Welcome to London, the beating heart of the UK and a perfect addition to your trip to Europe. What it lacks in consistently good weather, London more than makes up for with stunning art, architecture and culture at every corner.
Come and see for yourself if all the stereotypes are true: do all British people drink tea? Do they say sorry for everything? Do they only talk about the weather?
Day 1: Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park, St James' Park, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, London Eye.
We cannot imagine a better place to start our tour of London than Buckingham Palace. Right in the center of the city, this is one of the main palaces of the Royal Family and most recognizable places in the world. If you get your timings right, you can also witness the Changing of the Guard, which takes place around four times a week in the summer months.
London is also well-known for its stunning green spaces, with parks spreading all over the city. That's why Hyde Park and St James’ Park are our next destinations, two of the local favorites, they are found adjacent to the Palace. Full of beautiful gardens, lakes and gardens, these are the prime spots for relaxing and sunbathing (considering the sun ever comes out!).
Walking through the parks, the next stop is Westminster Abbey. At almost 1000 years old, the Abbey is the resting place of Britain’s most significant monarchs, poets, composers and scientists. Figures like Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking and William Blake are buried there. The Abbey is also the site of many royal weddings, the most recent being the marriage of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Just a stone’s throw away from the Abbey are Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower) and the Houses of Parliament. Big Ben has recently completed significant restoration works and it will look brand new for your next visit! Tours of both these landmarks are widely available, but you can also take in the view from Westminster Bridge, if you’re short on time.
Drawing to the end of Day One, stop off at the London Eye to gain a real view of the London skyline.
Day 2: Tower of London, Camden Town, British Museum. Piccadilly Circus, Chinatown
Day Two of this London tour promises just as much action! We start with another iconic landmark: the Tower of London. Open from April until September, you can see the Royal Crown Jewels and learn about the Tower’s sinister past. Don’t worry, we’re not giving you any spoilers! After a short walk over Tower Bridge, a short journey on the ‘Tube’ takes you to Camden Town, one of the most vibrant and busy places in London. If you love vintage shopping or boutique food stalls, then this is heaven!
Next brings the British Museum, where you can ‘discover two million years of human history’. The museum regularly hosts temporary three-month exhibitions and galleries on all sorts of fascinating movements through history. Once you’ve filled your mind with all sorts of new facts and information, it's time to fill your stomach! Piccadilly Circus and Chinatown are two of our favorite places at a close proximity.
Day 3: St. Paul’s Cathedral, Trafalgar Square, National Gallery, Covent Garden, Natural History Museum
Continuing the third day, our first stop is St. Paul’s Cathedral. Due to the Queen’s Jubilee, the Cathedral is hosting many exhibitions through 2022. Don't miss on the opportunity to explore something new!
Following the Cathedral, you will find Trafalgar Square. Nelson’s column at the center celebrates Britain’s naval triumphs in the early 19th Century. While you’re there, you can pop into the National Gallery which is located just on the opposite side of the Square.
Another absolute essential destination and our next stop is London’s Covent Garden. The area is full of gorgeous little pop-up shops and has some of the most photogenic streets in London. A true food paradise, make sure to try as much as possible!
Once you’ve stocked up on food, we recommend ending your London culture trip with a visit to the Natural History Museum. For many Londoners, this is one of the favorite venues and most unique to the UK. With a life-size whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling, history is awaiting you as soon as you walk in the door.
It is difficult to visit London to the fullest in just three days, but we've given you all the highlights to get the best feel for this wonderful city. If you’re staying for a longer period, we highly recommend taking a few day trips outside London, such as Stonehenge or Oxford.
If you’re a movie fan, then add the Warner Bros. Studio for a Harry Potter tour to your itinerary.
London truly is a magical city, full of romance, fun and beautiful sights, so don’t miss out and start planning your trip today!
Save this itinerary or explore hundreds of themed trips on Martee and bring your next City Break to life!