London in 3 Days: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Ready for an unforgettable adventure in London? Our ultimate 3-Day Itinerary takes you on an amazing journey through this iconic city packed with history, culture, and vibrant energy. Explore must-see landmarks like the majestic Parliament, the iconic Big Ben, and the breathtaking Westminster Abbey. Witness the legendary changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace—it’s a spectacle you won’t want to miss!

London Trip

Discover the top highlights to see in London, a city brimming with history, culture, and vibrant energy. Our carefully crafted London 3-Day Itinerary will have you marveling at iconic landmarks like Parliament, Big Ben, the stunning Westminster Abbey, and the impressive changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Art enthusiasts will love visiting the National Gallery before diving into history at the Churchill War Rooms and the British Museum. Immerse yourself in Britain’s history at the Imperial War Museum and the historic Tower of London. Take in the views from Tower Bridge, with a leisurely walk across London Bridge. There is so much to see and do on an amazing London Trip!

Looking for more travel tips? We have lots of advice for how to plan a trip for your family from best family cruise to Disney trip planning to destinations all around the globe! I have traveled to all 7 continents with my large family of 8 so I am ready to help you discover some amazing locations all around the world.

london 3 day itinerary

When choosing what to see in London you will be overwhelmed with options because it is a large bustling city. The key is to know what are the 20 best things to do in london and then pick things that are of interest to you personally.

• Explore The British Museum‘s extensive collections of art and antiquities from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
• Marvel at the Tower of London to learn about its rich history as a royal palace, prison, and fortress, and see the dazzling Crown Jewels.
• Walk along the South Bank to enjoy stunning views of the River Thames, as well as attractions like Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern.
• Buckingham Palace with the  Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessentially British spectacle.
• Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the iconic London Eye, a giant Ferris wheel that offers breathtaking vistas of London’s skyline.
• Wander through the historic streets of Westminster to see landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey, where royal ceremonies take place.
• Relax in Hyde Park, one of London’s most famous green spaces, perfect for picnicking, boating, or simply enjoying nature amidst the city hustle.
• Explore the eclectic artwork at the National Gallery, showcasing masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci, all located in Trafalgar Square.
• Visit the historic St. Paul’s Cathedral and climb to the dome’s top for stunning views of the city, while marveling at the impressive architecture.
•  Immerse yourself in the arts at the West End, where you can catch a spectacular theater performance or musical in one of London’s renowned theaters.
• Take a ride on a double-decker bus for a truly London experience, giving you the chance to see the city from above as you travel to various attractions.
• Discover the charm of Notting Hill, famous for its colorful houses, the Portobello Road Market, and the annual Notting Hill Carnival celebration.
• Visit the Science Museum for engaging exhibits that explore the world of science and technology, particularly enjoyable for families and curious minds.
• Check out the historic Borough Market, one of London’s oldest food markets, where you can sample delicious local and international cuisine.
• Explore Greenwich, home to the Prime Meridian and stunning views from Greenwich Park, alongside attractions like the Royal Observatory.
• Covent Garden is a lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performances. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the local atmosphere while enjoying some shopping or dining.
• Treat yourself to an afternoon of exquisite flavors and elegant ambiance. A traditional high tea typically includes a selection of finely brewed teas, accompanied by an array of delicious pastries, delicate finger sandwiches, and freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam.
• Visit Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest inhabited castles in the world! Located just outside London, this stunning royal residence is packed with history and charm.
• The British Army has a rich history that spans many years, and the Imperial War Museum offers a fascinating perspective on the numerous conflicts that have shaped our world.
• Discover the Churchill War Rooms, an incredible piece of history located in the heart of London. Step back in time and explore the secret underground headquarters where Winston Churchill and his team strategized during World War II. This unique experience provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, showcasing original artifacts and interactive exhibits that bring the historical significance to life.

london trip itinerary 3 days

I’ve been to London countless times, but wanted to give my oldest kids a good overview to really experience London.  So, in my opinion, here is the best of the best that everyone should experience when visiting jolly old England for the first time.

Day 1

We flew in from the United States, arriving early in the morning. We popped into london for our first day of touring. I highly suggest an overnight flight to help you save on time if you are making it a long weekend visit. You  should plan to sleep the entire plane ride and then stay up with next day as long as you can after dinner so that you will avoid jetlag.

You can quickly and easily take the Heathrow Express to downtown London in only 15 minutes.

👉HINT: Depending on when your flight gets in you may feel like you can’t tackle our itinerary below. The best options are to switch day 1 and day 2 as you won’t need to start until 10am on day 2. The next best options to shorten our day 1 London touring plan is to miss the changing of the guards and just see outside of Buckingham Palace which will shorten your plan by an hour and allow you to start at 9am. Finally,  the thrid option is to forgo one of the stops below, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you really don’t like art and then skipping the National Gallery will save you 2-3 hours.

Parliament & Big Ben

We kicked off our day at 8 AM with a visit to the iconic Parliament and Big Ben. While a guided tour would have offered a deeper insight into their rich history and significance, we opted for a quick glimpse. We took some time to admire the stunning architecture and even read an excerpt from our trusty Rick Steves guidebook to learn a bit more about these remarkable landmarks.

The Palace of Westminster, where Parliament meets, is not just an architectural marvel but also a cornerstone of democracy in the UK. It represents the heart of political decision-making and the voice of the people.  Big Ben, the famous clock tower, has become synonymous with the city itself. Its impressive bell chimes from the tower serve as a reminder of time’s passage and the importance of governmental proceedings. Together, Parliament and Big Ben stand as a testament to the UK’s heritage, drawing millions of visitors each year who come to appreciate their grandeur and historical significance.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a cornerstone of British history and culture, making it one of the most important landmarks in the UK. With origins dating back over a thousand years, it has served as the site of many royal events, including coronations, weddings, and funerals. The majestic architecture itself is a testament to the skill of its builders and the artistic movements of the time. Throughout its history, Westminster Abbey has been the final resting place for numerous prominent figures, including monarchs, poets, scientists, and political leaders. Walking through its halls is like stepping into a time capsule, filled with the stories and legacies of the individuals who have shaped the nation.

General admission begins at 9:30am and ends at 3:30pm.  You can pay for general admission and take a self-guided tour with your guide book or book a Abbey Unlocked tour. If you take the official tour you can start at 8am,  it is 90 minutes in length and  they sell out months in advance so you want to secure your tickets early.

👉 For the purposes of planning our day, let’s assume you did the 8:30am tour so we can squeeze in seeing changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.  It is a 15 minute walk to our next stop.

Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guards)

Buckingham Palace is not just an architectural marvel; it becomes even more enchanting when you witness the Changing of the Guards. If you plan to visit during the summer, you have the fantastic opportunity to explore the interior of the palace as well. The Changing of the Guards typically occurs at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. It lasts about 45 minutes. To secure a good viewing spot, be sure to arrive at the palace gates or the Victoria Memorial by 10:15 AM.

St James Park

After changing of the guard let’s take a 30 minutes stroll through James Park while in route to Picaddily Circus! This beautiful location offers serene pathways lined with stunning trees, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery. Whether you’re seeking a quiet place to unwind or a spot to enjoy some fresh air. You can grab some food at one of the grab-and-go kiosks in the park: I suggest getting the traditional fish and chips.

Picaddily Circus

It is about 12:15 and you have arrived at Picaddily Circus. This iconic London landmark is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning neon lights, Piccadilly Circus offers a unique blend of culture, entertainment, and history. Take a moment to soak in the bustling energy, and enjoy the street performances that bring life to the square. We pretty much wandered through the area.

Trafalgar Square

Just a quick 5 minute walk and you ahve arrived at Trafalgar Square. This iconic spot includes the Nelson’s Column, which towers over the square and commemorates Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. Take a couple minutes to appreciate the beautifully crafted fountains that add charm to the setting.  It is just before 12:30 and you are ready to tackle the National Gallery.

National Gallery Art Museum

Just off Trafalgar Square lies the incredible National Gallery, one of my absolute favorite art museums. If you haven’t yet had the chance to visit, I highly recommend adding it to your itinerary. What I love most about the National Gallery is its vast collection of artworks, allowing you to see a multitude of famous pieces in a short amount of time: Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.”, “The Arnolfini Portrait” by Jan van Eyck, “The Virgin of the Rocks” by Leonardo da Vinci, and so many more! We allowed 2-3 hours to explore using our guide book to help us see the best in a short amount of time. Make sure your guide book is the newest edition so that locations of the paintings are accurate as they do move around. The guide book with get you through quickly, seeing the most important works of art, and will explain why they are the best.

👉 It is just an easy 12 minute walk to the Churchill War Rooms. Make sure you leave the National Gallery no later than 3:30pm. As you walk you will pass more beautiful buildings along your walk. I love all the history and beautiful buildings everywhere!

Churchill War Rooms

Hopefully you have gotten to the National Gallery between 3-4pm. They close at 6pm and you will want to allow 2-3 hours to see this site well.   I am a big history nerd, as is my son. Our favorite period of time to study is World War 2 so we were excited to get to step in this historic site and learn more about this period of history.

The Churchill War Rooms are a remarkable historical site located beneath the streets of Westminster, London. They served as the secret headquarters for British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and his government during World War II. This underground complex played a crucial role in strategizing and planning military operations while the war raged above.

What makes the Churchill War Rooms significant is their firsthand connection to the decisions that shaped history. Walking through these rooms allows you to envision the intense atmosphere of the time, where leaders were united in their determination to overcome incredible challenges. You can see the original maps, communication tools, and even Churchill’s personal study, all preserved to give visitors a glimpse into that pivotal era.

Phew! It is 6pm and you made it! As this is your first night you may be tired from jetlag and ready to crash, if so just grab a quick dinner and head to bed so you are rested and ready to start fresh tommorrow. If you traveled locally, feel free to take more time to enjoy dinner and walk along the Thames to see beautiful London by moonlight!

Day 2

Today we will do less “running around” and instead focus onseeing two big museums that are musts in my book.  Because they open later, you can sleep in or grab a traditional British Breakfast to start your day! Yes, baked beans are really part of a traditional English breakfast.

👉 If you stayed around Trafalgar Square like we did, you will have a relaxed 18 minute walk to start your day. Plan to arrive at the museum at 10am when it opens.

The Britisth Museum

The museum is free, but you will still need to secure tickets well in advance online.  As the British have been around as a nation 1000 years, they have been involved in a lot of discoveries and ruling of nations around the world. as such there are a lot of treasures from around the world. In fact The British Museum in London holds more of the Parthenon than Greece does – approximately half of the surviving sculptural decoration from the original 5th-century BC Parthenon in Athens.

One of the highlights is the Rosetta Stone, a key to understanding ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs. Don’t miss the Elgin Marbles, stunning pieces of ancient Greek sculpture that once adorned the Parthenon. The Egyptian mummies provide an intriguing look into ancient burial practices, while the Assyrian Lion Hunt reliefs showcase incredible craftsmanship from the ancient Near East.  The museum also features the stunning Great Court, where you can relax beneath the impressive roof while soaking in the ambiance of the space. With free admission, it’s an enriching experience for everyone, whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or a curious traveler.

I suggest you use a tour to make sure you can focus on the most significant items and really understand what you are seeing. You can do a musueum sponsored 90 minute tour or stick with one of my favorite – a Rick Steves 90 minute tour.  We allowed 3-4 hours here so you will have time to wander before and after, or daudle during a self-guided tour.   I suggest you grab lunch at the cafeteria to save on time or plan to get it in route to the next museum. You will want to leave the Brititsh Museum between 1-2pm.

👉 It is a little under an hour walk from the Imperial War Museum to the British Museum. You will walk over the Thames River and get to see a lot of the city: but if you don’t feel up to the walk, it is raining, or you want to save some time you can take public transportation to cut your travel time in half. There are two options:  the Tube or the bus. To take the tube you will walk to Holborn Station and get on the blue Picadilly Line to Leicester Square, then get on the Black Northern line to Charring Cross, finally get on the brown Bakerloo line to Lambeth North. You will change trains 3 times, but it is easy and a fun London experience.  You can buy a paper ticket at the machines in the station or use a contactless credit card to tap in and tap out.  NOTE: Each person will need their own card or the machine will get confused. So this only works if traveling with teens/adults with their own cards.

Another options is you can take a double decker bus for another classic London experience (here’s how).

The Imperial War Museum

Plan to arrive at the Imperial War Museum between 2-3pm so allow a 3-4 hour visit. The museum is typically open 10am until 6pm.  You can pay for a guidebook when you arrive which will help explain things and give you a better idea what all to make sure you see as part of your visit.  General admission is free!

👉 If you are not a big war museum fan, you can easily insert another top London sight from our list above. You have half a day to play with.

Also note, it rains a lot in London!

London Theatre Musicals

I highly suggest splurgin on one of London’s amazing musical while you are here. Tonight is a great time to watch one. Some of my favorites we’ve seen in London include Phantom of the Opera. Les Misérables, and Oliver. There are so many amazing choices!  You can see current shows, locations, and tickets here.  Our shows all started at 7:30pm. You should plan to arrive 30-45 minutes early to get through security, use the restroom, and find your seat. Any earlier and you will be waiting in line outside. Many theatres have lots of nearby dining options to grab a bite before the show.

Day 3

Today is filled with more must-see sights in London!

Tower of London

Allow 3 hours to visit the infamous tower of london. You will want to take a Yeoman tour, they start every 30 minutes, to hear stories and really get to know the history of this place. It is open from 9am to 5:30pm.

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the banks of the River Thames. It has a rich and captivating history that dates back over 1,000 years. Originally built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower has served various purposes throughout its history. It has been a royal palace, a fortress, and even a prison for high-profile prisoners. Many famous figures, including Anne Boleyn and Sir Thomas More, were held there, adding to its intrigue. The Tower is also known for housing the Crown Jewels, a dazzling collection of royal regalia that showcases Britain’s rich monarchy. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors eager to explore its storied past and experience its unique atmosphere. Whether you’re a history buff or simply curious about this iconic landmark, the Tower of London offers a fascinating glimpse into England’s history.

👉 Make sure you get a picture with Tower Bridge (not London Bridge) from this great picture spot before leaving. Now take a pleasant 25 minute walk along the River Thames, past Monument to the Great Fire of London, to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Arrive at St Paul’s Cathedral around 12:30 and purchase a sightseeing ticket which give you access to the Cathedral Floor and Crypt, the Dome Galleries. You can use one of their tours or a Rick Steve’s audio tour. Either way you will need about 90 minutes to explore the main cathedral floor, visit the crypt, and climb the iconic dome for panoramic city views.

St. Paul’s Cathedral in London is not just an architectural masterpiece; it’s a symbol of resilience and history. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, its construction was completed in 1710, rising majestically after the Great Fire of London in 1666. The cathedral has witnessed significant events in British history, from royal weddings to state funerals, and it has become a national icon. Its stunning dome, one of the largest in the world, dominates the skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city.

Beyond its beauty, St. Paul’s represents hope, especially during challenging times, such as World War II, when the image of the cathedral standing strong amidst the ruins became a powerful message of endurance.

👉 Take a short 10 minute walk across milenium bridge to get to the Globe Theatre. You will have great views and spots for taking pictures of London Bridge and Tower Bridge.

shakespeare globe theatre

Depending on your level of interest, you can take a Globe Theatre Guided Tour in the morning which takes about 2 hours or watch a play performed in the afternoon for an immersive experience.  We watched Henry V when we visited because my son was studying this play in our homeschool.  The play was amazing and really made this style of play come alive, but if you aren’t a bit Shakespear fan you may want to save the money.  Afternoon plays will take about 2 hours and 30 minutes and you should arrive 30 minutes early to look at the exhibits, use the restroom, and find your seat.

👉 Depending if you want to take the tour (am) or watch a play (pm) will change the order of day 3. If you choose to do the tour you can grab the first tour at 9:30am and just move this to the first activity of the day and keep all the other things in order.

The Globe Theatre holds a special place in history as a cornerstone of English literature and theater. Built in 1599 on the south bank of the River Thames, it was closely associated with the playwright William Shakespeare, who was not only a frequent performer there but also one of the owners. The Globe became a hub for creativity and storytelling, showcasing timeless plays that still resonate today.

What makes the Globe significant is not just its architectural design but its role in shaping the Elizabethan theatrical scene. It was one of the first venues to provide a platform for a diverse audience, allowing people from all walks of life to engage with the arts. The theatre’s unique circular structure and open roof helped create an intimate atmosphere, immersing audiences in stories filled with drama, comedy, and emotion.

Over the years, the Globe has faced challenges, including a devastating fire in 1613 and the closure of theatres during the Puritanical regime. However, its legacy endures, symbolizing the enduring power of storytelling. The modern reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, completed in 1997, serves as a vibrant reminder of its storied past and continues to entertain audiences with Shakespeare’s works and more.

Borough Market

I suggest grabbing dinner at one of the stalls in the market! Not only is the food delicious, but it is a fun place to explore as well!

Borough Market has a rich and vibrant history that dates back over a thousand years, making it one of London’s oldest and most renowned markets. Established in 1016, it has played a significant role in the city’s food scene, evolving from a simple trading spot to a bustling hub filled with diverse food artisans, vendors, and shoppers.

The market’s historical significance is not just in its age but in its continual adaptation. Throughout the centuries, it has witnessed stomping feet of traders, the development of London, and various changes in culinary trends. Today, Borough Market is celebrated not only for its fresh produce and gourmet offerings but also for its sense of community. Visitors can experience a true taste of London, from seasonal fruits and vegetables to artisanal cheeses and freshly baked breads.

👉 If you have the time, I suggest pairing our 3 days in London with this epic 1 day tour from london visiting Stonehenge and Windsor Castle!

There you have it: the perfect long weekend in london!