How to Spend 3 Days in London: The Perfect Short Trip Itinerary
London: a city of layers. Its rich history, modern energy, royal elegance, and cultural diversity make it one of the most captivating destinations in the world! But what happens when you only have three days to explore it?
Let’s be honest, three days isn’t nearly enough time to truly experience London. This sprawling, historic, and ever-evolving city deserves far more time to uncover its many layers.
But if you’re like us, with only a few days to explore, don’t worry, you can still pack in an unforgettable adventure!
Whether you’re stopping through on a longer journey or planning a quick getaway, this 3-day London itinerary is designed to help you make the most of every moment, and leave you inspired to come back for more!
Day 1 Itinerary
London is a wonderfully walkable city, especially in the morning when the streets are quieter and the day is just beginning. Start your adventure by stretching your legs and soaking in the city’s energy.
But first, fuel up! A traditional English breakfast is a hearty way to begin your day of exploration. Expect a full plate: sausage, baked beans, eggs, grilled tomatoes, fried mushrooms, and buttered toast. It’s warm, savory, and surprisingly comforting. Exactly what you need to power through your first full day!
See the City with a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour
We always love taking a Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour when we arrive in a new city, and London is ideal for it. The city is massive and spread out, and this kind of tour provides a stress-free way to take in the sights while letting someone else do the driving.
One of the best aspects of Big Bus Tours is its flexibility. You can hop on or hop off at any stop along the route.
If you’ve purchased your ticket in advance, show it to the driver when you board, and they’ll provide everything you need.
Your ticket becomes active the first time you hop on (for example, a 48-hour ticket gives you 48 hours from that moment), and you’ll receive a set of headphones to enjoy the onboard audio tour. The recorded commentary offers fascinating facts, local history, and insight into the landmarks you’re passing, plus it’s available in multiple languages.
Another helpful feature is the Big Bus Tours mobile app, which lets you track buses in real-time, so you’re not left waiting at the stop.
With frequent buses running on each route, it’s a great option, especially when time is limited.
While we share more about where we stayed later in this story, it’s worth noting that with so many stops across the various routes, you can stay almost anywhere in the city and still access the tour with ease.
🚍 Pro Tip: Use the bus to get your bearings on Day One, then revisit your favorite spots on Day Two or Day Three!
💡You can check out the different options for the BIG BUS TOURS HERE.
Evening: Covent Garden For Dinner
As late afternoon approaches, make your way to Covent Garden, one of London’s most charming and vibrant districts. Once a historic fruit-and-flower market, today it’s a blend of shopping, open-air performers, artisan boutiques, and fantastic food.
We highly recommend stopping in at Punch & Judy’s, a classic British pub with charming balcony seating that overlooks the lively square. Be sure to also head downstairs, as that bar area has a distinctive character and atmosphere you won’t want to miss!
Enjoy a pint, a flavorful meal, and perhaps even a bit of live entertainment while you dine.
From violinists to comedians to magicians, Covent Garden is always buzzing with something to see!
Evening Entertainment: A West End Theatre Show
If you’re looking to add something truly memorable to your trip, consider spending an evening in London’s world-renowned theatre district.
The West End is home to some of the most iconic productions in the world, and the historic venues themselves are an experience, not just for their stunning architecture, but for the unforgettable atmosphere they create!
We saw The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty’s Theatre, and it was spectacular!
The grandeur of the theatre itself, ornate, historic, and filled with character, perfectly complemented the intensity of the performance.
Whatever your preference, musical, comedy, or Shakespearean drama, there’s something for everyone in the West End!
🎭 Book In Advance HERE: Tickets can sell out quickly, especially for big-name productions. Reserve early for the best seats and best value.
Day 2 Itinerary
If you enjoyed the breakfast yesterday, go for that again, or try something new! Then take another walk before heading back to one of the stops for the Big Bus Tour to pick you up again.
Back on the Bus: See More of the City’s Highlights
Thanks to our 48-hour Hop-On-Hop-Off Big Bus pass, we jumped right back into sightseeing with a relaxed ride through parts of the city we didn’t get to explore on Day One.
The Big Bus Tours cover a wide range of fascinating locations across London, making it easy to hop off and explore at your own pace.
🟥 Red Route (Central London – 24 stops)
Focuses on the heart of London with stops near iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and the Tower of London.
Note: The Red and Blue lines overlap in several areas, so be sure to check the route map to decide which stops and neighborhoods you’d like to explore.
🔵 Blue Route (East to West – 39 stops)
Extends further west to include Kensington Palace, Notting Hill, Harrods, and the museum district, while still connecting you to major central sites.
🟢 Green Link (North Loop – 10 stops)
Links King’s Cross, St Pancras, and Euston to Covent Garden and the main routes, making it perfect if you’re staying near the train stations.
In addition to the bus routes, you can include bonus experiences such as:
🚶♀️ Guided Walking Tours – Discover local stories and hidden gems on foot.
🚤 River Thames Cruise – Enjoy a relaxing ride with incredible views of London from the water.
🏛️ Entry to Select Attractions – Some ticket options include admission to notable landmarks or museums.
This was the perfect way to check off several iconic sights, take photos from above, and rest our feet without missing a beat!
A Magical Thames River Cruise
As the day winds down, head to Tower Pier to board the Thames River Cruise, which you can include with your Big Bus ticket. Watching London light up from the water is a surreal and peaceful experience. You’ll pass under famous bridges, float by historic buildings, and see the city skyline from a new perspective.
🚢 Tip: Try to catch the cruise around golden hour or sunset for the most enchanting views.
Dinner with a View: The Shard
Cap off Day Two with an unforgettable dinner at The Shard, London’s tallest building.
Head to one of its sky-high restaurants like:
- Aqua Shard – contemporary British cuisine with floor-to-ceiling views
- Oblix – upscale dining with city-chic vibes
- Ting at Shangri-La – for a luxurious, Asian-inspired experience
The views at night are beautiful!
💡Even if you don’t dine there, consider getting a timed ticket to The View from The Shard observation deck. It’s one of the best panoramic views of the entire city!
Day 3 Itinerary
You know the drill by now, another full English breakfast is never a bad idea, especially with one more big day ahead! Whether you revisit your favorite spot or try a cozy café near your hotel, fuel up before heading out for a day of local charm, leafy parks, and royal tradition.
Morning in Notting Hill
We began our final day in Notting Hill, one of London’s most picturesque and beloved neighborhoods. Known for its pastel-hued houses, quirky charm, and stylish locals, Notting Hill is made for slow wandering and unexpected discoveries.
🎬 Fun Fact: If you’ve seen Notting Hill starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, this is where many of those iconic scenes were filmed.
Walk to Kensington Gardens & Visit Kensington Palace
From Notting Hill, it’s an easy and scenic walk to Kensington Gardens, one of London’s most elegant green spaces.
We wandered through manicured lawns and flower beds, pausing to admire the Albert Memorial and take in the grandeur of Kensington Palace, once home to Princess Diana.
This royal park is quieter and less busy than others in central London, offering a calm, reflective atmosphere that was a refreshing contrast to the hustle of the previous days.
Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
Continue your walk toward Buckingham Palace, timing your arrival to catch the Changing of the Guard, a tradition that’s as British as it gets.
The ceremony is full of music, marching, and military precision, and it’s one of London’s most enduring spectacles.
💡 Pro Tip: For better views (and fewer crowds), consider watching the guards along The Mall or near Wellington Barracks rather than crowding in front of the palace gates. These spots often provide a clearer vantage point and a more relaxed experience.
Explore Hyde Park: London’s Backyard
After the ceremony, take your time strolling through nearby Hyde Park, which connects seamlessly with Kensington Gardens.
As one of the largest and most famous parks in London, Hyde Park is filled with statues, fountains, open lawns, and people enjoying everything from paddle boating to poetry reading.
Visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, or simply find a bench near the Serpentine Lake and enjoy the view.
🧺 Optional: Pack a picnic or grab takeaway for a relaxed lunch in the park. It’s a lovely way to soak in your final afternoon.
Evening: Classic Pub Fare to Close the Trip
For your final dinner, we recommend a cozy British pub meal.
There’s something timeless and satisfying about ending your London adventure with fish and chips or shepherd’s pie, especially when paired with a pint!
We enjoyed our final meal at a charming Kensington pub called The Goat, where the cozy atmosphere, hearty food, and warm hospitality made it feel like a quiet celebration of all we had seen and experienced during our time in London.
🍺 Tip: Ask the bartender for their local ale or seasonal special. It’s a fun way to try something new.
Evening Performance at Royal Albert Hall
To finish our trip in style, we were lucky enough to attend a Cirque du Soleil performance at the Royal Albert Hall, and it was absolutely magical!
The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most iconic and beautiful venues in London, with a domed ceiling, red velvet seats, and an atmosphere that elevates any performance.
Whether it’s Cirque, a symphony, a ballet, or a rock concert, seeing a show here is the perfect way to end your time in London on a high note.
🎟️ Book in Advance: Check the Royal Albert Hall schedule before your trip; you never know what special event might align with your stay.
✨ Tips for Your Time in London
🚶 Walk When You Can
London is a walkable city, and some of the best discoveries happen when you’re exploring on foot. From hidden courtyards to local cafés, don’t be afraid to wander.
🚇 Use Public Transportation
The Tube and buses are fast, reliable, and easy to navigate. They’ll get you across the city quickly, especially during peak hours when traffic slows everything down.
💳 Use an Oyster Card or Contactless Credit Card
There’s no need to buy individual tickets. Simply tap your Oyster Card or a contactless credit/debit card at the start and end of your journey for the best fare.
🎭 Be Spontaneous
Leave room in your schedule to try something unexpected. Whether it’s catching a street performance, stepping into a museum you hadn’t planned for, or following your nose to a hidden food stall.
Where We Stayed
There are so many fantastic neighborhoods to stay in while visiting London!
We stayed at The Waldorf Hilton, a historic and elegant hotel that blends timeless charm with modern amenities. Its location was perfect, just a short walk to Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden, the River Thames, and many of the iconic West End theatres.
Whether we were heading out for sightseeing, catching a show, or simply strolling the nearby streets lined with shops and restaurants, everything felt easily accessible.
💡If you’d like to book this same hotel, you can do so HERE.
💡Final Thoughts: Making the Most of 3 Days in London
Three days in London will fly by, but that doesn’t mean you can’t create lasting memories. It’s more than enough time to fall in love with this vibrant city! From iconic landmarks to quiet corners, London offers an incredible mix of moments both big and small.
We hope you enjoyed following along on this 3-day adventure and that our story inspires you to experience the magic of London for yourself. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered! ✨
Ready to Plan Your London Adventure?
If you’re dreaming of visiting London, we hope this story helped you see what’s possible even with just three days. Use our itinerary as a starting point, and don’t forget to explore our Travel Resources Page for tools for booking flights, packing smarter, and managing your mindset while you travel.
🧳 Looking for more inspiration?
Check out our Destinations and Itineraries Page for other great cities to explore.
🌍 Travel Safe and Make Great Memories!
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