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What to see in London in 2 days
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Culture
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If you are planning a 72-hour trip to the British capital and wondering what to see in London in 3 days, I have prepared a comprehensive and optimised guide for you to discover the best of one of the most fascinating cities in the world.
A place where every street has a millennia-old story behind it, this 3-day itinerary in London combines essential landmarks, charming neighbourhoods, and more alternative areas for you to have an experience that is as balanced as it is exciting.
Next, I will explain how to see London in three days efficiently, grouping each itinerary by geographical area to minimise travel. This way, you can make the most of the city with a detailed plan of the various places to see in London.
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By Content Team
Culture
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| Day | Area | Main sights |
| Day 1 | Westminster and city centre | Big Ben, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Covent Garden and Soho |
| Day 2 | City and Thames | Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Sky Garden, Borough Market and St Paul's Cathedral |
| Day 3 | Museums and neighbourhoods | British Museum, Camden Town, Notting Hill and Hyde Park |
This first day is dedicated to the great symbols that have given the city worldwide fame. It's the perfect starting point for your 3-day London guide, covering the most representative and monumental sights of the capital.
The Palace of Westminster is one of the key points of any itinerary. This imposing Gothic Revival building is the seat of the British Parliament and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Admiring its facade reflected in the waters of the Thames is one of the most awe-inspiring experiences the city offers, especially when remembering that decisions that have shaped modern history were made here.
📍View opening times and prices
From here, you can walk to the next stop in less than 2 minutes.
Big Ben is the most recognisable symbol of the capital and an essential stop. After a recent restoration, the Elizabeth Tower shines like never before with its golden details and deep blue clock faces. Hearing its famous chimes as the sun rises over the river is a moment not to be missed on your 3-day trip to London.
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Cross Westminster Bridge on foot in about 5 minutes.
The London Eye offers unique panoramic views from its 135 metres of height. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, its glass capsules allow you to see up to 40 kilometres away on clear days, enjoying an aerial perspective of the Abbey and the royal parks that you won't get anywhere else.
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Walk back towards Westminster in about 10 minutes.
An essential architectural gem, Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church that has been the scene of royal coronations since 1066. Inside, you can discover the Poets' Corner and the tombs of legendary figures such as Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton.
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Head to the next stop by crossing St. James’s Park in about 15 minutes.
Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy in London and a must-see stop. Although the main facade is the most imposing, the surrounding parks and the Victoria Memorial create an unparalleled atmosphere of royalty. Walking around here allows you to feel the protocol and tradition that so characterise the British.
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Walk to the next stop along The Mall in about 15 minutes.
Trafalgar Square is one of the liveliest and most significant places in the city. Guarded by the iconic bronze lions and Nelson's Column, it is the epicentre of London celebrations.
Additionally, the National Gallery is located here, with free admission and housing some of the most important works of art in Europe.
The next destination is just a 10-minute walk away.
The perfect place to enjoy an afternoon tea or simply soak up its unique cultural and artistic atmosphere. Covent Garden is a former flower market full of life thanks to its street performers, designer shops, and its iconic covered market, "Apple Market", which you won't be able to resist entering.
You can continue walking to Soho without needing transport.
The Soho district is my choice for ending the first day by experiencing London's nightlife. Its narrow streets host everything from the best West End theatres to international restaurants and historic pubs. It's the perfect area for dinner and to experience the most cosmopolitan and eclectic side of London. In this guide, you will find what to see in Soho in detail.
Don't leave without crossing the iconic Chinatown arch or strolling down the photogenic Carnaby Street, the epicentre of fashion in the 60s.
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This second day focuses on the City area and the river, where medieval history merges with the city's most avant-garde skyscrapers.
The Tower of London is a thousand-year-old fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and armoury. Today, it is famous for housing the Crown Jewels. Walking its ramparts accompanied by a Beefeater (the iconic Tudor-uniformed guards who protect the fortress) is like stepping back in time to an era of medieval intrigue and legends.
Just a 5-minute walk away, you'll find the next stop.
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Tower Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic bridges in the world, and one you simply must cross. Its Victorian neo-Gothic towers and glass walkways offer breathtaking views over the river. Walking across it while watching the river traffic is an experience not to be missed on your 3-day London itinerary.
Continue walking along the river for about 15 minutes.
Located at the top of the Walkie-Talkie building, the Sky Garden offers incredible panoramic views in a tropical garden setting. It's a privileged viewpoint (and free, with mandatory prior booking) that allows you to see the city from above surrounded by greenery.
You can walk to the next stop in about 15 minutes.
A paradise for food lovers, Borough Market, with centuries of history under its metal structures, is a market where you can sample fresh local produce and street food from around the world. It's the perfect place to grab a bite and enjoy the most authentic and sensory atmosphere of the city.
Cross the river on foot in about 15 minutes via London Bridge.
St Paul's Cathedral, with its iconic white dome, is a masterpiece by architect Christopher Wren. It is a symbol of London's resilience, and its interior, housing the Whispering Gallery and an imposing crypt, makes it one of the most emblematic and awe-inspiring cathedrals in all of Europe.
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You can take the tube to the next stop in about 20 minutes.
The stroll along South Bank is perfect for ending the second day with unparalleled views of the illuminated Thames. Walking along the riverbank allows you to see the city skyline shimmering on the water, while enjoying street musicians and the atmosphere of the riverside terraces.
You can stroll along it at your leisure after dinner.
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The last day of this 3-day London guide combines culture, alternative leisure, and residential neighbourhoods with a unique aesthetic.
The British Museum is one of the oldest and most important museums in the world. It houses priceless treasures such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Marbles. It is an essential (and free) visit that allows you to travel through human history in just a few hours.
You can get to the next stop by tube (Northern Line) in about 20 minutes.
The epicentre of alternative culture, Camden Town, with its markets, facades decorated with giant sculptures, and its rebellious atmosphere, is a unique place.
Getting lost among the stalls at Camden Lock or trying exotic food by the canal is an experience that breaks with the elegance of the city centre and shows the city's most diverse face.
You can travel to the next stop by tube in about 25 minutes, combining the Northern and Central lines.
One of the most picturesque and photogenic neighbourhoods in the capital, Notting Hill is famous for Portobello Road and its pastel-coloured facades. Strolling through its streets will make you feel like you're in a film set, making it the perfect place to look for antiques or simply enjoy its bohemian and refined aesthetic. If you want to know what to see in Notting Hill, here's everything you need.
You can walk or take public transport in about 15 minutes.
An ideal place to relax and unwind after three intense days of sightseeing, Hyde Park is London's green lung. You can stroll around the Serpentine lake, visit the Princess Diana Memorial, or simply sit on the grass to observe local life in one of the world's most famous parks.
A few minutes' walk away, you can finish the tour.
The Kensington district is the perfect setting to end this 3-day London itinerary with complete tranquility. Its stately streets and extensive gastronomic offerings will allow you to say goodbye to the city with a leisurely dinner, surrounded by the most exclusive buildings in the capital.
Don't leave without seeing Kynance Mews, one of the most beautiful and "secret" residential streets in London, located a few minutes' walk away.
To complete this 3-day London itinerary and facilitate your organisation, you can use these maps with the sights for each day grouped by proximity:
📍See full route on Google Maps
📍See full route on Google Maps
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To ensure your experience in the British capital is a complete success, the best advice I can give you is that planning is your best ally, but always leaving a little room for improvisation.
London is a vast city, and although 3 days allow you to see the most important and essential sights, it is crucial to organise your visits well by geographical areas, as we have done in this guide.
Other London guides by day:
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