Visiting London for the primary time? Right here’s the proper 2-3 day weekend in London itinerary.
London has been calling us (from their crimson cellphone cubicles) for a while now. So, we packed our luggage to take a look at one UK’s oldest cities for an extended weekend. From Huge Ben to Westminster Abbey, London’s historic sights are limitless, and there may be all the time one thing to see, do, and eat.
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Final Up to date: June 2, 2023
11 Finest Issues to Do in London for Your First Go to
With the Go City London Pass, we had the chance to take a look at just a few well-liked sights, in addition to another factors of curiosity that have been advisable to us by the Go Metropolis crew.
We organized our days based mostly on space. Right here are some things you shouldn’t miss when visiting London.
weekend in London itinerary Day 1
For our 3 day weekend in London, we picked what to do every day based mostly on what was close by in every space.
1. Take a Image with Huge Ben
London SW1A 0AA, UK, map
Talking of icons, everybody is aware of what Huge Ben is, even in case you’ve by no means been to London. Regardless that it’s at the moment closed for renovations and restorations, you’ll be able to nonetheless cease by and snap a fast picture with Huge Ben. The Houses of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, is connected to the clock tower. It’s at the moment nonetheless open for excursions.
It’s a 10-minute stroll from Westminster Abbey if you wish to knock out a few locations concurrently.
Native Tip: Finest picture spot is beneath Westminster Bridge, which leads proper as much as Huge Ben. Arrive earlier than dawn to keep away from the crowds.
2. Westminster Abbey
Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA, UK, map
Westminster Abbey was our favourite attraction, arms down. It’s steeped in centuries of historical past and has considerably formed the British monarchy, faith, and tradition. It has been the positioning of quite a few royal weddings, coronations, and burials, together with that of British monarchs and different notable figures all through historical past.
We loved the self-guided audio tour, which supplies guests with detailed details about the positioning’s historical past, structure, and notable options. Take a look at key areas, such because the Poets’ Nook, the Coronation Chair, and the Royal Tombs.
Native Tip: Entry is free in case you’re attending Sunday service, however they don’t present excursions throughout this time.
3. Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA, UK, map
It’s an extended stroll to Buckingham Palace from Westminster Abbey, however you’ll be able to stroll by means of Hyde Park on the best way. Buckingham Palace attracts thousands and thousands of holiday makers yearly and holds limitless cultural and symbolic significance. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers from all over the world. Take a look at the Altering of the Guard ceremony and admire the architectural splendor.
To get the most effective image of Buckingham Palace, you’ll be able to head to the Victoria Memorial, situated in entrance of the palace. It presents an important vantage level for capturing the grandeur of the palace’s façade.
Native Tip: The Altering of the Guard ceremony usually happens each day through the summer season months (April to July) and on alternate days for the remainder of the yr. Make sure to examine the official website for essentially the most up-to-date schedule. The ceremony normally begins at round 11:00 AM and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Arrive early to safe a superb viewing spot!
4. Kensington Palace
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK, map
Glimmering golden gates, opulent State Rooms, and tales of Queen Victoria’s birthplace are only a few issues you’ll be able to’t miss at Kensington Palace. Don’t miss your likelihood to go to the historic King’s State Residences and the Queen’s State Residences.
They’ve been meticulously restored to their former glory, offering a glimpse into the luxurious life of previous monarchs. The historic Sunken Backyard, the place Diana, the Princess of Wales Memorial Statue stands, can also’t be missed.
Professional Tip: Get there early to keep away from big crowds, particularly on weekend days. We made reservations to tour the palace when it opened.
weekend in London itinerary Day 2
We began day 2 of our lengthy weekend in London at Tower Bridge. After the bridge, we checked out the Tower of London at one finish of the bridge and Borough Market on the different finish. Lastly, we ended the day with a Thames River Cruise.
5. Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK,map
We relished the hike up the 206 steps and the magnificent views of the River Thames. Tower Bridge is such an iconic image of London. When you attain the highest, stroll throughout the glass ground walkways the place you’ll be able to seize nice images of London’s skyline and be taught concerning the engineers who designed the historic construction.
Naturally, we wished to get some pictures with the bridge. Listed here are a few our favourite picture spots:
- The Queens Walk is the most well-liked place to take images with the Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
- More London Riverside – this metropolitan space will get crowded, so go early morning in case you don’t need anybody else in your images.
Native Tip: Plan to go to the Tower of London because it’s close by.
6. Tower of London
London EC3N 4AB, UK,map
See the Crown Jewels on the Tower of London, a 900-year-old fortress and fortress. It was fairly neat to see the crowns, scepters, orbs, and different regalia utilized in royal ceremonies by the monarchs.
Professional Tip: Take into account becoming a member of one of many Yeoman Warder guided excursions, which your admission consists of. Their educated guides share fascinating tales concerning the Tower’s historical past.
7. Borough Market
London SE1 9AL, UK, map
The place your entire gastronomic desires turn into a actuality, from farm-fresh produce to yummy avenue meals, your style buds will rejoice after consuming by means of one in every of London’s oldest markets. We beloved the freshly shucked oysters at Richard Haward Oysters and the piping sizzling paella from Bomba. I wished to hold a complete cheese wheel from Kappacasein.
Native Tip: Most meals stalls are open air, so costume accordingly.
See Extra: 25 Best Markets in the World to Put On Your Bucket List
8. Thames River Cruise
Westminster Pier, London SW1A 2JH, United Kingdom, map
Embark on a Thames River Cruise with Metropolis Cruises of London and immerse your self within the magnificence and historical past of the town from a novel perspective. We beloved the panoramic views of London’s famend landmarks, resembling Tower Bridge and the enduring Huge Ben. All through the cruise, educated guides present enjoyable details and tales concerning the landmarks you move alongside the best way.
Metropolis Cruises presents quite a lot of cruise choices to fit your preferences. When you’ve got extra time, think about partaking in a day tea or romantic dinner cruise.
Professional Tip: Attempt to safe a seat on the open-air deck for the most effective picture opps and unobstructed views.
See Extra: What You Need To Know Before Your First Douro River Cruise
Weekend in London itinerary Day 3
As a result of it’s a trek to get out to Watford, you wish to plan for a pickup and transportation. You’ll spend half the day right here. We returned to London, did some buying, and ended the lengthy day with scrumptious meals and desserts in London’s Chinatown.
9. Warner Brothers Studio Tour
Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR, United Kingdom, map
The Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour presents a fascinating and immersive expertise for followers of the Wizarding World. Step onto precise movie units and see behind-the-scenes secrets and techniques on how they created the enduring movie collection. The detailed costumes, authentic movie units, and interactive displays completely blew us away.
Their meals court docket serves up movie favorites (suppose Butter Beer, Hogwarts-themed burgers, and chocolate frogs) and afternoon tea. Take a look at the very in depth store the place you should purchase a custom-made wand in your manner out. You’ll simply spend half a day right here!
Professional Tip: Make sure to guide early upfront since they solely promote a restricted variety of tickets each day. Don’t overlook to schedule ample time for journey because it’s not in Central London.
10. Test Out Iconic Purchasing
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK, map
London is famend for its quintessential buying streets that provide a variety of trend, luxurious manufacturers, malls, and distinctive boutiques. Listed here are among the most well-known buying streets in London:
- Oxford Avenue: Positioned within the coronary heart of London, Oxford Avenue is among the busiest buying streets on this planet. It stretches over a mile and is residence to quite a few flagship shops.
- Regent Avenue: Only a quick stroll from Oxford Avenue, Regent Avenue is thought for its historic structure and a mixture of upscale boutiques and malls.
- Bond Avenue: Bond Avenue is synonymous with luxurious buying in London. This unique avenue is residence to high-end trend boutiques, prestigious jewellery shops, and famend artwork galleries.
- Harrods on Brompton Street: Sluggish clap A London buying icon. Even in case you’re simply window buying at this historic division retailer, we advocate shopping for a scrumptious pastry from one in every of their many cafes.
Native Tip: Make the most of the well-known Christmas gentle shows that enhance these streets through the holidays.
11. Eat Round Chinatown
Gerrard Pl, London W1D 5QJ, UK, map
I might transfer to London’s Chinatown for the meals! Fortunately (or not), our lodge was simply a few metro stops away from Chinatown, and we ate there day by day of our journey.
Make sure to get genuine soup dumplings from Dumplings’ Legend, recent pineapple buns from The Eight, and Peking duck from The Duck and Rice. Wash every part down with a chilly bubble tea at my all-time boba store, Pleased Lemon.
Native Tip: Enterprise past the principle streets and discover the facet alleys, outlets, and hidden gems. These lesser-known eating places present a novel eating expertise away from the crowds and serve genuine Chinese language meals.
Map of the Finest Issues to Do in London
Extra Issues to Do in London
If we deliberate for extra time, I want we received to go to neighborhoods like Notting Hill and Cambridge in addition to this stuff to do in London.
- Have Conventional Afternoon Tea
- British Museum
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- The London Eye
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- The Beatles Museum (Liverpool)
- The Seven Stars, London’s Oldest Pub
Finest Locations to Eat in London
Listed here are just a few locations we tried and beloved:
- Dishoom (Numerous Places) $$ – At dinner, a restricted variety of reservations can be found for events of six or extra company. You’ll almost certainly be ready in an extended line, so put together upfront. When you’re fortunate, they’ll serve you a few of their well-known chai when you wait.
Haidilao Hot Pot $$ – Josh isn’t the largest fan of sizzling pot, however he claims Haidilao is the most effective he’s ever had. We don’t have a location at residence, so this place was past our expectations. In addition they present snacks and drinks within the ready space. Come hungry. - Cafe TPT $ – Identified for genuine Hong Kong avenue meals resembling beef ho enjoyable and minced pork sizzling pot. When you’re feeling adventurous, we advocate the lemongrass soft-shell crab.
- Evelyn’s Table $$ – A Michelin-star restaurant led by Head Chef James Goodyear. Suppose intimate tasting menu with 18th-century pub vibes.
Finest Locations to Keep in London
Important Suggestions
- E book what you wish to do upfront. As a result of London is such a preferred vacation spot for therefore many, we missed out on some issues, like Afternoon Tea, as a result of they have been already totally booked.
- You don’t need to tip right here, like most international locations outdoors the US, however in case you really feel inclined, you’ll be able to spherical as much as the closest Pound or tip 10-12% of your invoice whole.
- Buy the London Pass for the metro system, bus, and extra. You can too use your faucet to pay worldwide bank card and pay as you go, however it is going to cap off at round £8 per day. See extra particulars here.
- At all times put on layers, pack an umbrella or raincoat, and put on comfortable footwear. You’ll be strolling a lot. London is thought for its wet and cloudy climate.
- The UK makes use of a sort G plug for many home equipment, so deliver a common adapter in your electronics.
- Be conscious of the site visitors stream as drivers within the UK drive on the left facet. Train warning and take note of the indicators at crosswalks and bus stops.
- Pickpockets are frequent in London, particularly in crowded areas, vacationer spots, and on public transportation. Test your environment and keep away from distractions like utilizing your cellphone excessively or carrying headphones that may restrict your consciousness.
- Get a Go City London Pass to take a look at a number of sights. The move offers you entry to over 90 well-liked sights, together with a number of on our checklist, at a fraction of the price.
Planning Guidelines
Which of this stuff to do in London are in your journey bucket checklist? Anything you’ll add to a weekend in London itinerary?
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“Discovery consists not of in search of new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Josh + Macy
Josh and Macy are artistic southern youngsters who love exploring native and worldwide cultures. They’ve lengthy believed that touring is about getting out of your consolation zone and making an attempt new issues. They’re at the moment based mostly out of Atlanta.
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