Visiting London for the primary time? Here’s the proper 2-3 day weekend in London itinerary.
London has been calling us (from their purple cellphone cubicles) for a while now. So, we packed our luggage to take a look at one UK’s oldest cities for an extended weekend. From Big Ben to Westminster Abbey, London’s historic points of interest are limitless, and there’s at all times one thing to see, do, and eat.
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Last Updated: June 2, 2023
11 Best Things to Do in London for Your First Visit
With the Go City London Pass, we had the chance to take a look at a couple of in style points of interest, in addition to another factors of curiosity that had been really helpful to us by the Go City group.
We organized our days primarily based on space. Here are some things you shouldn’t miss when visiting London.
weekend in London itinerary Day 1
For our 3 day weekend in London, we picked what to do every day primarily based on what was close by in every space.
1. Take a Picture with Big Ben
London SW1A 0AA, UK, map
Speaking of icons, everybody is aware of what Big Ben is, even in the event you’ve by no means been to London. Even although it’s presently closed for renovations and restorations, you may nonetheless cease by and snap a fast picture with Big Ben. The Houses of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is hooked up to the clock tower. It is presently nonetheless open for excursions.
It’s a 10-minute stroll from Westminster Abbey if you wish to knock out a few locations concurrently.
Local Tip: Best picture spot is below Westminster Bridge, which leads proper as much as Big Ben. Arrive earlier than dawn to keep away from the crowds.
2. Westminster Abbey
Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK, map
Westminster Abbey was our favourite attraction, arms down. It is steeped in centuries of historical past and has considerably formed the British monarchy, faith, and tradition. It has been the location of quite a few royal weddings, coronations, and burials, together with that of British monarchs and different notable figures all through historical past.
We loved the self-guided audio tour, which gives guests with detailed details about the location’s historical past, structure, and notable options. Check out key areas, such because the Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair, and the Royal Tombs.
Local Tip: Entry is free in the event you’re attending Sunday service, however they don’t present excursions throughout this time.
3. Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA, UK, map
It’s an extended stroll to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey, however you may stroll by means of Hyde Park on the way in which. Buckingham Palace attracts thousands and thousands of holiday makers yearly and holds limitless cultural and symbolic significance. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers from world wide. Check out the Changing of the Guard ceremony and admire the architectural splendor.
To get one of the best image of Buckingham Palace, you may head to the Victoria Memorial, situated in entrance of the palace. It provides a fantastic vantage level for capturing the grandeur of the palace’s façade.
Local Tip: The Changing of the Guard ceremony sometimes happens every day in the course of the summer season months (April to July) and on alternate days for the remainder of the yr. Be positive to test the official web site for essentially the most up-to-date schedule. The ceremony normally begins at round 11:00 AM and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Arrive early to safe viewing spot!
4. Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK, map
Glimmering golden gates, opulent State Rooms, and tales of Queen Victoria’s birthplace are only a few issues you may’t miss at Kensington Palace. Don’t miss your probability to go to the historic King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments.
They’ve been meticulously restored to their former glory, offering a glimpse into the luxurious existence of previous monarchs. The historic Sunken Garden, the place Diana, the Princess of Wales Memorial Statue stands, can also’t be missed.
Pro Tip: Get there early to keep away from large crowds, particularly on weekend days. We made reservations to tour the palace when it opened.
weekend in London itinerary Day 2
We began day 2 of our lengthy weekend in London at Tower Bridge. After the bridge, we checked out the Tower of London at one finish of the bridge and Borough Market on the different finish. Finally, we ended the day with a Thames River Cruise.
5. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK,map
We relished the hike up the 206 steps and the magnificent views of the River Thames. Tower Bridge is such an iconic image of London. Once you attain the highest, stroll throughout the glass ground walkways the place you may seize nice images of London’s skyline and study in regards to the engineers who designed the historic construction.
Naturally, we needed to get some pictures with the bridge. Here are a few our favourite picture spots:
- The Queens Walk is the most well-liked place to take images with the Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
- More London Riverside – this metropolitan space will get crowded, so go early morning in the event you don’t need anybody else in your images.
Local Tip: Plan to go to the Tower of London because it’s close by.
6. Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB, UK,map
See the Crown Jewels on the Tower of London, a 900-year-old fort and fortress. It was fairly neat to see the crowns, scepters, orbs, and different regalia utilized in royal ceremonies by the monarchs.
Pro Tip: Consider becoming a member of one of many Yeoman Warder guided excursions, which your admission contains. Their educated guides share fascinating tales in regards to the Tower’s historical past.
7. Borough Market
London SE1 9AL, UK, map
Where your whole gastronomic goals turn out to be a actuality, from farm-fresh produce to yummy avenue meals, your style buds will rejoice after consuming by means of certainly one of London’s oldest markets. We liked the freshly shucked oysters at Richard Haward Oysters and the piping sizzling paella from Bomba. I needed to hold a complete cheese wheel from Kappacasein.
Local Tip: Most meals stalls are outside, so costume accordingly.
See More: 25 Best Markets within the World to Put On Your Bucket List
8. Thames River Cruise
Westminster Pier, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom, map
Embark on a Thames River Cruise with City Cruises of London and immerse your self within the magnificence and historical past of the town from a novel perspective. We liked the panoramic views of London’s famend landmarks, reminiscent of Tower Bridge and the long-lasting Big Ben. Throughout the cruise, educated guides present enjoyable info and tales in regards to the landmarks you move alongside the way in which.
City Cruises provides a wide range of cruise choices to fit your preferences. If you will have extra time, contemplate partaking in a day tea or romantic dinner cruise.
Pro Tip: Try to safe a seat on the open-air deck for one of the best picture opps and unobstructed views.
See More: What You Need To Know Before Your First Douro River Cruise
Weekend in London itinerary Day 3
Because it’s a trek to get out to Watford, you wish to plan for a pickup and transportation. You will spend half the day right here. We returned to London, did some buying, and ended the lengthy day with scrumptious meals and desserts in London’s Chinatown.
9. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom, map
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides a fascinating and immersive expertise for followers of the Wizarding World. Step onto precise movie units and see behind-the-scenes secrets and techniques on how they created the long-lasting movie sequence. The detailed costumes, authentic movie units, and interactive reveals completely blew us away.
Their meals courtroom serves up movie favorites (assume Butter Beer, Hogwarts-themed burgers, and chocolate frogs) and afternoon tea. Check out the very intensive store the place you should purchase a personalized wand in your method out. You’ll simply spend half a day right here!
Pro Tip: Be positive to guide early prematurely since they solely promote a restricted variety of tickets every day. Don’t neglect to schedule ample time for journey because it’s not in Central London.
10. Check Out Iconic Shopping
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK, map
London is famend for its quintessential buying streets that supply a variety of trend, luxurious manufacturers, malls, and distinctive boutiques. Here are a number of the most well-known buying streets in London:
- Oxford Street: Located within the coronary heart of London, Oxford Street is without doubt one of the busiest buying streets on the planet. It stretches over a mile and is dwelling to quite a few flagship shops.
- Regent Street: Just a brief stroll from Oxford Street, Regent Street is understood for its historic structure and a mixture of upscale boutiques and malls.
- Bond Street: Bond Street is synonymous with luxurious buying in London. This unique avenue is dwelling to high-end trend boutiques, prestigious jewellery shops, and famend artwork galleries.
- Harrods on Brompton Road: Slow clap A London buying icon. Even in the event you’re simply window buying at this historic division retailer, we advocate shopping for a scrumptious pastry from certainly one of their many cafes.
Local Tip: Take benefit of the well-known Christmas mild shows that adorn these streets in the course of the holidays.
11. Eat Around Chinatown
Gerrard Pl, London W1D 5QJ, UK, map
I might transfer to London’s Chinatown for the meals! Luckily (or not), our resort was simply a few metro stops away from Chinatown, and we ate there day-after-day of our journey.
Be positive to get genuine soup dumplings from Dumplings’ Legend, recent pineapple buns from The Eight, and Peking duck from The Duck and Rice. Wash all the things down with a chilly bubble tea at my all-time boba store, Happy Lemon.
Local Tip: Venture past the principle streets and discover the facet alleys, outlets, and hidden gems. These lesser-known eating places present a novel eating expertise away from the crowds and serve genuine Chinese meals.
Map of the Best Things to Do in London
More Things to Do in London
If we deliberate for extra time, I want we acquired to go to neighborhoods like Notting Hill and Cambridge in addition to this stuff to do in London.
- Have Traditional Afternoon Tea
- British Museum
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- The London Eye
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- The Beatles Museum (Liverpool)
- The Seven Stars, London’s Oldest Pub
Best Places to Eat in London
Here are a couple of locations we tried and liked:
- Dishoom (Various Locations) $$ – At dinner, a restricted variety of reservations can be found for events of six or extra friends. You’ll most certainly be ready in an extended line, so put together prematurely. If you’re fortunate, they’ll serve you a few of their well-known chai when you wait.
Haidilao Hot Pot $$ – Josh isn’t the most important fan of sizzling pot, however he claims Haidilao is one of the best he’s ever had. We don’t have a location at dwelling, so this place was past our expectations. They additionally present snacks and drinks within the ready space. Come hungry. - Cafe TPT $ – Known for genuine Hong Kong avenue meals reminiscent of beef ho enjoyable and minced pork sizzling pot. If you’re feeling adventurous, we advocate the lemongrass soft-shell crab.
- Evelyn’s Table $$ – A Michelin-star restaurant led by Head Chef James Goodyear. Think intimate tasting menu with 18th-century pub vibes.
Best Places to Stay in London
Essential Tips
- Book what you wish to do prematurely. Because London is such a preferred vacation spot for therefore many, we missed out on some issues, like Afternoon Tea, as a result of they had been already totally booked.
- You don’t must tip right here, like most nations outdoors the US, however in the event you really feel inclined, you may spherical as much as the closest Pound or tip 10-12% of your invoice complete.
- Purchase the London Pass for the metro system, bus, and extra. You can even use your faucet to pay worldwide bank card and pay as you go, however it’ll cap off at round £8 per day. See extra particulars right here.
- Always put on layers, pack an umbrella or raincoat, and put on cozy sneakers. You’ll be strolling lots. London is understood for its wet and cloudy climate.
- The UK makes use of a kind G plug for many home equipment, so carry a common adapter to your electronics.
- Be aware of the visitors circulation as drivers within the UK drive on the left facet. Exercise warning and take note of the indicators at crosswalks and bus stops.
- Pickpockets are frequent in London, particularly in crowded areas, vacationer spots, and on public transportation. Check your environment and keep away from distractions like utilizing your cellphone excessively or sporting headphones which may restrict your consciousness.
- Get a Go City London Pass to take a look at a number of points of interest. The move provides you entry to over 90 in style points of interest, together with a number of on our record, at a fraction of the fee.
Planning Checklist
Which of this stuff to do in London are in your journey bucket record? Anything else you’ll add to a weekend in London itinerary?
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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Josh + Macy
Josh and Macy are artistic southern children who love exploring native and worldwide cultures. They’ve lengthy believed that touring is about getting out of your consolation zone and making an attempt new issues. They are presently primarily based out of Atlanta.
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