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 cellphone 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 points of interest 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 Greatest Issues to Do in London for Your First Go to
With the Go Metropolis London Cross, we had the chance to take a look at a couple of widespread points of interest, in addition to another factors of curiosity that had been advisable to us by the Go Metropolis staff.
We organized our days primarily based 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 primarily based 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 when you’ve by no means been to London. Although it’s at present closed for renovations and restorations, you possibly can nonetheless cease by and snap a fast picture with Massive Ben. The Homes of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, is hooked up to the clock tower. It’s at present 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: Greatest picture 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 gives 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 when 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 via Hyde Park on the best way. Buckingham Palace attracts hundreds of thousands of holiday makers yearly and holds limitless cultural and symbolic significance. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers from around the globe. Take a look at the Altering of the Guard ceremony and admire the architectural splendor.
To get the perfect image of Buckingham Palace, you possibly can head to the Victoria Memorial, positioned in entrance of the palace. It gives an excellent vantage level for capturing the grandeur of the palace’s façade.
Native Tip: The Altering of the Guard ceremony sometimes happens each day throughout the summer time months (April to July) and on alternate days for the remainder of the 12 months. You should definitely 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 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 just some issues you possibly can’t miss at Kensington Palace. Don’t miss your probability 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 existence 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 enormous 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 flooring walkways the place you possibly can seize nice photographs of London’s skyline and be taught in regards to the engineers who designed the historic construction.
Naturally, we wished to get some pictures with the bridge. Listed below are a few our favourite picture spots:
- The Queens Stroll is the preferred place to take photographs with the Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
- Extra London Riverside – this metropolitan space will get crowded, so go early morning when you don’t need anybody else in your photographs.
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: Think about becoming a member of one of many Yeoman Warder guided excursions, which your admission contains. Their educated guides share fascinating tales in regards to the Tower’s historical past.
7. Borough Market
London SE1 9AL, UK, map
The place all your gastronomic goals turn out to be a actuality, from farm-fresh produce to yummy road meals, your style buds will rejoice after consuming via certainly one of London’s oldest markets. We cherished the freshly shucked oysters at Richard Haward Oysters and the piping sizzling paella from Bomba. I wished to hold a whole cheese wheel from Kappacasein.
Native Tip: Most meals stalls are open air, so gown accordingly.
See Extra: 25 Greatest 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 cherished the panoramic views of London’s famend landmarks, comparable to Tower Bridge and the long-lasting Massive Ben. All through the cruise, educated guides present enjoyable details and tales in regards to the landmarks you go alongside the best way.
Metropolis Cruises gives quite a lot of cruise choices to fit your preferences. You probably 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 the perfect picture 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 gives 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 sequence. The detailed costumes, authentic movie units, and interactive reveals completely blew us away.
Their meals court docket serves up movie favorites (assume Butter Beer, Hogwarts-themed burgers, and chocolate frogs) and afternoon tea. Take a look at the very intensive store the place you should purchase a personalized wand in your approach out. You’ll simply spend half a day right here!
Professional Tip: You should definitely e book early prematurely 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 Procuring
87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK, map
London is famend for its quintessential procuring streets that provide a variety of style, luxurious manufacturers, malls, and distinctive boutiques. Listed below 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 the earth. It stretches over a mile and is dwelling to quite a few flagship shops.
- Regent Avenue: Only a brief stroll from Oxford Avenue, Regent Avenue is understood for its historic structure and a mixture of upscale boutiques and malls.
- Bond Avenue: Bond Avenue is synonymous with luxurious procuring in London. This unique road is dwelling to high-end style boutiques, prestigious jewellery shops, and famend artwork galleries.
- Harrods on Brompton Street: Gradual clap A London procuring icon. Even when you’re simply window procuring at this historic division retailer, we advocate shopping for a scrumptious pastry from certainly one of their many cafes.
Native Tip: Reap the benefits of the well-known Christmas gentle shows that enhance these streets throughout 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 resort was simply a few metro stops away from Chinatown, and we ate there on daily basis of our journey.
You should definitely 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, Comfortable Lemon.
Native Tip: Enterprise past the primary streets and discover the facet alleys, retailers, 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 Greatest 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 these items 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
Greatest Locations to Eat in London
Listed below are a couple of locations we tried and cherished:
- Dishoom (Varied Places) $$ – At dinner, a restricted variety of reservations can be found for events of six or extra company. You’ll most probably be ready in an extended line, so put together prematurely. In case you’re fortunate, they’ll serve you a few of their well-known chai whilst you wait.
Haidilao Scorching Pot $$ – Josh isn’t the most important fan of sizzling pot, however he claims Haidilao is the perfect he’s ever had. We don’t have a location at dwelling, so this place was past our expectations. In addition they present snacks and drinks within the ready space. Come hungry. - Cafe TPT $ – Recognized for genuine Hong Kong road meals comparable to beef ho enjoyable and minced pork sizzling pot. In case you’re feeling adventurous, we advocate 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in London
Important Suggestions
- E book what you need to do prematurely. As a result of London is such a well-liked vacation spot for thus 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 when 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 Cross 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 right here.
- At all times put on layers, pack an umbrella or raincoat, and put on comfortable sneakers. You’ll be strolling lots. London is understood for its wet and cloudy climate.
- The UK makes use of a kind G plug for many home equipment, so deliver a common adapter on your electronics.
- Be conscious of the site visitors move 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 sporting headphones which may restrict your consciousness.
- Get a Go Metropolis London Cross to take a look at a number of points of interest. The go provides you entry to over 90 widespread points of interest, together with a number of on our record, at a fraction of the associated fee.
Planning Guidelines
Which of these items to do in London are in your journey bucket record? Anything you’d add to a weekend in London itinerary?
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“Discovery consists not of searching for 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 at present primarily based out of Atlanta.
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