3 Days in London: The Perfect London Itinerary (2026 Guide)

London is one of the best first-time city breaks in Europe, combining iconic landmarks, famous museums, and easy transport. This itinerary is ideal for travelers who want a classic London experience with practical pacing.

Quick Summary Box 📅

• Ideal for: First-time visitors and short city breaks
• Pace: Balanced
• Budget level: Medium
• Best area to stay: Westminster, South Bank, or Covent Garden
• Transport tips: Use contactless payment on Tube and buses, then walk within each area

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Westminster and South Bank 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Big Ben.
• Westminster Abbey.
• Parliament Square.
• Buckingham Palace.
• St James's Park viewpoint.

Lunch 🍽️

• The Wolseley (tourist-friendly and central).

Afternoon 🌇

• London Eye.
• South Bank riverside walk.
• Westminster Bridge.
• Jubilee Gardens.

Dinner 🍷

• Skylon on South Bank.

Day 2 - Tower and the City 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• Tower Bridge (walkways and views).
• Tower of London (prebook tickets).

Lunch 🍽️

• Borough Market.

Afternoon 🌇

• St Paul's Cathedral.
• Millennium Bridge.
• Sky Garden (timed entry).

Dinner 🍷

• Coppa Club Tower Bridge.

Day 3 - Museum and West End Core 🗺️

Morning ☀️

• The British Museum.
• Covent Garden Piazza.
• Neal's Yard.

Lunch 🍽️

• Dishoom Covent Garden.

Afternoon 🌇

• Trafalgar Square.
• The National Gallery.
• Piccadilly Circus.
• Leicester Square.

Dinner 🍷

• Rules in Covent Garden.

Where to Stay in London 🏨

• Westminster: Best for landmarks; quieter evenings and higher prices.
• South Bank: Walkable and practical; strong access to major sights.
• Covent Garden: Very central and lively; typically more expensive.
• Budget guidance: Choose King's Cross or Paddington for lower rates and strong connections.

Getting Around London 🚇

• Oyster card and contactless both work, but contactless is easiest for short trips.
• London is walkable in central areas, but day-to-day distances can be long.
• Heathrow: Elizabeth Line, Heathrow Express, or Tube.
• Gatwick: Thameslink or Gatwick Express.

FAQ 💡

Is 3 days enough in London?

Yes. Three days is enough for London's main landmarks and a classic first-time experience.

What is the best month to visit London?

May, June, September, and early October are usually the best balance of weather and crowds.

Is London expensive?

It can be, but free museums and area-based planning help keep costs manageable.

Is London walkable?

Yes in central neighborhoods, but combine walking with Tube rides for efficiency.

Where should first-time visitors stay?

Westminster, South Bank, Covent Garden, or Victoria are strong first-time options.

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