Are you looking for how to spend 3 days in London? If so, I have you covered with this epic itinerary!
Let me be your London trip planner and take the guesswork out of how to spend 3 days in London! I love spending weekends in London and think it is the perfect amount of time to explore all the city has to offer. From world-class museums, attractions, and landmarks to high-tea and public parks, there is so much to see in this city!
You might be asking what a weekend in London will cost. That depends on your personal preference. But, unlike in other major cities in Europe, many of the museums are free of charge to enter!
I have a guide for everything you need to know about planning a trip to London and the best times to visit! I love visiting during the holiday period when everything is decorated [go in November to avoid crowds], and find late [or very early] summer another period I enjoy when the weather is warm and there are fewer crowds!
3 Day Weekend In London Itinerary
It is my experience that most flights from the US arrive early in the morning in London; for day 1 of your three days, they will start on arrival! Be sure to pack comfy walking shoes, as your first day will be jam-packed with exploring the best of London.
Day 1
Stop 1 Tower of London and Tower Bridge 9:00 am
On your first day in London, stop 1 will be the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Located outside the burn area of the Great Fire of London, this 9th-century castle, built by William the Conqueror, was spared from devastation. Explore over 1000 years of history, see crown jewels, and walk back in history.!
Next, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. Book tickets to travel back in time as you explore the inside of the bridge. Explore the Victorian engine rooms, or climb 42 meters above ground on a glass walkway where you can take in views of the city! I suggest this for first-time visitors!
Insider Tip: To get amazing views of the Tower Bridge, you will want to head to London Bridge to catch the best views!
Here are multiple tours that I personally suggest! Each is different, so look at which matches your interest!
Click here to book : London: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour
Click here to book : London: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket
Click here to book: London: Tower Bridge Entry Ticket
Stop 2: Leadenhall Market, 10:30 am
With 3 days in London, you have to visit a market! The Leadenhall Market dates back to 1321 and is part of Roman London! Here, you will find shops and restaurants. Even if you are not hungry, stop in to view this historical building!
I like to grab a pasty at French bakery Aux Merveilleux de Fred and coffee at Danish coffee spot Hagen to keep me going until lunch. There are tons of options to choose from!
Stop 3: Sky Garden 11:00 am
Perfect for year-round visits, as it is indoor with floor-to-ceiling windows on the 42nd floor with views over central London. It feels as if you are in a botanical garden in the sky, one of the best free things to do in London for 3 days!
Insider tip: You MUST reserve your entry in advance! The window opens shortly before you are set to visit, so make sure to do this in advance of your trip! It is free but you MUST reserve in advance!
Stop 4: St. Paul Cathedral 12 pm
Jump on the Central Line at Bank Station and ride 3 minutes to St. Paul, where your next stop is St. Paul Cathedral. As this is a place of worship, visitors must pay to go inside. I like viewing the church from outside on my walk along the Thames. You can visit indoors, as well as the dome for views of the city.
Stop 5: Millenium Bridge 12:15 pm
From St Paul’s Cathedral, walk down Peter’s Hill towards the glass Millennium Bridge. Here you will be crossing the Thames, where you can also get a view of Tower Bridge.
Insider tip: This was a Harry Potter filming location!
Stop 6: Shakespeare Globe 12:30 pm
For theater lovers looking for what to do with 3 days in London, make sure you visit Shakespeare Globe Theatre. You will get to see how plays were performed in open-air spaces during Shakespeare’s times.
This realistic reconstructed Elizabethan playhouse was originally built in 1599 and destroyed by the great fire of London in 1666. This “new” theater opened in 1997, and during summer plays are performed here!
Click here to See More: Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Guided Tour & Experience
Stop 7 Borough Market – Lunch 1:30 pm
On your first afternoon in London, you must grab lunch in the Borough Market! Taste all the iconic British dishes, along with other culinary treats! For those who are overwhelmed, take a tour that will guide you on all the best foods in the market!
This central London market is open every day but Monday from 10 am to 5 pm. Built in the 1700s this market has a rich history of passageways and cobblestone streets that transformed into a foodie destination with over 1000 vendors.
Some favorite vendor choices:
- Brindisa – chorizo roll
- Gujarati Rasoi – Vegetarian Indian
- Kappacasein – grilled raclette (cheese)
- Ginger Pig – sausage roll
- Black Pig – sandwiches
- Padella – pasta
- Arabica – Middle Eastern food
- Bao Borogh – bao buns
- Mallow – 100 % plant-based
- Wright Oyster House – oysters
Click here to Book : London: Borough Market Flavors of London Food Tour
Click here to Book: London: Borough Market Foodie Walking Tour with Tastings
Stop 8: Tate Modern 3 pm
The Tate Modern is just a 15-minute walk from Borough Market! The first museum on your 3-day weekend in London itinerary is the Tate Modern. Did I mention the best part? The museum is free (please note that paid admission is required for special exhibits)! This art gallery is home to one of the largest collections of modern and contemporary art post-1900s worldwide.
The museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. See works from Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Jackson Pollock, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney.
- Don’t miss the viewing platform on the rooftop
- I love to grab a cup of tea during wintertime in the Tate Caffe
- Popular Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirror Room only runs until April 2024 (£10)
Click here to book : London: Tate Modern Official Guided Tour with Art Expert
Stop 9: National Gallery 4:30 pm
From the Tate Modern, walk across Millenium Bridge to Blackfriars underground and take the District line to the Embarkment. It is then a 10-minute walk to the National Gallery, open until 6 pm. Just so you know, admission is free, but timed tickets are required!
I love a quick visit to this museum to see works of art by my favorite artist Monet. Also featured are Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Jan van Eyck, and the over 2600 paintings in the collection!
For those who want to try a high tea, why not book a National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea!
Click here to book : London: National Gallery Self-Guided Audio Tour in English
Click here to Book: London: National Gallery Guided Tour and Afternoon Tea
Click here to Book : London: Explore the National Gallery with an Art Expert
Stop 10: Trafalgar Square 5:30
Trafalgar Square is one of the public squares in central London you must see on your 3 days in London. Museums and shops surround this buzzing area and are also home to Nelson’s Column statue and a fountain!
Named in 1830, the public square has been a gathering place for Londoners and visitors alike. It was transformed into a pedestrian area in 2003.
Stop 11: Covent Garden and Dinner 6 pm
You will always find me exploring Covent Garden, especially on a London long weekend itinerary! This area is comprised of 17 cross streets, a historic piazza, a Royal Opera House, Apple Market, and home to tons of shopping and restaurants. You can’t miss Neal’s Yard and Neal’s Street one of the prettiest streets with cafes.
I find the history so interesting; it was the first urban planned area of London and after the Great Fire of 1666 it was opened as London’s largest market! It was not until the 1980s that it was saved from demolition and renovated as Europe’s first shopping center.
I suggest wandering around for a bit before stopping at a restaurant that catches your eye. After if you are not too tired, grab a cocktail at a bar. This area comes alive after dark.
Day 2
On Day 2 of your 3 days in London weekend trip, you will explore the iconic sights, and attractions such as the London Eye, parks, museums, high tea, a boat ride on the Thames, and a play! This is another packed day to make the most of your trip!
Stop 1: Big Ben 9 am
After breakfast, the first stop on day 2 of your 3 days in London itinerary is Big Ben. While Big Ben is the name of the bell inside the clock tower, this iconic London landmark is part of the House of Parliament.
Those interested in going inside Big Ben (climbing 334 spiral steps) must book their tickets several months in advance on the UK Parliament website! I always just marvel at the architecture from the grassy area below! It just reopened in 2023 after a 3-year renovation period!
Stop 2: West Minister Abbey 9:30 am
West Minister Abbey is the royal church of London and a must of things to see in London in 3 days built in 1066, it has been the home of British royal coronations and weddings!
I find the Gothic architecture stunning, and always marvel at the coronation chair the oldest piece of furniture in the entire country! Please remember this is a place of worship so dress appropriately and be respectful!
Click here to book : London: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben & Buckingham Palace Tour
Click here to book : London: Westminster Abbey Entrance Ticket
Stop 3: Changing of the guard 10:00 am
You can’t come to London and not catch the changing of the guards. My favorite “hidden gem” spot to see the changing of the guard is off of Whitehall at the Royal Horse Guards. Stand to the left or right-hand side of the building to be just steps away from the changing of the guard.
I highly recommend putting this stop on your itinerary for London in 3 days, as it is truly amazing the watch!
- Remember, do not get too close or touch the horses or guards!
- January to April, and August to December the changing of the guard happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 am.
- During Summer (May to July) happens daily at 10:45 am
- Book a tour to take the guesswork out of seeing Changing of Guard
Click here to book : London: Westminster and Changing of the Guard Tour
Stop 4: London Eye 11:30 am
On Day 2, of your London trip itinerary will bring you to the iconic London Eye. This attraction showcased an aerial view of London from one of the tallest observation wheels in the world! There is a reason there is always a line, and why it needs to be on your 3 days in London itinerary. While expensive, I very much enjoy going especially when visiting London with friends who have never been!
On a clear day, you can see 360-degree views of the city including famous landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge.
- Book the FAST TRACK option to skip waiting in line!
- I always like to book the second time to cut down on time spent in line ( visit 11 am to 5:45 pm daily)
Click here to book : London: The London Eye Entry Ticket
Click here to book: London: London Eye and Madame Tussauds Combo Ticket
Stop 5: Churchill War Room 12 pm
As a history lover, the Churchill War Rooms is one of my favorite London museums. A visit here will allow you to step back in time to WWII, which housed the underground command center of the British government.
- Included in your London Pass, book your tickets in ADVANCE
- Open daily from 9:30 am to 6 pm
- Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 9 am taking a special behind-the-scenes secret room tour (I learned SO MUCH!)
Click here to book : London: Walking Tour and Churchill War Rooms Entry
Stop 6: Lunch 1 pm
I suggest eating a light lunch, as later on you enjoy high tea. I like to pop into Tesco for a grab-and-go meal deal to enjoy while walking through the park.(Check out our guide to London Grocery stores) But, if you want to sit down and enjoy a meal head to the Two Chairmen pub. The food and service here is excellent. Try the steak and ale pie, vintage cheddar mac, or fish and chips with peas!
Stop 7: St. James Park 1:15 pm
One of my favorite things about central London is the parks! If traveling during summer, or spring, why not have a picnic in the park? Strolling in the gorgeous parks is one of my favorite activities on short London trips!
St. James ranks as one of my favorites as it leads to Buckingham Palace. This stunning park has manicured shrubs, gardens, ponds, and more! For those traveling with children, there is an amazing playground here. Even during winter, it is magical.
Stop 8: Buckingham Palace 1:45 pm
Buckingham Palace is on EVERY London bucket list and needs to be on yours. Most visitors only ever take pictures from outside the gate with the guards, but, I highly recommend you book tickets to see the INSIDE of Buckingham Palace.
- Book tickets to see the Royal State Room – see the royal collection of artwork
- Check the official Buckingham Palace website for tour options
Stop 9: High Tea at the Drawing Room 3:30 pm
One of the first things I do when planning a trip to London is book my high-tea reservation. I am already salivating thinking about the scones and clotted cream. The place I return to trip after trip is high tea in the Drawing room at Rocco Forte Hotel.
I love grabbing tea in the wood-paneled room with a fireplace and mural ceiling make the perfect backdrop to enjoy traditional tea service. While high tea is pricy, I think it is worth the splurge! I suggest choosing the seasonal tea made only for tea service! You can choose from a traditional, plant-based base or children’s tea menu, and add on a glass of champagne!
Other Amazing Places to Enjoy High-Tea I recommend during an afternoon in London:
- The iconic Ritz hotel
- Langham and Savoy hotels also have delicious traditional high tea
- For family-friendly themed tea I suggest Science Tea at the Ampersand Hotel
- Shakespeare theme high tea at the Globe Theatre
Stop 10: Uber Boat by Thames Clipper 5:30 pm
I think one of the unique vantage points to see any city is from the water. If looking at what to do with 3 days in London, why not take a trip down the Thames River ( included with a London Pass)?
- The boat leaves every 10-20 minutes from 10 am to 6 pm
- 19 piers to board from
- Admire iconic London sights from the water
- Climate-controlled cabins and outdoor seating
Click here to book : London: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers Single River Ticket
Stop 10: Show in West End + Drinks 6:30 pm
One of my favorite ways to spend an evening out on a weekend getaway to London is by seeing a play in the West End. Tons of shows are performed, and I have seen everything from Mamma Mia, Wicked, Book of Mormon, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, and Les Miserables. If it is in your budget, and you love theater, go see a play in London!
If you are looking to save money, there is a TKTS discount ticket booth in Leicester Square for same-day show tickets!
After the show, I like to grab drinks to cap off the night. Some of my favorite bars are below! The perfect ending for night two of your 3-day itinerary for London!
- Connaught Bar – the old fashion here is perfect
- Elementary – walk-in only with communal table perfect for Solo travelers
- A Bar with Shapes for name
- Swift – one of the few you can make reservations at
Day 3
My favorite way to spend a Sunday ( Day 3 of your weekend trip to London) is by starting in Nottinghill for a leisurely breakfast and stroll! Then hit a pub for Sunday Roast and visit a museum or two!
Stop 1: Notting Hill 8:30 am
I find Notting Hill to be one of the prettiest areas of London, perfect for a Sunday morning stroll. You can not go wrong with any of the local spots, depending on what you are in the mood for! I especially find the coffee in this area to be amazing!
After breakfast, stroll along and see the colorful homes in Notting Hill one of the most Instagrammble spots in London, or head to Portobello Road Market. For book lovers, pop into the numerous bookstores ( I love to browse and bring home a book each trip).
Stop 2: Hop-on hop-off tour 10 am
After spending 3 days in London, your feet are sure to need a break. I love the option of taking a hop-on-hop-off bus tour (included with your London Pass). On this tour, sit back, relax, and listen to the audio guide’s history tour of the city.
The bus stops at over 36 attractions throughout London on 3 different routes. I love this option, as you can hop off at any stop that piques your interest, or explore a new area or part of London that looks cool!
- The Red Route tour is every 10 minutes from 8:30 am to 4 pm and takes 150 minutes
- The Green Route is every 20 minutes from 8:55 am to 3:55 pm and takes 35 minutes
- The Blue Route runs every 20 minutes from 8:30 am to 6:30 pm and takes 1 hour
Click here to book : London: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing-Tour
Click here to book : London: Tootbus London Discovery Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Stop 3: Pub for Sunday Roast 12:30 pm
Eating Sunday Roast at an English Pub is a must on any London itinerary for 3 days! It is a hearty traditional British meal of roasted meat with potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, stuffing, and vegetables! A must-try in my book, and it pairs very well with a pint!
Stop by any pub that looks good, or is on a best-of list, and cozy up for some traditional British food. If it is your first time in London, I would spend a few minutes researching some pubs you want to visit!
The perfect way to spend your last afternoon on your 3 days in London!
Stop 4: Option A Cable Car 2:00 pm
I recently took the train out to Canary Wharf/ O2 Arena to take the IFS Cloud Cable Car and it was a highlight of my itinerary for London! You have two options, either catch the cable car from North Greenwich or the Royal Victoria side of the river. There is also an option for a round-trip, although I thought one-way was plenty! We used our oyster cards to purchase tickets.
As the cable car ascends into the air, you will get gorgeous views of the O2 Arena, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and London skyline! I did this during the day but I think sunset would also be perfect!
For those who are looking for something more adventurous why not try the Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Stadium? This is something unique to those looking at what to do for a weekend in London! Where you will suit up and climb the roof for an urban adventure over London! I can’t wait to try this on my next trip.
Click here to book : London: Uber Boat by Thames Clippers and Cable Car Ticket
Click here to book: London: Take on the Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
Stop 4 : Option B Historic Pubs Walking Tour 2 pm
For those who are not interested in taking a Cable Car or adventure on a Stadium roof, why not add a Historic pub walking tour to your list of things to do in London over a weekend?
This tour starts at 2 pm and explores the best pubs in Central London on this 2-mile walk that lasts 3 hours!
Click here to book : London: Historic Pubs of Central London Walking Tour
Click here to book : London: Royal Historic Pubs Walking Tour
Stop 5: Old Royal Naval College 4 pm
Across the River from Canary Wharf you will find the Old Royal Navy College open daily until 5 pm. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is included for those with the London Pass.
My favorite part of this museum is that you can’t miss the magnificent painted hall. Designed in the 18th century this Baroque hall features over 200 images on the ceiling and walls depicting English royalty. It recently reopened in 2019 after a years-long conservation project!
Click here to book :London: Painted Hall and Tour of Old Royal Naval College
Stop 6: Dinner in Chinatown 5:30 pm
On the last stop of your 3-day Weekend London trip, you will head to the Chinatown neighborhood. You will know you have arrived when you pass under one of the 4 ornate gates. This vibrant neighborhood is the perfect spot to wander and find dinner!
After dinner, I love to get dessert and try the pineapple buns, custard pastries, and ice cream or bubble tea!
- Dumpling Legend – for dumplings and dim sum
- Cafe TPT – Street food in a restaurant setting
- Good Fried Chicken – grab-and-go popcorn chicken
- Four Seasons – roast duck and crispy pork
Where To Stay on your London itinerary
Check out my complete guide to where to stay in London for more options!
Kimpton Fitzroy London
I find the Kimpton Fitzroy to be one of the most architecturally stunning hotels in London. Located in Bloomsbury, this hotel is within walking distance of Covent Garden. The stunning mosaic tile floors and fresco-painted walls of the common areas are in contrast to the rooms which are white and calming. Grab a drink or enjoy tea at the lobby bar Fitz. A great centrally located hotel for your London weekend trip!
Book HERE
NoMad London
For those looking at where to stay in London and want a luxurious stay, the NoMad Hotel in London. Located in Covent Garden is another hotel I keep returning to. The rooms feature wood floors, plush bedding, custom artwork, and ample space! The hotel has a restaurant inside a glass atrium, a lobby bar, and a restaurant. I love relaxing in the library after a day of exploring London.
Book HERE
The Hoxton, Southwak
One of my favorite boutique hotel brands in London is the Hoxton. There are 4 locations in London however, this one is South of the Thames River in Blackfriars and is within walking distance of almost all the major attractions. The hotel is bright and lively with plants located throughout the lobby. The rooms are have concrete ceilings and very cozy! Each comes with free coffee, water, and tea! Plus there is a rooftop restaurant and the lobby bar serves up amazing cocktails.
Book HERE
Where to Eat During Your 3 Days in London
Dishroom
I strongly believe that some of the best food in London is Indian, and my favorite is Dishroom. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also have a vegan menu!
I love ordering the dish room chicken tikka, vegetable samosas, the house chat, and the jackfruit biryani with a side of garlic naan. They also serve delicious cocktails!
Hobson’s Fish and Chips
Every London travel itinerary should include eating the best fish and chips, a London staple. This family-run restaurant sources fish directly from the Billingsgate fish market, and potatoes grown in the UK. And for all my gluten-free travellers they have a delicious gluten-free batter. Plus, if you are Vegan my best friend said the banana blossom vegan fish was quite tasty!
I always opt for the Haddock over cod, and add on an order of mushy peas.
Padella
There is a reason Padella is on every best restaurant list. The pasta at this Borough Market staple. The dishes are “tasting” size, so I always suggest ordering several and sharing. Try dishes like tagliarini with dried chilis and garlic, fettuccine with mascarpone and lemon, agnolotti with pumpkin and sage butte, and pappardelle with dexter beef ragu.
Beware the restaurant does not take reservations and is quite small but the wait is worth it! A must-eat with 3 nights in London for dinner.
Getting To And Around London
London is a very easy city to navigate once you understand public transportation. If traveling to London by air, there are 6 major airports, however, the two most popular for international flights are London Heathrow ( LHR) and Gatwick ( LGW). For those traveling from other European cities, Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Stansted (STN) are other popular airports.
While London St Pancras is the Eurostar terminal for those arriving by train from Paris and Brussels.
Now, for getting around London, I highly suggest taking public transportation.
- You can use your credit card to tap for lower fares throughout the tube ( underground – look for the red and white circle).
- London is broken into zones 1 to 6, with central London as zones 1-2. There are rush hour peak fares in the morning and evenings.
- The overground ( orange circle)
- Train service from Gatwick ( regular train and Gatwick Express), same with Heathrow (underground or Heathrow Express)
- Bus (cheapest option at under $2 ride)
- Iconic London Black taxi ( MUST do once!) and Uber
- Walking is very easy
Insider Tips For Your First Trip To London
Oyster Card
For those traveling to London for a weekend, invest in an Oyster Card. It will save you so much money on metro rides, plus they cap the daily rides at just over £8! And for those with children, kids under 11 ride free with an Adult! The card does cost £5 to activate but you will save more than that in just one day!
Sky Garden
One of my favorite free things to do in London is the Sky Garden! You MUST book your tickets 3 weeks in advance! You will be awarded a stunning view over London and it won’t cost you anything!
Look the opposite way when crossing streets
Remember, in London, they drive on the opposite side of the road, which means when you cross the street you will need to look the opposite way (don’t worry they have reminders on the street for you!)
Pack an umbrella
I always make sure to pack a little travel umbrella when traveling to London! Take it from me there is nothing worse than being caught in a rainstorm, or your hotel not having enough umbrellas. Be prepared so you can make the most of your weekend in London.
London Pass
Many travelers overlook what I think is one of the biggest money and time savers, the London Pass. Choose from 1, 2, 3…day pass! If you buy The London Pass it gives you advanced reservations to over 80 attractions, hop-on hop-off bus tours, guided walking tours, Thames Clipper boat rides, museums, and more on your 3 days in London itinerary! I think the ability to skip lines and have advanced reservations makes purchasing the London Pass a no-brainer!
I opt to add the London Pass with an Oyster card when purchasing!
Visit Markets for Lunch
One of my top tips is to visit one of the many markets in London for Lunch. A few of my favorites are Borough, Maltby, Mercato, Camden, and Pop Brixton. Especially if traveling with friends, or family everyone can find exactly what they want to eat, or you can do as I do and sample a variety of dishes!
Take advantage of Free Museums
If you are looking to travel to London on a budget, visit the over 20 free museums in London. Choose from museums such as the British Museum and Library, Science Museum, Natural History Museum ( try the high tea here if traveling with kids), Museum of London ( one of my favorites), National Gallery, Tate Modern, and More!
Visiting the free museum in London can be a huge money saver for those on a tighter budget!
Check the Exchange Rate
I remember a time not too long ago when exchanging US Dollars for British Pounds you were losing 40% of your money. I always like to check exchange rates so that I can budget accordingly and know what things cost!
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