London 3-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Royal Academy of Arts
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Host of the renowned Summer Exhibition, the Royal Academy has been promoting art and artists since the 1700s.
Its prestigious art school has turned out the likes of William Blake and has championed careers of such now-starry names as Norman Foster, David Hockney, Anish Kapoor and Zaha Hadid.
The original 17th-century mansion on Piccadilly is now linked with the Academy’s grand 19th-century former university building on Burlington Gardens, both abuzz during the annual Summer Exhibition.
Along with this egalitarian celebration of art (it’s the world’s largest open-entry exhibition, for professionals and amateurs alike), the Academy regularly hosts the world’s best-attended art shows.
Its permanent collection is one of Britain’s oldest. The 30,000-strong collection takes in such British greats as Reynolds, Turner and Constable, and masterpieces including Michelangelo’s Taddei Tondo.
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London 5-day Itinerary
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Piccadilly Circus and Green Park Underground stations are within half a mile of the Burlington House entrance, Oxford Circus and Bond Street stations are within half a mile of the Burlington Gardens entrances.
It’s free to enter the Royal Academy and some of its peripheral exhibits, but the programmed exhibitions – the main event – have specific entrance fees. All tickets must be booked in advance.
Make a day of it and refuel in style at either the stately Senate Room restaurant or Courtyard Café, both headed up by Spanish chef, José Pizarro.
When to do it
The Royal Academy of Arts is open all year round, Tuesday to Sunday. Closed on Monday.
Go early mornings at the weekend, or early in the week to enjoy the galleries with less footfall.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.4 miles]
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Claridge’s
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
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The Soho Hotel
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
Glamorous, sexy, and slick design hotel, with a buzzing bar, private cinema, and celebrity clientele.
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Mimi’s Hotel Soho
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
A vibrant, affordable Soho base, with a lively bar that’s ideal for first-timers to the capital, who want to be in the heart of everything.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
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National Gallery
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
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National Portrait Gallery
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.8 miles]
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Buckingham Palace
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]
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Trooping the Colour
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World-famous, incomparable military parade dating back to the 17th century, involving thousands of soldiers, horses and musicians in full regalia, occurs each June to mark the Queen’s official birthday.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free | 2.5 hours
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London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]
Sky-scraping observation wheel taking passengers on a stately ride, 450 feet above the Thames.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]
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SEA LIFE London Aquarium
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.7 miles]
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Best for ages: Any | £27
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Madame Tussauds
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.8 miles]
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Best for ages: 8+ | £30