Itinerario di 3 giorni a Londra: L'itinerario perfetto per la prima volta
Before You Go: Useful Tips
Accommodation:Choose a central area (Covent Garden, South Kensington, Westminster) or a well-connected one (Paddington, Earl's Court). See our guide "Where to Stay in London."
Transport:Get an Oyster card or use your contactless card. The daily caps in zones 1-2 are about £8.50.
Useful Apps:Citymapper (for transport), Google Maps, TfL Go.
Bookings:Book online for paid attractions (London Eye, Tower of London, The Shard) to skip the lines.
Shoes:Wear very comfortable shoes. You'll be walking 15-20 km a day.
Day 1: The Monumental Heart of London
This day is dedicated to the most iconic attractions: Big Ben, Westminster, the London Eye, the South Bank, and the sunset over St. Paul's.
Morning (9:00 - 13:00): Westminster, Big Ben and Abbey
9:00 - Westminster Bridge and Big Ben
Start from the underground stationWestminster. Exit and admire thePalace of Westminsterand theBig Ben(Elizabeth Tower). Take the usual photos.
9:30 - Westminster Abbey
Cross the street and visit theWestminster Abbey(ticket £29, audio guide included). Spend 1.5 hours visiting the tombs of kings and queens, Poets' Corner, and the majestic nave.
11:30 - Walk in St. James's Park
Exit the abbey and crossSt. James's Park. Stop on the bridge for a view of Buckingham Palace. The pelicans (introduced in 1664) are a curiosity.
12:00 - Changing of the Guard (if it's on the right days)
If your trip falls on a Monday, Wednesday, Friday, or Sunday, you can see theChanging of the Guardat Buckingham Palace (11:00, arrive by 10:30). Otherwise, skip it and go straight to lunch.
Lunch (13:00 - 14:30)
Option 1 (budget):Grab a sandwich from Pret a Manger or M&S Simply Food and eat inSt. James's Park(if the weather is nice).
Option 2 (pub):The Albert (Victoria Street) or The Buckingham Arms (Petty France). Fish and chips or pie and mash (£12-18).
Afternoon (14:30 - 18:00): London Eye and South Bank
14:30 - London Eye
Walk to theLondon Eye(15 minutes from Buckingham Palace). If you booked online (£30-40), get on and enjoy the 30-minute ride. If you haven't booked, consider whether the wait is worth it.
15:30 - Walk along the South Bank
Start the walk along theSouth Bankheading east. You'll pass by theNational Theatre, theTate Modern(even just enter for the free terrace on the 5th floor) and theMillennium Bridge(with a view of St. Paul's).
17:00 - Borough Market
If it's Wednesday to Saturday, stop byBorough Marketto try some street food (doughnuts, paella, cheeses). If it's closed, continue on.
Evening (18:00 - 22:00): St. Paul's and dinner in Covent Garden
18:00 - St. Paul's Cathedral
Cross the Millennium Bridge and admire theSt. Paul's Cathedralfrom the outside (if you have time and desire, go inside, ticket £20-25, closes at 16:30).
19:00 - Dinner in Covent Garden
Take the subway from St. Paul's to Covent Garden (5 minutes). Have dinner at one of the restaurants in Covent Garden or in the side streets (Soho, Seven Dials).
20:30 - Evening at the theater (optional)
If you like musicals, book a ticket for theWest End(The Lion King, Wicked, Matilda, Les Misérables). Tickets start at £30-40 (less desirable seats). Alternatively, stroll around Covent Garden and listen to street performers.
Day 2: History, Royalty, and Free Museums
This day is dedicated to English history: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the free museums of South Kensington.
Morning (9:00 - 13:00): Tower of London and Tower Bridge
9:00 - Tower of London
Arrive at theTower of London(Tower Hill subway) as soon as it opens (9:00 or 10:00 depending on the season). Visit theCrown Jewels(go straight there, the line grows quickly), theWhite Towerand the walls. Join the free tour with a Beefeater (departures every 30 minutes). Duration: 2.5-3 hours.
12:00 - Tower Bridge
Exit the Tower and cross theTower Bridge(free). If you want, visit theTower Bridge Exhibition(12-15 £) for the glass walkway 42 meters high.
Lunch (13:00 - 14:30)
Option 1 (St. Katharine Docks):A small marina next to the Tower of London. Restaurants and pubs with a view of the water.
Option 2 (traditional pub):The Hung, Drawn & Quartered (near the Tower) or The Old Thameside Inn.
Afternoon (14:30 - 18:00): Free Museums of South Kensington
14:30 - Subway to South Kensington
Take the District or Circle Line toSouth Kensington(15 minutes).
15:00 - Choose your free museum
Natural History Museum:Dinosaurs, blue whale, simulated earthquake. Perfect for families.
Science Museum:Rockets, technology, interactive.
Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A):Decorative arts, fashion, jewelry, the most elegant.
Tip:If you only have 2 hours, chooseNatural History Museum(more spectacular). If you love art, chooseV&A.
5:30 PM - Walk to Kensington Gardens
Exit the museum and walk toKensington Gardens. See theKensington Palace(residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales) from the outside, the statue of Peter Pan, and relax in the park.
Evening (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM): Shopping at Harrods and pubs
6:30 PM - Harrods (Knightsbridge)
Walk from Kensington Gardens toHarrods(15 minutes). Even if you don't buy anything, go in to see the Food Hall (Victorian mosaics) and the luxurious atmosphere. Closes at 9:00 PM.
7:30 PM - Dinner and pubs nearby
Dinner at a traditional pub in Kensington or Chelsea:The Churchill Arms(famous for its flowers and Thai food),The Anglesea Arms(gastropub).
9:00 PM - Evening walk in South Kensington
If you have energy, stroll through the elegant streets of South Kensington. Otherwise, take the subway back to the hotel.
Day 3: Views, shopping, and local life
This day is dedicated to panoramic views, shopping, and an authentic experience (market, pub, or theater).
Morning (9:00 - 12:30): Free or paid viewpoint
Option A (free, with reservation): Sky Garden or Horizon 22
If you booked weeks in advance, visitSky Garden(35th floor, free) orHorizon 22(58th floor, free). Duration: 1 hour.
Option B (paid, no long reservation): The Shard
If you didn't book the Sky Garden, go toThe Shard(ticket £32-38, book online the day before). The view is the highest in London.
Option C (budget and no reservation): The Garden at 120
A free viewpoint on the 15th floor (60 meters), less known. Located on Fenchurch Street. Open on weekdays.
Lunch (12:30 - 14:00)
Option 1 (market):If it's Saturday or Sunday, go toCamden Market(alternative street food) orBorough Market(quality food).
Option 2 (pub):In the viewpoint area (City of London), tryThe Black Friar(art nouveau) orThe George Inn(historic).
Afternoon (14:00 - 18:00): Shopping or cultural alternative
Option A (classic shopping): Oxford Street and Regent Street
Oxford Street:Primark, Selfridges, John Lewis, Zara, H&M.
Regent Street:Hamleys (toy store), Liberty London (Tudor-style department store).
Option B (alternative shopping): Carnaby Street and Covent Garden
Carnaby Street:Streetwear shops (Dr. Martens, Vans, Lazy Oaf), 1960s atmosphere.
Covent Garden:Covered market, craft shops, street performers.
Option C (cultural): British Museum
If you prefer culture over shopping, go to theBritish Museum(free entry). See the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon marbles, Egyptian mummies. Spend 2-3 hours.
Evening (6:30 PM - 10:00 PM): Final dinner and show
6:30 PM - Farewell dinner
Choose a typical restaurant or a special pub:
The Rules (Covent Garden):The oldest restaurant in London (1798). Traditional English cuisine.
Dishoom (Covent Garden or Shoreditch):Trendy Indian (lines, but worth it).
Flat Iron (Soho):Steak for £13 (cheap and good).
8:00 PM - Evening show (optional)
Musical in the West End:If you haven't done it on the first day, book for tonight.
Pubs with live music:The Blues Kitchen (Camden), The Dublin Castle (Camden), The Bedford (Balham).
Evening walk along the Thames:If you're tired, walk from Westminster Bridge to the illuminated London Eye.
Summary map of the 3 days
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Westminster, Big Ben, Abbey | London Eye, South Bank, Borough Market | St. Paul's, dinner at Covent Garden, theater |
| 2 | Tower of London, Tower Bridge | Free museums (South Kensington), Kensington Gardens | Harrods, pub in Kensington |
| 3 | Panorama (Sky Garden/Shard) | Shopping (Oxford Street, Carnaby Street) or British Museum | Typical dinner, show or pub |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are 3 days in London enough?
Yes, to see the main attractions. You won't have time for huge museums (British Museum) or day trips (Windsor, Oxford). But with this itinerary, you'll see the best.
How many steps do you take in 3 days in London?
About 20,000-25,000 steps a day (15-20 km). Wear very comfortable shoes.
Which attraction should I definitely book?
London EyeandTower of London(long lines).Sky Garden(free) should be booked weeks in advance.The Shard(paid) can also be booked the day before.
What should I absolutely avoid in 3 days?
Don't try to see everything: choose 2-3 attractions a day.
Don't eat at the restaurants in Leicester Square (expensive and poor quality).
Don't use black cabs (very expensive). Use the subway.
Is it better to buy the London Pass for 3 days?
It depends. The London Pass (3 days, about £120) is worth it if you visit 3-4 paid attractions per day (Tower of London, London Eye, Abbey, St. Paul's). Calculate the individual prices before purchasing it. Often, it is not worth it.
What is the best day for the Changing of the Guard?
Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11:00 AM. Check the official website.
Can I fit a day trip in 3 days?
Not recommended. A trip to Windsor or Oxford takes half a day (5-6 hours). You would take time away from London attractions. It's better to dedicate 3 days solely to London.
What to do if it rains?
London can be rainy. Replace outdoor walks with free museums (British Museum, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern), covered shopping (Oxford Street, Covent Garden), or an indoor musical.
Which app is essential for 3 days in London?
Citymapper(real-time transport),Google Maps(walking routes),TfL Go(offline subway maps).
What is the average cost of a 3-day trip to London?
Low cost (hostel, supermarket food, free attractions):£200-300
Medium (hotel in zone 2, some pubs, 2-3 paid attractions):£400-600
High (central hotel, restaurants, musicals, paid attractions):£700-1000
Estimated expense table (per person, average)
| Category | Cost for 3 days |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (hotel in zone 2) | £150-250 |
| Transportation (Oyster daily cap) | £25-30 |
| Food (breakfast, lunch, low-cost dinner) | £60-90 |
| Attractions (2-3 paid) | £60-100 |
| Shopping and souvenirs | variable |
| Total | £300-500 |
A city best enjoyed on foot
A 3-day itinerary in London allows you to see the best of the city: from Big Ben to the Tower of London, from the free museums of South Kensington to the views from the Sky Garden, from shopping on Oxford Street to historic pubs. The key is to plan, book attractions in advance, and wear comfortable shoes. Don’t try to do everything: choose 2-3 things a day and enjoy the atmosphere. London is a city best enjoyed on foot, stopping for a coffee in a park or a pint in a pub. Follow this itinerary and you will return home with a full heart.
Review date:April 2026