Bucket list trip:
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.
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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.
Adult price: £25
Best for ages 4+
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This iconic, domed cathedral is an architectural masterpiece and a highlight of London’s skyline, designed by the great Sir Christopher Wren.
Adult price: £17
Best for ages 13+
London, United Kingdom (UK)
This atmospheric indoor garden, occupying 3 floors at the top of a skyscraper, offers stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the city. There’s an observation deck and several dining options – a fine dining restaurant, an Italian restaurant and a brasserie – all with views. A great place to break from sightseeing.
Best for ages 6+
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.
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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 13+
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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.
Adult price: £20
Best for ages 6+
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See the world’s best theatre and musical theatre, staged in 40 magnificent, history-laden venues known as the ‘West End’.
Adult price: £45
Best for ages 8+
Duration: 2-3 hours
When: Daily
Frequency: daily
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.
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Jaw-dropping neo-Gothic buildings by the Thames, home to the UK parliament – the original home of democracy – and the iconic Big Ben clock.
Best for ages 13+
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A thousand-year-old Gothic abbey, and the grand resting place of monarchs, politicians and poets.
Best for ages 18+
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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.
Adult price: £25
Best for ages 13+
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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+
London, United Kingdom (UK)
The main public art gallery of Buckingham Palace, the Queens Gallery exhibits works of art from the Royal collection on a rotating basis – there are usually around 450 works on show.
Adult price: £8.50
Best for ages 18+
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Introduced by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840 to stave off hunger until dinner, afternoon tea is one of England’s greatest traditions – and there is no better way to experience it than in one of London’s historic, grand dame hotels.
Adult price: £20
Best for ages 13+
Duration: 1-3 hours
London, United Kingdom (UK)
In the palatial surroundings of the Ritz’s white-and-gold Palm Court, this is London’s only afternoon tea to have a certified tea sommelier on hand to help you with your choices.
Adult price: £60
Best for ages 18+
Duration: 1-3 hours
London, United Kingdom (UK)
Grocer to the queen, this glorious foodie emporium on Piccadilly has been supplying the great and good of London since 1705. A Fortnum’s hamper – perfect for a picnic in Hyde Park – is a thing of beauty.
Best for ages 18+
