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 purple 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 Large Ben to Westminster Abbey, London’s historic points of interest are countless, and there may be at all times 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 Go, we had the chance to take a look at just a few fashionable points of interest, in addition to another factors of curiosity that have been really helpful 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 Large Ben
London SW1A 0AA, UK, map
Talking of icons, everybody is aware of what Large Ben is, even in case you’ve by no means been to London. Though it’s at present closed for renovations and restorations, you may nonetheless cease by and snap a fast photograph with Large Ben. The Homes of Parliament, a UNESCO World Heritage Website, is connected 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 photograph spot is below Westminster Bridge, which leads proper as much as Large 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, arms down. It’s steeped in centuries of historical past and has considerably formed the British monarchy, faith, and tradition. It has been the positioning 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 offers guests with detailed details about the positioning’s historical past, structure, and notable options. Try key areas, such because the Poets’ Nook, the Coronation Chair, and the Royal Tombs.
Native Tip: Entry is free in case 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 may stroll by way of Hyde Park on the way in which. Buckingham Palace attracts hundreds of thousands of holiday makers yearly and holds countless cultural and symbolic significance. It’s a must-visit vacation spot for vacationers from world wide. Try the Altering of the Guard ceremony and admire the architectural splendor.
To get the very best image of Buckingham Palace, you may head to the Victoria Memorial, positioned in entrance of the palace. It affords a terrific vantage level for capturing the grandeur of the palace’s façade.
Native Tip: The Altering of the Guard ceremony sometimes happens every day through the summer season months (April to July) and on alternate days for the remainder of the yr. You should definitely test the official web site for essentially the most up-to-date schedule. The ceremony often begins at round 11:00 AM and lasts roughly 45 minutes. Arrive early to safe a superb 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 may’t miss at Kensington Palace. Don’t miss your likelihood 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 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 may seize nice images of London’s skyline and study in regards to the engineers who designed the historic construction.
Naturally, we wished to get some pictures with the bridge. Listed here are a few our favourite photograph spots:
- The Queens Stroll is the most well-liked place to take images with the Tower Bridge as your backdrop.
- Extra London Riverside – this metropolitan space will get crowded, so go early morning in case you don’t need anybody else in your images.
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 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 among London’s oldest markets. We beloved the freshly shucked oysters at Richard Haward Oysters and the piping scorching paella from Bomba. I wished to hold a complete cheese wheel from Kappacasein.
Native Tip: Most meals stalls are outside, so costume accordingly.
See Extra: 25 Greatest Markets within the World to Put On Your Bucket Checklist
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 the town from a novel perspective. We beloved the panoramic views of London’s famend landmarks, corresponding to Tower Bridge and the long-lasting Large Ben. All through the cruise, educated guides present enjoyable details and tales in regards to the landmarks you go alongside the way in which.
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 the very 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 reveals completely blew us away.
Their meals courtroom serves up movie favorites (assume Butter Beer, Hogwarts-themed burgers, and chocolate frogs) and afternoon tea. Try the very in depth 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 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. Test Out Iconic Procuring
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, malls, and distinctive boutiques. Listed here are a few of the most well-known procuring streets in London:
- Oxford Road: Situated within the coronary heart of London, Oxford Road is without doubt one of the busiest procuring streets on the planet. It stretches over a mile and is house to quite a few flagship shops.
- Regent Road: Only a brief stroll from Oxford Road, Regent Road is understood for its historic structure and a mixture of upscale boutiques and malls.
- Bond Road: Bond Road 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 Street: Sluggish clap A London procuring icon. Even in case you’re simply window procuring at this historic division retailer, we suggest shopping for a scrumptious pastry from one among their many cafes.
Native Tip: Reap the benefits of the well-known Christmas gentle shows that enhance these streets through 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 day by day 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 thing down with a chilly bubble tea at my all-time boba store, Completely happy Lemon.
Native Tip: Enterprise past the primary streets and discover the aspect 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 Greatest Issues to Do in London
Extra Issues to Do in London
If we deliberate for extra time, I want we bought 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
Greatest Locations to Eat in London
Listed here are just a few locations we tried and beloved:
- Dishoom (Numerous Places) $$ – At dinner, a restricted variety of reservations can be found for events of six or extra company. You’ll most probably be ready in an extended line, so put together upfront. In case you’re fortunate, they’ll serve you a few of their well-known chai whilst you wait.
Haidilao Scorching Pot $$ – Josh isn’t the most important fan of scorching pot, however he claims Haidilao is the very best he’s ever had. We don’t have a location at house, so this place was past our expectations. Additionally they present snacks and drinks within the ready space. Come hungry. - Cafe TPT $ – Recognized for genuine Hong Kong road meals corresponding to beef ho enjoyable and minced pork scorching pot. In case 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.
Greatest Locations to Keep in London
Important Suggestions
- Guide 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 have been already totally booked.
- You don’t need to tip right here, like most international locations outdoors the US, however in case you really feel inclined, you may spherical as much as the closest Pound or tip 10-12% of your invoice whole.
- Buy the London Go for the metro system, bus, and extra. You may as well use your faucet to pay worldwide bank card and pay as you go, however it should 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 footwear. You’ll be strolling loads. London is understood for its wet and cloudy climate.
- The UK makes use of a kind G plug for many home equipment, so convey a common adapter in your electronics.
- Be conscious of the visitors circulation as drivers within the UK drive on the left aspect. 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. Test your environment and keep away from distractions like utilizing your cellphone excessively or carrying headphones which may restrict your consciousness.
- Get a Go Metropolis London Go to take a look at a number of points of interest. The go offers you entry to over 90 fashionable points of interest, together with a number of on our record, at a fraction of the price.
Planning Guidelines
Which of this stuff to do in London are in your journey bucket record? Anything you’ll add to a weekend in London itinerary?
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“Discovery consists not of looking for new lands however in seeing with new eyes” – M. Proust
Josh + Macy
Josh and Macy are artistic 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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