How to See the Highlights of London in 3 Days

1. How to See the Highlights of London in 3 Days • London is packed! The kind of packed where one second you're walking past a palace, the next you're eating street food near a 1,000-year-old fortress. • It's big, bold, and full of energy. • And if this is your first visit and you only have three days, no worries—you can still hit the highlights. Here is a 3-day itinerary made to help you see as much as possible in a short time. It keeps travel time low and excitement high. To make the most of your stay, consider booking a hotel near Buckingham Palace in London, You’ll be perfectly placed to explore the city's iconic sights with ease.

2. Nearby Tube Stations: Westminster (Jubilee, Circle, District), St. James's Park (Circle, District), Green Park (Victoria, Piccadilly, Jubilee) • Areas Covered: Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Kensington • Best Time to Visit: Morning to catch the Changing of the Guard • Walking Distance: High • Day 1: The Royal Side of London

3. Morning: Westminster & St James's Park • Start your day in Westminster, where two of London's most famous landmarks—Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament—stand tall. Snap a few photos from Westminster Bridge before heading to Westminster Abbey, just around the corner. • If you've got time, it's worth booking a ticket to explore the Abbey's royal tombs, historic architecture, and peaceful cloisters. Afterwards, walk toward Buckingham Palace, and take a stroll through nearby St James's Park. It's one of the prettiest in the city, full of flowers, birds, and great photo spots with views of both the palace and the London Eye in the distance. • Also Read: How to Spend an Unforgettable Weekend in London

4. Afternoon: Lunch & the Churchill War Rooms • Once you've explored the royal side of London, it's time to eat. You've got a few good options near Hyde Park or around Westminster. After lunch, make your way to the Churchill War Rooms, just a short walk or Tube ride away. • This underground museum shows what life was like for Winston Churchill and his team during WWII. The preserved rooms, maps, and secret tunnels make it one of the most interesting history stops in London. Set aside at least 90 minutes to see it all properly.

5. Evening: Dinner & a Riverside Walk • Wrap up your first day with dinner in Westminster or head across the river to the South Bank, where you'll find lots of restaurants and riverside pubs. It's a good area to relax and people-watch. • Once you've eaten, go for a walk along the Thames. The views at night are stunning—watch the lights glow on the London Eye, bridges, and nearby buildings. If you want a quieter end to the evening, walk west toward Battersea for a calmer stretch of the river and a peaceful view of the skyline.

6. Day 2: Old Meets New • Areas Covered: Tower Hill, London Bridge, South Bank • Time Tips: Arrive at the Tower of London right at opening to avoid crowds • Walking Distance: Moderate to High • Nearby Tube Stations: Tower Hill (District, Circle), London Bridge (Jubilee, Northern), Southwark (Jubilee)

7. Morning: Tower of London & Tower Bridge • Start your day at the Tower of London. It's one of the most famous historic sites in the city and well worth a proper visit. You'll see the Crown Jewels, walk through ancient towers, and maybe even catch a Beefeater tour. • Plan to spend about two hours exploring. When you're done, head just outside to Tower Bridge. Walk across it for great views of the river and skyline. For a nice photo spot, check out the small park just across the bridge on the south side.

8. Afternoon: Borough Market & The Shard or Shakespeare's Globe • After the bridge, walk over to Borough Market for lunch. It's lively and full of good food stalls—perfect for trying a little bit of everything. Grab a coffee and explore a bit more before deciding how you want to spend your afternoon. • If you're into city views, head up to The Shard. If history or theatre is more your thing, walk over to Shakespeare's Globe for a look at how theatre used to be done in London. You can also join a tour if you're curious about the stories behind the scenes.

9. As the sun starts to set, walk across the Millennium Bridge toward St. Paul's Cathedral. You don't need to go inside, but it's a nice spot to pause and take it in. After that, head to the Sky Garden if you've booked in advance. It's a rooftop garden with great sunset views over the city, plus a relaxed atmosphere. End the night with a peaceful walk around the area or head back to Park City Grand Plaza Kensington, considered one of the best hotels in Kensington, London, for a quiet and comfortable evening. • Day 3: Culture, Shops, and Neighborhood Wandering • Evening: St. Paul's, Sky Garden & a Night Walk • Areas Covered: Bloomsbury, Covent Garden, Soho • Walking Distance: Moderate • Nearby Tube Stations: Tottenham Court Road (Central, Northern, Elizabeth), Holborn (Central, Piccadilly), Leicester Square (Northern, Piccadilly) • Must-Do: Try for a same-day West End show deal at the TKTS booth in Leicester Square

10. Morning: British Museum • Start your final day at the British Museum. It's free to enter and full of ancient wonders, like the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies. Even if you're not a museum lover, the place has something for everyone. Spend at least two hours here, and take your time walking through the galleries that interest you most. • Afternoon: Covent Garden & Soho or the National Gallery • Walk to Covent Garden for lunch and a change of pace. The area has lots of small shops, cafes, and street performers, making it a fun place to explore. Grab a quick bite—there are plenty of choices for something tasty without needing a reservation. • After lunch, head over to Soho if you're in the mood for more shops and a buzzy vibe. If you'd rather slow things down, visit the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square. It's free and filled with classic artwork.

11. Evening: West End Show & Relaxed Dinner • Tips to Make It Easy • Get an Oyster card: It saves time and money on the Tube and buses. • Start early: Attractions get busy fast. • Pack comfy shoes: You'll walk more than you think. • Download Citymapper: It's the best app for getting around London. • For your last night in London, consider seeing a West End show. Book ahead if you can, or check for same-day tickets in Leicester Square. The area is full of theatres, so you'll have plenty of options. After the show, enjoy a relaxed dinner and soak in the buzz of the city one last time.

12. Where to Stay in London • If it's your first time visiting London, location is everything. You'll want to stay somewhere that's close to a Tube station and offers easy access to the city's top sights. For comfort, convenience, and value, the Park City Grand Plaza Kensington is a solid choice. • It's located in a peaceful part of West London, near Earl's Court and Gloucester Road stations, which makes getting around easy. The hotel itself is clean and quiet, with spacious rooms and helpful staff. Plus, it's within walking distance of Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum, and Hyde Park. • Staying in Kensington during your London tour gives you the benefit of being close to Central London without the crowds. It's a great area if you like leafy streets, historic buildings, and local cafés. You're also well-connected to areas like Covent Garden, South Bank, and Soho, all of which are just a short Tube ride away. Whether you're planning full days of sightseeing or just want a calm base to come back to, this area strikes a nice balance!