3 Day London Itinerary: What to See, Do & Eat (From a Local)

London Localite contains affiliate and Amazon Associates links. If you choose to purchase through them, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. You can read my full disclaimer here. Thank you for the support 💛

Looking for the perfect 3 day London itinerary? I’ve got you covered.

Planning a trip to the city can feel overwhelming, which is why a well-structured 3 day London itinerary comes in clutch! I’ve lived in London for years, exploring its boroughs, cafés, markets, parks and museums, and this guide brings together the places I genuinely love and take friends to when they visit. It’s part iconic highlights, part local gems and designed so you experience the best of London without feeling rushed.

Each day is laid out clearly with suggestions for morning, afternoon and evening, plus easy food stops and simple routes for getting around. Whether this is your first time in London or you’re returning and want to see the city differently, this itinerary will help you make the most of 3 days here.

London Itinerary: 3 Day Overview

Here’s a quick snapshot of what this 3 day London itinerary looks like – from iconic sights and cultural highlights to local neighbourhood vibes and great food. This overview sets the pace before we dive into the full details below!

Day 1 – Big West End Welcome: Soho, Covent Garden & a West End Show.
Day 2 – London’s Iconic Highlights: Big Ben, Westminster, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square & Southbank.
Day 3 – East London Life: Shoreditch, Spitalfields Market & Regent’s Canal

Day 1: Big West End Welcome

Your first day in London is all about easing into the city and getting your bearings – and there’s no better place to start than the West End. This area has everything: world-renowned restaurants, spectacular theatres and that classic London bustle that makes the city feel so alive. It’s the perfect introduction for first-timers, with so many of the sights you’ve probably seen in films just a short walk away.

Morning

Most international flights arrive in the morning, so use this time to check in, drop off your bags and grab a coffee. Flat White on Berwick Street is a great shout, and from there you can keep exploring Soho. Make sure to pop into Liberty to wander around one of London’s most iconic department stores. Even if you’re not shopping, the building itself is worth the visit.

Afternoon

Head to Kingly Court, just off Carnaby Street, for lunch. It’s packed with great food spots like Club Mexicana for flavour-packed vegan tacos and Darjeeling Express for Indian home-style sharing plates. There’s something for everyone and it’s super fuss-free – ideal if you’re feeling a little tired after your flight.

After lunch, wander along Carnaby Street and over towards Seven Dials, where you’ll find Neal’s Yard, one of London’s prettiest courtyards. If you need a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, grab a drink from 26 Grains and enjoy it outside amongst the colourful buildings.

From here, continue into Covent Garden. Have a browse around the Market Building, watch the street performers in the piazza, and if you’re in the mood for something a little different, check out the Royal Opera House backstage tour or pop into the London Transport Museum. It sounds niche, but trust me – it’s a surprisingly amazing museum.

Getting around: This entire area is super walkable. Everything you’ll see is within a 15–20 minute stroll, so you don’t have to worry about public transport.

Evening

Tonight is the night to experience a classic West End show. Beforehand, book dinner at Bubala Soho, a vibey Middle Eastern-inspired sharing plates spot (it’s popular, so reserve if you can). After dinner, head to the theatre for that quintessential London experience. There’s always something great on, and the TodayTix app is perfect for last-minute seats.

Getting around: Most theatres are within walking distance of dinner. If you’re staying a little further out, head to Leicester Square (Northern/Piccadilly Line) or Tottenham Court Road (Elizabeth/Central Line) to get home easily.

Day 2: London’s Iconic Highlights

Today is all about London’s most famous landmarks. But instead of rushing from sight to sight, this route keeps things relaxed and walkable, with plenty of time to actually soak up the city. Expect great views, leafy parks, and a little feel for historic London.

Morning

Start your day outside the Houses of Parliament to see Big Ben up close. This is a great area to join a free walking tour, as there is so much history tied up with Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. If you’d rather go at your own pace, take a short wander along the river, then hop on the Jubilee line at Westminster and ride just two stops to Green Park.

From Green Park, meander through the trees towards Buckingham Palace. This is one of the loveliest approaches to the Palace. If you’re interested, the Changing of the Guard usually takes place around 11:00 am but it’s busy, so no stress if it doesn’t fit your timing. Once you’ve taken your photos, wander into St James’s Park and enjoy a slow loop around the lake.

Getting around: One short Tube hop this morning from Westminster to Green Park (Jubilee Line). If you’d rather skip the Tube, you can walk to Buckingham Palace – it only takes 10 minutes but you’ll miss Green Park.

Afternoon

From St James’s Park, walk along The Mall towards Trafalgar Square. Spend a little time here (or pop into the National Gallery if that’s your thing) before heading towards the river and crossing Golden Jubilee Bridge to reach the Southbank.

Once you’re on the Southbank, take things at your own pace, exploring the Southbank Centre, Hayward Gallery and the bookstalls along the riverside. Grab lunch at one of the many street food spots and then continue your walk towards the London Eye. You can take a ride if you fancy it, or carry on along the river past the Globe Theatre towards the Tate Modern to soak up the art inside the converted power station.

Getting around: The Southbank is very walkable. Everything from Big Ben to the Tate Modern is within a 30 minute walk.

Evening

For dinner, stay on the Southbank and head to Forza Wine at the National Theatre. It’s a relaxed, modern wine bar with great food and cocktails. If you can time your booking for sunset, watching the city light up from here is a lovely way to end the day. Alternatively, you could use this evening to try a restaurant that’s on your London bucket list. If you’re stuck for ideas, Fallow and Mildreds are both a fantastic shout and firm favourites in our house!

Getting around: Waterloo and Embankment stations are both nearby and well-connected for getting home.

Day 3: East London Life

Today is all about London’s creative side. East London has a completely different feel to the West End, with independent coffee shops, vintage markets and street art at every turn. It’s the perfect area for wandering at your own pace and finding unique souvenirs you won’t get anywhere else.

Morning

Start your day on Redchurch Street in Shoreditch. Grab a coffee and pastry from Joleen and take your time exploring the boutiques, small brands and homeware stores along the street. It’s a lovely area to browse slowly and feels very “East London” in its style and atmosphere.

From here, make your way over to Columbia Road. If it’s a Sunday, this is where you’ll find the famous Columbia Road Flower Market. It’s busy, colourful and full of energy – expect music, shouty market sellers and locals loading up plants for the week. If it’s not Sunday, it’s still worth visiting for the independent shops and cosy cafés that line the street.

Getting around: Redchurch Street to Columbia Road is a 10–12 minute walk — or hop on a Lime bike and make it even easier.

Afternoon

From Columbia Road, wander up to Regent’s Canal and join the canal-side footpath. This stretch is quiet and leafy, with plenty of houseboats and an unmistakable East London charm. Follow the canal towards Broadway Market, where the market comes alive on Saturdays and Sundays with food stalls, baked goods and local makers.

If it’s a weekday, head to Pocket instead for the best falafel you’ll ever eat in your life. Grab your food and find a bench in London Fields to enjoy it – it’s a local lunchtime ritual. Once you’re done, spend a little time exploring the independent shops and small boutiques along Broadway Market.

Getting around: The walk from Columbia Road to Broadway Market via the canal takes around 20 minutes.

Evening

After lunch, hop on the Overground from London Fields back into Shoreditch. Spend the rest of your afternoon and evening exploring Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market. Both are a mix of independent designers, vintage finds and food stalls. The surrounding streets (like Fashion Street and Fournier Street) are full of charming old townhouses and great photo spots too.

For dinner, Taiwanese-style bao buns at BAO is a brilliant choice. If you’re after something a little more elevated, BRAT is just across the street, serving wood-fired cooking in a cosy, candlelit space (it’s one for people who love really good ingredients done simply and well). If you can, sit at the counter at either. It adds to the experience and always feels a little bit special without being formal.

Getting around: Shoreditch High Street (Overground) and Liverpool Street (Central, Elizabeth, Metropolitan and Hammersmith & City lines) are both nearby for getting back to your hotel.

Where To Stay In London For 3 Days

For this itinerary, staying in or around Soho makes everything incredibly easy. You’ll be right in the centre of things and well connected to the rest of the city by multiple Tube lines. If you’re looking for more inspiration, I’ve also written a full guide to the best areas to stay in London and where to avoid.

📍Best Budget – Z Hotel Soho.
Compact, simple and in an unbeatable location. A great option if you just want a comfortable base and plan to spend most of your time out exploring.

📍Best Mid-Range – The Hoxton, Holborn.
Stylish rooms, a buzzy lobby and a brilliant location just a short walk from Soho. It’s cool without trying too hard and always feels welcoming.

📍Best Luxury – NoMad London, Covent Garden.
A beautifully designed, atmospheric hotel set in a former courthouse, with moody interiors and a standout central atrium. Luxurious, but still relaxed and inviting.

London FAQs

1. Is 3 days enough for London?

Three days is enough to see the highlights and get a real feel for the city, especially if you focus on one or two neighbourhoods each day rather than trying to “see everything.” If you’re tempted to stay a little longer, check out my 7-day itinerary for more inspiration.

2. Should I buy an Oyster card?

You don’t actually need to. London is now completely contactless-friendly, so you can tap in and out of the Tube, buses and trains using your debit/credit card or Apple/Google Pay. It works the same way as an Oyster card and caps your daily spend automatically. Just make sure you use the same card/device for every journey so the system can calculate the cap.

3. Best time to visit London?

London is great year-round, but the best times to visit for weather and atmosphere are late spring (May–June) and early autumn (September–October). You’ll get mild temperatures, longer days and lots going on in the city. Summer is lively but busier and more expensive. Winter can be cosy and festive, but you’ll want layers and a good coat in case it rains.

3 Day London Itinerary Round-Up!

And there you have it! A relaxed but full 3 days in London, mixing the big landmarks with less touristy corners, great food and plenty of time to wander. Hopefully, this itinerary helps you experience the city in a way that feels exciting but not rushed.