The Perfect 3-Day London Getaway Plan

Explore London's best sights with our 3-day itinerary.

Published: April 10, 2025
The Perfect 3-Day London Getaway Plan

In just three days, you can explore both iconic landmarks and hidden gems in London. We’re here to make your planning effortless. From historic abbeys to mesmerizing views, this itinerary ensures you won’t miss a beat. Let’s dive into London’s heart and soul with a journey packed with adventure, culture, and the city’s best bites. 

Day 1 

Start with the Big Bus Tour 

Hop on the Big Bus Tour for an unbeatable introduction to the city, thanks to your guide's fascinating anecdotes. Choose from multiple routes and hop off at landmarks that pique your interest. It’s the perfect way to breeze through must-sees like Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. 

Westminster Abbey Exploration 

Hop off at Westminster Abbey, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture teeming with history. As you explore, immerse yourself in stories of royal coronations and notable burials. The intricate details and magnificent stained glass are ripe for some social snaps. 

Lunch at Borough Market 

Feeling peckish? Head to Borough Market, just a quick ride on the Jubilee Line from Westminster to London Bridge. With stalls offering global cuisines, it’s a foodie paradise. Try a classic fish and chips or an artisanal pie—pair it with a fresh-pressed juice for that perfect lunch combo. 

The Tower of London 

After lunch, take the Tube to Tower Hill. The Tower of London invites you inside its ancient walls to uncover tales of intrigue and power. Marvel at the Crown Jewels and walk through the White Tower—each corner tells a compelling story of Britain’s history. 

Elevated Views at The London Eye

Elevated Views at The London Eye

Cap off your day with a ride on The London Eye, accessible by the Jubilee Line to Waterloo. As it lifts you high above the city, soak in sweeping vistas of the River Thames and beyond. Snap photos as the city lights begin to twinkle, casting a magical glow over London town. 

Dinner at Skylon 

End your evening at Skylon, located on the Southbank. With floor-to-ceiling windows, marvel at the views while savouring dishes like roasted lamb or fresh seafood. Wind down with a cocktail, and you're nearly ready for bed. 

Day 2 

Morning on the Thames with Uber Boat 

Kickstart your day with a scenic ride on the Uber Boat by Thames Clipper. Glide down the river, enjoying the cityscape from a whole new angle. Disembark at Greenwich Pier ready for a day filled with discoveries. 

Into the Stars at the Royal Observatory Greenwich 

Step into the Royal Observatory, home to the Prime Meridian Line. Discover the wonders of space and time, and enjoy stunning views over Greenwich Park. The planetarium show offers a cosmic journey you won’t soon forget. 

Lunch at Greenwich Market 

Satisfy your hunger at Greenwich Market, a short stroll away. Dive into a smorgasbord of flavours—find gourmet burgers, exotic kebabs, and vegan delights. Don’t miss the freshly baked pastries for a sweet treat. 

Sail Through History on the Cutty Sark 

Sail Through History on the Cutty Sark 

Next, visit the Cutty Sark, the world’s sole-surviving tea clipper. Experience life aboard this 19th-century ship, walk on deck, and delve into interactive exhibits. Feel the salty breeze as you look out to the Thames from her mighty decks. 

Dinner at The Gun 

After your nautical adventure, settle in for dinner at The Gun, an elegant riverside pub. Known for its cozy fireplaces and phenomenal views, it’s perfect for relishing British classics like steak and ale pie or a hearty Sunday roast. 

Day 3 

Meet the Stars at Madame Tussauds 

Your final day begins at Madame Tussauds, just a Bakerloo Line ride to Baker Street. Rub shoulders with lifelike figures of global celebrities and historical icons. The interactive experiences, like the Star Wars exhibit, add a playful touch. 

Lunch at Camden Market 

Head to Camden Market next, teeming with eclectic stalls and vibrant street food. Relish a handmade bagel or vegan taco, and enjoy the lively atmosphere. Take time to browse unique crafts and vintage treasures. 

Wild Encounters at London Zoo 

Wild Encounters at London Zoo 

Just a short walk from Camden, London Zoo awaits with its splendid array of creatures. Explore Penguin Beach, Tiger Territory, and the Gorilla Kingdom. The Rainforest Life exhibit brings you face-to-face with fascinating tropical species. 

Regal Afternoon at Kensington Palace 

Conclude your journey at Kensington Palace, a Tube ride to High Street Kensington. Wander through opulent chambers and the stunning Sunken Garden. The palace offers a glimpse into royal life, with exhibits detailing the fascinating history of its residents. 

Dinner at Dishoom 

End your London escapade at Dishoom in South Kensington. This bustling Bombay-style cafe offers a warm ambiance and dishes that burst with flavour. Try the signature black dal or chicken ruby, and enjoy the experience of one last culinary delight in this enchanting city. 

With a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, this 3-day itinerary ensures you make the most of your London visit. Enjoy every moment of your adventure, knowing this extraordinary city has so much more to offer whenever you return. 

 

For more, check out the city’s best immersive experiences, and stretch your legs around London’s top parks. 

Step up your sightseeing with The London Pass®.   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  

See more, do more, and experience more with The London Pass® - just choose a pass to get started! 

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Build your unique London itinerary with our trip planner

Who's going?
Adult
1
Child (5-15)
0
How many days?
What do you want to see?

Continue reading

Tower Bridge
Blog

Tower Bridge or Tower of London? The Ultimate London Day Out

London’s legends go head to head—your essential guide starts here.
Colorful houses in the Portobello Road area of Notting Hill, West London.
Blog

West London Attractions

Ah, West London. So good the Pet Shop Boys wrote a song about its neon-lit nightlife. So nebulous that even long-term West Londoners will squabble about where it actually begins and ends. Some say it’s pretentious and aloof; others would argue that’s in fact West London is the city’s coolest, most laid back quarter. Whichever way you shake it, something most Londoners will grudgingly agree is that West London’s attractions are among the very best in town. Our whistlestop guide counts down 10 of the must-visits, including historic theaters, upmarket department stores, epic palaces and some of the city’s finest green spaces. Dive in! The West End Move over Broadway, London’s West End is the finest theater district on the planet and no mistake! Just south of Soho, the iconic Shaftesbury Avenue snakes from Piccadilly Circus to Cambridge Circus and boasts several theaters on and around it. Theater-goers scurry expectantly beneath the neon lights, off for an evening of world-class entertainment at historic playhouses including the Apollo, Lyric, Gielgud and Palace. Here’s where you can catch Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, or thrill to relative newcomers like Wicked, Matilda and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. You can experience the world’s longest continuously running show just off the main drag, opposite the legendary Ivy restaurant. Agatha Christie’s evergreen whodunnit The Mousetrap has been playing here at St. Martin’s Theatre for half a century of its epic 70-something year run. South Kensington Museums South Ken’s ‘big three’ have enough eye-popping exhibits to keep even the most jaded museum-goer entertained for hours at a time. We’re talking the Natural History Museum, where no fewer than 80 million objects – including ancient ammonites, dino skeletons and meteorites – chart the entire history of our planet. Hop just next door to the wonderful Science Museum to have your mind blown by the wonders of modern technology (Apollo 10 command module, anyone?) and don’t miss the eye-popping V&A if it’s art, design and fashion through the ages that float your particular boat. Hyde Park One of West London’s most popular green spaces, Hyde Park is a fine choice if you’re in the market for a picnic or gentle stroll. There’s plenty to admire on a perambulation of its 350 acres, too. Pay homage at the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain and feast your eyes on cutting-edge contemporary art at the Serpentine Galleries either side of the lake that ssssnakes through the park. You can ogle the manicured gardens at Kensington Palace at the park’s westernmost point while, between November and January, the enormous Winter Wonderland event occupies the southeast corner, all thrill rides, craft stalls and the festive scent of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts drifting on the air. Harrods Not just a department store but a landmark in its own right, the hallowed halls of Harrods in swanky Knightsbridge are a mecca for shopaholics and IG addicts alike. Sure, the price of that snakeskin handbag would make an heiress’s eyes water, but there’s nothing stopping you indulging in a little window shopping, right? A traditional English afternoon tea complete with cucumber sandwiches, scones and Earl Grey is available in the lavish tea rooms upstairs for the princely sum of £70 per person. Pinkies at the ready... Kew Gardens West London attractions don’t come much more relaxing than the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, where rainbows of wildflowers and gentle strolls among towering trees are the order of the day. Admire exotic tropical plants and endangered species in the soaring Victorian glasshouses, tour the Great Broad Walk’s swoonsome borders and let the kids go wild on the Treetop Walkway. Head for heights? Experience a natural high atop the 18th-century Great Pagoda, a Chinoiserie confection with epic views across the gardens to London beyond. Royal Albert Hall Only one of the most iconic concert halls on the planet, the Royal Albert Hall has played host to more legends than you can shake a conductor’s baton at since its opening (by Queen Victoria, no less) in 1871. We’re talking some of the most powerful voices of the last century, among them Shirley Bassey, Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli. Muhammed Ali fought here, Winston Churchill gave speeches here, Albert Einstein campaigned here. And the list goes on. Take a tour or, better still, book a seat to see some of today’s biggest stars strut their stuff inside this West London landmark. Richmond Park The largest Royal Park in London, Richmond is also one of the wildest, its herds of some 650 free-roaming deer being one of this vast green space's main attractions. As well as saying hey to the abundant wildlife, you can explore ancient woodlands, fill your IG feed with color thanks to the Isabella Plantation’s dazzling display of pink, mauve and purple azaleas, and take in views as far as St Paul’s Cathedral from atop King Henry’s Mound, a prehistoric burial chamber that dates back to the Bronze Age. Portobello Road Notting Hill's buzzy bric-a-brac market is manna for trinket-hunters – and photographers. Snap selfies in front of the candy-colored houses and traditional storefronts that line the street before getting down to some good old-fashioned rummaging. Market stall wares run the gamut from souvenir tat like replica London street signs and miniature red phone boxes to one-off retro fashions, antique silverware and boxes of vintage vinyl records. Pause for refueling (and to survey the spoils of your spree) at any one of dozens of fine brunch spots along this vibrant stretch. Hogarth’s House This unassuming country house in Chiswick was once home to a titan of English painting and engraving. Yep, the clue’s in the name. Perhaps best known for his moralizing Pilgrim’s Progress, Rake’s Progress and Gin Lane pieces, William Hogarth lived here in West London during his twilight years in the mid-18th Century. Inside, you can wander through the rooms he lived and worked in and explore a large selection of his work. Don’t miss the mulberry tree in the garden, which has stood here since Hogarth’s time. Hampton Court Palace In spite of its somewhat bloody history (particularly under Henry VIII), Hampton Court presents as very much the fairytale palace, all crenelated Tudor towers and storybook brick chimneys. There’s stacks to see and do here at this most westerly of West London attractions. See the world’s oldest grapevine (250 years and counting, fact fans!) and get lost in the epic yew-hedge maze, which has been bamboozling visitors (and palace staff) for centuries. Inside, there’s an extraordinary medieval feasting hall, and a gallery said to be haunted by the screaming (and presumably headless) ghost of one Catherine Howard. Don’t miss the ostentatious Astronomical Clock, a 15-foot-tall mechanical marvel built at the behest of (who else?) Henry VIII, and the Chapel Royal, an extraordinary example of 16th-century baroque architecture, complete with fine Tudor timber ceiling. Save on Activities and Attractions in London Save on admission to London attractions with The London Pass. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Blog

Famous London people you should know

Melanie Lahmann
The London Eye
Tower of London

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.

Tower Bridge
St Paul’s Cathedral