London Itinerary - 3 Days in London for First Timers

By Katie Sagal
Published: July 18, 2024

Only have three days in London or just looking for a streamlined list of fun things to do in London during your upcoming trip? Follow our 3 Days in London Itinerary to see all the major highlights and experience the essential top attractions in London, England. This itinerary includes:

  • Coca-Cola London Eye
  • Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
  • Planet Hollywood & Piccadilly Circus
  • Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, & National Portrait Gallery
  • St. Paul's Cathedral
  • Wembley Stadium Tour
  • Photo Opp at Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & Parliament
  • Hyde Park & the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

Spending less time in London? Check out our one day in London or weekend in London 2 day itinerary for other fun ways to plan your trip.

Save on Attraction Admission

Many of the popular attractions in this itinerary are available on the London Explorer Pass. Visit the available attractions outlined here and save up to 35% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. Remember, this 3 days in London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience the area. The London Explorer Pass gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose over a dozen top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests.

Day 1

Stop #1 - Coca-Cola London Eye

Head to the Coca-Cola London Eye right at 10:00 am to beat some of the crowds and take advantage of prime daytime lighting for your photos of and from one of London's top landmarks. Take the 30-minute spin around the eye to get 360-degree panoramic views from your observation pod. At its highest point, you'll be 443-meters above ground with one of the best views of the city of London. Each observation pod features interactive touch screens with detailed maps and historic information to give context to the sights you'll see from your pod. You'll be able to identify stand-out buildings, historic sites, parks, and more as you look out around you. Your admission to the London Eye includes admission to the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience, too, a fun, multi-sensory city experience. Some of the sights you'll see include: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Parliament, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, Piccadilly Circus, the British Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Tower of London, the Shard, the River Thames, and more. Getting In: Coco-Cola London Eye tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #2 - Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

This hop-on hop-off bus tour is the easiest way to get acquainted with London and see all the top attractions and London landmarks--the perfect way to start out your short stay in London. Hop-on or off at your leisure at any of the 50+ stops along the way (such as the ones outlined in this 3 Days in London Itinerary) or stay on the bus for the full tour loop. After riding the Coca-Cola London Eye, hop on the Underground and head to Victoria Station to get your Big Bus London tickets. You'll start your sightseeing tour at stop # 27 of the red or blue line: "VICTORIA STATION" to start your tour. Awarded a Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor in 2013, 2014, and 2015, their informative guides will make you feel like you experienced all the highlights of London with their comprehensive commentary and extensive list of stops along the way. Be sure to bring your camera! To pickup your Big Bus London tickets, simply present your London Explorer Pass at any of the three bus stop locations below:

  • Piccadilly – between Green Park underground station and The Ritz Hotel
  • Victoria Station – on the forecourt in front of the railway station
  • Baker Street – at the Big Bus kiosk between the exit of Baker Street underground and Madame Tussauds

Getting In: Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #3 - Lunch at Planet Hollywood & Piccadilly Circus

Hop-off your bus tour at stop #8: "PICCADILLY CIRCUS - Stop G, Regent Street" Take a break and enjoy a fun lunch with a dose of Hollywood culture at Planet Hollywood. Dining in London can be expensive so take advantage of this on your London Explorer Pass to save a little cash, plus, you'll get to check off another Planet Hollywood location. After lunch, head to Piccadilly Circus for some sightseeing and shopping on the famous Regent Street where you can pop into Harrod's department store, a famous London landmark in itself. Getting In: Meal at Planet Hollywood Restaurant is available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #4 - Trafalgar Square, The National Gallery, & National Portrait Gallery

By Diliff (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Walk around Trafalgar Square and get a photo with the famous lion statues guarding the base of Nelson's Column. Next, take advantage of the free admission at both The National Gallery, one of the largest art museums in the world with famous paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, and The National Portrait Gallery, which houses over 200,000 portraits of historic figures from the 16th century to present day. Hop back on the Big Bus London tour at stop #10: "TRAFALGAR SQUARE - Stop Z, by the National Gallery" to and continue riding to complete your bus loop for the day.

Stop #5 - St. Paul's Cathedral

Hop-off your bus tour at stop # 16: "ST PAULS" St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic architectural landmarks in England and one of London's most visited attractions. With admission, you'll get access to the Cathedral floor, the crypt where tombs and memorials of many famous Britons are, and the three galleries in the dome where you can view lots of famous works of art and get sweeping views of the city. Plan to attend one of the four daily 90-minute guided tours (subject to availability) for a comprehensive, expert-led tour of the Cathedral. Or, go on a self-paced tour with one of the touch screen multimedia tablet guides provided, available in 9 languages. Hop-back on the bus at the same stop you exited and continue your guided bus tour of London. Getting In: St.Paul's Cathedral tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Day 2

Stop #1 - Wembley Stadium Tour

No trip to London, or Europe, is complete without an authentic football experience. There's such a strong culture surrounding the sport it's almost palpable, and definitely part of the complete London experience. Go on a guided tour of the iconic Wembley Stadium, home to the England national football team and home to the annual FA Cup Final. Your guide will walk you through some of the most historic and memorable moments in football history and you'll get to experience the stadium (without the crowds) and see areas not open to the general public, including the Player's Tunnel, Royal Box where you can hold a replica of the FA Cup, England changing rooms, press conference rooms, and more. Getting In: Wembley Stadium Tour tickets are available as an option on the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #2 - the London Designer Outlet

After your tour of the Wembley Stadium, head over to the London Designer Outlet right nearby for some prime London shopping and dining options. Grab a quick lunch at one of the popular restaurants to before hitting the shops (we love Handmade Burger Co, wagamama, or, Pret for a quick bite). You can get all of your London shopping in at this one-stop destination. The outlet has tons of name brand shops, including H&M, Jack Wills, L.K. Bennett London, Nike, Oakley, The North Face, and more.

Day 3

Stop #1 - Photo Opp at Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, & Parliament

By , [email protected] (Own work) [CC BY-SA 2.5], via Wikimedia Commons

Start your day in the middle of the iconic Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, and Parliament and check them off your list. Try to re-create the classic tourist photo shot featuring one of the red London phone booths with Big Ben in the background (bonus points if you get a double decker bus in the frame, too). Westminster Abbey: this large, striking Gothic church has served as the official coronation location for monarchs since the coronation of William the Conqueror in the 11th century and hosted numerous other events such as William and Kate's royal wedding and Princess Diana's funeral. Inside you can find the burial sites and memorials for lots of famous historic figures, including Charles Darwin. Big Ben: actually the nickname of the bell inside the tower (the clock and tower is officially known as Elizabeth Tower), is one of the most iconic structures in London, often representing the city of London in films, TV, and more. Houses of Parliament: also known as Westminster Palace, is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords, the two houses of Parliament of the United Kingdom. Please note: admission to these attractions is not included with the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #2 - Indian Curry for Lunch at Gymkhana

Lunch at Gymkhana will prove why London is famous for having some of the best Indian food in the world. Plates are made for sharing so adventurous choices are encouraged, they're known for their creative, contemporary takes on classic Indian cuisine.

Stop #3 - Buckingham Palace

By Diliff (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Walk off lunch by heading to Buckingham Palace to see if Her Majesty the Queen is home. If you see the Royal Standard flag, not the Union Jack flag, flying above Buckingham Palace, that means that the HM the Queen is home. If you see the Union Flag, it means she is away. Take a classic tourist picture with one of the guards outside of the palace and see if you can make one of them laugh! Please note: admission to tour Buckingham Palace is not included with the London Explorer Pass.

Stop #4 - Hyde Park & Princess Diana Memorial Fountain

www.CGPGrey.com [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Take a stroll beyond Buckingham Palace towards the famous Hyde Park where you can walk along The Serpentine water feature and visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain.

Let's Recap

Whether you're looking for the most comprehensive 3 days in London itinerary or want to experience a smaller selection of top attractions at your leisure throughout the whole week, this popular 3 Days in London Itinerary covers some of the most iconic and fun London attractions, ensuring you get in all of the top landmarks. From sightseeing tours to museums and top restaurants, you'll be able to enjoy it all, even with a limited amount of time for sightseeing! With the recent drop of the British pound attraction admission, hotels, and more are now likely more affordable for Americans and the US dollar. Check out our budget friendly post for visiting London with tips and more. Remember, with a London Explorer Pass you can save up to 35% off combined admission to many of these attractions vs paying separately at the gates.

Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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2 Days in London - A Weekend in London Itinerary You'll Love

One of the world's most vibrant and thriving capital cities, London is a first-rate global town, offering up an intoxicating mix of history and modernity for tourists. London leads the world in areas of the arts, education, entertainment, commerce, fashion, media, transportation, and tourism. For centuries London has been home to some of the planet's most well-known faces and leaders, not to mention a popular monarchy recognized and adored the world over. When combined with hundreds of interesting sites and attractions, iconic landmarks, distinctive neighborhoods, a large airport and travel network, and a variety of hotels to explore, London is a top choice for any traveler. It is one of the most diverse cities in the world both culturally and physically. More than 300 languages are spoken in London by its melting pot of citizens. While the city possesses a rich past, with multiple World Heritage Sites and other renowned monuments to delight visitors. The city is especially exciting for first-time travelers, from the awe-inspiring the silhouette of Big Ben standing tall amidst the Houses of Parliament, to the swans gracefully swimming by in Hyde Park's ponds, to the majesty of Windsor Castle, Queen Elizabeth's royal residence. We've highlighted some of London's must-see attractions and activities that any first-time visitor can incorporate into an easy to follow 2 days in London weekend itinerary. This weekend itinerary includes: Enjoy a full English breakfast Big Bus London Sightseeing Tour St. Paul's Cathedral The Royal Oak Pub Coca-Cola London Eye James Bond Walking Tour We’ve also put together a 1 day and 3 day London itinerary, - for an amazing and relaxing vacation. Save on Attraction Admission Pick up a London Explorer Pass® and save off combined admission vs paying at the gate. Remember, this 2 days in London itinerary is just one of many ways to experience this amazing city. The London Explorer Pass® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from tons of top attractions and create a weekend trip tailored to your interests. Day 1Full English Breakfast By Jrv73 (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia CommonsGet an early start on day one with a hearty English breakfast. Filling up on this British specialty of eggs, bacon, sausages, roasted tomatoes, fried mushrooms, baked beans, black pudding, hash browns, toast and tea of coffee is a right of passage for any proper tourist to the United Kingdom. This belt-busting meal will fill you up for a long day of sightseeing and exploring. Hop-On Hop-Off Big Bus London Tour The best way to get to know London and to help you navigate around the city for the next few days is to see it from the streets. Use your London Explorer Pass for a one-day Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Riding the bus gives you a prime spot to see and learn about the city's history, culture, and way of life. You can choose when and where to hop on or off your bus tour at any point, taking in the delights of the capital at your own pace. An informative and entertaining tour guide will explain your journey throughout as you sit back and enjoy the bird's eye view from the comfort of an open top bus. With more than 50 stops included on the journey and buses running every five to 15 minutes, you can really explore as much or as little as you like. Check-off London's most famous sites from your must see list as your bus glides past Piccadilly Circus, otherwise known as London's Times Square, or ride across London Bridge that stands over the winding Thames River, or zip over to the gates of Buckingham Palace to see if the Queen is around. Your bus tour will also take you past Trafalgar Square, Hyde Park Corner, St. Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament. You won't want to forget your camera this day. Your Big Bus London Bus Tour also includes a free cruise ticket along the River Thames and a free guided walking tour. Your free river cruise, provides a narrated tour along the water from Westminster Pier to the Tower of London. While your walking tour follows the history of Royal London, from St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace, to a path highlighting some of the most famous locations from the Harry Potter books and movies. Getting In: Hop On Hop Off Big Bus London tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. St. Paul's Cathedral St. Paul's Cathedral offers a golden opportunity to hop-off the bus for a glimpse at one of the London skyline's most recognized features. You can view the intricacies of the Cathedral floor and then observe the crypts and tombs that house some of England's most famous people, from the Duke of Wellington to Lord Admiral Nelson, along with memorials to Florence Nightingale, Lawrence of Arabia, and William Blake. You'll also be able to visit the three galleries: Whispering Gallery, Stone Gallery, and Golden Gallery, which are housed in St. Paul's dome with panoramic views over the city. If you prefer, scheduling a guided tour will also allow you to visit the Geometric Staircase, the Chapel of St. Michael and St. George and the Quire, which are usually closed to much of the public. Getting In: St. Paul's Cathedral tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. The Royal Oak Pub Finish your first successful day in London with a meal at a traditional British neighborhood pub. The Royal Oak, located in the heart of the city, near to Westminster, was built in the 1800s and retains its historical influence on the area. Indulge in their English comfort food, such as a fish and chips, and wash it all down with a classically British pint of Young's beer. You can use your pass to redeem for a meal at the pub, before you get some rest for day two in London. Getting In: meal at The Royal Oak Pub is available on the London Explorer Pass. Day 2Coca-Cola London Eye Day two begins with sweeping views over the city of London from the top of the Coca-Cola London Eye observation wheel. Enter your glass-walled compartment and enjoy the stunning 360-degree vista, from 135-meters above. You'll be able to spot Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Royal Albert Hall, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, the Shard, St. Paul's Cathedral, and the Rover Thames, among so many other landmarks. Onboard touch screens provide up to the minute information on what iconic sights you're passing and what to look out for. Once you're back on solid ground you can enjoy the Coca-Cola London Eye 4D Experience which provides a multi-sensory trip through the city. Getting In: Coca-Cola London Eye tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Sea Life London Aquarium It is a hop, skip and a jump from the London Eye to the Sea Life Aquarium at London Southbank. Here, you can travel to the depths of the oceans as you explore an underwater world of fish and other marine life, from sharks to penguins. You can even come face-to-face with a polar bear at the Frozen Planet exhibit. Getting In: SEA LIFE London Aquarium tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. James Bond Walking Tour Cap off your two days in London itinerary with a tour set from the point of view of one of the city's most famous fictional characters: James Bond. Walk in the footsteps of 007 on this two-hour tour. You'll finally get to experience Westminster and the Houses of Parliament from the ground, as you pass by memorable scenes from the Bond films. Relive the excitement of For Your Eyes Only, Skyfall, Spectre, or Die Another Day as you visit the National Gallery, Whitehall, Mi5 and Mi6, and other shooting locations. Getting In: James Bond Walking Tour tickets are available on the London Explorer Pass. Let’s Recap So there’s a sample for a perfectly fun weekend in London – tours, museums, and much more. This itinerary for 2 days in London will introduce you to the best of city and give you a taste of what it’s like to experience this world-class tourist destination. Purchase a London Explorer Pass® and save on combined admission prices when you hop aboard an interactive GoCar Tour, use the Hop-On Hop-Off Bus, explore the California Academy of Sciences, and visit the amazing SFMOMA.
Lindsay Eagan
Man exploring Shoreditch's morning street
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Things to do in Shoreditch London

If you’re visting London and look for the best things to do in Shoreditch, know this first. Shoreditch is many things, but probably not the things you think it is. Technically part of East London, it feels more like an area of Central London, lying just north of the Square Mile - or 'City' - and its financial institutions. Likewise, Shoreditch is often described as being edgy and creative, but this shouldn’t be mistaken for dirty or seedy. By day, the neighborhood throngs with young professionals working in the office blocks around the Silicon Roundabout – the UK’s answer to Silicon Valley. By night, its triangle of main streets is alive with bars and restaurants, as well as spots to dance the night away and seek out a comfy hotel bed. Surprised? You shouldn’t be. Shoreditch has been an entertainment district since Shakespeare’s time. It was here – rather than the Globe – where his earliest and best-known plays were first performed – Romeo and Juliet, Henry V and Hamlet amongst them. In our exploration of the best things to do in Shoreditch, we'll cover London mainstays such as: Local markets Historical time capsules Shoreditch's curried food scene Where to grab a drink And round everything off with some artistic highlights     Shoreditch has always been known primarily as an entertainment district. The sheer volume of bars and restaurants means it continues to attract revelers from across London. But we’re just scratching the surface here. Shoreditch is full of winding back alleys and hidden gems that demand to be explored. So, throw on your walking boots and go see it for yourself!   Enjoyed this? Check out London’s best walks, and discover the quirkier side of the city.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.    See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!    
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tower bridge
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The Best Things to do Alone in London

We humans are social creatures by nature, craving the contact of others for the most part. However, there are times when all we want is to be with ourselves. And why not? Spending some quality alone time can be liberating. No longer are you beholden to the wishes of others. You can go where you want, when you want, and do whatever you want. So if you're alone and want to go adventuring in London, you’ve come to the right place? There's so much to do and see in the capital, so head out and see it all for yourself! These are the best things to do alone in London. Featuring: Museums Art Galleries The cinema Plays and musicals Lounge in a park Walking tours and more!   Those are just some of the many, many solo adventures you can take on in England’s capital. And hey, if the above picks don’t take your fancy, London has near limitless potential, so find whatever floats your boat and go have fun! Enjoyed this? Check out our Complete Guide to Visiting the London Eye or discover Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s London Passes.    Step up your sightseeing with Go City®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.    See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!    
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