London, the bustling heart of the UK, is a city where history, culture, and modern energy collide. As one of the most visited destinations in the world, London welcomes millions of travelers each year, all eager to experience its iconic landmarks, royal palaces, and lively neighborhoods. From the grandeur of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the charm of its hidden alleyways and bustling markets, London offers a little something for everyone.

With so much to see, planning your first visit to London is overwhelming. That’s where this 3-day London itinerary comes in! 

Designed to help first-timers make the most of of a short trip to London, this guide takes you to must-see sights on an optimized itinerary that clusters together activities to minimize travel time between attractions. Whether you’re in London for history, photography, or just a reason to indulge in fish and chips, this itinerary has you covered. So, grab your Oyster card and get ready to fall in love with London!

How to See the Highlights of London in 3 Days

Overview of this Itinerary

Let's start with a couple of disclaimers about this London itinerary. First of all, 3 days is not very much time in London. Just being honest. The city is sprawling and big, which means a lot of time is spent traversing around the city on the tube. If you are visiting as a first-timer, I would probably recommend adding more days in London. In my opinion, 5 days is ideal and 7 days is optimal.

However, I understand that for busy people, especially Americans with limited vacation time, that is not always realistic. London is often one of those destinations that gets squeezed in as a layover or connection to other places like Scotland, Ireland or even mainland Europe.

As such, I have designed this itinerary to maximize London's highlights on a short trip. That means -- the days are full. Following this itinerary, you will be out of the hotel most of the day exploring the best that London has to offer in just a few days.

Day 1: West London Highlights

🗺️ Areas Covered: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Kensington
🚶‍♂️ Walking Distance: High

📍 Nearby Tube Stations: Westminster Station (Jubilee, Circle, District), St. James’s Park (Circle, District) and Green Park Station (Victoria, Piccadilly, Jubilee)

Morning: Westminster & Royal London

Start your first morning in London with some of the city’s most iconic attractions in the heart of Westminster. Begin at Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, taking in the grandeur and snapping all the pictures. One of the best views of Big Ben, in my opinion, is across the Westminster Bridge along the water in front of St Thomas' Riverside Garden. 

Book a ticket for entrance to Westminster Abbey to see the final resting places of British monarchs and famous figures like Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. A visit there usually takes around 60-75 minutes. Afterward, take a scenic walk or a short tube ride to Buckingham Palace, where you can witness the Changing of the Guard (if scheduled).

From Buckingham Palace, embark on a peaceful stroll through Hyde Park, one of London’s most beautiful green spaces. Take in the sights of The Serpentine, picturesque walking paths, and memorials like the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain. This leisurely yet historic morning itinerary combines royal landmarks, stunning architecture, and a refreshing nature walk—all before lunchtime.

Afternoon: Afternoon Tea

I am a big fan of the Netflix show Bridgerton, so I jumped at the chance to have a Bridgerton themed afternoon tea at the Lanesborough. This stunning 18th century mansion sits just south of Hyde Park and has been converted into a 5-star hotel. The dining room is absolutely gorgeous with rococo inspired frescos, a glass roof and 3 giant chandeliers. On top of the aesthetics, the themed afternoon tea was delicious. I especially liked the cakes, each of which was themed around a Bridgerton character.  

After lunch, I would recommend heading back over to the Westminster area to visit one of my favorite museums in London – the Churchill War Rooms. This underground bunker served as the nerve center for Winston Churchill and his government during World War II. Preserved exactly as they were during the 1940s, the rooms provide a fascinating insight into the strategic decisions that shaped the war. You’ll need around 75 -90 minutes inside the museum. 

Evening: Dinner in Westminster

One of London’s original fine-dining establishments (that still holds up to the hype) is the Cinnamon Club. Housed in a former Victorian library, the two-story dining room is lined with floor to ceiling bookshelves with white tablecloth clad tables sprinkled throughout. It’s a really picturesque restaurant.

While this might be a basic order, trust me when I say -- order the butter chicken. It is some of the best I’ve ever had! Juicy pieces of thigh meat are served on the bone in a pool of well-seasoned masala gravy sauce. I found the service to be mediocre, especially at the price point, but the food is genuinely lovely.

After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Thames Path, where you'll get picturesque views of Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, and the South Bank. If you're up for a longer stroll, head to Battersea Park on the south side of the Thames. In winter, they have a beautiful light show.

Day 2: East London Highlights

🗺️ Areas Covered: Tower Hill, South Bank, Borough Market
🚶‍♂️ Walking Distance: Moderate

📍 Nearby Tube Stations: Tower Hill Station (Circle, District) and London Bridge Station (Jubilee, Northern)

Morning: Tower of London

Steeped in nearly 1,000 years of history, the Tower of London is one of London’s oldest and most iconic landmarks. This UNESCO World Heritage site has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Although it is “touristy”, I loved taking a guided tour with the famous Yeoman Warders, known as Beefeaters, inside the Tower of London. I had an especially good Beefeater guide, Scott Kelly who can be found as Beefy409 online. 

Inside the Tower of London, you can explore its historic walls, hear captivating stories of royal intrigue, and view the dazzling Crown Jewels, including the iconic Imperial State Crown. Tickets should be booked in advance and expect to spend around 2-2.5 hours inside the Tower of London.

The exit from the Tower of London drops you directly in front of the Tower Bridge. Snap a few pictures from this view, and then wander across the Tower Bridge. The sidewalks are often crowded, but you can really admire the bridge up close. In my opinion, the best picture spot of Tower Bridge is at Potters Fields Park on the south bank. 

Afternoon: Southbank Highlights

Borough Market is a foodie paradise! Built around and under train tracks, this famous food market is an indoor and outdoor market with stalls tucked into every nook and cranny. Open Monday through Saturday, you can wander through 100+ stalls of fresh produce, cheese, seafood, juice, and international cuisine. Basically anything you could ever want! 

Once you’ve thoroughly eaten your way through the market, visit the tallest building in the United Kingdom – the Shard. It offers one of the most breathtaking views in London! Standing at 1,016 feet, it boasts an observation deck on the 72nd floor that provides a 360-degree view of the entire city. 

Another famous attraction to see on the Southbank is Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The current theater is a modern reconstruction of the original playhouse where many of William Shakespeare's greatest works were performed in the late 1500s and early 1600s. You can simply pass by for a photo or take a guided tour inside to learn about the Elizabethan theatre experience. 

Evening: Views & Pub Vibes

From Southbank, cross back over to the north side of the river via Millennium Bridge. Harry Potter fans may recognize this bridge as the bridge that Deatheaters destroy in the 6th movie “Harry Potter & the Half-Blood Prince”. Directly in front of the bridge, you will notice St. Paul’s Cathedral. The cathedral's magnificent dome is one of the largest in the world and has been an iconic part of London’s skyline for over 300 years. 

If you haven’t had enough skyline views for the day, book a free ticket for Sky Garden. This lush indoor garden offers a green space complete with observation decks, a café, and even a bar. This is a nice place to come for sunset! 

Enjoy a proper English Pub dinner at the Old Bank of England. This historic venue once housed the Bank of England from 1888 to 1975. The building was beautifully restored highlighting ornate chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and intricate woodwork. It is probably the most opulent pub imaginable! On the menu, you'll find classic British pub fare with a refined touch, including handcrafted pies, beer-battered fish and chips, and hearty Sunday roasts. 

Day 3: Central London Districts 

🗺️ Areas Covered: Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, Soho
🚶‍♂️ Walking Distance: High

📍 Nearby Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road Station (Central, Elizabeth, Northern), Leicester Square Station (Northern, Piccadilly), Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo, Northern)

Morning: British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s greatest museums, offering a vast collection of over eight million objects spanning the history of humanity. It is like the Louvre of the United Kingdom. You’ll need at least 2-3 hours to explore the museum, but you could easily spend a half or whole day at the British Museum. The permanent collection contains invaluable artifacts such as the Rosetta Stone, Benin Bronzes, and the Elgin Marbles.

Of course, there is a contemporary social conversation going on about whether or not these artifacts, most of which were stolen during Britain’s colonial history, should reside at the British Museum. Until now however, they remain inside this museum. To avoid large crowds, visit early in the day or on weekdays, as the museum can get quite busy, especially on weekends.

Afternoon: Covent Garden & Soho 

Covent Garden is one of London's most vibrant marketplaces, known for its historic charm and lively atmosphere. Originally a fruit and vegetable market, the Covent Garden Piazza is the neighborhood focal point, where visitors can enjoy street performances by musicians, magicians, and acrobats. Its cobbled streets are lined with a mix of boutiques, artisanal shops, and historic arcades like the Apple Market, where you can find unique handmade goods and antiques.

If you aren’t tired of museums, the National Portrait Gallery is nearby. Home to over 200,000 portraits, the museum chronicles the lives of significant figures in British history. From monarchs and political leaders to cultural icons, notable portraits range from the regal Tudor family & Queen Elizabeth I to contemporary stars like David Bowie. 

You could spend an entire day indulging in the shopping, entertainment, restaurants and nightlife in Soho. Carnaby Street is a must-visit for shopping, offering a blend of fashion-forward boutiques, British heritage brands, and cutting-edge independent shops. A short walk away, Liberty is a landmark department store, known for its stunning Tudor-style building and its luxury fashion, unique homeware, and exclusive designer collections. Soho also has a thriving vintage shopping scene, with independent stores offering quirky and stylish pieces. 

Evening: West End Theater

London’s West End is the beating heart of the city’s theater scene, often compared to Broadway in New York. This vibrant district, centered around Leicester Square, Covent Garden, and Shaftesbury Avenue, is home to world-class productions ranging from blockbuster musicals to intimate dramas. Some of the most famous long-running shows include The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Les Misérables at the Sondheim Theatre, and The Lion King at the Lyceum Theatre. 

Many restaurants in this area do pre-theater set dinner menus, which are a easy & affordable way to eat an early dinner before your show. Here’s a summary of some of the best pre-theater dinners.

If you didn’t plan ahead for seeing a show in London, have no fear. You can score last-minute or budget-friendly tickets at the TKTS Booth in Leicester Square. This booth sells same-day discounted tickets for many popular shows. Websites like TodayTix, London Theatre Direct, and LastMinute.com also offer deals, especially for midweek performances. Many theaters also have day seats, where you can queue in the morning for heavily discounted front-row or limited-view tickets. 

Where to Eat in London

London’s food scene is one of the most exciting in the world, offering everything from Michelin-starred fine dining to street food markets bursting with global flavors. I've included a few convenient food recommendations in this blog post already, but I have lots more! Check out my complete London food & restaurant guide for all of my recommendations!

Classic British dishes like fish and chips, Sunday roasts, and full English breakfasts are a must-try, but the city’s multicultural influence means you can also enjoy top-tier Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and Italian cuisine. Whether you’re after afternoon tea, a hidden pub, or an indulgent dessert, London’s dining scene has something for every craving.

Where to Stay in London

London offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels with skyline views to boutique guesthouses and budget-friendly hostels. Choosing where to stay is a pretty critical choice. While London is super well-connected with the tube, distances and travel time can be long. So you should choose your hotel location strategically based on what you're planning to see & do during your visit in London.

Covent Garden and Soho are ideal neighborhoods for this short stay itinerary. It puts you in the heart of the action and makes it easy to get around using the tube & public transit. It does mean you'll pay a premium, but the convenience on short 3-day itinerary is worth it. Two other convenient hotels I can recommend are:

• Inhabit Southwick ($$): this super convenient hotel is walking distance from Paddington Station (where the Heathrow Express train drops off). And it is cute & stylish too! The rooms are cozier than I expected.
• Hoxton Holburn ($$$): buzzing spot in the heart of London. Location couldn't be easier for exploring, with West End, Covent Garden, Oxford Street and the British Museum all within walking distance from the hotel.

Have thoughts or questions about this London 3-day itinerary? Tell me in the comments!