Ultimate 3-Day London Itinerary: Explore London Like a Pro

Over 19 million people visit London every year. This makes London City the second most popular metropolis in the world after Bangkok! There is so much to see here that it is sometimes difficult to plan the perfect London itinerary. London Eye, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge, Hyde Park, Camden Market and Big Ben are just some of the top sights: so where and how to start?

For your perfect weekend in the British capital, we’ve put together a London itinerary with the top sights, best neighbourhoods and real insider tips for authentic British experiences. Happy reading!

Palace of Westminster in London, with Big Ben.
Palace of Westminster with Big Ben

Planning Your Trip to London

London is the city of entertainment and has some of the best and most famous attractions in the world! We’ll help you get the most out of your days in London while saving you time and money!

When to Visit London

To be honest, you can always travel to London. In the winter months from January to March it can rain more often, in summer there can be days when it gets very hot, but that shouldn’t stop you from visiting this fantastic metropolis. London is always worth a trip!

Village Underground London
Village Underground London

Where to Stay in London

London has a variety of neighborhoods, each offering a unique vibe. Covent Garden is perfect for theater lovers, Shoreditch is for those looking for a trendy and hip experience, and South Kensington offers a more classic and elegant stay.

Day 1: Central London Essentials

Start your day like a true Londoner with a traditional English breakfast at The Wolseley, where you can enjoy eggs, sausages, and a cup of English tea. It’s the perfect place to recharge your batteries before diving into London’s rich history. 

Buckingham Palace

A guard of the Grenadier Guards posted in front of Buckingham Palace in London.
A guard of the Grenadier Guards posted in front of Buckingham Palace

The day begins with pomp and pageantry at Buckingham Palace. You should definitely take part in a guided tour of the world-famous Changing of the Guard, a quintessential London experience that shows British tradition at its best.

The guides will give you plenty of background knowledge about past monarchies and a whole new perspective on the sights. This guided tour starts every day at 10.00 am and is perfect for anyone wanting to explore London’s royal past.

Westminster Abbey

Next, take a step into London’s history and architecture at Westminster Abbey and Westminster Bridge. This beautiful Gothic church has hosted coronations, royal weddings and state funerals over the centuries of British history.

The red Big Bus bus in London on a sunny day.
Sightseeing Bus Tour

🍽️ Lunch recommendation: On this route, you’ll find Green Park and St James’s Park nearby, picturesque spots that are perfect for a relaxed lunch.

Big Bus Tour (Hop on Hop off)

After the walk of the guided tour and the royal morning, you can now relax and discover London from a bird’s eye view.

The ticket for the famous red Big Bus is valid for 24 hours and for various routes. You can hop on and off wherever you like. In addition, multilingual audio guides provide informative commentary on the iconic London sights on the route, from Notting Hill, Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square to St. Paul’s Cathedral and the modern buildings of London’s West End and Soho!

A couple pose in the famous red telephone box in front of Big Ben in London.
A popular spot for snapping photos

Big Ben Instagram shot

If you’re travelling past Big Ben on the HoHo bus, make sure you get off and pose in front of one of London’s classic red telephone boxes, with the majestic Big Ben in the background. This is the perfect snapshot to capture your London adventure!

tea Time

Afternoon Tea at The Parlour

View of a London Eye gondola
London Eye

London Eye

No visit to London is complete without a ride on the London Eye. Enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of London’s famous landmarks such as Big Ben, Parliament, the Thames and the Tower of London as you soar 135 metres above the city. The London Eye ride lasts 30 minutes and is an absolute must on your London itinerary.

As the London Eye is one of London’s most famous attractions, keep in mind that you also need to pre-book your ticket in advance.

When the Sun Has Set 

For dinner, explore the vibrant Soho district, where you can find a range of international cuisines. Try Dishoom for a delicious Indian meal in a setting that recalls the Irani cafes of Bombay. 

Woman taking a Selfie infront of national Gallery London.
Tip: Take a guided tour of the National Gallery

Day 2: Historic Treasures & Alternative Vibes

Today’s route takes you through London’s art culture and vibrant alternative scenes. Get ready for a day full of famous landmarks and hidden gems!

National Gallery

While you’re visiting London, don’t miss the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. As with any large, important museum, we recommend taking a guided tour, which will provide you with a deeper insight into the world of art. The National Gallery London houses masterpieces by masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh and Michelangelo. Very nice, and not just for art lovers!

The guided tours normally take place on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at various times. Pre-booking is essential.

Men in suits in a traditional Pub in London.
After work at London Pub

British pub experience

For a traditional British lunch, head to The Harp. This charming pub serves classic dishes such as fish and chips or savoury shepherd’s pie – perfect for fortifying yourself before further adventures.

Tower of London

Now let’s move on to another corner of London. As you can use your Big Bus ticket for 24 hours, simply hop on again at the National Gallery and travel to Tower Bridge to explore the Tower of London. This historic fortress has played many roles over the centuries – as a royal palace, prison and treasury.

The Tower has witnessed some of the most dramatic events in English history, including royal executions, rebellions and bloody battles. Today it is one of London’s most visited tourist attractions, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Don’t miss the Crown Jewels exhibition and explore the White Tower with the famous Line of Kings exhibit.

Thames River Cruise

Thames sightseeing cruise with a couple taking a selfie.
Thames river cruise

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Not far from here is Borough Market, a bustling food market popular with locals and visitors alike.

After enjoying your sightseeing marathon, take a break and enjoy the London skyline from the water. The hop-on hop-off boat tour on the Thames works just like the bus: you decide where you get on and off. The trip is particularly recommended at dusk, when the colours of the light change.

Here too, the ticket is valid for 24 hours and the boats usually run from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.

Fish and chip shop at Camden market in London.
Camden Town Market

When the Sun Has Set 

If you want to get to know the alternative side of London, head to Shoreditch. Known for its street art, independent cafés and trendy bars, this neighbourhood is a hotspot for creativity and innovation.

Alternatively visit Camden Town, a mecca for lovers of alternative culture. Explore the famous market, listen to live music and browse the eclectic shops selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade crafts.

Beyonce at Madame Tussauds London.
Take a selfie with Beyoncé

Day 3: Get up close to the Royals and Starlets

On our third day in London, we want to take a close look at the royal family and the stars and starlets.

Madame Tussauds

Let’s start the day with another top attraction: Madame Tussauds London. Here you can stand next to your favourite stars and see what these icons look like up close. With over 150 lifelike characters, from the charm of Hollywood to the glamour of Bollywood, every corner promises an experience. And yes, don’t forget to take the perfect selfie!

If you would like to see another interesting museums, the British Museum is just a short walk away. Next to Millennium Bridge is Tate Modern for thise who prefer modern and contemporary art.

People coming to recall to Diana, Princess of Wales on Jul 9, 2011 at Kensington Palace, London
People honour Diana at Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace

From here, head south-west towards Kensington Palace. A visit to Kensington Palace is a highlight for all those interested in British history, culture and royalty.

The building was constructed in 1605 by Sir George Coppin and later extended by Sir Edward Brompton. In 1689, the palace was acquired by King William III and Queen Mary II and converted into a royal residence. Throughout its history, Kensington Palace has played host to many famous people, including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.

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For those who want to delve even deeper into royal residences, we recommend Hampton Court Palace.

Green oasis

Notting Hill Bookshop
Iconic set from the movie Notting Hill

Next to Kensigton Palace are the Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most beautiful parks. Stop for a moment, relax by the lake or one of the many flower meadows and make friends with the little squirrels.

Be a paparazzi!

To keep on the heels of the celebrities, a guided tour of iconic Hollywood film locations is planned for the afternoon.

You can choose between Bridget Jones Walking Tour, Downton Abbey Walking Tour, James Bond Walking Tour or the London Film Walk, which visits iconic locations from a variety of films, from classics like Harry Potter to modern hits like The Dark Knight.

Those who prefer to explore iconic locations of London’s legendary music scene can take the Beatles Tour, David Bowie Tour or Queen Walking Tour and visit places that inspired some of their biggest hits, including the former home of Freddie Mercury.

When sun sets down

End your day with a stroll along the South Bank, saying goodbye to the sights and sounds of the city. 

London is always worth a trip!

Additional Tips and Essentials

London City Pass

You can purchase an all-inclusive ticket for all these attractions and many more for your London itinerary. With a London City Pass, you can avoid long queues, don’t have to book individual tickets and get free entry to the city’s top entertainment spots such as Madame Tussauds, the London Dungeon, Tower of London and plenty more. The city tour with the famous hop-on hop-off bus and the boat trip on the Thames are of course also included!

With the London City Pass, you not only save money and time, you can also organise your London adventure as flexibly as you wish. You can get more details here: Your Sightseeing Pass to London | London City Pass (turbopass.com)

Fans of Harry Potter have visited the wall of Kings Cross station to photograph the sign for platform nine and three quarters with the carriage
Harry Potter Tour London

Family activities

Travelling with your family in London? Then you shouldn’t miss these attractions. Suitable for young and old, they offer fun for the whole family!

London Zoo is one of the oldest and most renowned zoos in the world. It protects and preserves over 650 animal species and offers visitors of all ages an unforgettable experience.

The Harry Potter Tour London is very popular, where you follow in the footsteps of J.K. Rowling’s world-famous stories. Discover film locations, Rowling’s inspirations and immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, where wizardry meets reality. The tour takes place daily at 10am, 1.30pm and 4pm.

An underwater expedition in a class of its own awaits you at SEA Life London Aquarium. With over 500 species of marine animals, this aquarium offers an interesting journey through the world’s oceans. A highlight is the ocean tunnel, where you can see sharks, rays and green sea turtles swimming around you.

In Shrek’s Adventure London, your favourite scenes from the Shrek films are brought to life. The green home of the ogres, the village of Duloc and the eerie castle of Lord Farquaad are just some of the amazing places you can visit.

All these attractions are also included in the London City Pass!

People passing by in Oxford Street London.
Oxford Street

Getting Around London

London has a comprehensive public transportation system, including the Tube, buses, and trains. Consider purchasing a Visitor Oyster Card for convenient travel around the city.

Favorite Spots for Shopping

Covent Garden, close to Soho, has some great boutiques and small shops.

Oxford Street is a shopping paradise, especially for young people.

Portobello Road Market offers a cool and vibrant atmosphere with lots of small picturesque streets, unique vintage treasures and trendy boutiques

What to Pack for London

Be prepared for unpredictable weather with a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes. Don’t forget to pack an international power adapter for charging your devices.

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