London is a must-visit and I am so thrilled to share my 3-day itinerary with you! We spent last New Year’s Eve in London and let me tell you, I loved it. This 3 day itinerary can be adjusted depending on the season, but includes must-visit spots all year long!
Table of Contents
- Details About London
- How to Get Around London
- Where to Stay in London
- Day 1: Iconic London
- Day 2: Historical and Cultural Depths
- Day 3: Modern London and Local Experiences
- Additional Things to Do in London:
- Restaurants and Bars I Love:
- Commonly Asked Questions
Details About London
London is always worth a trip, honestly. With its history spanning the ages, it is as impactful now as it was then: from Shakespeare to The Beatles, from the wartime stories of Churchill to the Royal Family, it is the epicenter for history and cultural impact for millennia. The vibrant art and music scene, world-class museums, galleries, theaters, and its accumulation of global cultures, reflected in its amazing food scene, makes London an exciting trip whatever you are into.
How to Get Around London
Walking: Often, the best way to experience London is on foot. Many of its attractions are closer together than you might think, and walking provides a more intimate look at the city’s hidden gems.
Public Transport Options: London’s comprehensive public transport network, including its iconic red buses, the Underground (Tube), Overground, and Docklands Light Railway (DLR), makes getting around straightforward. Consider downloading a transport app for live updates and route planning.
Oyster Card: An essential tool for cost-effective travel across London’s public transport network, including buses, the Tube, trams, and some river services. It’s cheaper than buying paper tickets and can be easily topped up
Expert Tip: You can now use contactless and mobile pay as you go by simply tapping your phone or credit card at the yellow card readers when you enter and exit transport. We used this our whole trip and it was a breeze! You no longer need to buy a physical ticket, simply tap and go!
Where to Stay in London
Central London
- Best For: First-time visitors who want easy access to major attractions.
- Areas to Consider:
- Westminster: Close to iconic landmarks like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Westminster Abbey.
- Covent Garden: Vibrant area with theaters, restaurants, and shops, perfect for those who enjoy a lively atmosphere.
South Bank
- Best For: Those who want a riverside experience and easy access to cultural institutions.
- Highlights:
- Close proximity to the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and Borough Market.
- Scenic views of the Thames River and the city skyline.
- Accommodation: Upscale hotels and serviced apartments with stunning river views.
East London
- Best For: Travelers seeking a more alternative and artistic atmosphere.
- Areas to Consider:
- Shoreditch: Known for its street art, trendy bars, and eclectic dining scene.
- Hackney: Offers a mix of hipster vibes, green spaces, and cultural diversity.
- Accommodation: Boutique hotels, stylish hostels, and Airbnb options catering to various budgets.
West End
- Best For: Theatre lovers and nightlife enthusiasts.
- Highlights:
- Home to London’s famous West End theaters, offering world-class productions.
- Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars, restaurants, and clubs.
- Accommodation: A mix of luxury hotels, boutique accommodations, and budget-friendly options.
Kensington and Chelsea
- Best For: Those seeking a more upscale and elegant atmosphere.
- Highlights:
- Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
- Museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum.
- Accommodation: Luxury hotels, boutique guesthouses, and upscale serviced apartments.
Tips for Choosing Accommodation:
- Budget: Determine your budget range and look for accommodation options within that range.
- Location: Consider proximity to attractions, public transport, and the areas you plan to explore.
- Amenities: Check for amenities such free breakfast options, and facilities like gyms or on-site restaurants.
- Reviews: Read reviews (this is a must!) from previous guests to gauge the quality and service of the accommodation.
Find the best deals on hotels stays through this link!
Day 1: Iconic London
Morning
Start the day by walking through Hyde Park and visiting Kensington Palace. Along the way you can see the beautiful grounds, the lakes, and memorials. Strolling east you will get to Buckingham Palace to witness the changing of the guard, which starts at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. Then walk over to see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and finish off at Westminster Abbey.
Westminster Abbey is truly breathtaking and an absolute must visit!
Afternoon
Then head over to Harrods for some shopping and small bites! Their market hall is amazing and filled with beautiful delicacies. I suggest you then wander over to Trafalgar Square and Marble Arch Square. If you run out of time you can check this out in the evening as well!
Harrods decoration during the holidays are one of my favorites! From the festive decor on the outside, to the treats inside, it’s a must-visit.
Evening
Check the schedule at Royal Albert Hall and make sure to see a show. Even if you don’t get to see the inside, it’s a marvel to look at on the outside. Spend some time around fancy Kensington and end the night at The Queens Arms for a cozy dinner and a pint.
Day 2: Historical and Cultural Depths
Morning
Start the day by delving into London’s ancient history at the Tower of London. We had an extremely long wait (almost 3 hours) to check out the Crown Jewels, but it was very cool. You have to buy your tickets ahead of time though! After the Tower, cross the river via the Tower Bridge – maybe you see the draw bridge open for a big ship? Over in South London, explore the vibrant Borough Market for lunchtime.
Afternoon
Borough Market is filled with food stalls and every flavor you can imagine. I highly recommend making a stop here twice because you won’t be able to get your fill just once. We enjoyed lunch here and then came back a second time at night to get the full experience. After borough market head over to visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and possibly catch a matinee performance. Later, explore the Tate Modern for contemporary art.
Brough Market during the holidays is so festive and will absolutely get you into the holiday spirit!
Evening
Enjoy a stroll along the South Bank, and marvel at the different architectures of the many bridges. Head across the river to have dinner at The Blackfriars, a historical pub with ancient art and great food. Click here for a full list of restraunts and reviews in South Bank.
Nighttime in London (for me) is all about the food and drinks. After dinner, make your way over to Soho for a drink at Cahoots Underground Bar. It’s an old train station that serves amazing cocktails with an even better vibe.
Day 3: Modern London and Local Experiences
Morning
Start the day by exploring the British Museum, National Gallery, or the Victoria and Albert Museum depending on your interest in history or art.
I absolutely love the Victoria and Albert museum and wouldn’t skip that during your visit.
Afternoon
Head to the eclectic neighborhoods of Shoreditch or Camden for vintage shopping, street art tours, and a taste of London’s contemporary and alternative culture. East London is known for its fish and chips so while you are over there grab a bite from Poppies.
Evening
Conclude your trip with a West End show, experiencing the pinnacle of English theatre!
Additional Things to Do in London:
- Enjoy an afternoon of high tea.
- Take a river cruise along the Thames from the London Bridge to Greenwich.
- In Greenwich you can be in two time zones at once and get a fantastic view of the London skyline.
- Check out The Shard and the Sky Garden for panoramic views.
- Visit Trafalgar Square. You can think of this as the ‘Times Square’ of London. It’s a bit hectic, but worth checking out!
- Just down from Trafalgar Square is the historic Marble Arch Square. You can head over to Hyde Park and listen to democracy in action at Speaker’s Corner.
- Hike up the gallery of St. Paul’s Cathedral and experience a fantastic vista of London from above.
- Check out Notting Hill, famous from Julia Robert’s ‘Notting Hill’ film, and its Instagrammable pastel houses on Lancaster Road.
- Over in Notting Hill, make sure to visit the Portobello Road Market and find everything from spices, to food, to art, and other little memories.
- Wander around, hop from pub to pub, and buy last minute theater tickets in the West End.
Restaurants and Bars I Love:
- Two Brewers
- Blanchette
- Khan’s of Kensington for amazing Indian food
- Sha-xian Delicacies
- Bocca di Lupo
- Darcie & May Green
- The Churchill Arms
- Duck & Waffle
- Beigel Bake Brick Lane
- Govinda’s Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
- The Barbary
Commonly Asked Questions
- Is three days enough in London? In my opinion yes, however you might miss a few iconic things, an/or be a bit busy during the days. Three days is definitely do-able and this three days in London gives you a great overview, but you might want to come back for a few more sights.
- Is London Expensive? I always get asked this question and in my opinion, it’s very similar to any big city. Coming from Zurich, Switzerland, everything is cheaper for us, but I find it comparable to New York or San Francisco.
- Is it safe? I felt 100% safe in London! Again, I’ve live in the Bay Area and traveled frequently to large cities and felt totally safe in London. I always urge travelers to be mindful of their belongings on the underground subways as that is where the majority of theft can happen.
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