One of the questions I get asked the most, and one of the most popular conversation topics on our Facebook Travel Tips page, is how to make the most out of just a few days in London.
Luckily, as a Londoner for over 20 years and a guide for more than half of that, I've the answers!
In this post, I am going to share with you a sample 3-day London itinerary, meant as a guide to help you plan out your stay to maximise the value of your time in our city.
It's also useful for anybody with just two or even one day in town.
I've put together a unique mix of "must-see" attractions (such as those that our guests frequently ask about or have on the top of their lists) as well as some hidden gems that I, as a local, want to share with you!
London is a mega-city and you simply can't fit everything in a lifetime, let alone 3 days. So, you will need to be strategic.
I've come up with what we think is the ideal way to include as much as possible into your time here, with restaurant and pub recommendations, too, to really make the most of your time.
You'll also notice I've included links to other posts that I've written over the years which go into more depth about a particular location or attraction to help you decide if you want to follow our recommendations.
Of course, I also hope that you will consider one of our fantastic London walking tours.
I recommend these tours to everybody but they are particularly great for those of you who may be travelling to London alone.
DAY 1 IN LONDON
8:00 am - The Breakfast Club
The Breakfast Club is a London institution with numerous locations throughout the city and it's a BIG favourite with me and my social circle.
I've put the Soho branch onto this list as it is most convenient for the rest of the day I have planned out below.
But, there are other branches around town so you may find one closer to you (for example, there is one in Islington, where I live) which might fit into your itinerary.
I always aim to get there as early as possible - and you will want to, also, because people queue for hours to get into this Soho hotspot.
I recommend their "Caf Classics" to get a a traditional-style English breakfast but their French toast served with dips are also incredible.
While at Breakfast – TKTS at Leicester Square
Another hot topic on our Travel Tips Facebook group is discount/cheap theatre tickets.
My answer is always the same: Check out the TKTS booth in Leicester Square,
It's a hot destination for visitors (and locals!) wanting to pick up cheaper theatre tickets but these days, you can bag those bargains online, before the TKTS booth even opens!
If I have a free evening, I like to go online early to see what's available for the afternoon.
So, check out their website while you're eating to take advantage of their affordable offerings for a show later on tonight.
I never pay full price for our theatre tickets if we can help it and TKTS is a great way to save money!
I'd also recommend TodayTix where I've been lucky enough to snap up front-row seats to shows on the same day.
10:00 am – London All-in-One Free Tour
I am biased of course, but I have to say that our London All in One Tour is THE BEST way to pack as much as possible into a single day in our city!
Just sign up online and then meet your friendly local London guide just inside Green Park. (It may even be me!)
This tour will show you all the highlights of London, including Buckingham Palace (and the Changing of the Guard on the days it is taking place), St. Paul's Cathedral, Big Ben, the Tower of London, etc, giving you anecdotes, details, and history that you’d never discover on your own.
You’ll also have the opportunity to eat a traditional British pub on your lunch break.
4:00 pm – Walk across Tower Bridge
Usually, when the tour is over, guests will ask me what they should do with the rest of their day and I recommend taking the time to walk around the Tower of London to get photos of this most iconic location.
Also it's free to walk across.
You will find there are two stairways to get you onto the Bridge from the south side of the Tower of London and my top tip is to take the staircase to your RIGHT which will give you the better views on your walk across.)
4:30pm/5:00pm - Take an iconic journey to the West End
It's easy enough to take the tube to get yourself to the West End but I always recommend a journey on the river!
Some of my friends think the Thames cruises are a bit touristy but I think they're well worth doing.
From Tower Bridge, you can pick up either an Uber Boat, think a bus, but on water!
Although better because they have a bar which unexpectedly serves my favourite rose' in London.
Or, you may want to join a guided boat tour to take you westwards.
Check out my post which details all the boat options to pick the right one for you.
My recommendation is to get off at Embankment Pier, walk north for a few minutes which will take you into the West End.
I always tell people to walk up Villiers Street as it will take you past one of my favourite watering holes: Gordon's.
I recommend their food menu but it's also great just for a drink.
And in this video, Sinead, a fellow tour guide with Tours by Foot, takes you on a short tour of Gordon's.
6:30 pm – Covent Garden
You’re now in the heart of London’s West End and you should be near a theatre for your show!
I think Covent Garden is one of those places where it's best to just wander around and explore rather than to go in with a set plan.
However, if you're looking for a great spot for dinner, I would point you in the direction of Dishoom for some of the best Indian food and most inventive cocktail list (try the Pink Shiso Spritz, my favourite) in the city.
7:30 pm - Take in a West End Show.
The Show Goes On! – Most London West End productions begin at 7:30 in the evening. See what's playing.
I like to get there about 15 minutes early to give myself time to use the loo and get situated, but some of my friends like to get there even earlier. It's up to you!
10:00 pm – London At Night
One thing I love about London is that it never stops.
So after a show, I like to have a stroll through the centre of town to see our iconic landmarks all lit up.
The West End is well situated to get you to Trafalgar Square where you can see Nelson’s Column and the beautiful fountains illuminated at night.
You can also head to Whitehall to re-visit the Houses of Parliament and see Big Ben, towering over you with lights shining bright!
For some other nighttime ideas, be sure to read my posts about what to do after the sun sets in London:
DAY 2 IN LONDON
9:00 am – Tower of London
This is my absolute top, number 1 recommendation for any visitor to London!
Out of all the big "sights" in our city, this is the most unique and also I feel it offers value for money's even if the ticket is a bit on the pricy side.
It's not just a single building it's a whole complex of royal palace rooms, museums, armouries, churches and prisons cells.
The Tower of London holds 1,000 years of history…not to mention the Crown Jewels!
And I take you on a virtual tour of through much of the Tower of London in this video below.
Be sure to check out the other great videos on our YouTube channel.
I've put this down as the first thing to do on your day because it gets REALLY busy here so you'll want to go first thing in the morning.
My top tip is to head straight to the Jewel House as soon as you get there.
I notice a lot of people leave the Crown Jewels for last, so going first means you'll really be able to take your time to appreciate the incredible displays inside.
I'd say after that, hit the White Tower, and then the rest as you wish.
12:00 am – Borough Market
Borough Market is one of those places that tourists all go - but so do those of us who live here!
I'm at Borough Market at least twice a week so I definitely had to put it on my list.
Walk across either Tower or London Bridge to get to Borough Market - the best food market in the United Kingdom.
You'll find plenty of delicious food (and drink) to choose from at this iconic London location.
There is much debate within my friend group about the best places to get food but one thing we ALL agree on is: Bread Ahead Bakery!
The doughnuts especially are truly stunning (The Salted Caramel is my favourite but Eton Mess is also a classic.)
1:00 pm – Explore the Southbank
Take your time at Borough Market and then wind your way along the best walking path in London: The Southbank.
This is one of my favourite walks in London and I will take it as much as I can.
You'll have an opportunity here to visit the Golden Hind, see what remains of Winchester Palace (one of my favourite hidden things to share with my visitors), visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and/or the Tate Modern, all in this area!
I'm not the biggest fan of Modern Art but the Tate Modern is free so I find myself there every so often.
But sometimes I go here just for the views from the cafe' - they're well worth a visit even if I don't look at any of the art.
You'll also find plenty of places for an afternoon drink..! I like The Swan near the Globe.
When you're done, you can walk across the iconic Millennium Bridge to return to the Square Mile for your next destination.
I always mention to my Harry Potter fans that this is the bridge the Death Eaters destroy in the Half Blood Prince film!
And in this clip, Alan, a Muggle tour guide with Tours by Foot, takes you on a virtual walk across the bridge.
4:30 pm – Heron Tower, SkyGarden, The Garden at 120 or Horizon 22
I'll admit that London is an expensive place, but that doesn't mean that everything has to cost a fortune!
We are so lucky to have a number of places where you can get an incredible view of the city without having to spend any money.
These are my recommendations:
- The SkyGarden is probably the one I get asked about the most, and the one that pops up most frequently in our Travel Tips Facebook group. It's a beautiful location and the views are lovely. I like that I can walk out onto the balcony (when it's not too windy), that there's views along all four sides of it, and that there is often music playing which gives it a good vibe. The downside is that getting tickets here is really tricky but I've had luck in the past by just turning up and getting lucky with a cancellation so if you've not managed to book a spot, consider giving that a god. Or consider booking at their restaurant (the Darwin Brasserie is pricy but delicious and it includes entry to the Garden).
- Horizon22 is the newest (and highest) viewing gallery in the city. The atmosphere there isn't as vibrant as the SkyGarden, although I am told they are going to add more food and drink options so things could change. The views are fantastic!
- The Garden at 120 is a stop on our City of London Tour. I think the big draw here is the landscaping and beauty of the rooftop! It's a real hidden gem and the views are excellent, even if it's not as high as the other two. I love that you don't always have to book in advance here, just go and join the queue when the mood strikes!
6:00 pm – Jack the Ripper Tour
Explore the backstreets of Victorian London with our expert guide and hear the stories about the world’s most famous murder victims…and their killer!
I always say a visit to London isn't complete without this tour.
A London “must,” this tour encompasses the spirit of London’s evocative East End.
My team and I have been leading Ripper Tours for well over a decade and we've recently partnered with the fantastic team at Rippervision so I can confidently say you'll get the best tour possible if you book with us.
If you'd prefer to take the tour on your own, I've written a GPS-led Ripper Tour that you can download and take at any time.
And here is Sinead again, this time taking you on a chilling virtual Ripper tour.
8:30pm - East End and Brick Lane
Just around the corner is the East End and Brick Lane which I think is the perfect way to finish your time in this neighbourhood.
You'll be spoiled for choice when you see the amount of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants that line this street.
However, I usually choose Aladin, or the BYOB just around the corner at Tayyabs (where I always go with a bottle of rose).
I also recommend a visit to the area because the street art is fantastic and it changes all the time.
I like to go at least once every couple months to see what's new.
I'll mention here that we also offer an excellent Street Art Tour which you might want to consider to get the stories behind the art and the artists who make it.
DAY 3 IN LONDON
8:30 am - Breakfast at Farm Girl at South Kensington
Treat yourself to a great breakfast at a unique London cafe.
This is one of those places I've been going to for years that was super popular with locals, but I'm noticing their popularity is growing so I always make sure to get there early!
For meat eaters, their sausage, mushroom and eggs breakfast is absolutely divine.
Or, if you'd like something lighter (I confess I'm not always a big breakfast person) their fruit, yogurt and granola is a light way to start the day.
I love their pastries, too so leave room for one of those. The menu is always changing but I've never been disappointed!
10:00 am - Museums
I am always so delighted to inform guests on my tours that almost all of the museums we have in London are free to enter!
There are three of the best ones located in this area.
So, I would say either pick one to really get stuck in, or give yourself an hour at each to see the highlights.
- The Victoria & Albert Museum: As a social history graduate this is probably my favourite, and I have been to see the bust of King Charles II probably more times than is healthy. The plaster casts of iconic artworks from around the globe are also always worth a view.
- The Science Museum: It own't surprise you when I say that this museum focuses on science! What I like about it is that there are a lot of hands-on exhibits which makes it a great one for taking my niece and nephews to, so those travelling with kids should consider this option.
- Natural History Museum: This is another favourite of the younger members of my family! The highlight for me are the gemstones but the little ones love the dinosaur skeletons (including a moving baby T-Rex).
If you love museum as much as I do, read my full post on the best free London Museums.
1:00 pm - Lunch Break
If I have the chance, I'll always make a stop at the V&A cafe!
The room itself is beautiful: I love the mosaics on the ceiling, it's honestly beyond description.
Plus, their food is good too.
They always have a range of cooked dishes but I really like their egg sandwiches with a nice cup of tea and one of their delicious scones - served warm with cream and jam. Perfection!
2:00 pm - Back to the Museums! Or, if you're done already, head directly to...
4:00 pm - Kensington Palace
I am a big fan of the history of the Royal Family, and it's what I specialised in at University so, of course, I've got to put a royal palace onto this list!
For those who have the time, you may wish to purchase a ticket and explore the rooms inside.
See where Princess Diana, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and Megan and Harry used to live, and where Queen Victoria first heard she was the new Monarch!
I think the audio guide at the Palace is brilliant and worth the money so go for it, if you can.
If you've not got the time or the funds, just enjoy the view of the Palace as you stroll through the fabulous park.
I love walking through Kensington Gardens even without a visit to the Palace so consider a stroll along the pond to see the lovely swans that live there.
5:00 pm - Harrods
I get asked about Harrods ALLLLL the time. And the truth is that I, and many Londoners, do go there.
Although most of us head straight for the food section rather than anywhere else.
Or you'll find me in their Christmas Shop on a yearly basis to get some incredible decorations.
Harrods is located at Knightsbridge in Kensington so I usually include it with a visit to Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park.
Explore designer labels, household furnishings, the most impressive cosmetics department around as well as the sprawling food/market section.
The best part of the shop, in my opinion, actually has reasonably priced goodies (yes, I promise) you may wish to treat yourself with.
The salted caramel truffles will change your life...
7:00 pm - Chinatown
The London Underground is one of the most impressive public transport networks in the world - but every so often I will opt for a journey by bus instead!
I always recommend my visitors take at least one journey while they're here as it's a great way to do some casual sightseeing as you travel.
So I say when it's time for dinner, you should take a bus from Knightsbridge (I usually jump on the 19), through the illuminated Piccadilly Circus (to see those world-famous lights) and get off at Chinatown.
Here you'll find a restaurant for every budget (and palate!).
Royal China is fantastic and one of my favourite,s but my top choice, and with prices that can't be beaten is Bun House.
Once finished, you are then free to explore Soho...perhaps do some shopping, people watching, or grabbing a cocktail to celebrate the end of a wonderful London adventure!
If you've read most of my blog posts, you know I like to finish my evening with a drink and my most-visited Soho bar is Cahoots for avant garde drinks in an incredible setting.
I will say no more as the surprise is part of the fun.
If I'm in the mood for live music, I'll head to Ain't Nothin' But - the Blues Bar (best for live music).
And, if I'm looking to spend as little money as possible then I'll go for Simmons which offers unbeatable happy hours!
Museum-lovers should read my 5-day London museum itinerary.
Make sure to take advantage of our self-guided walking tours (I wrote them all so you know they're good) and our self-guided London food tours to get the most out of your visit.
For help getting around London, be sure to read my guide to the London Underground as well as my post comparing the different London bus tour companies.
For those on a budget, check out my guide to Guide to London on a Budget, where you can find other budget itineraries.
If you've got more days you're looking to plan, get some itinerary ideas by looking at the various and differing London neighbourhoods. Below is a list of 13 of my top areas to explore:
