3-Day London Itinerary for Foodies: Start Each Day at a Bucket List Attraction
What’s the best strategy for making sure a 3-day London itinerary is a dream trip?
To steal the famous words of Ricky Bobby in Talladega Nights, ‘If you ain’t first, you’re last.’
That’s my philosophy for planning a London trip. Growing up in Daytona Beach Florida, the home of NASCAR, it’s appropriate. Yeah- maybe a bit dramatic for a vacation, but it works for visiting London. And, trust me, I’ve been living in London as an American since 2013. During that time my website and social media have helped thousands plan their bucket list trip to London.
You don’t want to be wandering, waiting or wasting time. You want to feel like a winner. That is why my number one strategy is simple. Start every day with the attraction that matters most to you. And get there FIRST to avoid the crowds!
This 3-day London itinerary is for travellers who love food and want a relaxed British culture experience, yet still iconic. It’s built around the idea that your dream trip starts by being first in line for your dream moments. And, I will show you how to pair other places to visit in London around them- with ease.
Sound appealing? We created a London Bucket List Travel Planner that goes beyond just foodie travellers. There’s themed itineraries for 12 travel personalities. So, royal fans have a route, luxury travellers, couples, mother-daughter trips, just to name a few. Each day begins with a bucket list destination. You’ll have iconic starts. Infinite memories. This is just a sample of one- a foodie’s London itinerary.
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How to Use This 3-day London Itinerary
This 3 day London itinerary is meant to inspire, not overwhelm. It includes a mix of food experiences, must-see London attractions and local-approved gems that pair well together. Below is how to get the most from it.
- Start early. Timed entry slots sell out fast. Prioritise your top experience of the day first thing in the morning.
- Mind the Mondays. Borough Market is closed on Mondays, so move that day according to your London trip plans.
- Skip the queues. Buy your London attraction tickets in advance. Links to help make that easy for you are included throughout.
- Customise with personality. Want something more royal? More romantic? More pub-heavy? The London Bucket List Travel Planner includes itineraries for:
- Art and History Lovers
- Luxury Travellers
- Foodie Explorers
- Iconic First-Timers
- Mother and Daughter Duos
- Couples Getaways
- Shop Til You Drop Adventures
- Mr Sunny’s Favourite Pubs
- Royal Fans
Day 1: Borough Market to the Southbank
This day kicks off with a visit to London’s most popular food market. It’s a must do for foodies but arriving too late in the day will make you feel like you’re participating in an extreme crowd-pushing sport.
Start: Arrive when Borough Market opens (not Monday). Grab breakfast and stroll the stalls before the lunch rush.
Mid-Morning: Head to Shakespeare’s Globe for a guided tour. It is just a few minutes’ walk from the market and gives amazing views of the Thames.
Afternoon: Ride the London Eye (book in advance for timed entry). Or, for something less touristy, take a Speed Boat Tour of the Thames.
Late Afternoon: Wander through Covent Garden. Street performers, boutiques, and Neal’s Yard. Grab a pre-theatre dinner here.
Evening: End with a West End show. If you are booking far enough in advance, go big with Six the Musical, Matilda, Mousetrap or whatever else is top of your list.
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Day 2: Tower, Sky Garden Views and Champagne Toast
No trip to London is complete unless you visit the Tower of London. So, this day is designed to get you to one of the most popular places to visit in London and a few hidden gems too.
Start: Arrive early at the Tower of London (book timed entry). The earlier you get in, the better your views of the Crown Jewels without long queues. If you want to really splash it up and have an iconic London trip, take a Private Tower of London Tour with a Beefeater.
Lunch: Walk over to St Katharine Docks for a peaceful locals-approved lunch by the water. A welcome contrast after the busy Tower.
Afternoon: Take a quiet detour to St Dunstan in the East. It’s a bombed-out church turned peaceful garden sanctuary. It’s free, no advance booking required.
Late Afternoon: Go up to the Sky Garden (book ahead for free entry) for skyline views. Then enjoy a glass of champagne in the elegant Royal Exchange nearby.
Dinner: Dine near Bank or St Paul’s Cathedral. Choose something a little elevated to end the day on a high note. Try Ivy Asia St. Paul’s.
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Hotels
If you haven’t booked your hotel yet for your London trip, here’s an interactive map to get you started! It’s based on the most central location in town.
Day 3: Royal Icons, Afternoon Tea in London and a Show
One of the most popular questions I get on social media video comments or during 1:1 Trip Consultations is where to go for afternoon tea. So, this day’s London itinerary includes some of the best in London. And, it combines other places to visit in London that will make you really feel like a royal!
Start: Book first-entry access to Westminster Abbey. See where the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were married before big crowds arrive.
Mid-Morning: Walk up Whitehall and the Mall to Buckingham Palace. If visiting in summer, you might even catch the State Rooms tour.
Afternoon Tea: I recommend Afternoon Tea at the Conrad St James. It is elegant, refined and just steps from your morning stops. Other great options include:
- Rubens at the Palace
- The Clermont Victoria
- Fortnum and Mason
Late Afternoon (Optional): If you choose afternoon tea at Fortnum and Mason, continue to Regent Street and Carnaby for exploring and shopping. And try to make a quick visit to Liberty London for a beautiful British keepsake. (It beats Harrods by a long shot!)
Evening: End your 3 day London itinerary with a West End show like Phantom of the Opera. Or, if you chose afternoon tea at the other locations, Wicked is nearby Victoria Station!
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More Than This 3-day London Itinerary
This 3 day London itinerary gives you structure and flexibility. The key is simple. Start with the moment for which you are most excited and build the rest around it.
For themed versions tailored to your personality, from luxury to pub-hopping to royal-spotting, don’t miss the London Bucket List Travel Planner. It is designed to help you plan with confidence, make memories that matter and never wonder what to do next.
London Bucket List Travel Planner
What’s inside:
- 12 thoughtfully curated itineraries from four major attractions
- Options for every travel personality: foodie, luxury, Mother-Daughter trip and more!
- A planning section with loads of tips
- A-Z attraction index
- 180+ video guides
Don’t Miss London News!
Final Thoughts: Iconic Starts. Infinite Memories.
Your London trip of a lifetime deserves a winning strategy from someone who’s lived it. And, being married to a man born in London gives me more credibility over the others out there with London travel guides! With us you get the perspective of an American in London and a man born from generations of Londoners.
For more about our other London Travel Planners (including the Ultimate Christmas in London Guide) and consultations, shop the Sunny in London site.
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