3 Days in London, England
Want to make the most of a short stay in London? Here are some”must-sees, eats, and dos” for three days in the Big Smoke.


Day 1: Tower of London, Shoreditch, and East London Vibes
MORNING
- Tower of London – arrive early (opens at 9:00AM most days) to see the Crown Jewels and avoid the crowds. Book your tickets in advance to save time in line. Allow 2-3 hours to tour.
- Tower Bridge – cross for beautiful views and photo ops. There is a museum inside and you can choose to climb to the top for some stunning views. Expect to spend 30 minutes to an hour here. Get tickets ahead of time.
AFTERNOON
- Lunch – Walk over to Hung, Drawn & Quartered, a traditional British pub fare along with some of the best hand pies in the city.
- Leadenhall Market – historic Victorian market with boutique shops.
- Sky Garden – free public garden with stunning panoramic views. (Book a free ticket in advance or a table for an afternoon cocktail.)
- St. Paul’s Cathedral – sits on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in London. Take the Tube from St. Paul’s over to Dishoom for your dinner.
EVENING
- Dinner – Head to Dishoom Shoreditch, a trendy Indian restaurant with great ambiance.
- West End Shows – buy show tickets for an unforgettable evening
Day 2: British Museum, National Portrait Gallery, and Covent Garden
MORNING
- Breakfast – Go to Donutelier on Charing Cross Road. It is only a 15 minute walk from there to the British Museum.
- British Museum – Plan to arrive at the museum entrance at 9:50AM so you make sure you are among the first visitors admitted. Be sure not to miss the Rosetta Stone! Plan 2 – 3 hours here.
AFTERNOON
- Thomas Farthing – Shop here for classic English style vests, hats, and tweed jackets for men. Open 11:00AM – 6:00PM, closed Sundays.
- Afternoon Tea – Make a reservation at the Covent Garden Hotel for tea. It’s an elegant yet relaxed traditional tea experience.
- Neal’s Yard Dairy – Famous for British cheeses in a colorful hidden courtyard.
- Covent Garden Market – Explore all of the boutiques, street performers, and artisanal shops.
- The National Gallery – free art museum with special exhibits. Open until 9:00PM on Fridays so could do this after an early dinner.
EVENING
- Dinner – Flat Iron Covent Garden – Simple but delicious steaks in a cozy setting.
- Enjoy Live Music or Cabaret
- CellarDoor – A tiny, speakeasy-style bar with live jazz, cabaret, and burlesque.
- The Piano Works (West End) – A lively bar where musicians play audience song requests.
- Blame Gloria – A funky basement bar with retro vibes and occasional live music.
Day 3: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, and Mayfair
MORNING
- Westminster Abbey – arrive right at opening time to avoid crowds. Plan to spend 1.5 to 2 hours here.
- Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – walk by for some iconic photos.
- Walk to Buckingham Palace via St. James’s Park – enjoy the scenic route and feed the swans on your way.
- Buckingham Palace Tour – check and see if the palace is open for tours before you head on your trip. This is a must-see tour if it is available.
AFTERNOON
- Lunch – The Wolseley – classic British brasserie with an elegant setting.
- Harrods (Knightsbridge) – Browse luxury brands and the famous food halls.
- Kensington Gardens & Kensington Palace – stroll through the gardens and visit the palace if time allows.
EVENING
- Dinner – The Shed – unique ambiance with artistic décor and a great menu. Reservations required.
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