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.
Bucket list experience:
Credit: Photos BrianScantlebury / Shutterstock.com
One of the world’s highest observation wheels, the Eye gives you a gentle, rotating ride 450ft above the London skyline. On a clear day, the glass capsules have views stretching 25 miles across the capital, with iconic London architecture – from Big Ben to the Tower of London – laid out directly underneath.
This iconic bit of engineering and its dazzling views has charmed even hard-to-please Londoners. There’s no better way to get acquainted with the lie of the land.
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United Kingdom (UK)
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The Eye is open all year round, seven days a week, with later opening hours in July and August. Dusk is a magical time to board, for sunsets and sparkling city lights. School holidays, particularly July to August, bring big queues (peaking around 11am-3pm).
The nearest Underground stop is Waterloo (Northern, Jubilee, and Bakerloo lines).
It’s possible to buy tickets on the day, but booking online is strongly recommended. Several ticket types allow you to jump the queues, which can be formidable. Book a ‘guided tour’ to get commentary on the landmarks and priority boarding. ‘Flexi’ tickets are pricier but mean a shorter wait time, and they don’t tie you to timed boarding.
Private capsule hire comes with Champagne and canapés, wine tastings and other optional goodies, including a full three-course meal. Each ‘flight’ time lasts about 30 minutes.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Get a front-row seat for the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, and a sparkling stretch of the River Thames, at this Grade-II listed Westminster waterfront address. Right in the city center, it’s walking distance to the major sites.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
This opulent Art Deco hotel, right in the buzzing West End, is discreet, elegant, and full of A-list stories.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
Low prices without sacrificing style or comfort are the order of the day at The Resident’s smart Covent Garden address.
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London, United Kingdom (UK)
A stylish boutique hotel with a standout bar, superb London Eye views and Covent Garden and the Royal Opera House right outside the door.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
London, United Kingdom (UK)
A gallows humour romp through London’s most gruesome periods of history, encountering its shadiest characters, via live action, rides and special effects.
Best for ages: 12+ | £27
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Watch Prime Minister’s Questions and tour the House of Lords within these neo-Gothic buildings by the Thames.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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)
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
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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
London, United Kingdom (UK)
An 18th-century mansion of masterpieces sitting pretty on Piccadilly, home to one of Britain’s oldest collections of fine art and regular blockbuster exhibitions.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
London, United Kingdom (UK)
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