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Unmissable things to do on your first trip to London

Have a fun-packed first trip to London with our three-day guide.

Create lasting memories with our itinerary filled with the best things to do in London, including yoga at iconic landmarks, brunches in beautiful cafes and visits to the top attractions. 

Day one

Morning: explore Notting Hill

Spend the morning discovering the pretty streets of Notting Hill, known for its colourful houses and quirky shops.

Find plenty of Instagrammable spots in this west London area, including Portobello Road, where treasures await inside the many antique shops and at hundreds of stalls on Saturday market days. 

Be sure to stop for an avocado fix at The Dayrooms Cafe W11, where Australian-inspired brunch fare reigns supreme. 

Afternoon: hit the museums

After a virtuous meal, jump on the Tube for a short ride to South Kensington, home to some of London’s most iconic museums. 

Marvel at millions of years of life on Earth at the Natural History Museum, discover the secrets of the human body at the Science Museum and see art and design objects in beautiful period rooms at the Victoria and Albert Museum. 

Evening: kayak under Tower Bridge

See Tower Bridge from a new perspective as you kayak under it on a journey along the river Thames. Watch other famous landmarks illuminate as the city switches on its lights, including the Coca Cola London Eye, Big Ben and St Paul’s Cathedral.

Day two

Morning: enjoy an Insta-worthy breakfast and watch Changing the Guard

Kick-start the day with a breakfast worth getting out of bed for at Dalloway Terrace – feast on berry bowls, eggs and turmeric lattes under a canopy of Instagrammable foliage.

After fuelling up for the day, secure your spot outside Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing the Guard ceremony as the New Guard replaces the Old Guard, dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats.

Afternoon: choose between the West End and the East End

Pick the West End for an afternoon of shopping. Find a bargain on Oxford Street, discover independent boutiques in Carnaby, admire high-end fashion around Bond Street or explore Covent Garden for a mixture of all three. 

Alternatively, head to east London for foodie treats and colourful art. Take a street-art tour to discover vibrant murals and works by famous graffiti artists including Banksy. Then grab a bite at one of the curry houses along Brick Lane or at street-food paradise Dinerama. 

Evening: sip on cocktails at a rooftop bar

Having fun is hard work; unwind with a drink accompanied by an impressive view of the London skyline. In summer, watch a sunset at Frank’s Cafe, perched on top of a car park in Peckham, or snuggle under blankets at Skylight during colder months. 

Day three

Morning: wake up with yoga

Relax into the day with a yoga session 36 floors high at the Sky Garden, followed by breakfast with a view. Find this stunning indoor garden at the top of the 20 Fenchurch Street skyscraper, affectionately known by Londoners as The Walkie-Talkie.  

Afternoon: get adventurous in Greenwich 

Get your blood pumping with adrenaline-fuelled activities in Greenwich. Climb London’s famous entertainment dome for incredible views at Up at The O2, or experience the thrill of a speedboat ride.

Calm down with a trip to the Queen’s House, where you’ll find soothing maritime art, a famous portrait of Queen Elizabeth I and the photogenic spiral Tulip Stairs.  

Evening: tuck into a roast dinner 

Complete your trip with a classic: roast dinner. While it's best enjoyed by a roaring fire in a cosy pub on Sundays, there are plenty of places that serve a delicious plate with all the trimmings of Yorkshire puddings and potatoes throughout the week. Try Roast, Simpson’s in the Strand or Rules.

Find more ideas for a brilliant first trip to London with our guides to the top attractions and coolest hotels, and with our itineraries for the perfect Saturday and Sunday in London. 

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