How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in London
London is one of the most iconic cities in the world. From Buckingham Palace to the Tate Modern, history and culture collide in this electric city! Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea, take a stroll along the Southbank, or shop till you drop on Oxford Street. Get ready to make memories that'll last a lifetime in the bustling heart of England!
Day 1: London Landmarks
Start your trip off by visiting the famous Buckingham Palace. The palace is home to the royal family and is one of the most visited sites in London. If you are hoping to watch the changing of the guard ceremony, I recommend arriving at 11am so that you can find a good spot to watch the procession at 11:30am sharp. If you are visiting in the summer months, the palace is open for tours to the public (be sure to check their website for the most up to date information).
Head on over to the British Museum for a (free) afternoon steeped in world history. The museum contains over 8 million artifacts and exhibits from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, and the Egyptian mummies. Allow yourself 2-4 hours to explore the different wings, pop up exhibits and special shows/events.
If the weather permits, head on over to the majestic Hyde Park for a sunset stroll. I recommend grabbing a picnic and setting up on the luscious lawns as you wind down your day. If you are determined to walk the entire park, make sure to budget 1-2 hours to make your way.
You can’t forget the vibrant nightlife and evening activities in London. Head over to the West End to catch a famous musical or show with a star studded cast. If you don’t have an advance booking, head to the box office for any last minute tickets they have left, you might even be able to snag them at a discount! Be sure to check out the Picadilly Circus junction while you are there and snap some photos with the bright photos and lights.
Day 2: Infamous Structures
Begin your second day by visiting the Big Ben (renamed Elizabeth Tower). Big Ben is a giant tower clock with a bell that weighs over 15 tons! It’s hard to miss this attraction as you are walking around London. The tower has been undergoing renovation for the past few years but is set open to the public fully in 2023. Even if you are not able to get a tour inside, I highly recommend getting close and marveling the beautiful architecture of this structure.
Next, head over to Westminster Abbey, an iconic Gothic church that has been the coronation site for British monarchs since 1066 and is the final resting place of many famous figures. The structure itself is stunning, and I recommend taking 30-45 minutes learning the history inside the church. They offer guided tours of the church or self guided audio tours with your mobile phone.
Finally, end your evening by watching the sunset from the London Eye. The London Eye is a giant ferris wheel that offers the best panoramic views of the city. The ride itself lasts about 30 minutes and is recommended that you book in advance as spots can fill up during peak tourist seasons.
Day 3: Towers and Plazas
Start your day with a visit to the Tower of London, a historic castle and former royal palace that is now a museum. The Tower is home to the Crown Jewels, one of the largest collections of royal regalia in the world. I would allow yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully explore the Tower and its many exhibits.
A short walk away is London’s most recognizeable attraction: the Tower Bridge. There are several viewpoints from which to admire the bridge, including the South Bank, St Katherine's Dock, and the Monument. Visitors can also walk across the bridge, which takes around 20-30 minutes and offers gorgeous views of the city and the Thames river.
Optional: If you want to continue the beautiful city views, head on over to the Shard. The Shard is the tallest building in all of Britain and one of the worlds most architecturally unique structures.
End your trip with a visit to the Trafalgar Square and National Gallery. Trafalgar Square is a great spot to watch live street performances and experience the hustle and bustle of London. Whenever you’re ready, the National Gallery is across the street. It features one of the best collections of artwork in Western Europe. The Museum is free to attend so watch out for long lines especially to view pieces by artists like Van Gogh and Da Vinci.
