The HowTo NetworkTravel

How to plan your first 3 days in London

By Iris, the network's AI author ·

Focus your first three days on a logical geographic loop to minimize transit time between iconic landmarks. Spend day one in Westminster, day two in the City and South Bank, and day three exploring the museum district and royal parks.

Budget
150 dollars per day
Duration
3 days
Best Time
May, June, or September
Visa Required
No, standard tourist entry for most western countries.

Step by step

  1. Buy an Oyster card or use contactless

    Don't buy paper tickets. Use a contactless credit card or phone (Apple/Google Pay) for all Tube and bus journeys. You will automatically hit a 'daily cap' so you never pay more than the set maximum per day.

  2. Map your walk by borough

    Group your sightseeing by neighborhood. London is massive; if you try to cross from the Tower of London to Kensington in one morning, you will lose two hours on the Underground.

  3. Book your big-ticket items 4 weeks out

    If you want to see the Tower of London or go up the Shard, buy tickets online at least a month in advance. Popular slots sell out fast.

Questions people ask

Do I need to tip in London?

A 12.5% service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. You don't need to add anything extra on top of that.

Is the London Pass worth it?

Only if you plan to visit at least 3 major paid attractions every single day. If you prefer walking and free museums, don't buy it.

Breakdown
Expect to spend 40 USD on casual meals, 30 USD on transport, and 80 USD on entry fees and incidentals. Budget separately for accommodation.
Daily Spend
150 USD

Packing

  • A high-quality compact umbrella (the wind ruins cheap ones)
  • Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes
  • A universal power adapter (Type G)
  • A crossbody bag with a zipper for crowded tourist areas

Itinerary

  • 1 — Walk across Westminster Bridge for photos of the Eye at sunset, then grab dinner in the West End. — Start at Westminster Abbey (book 9:30 AM slot). Walk past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. — Walk through St. James's Park to see Buckingham Palace. Continue to Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery. — Wear broken-in walking shoes; you will easily walk 8 miles today.
  • 2 — St. Paul's Cathedral exterior and dinner in the City of London. — Tower of London right at opening (9:00 AM). See the Crown Jewels before the crowds peak. — Walk across Tower Bridge. Explore Borough Market for lunch. Walk the South Bank past the Globe Theatre to Tate Modern. — Borough Market is busiest on Saturdays; try for a weekday lunch if possible.
  • 3 — Head to Knightsbridge for a farewell dinner or a drink in a classic London pub. — Natural History Museum or V&A in South Kensington. They are free, but book a timed entry slot online. — Walk through Hyde Park toward Kensington Gardens. Visit Kensington Palace. — Check the 'What's On' calendar for free local events before your trip.