Few cities in the world blend royal tradition, history, and modern charm quite like London. From Buckingham Palace and Big Ben to vibrant neighborhoods like Notting Hill and Covent Garden, this city offers something for every traveler. Whether it’s your first trip or a quick 3-day itinerary, this guide will help you uncover the must-see attractions, hidden gems, and insider tips to make the most of your short trip to the British capital.
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As someone who’s explored London’s iconic sights, walked across Westminster Bridge, sipped afternoon tea on royal grounds, and wandered through beautiful parks like St. James’s Park and Kensington Gardens, I’ve curated this complete guide to help first-timers experience the best of Central London.
Table of Contents
- Travel Tips Before You Arrive in London
- How to Get Around London
- Best Time to Travel to London
- Where to Stay in London
- Day 1 in London – The Royal Route
- Day 2 in London – Culture and Creativity
- Day 3 in London – Afternoon Tea and Hidden Gems
- More Travel Favorites from Elicit Folio
- FAQ – Planning Your First Trip to London
- Looking for More Adventure?
Travel Tips Before You Arrive in London
Before jetting off to this charming city, here are a few London travel tips to help you prepare:
- Currency: The British Pound (£) is used everywhere, but most places accept a credit card.
- Language: English is the primary language, though you’ll hear accents and dialects from all over the world.
- Tipping: Usually 10-12% in restaurants; not required for taxis or coffee shops.
- Power Outlets: Bring a Type G adapter for your electronics.
- Good Idea: Download offline maps and the Citymapper app, it’s the best way to navigate public transportation.
packing checklist
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This is a helpful downloadable checklist you can print and reuse time and time again to stay fully prepared for all your travels!
How to Get Around London
The Oyster Card is your golden ticket for public transportation in London. Use it to hop on the Tube (the “tube” is London’s subway system), buses, or trains across different neighborhoods. Most tube stations are within a short walk from major attractions, making it easy to explore the city.
- Walking tours are a great option for exploring Central London on foot.
- Black cabs are iconic but pricey; ride-shares like Uber are available.
- London’s trains connect you to East London, South Kensington, and other popular spots quickly.
Airport Information for London
London is served by six major airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, London City, and Southend.
- Heathrow Airport (LHR): Closest to Central London, about a 45-minute train ride via the Heathrow Express to Paddington Station.
- Gatwick Airport (LGW): Roughly an hour from the city center.
- London City Airport (LCY): Convenient for business travelers and short trips.
Best Time to Travel to London
The best time to visit London is from May to September when the weather is mild and the royal parks are in full bloom. However, October and November brings beautiful colors with changing leaves. For fewer crowds and a great time, visit during spring or early fall, you’ll still enjoy a good time exploring beautiful parks and museums without the summer rush.
Where to Stay in London
For first-time visitors, staying in the central part of the city gives you access to nearly every must-see attraction.
- Westminster or Covent Garden: Ideal for exploring Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, and Trafalgar Square.
- South Kensington: Close to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum (often called the Albert Museum).
- Notting Hill: Known for independent shops, colorful streets, and Portobello Road Market.
- Soho or Leicester Square: Perfect for nightlife and the West End theaters.
Two of my favorite hotels in London are:
- St Pancras London, Autograph Collection – Euston Road, London NW1 2AR, right at St Pancras International Station (and very near King’s Cross Station) in the borough of Camden.
- Leonardo Royal Hotel London St Paul’s – 10 Godliman Street, London EC4V 5AJ – right beside St Paul’s Cathedral in London’s City district.
Day 1 in London – The Royal Route
DAY 1 MORNING:
The fastest and best way to see London on your first day is to start early and book a hop-on hop-off bus tour. It’s a great option for first-time visitors. You’ll cover dozens of iconic sights at a relaxed pace and for a good price. These open-top buses loop through key landmarks like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace, so you can easily hop off at stops that catch your eye.
DAY 1 AFTERNOON:
From there, take a short walk through St. James’s Park, one of London’s most beautiful parks, and continue to Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for royal weddings and coronations. Next, admire Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then cross Westminster Bridge for a panoramic view of the London Eye and the River Thames.
Enjoy lunch at Borough Market, one of the city’s most popular spots for local food stalls and international flavors, it’s a great place to soak up London’s culinary energy. End your day at Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, home to the dazzling Crown Jewels and the historic White Tower.
DAY 1 EVENING:
Dinner Recommendation: For a memorable evening, book dinner reservations at Sketch, an artistic and whimsical restaurant known for its pink dining room and inventive afternoon tea. Alternatively, dine along South Bank or enjoy an afternoon tea cruise on the River Thames, a perfect place to end your first day in London.
Day 2 in London – Culture and Creativity
DAY 2 MORNING:
Start your morning at the British Museum, where ancient treasures and interactive exhibits await. Afterward, hop on the tube to Knightsbridge and spend your afternoon exploring the legendary Harrods. It’s not just a department store, it’s a must-see attraction and a great place to experience London’s luxury shopping scene.
DAY 2 AFTERNOON:
Treat yourself to an elegant lunch or coffee at the Prada Caffè, located inside Harrods, before continuing your day of discovery.
DAY 2 EVENING:
Dinner Recommendation: End your day with a fun dinner and a show at INCA London in Soho. This is a vibrant Latin American restaurant and performance venue that delivers an unforgettable mix of fine dining, music, and dance. It’s the perfect place to spend your evening in Central London, surrounded by lively entertainment and electric energy.
Day 3 in London – Afternoon Tea and Hidden Gems
DAY 3 MORNING:
Start your morning in Notting Hill, wandering past pastel houses and exploring the Portobello Road Market for antiques and local finds. Next, head to the London Eye to catch beautiful views of the entire city . Nearby, explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, or Science Museum, all within South Kensington and offering free entry.
DAY 3 AFTERNOON:
For your afternoon, be sure to set aside time for a quintessential afternoon tea. I recommend Kensington Palace, Café Royal, or the famous Ritz London (not to be confused with The Ritz-Carlton).
Later in the afternoon, take a walk along the River Thames, stopping at a rooftop bar near St. Paul’s Cathedral for incredible sunset views over Central London. If you’re in the mood for more shopping, you can explore Piccadilly Circus or Leicester, all within Central London and easy to reach by Tube station.
DAY 3 EVENING:
Dinner Recommendation: I recommend dropping in at an upscale Asian restaurant called Tattu London, and walking across the street to a local theater to catch a show.
If you’re looking to close the evening with a nice nightcap, I recommend the Beaufort Bar. This upscale bar is located inside of the Savoy Hotel (91-92 Strand The Savoy Hotel, London WC2R 0EZ ) and is located in the Trafalgar Square area. This is the perfect location to visit for pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks. The atmosphere is glamorous and feels like an upscale meet-up location from a James Bond movie. The staff was very friendly and the drinks were well worth the price.
More Travel Favorites from Elicit Folio
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FAQ – Planning Your First Trip to London
How many days do you need in London?
For first-timers, 3-4 days in London is ideal to experience the city’s must-see attractions like Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and the London Eye. If you have extra time, plan a day trip to Windsor Castle or Stonehenge.
What is the best way to get around London?
The Oyster Card is the best way to get around London. It can be used on the Tube, buses, and trains throughout Central London and different neighborhoods. Most attractions are a short walk from a tube station, making public transportation convenient and affordable.
What should I not miss on my first trip to London?
Don’t miss Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard, Westminster Abbey, Tower Bridge, the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, the London Eye and the British Museum. Be sure to stop by Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and enjoy afternoon tea in a classic London hotel.
How can I experience the royal side of London?
Visit Buckingham Palace (check if the State Rooms are open), Kensington Palace, and Windsor Castle to explore the royal palaces and learn about the royal family. Walk through Green Park, St. James’s Park, and Kensington Gardens, all royal parks with charming scenery.
Looking for More Adventure?
London truly offers something for everyone, from royal palaces and beautiful parks to world-class museums and hidden coffee shops. If this is your first time visiting, I hope this 3-day London itinerary helps you plan the perfect trip filled with must-see attractions and unforgettable memories. Looking for more travel inspiration? Tag me in your London photos on Instagram @elicitfolio or follow me on Pinterest for more city guides, London travel tips, and global adventures!
It sounds like you had a really great trip and manged to see and do a fair amount. Tattu London sounds great to go for dinner with friends. I am partial to Asian foods.
London is definitely on my bucket list. I was supposed to go years ago but something came up, so fingers crossed I finally make it there one day.
London is one of my favourite places to visit in the world. Your 3 day plan is excellent. So much to see. History, culture, art. The museums are some of the best. Can’t wait for my next visit.
Love this detailed guide for those 1st timers to visit London, extremely helpful for itinerary planning. Read this absolutely brought back my London travel memories too. Cheers SiennyLovesDrawing
Thank you so much!