Traveling to London is usually one of the most common items on most tourist lovers’ to-do-before-death list. However, either due to family commitments or difficulties when making a gap in our workday, it is difficult to plan in our calendar to find a week in which we can escape.
For this reason, we wanted to propose to our travelers this small London route in three days , so that you are able to visit this incredible city (and one of the most tourists received every year in the world), without having to three days on your trip.
Travel to London in 3 days, is it possible?
It’s not exactly going to be a smooth trip, but carrying out this travel plan is certainly a unique opportunity to visit London in 3 days. We are not going to tell you in this guide where to eat or stay, because we reserve that for other articles, but here we are simply going to propose a list of the most famous and popular tourist places in London among tourists.
Tips for your trip to London
Our first advice, more than advice is a gift, because we offer you the option of booking a FREE TOUR through the center of London. A fantastic activity that we always recommend as it allows experts in the city to show you monuments and curiosities that are difficult to discover by yourself.
Now our advice number two, to save and be able to make the most of your trip by following almost all the points of the guide is to get the London City Pass. There are two modalities:
London City Pass : Used for days and you have access to more than 60 tourist activities. And that you can use it to see as many as you want during the validity period of your card.
London City Explorer : This card is purchased for activity bonuses. You can buy access to 3,5 or 7 activities. If you are interested you can buy it here .
Finally the transfers from the Airport to the Hotel. The airports are quite far away. Approximately an hour by train or bus (they are the cheapest ways to make the journey) and then combine it with the subway or taxi … the truth is that it is somewhat tedious. If you are traveling as a couple or with more companions, we strongly advise you to hire transfers with a driver who will wait for you at the airport and take you to your hotel … You will think very expensive … it is not much more expensive than the “cheap” option but it is much more comfortable .
What to see in London in 3 days
We are aware that transporting around the London city is not possible simply by walking from one place to another, but don’t worry! We have strategically planned the route of each of the three days, grouping the tourist places of London according to their proximity, so that you have no problem when visiting the most emblematic tourist sites of London. Go for it!
London Guide 3 days: Day 1
Whether you land at the airport you land, the starting point of your trip to London in 3 days will be Trafalgar Square, as this will allow you to visit a huge number of monuments on the first day (many of London’s tourist attractions are close to this square).
You can go from one to another on foot, if you like to walk through the cities when you go on a trip to enjoy the people, the architecture and the unknown environment, or go by taxi from one place to another (obviously, the first alternative is less aggressive for your pocket). Brace yourself, because there are tons of places to see in London in one weekend !
Trafalgar square
Designed by John Nash in 1830, Trafalgar Square is the largest square in London . With all the cultural events taking place here, including demonstrations and New Years celebrations, it is often considered the center of the city. Nelson’s Column stands in the center of the square, with four lion statues around it. It was built in 1848 to commemorate Admiral Nelson.
Nelson’s Column is the monument that dominates Trafalgar Square. It was built in the 1840s to commemorate Admiral Horace Nelson, one of Britain’s most beloved heroes. His most famous battle was the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, in which he defeated Napoleon and the French and the Spanish fleets, but at the same time cost him his life. Nelson’s column has been the scene of many protests and is considered one of London’s biggest landmarks.
The National Gallery
The National Gallery in London has a collection of more than 2,600 pieces of art . Not surprisingly, it is one of the most visited galleries in the world. Classical art predominates in it, including paintings by El Greco, Jan van Eyck, Rembrandt, Michelangelo, and many very famous artists. It is really huge and entry is free, so if you consider yourself art lovers you should allow enough time to visit it quietly.
London Eye
The London Eye or “London Eye”, according to its translation, is the largest Ferris wheel in Europe. The views from the top are just fabulous, especially at night . It is highly recommended that you book your tickets online and arrive around half an hour before the scheduled time so that you have enough time to collect them.
Westminster Palace
The elaborate Palace of Westminster is home to both houses of the UK Parliament – the House of Commons and the House of Lords. It is an exceptional example of Neo-Gothic architecture dating back to 1097, when the oldest part of the complex, Westminster Hall, was built. It is the center of political life in London !
Palace of Westminster and Big ben London
The building that contains the most famous bell in Europe, perhaps even the world, is one of London’s iconic landmarks . The tower is the third largest bell tower in the world and is over 150 years old. Its name was recently changed to Elizabeth Tower as a tribute to Queen Elizabeth after 60 years of reign. There is no elevator, but 334 steps lead to the top; however tours are only available to British citizens organizing a tour through Parliament. The skyline in this part of London is spectacular, so taking photos of Big Ben with the London Eye in the background is very popular.
Westminster Abbey
The first monks lived here in the 10th century. Henry III rebuilt the abbey in 1245 when he chose it as his burial place, and succeeded in turning it into one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country. Many other notable figures are buried here. Today it is a place where weddings and other royal ceremonies are held. Additionally, Westminster Abbey has been used for coronations since 1066.
Buckingham palace
This majestic palace is the official residence of the British monarchs. Originally built as a home, it became a private residence for Queen Charlotte in 1761. The palace was rebuilt and expanded during the 19th century and has been used as a residence for British monarchs since 1837. You can visit some of the rooms in select days, but what you shouldn’t miss is the Changing of the Guard ceremony !
Picadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is a famous road junction in London’s West End. It is famous for all the neon signs around the square, the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain that commemorates the work of Lord Shaftesbury, and the statue of Eros. It is popular for protests and demonstrations because of its size, although the square also inspired many artists and musicians in their work.
London’s Chinatown
Exploring the restaurants, bakeries, nightclubs and enjoying the great atmosphere of Chinatown is worth a visit. Chinatown is home to around 80 restaurants, many of them specializing in authentic Chinese and Asian cuisine. You have tons of places to eat to choose from! As you walk through Chinatown, you can find various blue plaques, commemorating famous people and events.
Oxford street
With approximately 300 stores, Oxford Street is the most important shopping street in Europe and is home to a number of department stores and many brand name stores. If shopping in London is on your list of things to do in this city, then the shopping district that intersects Regent Street and Bond Street is sure to enchant you.
Located in the West End of London, Oxford Street is approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) long and used to be part of the London-Oxford road. Actually, it follows the route of a Roman road that linked Hampshire to Colchester. The area is usually crowded with shoppers and tourists and gets quite polluted at times due to the number of buses that circulate through it, but it is still worth going without any doubt.
On this first day we have taken the opportunity to see great icons of London such as Big Ben, Trafalgar Square or Piccadilly Circus… So it has been a very well spent day… Now it’s time to rest for the second day which will be just as exciting!
London Guide 3 days: Day 2
After waking up, having a good London breakfast and and let’s pick up the visit from where we left off yesterday. The first day ended and it was on Oxford Street. Today we will take the opportunity to see very interesting places for all travelers.
Covent Garden Market
The Covent Garden area is located near Oxford street about 10 minutes walk or a couple of metro stops, it is a very interesting area for travelers , it has a special atmosphere and many attractions, without a doubt the most interesting is Covent Garden Market. It has a charming atmosphere and several shops and stalls where you can buy jewelry, homemade soaps or delicatessen, among others. Also, with some luck you can enjoy live performances by singers or jugglers. Very entertaining.
Nearby are the transport museum and the Royal Opera, among many other attractions …
British Museum
Open daily and with free admission (£ 5 donation optional) it features impressive collections of relics from virtually every civilization, a journey through history from 2 million years ago. Especially interesting is the section of Egyptian art in which we will also find the Rosetta stone, thanks to which we know Egyptian history in our days.
Mandatory Visit!
Camden Town Market
We have finished our visit to the British Museum and it’s time to eat… it’s time to go to Camden!
Camden Town has become one of the mandatory stops for everyone who visits the English capital, it is an alternative neighborhood with shops of all kinds, where you will find things that you did not even imagine existed … but it also has a market of Impressive international food, you can walk while they give you to taste food from different countries until you decide what to eat … In the end you will end up trying a little of everything since there is no one who can resist such variety.
Without a doubt a place where you can get lost for a couple of hours maybe more and enjoy something different and unique in London.
Hyde park
The great park of London, a fantastic way to end this second day is to take a walk through Hyde Park, it is huge and has different very interesting areas within it. Walking calmly and enjoying the largest and oldest park in the city for a couple of hours is the relaxing way to end an interesting day like today.
Within Hyde Park we will find the main tourist attractions such as the statue of Peter Pan , or the Memorial to Princess Diana of Wales …
Our second day comes to an end and it is time to go to enjoy a good dinner and why not of a pint of beer.
London Guide 3 days: Day 3
The last day of our trip to London is also full of places to see, so we hope that the day before you have been able to rest a little. In any case, even though you haven’t done it, think that you will have time to rest when you get home, take advantage!
St. Paul’s Cathedral
A huge white cathedral and the highest point in the city is also the seat of the Bishop of London. The present church was built by Sir Christopher Wren, one of the most famous English architects, after the Great Fire of London. You should not miss this famous religious building, with its elaborate interiors and mysterious crypts.
The Globe (Shakespeare Theater)
The Globe Theater is the modern replica of the theater where some of Shakespeare’s plays were first staged. The original theater was built in 1599 by the men of the Lord Chamberlain, Shakespeare’s company. If you want to take the opportunity to see a play, don’t forget to book your tickets well in advance. If not, you can also take the guided tour to learn more about Shakespeare and the building.
Tate Modern Museum
The reference museum of modern art. If you are interested in this type of art, it is a must, but if art is not one of your main focuses of interest, it is also convenient to know that it has a free tour that can be seen in about 30 minutes and that is quite interesting. So it is not necessary to pay entrance to enjoy a little bit of modern art ?
The Monument to the Great Fire of London
This monument commemorates the Great Fire of London that destroyed the city center in 1666. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren. There is an observation deck at the top so this is a great opportunity to take some photos!
London bridge
This fascinating bridge is one of the icons of London. The views from above are incredible and it is quite a sight to see the bridge opening for the boats to pass. There is a free exhibition in the two towers dedicated to the history of the bridge. Another good place to take some pictures and make your trip to London envious in 3 days.
The tower of London
Also known as the Royal Palace and Her Majesty’s Fortress, the complex was previously used as a prison. Many notable figures were sent here, such as Sir Walter Raleigh with his wife Elizabeth Throckmorton, and even Elizabeth I before becoming a queen. It is now a famous tourist attraction and home to the Crown Jewels .
The Docks of Santa Catalina
Our last stop is the Muelles de Santa Catalina. Ships anchored here in the past. Now this area is a great place to hang out, thanks to the various facilities around it, including numerous shops, bars and restaurants. A perfect place to end our London travel itinerary in three days.
Other recommendations to visit in your 3 days in London
We have prepared a great itinerary for you, but we know that depending on the type of traveler they can take advantage of the day more (simply because they see the sites faster or they entertain themselves less in certain types of things or they prefer to suppress certain sites that are more noisy …) and who may want to visit more places in their 3 days of travel, so we are adding new tourist attractions to visit on your getaway to London.
Windsor castle
Take a public transport vehicle and head to Windsor Castle.
This medieval castle is one of the UK’s landmarks, as well as a weekend home for the Queen. Many kings have been using this palace since the time of Henry I, the fourth son of William the Conqueror. In addition to being the home of the Queen, the castle hosts official visits and is used for ceremonies.
Part of the Royal Collection is located here. The medieval castle combines Georgian and Victorian style with some Gothic features. The rooms were designed by Jeffry Wyatville in the 19th century and combine Rococo and Victorian Gothic. Upon entering the castle area, you will undergo an airport-style security check. Eating and drinking are not allowed in the castle and photography and filming are only allowed in some areas.
National Maritime Museum
If you want to familiarize yourself with the history of the British navy and all of Europe, you have reached the most suitable museum. In fact, it is one of the largest maritime museums in the entire world. Many artifacts related to the sea and navigation are displayed, such as ship models, instruments that were used for navigation and paintings. Admiral Nelson’s uniform is also on display here.
Greenwich Meridian
The Royal Greenwich Observatory is a bit boring if you don’t like astronomy, but the Greenwich meridian line is definitely a must see. You will rarely have the opportunity to be in two hemispheres at the same time!
It was established in 1851 by Sir George Biddell Airy, an English mathematician and astronomer. The Greenwich meridian with longitude 0º is the reference line of the Greenwich meridian; This means that each new year begins on this line.
Harrods Warehouse
What started as a small grocery store in East London has now become one of the most iconic and distinctive stores in the world. Synonymous with Luxury Harrods offers a unique shopping experience. It is also a place of reference for tourists since walking through some warehouses like this even if you don’t buy anything is a fantastic memory of your London visit.
Museum of Natural History
When you visit the Natural History Museum the first thing you see is an impressive building, but more impressive is its entrance and the large dinosaur skeleton that awaits you in its hall. Some impressive stairs that start a very interesting guide through nature. A highly recommended site for adults and children .
Notting Hill and Portobello Market
Especially famous as a result of the film by Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, it is a London residential neighborhood with beautiful houses in different pastel shades, a pleasant walk through the Notting Hill neighborhood where you can enjoy a breakfast or a delicious lunch surrounded by the purest London atmosphere.
Any self-respecting visit to this area should end up visiting the Portobello market, a long street with shops and stalls on both sides where you can find everything, very interesting for those who like relics and antiques. At the end of a whole fresh produce market where you will see the essence of London markets.
Visit London in 3 days. Conclusions
What do you think? Did you find our plan to visit London in 3 days interesting? If you dare to make a trip to London in three days , a weekend or a trip on a bridge, it will serve as a guide so you don’t forget the essentials of London.
If you have little time to travel to London, you can get a lot out of these days and visit the emblems of the English capital and one of the icons par excellence for all travelers. A must for every self-respecting tourist. If you don’t have more days, nothing happens, you have a perfect itinerary to enjoy London in a weekend.
Obviously, in such a short trip, you will not be able to learn all the ins and outs and corners of London, or soak up the abundant London culture, we will not have time. But to live London and get to know it perfectly, you will need much more time or even go live there for a while … who knows if this getaway cannot be the origin of something like this …