If you’re planning a break in London and only have three days, don’t worry: you’ll have plenty of time to see the city’s most iconic sights and enjoy it to the full! As local guides, we know that putting together an itinerary can be overwhelming: so many neighbourhoods, museums, monuments, markets… Where to start? Here’s our guide: what to see in London in 3 days.
That’s why, in this post, we’re sharing an itinerary designed to help you make the most of three days in London, including the must-see sights, tips on getting around and recommendations from locals. We’ll also give you some ideas on how to tailor the itinerary to suit your tastes.
In three days in London, you can visit the city’s main tourist attractions, such as Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the British Museum. You’ll also explore charming neighbourhoods such as Covent Garden, Soho, Notting Hill and Camden. If you plan your itineraries well and use public transport, you’ll be able to see the city’s highlights at a leisurely pace.
ITINERARY: What to see in London in 3 days, according to London Guides & Tours
DAY 1 – Classic and Royal London
Morning
- Buckingham Palace (try to arrive in time for the changing of the guard)
- St James’s Park – walk towards Westminster
- Westminster Abbey (you can visit the interior)
- Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
Afternoon
- A stroll along the River Thames
- Cross Westminster Bridge
- The London Eye (optional: go up or view from outside)
- Finish at Trafalgar Square and visit the National Gallery (free)
Tour suggestion:
- Classic London tour in English – ideal for learning about the history and finding your way around on your first day.
DAY 2 – Culture and contrasts
Morning
- British Museum (free entry)
- A stroll through Bloomsbury
- Covent Garden: market, street performers and charming shops
Afternoon
- Soho and Chinatown (ideal for a bite to eat)
- Wander along Carnaby Street and visit iconic shops
- If you’re interested in art, visit the Tate Modern at the end of the day
Tour suggestion:
- A tour of the mysteries and legends surrounding Jack the Ripper or a street art tour of Shoreditch
DAY 3 – Alternative London and neighbourhoods with character
Morning
- Camden Town and its markets (ideal at weekends)
- A stroll along Regent’s Canal
- Head up Primrose Hill for a panoramic view of London
Afternoon
- Visit Notting Hill and Portobello Road
- If you’d prefer another area, Southbank and Borough Market are excellent options
Tour suggestion:
- Notting Hill Tour or Alternative London Tour
Day-by-day itinerary
| Day | Main areas | Key sights | Recommended tour |
| 1 | Westminster, St. James’s | Big Ben, Buckingham, Abadía, London Eye | Classic London Tour |
| 2 | Soho, Covent Garden, Bloomsbury | British Museum, Chinatown, National Gallery | Mystery Tour / Street Art |
| 3 | Camden, Notting Hill / Southbank | Markets, alternative neighbourhoods, panoramic views | Alternative neighbourhood tour |
Frequently asked questions about what to see in London in 3 days
Is it possible to see the main sights of London in just 3 days?
Yes, if you plan your itinerary well, you can visit the most iconic sights and get a real feel for the city. But bear in mind that London is a huge city, so you’ll most likely find yourself wanting to plan another visit to the British capital.
When is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace?
It usually takes place at 11.00 am, every other day. We recommend checking the official website before you go. And plan your visit well in advance, as it tends to get very busy.
What are the best free museums in London?
The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Natural History Museum and the Tate Modern are all excellent choices and offer free admission. That said, the list of options in the city is endles
Which tour would you recommend for the first day?
A guided tour of the historic centre in English will help you find your way around, gain a better understanding of the monuments and make the most of the rest of your stay. What’s more, you’ll pick up loads of tips from locals, which could help you save time and money.
Conclusion on what to see in London in 3 days
London is a vibrant city, brimming with history, culture and surprises around every corner. Although three days may not seem like much, if you plan your itinerary well, you can enjoy a rich and comprehensive experience. And if you’d like to enjoy all this in the company of local guides, in English and with stories you won’t find in the guidebooks, we invite you to take a look at our tours of London. We’d love to welcome you!
