United Kingdom · 2026 itinerary
London 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for London: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Over 2,300 paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, including Van Gogh's Sunflowers, turner's Fighting Temeraire, and works by da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Monet.
🕐 Daily 10:00–18:00 (Fri until 21:00)
Free entry💡 Use the free 'Art Guided Tour' app (download before you visit) for 15-minute audio tours. The Sainsbury Wing entrance is less crowded than the main portico.
Hotels near National Gallery →World-class collection spanning human history, from the Rosetta Stone to the Parthenon marbles. The Great Court is spectacular.
🕐 Daily 10:00–17:30 (Fri until 20:30)
Free entry💡 Go early on weekday mornings (10am) to avoid crowds. The permanent collection is free; special exhibitions cost extra.
Hotels near British Museum →The Monkey Puzzle · ££
The Union Bar · ££
Deeper Into London
Central London's largest green spaces, joined together. Serpentine lake, Speaker's Corner, and the Albert Memorial are all free to see.
🕐 Open 24 hours (gates locked 11pm–6am in summer, earlier in winter)
💡 Walk from Hyde Park Corner to Kensington Palace via the Serpentine Bridge. Free deckchairs are available near the Lido (first come, first served). Avoid the paid boating unless you really want to.
A 2.5-mile riverside walk from Tate Modern past Shakespeare's Globe, Borough Market, the Golden Hinde, and HMS Belfast, ending at Tower Bridge. Street performers and food stalls along the way.
🕐 Open 24 hours (market hours vary)
💡 Start at 2pm to catch the market in full swing (Borough Market closes at 5pm Mon–Sat). No entry fee for any part of the walk itself. Cross Tower Bridge for a free view of the Tower of London.
Modern and contemporary art in a converted power station on the South Bank. Highlights include Rothko's Seagram murals and the Turbine Hall installations.
🕐 Sun–Thu 10:00–18:00, Fri–Sat 10:00–22:00
💡 The viewing level on the 10th floor (Blavatnik Building) has one of the best free panorama views of St Paul's and the City. Entry is free; book a timed slot online.
The Waterside
The Last Judgement
Getting Around London
Most convenient for hotel; Covent Garden Station is adjacent. Contactless payment auto-caps daily fares at £8.50. Download TfL Go app for real-time updates.
Get Oyster card or contactless payment; cheapest local option. Piccadilly Line goes near Covent Garden. Avoid rush hours if possible.
Use official taxi ranks at airports; Uber available but black cabs are iconic. Surge pricing during peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm).
Fastest airport option; buy tickets in advance online for discounts. Connect via Circle/District lines to hotel area within 10 mins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for London?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like National Gallery and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit London?
See our full best time to visit London guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include London Hilton on Park Lane, Hilton London Paddington, London Marriott Hotel County Hall. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.