Let's spend a long weekend in London. I am talking about an amazing three days in London.
But first. I have a confession. London has always been that place that we took for granted. Maybe because it seems easy to get to. Maybe because people compare it to New York City. Maybe it's because it has a reputation for being cold and rainy and dreary.
Well, I am here to say that these reasons are not reasons enough to skip London.
London is full of so much history. The architecture is absolutely amazing. And if you have time going to a football match is life-changing. The energy is just incredible. And you get to enjoy all of it with this London itinerary.
So are you ready to go to London?
How many days are enough for London?
There is no right amount of time that is “enough” for London. It really depends on what kind of traveler you are. However, while you can easily spend a week exploring London a 3 day weekend will give you a great opportunity to get a taste of everything that London has to offer.
We spent 3 days in London and found it to be the perfect amount of time.
What time of year should I visit London?
We visited London in January and were blessed with sunny days and 50F weather. It is not uncommon for London to be rainy and gray during this time of year.
There are two times of the year however that are recommended.
The spring brings milder temperatures and the city is awash in spring florals which makes for a magical experience. However, as the temperature rises so do the prices. Hotels and flights tend to be pricier during late spring and into the summer. This is because it is the beginning of the high season.
In the alternative consider visiting in the Fall. The fall is when the city is awash in the red, yellow, and oranges of Fall. And the best prices. As the temperatures drop. So do prices which means better deals on hotels and flights.
Arriving in London: How to Get to London
If you are flying into London you will most likely land in either Heathrow Airport or Gatwick Airport. Getting into London from either of these airports is a lot easier than you would think. And the best part. It is relatively inexpensive.
Getting to London from Heathrow Airport
You have a couple of options to get into London from Heathrow however the cheapest and quickest is via train.
The Quickest way to get to London from Heathrow Airport
The Heathrow Express is the quickest way to get into central London. The ride is about 15 minutes from the airport to central London.
It can be a bit pricey starting at £22 for off-peak and £25 for peak. However, if you purchase your tickets in advance you can score tickets for as little as £5.50.
Follow signs to the Heathrow Express when you exit Immigration and Customs.
The Cheapest way to get to London from Heathrow Airport
Getting to central London from the airport is very easy. You can take the underground and be in the City in under 45 minutes. The fare will vary whether you are riding during peak or off-peak hours. At this writing the fares are as follows:
Peak: £2.80Monday to Friday from 0630 to 0930 and from 1600 to 1900.
Off-Peak: £1.50At all other times including public holidays.
You can get more information regarding individual fare on the Oyster Card site.
Follow the signs for the underground. Purchase an Oyster card. Depending on the length of your stay it is recommended you load up the card as follows:
2 days-£20 credit
4 days-£40 credit
Once you have loaded the card up and you can proceed to the underground. Tap your card at the turnstile and enter.
The underground runs very frequently. We waited less than five minutes.
We used google maps for directions however there are maps everywhere that you can consult.
I highly recommend using google maps however as there are various lines and it can get confusing if you have to transfer.
Getting to London from Gatwick Airport
You have a couple of options to get into London from Gatwick however the cheapest and quickest is via train.
The Quickest way to get to London from Gatwick Airport
The Gatwick Express is the quickest way to get into central London. The ride is about 30 minutes from the airport to central London.
It can be a bit pricey starting at £17.50. But if you are looking to save some time this is a great way to get into Central London.
Follow signs to the Gatwick Express when you exit Immigration and Customs.
A Cheaper way to get to London from Gatwick Airport
You can take the tube from Gatwick to London. The ride takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour and the fares will vary depending on what part of London you're going to. You can get the single fare finder in order to get an idea as to how much the trip is going to cost them.
Rates to Earl's Court, for example, came up as low as the following:
Peak: £12.60Monday to Friday from 0630 to 0930 and from 1600 to 1900.
Off Peak: £8.50At all other times including public holidays.
The Cheapest way to get to London from Gatwick Airport
If you are really watching your wallet then check out EasyBus. With fares as low as £2, this is the most economical way we have found to get into Central London from the airport. However, the ride can take an hour and a half. So it may not be the best option for those that are tight on time.
How to Get Around London
As mentioned above the underground or tube is a great way to get around London. Depending on the length of your stay load up your Oyster card and keep it moving.
If you're staying for less than a week an Oyster card is your best option. Keep in mind that when you purchase an Oyster Card you are required to put a £5 deposit. So if you want to load your card up with a £20 credit it will actually be £25 credit.
However, at the end of your time in London, you can turn the card back in and get your deposit back as well as any unused funds you have left.
Another thing to note is that when using an Oyster card there is a daily cap. So after you hit that cap you won't be charged any more for rides.
The cap varies by zone and whether you are riding during peak or off-peak hours. Head on over to the Oyster Card site to get more information on specific fares.
Where to Stay in London
There are so many wonderful neighborhoods to stay in London. Some are pricier than others.
For our first time, we decided to stay near Kensington near Earl's Court. This is a great neighborhood. The tube was a block away from our hotel. There was plenty to do right in the area. And the best part. It was budget-friendly.
Our home away from home for our long weekend was the Hotel Indigo-Kensington (not to be confused with Kensington Palace although if someone were to ask well…).
The Hotel Indigo-Kensington was the perfect combination of location and budget. But the icing on the cake was the service. From the minute we entered through the front door we felt at home.
The staff at Hotel Indigo is absolutely amazing. Even if the location and price were not considered I would not hesitate to stay here again in a heartbeat.
For an extensive list of places to stay in London check out our London Neighborhood Guide.
Tips for Saving Money in London
One of the best tips I have for saving money in London is to invest in the Rick Steves London Guide.
This guide is jam-packed with things to see and do but what is great about this guide are the DIY walking tours.
During our time in London, we used a number of Rick Steve's walking tours and pieced them together to create our own 3-day adventure.
Throughout this guide, we will be sharing our own tips and tricks that helped us to save money here and there. So keep an eye out.
Three Day London Itinerary
We spent a long weekend in London which worked out to approximately 4 days. You can follow all three days of the itinerary or pick and choose 1 or 2 depending on how much time you have. We opted to stretch out our Day 1 into two days. But you can easily do this in one day depending on how much time you spend at each attraction.
London Itinerary Day 1
If you are arriving in London early in the morning it is highly recommended that you hit the ground running and push through the jet lag. Don't be us and take a nap and end up losing half the day.
Don't worry. We won't stay out too late. Unless you want to. So let's get started.
If it is your first time visiting London then you definitely want to start with all the main attractions. And that is what we are going to do today.
If you get in late feel free to skip the morning activities and swap them in on another day.
Ok let's get started.
Buckingham Palace
There is no better place to start than Buckingham Palace. And that is where you should start. To get to Buckingham Palace you can take the tube one of the following four stops depending on what line you're near: Victoria (Victoria Line), Green Park (Victoria or Piccadilly line) and Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line).
We opted to take the Piccadilly line to Green Park and walked through the park to Buckingham Palace.
If you want to visit Buckingham Palace, it is open for 10 weeks each summer and on selected dates during winter and spring. You can get tickets and find out more information at the Royal Collection Trust site.
If you are unable to actually visit the palace there is plenty to see from outside. If you time it right and arrive in time for the Changing of the Guard this is a nice highlight.
Changing of the Guard-Buckingham Palace
The changing of the guard happens at 11 am every day from May-July and every other day from August-April.
Most people start gathering around the front of the palace around 10 am. There are a few spots to consider. You can stand fence outside of Buckingham Palace. This is the closest spot. Most people will gather at the center gate and then fill in the space around the perimeter of the Palace.
Another spot is the Victoria Memorial which is located in front of the Palace. This is a great spot as you are overlooking the entire Palace. This area fills up quickly though so make sure to secure your spot.
The changing of the guard actually commences around 10:30 am at nearby Welling Barracks and St. James Palace. Both the new guards and the old guards make their way to Buckingham Palace down the Mall.
Around 11 am all the guards converge around Victoria Memorial (see why its a great spot).
The actual ceremony from approximately 11 am to 11:45 am.
Once you have experienced the changing of the guard ceremony it is time to head to our next stop. Make your way down the Mall towards Trafalgar Square.
Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is so iconic there is a Trafalgar Square Lego Set.
You can't come to London and not stand in the middle of Trafalgar Square. In the distance, you can see Big Ben staring back at you. Here you're surrounded by galleries, cafes and the hustle and bustle of people trying to get somewhere.
At any given time there may be performers sharing their art. In the summer you can have a snack and beverage at the outdoor cafe. Even in the winter, you will see people bundled up enjoying a tea.
Take a moment to stroll around, snap a few pics.
From here you can either visit the National Gallery or if your hungry it is time to grab some Afternoon Tea.
National Gallery
If time permits take a few moments to step into the National Gallery. Admission to the museum is free. From Van Gogh to Rembrandt this museum is home to so many amazing art pieces. It is well worth the stroll through to admire the pieces that call the National Gallery home.
Admission is free and hours are every day 10 am to 6 pm. On Fridays, the museum is] open until 9 pm.
Optional: Afternoon Tea
You may be a bit hungry. And if you are then it is the perfect time for some afternoon tea.
Afternoon tea in London is usually in the late afternoon. Customarily you will see it hosted between the hours of 2pm and 6pm. If you are looking for a few budget-friendly places for afternoon tea then consider one of the following:
Cafe in the Crypt is located right across the street from Trafalgar making it the perfect spot to enjoy Afternoon Tea and rest up a bit after a long morning or sightseeing.
Located in the crypt of St. Martins, the cafe in the crypt is a unique hidden gem that is a must-visit while in London. In addition, this is one of the more affordable afternoon tea options starting at under £20.
If you are looking for a twist on Afternoon Tea then head over to Theo's Simple Italian located in the Hotel Indigo-Kensington. Afternoon tea begins with focaccia sandwiches, bruschetta, calamari, and arancini's and ends with amazing Italian sweets such as cannolis and panna cotta.
And it is another option that is less pricey than most of the others starting at £22.50.
It is time to walk off that afternoon tea. If you chose to stay near Trafalgar Square, then head back to Trafalgar Square and make your way down Whitehall towards Big Ben.
We followed the Westminster Walk which you can find in Rick Steve's London 2020 guidebook.
We did take a few detours along the way and didn't follow the walk exactly. If you follow the walk exactly you can probably do it in about an hour. Our version took us a couple of hours. If you choose to visit some of the attractions that we mention then you will want to add some additional time for that.
You can easily spend the whole day doing just this. It is entirely up to you. Create your own adventure.
The walk starts at Westminster Bridge and ends at Trafalgar Square. We opted to do it in the reverse and ended at Embankment Station.
Horse Guards
As you make your way down Whitehall you will come across the horse guards. The House Guards was formerly the entrance to the Palace of Whitehall. Today it is the gatehouse between Whitehall and St. James Park.
You will see crowds here lined up to take a photo with the guards. However, don't get too close. The horses do bite and kick. If you didn't notice I was terrified.
The Banqueting House
Up next is the Banqueting house. The artwork in the Banqueting House is reason enough to visit. Even if you just enter to see the ceiling paintings by Peter Paul Rubens. It is quite extraordinary.
The Banqueting House is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm.
Admission is £6.30 for adults. Children are free
#10 Downing Street
Number 10, as it is most commonly referred to is the residence of the Prime Minister. Think the White House of Britain.
Churchill War Rooms
Churchill War Rooms are known as the command center during WWII.
The museum is open every day from 9.30 am to 6 pm.
Admission is £23 for adults and £11.50 for children
Westminster Abbey
The next stop is Westminster Abbey. You know. That little church where the Royals get married. If time permits consider visiting the church and taking a tour. If you are short on time (or cash) the church is beautiful to admire from the outside. Take a walk around, snap a few shots and imagine what it would be like to get married here.
Once you are done exploring Westminster Abbey you are going to take a stroll down Whitehall with a few stops along the way. These were all stops recommended by Rick Steve's. We did not enter any of these places however I will mention them here should you be interested and have the time to explore them a little bit further.
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower
Big Ben and the Elizabeth Tower is currently under renovation so there is scaffolding covering the majority of the Tower. The renovations are expected to be completed in 2021. However, it is still an amazing structure to admire even though you might not be able to get that coveted shot.
Fun Fact: Big Ben is actually the name of the bell and not the tower or the clock. Although people refer to Big Ben as the entire structure the tower is actually called Elizabeth Tower.
House of Parliament/ Palace of Westminster
The buildings surrounding Big Ben are known as the House of Parliament or the Palace of Westminster. This is the meeting place for the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Collectively known as the House of Parliament.
Poor In a Private Plane Tip: If you're in town during a weekday visitors can attend a debate for free. You can see the Parliament debate schedule here. People will usually queue up for this opportunity and visitors will be allowed in on a first come first serve basis. This is a great way to experience the Houses of Parliament.
Keep on walking and you will arrive at Westminster Bridge. You can go on the bridge for pictures or you can keep on going to the next stop. This is where Rick Steve's Westminster Walk officially begins.
Poor In A Private Plane Tip: Download Rick Steve's Free Westminster Walk Audio Tour
Westminster Bridge
This is a great spot to get some amazing views of the London Eye and Big Ben. If you are looking to get a nice shot of the River Thames and The London Eye then head to the middle of the bridge. If you are short on time then skip this and keep it moving.
Rick Steve's walk ends here however I would recommend walking along the river towards Embankment Station.
Keep on walking a couple of minutes and you will arrive at the picture that you probably have seen on insta over and over again. You know the one with the red phone booth and Big Ben in the background.
Big Ben was under construction when we visited so I didn't get the shot but this is what it would look like if it wasn't under construction.
Once you are done getting that insta worthy shot keep walking along the river where you will find some of the best views of the London Eye. The further away from the Westminster Bridge and Big Ben you go the less crowded it gets. If you see an empty spot make sure to snap a shot.
If the sun is still out take a moment to walk through Whitehall Gardens. If the weather is nice you will find people enjoying a meal outside or a game of ping pong.
By this time it may very well be late afternoon or late evening. This would be a good time to go back to your hotel to freshen up to head out to dinner or a pub. I have included some more options below.
If you still have a bit of energy then you should …..
Go to a Football Match
You may be done for the day if you flew in today but if you have a bit of gas in the tank then consider going to a live Football Match. You can find schedules here.
The energy at these matches is incredible and this has to be one of the highlights of our trip.
Map of London Itinerary Day 1
London Itinerary Day 2
Hopefully, you got some rest because Day 2 is going to be jammed packed. Grab a bite to eat and then we are heading over to our first spot.
Tower of London
Our first stop of the day is the Tower of London. The Tower of London opens at 9 am Tuesday-Saturday and 10 am on Sunday-Monday. Get there early to avoid the crowds.
With so much to see and do, you should plan to spend your morning visiting the Tower of London. Make sure to spend some time admiring the Crown Jewels, check out the Ravens and visit the White Tower. (BTW did you know Tower of London was a royal residence?)
Admission is £24.70.
Once you are done with the Tower of London you may be ready for some lunch. If so then check out the Coppa Club
Lunch at Coppa Club
Located on the Thames, the Coppa Club is a favorite for locals and visitors alike. In the summer you can dine with views of the Thames. In the winter the Coppa Club has igloos where you can also dine with views of the Thames in the midst of a winter wonderland.
Depending on the time of year it is well worth the visit, however, make sure to make reservations ahead of time.
If you are visiting in the winter and want to dine in an Igloo then you want to make sure you reserve well in advance. However, if you do not have an opportunity to reserve in advance you can still snag a spot. As people cancel reservation slots will open up.
We managed to get late afternoon reservations two days in advance like this. Just check the Coppa Club website for cancellations.
Walk the Tower Bridge
After you're done with lunch take a stroll over the Tower Bridge. From here you can head down along the Thames towards the London Eye.
For the rest of the afternoon, we chose to follow Rick Steves' Bankside Walk. This is a great way to quickly see everything this side of London has to offer.
The First Stop of the Walk is…
The London Bridge
Every time I have seen a picture of the Tower Bridge I always thought it was the London Bridge. And while the London Bridge will leave something to be desired it is from here that you can get great views of the Tower Bridge. You can also get amazing views of the Canary Wharf Tower which was once the tallest building in London. The tallest building in London is now the Shard.
Southwark Cathedral
If you are a Shakespeare fan then a stop here is worthwhile. Shakespeare was one of the most famous residents of this parish and as a result, there is a memorial dedicated to Shakespeare that is worth a visit.
The Cathedral itself has a lot of history. Take a moment to really take it all in.
Borough Market
If you looking for a bite this is a great stop along the way. There are plenty of options here for anyone that needs to take a bit of a break.
Park Street
Right outside of Borough Market is Park Street. Park Street is a cute little area to wander around. The colorful pubs and shops make for a very instagrammable spot so make sure you have your camera ready.
Shakespeare's Globe
If you have the time Shakespeare's Globe is a great place to catch a performance. Shakespeare's Globe is actually a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre which was the theater that Shakespeare wrote plays for.
The original theater was built in 1559, rebuilt in 1614 after being destroyed by a fire, and then demolished in 1644.
The building you see today was opened in 1997.
Tate Modern
If you love museums and art then a stop at Tate Modern is a must. Tate is home to four galleries that house over 70,000 works of art.
The Tate Modern is probably the most famous of them all and houses mostly international modern and contemporary art.
You may recognize the building from various photos of London you have seen. Make sure to snap a photo and if you have time take some time to visit the museums and get lost in all the amazing artwork.
The London Eye
Another staple in the London skyline. The London Eye opened in 2000 and it is the world’s largest cantilevered observation wheel. It's a great place to get a view of all of Londo. But the best view is of the London Eye itself from the other side of the Thames.
Evening: The WestEnd
Depending on whether it is an early evening or a late evening exploring The West End can be a completely different experience.
If you find yourself in Earl's Court be sure to check out. Here you will find everything from art galleries to nightclubs. It is definitely a great spot to spend an evening. Grab dinner at one of the amazing restaurants, book tickets to a theater show, and then have a night cap at one of the many pubs.
This area is bustling and is considered the entertainment center of London.
Map of London Itinerary Day 2
London Itinerary Day 3
The City
When someone refers to The City they are referring to an area in London also known as the financial district. Many people may opt to skip a few stops along the way but if you're into history like me then it may very well be worth peeking into the different stops along the way.
Depending on your walking pace and how much time you spend at each location this walk then be done in a few hours or can take all day.
If you're short on time or just don't feel like walking a budget friendly way to see all the sights I mention below is to take the N15 bus. You can start at either Trafalgar Square or the Tower Bridge depending on what direction you want to go. We will be starting near Trafalgar Square. The bus fare is £1.50 for each ride however the cap for the day is £4.50 so if you want to hop on and off the bus for the day you can do so for £4.50. Just make sure you are using your Oyster Card.
Let's get started by talking about the different stops along the way.
Golden Jubilee Pedestrian Bridge
Millions of people visit London each year to take in the sights. And while there are many famous attractions, one that is often overlooked is the Golden Jubilee Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge spans across the River Thames and offers stunning views of all that London has to offer.
It's easy to get lost in this beautiful city—but if you want a break from walking or just need a place for your feet, this pedestrian bridge is worth checking out!
Charing Cross Station
Charing Cross Station is the busiest station in London. It is located on the Strand, which is a major thoroughfare leading north from Trafalgar Square to Westminster and south to Waterloo Bridge. The name Charing refers to the old English word for “the place of Charles I's execution” (as memorialized by an equestrian statue).
When this was written, it was outside Newgate Prison where he was beheaded. But over time, the meaning shifted so that now it means “a chasm.”
Savoy Hotel
The Savoy Hotel in London is such a luxurious and historical hotel, with so many hidden secrets you may not know about. The Savoy hotel has been around for over 100 years, and it offers guests the chance to stay in one of the most famous hotels in London.
It's located right on the Thames River and is surrounded by elegant gardens that offer a true taste of old-world beauty. Whether you're looking for somewhere to spend your vacation or just want to relax while exploring this amazing city, the Savoy Hotel will be able to accommodate all your needs!
Waterloo Bridge
London is a city that never sleeps. There are so many things to do and see, it's impossible for anyone to spend just one day exploring the city. That being said, there are some places within London you simply cannot miss if you only have three days. One of those locations is Waterloo Bridge!
Waterloo Bridge spans across the River Thames and offers stunning views of all that London has to offer. The bridge was built in 1937 as part of King George VI’s Jubilee celebrations (hence its name).
It is easy to get lost in this beautiful city—but if you want a break from walking or just need a place for your feet, this pedestrian bridge is worth checking out!
The view on either side of the bridge is worth a million words so come and visit to see it for yourself. And while you're in the area don't forget to stop in at Covent Garden.
Somerset House
Somerset House is one of London's most famous buildings. It was designed by Sir William Chambers in 1776 and built on the site of a mansion belonging to Lord Somers, hence its name. The building features an impressive facade with statues of King George III and Queen Charlotte on either side of the main entrance.
The interior includes some stunning rooms which are open to the public for viewing including the Great Hall – where King George IV lay in state after his death, or visit chambers that were used as offices, meeting rooms and apartments over three floors while you're there!
St.Clement Danes
St. Clement Danes is an Anglican church on the Strand in London, England. It was built by Sir Christopher Wren in 1682 and has been noted as one of his finest works. St.Clement Danes offers visitors a glimpse into religion during the 17th century, with its imposing architecture and beautiful interior design.
Visitors are welcome to come inside for some peace and quiet or take part in any service that's happening at the time!
Royal Courts of Justice
What do you think about when someone says “law”? Do you think of the courtroom dramas on TV? Maybe you picture a police officer handing out speeding tickets. What about lawyers, judges, and juries? If these are what come to mind for most people, it's no wonder they're unfamiliar with the Royal Courts of Justice in London!
The Royal Courts of Justice is not part of popular culture like American law. It is where important cases that impact British citizens are heard by Queen Elizabeth II's judiciary system. For this reason alone, anyone who visits London should put the building on their list of places to see!
Come and take a glimpse inside one of England’s greatest treasures—a visit to the Royal Courts will change your view of law forever.
Twinings Tea Shop
Twinings Tea Shop is a popular type of Tea Shop that you can find in London. It is one of the most famous tea shops in England and has been around since 1706. With an amazing selection, Twinings offers everything from traditional English Breakfast to Green Tea Lapsang Souchong with Cinnamon. No matter what your taste buds are looking for, Twinings will have it!
Twinings also offers so many different types of teas if you're not sure which one to get. They offer both hot and cold varieties so whether you want to sip on some tea while exploring or drink it as a refreshing treat after touring all day long- Twinings has something for everyone!
Temple Bar Monument
The Temple Bar Monument is a popular tourist attraction in London. Originally built as a memorial to the Great Fire of 1666, it has become one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The monument stands on Fleet Street and can be seen from many different angles depending on where you are standing.
This monument is an important part of English culture and history because it was once used as a border for religious tolerance before becoming what we know today as the point beyond which people could not pass without permission from Parliament.
Temple Church
Visiting The Temple in London is one of the most popular things to do when you're visiting. It's a beautiful church with a long history and plenty of fascinating architectural features. There are guided tours for those who want to go on a tour of the building and learn about its history.
You can also enjoy your visit with some delicious ice cream from the adjacent cafe.
The Inns of Court
The Inns of Court are just a short walk from the Temple Church, and they're also an important part of London's rich history. The four Inns are Gray's Inn, Lincoln's Inn, Inner Temple, and Middle Temple.
They began as hostels for lawyers attending law school in the 1300s before becoming private clubs with dining rooms, libraries, gardens and more. Today they have retained their historic character while still providing modern facilities for members.
Visitors can enjoy tours or simply wander through the grounds to see this beautiful piece of history up close.
St. Dunstan
Visiting St. Dunstan is one of the most popular things to do when you're visiting London. The church has a long history and plenty of fascinating architectural features, and it's just a short walk from the Temple Church.
Dr. Johnson's House
Dr. Johnson's House is an important part of London's history, but it can be difficult to find unless you know where to look.
Narrow's lane is a beautiful walk through an iconic London neighborhood. You'll be led past beautiful Georgian homes, from Dr. Johnson's House to the Inns of Court to Saint Dunstan's church.
Along the way, you'll also pass by a few shops and cafes where you can get a snack or enjoy a glass of wine while watching this historical neighborhood go about their day.
Dr. Johnson's house is located just a short walk from St. Dunstan and Temple Church, making it an ideal addition to any trip here. The house is where Dr. Johnson lived from 1748-1759 during which time he wrote many famous works of literature including “A Dictionary of the English Language.”
Visitors can get a sense of life in Georgian London by walking through this historic home
St. Bride's Church
St. Bride's Church is one of the oldest churches in London, and dates back to 675AD. The church was rebuilt after a fire in 1666, but it still retains its original Norman architecture with vaulted ceilings that are covered with beautiful arches.
The church features many pieces of art including stained-glass windows, paintings by John Constable and John James Audubon, and an impressive organ that can be heard throughout the building!
Anyone who visits this historic landmark will be able to enjoy some great history while taking time for prayer or reflection – St. Bride's Church is worth seeing during any trip to London!
Old Bailey
Visiting Old Bailey is a good idea if you want to learn about the past. This court building has been in operation since 1674 and it’s still in use today! The best time to visit is on a weekday because that’s when the judges are hearing cases.
You can take a tour of this historic site and then go across the street for lunch at one of the many restaurants or cafes nearby.
St. Paul's Cathedral
Visiting St. Paul's Cathedral is a must for any visitor to London, as it is one of the most iconic buildings in all of England.
This cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1710 following the Great Fire of London that had destroyed much of the city center just a few years before. St Paul's has been a symbol for Christianity ever since its completion, with many famous people being baptized there including Lord Nelson and Princess Diana.
It can be seen from almost anywhere in central London due to its height and location on Ludgate Hill- which makes it an excellent place from which to see all of the other great attractions this wonderful city has to offer!
Optional: High Tea
What’s the best way to experience London in a short period of time? There are many ways, but one of the most popular is called “High Tea.” This type of tea usually includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and cakes.
High Tea is served in fancy hotels or restaurants for people who want an elegant meal that isn’t too filling. It is also very expensive!
The average cost per person can range from $70-$100 USD depending on where you go and what kind of food they offer. The upside: it comes with unlimited refills so you can enjoy as much tea as you want without worrying about getting charged more!
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also order variations of the traditional High Tea like Gluten-free or vegetarian. If you're looking for a truly British experience, look no further than High Tea!
You can find some more affordable options for High Tea in London here.
If you didn't get to it on Day 1 then head over to the West End. Otherwise, take a moment to explore your neighborhood.
Map of London Itinerary Day 3
What can you do in London for a few days?
If walking isn't your thing and you prefer other means of getting around a great way to see London is on a double-decker bus.
And if you haven't ridden a double-decker bus have you actually even seen London?
After a couple of days of sightseeing and walking all over London you are probably tired. That is completely understandable. Some may opt to do this itinerary on your first day as it is a great way to get a quick peek of everything London has to offer.
It is also a great way to fit in everything else you didn't get to do during our first few days so it is great for your last full day.
To make the most of this trip I would recommend picking a couple of routes. Keep in mind that a bus ride in London is £1.50. However, you are capped at £4.50 so you can take as many bus rides as you want for £4.50. Sounds like a great deal to me.
You can also opt for a hop on hop off bus like this one, but I much prefer the cheaper option.
The London Pass
By far the best way to see all of London and not have to worry about budgeting for anything is the London Pass. For a low one-time fee, you get access to over 70 attractions, tours, and museums.
But is the London Pass worth it?
Definitely. If you plan on doing everything I listed in this itinerary then yes it is worth it. The London Pass can be a little bit pricey, but most attractions are either free or discounted for pass holders. This way you don't have to worry about budgeting all of your money towards seeing the city!
Before you purchase take a look at your itinerary and do the math. You may be surprised to find out whether or not The London Pass will work for you.
Visiting London on a three-day weekend.
Whether you are looking for a quick vacation or just want to escape the office for 72 hours, London is an amazing destination. There are so many things to see and do in one of the world's most amazing cities that it can be difficult to decide what activities will make your trip unforgettable.
But don't worry! We've created this perfect 3-day itinerary with some of our favorite attractions and hidden gems to help you along the way with planning your trip. So start packing your bags now – we promise you won't regret it.
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