Visiting London for the primary time? Right here’s the right 2-3 day weekend in London itinerary.
London has been calling us (from their crimson telephone cubicles) for a while now. So, we packed our baggage to take a look at one UK’s oldest cities for an extended weekend. From Massive Ben to Westminster Abbey, London’s historic sights are infinite, and there’s 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 Metropolis London Go, we had the chance to take a look at a number of standard sights, in addition to another factors of curiosity that had been beneficial to us by the Go Metropolis workforce.
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 Massive Ben
London SW1A 0AA, UK, map
Talking of icons, everybody is aware of what Massive Ben is, even should you’ve by no means been to London. Although it’s presently closed for renovations and restorations, you possibly can nonetheless cease by and snap a fast photograph with Massive Ben. The Homes of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, is connected to the clock tower. It’s presently 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 photograph spot is beneath Westminster Bridge, which leads proper as much as Massive 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, palms down. It’s steeped in centuries of historical past and has considerably formed the British monarchy, faith, and tradition. It has been the location 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 location’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 should 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 possibly can stroll by way of Hyde Park on the best way. Buckingham Palace attracts thousands and thousands of holiday makers yearly and holds infinite 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 one of the best image of Buckingham Palace, you possibly can head to the Victoria Memorial, situated in entrance of the palace. It affords an ideal vantage level for capturing the grandeur of the palace’s façade.
Native Tip: The Altering of the Guard ceremony usually happens every day through the summer season months (April to July) and on alternate days for the remainder of the yr. Be sure you verify the official web site for probably the most up-to-date schedule. The ceremony normally begins at round 11:00 AM and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Arrive early to safe an excellent 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 possibly can’t miss at Kensington Palace. Don’t miss your likelihood to go to the historic King’s State Flats and the Queen’s State Flats.
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 large 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 possibly can seize nice pictures of London’s skyline and be taught concerning the engineers who designed the historic construction.
Naturally, we wished to get some photographs with the bridge. Listed here are a few our favourite photograph spots:
- The Queens Stroll is the preferred place to take pictures with the Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
- Extra London Riverside – this metropolitan space will get crowded, so go early morning should you don’t need anybody else in your pictures.
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 fort and fortress. It was fairly neat to see the crowns, scepters, orbs, and different regalia utilized in royal ceremonies by the monarchs.
Professional Tip: Contemplate becoming a member of one of many Yeoman Warder guided excursions, which your admission contains. Their educated guides share fascinating tales concerning the Tower’s historical past.
7. Borough Market
London SE1 9AL, UK, map
The place your whole gastronomic desires turn out to be a actuality, from farm-fresh produce to yummy road meals, your style buds will rejoice after consuming by way of one in all 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 outdoor, so gown accordingly.
See Extra: 25 Finest Markets within the World to Put On Your Bucket Listing
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 town from a novel perspective. We beloved the panoramic views of London’s famend landmarks, akin to Tower Bridge and the long-lasting Massive Ben. All through the cruise, educated guides present enjoyable information and tales concerning the landmarks you cross alongside the best way.
Metropolis Cruises affords quite a lot of cruise choices to fit your preferences. In case you have extra time, take into account partaking in a day tea or romantic dinner cruise.
Professional Tip: Attempt to safe a seat on the open-air deck for one of the best photograph opps and unobstructed views.
See Extra: What You Want To Know Earlier than 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 need to plan for a pickup and transportation. You’ll spend half the day right here. We returned to London, did some procuring, 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 affords 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 long-lasting movie collection. The detailed costumes, unique movie units, and interactive displays totally blew us away.
Their meals courtroom 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 method out. You’ll simply spend half a day right here!
Professional Tip: Be sure you ebook early upfront since they solely promote a restricted variety of tickets every day. Don’t overlook to schedule ample time for journey because it’s not in Central London.
10. Verify Out Iconic Purchasing
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK, map
London is famend for its quintessential procuring streets that supply a variety of trend, luxurious manufacturers, department shops, and distinctive boutiques. Listed here are a few of the most well-known procuring streets in London:
- Oxford Avenue: Positioned within the coronary heart of London, Oxford Avenue is among the busiest procuring streets on this planet. It stretches over a mile and is house to quite a few flagship shops.
- Regent Avenue: Only a quick stroll from Oxford Avenue, Regent Avenue is understood for its historic structure and a mixture of upscale boutiques and department shops.
- Bond Avenue: Bond Avenue is synonymous with luxurious procuring in London. This unique road is house to high-end trend boutiques, prestigious jewellery shops, and famend artwork galleries.
- Harrods on Brompton Highway: Sluggish clap A London procuring icon. Even should you’re simply window procuring at this historic division retailer, we suggest shopping for a scrumptious pastry from one in all their many cafes.
Native Tip: Benefit from the well-known Christmas mild shows that adorn these streets through the holidays.
11. Eat Round Chinatown
Gerrard Pl, London W1D 5QJ, UK, map
I’d transfer to London’s Chinatown for the meals! Fortunately (or not), our resort was simply a few metro stops away from Chinatown, and we ate there day-after-day of our journey.
Be sure you get genuine soup dumplings from Dumplings’ Legend, recent pineapple buns from The Eight, and Peking duck from The Duck and Rice. Wash every thing down with a chilly bubble tea at my all-time boba store, Blissful Lemon.
Native Tip: Enterprise past the primary 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 acquired 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 a number of locations we tried and beloved:
- Dishoom (Varied Places) $$ – At dinner, a restricted variety of reservations can be found for events of six or extra friends. You’ll more than likely be ready in an extended line, so put together upfront. Should you’re fortunate, they’ll serve you a few of their well-known chai whilst you wait.
Haidilao Scorching Pot $$ – Josh isn’t the largest fan of sizzling pot, however he claims Haidilao is one of the best he’s ever had. We don’t have a location at house, 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 road meals akin to beef ho enjoyable and minced pork sizzling pot. Should you’re feeling adventurous, we suggest the lemongrass soft-shell crab.
- Evelyn’s Desk $$ – 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 need to do upfront. As a result of London is such a well-liked vacation spot for therefore many, we missed out on some issues, like Afternoon Tea, as a result of they had been already absolutely booked.
- You don’t need to tip right here, like most nations exterior the US, however should you really feel inclined, you possibly can spherical as much as the closest Pound or tip 10-12% of your invoice complete.
- Buy the London Go for the metro system, bus, and extra. You too can use your faucet to pay worldwide bank card and pay as you go, however it can cap off at round £8 per day. See extra particulars right here.
- All the time put on layers, pack an umbrella or raincoat, and put on cozy sneakers. You’ll be strolling a lot. London is understood for its wet and cloudy climate.
- The UK makes use of a sort G plug for many home equipment, so carry a common adapter on your electronics.
- Be conscious of the site visitors movement 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 widespread in London, particularly in crowded areas, vacationer spots, and on public transportation. Verify your environment and keep away from distractions like utilizing your telephone excessively or carrying headphones which may restrict your consciousness.
- Get a Go Metropolis London Go to take a look at a number of sights. The cross provides you entry to over 90 standard sights, together with a number of on our listing, at a fraction of the fee.
Planning Guidelines
Which of this stuff to do in London are in your journey bucket listing? The rest 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 inventive 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 presently based mostly out of Atlanta.
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