A Perfect Weekend in London: 3-Day Itinerary for First-Timers
I’ve lost count of how many times people have asked me in trip consultations, “Am I missing anything?” The honest answer is that you can’t see everything London has to offer in just three days. It’s impossible!
But this travel guide isn’t about doing it all like you’re competing in the Amazing Race! It’s about helping you hit London’s bucket list highlights in an efficient and stress-free way. This is a journey I specialise in helping people plan in my bespoke London itinerary trip consultations and now I’m sharing these London travel tips with you.
This London itinerary is designed to give you a taste of royal history, British culture, and the city’s amazing food scene. It’s the kind of itinerary I’d plan for a friend, ensuring you experience a bucket list travel experience without feeling rushed. Let’s go, Sunny friends!
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Before You Go: Essential London Travel Tips
London can be overwhelming, so a little preparation goes a long way. Here are a few things to know so you can land like a Londoner.
- Getting Around: Don’t waste your time buying a separate Oyster card or one-day travel card. The simplest and most economical way to pay for the Tube, buses and trains is by using your contactless credit or debit card. Just tap in and tap out! For more detailed advice, be sure to look at my article on London Tube Mistakes to Avoid: Save Time, Money and Hassle.
- Where to Stay: Choosing the right neighbourhood can make all the difference for a short trip. For recommendations on hotels near major train stations, read Best Places to Stay in London Near Train Stations. And if you’re weighing up two of the most popular areas, my guide Best Places to Stay in London: Covent Garden or Soho has you covered.
- What to Pack: The best advice I ever received came from my now-husband, Mr. Sunny, who made sure I always chose sensible shoes for our full days of exploring prior to me moving here permanently. Seeing London the right way involves a lot of walking. And, the sidewalks (‘pavement’) here are very uneven! Layers are also a must because it can get really hot on the trains and indoors, but chilly outside. Here’s a list of London Essentials: What to Pack for a London Trip
Day 1: Royal Walk and West End Theatre
You must take in London’s royal history and classic charm! This day’s London itinerary is perfect for anyone arriving from Europe or on a short international flight. If you’re coming from the US, you’ll likely be too jet-lagged to stay awake for a show. Trust me on this one!
- Morning: The Royal Walk
Kick off your day with a royal tour on foot. Start at Buckingham Palace to snap a few photos of the King’s official residence. From there, take a stroll through the serene St. James’s Park. For the best route, watch my Royal Walk video guide below. - Afternoon: Westminster & The West End
After your royal walk, make your way to Westminster, the political heart of London. Number one of nearly everyone’s London bucket list is seeing Big Ben! So tick that box and see Houses of Parliament too. Then, walk toward Trafalgar Square, home to the famous Nelson’s Column and National Gallery. From there, it’s just a short walk into the buzzing West End.
- Evening: A Night at the Theatre
No first-time trip to London is complete without seeing a West End show. You’ll find long-running hits (Mousetrap and Phantom of the Opera) to amazing new productions (Devil Wears Prada). Book your tickets in advance to get the best seats and prices. Above is a button for the website I always use for show tickets for Mr Sunny and me. - Pub Stop: While near Big Ben, Mr Sunny suggests popping in to St Stephens Tavern. It’s a pub that politicians visit frequently. It’s named after St Stephen’s Chapel and is the original meeting place of the House of Commons.
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 2: Choose Your Own London Adventure
Today is all about following your own passions. We’ll start at a major landmark and then, just like in my Bucket List Travel Planner, you’ll have the choice to tailor the rest of the day to your own travel style.
- Morning: The British Museum
As soon as you arrive at the British Museum, head directly to the Rosetta Stone. This is one of the most popular items. Viewing it immediately will help you beat the crowds. After, you can explore the other incredible exhibits, from Egyptian mummies to the Parthenon sculptures.
- The Choice Is Yours
- Option 1 (For History & Art Lovers): From the British Museum, continue your cultural deep dive by visiting The National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square. Even though all of these places to visit in London are free- you’ll want to book your tickets ahead of time to avoid needless waits in queues outside.
- Option 2 (For Shoppers & City Explorers): If you’re ready to shop, head to Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus. From there, explore the small streets in Carnaby. And definitely pop into Liberty, one of London’s most beautiful department stores! I always recommend it as an alternative to Harrods which is a tourist trap and a bit out of the way from the main London attractions you’ll want to see on a short trip. On Sunny in London, you’ll also find an article on The Best Things to Buy in London.
- Pub Stop: Grab a quick pint at the Lamb & Flag no matter which direction you travel after the British Museum. It earned the nickname ‘Bucket of Blood’ in the early 19th century for staging bare-knuckly prize fights.
Day 3: Tower of London and East London Eats
For your final day, we’re blending ancient history with modern-day London.
- Morning: The Tower of London
This UNESCO World Heritage site is a must-see. You’ll be captivated by a thousand years of history, from the infamous Beefeaters to the priceless Crown Jewels. I created a video with some tips for visiting the Tower to make sure you have the best experience. - Afternoon: East London Food Tour
After exploring the Tower, cross over to the east side of London for a different vibe. East London is a melting pot of cultures. The best way to experience it is through its incredible food. A food tour will give you a chance to sample a wide array of flavors and learn about the area’s rich history. One of the best ones we ever took was with Eating Europe. It was the Eating London: East End Food Tour. - Pub Stop: Mr Sunny suggests the Hung, Drawn and Quartered pub for a quick pint before the food tour. It’s a Fuller’s pub, which always has good food. So, if you wanted a quick bite to eat, this is a great London pub to visit!
Mr Sunny’s Pub of the Week
Mr. Sunny takes his pub research very seriously. He believes a great London trip isn’t complete without a few pub stops to truly feel British culture. To get his weekly pub recommendations sent straight to your inbox, just subscribe to the Sunny News. It’s our newsletter, sent every SUNday!
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Final Thoughts: Our London Travel Planners
This itinerary is just a small taste of what I offer. My London Travel Planner is the ultimate tool for anyone looking to build a truly customised, efficient bucket list trip. It includes detailed day-by-day itineraries, day trip information, and insider travel tips to help you land like a Londoner.
London Bucket List Travel Planner
- Solves the issue of what to plan each day
- Pairs 4 major London attractions with daily itineraries
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