3 days in London: where to go and what to see?

Recently, more and more travelers have flocked to London. This is a very hospitable city. Whether you’re on a short vacation or visiting the city on business for a few days, it’s important to know what to do in 3 days in London.

3 days in London itinerary: what to see on the first day?

If you are only 3 days in London, you should distribute the attractions for these days. So you have more time to get around everything watch the Natural history museum and Hyde Park, and do not spoil the impression of the beauty of the city. More details about the famous attractions to visit on the first day you can find below.

London itinerary to Big Ben

This is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. This is the bell that sounds from the Elizabeth Tower. This is the highest point of the Palace of Westminster, where the British Parliament is located.

There are not many tourists in the building itself, so you can walk around the rooms and learn a lot about local politics.

After watching Big Ben, you can visit Westminster Abbey. However, it is better to agree on this in advance.

There is a souvenir shop nearby. Here you can buy English tea, chocolate, which has the shape of a tower, or soft toys.

Westminster Abbey

Monarchs are crowned here. It also often hosts weddings, funerals, and baptisms of members of the royal family. The Westminster Abbey opens at half past ten in the morning. Works from Monday to Saturday. The entrance ticket costs 20 pounds sterling. A child ticket is slightly cheaper, only 9 pounds.

For a deep study of the sights, you should choose an excursion that lasts an hour and a half. It is conducted by the hotel staff and costs £5. If desired, you can order a walk around the entire Westminster Abbey and its surrounding area.

At the end of the tour, be sure to visit the Cellarium café. Here you can enjoy real English tea and feel the majestic atmosphere.

Buckingham Palace

Quite a large percentage of people are wondering what should you not miss when visiting London? Buckingham Palace is a must-visit. From 11:00 to 11:30 you can watch the changing of the guard. However, many note that all the impressions of the exciting procession are spoiled by a crowd of tourists and residents.

It is best to investigate in advance when exactly the changing of the guard occurs. After all, time changes according to the season. It is better to arrive early so that you can get the best seats.

Today, Buckingham Palace is the residence of the royal family. If you book a tour inside the palace, you can see 19 bedrooms. There is a royal garden which has a 3-acre lake.

The entrance to the palace costs £20. The children’s tickets cost £12. The tour lasts approximately 2 hours.

Visit Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is not far from Buckingham Palace. The way to Trafalgar Square takes only 20 minutes. There are many restaurants with different pricing policies. The most popular is the church of St. Martin. It has the best restaurant in the city.

The restaurant is located in the basement of the church, and is called “Café in the Crypt”. The menu here includes classic sandwiches and light snacks. The cost of a light lunch is 5 pounds. You can also order hot meals. There are both meat and vegetarian recipes.

The restaurant prepares delicious vegetables in a creamy sauce and complements them with cheddar. You can order bread with garlic and salad. For dinner, you can have fried chicken, which is served with potatoes, carrots, and stewed cabbage. The cost of the dish is about 7 pounds sterling.

London itinerary to National Gallery

On your first day in London, be sure to visit the National Gallery. It’s completely free to enter, and you’ll be able to enjoy some of the finest art. Getting to know the National Gallery can take several hours.

Tourists often visit this attraction if it is rainy outside. After all, in a few hours, you can pass the time and wait out the rain.

3 days in London itinerary: what to see on the second day?

On the second day, you can start exploring the London Underground – another attraction of the city. You can also visit many other interesting places that are nearby.

It is important to know how to use the London Underground correctly. You can buy single tickets, which cost £4.8, or order a prepaid card. After that, you can replenish the card in a special kiosk. This is a great savings option.

It is important to understand that you can pay for no more than three trips per day with a card. Its daily limit is £6.6.

Breakfast at the Breakfast Club

First, you need to get to London Bridge station. Here is the very famous Breakfast Club, where you can enjoy real American cuisine. This is a family-run café that is open 24/7. It has several secret bars.

Southwark Cathedral

Close to the Breakfast Club is Southwark Cathedral. If you prefer free tours, you can film them from outside.

If you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of visiting the flamboyant cathedral, you have to invest in an entrance ticket, which costs 3 pounds sterling.

Splinter

Near the cathedral, there is a “Shard”. This is a huge skyscraper with 95 floors, which is made of glass.

If you go up to the highest floor, you have an excellent view of London. The cost of the entrance ticket is about 25 pounds sterling, however, provided that you book them in advance.

If you buy your ticket right before visiting the attraction, the price increases to £30. As you can see, to save money, a trip and visits to London attractions need to be planned.

As soon as you enter the building, you quickly reach the top floor using the high-speed elevator.

From there, an excellent 360-degree observation deck opens up. You can see all the most significant places in London.

If you are looking for free viewing platforms, you can visit Sky Garden. However, the ticket must be booked in advance.

London itinerary on Tower Bridge

Not far from the viewing platforms is the famous Tower Bridge, which can be reached in just 15-20 minutes. If you want to experience something new, you can ride the bridge for £11. For this, there is an additional track.

Often, tourists prefer to walk on the bridge for free because it offers a beautiful view of the city.

Believe me, you never forget a walk along Tower Bridge.

Tower of London

If you look at the Tower, the facade may seem somewhat gloomy. However, believe me, royal executions in this place are fiction.

The most famous prisoner of the tower was Anne Boleyn. However, nobles and ordinary people also stayed here, as evidenced by the graffiti left behind.

The fortress is guarded by guards who live in the tower. They also conduct tours of the tower and tell many fascinating stories about it.

In the tower, you can see beautiful crowns, as well as a chamber with weapons. If you would rather not listen to legends all the time, you can explore everything on your own.

On the territory of the tower, there is a café serving excellent drinks and snacks. The ticket price for the Tower is £25. A child ticket is cheaper, only £11.

If you buy a “permanent walker” card in advance, you can become a member of a comprehensive tour.

At the same time, the cost of a ticket drops to just 1 pound sterling. If you decide to visit the tower, stock up for a few hours.

Walks along the South Shore

After visiting the Tower, you can take a walk along the South Bank. In the process, you have to cross the Southwark Bridge. The walk takes no more than half an hour.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

If you turn right, you see a perfect replica of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Its construction took place on the same site as the original theater.

The open-air theater tour costs £16. However, in the end, you have beautiful photos.

If you love Shakespeare’s works, you must visit this place. Tours run every half an hour, with the last one starting at 5:30 pm.

If you were unable to get on the tour, you can order a performance. Standing places, which are in the yard, cost only 5 pounds sterling.

If you do not like to save money and want to be in the place of the refined nobles of Shakespeare’s time, buy a place in the gallery. Their cost varies from 20 to 45 pounds.

Tate Modern

If you are a big fan of modern art, you can look at the works of Dali and Picasso, which are displayed inside this building.

This is a power plant, which was later re-equipped in a new way. You can independently control the time you spend in the gallery, based on how much you love art.

Entrance to the Tate Modern is free. If you go up to the 6th floor, you can visit the restaurant. It offers excellent views of St. Paul’s Cathedral, which is located on the other side of the river.

St. Paul’s Church

To get to St. Paul’s Cathedral, you need to cross the Millennium Bridge. The cathedral in question symbolizes the resilience and resistance of the British, which was observed during World War II. Here you can enjoy history and art. Also, the cathedral helps to be filled spiritually.

The entrance ticket costs 18 pounds. A children’s ticket costs only 8 pounds sterling.

For this amount, you can visit different parts of the cathedral, including the crypt, basement, and three domed galleries. If there is a service in the church, you can visit it for free.

If you want, you can climb up to the Golden Gallery, which is located at the top of the dome. You can get to it if you go through 500 steps.

From there you have a beautiful view of the River Thames, the Shakespeare Theater, and the Tate Modern.

3 days in London itinerary: what to see on the third day?

If you are planning what to do in London on the third day, believe, there are still many fascinating places that every tourist should visit, like Kensington palace and Hyde Park (if you haven’t visited them it yet, you still have time). More about the walking tour you can read below.

London itinerary to British Museum and Library

You need to get to this place by metro, namely to the Holborn station. After that, you need to walk for a few minutes to reach the British Museum.

British Museum, like a Natural history museum, is a fairly popular free attraction. Almost all tourists who visit it spend at least 2 hours here.

Here is a huge history of Britain. You can get acquainted with various priceless artifacts that were brought from different parts of the world.

The Rosetta Stone deserves special attention, as well as the Elgin marble.

The last artifact is part of a sculpture that adorned the Acropolis in Athens. This is an item that symbolizes the differences between the two countries. If you walk from the British Museum, you can walk to King’s Cross station.

Nearby there is a restaurant serving excellent fried cod fillets. It is placed on top of a layer of chips and the cost is just £7. This dish fully lets you enjoy the real taste of London.

London itinerary to Covent Garden

This attraction is sure to appeal to those who are fond of shopping and enjoy tasting different dishes.

Covent Garden is located just 10-15 minutes from Russell Square tube station. A very popular shopping area with restaurants, shops, and theaters.

Covent Garden is the starting point for walking if you plan to visit several farmers’ markets. Also, here you can get acquainted with the famous and delicious bakeries.

Museums that you must visit during the 3 days in London

Given that there are a huge number of museums in London, individual preferences should be taken into account when choosing a destination for the third day.

The Benjamin Franklin House Museum, the Jewish Art Museum, and the Museum of the Royal Society of Pharmacists are in particular demand in London.

As you can see, there are museums for every taste. The main thing is to clarify in advance when and what excursions are held.

London Eye

On the last day of your stay in London, be sure to take a ride on a huge Ferris wheel called the London Eye. London Eye is located on the banks of the Thames.

The wheel ride is quite slow, so you can get a bird’s-eye view of the sights of the city.

From here you have an excellent view of the Parliament, as well as the South Bank of London. Each capsule can accommodate up to 30 people.

The wheel makes a circle in 30 minutes. The ticket price for adults is £25 and for children £19.

London itinerary to Piccadilly Circus

If your strength has not yet left you, feel free to move towards Piccadilly Circus. It is best to walk here at night. You can watch the bright neon lights, as well as billboards.

There are many different pubs in the square where you can have a fun and interesting evening.

If you prefer a quiet and relaxing holiday, you can go to Gordon Ramsay’s signature restaurant. Not only delicious food but also a pleasant atmosphere.

Search for theatrical performances

Every person who comes to London is obliged to attend a theatrical performance. Several events are held every day, and to facilitate the choice, it is recommended to use the advice of the sellers.

You can buy tickets at the kiosk in Leicester Square.

During the intermission, guests can enjoy British ale. This does not only positively affect the mood, but allows you to plunge into the full London atmosphere.

3 days in London: what are the best historic pubs that you must visit

Every visitor to London should visit the pub. Fortunately, there are a huge number of them around the city.

Naga Head

This renowned pub is close to the shopping areas of Harrods and Knightsbridge. The head of the Naga allows guests to go on a fun trip, and at least temporarily escape from sorrows.

The pub is tucked away in a small street, and it looks like you have entered the rabbit hole like Alice in Wonderland.

Inside, the pub is classically decorated. Here you can see numerous portraits on the walls, as well as decorations and mugs. Each guest gets the feeling that he was at a party in the old days.

London itinerary to Tavern of the Stars

This pub has such a name for a reason. Famous visitors visit it.

The establishment began operating in the early 19th century. The pub was visited by Diana Dors and Alexander Korda.

French House, Soho in central London

This institution in central London has a rich history that goes back to the First World War. Visually, it seems that this is a small, quirky museum that does not attract anything.

If you go inside, you are immediately offered a card for quality spirits from France.

On the walls, you can see black and white photographs, which show the numerous emotions of different people. This allows you to travel back in time, at least for a while.

There is no television in the French House. Guests are not allowed to use mobile phones, they are completely turned off at the entrance.

In the classic London pub, everything is done so that guests can relax from the hustle and bustle and enjoy communication with each other.

Grenadier

Initially, this institution was an officers’ canteen, and it was built in 1720. After 100 years, it was renamed into a certified pub. He was often visited by the Duke of Wellington when he wanted to eat something delicious.

Locals say that the ghost of a former soldier often visits the pub. He was killed after exposing a cheat in a card game.

There are photographs on the walls confirming that the Grenadier received Madonna when she came to London with concerts.

3 days in London: day trips

If you wish, you can book a day trip around London for yourself to enjoy the most important sights of the city.

The UK capital has a well-developed transport network that allows you to quickly move to important places.

There are several places that you can visit in one day. More about the best places, in addition to Windsor Castle, you can read below.

London itinerary to Hampton Court Palace

A tour of this attraction can take half a day. Here are the most beautiful gardens in the world, and also have their garden labyrinth.

Here you can look at the kitchen of Henry the Eighth, and admire the collection of paintings. On the territory of the palace, there is a large hall, as well as a royal chapel.

If you get off at Waterloo tube station, you can reach the palace in half an hour. You can also rent transport with a guide.

You can enter the palace with a ticket, the cost of which is 16.5 pounds. A child ticket costs 8.25 pounds.

Harry Potter tours

For the Harry Potter fan, it is interesting to see some of the film’s most cherished locations.

Kings Cross station has platforms 9 and ¾. Viewing it is absolutely free.

If you have the opportunity and desire, you can order a guide who gives you a walking tour of Harry Potter.

You can also go to the set of Warner Bros. Studio, where the film series and the little wizard were filmed.

Here you can look at a model of Hogwarts, take a ride on the train on which the schoolchildren rode, and also see Hagrid’s hut.

How to choose accommodation for 3 days in London

If you come to London for 3 days, it is important to spend the night somewhere. If there is no money, you can ask the locals.

Very kind people live in the city who are not refuse in difficult times. If you prefer hotels, the following information is perfect for you.

It is important to note right away that there is practically no cheap housing in the city. Even in hotels, prices are so high that many tourists are afraid to come to London.

To save even a little, you have to book rooms in advance. For more details about the best hotels, you can read below.

Chamberlain

The hotel is located near Tower Bridge on the banks of the Thames. Already from the location, it became clear that the prices for hotel rooms are quite high. All rooms are quite comfortable and cozy. They are designed for 2 people.

The cost of one night in a hotel is about 120 pounds sterling. An additional 12 pounds need to be paid extra for breakfast. The staff is very friendly and bed linen is changed frequently.

Hotel Indigo London

The hotel is located near Kensington palace and Hyde Park. Excellent equipment characterizes it. The rooms are doubles and very comfortable. The price for one night at the hotel is £200. For breakfast, you have to pay separately – 19 pounds.

Haymarket Hotel, Firmdale Hotels

This is a five-star hotel. Located near the London theater and Buckingham Palace. The rooms are quite comfortable and quiet. The cost of one night is about 390 pounds. To get breakfast, you have to pay an extra 20 pounds.

The main advantages are friendly staff and an ideal location. This hotel is frequented by couples looking for a romantic getaway.

Soho Hotel

This hotel is located in the city center. It is a 10-minute walk from Piccadilly Circus. All rooms are beautifully decorated, as designers have worked on them. The price for one night at the hotel is £500. An additional £29 has to be paid for breakfast.

If you are looking for a luxury getaway, The Soho Hotel is a perfect choice.

Z Hotel

In London, there is a chain of hotels Z Hotel. This is an inexpensive network that is affordable for most tourists. Hotels are found in almost all areas. The minimum cost for one night is 60 euros.

FAQ

Before visiting London, many tourists ask themselves a lot of questions. The answers to them, we present below.

How many days in London do you need?

If you are just planning a trip to London, it is recommended to stock up in 5-7 days. Only in this way you can fully enjoy the main attractions, and not mix up all the impressions.

Is London a cheap place to visit?

London is on the list of the most expensive cities in the world. However, if you have a limited budget, it is not necessary to give up the dream of visiting this beautiful and hospitable city. On average, a trip to London costs 70-150 pounds. This amount is for 1 day.

To save the budget, you should select inexpensive housing options, as well as cook your food. You also have to settle for free attractions or book them in advance. After all, the cost is somewhat lower.

Conclusion

As you can see, London is not only beautiful, but also a city rich in sights. Getting around them all in 3 days is almost impossible. On average, it takes about a week. If you only have 3 days, feel free to visit the places described in this article. This is enough to leave a pleasant impression of the trip.