Classic London itinerary: All the must see sights over 3 days in London

Classic London itinerary: All the must see sights over 3 days in London

/3-days-in-london/

Welcome to London! One of the greatest cities on earth has so much to explore. So where do you start? This 3 day London itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors or those who want to revisit the classic sights and venues that make the city so unique. We assume you like to have a variety of activities in your trip schedule, so our suggestions for your 3 days in London include the major sites, museums, art, eating and shopping. In other words, all the key ingredients for a great time exploring London. Our 3 days London itinerary is deliberately grouped into 3 main areas to explore to minimise time travelling between different attractions and there are options to spend a little more time at the places that interest you the most. Have fun!

Day 1 of your 3 day London itinerary

London Eye

Start your day and get your bearings with a ride on the London Eye for panoramic views of London's skyline. A full rotation takes 30 minutes and on a clear day, you can see the city spread out below you for miles and miles. This attraction opens at 10 am each day. I like watching all the iconic London buses weave in and out of the busy streets past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. My advice is to pre-book skip the line tickets for the London Eye ? especially in summer ? as the queues are very long and who wants to spend their trip to London waiting in line? Nearest Underground Station: Waterloo [Jubilee, Northern ? Charing Cross Branch, Bakerloo lines]

Thames River cruise or ferry

You can take a cruise boat with commentary or the regular London transport river bus down from the London Eye past major landmarks in the city including Somerset House, St Paul's Cathedral, the Tate Modern art gallery, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The journey by river bus takes only 20 minutes and boats leave regularly every 20 minutes. Seeing London from the river gives a unique perspective on the city. Imagine how Kings and Queens felt as they travelled from palace to palace, surveying the city around them. A one-way ticket from the London Eye will take you to the Tower of London where you continue your London adventure.

Tower of London

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The Crown Jewels of Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the Royal Family are kept in the Tower of London. This royal fortress also holds many secrets and stories and is a must-visit stop on your first trip to London. Apart from viewing the royal jewels you can meet the famous Beef Eater guards and take a stroll around the castle walls looking out for the ravens along the way. See where Anne Boleyn met her fate and wonder what happened to the two small princes who were held in the Tower by their ambitious uncle King Richard III. Nearest Underground Station: Tower Hill [District and Circle lines]

Tower Bridge

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Grab a snack and eat your lunch on the benches outside the Tower of London looking up at Tower Bridge and across to the Shard and south bank of the Thames.

Many people think the famous bridge is called London Bridge but that is actually a non-descript structure you find heading back west along the Thames.

If you are lucky or do some forward planning you may see the iconic bridge lift to let through oversized river traffic.

Take a break: It can be difficult to find good value, healthy food in London. Check out my guide on the best chain restaurants and eateries in London for ideas on where to eat when you are out and about in the city.

Borough Market

Foodies may want to walk 20 minutes to Borough Market for lunch. Here you can browse the food stalls for almost anything you feel like ? from paella to pork buns. This area is also home to some of my favourite London coffee shops ? Monmouth coffee and London Grind.

On a sunny day take your lunch and sit in the grounds of Southwark Cathedral for a picnic. If the weather isn't on your side there is an indoor seating area.

The full market runs Wednesday to Saturday with a limited market (fewer traders) on Monday and Tuesday. The market is closed on Sundays.

Nearest Underground Station: London Bridge [Northern ? Bank branch and Jubilee lines] 3/15

A walk through the City of London

From the Tower of London, take a 20-minute walk past the Monument to the Great Fire of London to St Paul's Cathedral. If you have time you can pop into Leadenhall Market a beautiful Victorian covered market that is now home to shops and restaurants. The market was used as the setting for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter films.

You might also like to drop by the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street, 10 minutes from the Tower of London. Located in the "Walkie Talkie building" the terrace provides stunning views of London and entry is free.You must book tickets in advance on their on the Sky Garden website. From Borough Market follow the river past the replica of Sir Francis Drake's ship the Golden Hinde and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to Millenium Bridge. There you will cross back over the Thames and enjoy some striking views down the river and towards St Paul's. This walk will take around 20 minutes without stops.

St Paul's Cathedral

Rebuilt after the catastrophic Great Fire by Sir Christopher Wren, St Paul's Cathedral is one of the most instantly recognised landmarks on the London skyline. Inside, the Cathedral is beautiful and ornate and designed to maximise the impact of natural light. For more spectacular views of London climb more than 500 steps to reach the Golden Gallery. The crypt of the Cathedral holds the tombs of British military heroes Admiral Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. The Cathedral opens Monday-Saturday, 08:30-16:30 (last admission 16:00). Introductory talks and guided tours are included in your admission fee. Once again I recommend getting your tickets in advance: Book fast track

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tickets for St Paul's Cathedral. Nearest Underground Station: St Paul's [Central line]

Dinner in Soho

I recommend a visit to Soho for dinner. There are hundreds of restaurants to choose from and you can stop and watch the street performances in Leicester Square before or after your meal. Expensive HIX Soho ? Funky, arty vibe with a seasonal British menu ? 66-70 Brewer Street W1F 9UP Berner's Tavern ? Grand dining room with a modern British menu ? 10 Berners Street W1T 3NP Mid Range The Ivy Soho Brasserie ? modern British ? 26-28 nBroadwick Street W1F 8JB Dean Street Townhouse ? posh fish and chips ? 71 Dean Street, W1D 3SG Cheap eats Princi ? pizza, pasta and risotto straight from Milan ? 135 Wardour St, Soho, W1F 0UT Wahaca Soho ? fresh and tasty Mexican ? 80 Wardour St, Soho, London W1F It's always a good idea to make reservations in London ? you can do this on the go with the Open Table app

Day 2 of your 3 day London trip

On the previous day, you explored the London of Kings and Queens past. Today there is a little more of the same but you will catch a glimpse of the lives of how the current royal lives and enjoy the pomp and ceremony of some unique British traditions.

Palaces of Westminster and Westminster Abbey

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