London Trip Itinerary: 3 Days To Explore London’s Best

Big Ben is a part of the Houses of Parliament. Photo by lunamarina on Adobe Stock.

Putting together a London trip itinerary for 3 days is not an easy task. London is big and packed to the brim with sites to see and things to do. But we love a challenge. 

What can you find in our 3 day London guide? With 72 hours in London, you can enjoy the city’s highlights, from its most popular neighbourhood - Westminster - to its extensive list of museums, galleries, and markets. Sprinkle on top are some amazing tips on how to travel London on a budget in 3 days. 

Not only that, but we also include a free downloadable version of our guide - just like we did with our London itinerary for 7 days. 

Maximising Your 3 Days: Essential London Tips

To have the most efficient London itinerary for 3 days, you’ll need to understand the zones and neighbourhoods of London, how to get around London, and where to stay. Here is a quick London travel guide to keep in mind when planning.

Mapping out London

The first tip to make the most out of 3 days in London is to map out London in a tourist-friendly way. This can help you plan your way around London better. Each London neighbourhood carries its own history and beat.

All of these are located on the North Bank of the River Thames.

• Westminster is where the most recognisable landmarks are. For example, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey. St. James’s and Mayfair, with their Georgian architecture, carry an elite image. 

• Meanwhile, Soho and Covent Garden are eclectic.

• Kensington and Chelsea are more gentle as the vibrant streets make room for London’s most famous museums.

So, what’s on the South Bank?

• The South Bank begins around the Westminster Bridge, which is opposite of Big Ben.

• From there it stretches into one long promenade of London’s most iconic attractions, including the London Eye, the Tate Modern, and the National Theatre. 

As you can already guess, when we refer to the North Bank, we speak of its distinctive neighbourhoods, but the South Bank is just one big dynamic neighbourhood.

Plan at least one day that keeps you mostly on the South Bank (London Eye, Tate Modern, Borough Market, Shakespeare's Globe, etc.), and separate days for North Bank neighbourhoods. Crossing the Thames repeatedly is not a good use of time, really.

Create a custom map

Use Google My Maps rather than standard Google Maps. You can create a dedicated map for your trip, add all your planned stops as pins, and organise them into layers.

Resist the urge to cluster all museums on one day and all parks on another. Instead, group stops that are physically close together. For example, the British Museum, Covent Garden, and Soho are all walkable from each other. As such, they are a natural Day 1 cluster.

Getting around London

The best way to travel around London is by public transport. 

For a London trip 3 days itinerary, you are likely to keep everything central, so car rental might be an overkill, especially when London’s public transport network is extensive and budget-friendly. Reads: take the London Tube.

You can use an Oyster Card or contactless payment for the Tube. However, with three days in London, an Oyster Card is not really worth it. This is because the physical Oyster Card alone costs £7 non-refundable, and that’s not counting the amount you have to top it up to use for your trip.

For example, a single journey can cost around £2.70 for both types of payment, but with an Oyster Card, you have to factor in the £7. But it's a deal if you want to keep a souvenir card, or your bank has a high transaction fee.

You can also use the bus around London. Riding the double-decker bus makes for an unforgettable London experience. The double-decker buses pass many major landmarks, like Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and the Houses of Parliament. 

London’s public transport system is divided into Zones. Zone 1 and Zone 2 are where most of our itinerary destinations are.

Google Maps will suggest Tube routes. Make use of this to decide whether walking or taking the Tube makes more sense between stops.

Where to stay in London for a short trip

Fortunately, most of London’s highlights are not that far from one another.

South Bank is great for first-timers. Major attractions are within walking distance. Expect lots of mid-range options from £180 - £300 popping up on your search, but it’s kind of a given in tourist London, so book early if you can.

If you want to be close to royal and historical landmarks, choose Westminster and St. James’s. Most popular accommodations tend to lean towards upscale, ranging from £250 - £500. In the same price range, Covent Garden, Soho, Kensington, and Chelsea have plenty of stylistic stays.

A good budget option is Camden. While it’s not the most central like Westminster, Camden is still a part of inner London. It takes about 15-20 minutes by the Tube via the Northern Line to reach Westminster Abbey and attractions on the South Bank.

CabinZero’s tip: After deciding on a neighbourhood that fits your budget and style, get your tube map out. Your best stay should be 1-2 blocks away from the station in that area.

Flying into London

There are six airports in London, but most international visitors land at either Heathrow or Gatwick.

• Heathrow is the closer and more convenient of the two, sitting on the western edge of the city with direct Tube access via the Piccadilly line (about 45 to 60 minutes into central London).

• Gatwick is further south and connects to Victoria Station via the Gatwick Express in roughly 30 minutes, though this can cost more.

Leave The Big Bag At Home

Enjoy 3 days in London with a reliable carry-on backpack.

Whichever airport you land at, London will make one thing clear very quickly: the city isn’t one for large luggage.

A three-day city trip is one of the easiest to do with a cabin bag only. You skip baggage claim, which at Heathrow can add 30 to 45 minutes to your arrival. You avoid checked luggage fees. And crucially for London, you stay nimble on the Tube.

Most carriers allow passengers one personal item for free. Pack everything you need into a personal item-sized bag, and you're travelling at the lowest cost with the most freedom.

CabinZero backpacks are designed around exactly this kind of travel. Lightweight, structured, and sized to meet most airline cabin requirements, they let you move through airports, Tube stations, and London's streets without the drag of checked luggage slowing you down.

• Trusted by over a million travellers worldwide

• We keep our bags lightweight before you even pack them, so more of your allowance goes toward your actual belongings.

• Minimal design means you look like a local rather than a tourist when you're moving through London's streets.

• Comes with a lifetime warranty, because we are in this together for the long haul.

For a three-day city trip like London, a CabinZero is genuinely all you need. Shop our travel-eady bundle now.

3-Day London Itinerary

Our London trip itinerary of 3 days combines what to see in London in 3 days with transport and alternatives for your preference.

• Day 1: Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard) or Horse Guards Parade or Churchill War Rooms, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Soho

• Day 2: Covent Garden, Natural History Museum or V&A or Science Museum, Afternoon Tea or Sky Garden, Kensington Gardens or Hyde Park, West End Show

• Day 3: Tower of London, Borough Market, St. Paul’s Cathedral, River Thames Cruise, South Bank Dinner and Pub or London walking tour

Day 1

Morning

Start the day early right away in Westminster. As soon as you arrive at Westminster Station, you’ll be greeted with the view of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. You can see both attractions from the inside with an organised tour (weekend only for Houses of Parliament) that requires booking in advance. 

For a short stay, unless you’d really love to explore their interiors, we recommend admiring them from the outside. The best photo spot is on Westminster Bridge. Or, walk down the road a bit towards St. Thomas’s Hospital to avoid the crowd.

Once done, walk across Parliament Square to visit Westminster Abbey. It was built in 1245, and to this day, it’s an active church. Visiting Westminster Abbey’s Coronation Chair, the Poets’ Corner, and the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior requires a ticket (£31 for adults). Attending their daily services (for example, morning prayer and the Evensong) is free.

This should take around 60 minutes.

The Victoria Tower of the Houses of Parliament can be seen from the ground of Westminster Abbey. Photo by Mistervlad on Adobe Stock.

Midday

Time your journey to arrive around 10:45 A.M. at Buckingham Palace to catch the Changing of the Guard. You can take the 15-minute bus ride from Westminster Abbey for as low as £1.

The Changing of the Guard takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11:00 A.M., so if you start your 1st day on Saturday, swap this activity for the Horse Guards Parade near St. James’s Park, which is just a 10-minute walk away from Westminster Abbey.

If neither is to your liking, visit Churchill War Rooms, where Winston Churchill's underground headquarters are perfectly preserved for your viewing. 

Afternoon

In the afternoon, head to Trafalgar Square. This public square is the base to some of London’s most visited attractions such as the National Gallery, the four lion statues, and the imposing Nelson’s Column. They are also the next spots to visit on our itinerary. 

In the evening, after a day full of sightseeing, it’s time to explore the nightlight beat of London in Soho. It’s where you will find tons of dinner options, pubs, bars, and clubs, from traditional to hip. 

Day 2

Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington houses one of the world’s biggest collections of decorative arts. Photo by Falk on Adobe Stock.

Morning

There’s no better spot to kickstart the day than Covent Garden. Shops and restaurants are bustling, yet the streets are wrapped in a historic cloak. While you’re there, don’t forget to watch the street performers. 

Midday

Afterwards, head to Kensington via the Piccadilly Line for one of the best experiences that make people fall in love with the city - visiting the museums.

South Kensington is home to London’s Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum. Whichever you want to visit depends on your preference, but the best thing about them is that they all have free entry. but like all museums in Europe, it's best to book a ticket in advance.

If you arrive in Kensington by nine or ten, you can expect to wrap up your museum tour around four in the afternoon, which is just in time for afternoon tea.

CabinZero fun fact: We once partnered with the Victoria and Albert Museum on a limited edition collection.

Afternoon

You can find afternoon tea in a lot of places in London, including popular hotels or independent tearooms. Then stroll through Kensington Gardens or visit Hyde Park for a breather before transitioning into the evening.

Keep in mind that afternoon tea tends to be quite pricey. A great alternative is visiting Sky Garden for a 360 view of London. Entry is free, though you must book your time slot in advance. 

Head to the West End of London for an evening filled with theatrical fun. Similar to South Bank, West End does not mean a distinct neighbourhood. It includes Soho, Mayfair, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square. 

Top shows you can watch in West End:

• Les Miserables in Sondheim Theatre

• Phantom of the Opera in His Majesty’s Theatre

• The Lion King in Lyceum Theatre

• Hamilton in Victoria Palace Theatre

Day 3

The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and is located right next to Tower Bridge. Photo by Richie Chan on Adobe Stock.

Morning

Your last 24 hours in London should start with a Tower of London visit. There will be a lot to see, so make sure you arrive at 9:00 A.M. to avoid the long queue. Expect to spend 2-3 hours there. An adult ticket costs £35.80.

Midday

Afterwards, you can drop by Borough Market for food, but if it’s too late in the morning, save this spot for when you have more days in London, as it will be packed with tourists.

There are plenty of other food spots along the north bank of the River Thames where you can grab lunch before heading for St. Paul’s Cathedral. You can take a guided tour (~ 2 hours) to explore the crypt and the galleries. The cathedral is incredibly beautiful, and no matter how busy your itinerary is, do not skip it!

Afternoon

In the late afternoon, take in the amazing views of London before your farewell with a River Thames cruise.

If you continue on from St. Paul’s Cathedral, the closest pier for the cruise is Tower Pier, London Eye Pier, and Westminster Pier. Uber Boat is also a great alternative to a cruise, but it’s a bit more like a means of transport rather than an experience.

For the evening, choose a nice restaurant near the South Bank and enjoy the view of the city after dark. Then sip your favourite drink in a classic British pub.

If you still have a few more hours to spend, you can book a London walking tour that explores various facets of the city, ranging from music to ghost hauntings, to conclude your London stay in a good (or thrilling) note.

Streamline Your London Itinerary 3 Days With A Downloadable Version

There are a lot of things to see and do in London that can distract you from your initial plan. Not that it’s a bad thing, but for a short stay, timing and planning is everything. So here’s a downloadable itinerary to keep you on track.

Once you've done justice to the city itself, you're within easy reach of places like Bath, Brighton, Stonehenge, and the Cotswolds, all doable in a single day by train. If you're thinking of adding a day trip to your itinerary, also check out our London day trips guide.

Plan London Itinerary For 3 Days With CabinZero

A London itinerary for 3 days is totally possible. No stay is too short in London if you plan carefully and know exactly what you want to see and do.

Every attraction is just as interesting as the next. If you skip one due to time or budget, there’s always another back-up because that’s London for you.

We hope our itinerary will make you fall deeply in love with London as we are. If you do, don’t forget to share your stories with us on social media and check out our other amazing travel itineraries on our website. 

Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh