What to see in London in 3 days? The essentials for your stay

London travel tips for a great stay 

• Book your flight to London at the best prices ‍
• Central London hotels: see the top-rated ones‍
• London hostels: see the top-rated ones‍
• Book your transfers in London (best prices) 

Practical info: how to get to London? 

‍
Coming for a short stay? Choose a flight to Stansted, where many low-cost airlines land. From the airport, the Stansted London shuttle (Flibco) is ideal for getting quickly to the city centre, with handy stops at Stratford and Liverpool Street. Another advantage: the one-way ticket costs only £9.99 if you book in advance, with the bonus of comfortable buses equipped with free Wi-Fi and USB sockets to charge your devices. Note that Flibco regularly offers special online promotions for children and families. An ideal option to start your stay in London well.

What to see in London in 3 days? The essentials for your stay

Find below the summary of how to visit London in 3 days

Day 1: A few London must-sees

Ready for this first day in London? Let's go!

See Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard 

Combine this visit with Westminster Abbey and Big Ben

This quintessentially British ceremony is a must for all visitors passing through London, especially if it's your first time. It takes place in front of the palace and always attracts a big crowd, which is why we recommend arriving early enough to get a good spot behind the barriers. Note that you can stand on both sides of the grand avenue The Mall, ideal for heading on to St James's Park afterwards.

N.B.: As for timings, it generally takes place at 11am, but we advise you to always check on the official website.

St James's Park

Take a stroll in this magnificent park right next door. From this royal park, you'll have superb views of Buckingham Palace, as well as the Palace of Westminster. You'll see plenty of squirrels, pelicans near the lake (yes, really!)  and flowering gardens in every season. You can even have a picnic there.

Go to Trafalgar Square

It's on this famous square that you'll find Nelson's Column. Not far away is the National Gallery art museum. It houses one of the best art collections in the world (admission is free). Then walk back down Whitehall, where you'll pass the street where the famous 10 Downing Street is located, the official residence of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain. For info, we couldn't get access as the road was closed to the public, so it was impossible to take a photo in front of the famous door! 

See Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey

Another emblematic London monument, Big Ben! Your children may recognise it if they've seen Peppa Pig :) Quite a symbol!
Finally, don't miss visiting the place where the kings and queens of England are crowned. Note that the abbey houses the tombs of many famous figures such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. It is here that Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh were married in 1947, as well as Prince William and Catherine Middleton (Duke and Duchess of Cambridge) in 2011. 

Take a ride on the London Eye

Treat yourself to a panoramic view of London, at sunset. From your capsule, you'll be able to see: 

• The Palace of Westminster and Big Ben: The view of Parliament and its famous clock tower is one of the most impressive. You can see the whole Westminster complex from the top.
• Westminster Abbey, close to Parliament
• The Thames and the famous Tower Bridge a little further on
• The unmissable Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the king
• St Paul's Cathedral with its famous dome
• The Shard, London's tallest skyscraper (you can't miss it with its modern, pointed design)
• Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge 
• Shakespeare's Globe 
• The Sky Garden, located at the top of the "Walkie Talkie" building
• The financial districts of the City and Canary Wharf with their imposing skyscrapers

N.B.: Remember to book your tickets, especially during peak periods, to avoid long queues.

Day 2: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Soho and Covent Garden

For this second day of your stay in London, here is what we suggest: 

Go and see the Tower of London 

For this new morning, go and explore this historic fortress and discover the Crown Jewels.

Practical info to get there:
- Tower Hill station
- Tube lines: Circle Line and District Line.

Other visits to do in the area: 

• Visit the Sky Garden (go up to the top floor to admire the panoramic view with The Shard right opposite)
• Go to Leadenhall Market (Harry Potter filming location)
• The Garden at 120

Heading to Tower Bridge and Borough Market

Cross the Thames on this iconic bridge. If you feel like it, you can also visit the exhibition. At lunchtime, head to Borough Market, recommended for its street food and local produce. The ideal address for eating on the go. 

Explore the Tate Modern

If you like modern and contemporary art, don't miss this gallery housed in a former power station. Note that admission is free.

You can then go to Shakespeare's Globe to see the replica of Shakespeare's theatre. Check the official website if you'd like to book a guided tour. 

Soho and Covent Garden to end the day

Finish the evening in these districts. Perfect for seeing a show or music hall, such as  "Les Misérables" and "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child". You also have plenty of restaurants in Soho. From Indian cuisine to Spanish tapas, there's something for every taste. 

In Soho, don't miss: 

• Carnaby Street, an emblematic street for shopping
• Kingly Court: a really nice address for lunch or dinner
• The Chinatown district with its red lanterns, its shops and its Chinese restaurants

As for Covent Garden, you have: 

• Covent Garden Market, a historic covered market with many  shops, restaurants and craftspeople 
• The Royal Opera House
• Neal's Yard for a coffee or a wander round its health and beauty shops

Day 3: British Museum, Camden Market and Notting Hill 

For this new morning, we'll let you decide 🙂
Spend a few hours at the British Museum to discover its finest collections (Statue of Ramesses II, Rosetta Stone or the Cyrus Cylinder). 

Otherwise, head to Camden Market, one of the most famous and vibrant markets in London. We love its eclectic, slightly bohemian atmosphere, its vintage shops that you won't see anywhere else and its street art. Here, you can have lunch with Mexican, Thai, Indian or even Italian dishes… 

Take a break in Hyde Park or Regent's Park

Fancy sitting down for a moment and enjoying nature? If you're wondering which park to choose, here is our advice: 

Hyde Park for: 

• Its proximity to many tourist sites such as Buckingham Palace, Oxford Street, and the Kensington district
• the Peter Pan statue, the Princess Diana Memorial, and the Italian Garden
• its lake with its pedalos

Regent's Park for: 

• its sublime English gardens, notably Queen Mary's Gardens with more than 12,000 roses
• the ZSL London Zoo located within the park
• its theatre performances in summer
• Its exceptional panoramic view over the city from the top of the hill

Walk around the Notting Hill district

Here, we love wandering through its alleys to admire its pretty pastel-coloured houses.  Take the opportunity to visit the Portobello Road market. There are many shops, cafés and restaurants. 

Bonus, depending on time: visit the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum 

Evening at Piccadilly Circus or Southbank

And to end your stay, we advise you either to go to the Southbank district. Here, you can stroll along the south bank of the Thames, dine in one of its restaurants and enjoy the night views of the city.

Otherwise, take the opportunity to go to Piccadilly Circus with its giant screens. You'll feel like you're in Times Square in New York! It's here that you'll feel London's vibrant, cosmopolitan energy 🙂

Visiting London with family in 3 days ? 13 activities

Here are a few outing suggestions, if you're wondering what to see in London in 3 days when you come with family. 

The Harry Potter Studio Tour, of course 

Dive into the magical world of the films. You'll see the Great Hall, Dumbledore's office, the Gryffindor common room and even the Forbidden Forest. You'll be able to see the original costumes of your favourite characters, as well as the famous wand of Harry and the Goblet of Fire.

Climb aboard the Hogwarts Express on platform 9¾, try your hand at broomstick flying or walk through Diagon Alley. You can also admire the detailed model of Hogwarts and visit the potions classroom. 

The best museums to visit with your children

The Natural History Museum 

We go for its dinosaurs, its mammal gallery and the volcanoes and earthquakes zone. You can even feel the vibrations of an earthquake under your feet! Admission is free.

The Science Museum:

We go for its interactive exhibitions on space, its technologies and all the incredible inventions to discover. The "Wonderlab" area is particularly fun for children. Admission is free.

The British Museum 

We go to discover its Egyptian mummies gallery and its ancient treasures. Once again, free admission.

Explore London at your own pace with the famous Red Bus

Let your children climb up to the top deck and discover all of London's emblematic sights thanks to a route with 36 stops, starting at Grosvenor Gardens and ending at Buckingham Palace. Admire the Queen Elizabeth Gate in Hyde Park and the Thames Embankment. Cross Westminster Bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye.

This will be your chance to visit major landmarks such as St Paul's Cathedral, Westminster Abbey and Tower Bridge. Immerse yourself in the buzz and glamour of the West End, passing through Leicester Square, and end your tour at Buckingham Palace, the main royal residence.

Bonus: Choose a 24- or 48-hour ticket and enjoy a free cruise on the Thames between Westminster Pier and Tower Pier. 

See ZSL London Zoo  

Located in Regent's Park, it is one of the oldest scientific zoos in the world with a wide variety of animals. It is home to more than 750 animal species and offers exhibits such as "Land of the Lions" and "Tiger Territory". With your children, take part in the interactive activities or watch the animals being fed. An ideal place to visit as a family, which is why it is one of our favourites in "What to see in London in 3 days". 

Pin this article on Pinterest to find it more easily 🩵📌

Explore the Sea Life London Aquarium 

Take your children for a day at the Sea Life London Aquarium. Discover sharks (real ones), turtles, penguins and other sea creatures. In total, there are 500 marine species! Enjoy an unforgettable aquatic adventure in the heart of London and walk through the ocean tunnel: you'll see marine creatures swimming right above your heads. Depending on the programme, you can also feed rays. Also don't miss the hands-on discovery of the pools. Ideal for families, the aquarium offers an educational and immersive experience that will delight young and old.

Visit Madame Tussauds 

Enjoy a captivating experience that the whole family will love. Have your photo taken in front of wax figures, and not just any ones, those of your favourite idols. Lady Gaga, Elizabeth II, Tiger Woods, David and Victoria Beckham or even Madonna… During this visit, discover the interactive exhibitions and visit the Chamber of Horrors. Also enjoy the fascinating story of Madame Tussaud and her art of sculpture.

Go to KidZania London:

Discover this interactive city designed for children. Here, they can try different jobs and activities (doctor, firefighter, pilot and much more).
KidZania London is located in Westfield London, a large shopping centre in the White City/Shepherd's Bush district.To get there, take public transport, via Shepherd's Bush Tube station or White City station, served by the Central Line. Note that several bus lines also stop near the shopping centre.

Do Shrek's Adventure! London:

Treat yourself to this great immersive and interactive family experience located on South Bank, near the London Eye. Once there, you embark on a magical 4D bus journey driven by Donkey, travelling through sets recreating the world of Shrek and his friends. Meet emblematic characters such as Fiona, Puss in Boots and Gingy and try to solve riddles throughout the route. The perfect combination of live theatre, special effects and captivating storytelling. An unforgettable adventure for all Shrek fans!

See a show in Soho 

The West End theatres… so many shows are suitable for children, such as "The Lion King", "Matilda" or "Aladdin". You'll see stunning sets and captivating stories that will enchant young and old. "

Visit the Hamleys toy shop 

If you're wondering what to see in London in 3 days with children, come to this huge shop spread over 3 or 4 floors… A children's paradise! A shop full of toys with staff on hand to let them try them out! In short, no need to thank us, your children will have stars in their eyes. It's also a shop you don't see every day. 

Ride the London Eye to discover London

Don't miss this spectacular panoramic view of London from the London Eye. This emblematic Ferris wheel is located on the south bank of the Thames. Once settled in, you'll be able to spot famous landmarks such as Big Ben, the Palace of Westminster, and even St Paul's Cathedral. 

For info, each rotation lasts about 30 minutes in comfortable glass capsules. The best time is probably at sunset.

Visit the London Transport Museum

Show your children the fascinating history of the development of London's transport at the London Transport Museum. Admire historic vehicles and many collectors' items. Enjoy the interactive exhibits, such as the Tube driver training simulator. You'll see the evolution of transport, from horse-drawn buses to the world's first underground!

The must-see streets and districts for a first time in London

Here are a few emblematic streets for a bit of shopping: 

• Oxford Street is the most famous shopping street in London 
• Regent Street, known for its luxury shops and its magnificent lights at Christmas time

• Carnaby Street for its vintage shops and trendy brands
• Bond Street for its haute couture shops and renowned jewellers
• King's Road is the ultra-chic street of Chelsea. You'll find designer boutiques and trendy cafés there

Other streets and districts not to be missed if you come to London:

• The Strand is a historic street leading to many emblematic sites such as Somerset House or the West End theatres.
• Whitehall with its government buildings (Downing Street, the Cenotaph or Westminster Abbey)
• The Mall, a broad avenue leading from Trafalgar Square to Buckingham Palace, often used for royal processions. It's also here that you can see the Changing of the Guard.
• Charing Cross Road, a street famous for its bookshops 
• Portobello Road in Notting Hill for its antiques market and its pretty coloured houses
• Marylebone High Street for browsing its independent shops and bookshop, but also for sitting down and having a coffee
• As for districts, you absolutely must go to Covent Garden, Soho, Piccadilly Circus with its illuminated advertising screens and its statue of Eros.
• Also don't miss The Embankment: Walk along the Thames for magnificent views of emblematic landmarks such as the London Eye and Big Ben. Take a cruise on the Thames‍
• And last but not least, the Chinatown district with its Chinese restaurants and Asian bakeries

FAQ: visiting London in 3 days

Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions

How to get around London?

The best tip we can give you is to use public transport, such as the Tube, the red double-decker buses or local trains. The Oyster card or contactless credit cards are handy for paying for journeys. You also have bike-sharing schemes and ride-hailing apps like Uber if you wish. Finally, try the water taxis on the Thames to get to either side of the city (for example from Big Ben to Tower Bridge)

How does the Visitor Oyster Card work? 

The Visitor Oyster Card is a plastic smart card, ideal for getting around economically in all London transport zones (zones 1 to 9). Valid on buses, the Tube, DLR, TFL Rail, London Overground, trams and most National Rail trains, it even covers journeys from Heathrow, London City and Gatwick airports. Each person must have an individual card and tap in and out at the start and end of their journey for the Tube, DLR and Overground, and once at the start for buses and trams. The card costs £7 and must be loaded with an initial credit (check on the official website nonetheless). It guarantees the lowest fare for the day, ensuring you never pay more than a daily ticket.
‍

Our opinion: Easy to use and practical, the Visitor Oyster Card is the best way to get around London hassle-free.

How many days do you need to visit London?

London is big, very big! It is said that London is 15 times larger than Paris and has 3.5 times more inhabitants than the French capital. Therefore, for a first visit, we advise you to take 4 to 5 days to see the main attractions without having to rush. Three days may be enough for a quick visit, but you'll have to focus on the must-sees. See our special guide "what to see in London in 3 days". For a great stay, we'd say that a week is ideal to explore Greater London at your own pace, and more to discover the surroundings. 

What is the best time to visit London?

It always rains in London! That's what you often hear, and it's true! Let's say that spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit London. The weather is quite pleasant and there are fewer tourists. Summer is good too for enjoying the parks and terraces, but it is much busier. As for the end of the year, the Christmas decorations in December offer a unique festive atmosphere… It's up to you to decide!

What to do in London in 3 days for free?

Wondering which museums are free in London! There are the British Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Tate Modern. If your budget is limited, the royal parks are free too, such as Hyde Park and Regent's Park. You can also admire emblematic sites such as Buckingham Palace and Big Ben during a walk through London. Stroll through the lively districts of Covent Garden and Camden Market, in short, you won't get bored! 

London in 3 days as a couple: what to do?

What could be more romantic than strolling along the Thames and enjoying a sunset cruise. Take in the panoramic view from The Shard or the London Eye as a couple, then dine in a chic restaurant in Soho or in the famous Covent Garden district. Finally, why not enjoy a West End show to end your London stay in style!

Our special article "What to see in London in 3 days" ends here. We hope all this info will help you plan your getaway and enjoy this wonderful city located in Greater London. All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes for other stays in England or elsewhere 😎