Traveling to the city of London and strapped for time? This travel itinerary will give you some great ideas on must sees, eats, and fun! I will also share with you the best time to visit this iconic city. Get ready, this itinerary is jammed pack, so feel free to pick and choose the activities that interest you the most.
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. The full disclosure can be found here.
If you follow me on social media, I mentioned traveling to London for the first time 23 years ago. I’ve been multiple times since then, and I honestly can’t get enough. It’s a city I like to call my second home. When traveling to London, keep in mind London weather can be a toss up; it can be rainy, cold, snowy, etc. I lucked out when I traveled in May as the weather was beautiful and hot.
London Day 1
What to See
The day we arrived, my sister and I got right into it. We went to the Imperial War Museum (we both love museums). The IWM is a somber experience, however it’s a great museum to visit especially if you’re into history. Another great museum to visit would be the British Museum which is one of the largest museums documenting human culture. After the museum, we did some exploring on foot. I took some photos near the iconic red phone booth, and explored Piccadilly Circus (in the heart of London) a junction of 5 busy streets, Soho, and Chinatown in Westminster (Central London).
What to Eat in London
After all of that walking, I was ready for some much needed noms. When in London, it’s a must you check out Poppies. My sister and I went specifically for their Fish and Chips, and it did not disappoint!
How to Explore on a Budget in London
I’m used to commuting as a New Yorker which has been a long tradition of mine, so while visiting other countries if possible, I try to utilize their transit system. While traveling around London, my sister and I took the bus and train like true Londeners thanks to Sadiq Khan who helped make London transportation more accessible. The Underground tube (train) and bus are very easy to navigate. I would suggest getting an Oyster card as it’s very easy to refill without having to worry about buying tickets.
London Day 2
What to Eat
To start the day off right, I just had to have a true English breakfast at Regency Cafe. Fun fact: My parents lived in England prior to moving to the US, and would cook this for my sisters and I sometimes for breakfast. While exploring, I went to Borough Market which is one of the oldest food markets in London. If you’re looking for open events this is a great option. Everything I had was so delicious; SERIOUSLY yummy baked goods (breads, donuts), and all kinds of different cheeses (I was in Carb heaven).
What to Do
First stop on the list, was Buckingham Palace to see the Changing of the Guards ceremony. This ceremony is free of charge and pretty cool to watch if you’re able to. Read more about it here. I would suggest visiting the Tower of London as well to learn more about the royal palace. After the ceremony, I took the city bus to Trafalgar Square which is a landmark, and signifies the British victory against the French and Spanish. Love shopping like me? Then you must check out Harrods which is a very famous luxury department store.
After shopping, London Bridge, and Camden Market were up next. Read more about the London Bridge here. Camden Market is awesome if you’re into rock and roll and all things unconventional. Lined with shops, fashion, graffiti, cafes, bars, and restaurants; it’s a place you should highly consider checking out. To party and chill for the night, we went to Lockside Camden which was probably my favorite nighttime spot in London.
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London Day 3
Sites to Explore on Foot
So the final full day of London was extremely busy just like the two days prior. I actually had a photo shoot with an amazing photographer, and was able to capture some great shots whilst visiting tourist attractions. I was able to see Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, River Thames, Westminster Bridge, the London Eye, Big Ben, Southbank Centre, and Jubilee Gardens.
Memorable Eats
I couldn’t help but bring out my bougie side while attending afternoon high tea at the very beautiful and classy Wallace Collection Restaurant. I’ve mentioned to you guys multiple times that I LOVE tea, so tea paired with sandwiches, cakes, and scones?! SIGN ME UP IMMEDIATELY. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience, and would highly recommend it.
More Ideas
I wanted to see more sites, but didn’t have as much time to continue exploring on foot. Luckily the red double decker hop-on, hop off bus tour exists. Why take it? It’s reasonably priced, and you can get off at any time. If you do decide to take this tour, you must sit at the top! Aim to do this on a very nice day (although you can still enjoy this tour on the lower level too). It’s a great way to see London especially if you’re strapped for time.
Keep in mind, this list isn’t conclusive as I only scratched the surface. You can always check out the University of London, Royal Parks, or some of the London Boroughs and exhibition spaces to name a few. Well, that concludes my three day itinerary in London. I hope I helped and inspired you to travel there because I had a blast!
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Final Thoughts
As always, thank you so much for reading. Please comment below, and subscribe here. I’m on most social media, so let’s be friends! Click the icons located on the right side (desktop), and the bottom of the screen (mobile) to find me. If you’d like to share, click the icons located at the beginning of the blog post. To book some of the tours and activities discussed on this trip, or to plan your own click here. Email me here if you’d like to collaborate: Lenore@thenittygrittytravelot.com.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. The full disclosure can be found here.
Thanks for sharing how you explored London. It’s a city that is on my list of places to visit. I like that you also included how to visit on a budget because I always want the most bang for my buck when I travel.
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you found it helpful. I try to include activities for every budget. Hopefully you get to travel there soon.
London is a gateway city for us. So each trip we pick just a few things to see or do. So always looking for new things. It is strange that with many visits we have not yet made it to Piccadilly Circus! But we sure did find lots of good fish and chips. High Tea is definitely a London treat.
Awesome that it’s a gateway city for you and I agree, high tea and fish and chips are always a delight! Hope you can make it to Piccadilly Circus next time.
I love London and can’t wait to return. This is a perfect 3-day itinerary of all the great things to do and see and where to eat.
Thank you so much for reading! I love it too.
Great 3-day itinerary! Looks like you had a great time 🙂
I definitely did! I can’t wait to return.
I am visiting London again soon. I look forward to checking out these recommended places to eat, especially tea at the Wallace Collection Restaurant.
You will love it! The ambience and food were amazing.
I so love London – even the food. Thanks for a great post.
Yes! London is a vibe and you’re welcome.
Thanks Lenore. We are going to have 3 days in London in June so this has given me a great place to start.
London will be awesome in June. Have a safe trip and if you check out any of my suggestions let me know!
We are making a quick stop in London with our girls. It will be their first time. These are some great ideas of things to do and places to eat.
You will love it! Have a safe and fun trip and thank you for reading.
Great inspiration for 3 days in London! I really like the article, I will save it for my next visit there, sadly I have been only once and I was rushing so much! Good job!
Thank you so much! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
We had our first trip to London booked for May 2020 — we’d been so excited, and then COVID hit. Thanks for this glimpse into London’s top attractions (yes that high tea sounds fabulous).
Oh no! It’s unfortunate you weren’t able to go, I’m hoping you can reschedule your trip soon. Thanks for reading and yes, it was awesome!
We love to visit London in small bites and see a few things on each visit. So your blog post was great for adding some new spots for our next visit. I must admit we have not spent much time in the museums. But hubby would love to visit the Imperial War Museum. And the Wallace Collection Restaurant sounds like a great place for my Afternoon Tea addiction!
I can’t wait to hear about your next trip! I’m sure hubby will love the IWM and I’m sure you’ll love afternoon tea as well. Thanks for reading!
London is amazing – and I’m convinced it’s never enough time there. Each time we go, it’s completely different because there is so much to do! We also visited the IWM on our most recent visit and is definitely a top spot to visit!
Yes! You can never run out of things to do in London. I can’t wait to go back. I’m glad you were able to visit the IWM.
Camden Market is one of my favorite locations in London. Great recommendations!
Thank you! I loved Camden Market.
When I lived in London my brother came to visit and I took him to the Imperial War Museum as well. It was definitely a sombre experience but one I’d recommend to anyone who visits London.
I agree, I’m glad you were able to visit!
This is amazing! I’ve been wanting to see the Big Ben.
Definitely check it out when you visit! It was closed when I went this time.
Great post! I spent a week in London last year and I feel like I didn’t even see everything I wanted to. It’s such a giant city but if you go in with a plan you can definitely pack in a lot of sites!
Yes! There’s so much to see, it’s best to plan ahead.
It’s always fun too see a city you’ve lived in through someone else’s eyes.
I am really glad to see you both had a blast in London and that you got to see so much! I am just a little sad that you didn’t get to try more of London’s really good (non beige) food! There is soooo much more for you to eat next time.
That’s so cool that you lived there! I’m definitely excited for a return trip where I can sample more delicious food, and take in more sites.
A great itinerary! Every time I go to London I visit Westminster Abbey. I just love London and I can’t wait to go back!
Thank you! I feel the same way, anxiously awaiting my return.
Great itinerary and I love Poppies! Such great fish and chips and I love that their paper looks like old-fashioned newspapers.
Thank you! I love that too. I remember when I had fish and chips for the first time, I was amazed it came wrapped in newspapers.
I love London! This does sound like an amazing way to spend three days in London. I’m going to have to try the high tea next time I’m in London, it looks so fun.
The high tea experience was so fun. You will definitely enjoy it!
A great complete itinerary! Will definitely take this in use on my next trip to London🙂
Thank you so much! I’m glad it helped 🙂
Reading this has made me miss London so much! I lived there for a few years and now all I want to do is go back 😍
I understand! I love going back to London, I always discover something new. That’s so cool that you used to live there.
Good info! I’ve only visited London on a long layover, but am going back (hopefully) in August. I’ll keep this itinerary in mind!
Hopefully you get to return, let me know about your trip if you go!
London is my fave city! Poppies is so fun and Delish.
Yes! Such a great city and Poppies is so good!
Definitely saving this itinerary!
Glad I could help!
London surprised me so much. I truly loved my time there. Your post is a great itinerary. You’ve hit so many great places.
London is always a nice surprise! Thanks for reading.
I absolutely adore London! We’re heading back in March, and this post got me so excited to return. Definitely trying out Poppies for the Fish and Chips!
So excited to hear about your return to London! You will love Poppies.
Thank you, can’t wait for you to revisit!
This looks like an exciting 3 days in London! You’ve covered all the top sites and other great recommendations. I cannot wait to return to London!
Great tips – I haven’t been to London in quite a while but can’t wait to go back! The afternoon tea looks delicious!
Thank you!
I love Burrough Market. I once did a food tour there. I now go back every time I’m in London (which is a lot since I recently moved to Oxford).
Borough Market is an absolute must! So good.
I’ve been to London twice in my life, but there’s so much more to explore–I definitely wouldn’t mind going back! 😛 I need to check out the museums (and eat more things) next time!
There’s so much to see! I’d definitely revisit again and again.
This is such a great post! I visited London in 2006 and reading your post made me feel like I was there again. I look forward to using some of your suggestions the next time I visit London!
Thank you so much for reading, and for being open to trying some of the suggestions! I’m glad you were able to learn more about London despite already traveling there.
Nice trip, I love museums as well. Maybe one day when I take a trip to London, I will visit it.
I hope you have the chance to visit one day, it’s really a beautiful city!