Visiting London in 3 days: itinerary and tips

Visiting London in 3 days This allows you to see the essentials of the British capital, provided you plan your days well. Westminster, the Tower of London, the major free museums and the markets: here is our day-by-day itinerary, tested by our team, as well as our practical tips for enjoying it without rushing.

In short: To visit London in 3 days, dedicate the first day to Westminster and Buckingham Palace, the second to the Tower of London, the South Bank, and the City, and the third to the British Museum and the neighborhoods of Camden, Notting Hill, or Kensington. The major national museums are free. From Paris, the Eurostar reaches London in just over 2 hours, and an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is required.

Day 1: Westminster, Buckingham Palace and the West End

First, start with the political and royal heart of London. In the morning, admire Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster from Westminster Bridge, then visit Westminster Abbey, where British monarchs are crowned.

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Question 1 of 5

In the city, you enjoy exploring…

On foot, neighborhood by neighborhoodMajor sites first

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Need a break?

A local cafe or pubA museum or a monument

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What appeals to you most?

The atmosphere of the streets and marketsHistory and architecture

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A good restaurant and a lively neighborhoodA show or a visit

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Next, walk through St. James's Park to Buckingham Palace. The Changing of the Guard usually takes place in the late morning, but not every day: so check the schedule on the official website of the royal family.

In the afternoon, head to Trafalgar Square and the free National Gallery, home to works by Van Gogh, Turner, and Vermeer. Finally, end the day in Covent Garden and the West End, with dinner and perhaps a musical.

Day 2: The Tower of London, the City and the South Bank

Arrive at the Tower of London early to see the Crown Jewels before the crowds arrive. Allow at least two and a half hours for your visit. Then cross Tower Bridge to reach the South Bank.

For lunch, Borough Market is the city's most famous food market. Afterwards, walk along the South Bank to the Tate Modern, which is also free, and cross the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral.

At the end of the day, head up to the London Eye or the Sky Garden, a free panoramic terrace (reservations required). Finally, in the evening, the Southwark district offers numerous historic pubs along the banks of the Thames.

Day 3: British Museum and London neighborhoods

In the morning, first visit the British Museum, which is also free, with the Rosetta Stone and the sculptures from the Parthenon. Until July 11, 2027, it also hosts the The Bayeux Tapestry.

In the afternoon, choose a neighborhood according to your preferences:

• Camden for its alternative market and channels.
• Notting Hill for its colourful houses and the Portobello Road market, the liveliest on Saturdays.
• Kensington for Hyde Park, the free Natural History Museum and the department stores.
• Greenwich, by boat on the Thames, for the meridian and the royal park.

Furthermore, to get off the beaten track, also discover our lesser-known London neighborhoods.

Where to stay to visit London in 3 days?

Neighborhood	For whom?	Strengths
Covent Garden and Soho	First stay	At the heart of it all, theaters and restaurants within walking distance
South Bank	Couples	View of the Thames, close to Westminster and Borough Market
Bloomsbury	Average budget	Quiet location, close to the British Museum and St. Pancras station.
Kensington	Families	Museums, Hyde Park and residential streets

Arriving by Eurostar at St Pancras makes Bloomsbury and King's Cross very convenient. Our guide to...’accommodation in the UK It also gives ideas for charming hotels.

Our practical tips for London

• Pay with contactless on the Tube and bus: it's the same fare as the Oyster card, with a daily limit.
• Book the Tower of London, the London Eye and shows in advance, especially on weekends.
• Enjoy free national museums: British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum.
• Apply for your ETA before departure: consult our guide to formalities for the United Kingdom.
• Bring a lightweight umbrella, whatever the season.

When to visit London?

In general, spring and early autumn offer the best balance between weather and crowds. December, on the other hand, has a special charm, with the Christmas markets, THE illuminations and the Winter Wonderland. To help you choose, read our guide. when to go to England.

Extend your stay in England

After London, many travellers therefore continue on to Oxford, the Cotswold villages or Bath. Film fans, meanwhile, add another day to their visit to the studios. Harry Potter.

Also read: Things to do in Oxford: colleges, museums and tips ; Things to do in Cambridge: colleges, punting and advice ; Visiting Stonehenge: tickets, access and tips.

Frequently asked questions about visiting London in 3 days

Are three days enough to visit London?

Yes, for a first visit. You'll see the major monuments and two or three museums. However, to explore more neighborhoods or take a day trip, plan for four or five days.

What budget should I plan for 3 days in London?

First, accommodation represents the biggest expense. Second, national museums are free, but the Tower of London, the London Eye, or a show each cost several tens of pounds.

Do you need a passport to go to London?

Yes, an identity card is no longer sufficient for French travelers. A valid passport and an electronic travel authorization (ETA) are required, which must be applied for online before departure.

How to get around in London?

The subway is undoubtedly the fastest way to get around. However, walking between Westminster, Covent Garden and the South Bank allows you to see much more.

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