Itineraries for Your Trip to London
3 Days in London for First Timers
As the child of an American mother and an English father raised in the United States, I was lucky enough to visit London regularly throughout my childhood. Ten years ago, I decided to make the leap across the pond permanent.
In the last decade, I have scouted London’s myriad museums and parks, visited its wide-ranging neighborhoods, and found my favorite restaurants and pubs. As Dr. Samuel Johnson once quipped, “The man who is tired of London is tired of life,” and I’m happy to report that, even after 10 years, I’ve never stopped discovering new corners of this vast and varied city. To help you navigate—and see the best of the city—here’s my itinerary for first-time London visitors.
London’s weather is temperate, but changeable—pack layers (and an umbrella).
If you only have time for one thing, see Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
London is home to dozens of landmarks and monuments and multiple UNESCO World Heritage sites—and many of them are conveniently clustered in central London. On a half-day London highlights walking tour, you can see everything from Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace to the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
In the afternoon, get a different view and travel by Thames: It’s a quick trip aboard a Thames Clipper (which accepts Oyster cards or contactless bank cards) to Greenwich to see the varied attractions of the Maritime Greenwich UNESCO site.
London is home to more than 170 museums, making it an essential destination for culture lovers. Begin an edifying day out at the British Museum, located in the Bloomsbury neighborhood of central London. Though it’s one of the capital's busiest museums, a private tour makes it easy to see everything from Egyptian mummies to Grecian marbles.
After a restorative pub lunch, hop aboard the Piccadilly line at Russell Square, and take it eight stops to South Kensington, where blockbuster museums such as the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum await.
London is one of the greenest major cities in Europe, and its public parks—especially its eight Royal Parks—reward explorers. See three in one day on foot or by bike when you explore Kensington Gardens (home to Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial), Hyde Park, and Green Park.
After working up an appetite, take the Jubilee line from Green Park four stops east to London Bridge, where the culinary delights of Borough Market—one of London’s top foodie destinations—await. Explore its many stalls and eateries with a guide to discover must-try bites.
- What are the must-see attractions in London for a 3-day visit?
Three days in town is enough time to see many top London attractions. Head to museums including the Tate Modern and British Museum, venture to city icons such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and Big Ben and the Houses Parliament, and take a Thames River cruise to landmark-packed Greenwich.
- What are the top foods and drinks to try in London?
London is a food lover’s dream destination, whether you plan to eat your way through Borough Market or scope out the city’s best afternoon tea. Savor everything from fish and chips to beef Wellington—and don’t forget to try curry, plus a pint or two.
- Which London neighborhoods should I stay in if I’m in town for three days?
If it’s your first time in London, it’s worth staying in a relatively central area. West End neighborhoods such as Covent Garden and Soho are always popular, while South Kensington is great for families. You can also base yourself in the culture-heavy South Bank neighborhood—or even venture to the trendy East End.
- What’s the best way to get around London on my first visit?
There’s no better way to get around London than via the city’s impressive public transit network. The London Underground and London Overground together offer 17 routes, while hundreds of double-decker buses frequent the capital. If you’re coming from Heathrow Airport, the new Elizabeth Line is the best way to travel.
- Where can I go on a day trip from London?
You have plenty of options for London day trips. Head to Stonehenge to see an ancient wonder of the world, explore Oxford and Cambridge if you’re feeling scholarly, get lost in the UNESCO–listed (and Bridgerton-approved) scenery of Bath, or venture to Brighton for seaside charms on the South Coast.