London in 3 days: the perfect first-time itinerary

Three days in London go fast – plan by area and you will see a lot. This itinerary groups the sights so you walk more and ride less, with a free museum each day.

Before you go

Book the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey online. Use a contactless card or phone for the Tube and buses: you pay as you go and daily fares are capped.

Day 1: Westminster and the West End

• Morning: Westminster Abbey, then Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
• Late morning: walk through St James’s Park to Buckingham Palace – the Changing of the Guard takes place on set days.
• Afternoon: Trafalgar Square and the free National Gallery.
• Evening: dinner and a show in Covent Garden and the West End.

Day 2: the Tower, the river and St Paul’s

• Morning: the Tower of London at opening time, then Tower Bridge.
• Midday: lunch at Borough Market.
• Afternoon: walk along the South Bank to Tate Modern, cross the Millennium Bridge and visit St Paul’s Cathedral (closed to sightseeing on Sundays).
• Evening: back along the river for the lights of Westminster.

Day 3: museums and parks

• Morning: the British Museum in Bloomsbury – free.
• Afternoon: South Kensington for the Natural History Museum or the V&A, then a walk in Hyde Park.
• Evening: dinner in Soho or Notting Hill.

Tips

• Stand on the right on escalators and keep left on stairs when signed.
• Carry a light umbrella – showers come and go.
• Check Sunday hours: cathedrals open for worship only.

Still choosing a base? Read where to stay in London and our picks of the 5 best hotels in London.