Tower of London
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The world’s most notorious medieval fortress, rich in gruesome history dating back to the 11th century. Now home to the Crown Jewels and the enigmatic, colourful Beefeaters.
Best for ages: 4+ | £25
Recommended itinerary:
London 3-day Itinerary
Last updated: 02 March, 2023
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.
Note – London is a big place, and getting around London is both time-consuming and exhausting. Indeed, the secret to enjoying this incredible city is to minimise your travel, especially in cars, buses or trains.
Each of our itinerary days focuses on a different part of London, gathering the city’s bucket list attractions into smaller, more manageable areas that you can mostly navigate on foot.
Our 9-day itinerary has other suggested days that you can mix and match. Each day is fairly independent of each other – so choose the days that suit you best.
Editor note – Annabelle has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day, as it’s best to base yourself in one place. See the ‘Where to stay’ section in our London destination guide.
Spend the morning with the Beefeaters seeing the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. If you have time, take in spectacular views from the Tower Bridge Walkway.
After, head to the Sky Garden for lunch with a view, then wander along the road to St. Paul’s Cathedral.
After a few whispers in the whispering gallery, finish up with dinner at the Duck and Waffle or Sushi Samba (pre-book). It’s a short walk – and on the way pop into the magnificent Leadenhall Market.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
London, United Kingdom (UK)
This iconic, domed cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and a highlight of London’s skyline, designed by the great Sir Christopher Wren.
Best for ages: 10+ | £17
Spend the morning admiring world treasures at the British Museum. There are several good lunch options inside, including a pizzeria.
After lunch, stroll down to soak up the atmosphere of Covent Garden. Shop the boutiques and central market, watch the street performers and, if of interest, pop into the excellent Transport Museum.
For dinner, either book into Rules for British classics, or wander over to Chinatown, via Leicester Square, for Chinese street food. Finish the evening with a West End musical.
British Museum
London, United Kingdom (UK)
An awe-inspiring collection of more than seven million artefacts spanning two million years, from prehistory to the present day. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Elgin Marbles and a granite head of King Rameses II.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
London Transport Museum
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Fascinating museum offering an insight into the remarkable transport heritage of the city that pioneered the underground railway. Trains, iconic black cabs, scarlet double-decker buses and more.
Best for ages: 6+ | £20
Experience
Rules
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Opened in 1798, this Covent Garden spot is London’s oldest restaurant, with red-velvet booths, olde-worlde pies and roast game.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Website >
Overview >
West End Musicals
London, United Kingdom (UK)
See the world’s best theatre and musical theatre, staged in 40 magnificent, history-laden venues known as the ‘West End’.
Best for ages: 8+ | £45 | 2-3 hours
Website >
Overview >Rise early and head to Westminster Palace to see Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.
After, stop into Churchill’s War Rooms, also on Parliament Square, then walk through St James’ Park to Buckingham Palace. If you’re there 10.45am you’ll catch the Changing of the Guard.
Art lovers could stop by the Queen’s Gallery, either way wander through Green Park and stop for lunch (or afternoon tea) at either The Ritz or Fortnum & Mason.
Walk into Soho for dinner (many choices). Shoppers could detour to the uber-expensive streets around Bond Street, or the big flagship brands on Regent Street.
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben
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
Westminster Abbey
London, United Kingdom (UK)
A thousand-year-old Gothic abbey, and the grand resting place of monarchs, politicians and poets.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Churchill War Rooms
London, United Kingdom (UK)
A secret subterranean bunker from which Churchill directed operations during WWII – exactly as it was during the blitz of 1945 – offering a fascinating historical insight to the war and Churchill himself.
Best for ages: 8+ | £25
Buckingham Palace
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The world’s most famous royal palace and home of the British monarchy since Queen Victoria, is a fairly bland affair. Go in summer months to see the State Rooms and gardens, and stay to see the Changing of the Guard with enjoyable, entertaining fanfare.
Best for ages: 8+ | Free