How to Spend 3 Perfect Days in London: A Smart Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
London is one of those cities that can overwhelm you with choice. With world-class museums, royal landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and iconic sights on every corner, a short trip can feel like a race against the clock. 
That’s why planning is everything. With a bit of structure, you can experience the highlights of London without burning yourself out. This handy three-day itinerary groups attractions by area so you spend less time commuting and more time soaking in the atmosphere.
Think of it as your shortcut to making the most of a long weekend in the UK’s capital: three days, three different parts of the city, and a whole lot of London magic.
Day 1: Royal London and the West End
Start your London adventure in the heart of Westminster, where history, politics, and pageantry collide. Begin with a visit to the Houses of Parliament and snap a photo with the iconic clocktower, often called Big Ben. From there, stroll across to Westminster Abbey, the site of coronations and royal weddings for centuries.
Next, walk through St. James’s Park, one of London’s prettiest green spaces, to reach Buckingham Palace. Time your visit for the Changing of the Guard ceremony (usually around 11 a.m. on selected days). Even if you don’t go inside, the spectacle is worth seeing once.
In the afternoon, head north into Trafalgar Square. Climb the steps of the National Gallery for a free wander among masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Da Vinci. Art not your thing? Pop into the Natural History Museum or the Science Museum (both free, a short Tube hop away in South Kensington).
As evening falls, make your way to Covent Garden, known for its street performers, boutique shops, and lively food scene. Book a show in the West End — whether it’s a long-running hit like The Lion King or something new — and cap your first day with a taste of London’s world-class theatre district.
Day 2: Tower Bridge, the Thames, and the City
Day two is all about London’s dramatic riverside. Begin at the Tower Bridge Exhibition, where you can walk across the high-level glass walkway with views of the Thames below. Just next door is the imposing Tower of London, home to the Crown Jewels and nearly a thousand years of history. A Yeoman Warder (Beefeater) tour brings the fortress to life with tales of intrigue, treason, and executions.
After the Tower, stroll along the South Bank of the Thames. Pass the sleek glass dome of City Hall and enjoy street food at Borough Market, London’s oldest food market. From artisanal cheese to street-style paella, it’s a feast for the senses.
Keep walking west and you’ll encounter Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, a faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where you can catch a matinee or simply tour the site. Right next door is the world-renowned Tate Modern, a must for contemporary art lovers.
End your day with one of the best views in London: ride to the top of The Shard. From its viewing deck on the 72nd floor, you’ll see the Thames snake through the city, with Tower Bridge and St. Paul’s Cathedral gleaming in the twilight.
Day 3: Museums, Markets, and Camden Cool
Your final day takes you north and west to explore some of London’s cultural heavyweights and trendiest neighbourhoods. Start in South Kensington with a deep dive into either the Victoria and Albert Museum (design, fashion, and art) or head back to the Natural History Museum if you skipped it earlier. Both are free and close together, so you can dip into both if time allows.
From there, hop on the Tube to Camden Town, famous for its alternative vibe and sprawling Camden Market. Here you can lose yourself in a maze of vintage stalls, record shops, street art, and global street food. Grab lunch from one of the market’s legendary food stalls — from Ethiopian curries to loaded burgers, it’s all here.
For the afternoon, make your way to Regent Street or Oxford Street if shopping is high on your list, or wander north into the peaceful greenery of Regent’s Park. Animal lovers can even visit London Zoo, nestled inside the park.
Wrap up your three-day adventure with an evening in Soho. This area is buzzing with life: narrow streets filled with cocktail bars, world cuisines, and late-night cafés. Whether you want a Michelin-starred dinner or a plate of steaming dim sum in Chinatown, Soho offers the perfect farewell to London.
Tips to Make the Most of Your Three Days
• Buy an Oyster card or use contactless payment on the Tube, buses, and trains — it’s the easiest way to get around.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll walk more than you think, even with excellent transport links.
• Book timed-entry tickets online for popular attractions like the London Eye, Tower of London, and The Shard to skip long queues.
• Mix free attractions (museums, parks, markets) with paid ones to balance your budget.
Three days in London will never cover everything, but with this plan, you’ll see royal palaces, riverside landmarks, world-class museums, and the city’s coolest markets without wasting precious time crisscrossing the map. It’s the perfect taste of a city that always leaves you wanting more.