The Ultimate 3-Day London Itinerary: A Food & Views Guide
- Lindsay & Justin
- Jun 13
- 7 min read
ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / ENGLAND
Planning a trip to London can be overwhelming with its countless attractions and hidden gems. But don't worry - we've done all the heavy lifting for you! After spending countless hours researching, visiting, and fine-tuning this London 3 day itinerary, we've created the perfect blend of iconic landmarks and local secrets. As experienced travelers and meticulous planners, we've personally tested every recommendation to ensure you get the most out of your time in the British capital.
In this comprehensive guide, you'll discover the most efficient routes between attractions, learn money-saving tips for transportation and attractions, and find the best photo spots that most tourists miss. We'll show you how to maximize your three days in London while still having time to soak in the city's unique atmosphere.
Table of Contents: London 3-Day Itinerary
Getting to London from Airports
During our recent London 3 day itinerary planning, we discovered the most cost-effective ways to reach central London. From Luton Airport, we saved significantly by booking the National Express Bus to Paddington Railway Station in advance for just £5 per person. The journey took about an hour, and we appreciated having time to plan our day while watching the English countryside roll by. Once at Paddington, we easily connected to the Underground to reach our lodging.
If flying into Heathrow, we’d recommend taking the Elizabeth line to Paddington Station. At £12.80 per person, it was pricier than the Luton bus but the 30-minute journey time made it worthwhile. The trains were clean, spacious, and ran frequently - perfect for jet-lagged travelers with luggage.
Navigating London's Public Transport
Getting around London was surprisingly straightforward once we figured out the payment system. We used our contactless credit cards which automatically calculated the best fares and daily caps (we used our favorite international travel card without foreign transaction fees). Here's what we paid:
🚇 Peak hours (Monday-Friday, 6:30-9:30 AM and 4:00-7:00 PM): £3.40 per journey
🚇 Off-peak hours (all other times and public holidays): £2.80 per journey
🚇 Daily cap: £8.50 for zones 1-2, which covered most tourist attractions
🚇 Pro tip: Avoid paying cash fares (£6.70) - they're significantly more expensive and don't count toward daily caps
Day 1: Historic Sites & Hidden Gems
👑 Morning - Historic Tower of London
We started our first day of our London 3-day itinerary at the iconic Tower of London. At £33.60 per person (2025 pricing), we booked the 9am entry to beat the crowds and spent about 3 hours exploring the crown jewels and hearing fascinating stories from the Yeoman Warders. From there, we wandered through St Dunstan in the East Church Garden (we have pinned this location in our Google Map), a hidden gem where nature has reclaimed the ruins of this former church. The morning ended with stunning photos at Tower Bridge - plan to spend about 30 minutes here for the best shots. We opted not to go up in the tower itself due to some free viewpoint opportunities planned for later in the day.
🍽️ Afternoon - Market Hopping
For lunch, we explored two of London's best food markets. First up was Maltby Street Market, a local favorite tucked under railway arches with amazing street food vendors (this was honestly our favorite from our time in London). We then walked to the larger Borough Market, where we sampled everything from fresh oysters to artisanal cheeses. Walking across the Millennium Bridge (yes, the one destroyed in Harry Potter!), we reached St. Paul's Cathedral. At £25 per person, it's worth booking 2 months in advance to climb to the dome. If you're visiting on a Saturday, skip the entry fee and attend the free 5pm Evensong instead!
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🎭 Evening - Skyline Views & Shakespeare
As the day wound down, we rode the elevator to the top of One New Change Building for free sunset views of St. Paul's dome. Our perfect ending to day one was watching a play at Shakespeare's Globe. For just £5, you can stand like they did in Shakespeare's time, though we’d recommend opting for actual seats (your feet will thank you after a full day of walking). Book the 7:30pm show to catch the evening atmosphere - seeing a performance in this historic reconstruction was truly magical.
Day 2: Royal Views & War History
💂 Morning - Royal Watch at Buckingham Palace
We kicked off day 2 of our London 3-day itinerary at Buckingham Palace to catch the Changing of the Guard at 10:45am. Pro tip: arrive by 10am to snag a prime spot by the gate for the best photos. After the ceremony, we walked to the Churchill War Rooms (£32 entry fee), where it takes about 2 hours to explore the fascinating underground bunkers where Winston Churchill led Britain through WWII. The morning wrapped up at Westminster Abbey (£29, book in advance), though if you're visiting on Saturday at 5pm or Sunday at 3pm, you can attend the free Evensong service instead!
☎️ Afternoon - Iconic London Photo Spots
After lunch, we ticked off some classic London photo opportunities. First up was Big Ben, followed by that quintessential red telephone box shot with Big Ben in the background (we have pinned this location in our Google Map). The National Gallery was next on our list - while entry is free, expect a short queue outside. We spent about 2 hours admiring the artwork, focusing on the Impressionist collections that Justin particularly wanted to see.
🍸 Evening - Sunset at Sky Garden
We capped off our day at Sky Garden, London's highest public garden offering spectacular 360° views. While free tickets are released every Monday for the following week, we opted for the after 6pm entry which requires no booking. Just remember to dress smart casual - no athletic wear allowed. We can't think of a better way to end day 2 of your London adventure than by watching the sunset over London while sipping cocktails.
Day 3: Royal Routes & Rooftop Views
🪷 Morning - Garden Escapes
We started our last day of our London 3-day itinerary at The Regent's Park, where we wandered through Queen Mary's Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden (we have pinned these locations in our Google Map). The gardens were absolutely stunning, especially in May when the roses were in full bloom. From there, we climbed up Primrose Hill for incredible panoramic views of London - definitely worth the short uphill walk! Pro tip: bring a morning coffee and pastry to enjoy at the top.
🪄 Afternoon - Literary London
After lunch, we visited the bustling Seven Dials Market followed by exploring the colorful hidden courtyard, Neal's Yard (we have pinned these locations in our Google Map). Next, we wandered through Covent Garden's charming market areas and caught some entertaining street performers at Leicester Square. Chinatown was perfect for a quick snack break before visiting the House of MinaLima. This free museum showcases the magical graphic props from Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts - we spent about an hour here admiring the intricate designs.
📚 Evening - Cultural Close
We wrapped up our final evening with a visit to The British Library (free entry). The highlight was seeing the Magna Carta and original Beatles lyrics among their vast collection. Our London adventure ended perfectly at Platform 9 3/4 in King's Cross Station, where we grabbed that iconic trolley photo before catching our train to Edinburgh. The station has a dedicated photo area with professional photographers, but you can also take your own pictures if you don't mind waiting in line.
FAQ Section:
When is the best time to visit London?
🌤️ Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) offer mild temperatures and less rainfall, perfect for outdoor exploration. These months provide comfortable conditions for rooftop visits and urban hiking.
Is 3 days enough for London?
🗓️ Three days is perfect for experiencing London's highlights while focusing on specific interests like viewpoints and food scenes. It allows for a well-paced itinerary without rushing.
Where to stay in London for the first time?
🛌 Consider staying near Regent's Park for easy access to green spaces. South Bank is another excellent option, offering riverside walks and proximity to major attractions.
What's London's rainy season?
☔️ October through January typically see the most rainfall. Pack weather-appropriate gear and have indoor backup plans for viewpoint visits during these months.
👉 Here is everything we pack for our Europe trips, don't forget some of these smart travel gadgets!
🍽️ all of our food recommendations throughout London are pinned in our Google Map!
London is a city that never fails to amaze, and we hope this 3-day itinerary helps you experience its magic to the fullest. From historic landmarks and hidden gardens to breathtaking viewpoints and culinary delights, we've packed our favorite discoveries into this guide. While three days might seem brief, strategic planning and our tried-and-tested routes will help you make the most of your time in this incredible city.
Want more detailed travel tips and real-time updates from our adventures? Follow us @Noms.Brews.Views on Instagram, where we share daily stories and behind-the-scenes moments from our travels. For more comprehensive guides, including our favorite London restaurants and hidden gems, consider downloading our London Pinned Google Map for your trip. Your London adventure awaits!
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ALL GUIDES / EUROPE / ENGLAND
Add at bottom Any questions on planning your trip to London? Let us know in the comments below, we respond to every single one👇
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