3-day itinerary in London: practical, complete and with local tips

In this 3-day London itinerary, I'll show you that it's perfectly possible to visit the city in such a short space of time, and have an incredibly rich experience if you plan it well. In this itinerary I share a realistic and balanced suggestion for exploring London in 3 days - with a local touch, without rushing, but with everything you really can't miss. This itinerary is designed to be done on foot and by public transport, with some options adapted if you have more or less time.

🔔 Attention: since BrexitEU citizens need passport (the Citizen Card is no longer accepted) and you also need a ETA (electronic travel authorization already in force for some countries). Always check before traveling at: gov.uk.

Day 1: London classics + view of the Thames

Morning

• It starts with the imposing Westminster Abbey (entrance fee, but worth it).
• Photograph the Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
• Cross the Westminster Bridge on foot, overlooking the River Thames.

Lunch

• Lunch in the Southbank overlooking the river - there are everything from elegant restaurants to alternative food trucks.

Afternoon

• Walk through south bank:
  • Shakespeare's office (Globe Theatre)
  • Tate Modern (free admission)
  • Millennium Bridge
  • St. Paul's Cathedral (optional, entrance fee)
• Continue to Tower Bridgeone of the most iconic bridges in the world.

Late afternoon

• Watch the sunset at Tower of London or on one of the rooftops in the area (such as the Sky Garden - free entry, but reservation required).

Night

• Dinner at St. Katharine Docks (calm and sophisticated atmosphere) or return to the Borough Market for an informal meal of international street food.
• If you still have energy, take an evening stroll across the illuminated Tower Bridge.

Day 2: Museums, neighborhoods and alternative culture

Morning

• It starts at the monumental British Museum (free and with works from all over the world).
• Explore the elegant streets of Bloomsburyone of London's literary quarters.

Lunch

• Lunch in Covent Garden - a perfect mix of street art, independent stores and charming restaurants.

Afternoon

• Walk to Soho, explore Carnaby Street and passes through Chinatown.
• Take the opportunity to store in local stores or have a coffee in creative and welcoming spots.

Late afternoon

• Consult the London Theatre Tickets to buy a last-minute ticket for a musical (or try your luck at TKTS in Leicester Square).

Night

• Dinner at Soho: you'll find everything from Thai cuisine to Spanish tapas.
• Finish with a drink in a traditional pub or rooftop bar, such as the Aqua Spirit.

Day 3: Notting Hill, parks and markets

Morning

• Stroll through the charming Notting Hillamong bookstores, cafés and colorful facades.
• Explore the Portobello Road Market - livelier on Saturdays, but interesting any day.

Lunch

• Have lunch in one of the quiet cafés in the area or buy something for a picnic at a local market.

Afternoon

• Walk to the Hyde Park and then on to Kensington Gardens.
• If you like, visit Kensington Palace or just relax in the gardens.

Late afternoon

• Go to Oxford Street for shopping or souvenirs.
• End the day with a visit to the iconic Liberty London or take a trip to the famous Harrods.

Night

• Light dinner in Marylebone or back to the Southbank for a farewell with a view over the river.

Recommended experiences

To make your trip even more complete, take a look at these highly rated experiences:

• London bike tour
• Thames cruise with dinner
• Stroll through alternative markets and street art
• 5 o'clock tea experience in a double-decker bus

Mobile data and roaming

If you're going to be in London for more than two or three days, it's worth thinking about communications:

• Check if your national tariff still includes roaming in the UK (many operators no longer include it).
• Alternatively, use a eSIM international such as GigSky.
• London has Free Wi-Fi in many public spaces, cafés, museums and metro stations.

Where to stay to follow this itinerary

• Ideally in areas such as Southbank, Bloomsbury, Soho, Notting Hill or Marylebone, well-served by metro and with a safe environment.

📌 Related articles

• Traveling alone to London: the complete guide
• How to save money in London (Coming soon)
• How to get from the airports to central London (Coming soon)

Travel insurance

Even in a safe city like London, something unexpected can happen. I recommend that you don't travel without travel insurance.

I use and recommend Heymondo, which has 24-hour support in Portuguese, COVID coverage, medical assistance and cancellation.

Use this link to have 5% automatic discount in your insurance.

Final inspiration

If you only have three days to explore London, this itinerary will help you get the most out of the city - from the classic monuments to the neighborhoods with more personality. You'll feel the contrast between tradition and modernity, between tranquillity and urban vibrancy. And above all, you'll understand why so many people (including me!) fall in love with London on their first visit.

If you have more time, you can always adapt this itinerary and include new museums, neighborhoods or experiences. And if London wins you over as much as it did me... you'll probably come back. 😉