i actually visited london for the 3r time this easter and could never get tired of it

    xx
    lau
    http://www.malibluemymind.com/2018/04/no-more-drama-adrianna.html

    12/04/2018 at 7:42 pm
  • This is great , I will definitely use this on my trip to London

    14/04/2018 at 7:17 pm
  • You came to my country Ivan! I hope to be able to visit the Shard and Westminster cathedral next. Great detailed post with great ideas that will help someone who wants to visit London. All the best on your travels.

    14/04/2018 at 7:58 pm
  • One of the reason I love travel blogging is because it opens my eyes up to the places around me. I lived in London for 1 year and never visited Westminster Abbey and never visited the RAF museum. Going to have to do these when I’m back in the UK now. Great itinary otherwise though!

    14/04/2018 at 8:01 pm
  • Wow. Looks like I need to go back to London! We were only there for a brief time before heading to south hampton where the cruise ships are docked. I would love to see several of these locations.

    14/04/2018 at 8:20 pm
  • Great tips, London can get really expensive very quickly! We are headed there in June this year, will use some of these for sure, thanks.

    14/04/2018 at 9:47 pm
  • Portobello is your absolute discovery! Thanks for this… I will add it on my list for next London trip 🙂

    15/04/2018 at 7:05 am
  • Great list! We are staying In London for 3 nights in October so this has given us a great itinerary for our stay! Thanks

    15/04/2018 at 3:30 pm
  • Great list. I can’t believe I live in England and have been to London more times than I can count but I’ve never taken a London bus! I must put it on my list.

    15/04/2018 at 6:52 pm
  • I love the tube, I recommend getting an oyster card if you are going to be using it a lot as you get your £5 deposit back if you hand it back in. I have lost mine recently though and the introduction of the contactless has been a lifesaver. I would also suggest the museums. They are free and the natural history museum is the best of the bunch!

    15/04/2018 at 7:59 pm
  • Portobello road is one of my favourite things to do in London! Great post 🙂

    16/04/2018 at 8:37 am
  • Nice! I’m based in London and I agree, these attractions are great!! A must see when you visit the capital.

    16/04/2018 at 9:54 am
  • Great post! There is a chance I might be visiting London one day to visit family, so I have pinned this for later! I definitely want to go on the London Eye and the double decker buses!!

    16/04/2018 at 5:08 pm
  • As a person who lives in the South East of England, who rarely visits London, I liked how your post related to many people (such as things to do with children, travel etc.) It’s very different and unique, will definitely come back for more advice and suggestions!

    Annie Xxx
    https://anniebasson.blogspot.co.uk

    16/04/2018 at 9:57 pm
  • Love the setup of your post, so useful and the links are actually helpful!
    I love London, and you got all the important points. Best part is the Indian food! xD And tea time of course.

    18/04/2018 at 2:05 am
  • I’ve been to London 4 times and there is still a bunch on this list I haven’t done! Great article and now i got some tips for next time I’m in town:)

    18/04/2018 at 2:54 am
  • Nice one! Being a local I would just add going to one of the many food markets and rooftop we have in the city for lunch or dinner! A rooftop is great way to have a nice view of the city without paying for the London Eye if you are on a budget:)

    18/04/2018 at 8:15 am
  • Jubilee

    Reply

    I’ve always wanted to go to London! My husband and I were just talking about taking a quick trip. If we do, we will use these tips!

    19/04/2018 at 7:33 pm
  • Some great advice. I will be sure to remember this when I go to London.

    23/04/2018 at 11:53 pm
  • Seems like you had such an amazing trip . Thanks for the tips.

    24/04/2018 at 12:59 am
  • Great itinerary! this is everything i did when i was there!

    02/05/2018 at 2:24 pm
  • Stephanie

    Reply

    I always wanted to travel! London looks so beautiful and I love your pictures. I especially love the aerial view of London and the Portobello Road.

    02/05/2018 at 5:07 pm
  • Must remember to pick up an Oyster card. Very excited to visit and the food markets are right up my alley.

    02/05/2018 at 6:55 pm
  • Great itinerary. We loved Portobello Road, agree it is a must see

    02/05/2018 at 9:40 pm
  • I didn’t do The Globe last time and really regret it! Definitely on the list if I ever go back!

    02/05/2018 at 10:58 pm
  • Katie

    Reply

    There’s is so much to do in London. .. you managed do so much in 72 hours! There are some great tips here. .. my fave is going to the theatre

    03/05/2018 at 1:36 am
  • Very informative. Would pick up few things you suggested on my next trip to London!

    03/05/2018 at 6:10 am
  • Ahhh, London is my home city but there is a lot here I haven’t actually done! I am going back in two weeks after a year away and this helps remind me that I will be able to continue travelling at home 🙂

    04/05/2018 at 1:23 am
  • I have always wanted to ride the London Eye. Great post!

    04/05/2018 at 3:01 pm
  • Perfect timing! We’re planning a trip to the UK (it’ll be way too short to squeeze everything in, but it’s just our FIRST trip!). Saving this for reference. Thanks!

    04/05/2018 at 7:16 pm
  • Interesting read. Looking forward to using inforin my London visit

    05/05/2018 at 7:27 am
  • Great list! Someday I hope to visit London!

    07/05/2018 at 6:07 pm
  • These are all great suggestions!!

    09/05/2018 at 2:43 pm
  • Never been to London, should plan, knowing this post can be used as a reference, great stuff put together

    09/05/2018 at 2:51 pm
  • Alexandria

    Reply

    I’ve only been to the London airport passing through, so many great things to do & see!

    09/05/2018 at 2:55 pm
  • This is so handy, I can’t wait to visit London!

    09/05/2018 at 2:57 pm
  • I’ve lived in London for about 7 years and never saw it as a tourist destination, but this post makes me rethink a bit, especially thinking about the Shard and Portobello Road… their energy is unique and truly deserve to be experienced.

    17/05/2018 at 9:10 pm
  • Great post! Funny story, when I visited St Paul’s I went during that famous evening mass that guidebooks talk about. Only thing is, I had barely entered when the fire alarm went off and we were quickly ushered out. Never did get to see the church properly :-/

    21/05/2018 at 7:41 pm
  • A good solid guide to visit London. It should be useful for the first timers 🙂

    22/05/2018 at 8:21 pm
  • This is an awesome itinerary. Traveling on the weekends is most ideal for me because I work full time so this 3 day Itinierary is great!

    28/05/2018 at 4:34 pm

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