London 3-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
Discover London's best attractions with our perfect 3-day itinerary. From the Tower of London to West End shows, experience the best of Britain's capital city.
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What's the perfect 3-day itinerary for London, United Kingdom?
Start with Day 1 exploring the Tower of London and Tower Bridge before walking the South Bank. Day 2 covers Westminster's royal sights and world-class museums. Day 3 ventures to trendy Notting Hill and Camden's alternative scene. Budget £50-80 daily including Oyster Card transport.
Related questions:
- • How much does 3 days in London cost?
- • What's the best area to stay in London?
- • Is 3 days enough for London?
Your 3-Day London Adventure
TL;DR: Explore London's highlights in 3 action-packed days covering 17 attractions with a budget of €£203-£1080-1980 per person.
- 1 Day 1 explores historic City: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market (£25 entry)
- 2 Day 2 covers royal Westminster: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, British Museum (£25 + free museums)
- 3 Day 3 discovers diverse neighborhoods: Notting Hill markets, Hyde Park, Camden (mostly free)
- 4 Many world-class museums offer free admission including British Museum and National Gallery
- 5 Oyster Card daily cap (Zones 1-2) is £7.70 - best value for transport
- 6 Total 3-day budget: £150-240 (budget), £300-450 (mid-range), £600+ (luxury) per person
London offers an unparalleled 3-day journey through centuries of royal history, world-class museums, and cutting-edge culture. From the Tower of London's crown jewels to the British Museum's global treasures, from West End theatres to trendy Camden markets, this carefully crafted itinerary balances must-see monuments with authentic London experiences. Navigate historic Westminster, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and discover why London remains one of the world's most visited cities. With daily costs ranging from £50 to £200+ per person, London accommodates all budgets while delivering unforgettable experiences. The best time to visit is May through September for pleasant weather, though London's indoor attractions make it a year-round destination. This itinerary covers approximately 40 kilometers across the capital's most iconic districts.
Your 3-Day London Itinerary
Day 1: Historic London: Tower to Thames
History & Heritage
Day 1
Journey through 1000 years of history from medieval fortress to modern riverside, experiencing London's evolution from Roman settlement to global metropolis
Total Cost
GBP50-150
Walking Distance
14 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 14 km journey!
Day 1 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Tower of London
Start at this 900-year-old fortress housing the Crown Jewels. Join a free Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour for entertaining tales of executions and intrigue.
💡 Tip: Arrive at opening (9 AM) to beat crowds. Yeoman Warder tours start every 30 minutes near entrance
Tower Bridge
Walk across London's most iconic bridge, then return via the high-level glass walkways for spectacular views.
💡 Tip: Glass floor sections offer thrilling views 42 meters above the Thames. Basic crossing is free
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Borough Market • International food stalls
💰 GBP8-15 per person
Must try: Bread Ahead doughnuts, Kappacasein grilled cheese, Monmouth coffee
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:30 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Shakespeare's Globe Theatre
Tour this faithful reconstruction of Shakespeare's original theatre. Standing tickets for performances just £5!
💡 Tip: Guided tours run every 30 minutes. Book performance tickets weeks ahead for popular shows
Tate Modern
Explore international modern art in this converted power station. Free admission to permanent collections.
💡 Tip: Free daily tours at 11 AM, 12 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM. Turbine Hall installations are Instagram-famous
South Bank Walk
Stroll the riverside path past street performers, book stalls, and pop-up bars to Covent Garden.
💡 Tip: Free events often at National Theatre and Southbank Centre
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM)
Duration: 4 hours
Covent Garden
Experience London's entertainment district with street performers, boutique shops, and pre-theatre dining.
💡 Tip: Best street performers 5-8 PM. Many restaurants offer pre-theatre menus until 6:30 PM
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Dishoom Covent Garden • Bombay-style Indian
💰 GBP15-25 per person
Must try: Black daal, Chicken ruby, Bacon naan breakfast, Mango lassi
🚇 Getting Around
start Point: Tower Hill station (District/Circle lines)
end Point: Covent Garden station
transport Tips: Oyster Card or contactless payment caps at £7.70 for Zones 1-2
🏨 Where to Stay: Stay near King's Cross for transport links, Covent Garden for nightlife, or South Bank for culture
Day 2: Royal London & World-Class Museums
Royalty & Culture
Day 2
Experience the pomp of royal London alongside treasures from global civilizations, from crown ceremonies to ancient mummies
Total Cost
GBP45-140
Walking Distance
12 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 12 km journey!
Day 2 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Westminster Abbey
Explore 1000 years of history in this Gothic masterpiece. See coronation throne, Poets' Corner, and royal tombs.
💡 Tip: Book online to skip queues. Verger-led tours at 10:30 AM offer deeper insights
Big Ben & Parliament
View London's famous clock tower and Houses of Parliament. Walk through Parliament Square gardens.
💡 Tip: UK residents can book Parliament tours. Big Ben still chimes on the hour
Buckingham Palace & Guard Change
Walk through St. James's Park to see the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11 AM.
💡 Tip: Guard change: Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun at 11 AM. Arrive by 10:30 AM for good spots
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
The Ivy Market Grill • Modern British
💰 GBP15-30 per person
Must try: Shepherd's pie, Ivy hamburger, Chocolate bombe
Afternoon (2:00 PM - 5:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
British Museum
Explore treasures from world civilizations. See the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and Greek sculptures.
💡 Tip: Download free app for audio tours. Free 30-min highlight tours available
Russell Square & Bloomsbury
Walk through literary Bloomsbury, home to Virginia Woolf and the Bloomsbury Group.
💡 Tip: Many University of London buildings have interesting architecture
Evening (6:00 PM - 10:30 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Leicester Square & Chinatown
Browse TKTS booth for discounted theatre tickets, then explore vibrant Chinatown.
💡 Tip: TKTS offers up to 50% off same-day shows. Queue from 10 AM for matinees
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
Yauatcha Soho • Dim sum & tea
💰 GBP25-40 per person
Must try: Venison puffs, Prawn har gau, Macarons
🚇 Getting Around
start Point: Westminster station (Jubilee/District/Circle)
end Point: Leicester Square station
transport Tips: Many attractions within walking distance - save on transport
🏨 Where to Stay: Bloomsbury offers central location with quieter streets than tourist hotspots
Day 3: Markets, Parks & Alternative London
Local Life & Culture
Day 3
Discover London's creative soul through colorful markets, royal parks, and alternative culture in trendy neighborhoods
Total Cost
GBP40-120
Walking Distance
14 km
Activities
3 stops
Duration
Full Day
Today's Highlights
🌟 Pro Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and enjoy the best lighting for photos. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for today's 14 km journey!
Day 3 Schedule
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Notting Hill & Portobello Road
Browse the world's largest antiques market on Saturdays. Explore pastel-colored houses and boutique shops.
💡 Tip: Saturday is antiques day - arrive before 10 AM. Weekdays less crowded but fewer stalls
Holland Park
Escape crowds in this peaceful park featuring Japanese gardens, peacocks, and opera house.
💡 Tip: Japanese garden best in morning light. Opera performances in summer
🍽️ Lunch Recommendation
Dishoom Kensington • Bombay café
💰 GBP12-20 per person
Must try: Bacon naan roll, House black daal, Mango lassi
Afternoon (1:30 PM - 5:00 PM)
Duration: 3.5 hours
Hyde Park & Museums
Walk through London's most famous park, then choose between V&A, Natural History, or Science Museum.
💡 Tip: All South Kensington museums free. Rent Boris bike for £2 to cover more ground
Kensington Palace
Visit Diana's former home and current residence of Prince William. Beautiful gardens.
💡 Tip: Skip if not interested in royalty - use time for more museum exploration
Evening (5:30 PM - 10:00 PM)
Duration: 4.5 hours
Camden Market & Town
Explore London's alternative scene with punk fashion, international food, and live music venues.
💡 Tip: Weekends very crowded - Thursday/Friday better. Primrose Hill nearby for sunset views
🍽️ Dinner Recommendation
The Cheese Bar • British cheese & wine
💰 GBP15-25 per person
Must try: Baked camembert, Welsh rarebit, Cheese board selection
🚇 Getting Around
start Point: Notting Hill Gate station (Central/Circle/District)
end Point: Camden Town station (Northern line)
transport Tips: Northern line runs until 12:30 AM for late returns
🏨 Where to Stay: Camden or King's Cross for nightlife access, South Kensington for museums
Complete Budget Breakdown
London offers experiences for every budget, from free world-class museums to luxurious afternoon teas. Smart planning and advance bookings can significantly reduce costs.
Budget Traveler
💰per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
3-Day Total
£203-338
Attractions
£45-75
Meals
£60-90
Transport
£23.10
Extras
N/A
Mid-Range
💎per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
3-Day Total
£473-713
Attractions
£90-150
Meals
£120-180
Transport
£23.10
Extras
N/A
Luxury
👑per person per day
Daily Breakdown
Money-Saving Tips:
3-Day Total
£1080-1980
Attractions
£150-240
Meals
£240-450
Transport
£90
Extras
N/A
💡 Smart Money-Saving Tips
Many world-class museums offer free admission
Oyster Card daily cap saves on transport
Borough Market and street food for affordable meals
Walking between nearby attractions saves money
Supermarket meal deals for budget lunches (£3-5)
Free walking tours (tip-based)
Happy hours at pubs (5-7 PM)
TKTS booth for same-day theatre discounts
✨ Worth the Splurge
West End show tickets
Tower of London with Crown Jewels
London Eye at sunset
Afternoon tea experience
Thames dinner cruise
Note: All prices are estimates for 2025 and exclude accommodation. Actual costs may vary by season and booking timing. Prices shown in EUR.
Essential Planning Tips
Oyster Card vs Contactless
Use contactless payment or Oyster Card for best fares on public transport. Daily cap for Zones 1-2 is £7.70. Contactless bank cards work exactly like Oyster cards.
Museum Strategy
Major museums like British Museum and National Gallery are free. Book timed slots online to avoid queues. Special exhibitions usually charge £12-20.
Theatre Tickets
Book popular shows weeks ahead. For same-day discounts, try TKTS in Leicester Square (up to 50% off). Many theatres offer day seats sold morning of performance.
Weather Prep
London weather is unpredictable. Always carry a compact umbrella and wear layers. Even summer days can turn cool and rainy.
Customize Your Itinerary
Customize your London experience based on your interests
Royal London Focus
- ✓ Day 1: Add Tower of London State Apartments
- ✓ Day 2: Extend time at Buckingham Palace State Rooms (summer)
- ✓ Day 3: Visit Kensington Palace instead of Camden
Additional cost: £20-40 for palace entries
Harry Potter Fan
- ✓ Day 1: Add Leadenhall Market (Diagon Alley)
- ✓ Day 2: Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station
- ✓ Day 3: Warner Bros Studio Tour (full day)
Additional cost: £50 for studio tour
Art & Culture
- ✓ Day 1: Tate Modern extended visit
- ✓ Day 2: National Gallery instead of shopping
- ✓ Day 3: V&A and Natural History Museum full day
Savings: Most museums free
Family with Kids
- ✓ Day 1: Add SEA LIFE London
- ✓ Day 2: Diana Memorial Playground in Hyde Park
- ✓ Day 3: London Zoo instead of markets
Additional cost: £30-40 per child
When to Visit: Seasonal Guide
spring
March-May • 8-15°C, frequent rain
Highlights:
- • Hyde Park flowers
- • Easter events
- • Boat Race
summer
June-August • 15-23°C, occasional rain
Highlights:
- • Outdoor festivals
- • Late sunsets (9:30 PM)
- • Park concerts
autumn
September-November • 10-15°C, crisp days
Highlights:
- • Fall colors in parks
- • Theatre season
- • Guy Fawkes Night
winter
December-February • 2-8°C, wet
Highlights:
- • Christmas lights
- • Winter Wonderland
- • Sales season