Top Things to do in London in 3 Days

Discover the Top Things to do in London

Wake up early to go sightseeing as early as possible and wander the streets. Get ready to walk a lot, every corner of this dynamic city tells a story waiting to be explored. On this three-day itinerary, we will share the top things to do in London.

How to get around in London

London has a vast public transport system which makes it easy to get around the city.

Note: With the purchase of an Oyster card or the use of a contactless payment through a debit card, or credit card it is possible to tap in and out of stations, as well as, city buses. The use of an Oyster card or contactless payment offers discounted fares compared to buying individual tickets.

Bus:

• London’s red double-decker buses are one of the most recognizable aspects of the city’s transportation system.

Note: In case of purchasing a ticket directly from the driver on a bus, keep in mind that only cashless payments are accepted.

High-speed rail:

• The London Underground, known as the Tube, is the quickest and most convenient way to navigate the city.
• The London Overground links the surrounding counties.
• Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is fully automated, with driverless trains running above ground and connecting parts of East and South East London.
• London also has a National Rail service that connects the city to other parts of the UK. Some of the main stations are King’s Cross, Victoria, Waterloo, and Liverpool Street.

Taxi:

• Alternatively, you can choose door-to-door transportation by taking an iconic black cab in London or opt for a more cost-effective, but just as convenient ride-sharing service, such as Uber.

Cycling:

• There are now dedicated cycle lanes as well as bike-sharing programs, such as Santander Cycles which have docking stations in different parts of the city, making London a bike-friendly city.

Walking:

• Many of London’s main attractions are within walking distance of each other. Especially in the city’s hubs like Westminster and the West End. Walking allows you to stroll the city at your own pace and discover London’s iconic landmarks to its lesser-known treasures.

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Where to Eat and Drink in London

Breakfast:

• Kennington Lane Cafe for an authentic experience and a full English breakfast.
• Vanilla Black Coffee & Books for a tasty breakfast in Kennington, South London.
• Urban Botanica is a garden cafe and houseplant shop with great coffee!

Lunch:

• Duck & Waffle, located on the 40th floor with floor-to-ceiling views, this restaurant offers amazing views over the city.
• Electric Diner is an American diner with red leather booths and an all-day menu.
• Honest Burgers has several locations around the city and serves delicious, juicy burgers.
• Beigel Bake Brick Lane is known as the best bagel bakery in London open 24/7.

Afternoon Tea:

• Tea and Tattle is a classic tearoom with Chinese decor, connected to a bookshop.
• Candella Tea Room is a great place for brunch or afternoon tea where you can find an extensive tea selection.

Dinner:

• Dishoom is a very popular Indian restaurant. It has multiple locations around London. Unless you’re a group of 6, they do not take reservations, but the line goes by quickly. Trust us! This is one of the top things to do in London! The food and service are incredible and worth the wait.
• Gymkhana is a Michelin-star Indian restaurant in London. The tasting menu starts at 110 pounds.
• Grenadier Belgrave: A little former police station featuring a grenadier-themed interior and a distinctive pewter bar. Make sure to try their beef Wellington dish.

Drinks:

• Coach & Horses is the perfect place to grab a pint at one of the most famous pubs in Soho.
• Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is one of the oldest and most historic pubs in London serving wine and draught beer.
• Churchill Arms: Thai noodles and curries are being served in this flower-adorned pub.
• Mr. Fogg’s Residence is a cocktail bar with a vintage appeal, decorated in the era of Phileas Fogg’s Around the World exploration.

Markets:

• Borough Market is one of the oldest and most renowned fresh food markets in London.
• Brockley Market is a bustling Saturday farmers’ market where you can find fresh produce, artisan breads, pastries, plants, and flowers.
• Shoreditch’s Boxpark is a pop-up mall made of repurposed shipping containers with clothing stores, cafes, and street food restaurants.
• Camden Market is the largest market in London and it is open seven days a week.
• Portobello Market is home to one of the world’s most well-known and historical street markets, where you will find vintage goods and souvenirs.
• Maltby Market is an open-air food and drink weekend market located beneath 19th-century railway arches.

Where to Stay in London

Where you choose to stay in London depends primarily on your budget. London can be an expensive city to visit, but there are several budget-friendly neighborhoods you can also stay in without breaking the bank.

Besides budget-friendly accommodations and dining options, in some neighborhoods, you will also find free street art exhibits and live music venues to enjoy. When choosing where to stay we also take into account our proximity to attractions, as well as the time it takes to reach a public transit system.

Central London:

• If you decide to stay in Westminster you will be close to important monuments like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.
• Covent Garden is an ideal destination for individuals with an interest in the arts and entertainment. This area is known for its vibrant ambiance, street artists, and proximity to theaters.
• Near Oxford Street and Regent Street, Soho offers plenty of shopping, food options, and lively nightlife.
• Mayfair is a sophisticated neighborhood featuring Michelin-starred restaurants, fashionable shops, and opulent hotels.

The City of London:

• London’s financial district is also home to landmarks like the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge. This is the ideal place to stay if you’re coming to London on a business trip or you’re a history enthusiast.

South Bank:

• Offers breathtaking views of the Thames River and it is home to some cultural attractions sights such as the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, and the London Eye. This is a great place to stay if you want to take scenic walks along the riverbanks.

Kensington and Chelsea:

• Home to the Museum Quarter where you will find the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Here you will find a range of boutique hotels, luxury hotels, and upscale shopping on Kensington High Street.

Camden Town:

• Renowned for its well-known Camden Market, alternative culture, and cosmopolitan vibe. This is the ideal neighborhood for budget travelers, music lovers, and those looking for a more bohemian atmosphere. Here you will find inexpensive restaurants with a variety of international cuisines.

Shoreditch:

• This is a trendy neighborhood renowned for its lively nightlife, hipster cafes, boutiques, vintage stores, and street food markets. You can enjoy free exhibitions in local galleries and admire street art in areas like Brick Lane.

Overview of your 3 Days in London

With only three days to spend in the city, you will get a glimpse of London’s diverse neighborhoods, famous sites, and cultural attractions, as you discover the top things to do in London. Whatever your interests, whether it is history, food or simply seeking an urban adventure, London embraces everyone who wanders its streets.

Day 1: Explore Central London

• Start your day by seeing the change of guards at Buckingham Palace. This takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 10:45 am.
• Continue to Westminster Abbey, where you can admire the stunning Gothic architecture.
• Walk along the Thames River and snap some photos of the London Eye.
• As you stroll along the riverbank you will pass iconic landmarks such as the Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster.
• Visit the National Portrait Gallery.
• Head to Covent Garden for lunch, where you can find a variety of dining options in the bustling market square.
• On the top things to do in London, make sure to visit the British Museum and check out the Rosetta Stone!
• Stop by Trafalgar Square.
• End your day with a sunset at St. James’s Park.

Tip: Use the Time Out app to discover the top things to do in London and get a glimpse of local events and festivals that are happening in London.

Day 2: Discover The City of London

• Cross Tower Bridge.
• One of the top things to do in London is to visit St. Dunstan in the East Church Garden, a ruined Church that is now a beautiful city park.
• Go up to the Sky Garden for wonderful views of the city. Make sure to book at least 3 weeks in advance.
• Go inside the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral.
• Check out modern and contemporary art at the Tate Modern Museum and go to the top floor for views over London.

Note: Many of the museums in London have free entry to their permanent exhibits. A visit to one or several world-class museums throughout your stay is one of the top things you can do while you’re in London.

Day 3: Notting Hill and South Kensington

• Start your day at the iconic Notting Hill Bookshop.
• Continue down Portobello Road where you can find treasures on every corner. From antique gems to the coveted quilted jacket, there is something for everyone here.
• Don’t miss the colorful homes of Notting Hill, you can find them on many streets, but the most famous one is Hillgate Place.
• Take a stroll in Hyde Park.
• As one of the top things to do in London, make sure to head over to the Museum Quarter and visit the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.
• If you visit during the holiday season, make sure to check out the Christmas lights on Regent Street.

Tip: If you have time, one of the top things to do in London is to join a free walking tour.

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