The “See It All” 3-Day London Itinerary
You don’t have to have a full week to see the highlights of London, but you do need a solid plan to avoid spending your entire trip on the Tube! This three day itinerary is designed for those who prefer market shopping, great food, and iconic sightseeing over spending every waking hour inside a museum. It’s a busy schedule! But it hits the perfect balance of "must-see" landmarks and the local neighborhood spots that actually make you fall in love with the city. This itinerary covers a lot of ground, but it gives you a real taste of what London is all about.
Day One: Iconic Views and Riverside Eats
Start your first morning at the Tower of London to see the history and the Crown Jewels. Plan to get there right when they open! The line for the jewels gets incredibly long by midday. Once you finish at the Tower, walk across Tower Bridge towards Borough Market. It is arguably one of the most recognizable bridges in the world! Many people pay to go to the top which you can reserve tickets in advance for here, but you can also opt to walk the sidewalk of the bridge for free as you walk across toward the South Bank.
Follow the bridge walk straight into Borough Market for all of the lunch and snacks you could imagine! This is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London. It can be crowded, but the energy is unmatched. We recommend looking for the massive pans of paella or the famous salt beef sandwiches. If you want something sweet, the chocolate covered strawberries are a viral favorite for a reason. Grab your food and find a spot near Southwark Cathedral to sit and eat.
After lunch, walk across London Bridge to reach the Sky Garden. This is an impressive public garden located at the top of the "Walkie Talkie" building. It offers 360-degree views of the city skyline, including a perfect look at The Shard across the river. Entry is free, but you must book your time slot weeks in advance. Book your free ticket here!
Finish the day at Leadenhall Market. This Victorian covered market is a hidden gem with stunning architecture. If it looks familiar, it is because it served as the filming location for Diagon Alley in the first Harry Potter film. It is a great spot to shop, sip a coffee, or just admire the ornate roof.
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Day Two: Royal Gardens and Notting Hill Charm
Start the day with a classic Full English Breakfast to fuel up for a day of walking. There are plenty of amazing options to choose from throughout the city, so search around for the best option close to your hotel.
From there, head to Kensington Palace. While Buckingham Palace gets all the hype, Kensington is often more enjoyable because it is surrounded by the beautiful Kensington Gardens and see the inside of the palace. You can walk through the state apartments and see the exhibits on royal fashion and history without the same level of crushing crowds found elsewhere. You can get your tickets in advance here!
After the palace, pop to Harrods for some window shopping (or actual shopping, depending on your budget!) The Food Halls are a work of art in themselves. We usually suggest grabbing a souvenir treat here, like a tin of Harrods tea or some artisanal chocolates. And if you’re a Christmas fan, Christmas World opens in the summer and can be found on the ground floor of Harrods!
For a proper sit-down experience, head to Fortnum & Mason for Afternoon Tea Lunch. This is a quintessential London experience. They have been the royal grocers for centuries, and the service makes you feel like you have stepped back in time. It is a bit of a splurge, but the finger sandwiches and scones are the real deal. Want something a little more casual? We also loved the experience of having Afternoon Tea at a Cat Cafe!
For the rest of the afternoon, take the tube over to Notting Hill to wander through the Portobello Road Market. This market is famous for vintage finds, antiques, and those beautiful pastel colored homes you see all over social media. It is busiest on Saturdays, but visiting on a weekday allows you to actually see the shops and architecture without the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds.
For dinner, we recommend Gold. It is a neighborhood favorite known for its open fire cooking and incredible garden room. The atmosphere is warm and conversational, making it the perfect place to recap your day over a shared meal.
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Day Three: Literature, History, and the West End
Start your final day with brunch at The Potting Shed. It is a cozy, greenery-filled spot that feels like a quiet escape from the city. Afterward, walk over to the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street. Even if you are not a die-hard fan, the Victorian recreations are fascinating.
Next, browse through Daunt Books. This is not just any bookstore; it is an Edwardian bookshop with long oak galleries and a stunning glass roof. What makes it unique is that the books are organized by country rather than genre! It is a traveler’s paradise and easily one of the most beautiful shops in England.
Afterwards, take the tube down to the Westminster area to see Westminster Abbey, Westminster Hall, and Big Ben. These are the heavy hitters of London sightseeing. We recommend simply walking the perimeter to take in the architecture.
Just a short walk away are the Churchill War Rooms. This is an underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his government directed the Second World War. It has been preserved exactly as it was left in 1945. It is a chilling and deeply moving look at history that we think everyone should see once. To clear your head afterward, take a walk through St. James Park toward Buckingham Palace to see the iconic gates and the Queen Victoria Memorial.
Finish your night with a dinner walk through Covent Garden and the West End. Covent Garden is always lively with street performers and markets. There are endless dining options here, ranging from quick bites to upscale bistros. If you enjoy the theater, catching a West End show is the only way to end a London trip. Whether it is a long-running classic or a new production, the quality of theater here is some of the best in the world.