Whether you're visiting London solo, as a couple, or with the family, prepare for an unforgettable trip with this ultimate London three-day itinerary guide.
Discover what to see in London in three days featuring the coolest sights, activities, art, culture, food and entertainment, from booming Battersea in south London to trendy eastern corners and iconic central spots.
Pack your bags and get ready to experience the best of London in three days with buzzy nights out, outdoor adventures, delicious food and fun for all the family!
Day one
Morning: Enjoy thrills in Battersea
Begin your day of adventure in lively Battersea, a trendy south-of-the-river neighbourhood of London. Prepare for a thrill at UK Bungee Club and enjoy breathtaking views of London and the river Thames, before you bungee jump 49 metres (160 ft).
If you’d prefer to keep your feet on the ground, head to Battersea Park Children’s Zoo for a family adventure. Say hello to a miniature Shetland pony and see if you can spot a slender-tailed meerkat or hear a laughing kookaburra.
Afternoon: Wander through gorgeous Battersea Park
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop by Pear Tree Cafe, one of the area’s local cafes, for a warm drink and yummy pastries or sandwiches, or pick up some nibbles to enjoy a picnic in Battersea Park, one of London’s many world-renowned parks.
Top tip: Stop by the Peace Pagoda at Battersea Park, one of 80 monuments representing key stages in Buddha’s life and dedicated to peace around the world.
After lunch, make your way over to your next thrilling adventure, Go Ape, where you’ll be swinging from trees. Walk between wobbly treetops and fly along a zip line, or swing through the canopies if you’re feeling brave...
Evening: Discover newly revamped Battersea Power Station
Wind down from your day of excitement at Battersea Power Station, an iconic Grade II*-listed building that was once a working coal-fired power station.
Pick from Mediterranean cuisine at Megan’s at the Power Station, a taste of Malaysia at Roti King, pasta at Fiume or bottomless pizza from Gordon Ramsay’s Street Pizza, while enjoying the riverside atmosphere.
To end the night, get competitive and challenge your friends and family to a game at Birdies Crazy Golf, or unwind with a new release movie at the The Cinema in the Arches.
Day two
Morning: Take a trip to east London's top sport and shopping venues
Start your day at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. This unique area of London is home to many exciting attractions including the world’s longest and tallest tunnel slide – ArcelorMittal Orbit. Let the kids run wild in the Tumbling Bay Playground while sporting fans can go behind-the-scenes on a London Stadium guided tour.
Following your morning adrenaline rush, enjoy a few calmer hours at Westfield Stratford City, where you can browse high-end and boutique shops, pick up clothes, gifts and gadgets or wander over to the food court for a snack.
Afternoon: Check out the area's best markets and visit a quirky museum or two
Afterwards, head to Old Spitalfields Market. You can stroll through the market stalls to find unique clothes, crafts and bric-a-brac to take home. If it’s the weekend, make a pitstop at Brick Lane Market, where you can hunt for unique treasures, antiques and vintage clothes, or drop by Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday to find fresh flowers that are perfectly in season.
For lunch, stop by Dumpling Shack for delicious Chinese street food and its famous chilli oil, or grab a gourmet vegan burger at BVGER. Make sure to stop by Humble Crumble or Nosteagia for pudding. Alternatively, head over to Eataly for gelato and a cannoli if you fancy a little slice of Italy.
If shopping isn’t your thing, amble through the streets of east London and enjoy the beauty of the street art and many buskers and performers on your way to a quirky museum, such as Dennis Severs’ House, The Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities, Fine Art & Natural History or Whitechapel Gallery.
Evening: Enjoy an eclectic night on the town
Get ready for dinner with no shortage of options in the east London area. Head to Gaucho Broadgate for a yummy steak dinner or Yauatcha City for a luxurious Chinese meal. Alternatively, stop by Boxpark Shoreditch or Lalaland for budget-friendly street food options from every corner of the globe.
Enjoy a night on the town and make your way through a secret entrance, in the shape of a fridge, into The Mayor of Scaredy Cat Town at The Breakfast Club. Be transported back in time and enjoy specialty cocktails in a cosy speakeasy.
For an even livelier night, make your way over to Bounce, where you can eat, drink and play ping pong all under one roof!
If you’re feeling a bit peckish towards the end of the night, the famous 24-hour Beigel Bake on Brick Lane is a must-visit bakery and offers delicious fresh bagels.
Day three
Morning: Relax with nature walks or a spot of culture
Enjoy a peaceful morning at the Walthamstow Wetlands Nature Reserve. Pick up a coffee from the cafe and take a scenic walk to spot birds local to the area and migrating species, before perching at a viewpoint to watch over the whole reservoir.
Alternatively, journey to the William Morris Gallery to learn about the life of the English arts and crafts designer, who lived in the 19th century.
On the weekend, there’s nowhere better to go than God’s Own Junkyard, a museum and art shop covered from floor to ceiling in brightly coloured neon lights. Pick a sofa and bathe in the illuminations, a different take on London’s city lights, and choose from a selection that are available for purchase.
Afternoon: Tuck into classic British pie and mash and visit iconic sights
Drop by Barneys Pie & Mash, one of the most-loved eateries the area has to offer, and try an affordable and classic British staple food. If pie and mash isn’t what you’re after, head to Walthamstow Market, the longest outdoor street market in Europe, and choose from a selection of world foods.
After a satisfying meal, head back towards central London for more city fun. Visit the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and 900-year-old fortress, and book tickets to tour the inside of the building and see the crown jewels.
Watch the sun set from a tropical oasis in London at the nearby Barbican Conservatory, or go to the top of the Sky Garden to welcome in the evening and savour aerial views of London from 160 metres (525 ft) above.
Evening: Dine in stunning floral surroundings or on a rooftop
For dinner, head to 14 Hills for a mix of modern British and French dining in stunning floral surroundings, or treat yourself to a restaurant with a view at Boundary London, a hidden gem with exquisite rooftop vistas over the city and delicious food and cocktails to match.
Need to know
Is it worth going to London for three days?
It is absolutely worth going to London for three days to explore as much of the city as possible. Whether you're travelling solo, with a partner or the entire family, three days in London is a great amount of time to visit a few must-see attractions, tuck into classic British pub food or afternoon tea, wander around the city's gorgeous parks, admire stunning skyline views, try a thrilling activity or two, and learn about the city's rich history. Going to London for three days also means more evenings to discover its fantastic food and drink scene, nightlife and entertainment.
How much money would you need for three days in London?
Excluding accommodation, you should budget for at least £50 per person per day in London. Read more tips on how to do London on a budget.
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