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.

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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

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

  • DinnerFlat 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

  • LunchThe 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

  • DinnerThe Shed – unique ambiance with artistic décor and a great menu. Reservations required.

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