3 Day London Itinerary - Historic, Modern, Cultural, Family & Budget Trips

Planning your itinerary for a three day trip to London but feeling overwhelmed by all the possibilities? With so much history, culture, and excitement packed into one city, it’s easy to feel lost trying to decide where to go and what to do.

That’s why we curated London’s top 54 attractions into a single deck of cards. Each card represents one attraction and features helpful details like popularity, cost, and visit times. Visualize your itinerary like never before with actual physical cards you can easily move around to build the perfect agenda customized to your preferences.

We used Let’s Plan a Trip to London to put together the following curated 3-day itineraries to inspire your next London adventure.

HISTORIC – 3 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic Sights by Thames

Start your journey at The Tower of London, where centuries of British history come alive. Explore the Crown Jewels, the ancient White Tower, and hear stories of famous prisoners.
Next, take a walk across Tower Bridge, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, and enjoy stunning views of the River Thames.
From here, hop on a Thames Cruise or Uber Boat for a scenic ride to Westminster.
Once you arrive in Westminster, visit Westminster Abbey, where monarchs have been crowned for over 1,000 years.
End your day with a stroll past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, enjoying the timeless architecture as the sun sets over the Thames.

Day 2: Palaces and Parks

Begin your day at Kensington Palace, the former home of Princess Diana, where you can explore its stunning gardens and exhibitions dedicated to royal history. Or, if you’d rather take a trip further back in time, start with Hampton Court Palace, once home to Henry the Eighth and his unfortunate wives.
In the afternoon, head to Buckingham Palace to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (arrive early for the best views).
Walk through St. James’s Park, a peaceful oasis with stunning flower displays and picturesque views of Buckingham Palace.
Spend your evening at Trafalgar Square, taking in the lively atmosphere before ending the day at the National Gallery, home to masterpieces by da Vinci, Van Gogh, and more.

Day 3: Museums and Markets

Start your day at the British Museum, where you can marvel at the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and countless other treasures from around the globe. Take your time exploring this world-famous institution’s awe-inspiring exhibits.
After the museum, stroll over to Covent Garden Market, where history meets vibrant modernity. Watch street performers, explore boutique shops, and soak in the bustling atmosphere.
Next, head to St. Paul’s Cathedral, an iconic London landmark with breathtaking architecture and a rich history dating back centuries. Climb to the Whispering Gallery or the Golden Gallery for unparalleled views of the city.
Wrap up your trip at the Churchill War Rooms, the underground bunker where key WWII strategies were devised. Walk through the preserved rooms and exhibits to gain fascinating insights into Britain’s wartime history.

MODERN – 3 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Futuristic Architecture

Start at The Shard, Western Europe’s tallest building, for panoramic views of the city as the morning mist dissipates.
Head to Borough Market, a vibrant spot offering a modern take on London’s food scene with artisan bites and global flavors.
In the afternoon, visit Tate Modern, a hub for contemporary art housed in a repurposed power station.
End your day on the South Bank, where you can ride The London Eye for breathtaking views of the city and enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant before a peaceful stroll along the Thames.

Day 2: Vibrant Shopping and Entertainment

Begin at Camden Market, a trendy and eclectic spot filled with unique street food, boutique shops, and vibrant energy.
Visit Madame Tussauds, where you can snap photos with lifelike wax figures of your favorite celebrities and icons.
Spend your afternoon exploring Oxford Street, Europe’s busiest shopping street, and step into Selfridges for an iconic London retail experience.
Stroll over to Piccadilly Circus, a neon-lit hub of entertainment and activity.
Wrap up your day at a West End theater, enjoying one of London’s world-famous productions.

Day 3: Magical and Luxurious

Start your day at the Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour, where Harry Potter fans can explore the Wizarding World’s iconic sets, costumes, and props.
Return to the city for a peaceful afternoon at Hyde Park, where you can unwind by the Serpentine Lake or take a relaxing stroll.
End your trip at Harrods, London’s most luxurious department store, where you can shop, enjoy high-end dining, or simply take in the opulent atmosphere.

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CULTURAL – 3 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Art and Shakespeare

Start your day at Tate Modern, a hub for contemporary art housed in a repurposed power station. Explore its free exhibits featuring works from Picasso, Warhol, and other modern masters.
In the afternoon, visit Shakespeare’s Globe, where you can take a guided tour of this faithful reconstruction of the original theater. Stay for an evening performance to immerse yourself in the works of the Bard.

Day 2: Design and Opera

Begin your day at the Victoria and Albert Museum, where you can explore an extraordinary collection of decorative arts, fashion, and design spanning centuries.
Spend your evening at the Royal Opera House, home to both the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera. Treat yourself to an unforgettable performance in one of London’s most iconic cultural venues.

Day 3: History and Drama

Start your morning at The Sherlock Holmes Museum, where fans of the iconic detective can step into 221B Baker Street and explore exhibits dedicated to Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation.
In the afternoon, visit The British Museum, home to world-famous artifacts like the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.
End your day at The National Theatre, where you can enjoy a world-class play or simply admire the architecture of this iconic cultural hub on the South Bank.

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FAMILY – 3 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Thrills and Theater

Start at The London Dungeon, where older kids and families can enjoy thrilling, interactive storytelling about London’s spooky past.
Take a ride on The London Eye for breathtaking views of the city that the whole family will enjoy.
Head to Regent Street for some fun shopping and visit Hamleys, the world’s oldest toy store, filled with interactive demonstrations and magical experiences for kids.
Stop by Chinatown for a vibrant dining experience, where the family can enjoy authentic Asian cuisine.
End the day with a West End theater show, bringing the magic of live performances to your trip.

Day 2: Museums and Park Fun

Begin at the Natural History Museum, where kids will marvel at towering dinosaur skeletons and fascinating exhibits about the natural world.
Stroll to Hyde Park, where the family can unwind, rent bikes, or enjoy the Diana Memorial Playground, inspired by Peter Pan.
After lunch, visit the Science Museum, filled with hands-on exhibits and interactive galleries that are perfect for curious kids.
Wrap up the day at Harrods, where you can explore the famous toy department, grab huge ice cream sundaes, stock up on fancy British snacks and gifts, or simply enjoy the grandeur of this luxury store.

Day 3: Animals and Maritime Adventures

Start your morning at London Zoo, home to over 750 species and exciting exhibits like the Land of the Lions and Penguin Beach.
Head to Regent’s Park for a relaxing family picnic or a paddleboat ride on the lake.
Make your way to The Cutty Sark, the historic tea clipper ship, for a hands-on maritime adventure.
Visit the National Maritime Museum, where kids can explore interactive exhibits and learn about Britain’s seafaring history.
End your day at the Royal Observatory, where kids can straddle the Prime Meridian and enjoy stunning views of London from Greenwich Park.

BUDGET – 3 Day London Itinerary

Day 1: Iconic Landmarks and a Free Gallery

Start your day with a free walking tour covering London’s most famous landmarks: begin at bustling Piccadilly Circus, walk on to Trafalgar Square, then stroll through the peaceful St. James’s Park on your way to Buckingham Palace.
Continue to Parliament Square to admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, and finish the tour at Westminster Abbey.
In the afternoon just keep on strolling south down the river to visit the Tate Gallery (sister gallery to the Tate Modern), where you can enjoy an impressive collection of British art for free.

Day 2: Markets and Modern Art

Begin your day with breakfast and coffee at Borough Market, one of London’s most vibrant food markets, perfect for sampling local treats.
From there, take a short walk to Tate Modern, a hub of contemporary art housed in a repurposed power station. Its free exhibits and sweeping views of the Thames make it a must-see.
Spend your afternoon at the Imperial War Museum, exploring fascinating exhibits about wartime history, all at no cost.

Day 3: Neighborhood Charm and History

Start your morning in Notting Hill, strolling through the colorful streets and exploring the lively Portobello Road Market, filled with antiques, food, and vintage treasures.
In the afternoon, head to the British Museum, where you can admire treasures like the Rosetta Stone and Egyptian mummies for free.
Wrap up your trip at St. Paul’s Cathedral, where you can take in its stunning architecture and learn about its historical significance (or admire it from the outside to stick to your budget).

London’s Top Itinerary Destinations Mapped

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