Travel guide
London in 3 days
Cover the essentials with short walks and easy transit, mixing landmarks with relaxed neighborhoods.
London by numbers
32
Boroughs across the city
35+
Bridges over the Thames
170+
Museums and galleries
9M
Residents in Greater London
The plan for these 3 days in London
| Day | Focus | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster and the Thames | Westminster Abbey area and Big Ben | St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace | South Bank stroll and city views |
| 2 | City landmarks and markets | St. Paul's Cathedral exterior and Millennium Bridge | Tower of London area and Tower Bridge | Borough Market area walk and the Thames |
| 3 | Museums and classic neighborhoods | British Museum | Bloomsbury squares and Covent Garden | Soho and Piccadilly Circus walk |
Is this travel guide for you?
Great fit if you want
- A clear plan with short transfers
- A mix of museums and landmarks
- Walkable river routes
- Historic royal attractions
- Diverse food scene sampling
Not ideal if you want
- Day trips outside London
- A packed schedule of shows
- Late-night nightlife focus
- Countryside escapes
- Budget hostel backpacking
Day-by-day breakdown
Day 1
Westminster and the Thames
Parliament views and a calm river walk.
Morning
Westminster Abbey area and Big Ben
Afternoon
St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace
Evening
South Bank stroll and city views
How to enjoy London in 3 days
London is best enjoyed at a calm pace. Anchor each day with one headline sight, then leave room for long meals, small stops, and slow walks between neighborhoods.
Group your time by nearby districts to keep transit light. Pair adjacent areas so the flow feels smooth, then save one stretch for a focused museum or landmark day.
Build at least one open-ended afternoon into your 3-day plan for markets, cafes, or a sunset stroll that keeps the trip feeling relaxed.
Logistics & practical tips for London
| Best time | May to June or September to October |
|---|---|
| Airport transfer | Train or Tube depending on airport |
| Transit tips | Use contactless or Oyster; walk central routes |
| Ticketing | Pre-book Tower of London if visiting |
| Neighborhood stay | Covent Garden or South Bank |
Good to know before you go
| Crowd timing | Start by 8:30–9:00 for headline sights |
|---|---|
| Seasonal notes | Plan shade or indoor stops on hot afternoons |
| Museum booking advice | Reserve timed slots 1–2 weeks ahead in peak season |
| Common mistakes | Overbooking too many sights in one day |
| Dress code | Bring a light layer for church and basilica entry |
Checklist before you go to London
Tap items as you prepare. No sign-in needed.
Frequently asked questions
Is 3 days enough for London?
Yes for the highlights. This plan keeps transfers short and balances landmarks with walks. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Do I need a transit pass?
Contactless payment or an Oyster card is the easiest option for buses and the Tube. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Are museums free?
Many major museums are free, though some exhibitions require paid tickets. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Where should I stay?
Covent Garden and South Bank are central, walkable, and well connected by transit. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Should I buy skip-the-line tickets?
Yes. Pre-book top attractions for timed entry, shorter waits, and a schedule that stays on track during busy travel periods. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
Is London walkable?
Yes. The main sights cluster together, so most days work on foot with occasional transit for farther neighborhoods or late-night returns. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
What time should I start each day?
Plan for an early start on major sight days. Morning entry helps you beat crowds, then you can slow down with a long lunch and a relaxed afternoon. This keeps the pace relaxed and leaves room for breaks.
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