London is a living timeline—Roman walls, Tudor towers, Georgian squares, and glassy skyscrapers all woven together by the Thames. The city’s story runs from Shakespeare’s Globe to punk Soho, from Churchill’s War Rooms to street art in Shoreditch. In three days you can taste its greatest hits and a few local secrets, without feeling rushed.

Expect blockbuster sights—Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London—and the everyday pleasures Londoners love: park strolls, neighborhood pubs, and markets brimming with artisan food. Save room for a West End show, a canal-side wander, and a night view of the skyline reflected in the river.

Practical notes: London’s most efficient transport is the Underground and buses—use a contactless card or Oyster with daily fare caps. Book popular attractions and restaurants in advance, especially in summer and on weekends. Weather is changeable year-round; pack layers and a light raincoat.

London

From the chimes of Big Ben to the Crown Jewels’ sparkle, London balances royal pageantry with creative energy. Stroll historic lanes in Westminster, taste your way through Borough Market, then chase golden-hour views along the South Bank promenade.

Neighborhoods each have a personality: Soho for dining and theater, Shoreditch for street art and indie coffee, Notting Hill for pastel facades and Portobello curios, Greenwich for maritime history. The city rewards curiosity—duck down mews streets, peek into arcades, and pop into a pub with etched glass and a snug corner.

Where to Stay (handpicked and bookable):

• Iconic luxury: The Savoy (Strand; for river views and classic service). Check The Savoy
• Upscale, superb location for sights: Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London (near Big Ben). See Park Plaza Westminster Bridge
• Great value by the Tower: Novotel London Tower Bridge (steps from the Tower and the City). See Novotel Tower Bridge
• Reliable midrange on the South Bank: Premier Inn London County Hall (beside the London Eye). See Premier Inn County Hall
• Budget, central: Point A Hotel London Kings Cross – St Pancras. See Point A Kings Cross
• Hostel picks: YHA London Central (Fitzrovia). See YHA London Central | YHA London St Pancras (steps from Eurostar). See YHA St Pancras
• Apartment-style stays: Browse entire flats and unique homes on VRBO London or compare hotels on Hotels.com London.

Getting to London:

• Flights from North America/Asia: Search competitive fares into Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), or London City (LCY) on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop time from NYC ~7 hours; from LAX ~10–11 hours; round-trips often $500–$1,000 depending on season.
• From European cities: The Eurostar to St Pancras takes ~2h15 from Paris and ~2h from Brussels; compare trains and fares on Omio (Europe Trains). Intra-Europe flights also compare well on Omio (Flights) or buses on Omio (Buses).
• Airport to the city: Elizabeth line from Heathrow to central London ~35 minutes (~£13–£15); Gatwick Express to Victoria ~30 minutes (~£18–£20 advance). Contactless cards work on most services.

Day 1: Westminster Welcome, Icons on the Thames, and a Riverlit Evening

Morning: Travel day. If you land early, drop bags and revive with specialty coffee at Kaffeine (Fitzrovia; Australian-style flat whites) or Monmouth Coffee (Covent Garden; single-origin pour-overs). For a classic London breakfast, The Wolseley on Piccadilly serves eggs benedict and kippers beneath grand chandeliers—reserve if you can.

Afternoon: Stretch your legs in Westminster: gaze up at Big Ben and the neo-Gothic Houses of Parliament before entering the coronation church, Westminster Abbey (royal tombs, Poets’ Corner). For context and front-of-the-line efficiency, consider this guided experience that covers the area’s greatest hits and stories.

Optional tour: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Guided Tour of London (approx 3–4 hours; from ~£79–£99). Priority Abbey access and a Blue Badge guide’s commentary save time and add depth.

Evening: Celebrate night one with dinner on the river. Board a Thames cruise for a three-course meal as you glide by floodlit landmarks—St Paul’s dome, the Shard, and the Tower. Smart-casual dress works; arrive 20–30 minutes early at Westminster Pier.

Dinner on the water: London Dinner Cruise on the Thames River (2.5–3 hours; typically £90–£120 depending on date).

If you prefer to dine on land, try Dishoom Covent Garden (Bombay comfort classics; black daal, house naans) or The Palomar (Jerusalem-influenced small plates—order the polenta “Jerusalem style”). Finish with a pint at The Harp, a beloved real-ale pub near Trafalgar Square.

Day 2: Crown Jewels, Borough Market Bites, and a West End Night

Morning: Be at the Tower of London for opening to see the Crown Jewels before lines build. Join a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour to hear tales of prisoners, ravens, and royal pageantry. Afterwards, walk the Tower Bridge walkways for Thames views over the Pool of London.

Tickets: Tower of London and Crown Jewels Exhibition Ticket (allow ~2–3 hours; adult ~£34–£37).

Pre-coffee? Try WatchHouse Tower Bridge (modern roastery in a former watch house) or a quick pastry from St. John Bakery (legendary custard doughnuts) in nearby Bermondsey.

Afternoon: Wander to Borough Market for lunch. Sample Kappacasein’s molten raclette over potatoes and pickles; taste paella at Furness Fish; grab a porchetta roll at Roast To Go; finish with Bread Ahead doughnuts (vanilla custard is a local favorite). From here, the South Bank’s riverside path leads past Shakespeare’s Globe and Tate Modern—perfect for a culture stop.

Want a relaxed overview between sights? Ride an open-top bus to cover more ground while learning the city’s backstory.

Sightseeing bus: Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (24-hour ticket from ~£42; full loop ~2–3 hours depending on traffic).

Evening: See a West End show (book ahead; musicals cluster around Shaftesbury Avenue and Covent Garden). Pre-theater dinner picks: Kiln (wood-fired Thai; counter seats by the kitchen), Bancone (silk handkerchief pasta with walnut butter), or Blacklock Soho (outstanding chops and white chocolate cheesecake). For a post-show nightcap, Gelupo does late-night gelato; Swift serves classic cocktails in a sleek two-level space.

Day 3: Museums, Neighborhoods, and One Last View

Morning: Choose your museum: The British Museum (Rosetta Stone, Parthenon sculptures) in Bloomsbury, or South Kensington’s duo—the V&A (design, fashion) and the Natural History Museum (Victorian grandeur, blue whale). All offer free general entry; special exhibitions ticketed. For breakfast, try Regency Cafe (art deco, full English; cashless) or E. Pellicci (East End institution serving fry-ups and strong tea).

Afternoon: Explore a neighborhood. In Notting Hill, browse Portobello Road’s vintage stands (busiest Fri–Sat) and recharge at Farm Girl (healthful Aussie plates) or Granger & Co (ricotta hotcakes). Alternatively, head to Camden for market browsing, then stroll the Regent’s Canal toward Primrose Hill for a skyline lookout. Classic fish and chips options include Poppies (Spitalfields or Soho) or The Golden Hind (Marylebone; since 1914).

Evening: Wrap your trip on the South Bank: start at St Paul’s eastward view on the Millennium Bridge, then watch the sun dip behind Westminster from the promenade. Toast the city at The Churchill Arms (Kensington; floral facade, Thai kitchen) or a heritage pub like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese (re-built 1667) with low-lit nooks. If you prefer dinner with a view, book a window table early at a riverside spot along Gabriel’s Wharf or near Bankside.

Departure notes: From central London, the Elizabeth line reaches Heathrow in ~35 minutes; the Gatwick Express reaches Victoria in ~30 minutes. Allow extra time for airport security, especially during peak travel periods.

Coffee, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner—More Tried-and-True Picks:

• Coffee: Monmouth (Covent Garden and Borough; ethically sourced), Flat White (Soho; Kiwi-style), WatchHouse (multiple sites).
• Breakfast/Brunch: The Wolseley (grand European café), Dishoom (bacon naan rolls; from 8 am), The Breakfast Club (Soho; playful, hearty).
• Lunch: Padella (fresh hand-rolled pasta near Borough; go early or queue), Brindisa (Spanish tapas by the market), Bao (Soho; pillowy buns, Taiwanese flavors).
• Dinner: St. JOHN Bread & Wine (nose-to-tail; Spitalfields), Kiln (Thai grill), Bancone (pasta), The Palomar (Jerusalem kitchen), Blacklock (chops).
• Pubs: The Harp (Covent Garden; cask ales), The Mayflower (Rotherhithe; river deck), The Churchill Arms (Thai menu, Victorian bar).

Need flexible booking options? Compare hotels on Hotels.com London or full apartments on VRBO London. For flights and trains to/from Europe, check Omio (Flights) and Omio (Trains); for global flights, compare on Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

For a different spin on day 3, families and fans might devote a half day to the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studios in Leavesden (reserve far ahead and plan ~5–6 hours including transport), or take a leisurely boat to Greenwich for the Royal Observatory and Cutty Sark.

Where to Sleep—quick links again: The Savoy | Park Plaza Westminster Bridge | Novotel London Tower Bridge | Premier Inn County Hall | Point A Kings Cross | YHA London Central | YHA London St Pancras | VRBO London

In three compact days, you’ll trace 1,000 years of history, taste London’s market culture, and see the skyline from the river and road. This itinerary balances can’t-miss icons with local flavor, so your memories feel personal—not just postcard-perfect.