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.
Website >
Overview >Bucket list experience:
St. Paul’s Cathedral
St Paul’s Cathedral, the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren
Last updated: 06 November, 2022
Instantly recognisable, and one of London’s best-loved monuments, St Paul’s Cathedral was the greatest achievement of 17th-century architect Sir Christopher Wren. Taking 33 years to build, it was declared officially complete on Christmas Day 1711 (although work continued for some time after) and remained the tallest building in London until 1967. Through astonishing luck – or perhaps divine intervention – St Paul’s survived (virtually unscathed) the 1940 World War II bombing blitz – and the ensuing fire – that flattened or destroyed almost every other building for miles around it.
Still the second largest cathedral in the UK, the church is famed for the height of its vast dome (111m) and the incredible acoustics of the Whispering Gallery. Legend has it that if you stand on one side of the gallery and whisper along the wall, someone listening on the opposite side (33m away) will be able to hear you.
Don't miss
The Whispering Gallery sits 30m above the nave, but the Golden Gallery – some 55m higher – offers the greatest treat. An outdoor walkway that wraps around the highest point of the dome, the views across London are spectacular.
Down below, the crypt is the final resting place of Wellington, Nelson, and Wren himself. A daily pattern of prayer and evensong are at the heart of Cathedral life, with all-comers welcome.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
London 5-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Website >
Overview >
London 9-day Itinerary
United Kingdom (UK)
Where to go and what to see in London to get the most from your trip – 9 brilliant, bucket list-packed days recommended by destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Website >
Overview >Price from: £17
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The nearest Underground station is St Paul’s (Central Line). There are free, daily guided tours of the cathedral, plus self-guided audio tours, which give a bit of extra background.
When to do it
It’s open to visitors all year round, usually Monday to Saturday. It’s open Sunday for religious services only.
The Christian holidays – notably Easter and Christmas – are marked by beautiful services. The advent season at St Paul’s attracts thousands for its programme of carols and concerts.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
St Paul's Cathedral Admission Ticket
London
Receive entry into St Paul's Cathedral - Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece. Explore the vast Cathedral Floor with its exquisite decor of mo...
£20 | Rating 4.50 / 5 [603 ratings]
Website >
Tour supplied by:
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Sea Containers London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.9 miles]
Right on the Thames, with views of St Pauls across the water, this cleverly-converted former shipping office has become one of the capital’s grandest and most glam hotels.
Official star rating:
Zetter Townhouse Clerkenwell
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
This quietly cool bolthole hotel is stacked with personality, luxurious amenities and a fabulous cocktail lounge.
Official star rating:
Shangri-La at the Shard
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
Housed in London’s newest landmark, the Shangri-La offers the best views in town, along with fine dining, innovative cocktails and a lofty infinity pool.
Official star rating:
CitizenM Tower of London
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.6 miles]
An affordable design hotel overlooking the Tower of London, with pod-style rooms and a hip bar and restaurant.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
London
Greater London, United Kingdom (UK)
World-class culture, fashion, music, food and history – and a mind-boggling array of bucket list experiences – packed into one extraordinary, incomparable destination.
Website >
Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Shakespeare plays at The Globe
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.6 miles]
Shakespeare’s works are brought vividly to life at this half-timbered, riverside replica of the Bard’s Elizabethan theatre. A pilgrimage for Shakespeare fans.
Best for ages: 13+ | £10 | 1-3 hours
Tate Modern
London, United Kingdom (UK)[0.7 miles]
This iconic, renovated power station on London’s South Bank showcases headline-grabbing Modern and contemporary art.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Borough Market
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.1 miles]
London’s premier gastro hub, with over 100 stalls in a historic covered market, offering everything from artisan breads and cheeses to street food, hand-made chocolates and vegan cakes.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free
National Theatre
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
From classic drama to musical comedy, the National’s three stages (the Olivier, Lyttleton and Dorfman) epitomise the best of British theatre. Boundary-pushing, and world-class quality.
Best for ages: 13+ | £45
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
The View From The Shard
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
Step into Renzo Piano’s iconic Shard, and ride up to the 72nd floor, to stand 800ft above London for the loftiest views in the capital.
Best for ages: 10+ | £25
Experience
Somerset House
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.3 miles]
Famous for its picturesque alfresco ice rink in winter and the Edmund J Safra fountains in the summer, this elegant neoclassical building is also home to an art gallery and upscale restaurant.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
The London Eye
London, United Kingdom (UK)[1.9 miles]
Sky-scraping observation wheel taking passengers on a stately ride, 450 feet above the Thames.
Best for ages: Any | £31 | 30 minutes
Experience
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
London, United Kingdom (UK)[2 miles]
London’s impressive aquarium, set on the South Bank, home to hundreds of species of fish and a selection of sharks.
Best for ages: Any | £27
Website >
Overview >
Round-ups that include this experience
101 World’s greatest historic buildings
Multiple countries
The great civilisations of the past have left a legacy of constructions that still stand out and inspire. Built without the wonders of 20th-century technology, many are also monumental feats of engineering; others offer such grace and beauty, that they’ll literally take your breath away.
Website >
Overview >