© 2026 TravlyoAboutHow it worksAdviceHelpPricingTermsPrivacyCreditsContact

Travlyo
GuidesStoriesAdvicePricingHelpSign in
Travlyo
HomeTripsExploreStoriesBeen there
  • Home
  • Trips
  • Explore
  • Stories
Plan London

United Kingdom · Europe

3 days in London

Vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy. Considered one of the world's leading global cities, it offers an unparalleled blend of historical landmarks, world-class museums, and cutting-edge contemporary culture.

Plan this trip, free

Vibrant and truly multicultural, London is a megalopolis of people, ideas and frenetic energy.

When you plan it, day 1 and the last day fit your journey from home: a long flight keeps them light.

3 days5 days7 days

Day 1 · Royal & Political Power

8 stops 4.1 km

MorningStart with Westminster Abbey, then see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Witness the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

AfternoonDelve into WWII history at the Churchill War Rooms, then explore Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

EveningEnjoy the street performers and shops in Covent Garden, followed by a world-class West End theatre show.

Mostly walking in Westminster/Trafalgar Square. Tube to Covent Garden.

Make this trip yours

A free account opens every day of this guide and copies it into your own trip on your dates.

  • All 3 days, 21 stops
  • Route map and walking times
  • Edit, reorder, share with friends
Create a free accountI have an account

Must-see in London

Save money shopping

Shop smarter in London

Where prices are lower than at home, the outlets within reach, and how to get the tax back. Editorial picks; check hours and prices on the official sites before you go.

We may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we earn

Tax-free

No VAT refund for visitors

The UK ended tax-free shopping for tourists in 2021, so the price on the tag is the price you pay.

Cheaper here than at home

  • High street: Primark, Boots, M&S

    Cheapest at home for British high-street brands; Bicester Village for luxury markdowns.

Outlet

about 1 h

Bicester Village

The famous one: 160 luxury and premium boutiques an hour from London.

Getting there. Train from Marylebone to Bicester Village station (about 50 minutes), the village is a two-minute walk.

Official site Transport

Outlet

about 25 min

London Designer Outlet

Outlet mall at Wembley with 70 stores, sports and high-street brands.

Getting there. Tube to Wembley Park (Jubilee, Metropolitan), about 25 minutes from central London.

Official site Transport

Where locals shop

  • Waitrose & Partnerssupermarket

    Popular British supermarket chain trusted for high-quality groceries and fresh produce.

  • Seven Dials Marketfood hall

    Vibrant indoor food hall serving diverse dishes from independent local food vendors.

  • Borough Marketmarket

    Historic covered market filled with artisanal produce, cheeses, and street food stalls.

Know before you goVisa, safety, money and getting around in London
  • Visa: Most international travelers require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, depending on their nationality and purpose of visit.
  • Safety: Mostly safe · 7/10
  • A day: about $220 mid-range
  • Best months: May – Sep
Read it

Know before you go

  • Money£ GBP · about US$220 a day
  • LanguageEnglish
  • Local timeEurope/London
  • Best monthsMay · Jun · Jul · Aug · Sep
  • SafetySafe · 7/10
  • CrowdsVery busy

Safety is Travlyo’s own reading, not an official figure. Official advice: US State Department ↗

Visa

Most international travelers require a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, depending on their nationality and purpose of visit.

Read moreShow less

Always check the latest UK government guidelines before travel.

Rules change: check for your passport before you book.

Getting around

London boasts an extensive and efficient public transport network, including the Underground (Tube), buses, DLR, Overground, and National Rail services. Walking is also a great way to explore central areas, and cycling is popular with dedicated lanes.

What a day costs

Per person, for food, getting around and tickets. Stays and getting there come on top.

See the three stylesShow less
  • Budget: about US$130
  • Mid-range: about US$220
  • Comfort: about US$350

Good to know

Invest in an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card for seamless travel on public transport, as it's often cheaper than single tickets.

4 more tipsShow less
  • Many of London's major museums and galleries, like the British Museum and National Gallery, offer free entry to their permanent collections.
  • Book popular attractions like the London Eye or theatre shows in advance online to save time and often money.
  • Explore London's diverse food markets like Borough Market or Maltby Street Market for delicious and affordable meals.
  • Be prepared for all types of weather, even in summer; layers and a compact umbrella are always a good idea.

Stories

All
  • RRomeRomanticEchoes Beneath the CobblestonesElena Marsh · 12 days · 2 min read
  • PPragueNostalgicGold Leaf and Bitter FoamAisha Rahman · 10 days · 3 min read
  • MMadridElectricElectric Nights and Goya’s GhostJonas Lindqvist · 8 days · 3 min read

Book for London

StaysExpedia Tickets and toursGetYourGuide

We may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. How we earn

More guides · United Kingdom and nearby

All
  • EdinburghUnited Kingdom
  • AmsterdamNetherlands
  • AthensGreece
  • BarcelonaSpain
  • BerlinGermany
  • LisbonPortugal

Cover: Jurica Koletić on Unsplash · Photos via Wikimedia Commons · Map © OpenStreetMap contributors