3 days in London itinerary
A balanced 3-day London itinerary mixing markets, South Bank culture, Westminster sights, world-class museums, and vibrant neighborhoods (Notting Hill and Camden). Each day paces attractions with thoughtful meals, breaks, and short transfers.
Highlights
- Borough Market and South Bank galleries
- Westminster landmarks and South Kensington museums
- Portobello Road, Notting Hill, and Camden's markets and music
Itinerary
Day 1
South Bank & Covent Garden: markets, modern art, riverside walking and an easy evening in Covent Garden.
Arrive at London Bridge Station (transfer in)
Begin the day at London Bridge — a convenient arrival point for Borough Market and the South Bank.
Tips from local experts:
- If you're coming by Underground, use London Bridge (Jubilee/Northern lines).
- Store bulky luggage at station left-luggage if needed.
- Buy an Oyster/contactless card ahead to save time.
Coffee and pastries at Monmouth Coffee (Borough Market)
Fuel up with excellent coffee and a light pastry before exploring the market.
Tips from local experts:
- Monmouth can have a queue; go early for a seat.
- Try a single-origin espresso or a takeaway if lines are long.
- Carry small change for market stalls later.
Explore Borough Market
Roam the market stalls — local produce, artisanal foods, and perfect street-food tasting opportunities.
Tips from local experts:
- Sample small bites instead of a full meal to try more vendors.
- Weekends are busiest; midweek mornings are calmer.
- If you buy produce, ask vendors about best-before advice.
Walk across to Tate Modern (transfer)
A pleasant riverside walk to the Tate Modern; enjoy views of the Thames on the way.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow signs along the South Bank; allow extra time for photo stops.
- Walk across the Millennium Bridge for a classic view of St Paul's.
- Wear comfortable shoes — riverside paths can be crowded.
Visit Tate Modern
Explore the permanent collection and special exhibits in one of London's best modern-art museums.
Tips from local experts:
- Entry to the permanent collection is free; book tickets for major temporary exhibitions in advance.
- Head to the viewing level for panoramic Thames views.
- Allow at least 90–120 minutes to appreciate the highlights.
Lunch with riverside views at the Swan (Shakespeare's Globe)
Sit down for a relaxed lunch with views of the Thames and St Paul's Cathedral.
Tips from local experts:
- Book a table if you want a window seat overlooking the river.
- Menus update seasonally; ask about the day's fresh options.
- The Globe area is walkable — combine with an afternoon tour.
Guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe
Take a 40–50 minute guided tour to learn about the reconstructed Globe and its history.
Tips from local experts:
- Check tour start times on the day and arrive 10 minutes early.
- Tours often involve stairs — contact ahead for accessibility info.
- Audio guides are available if you prefer a self-guided option.
Relax in Jubilee Gardens (break)
Take a short break on the riverside green to rest and people-watch.
Tips from local experts:
- Benches and lawns are available; a good spot for a short rest.
- If the weather is poor, head to a nearby café instead.
- Public toilets are located nearby off the South Bank.
Transfer to Covent Garden
Short transit (walk or Tube) to Covent Garden for an evening of shops and street performance.
Tips from local experts:
- Walking along the river to Waterloo and taking the Northern line is an option; expect ~20–30 minutes travel.
- Alternatively take a direct bus depending on traffic.
- Follow signs to the central piazza once you arrive in Covent Garden.
Stroll Covent Garden (neighborhood evening)
Enjoy street performers, independent boutiques, and the lively piazza atmosphere.
Tips from local experts:
- Street performers typically appear from late afternoon into the evening; bring small change if you enjoy a show.
- Duck into the Apple Market for crafts and antiques.
- If you want a pre-theatre drink, look for smaller bars on surrounding streets.
Dinner at Flat Iron (Covent Garden)
Simple, well-priced steakhouse local favourite — straightforward menu, excellent value.
Tips from local experts:
- No reservations at some Flat Iron locations; arrive early or expect a wait.
- Their sides and sauces are worth sharing.
- Ask staff for today's catch if they have a specials board.
Day 2
Westminster in the morning, then a relaxed cultural afternoon in South Kensington's museums with a local dinner.
Westminster Abbey visit
Start at Westminster Abbey to explore royal history and remarkable architecture.
Tips from local experts:
- Book timed-entry tickets in advance to avoid queues.
- Dress respectfully; services may limit access to parts of the Abbey.
- Audio guides provide contextual highlights and are recommended.
Browse Parliament Square & view the Houses of Parliament
Quick walk around Parliament Square for photos and the exterior of the Palace of Westminster.
Tips from local experts:
- Security is tight near the Parliament buildings — follow signage and stewards.
- Guided tours of Parliament are available seasonally; book in advance if interested.
- This is a good spot for classic London photos.
Relax in St James's Park
A pleasant green space for a short break and a canal-side stroll toward Buckingham Palace.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for pelicans near the lake — a quirky park highlight.
- If it's sunny, this is a great picnic spot.
- Public loos are located near the Duck Island kiosk.
Buckingham Palace (exterior viewing)
Walk to the palace forecourt to view the official residence and the Victoria Memorial.
Tips from local experts:
- If interested in the Changing of the Guard, check the schedule in advance (it doesn't run daily year-round).
- Crowds can be heavy; plan for photos early to avoid the busiest spots.
- Nearby cafes are handy for a quick refreshment after the walk.
Transfer to South Kensington (Tube to South Kensington station)
Travel to the museum quarter in South Kensington for an afternoon of museums.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the Circle/District lines to South Kensington — station signs lead to exits for the museums.
- If you have a large backpack, many museums ask you to store it at cloakroom/left-luggage.
- Allow ~20–30 minutes for the journey depending on connections.
Lunch at Franco Manca (South Kensington)
Casual sourdough pizzas — a dependable, relaxed lunch before museum time.
Tips from local experts:
- Sourdough bases cook quickly; good option when you want a short, tasty lunch.
- They can cater to vegetarians; check the day’s menu for specials.
- If busy, takeaway is a quick alternative to find a nearby park bench.
Natural History Museum
Discover the dinosaur gallery, Hintze Hall, and interactive exhibits — great for science and natural history enthusiasts.
Tips from local experts:
- The dinosaur and Hintze Hall displays are highlights — go there first if you have limited time.
- Entry to the main collection is free; some temporary exhibitions require a ticket.
- Check the museum map on arrival to prioritize sections you want to see.
Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A)
Optionally continue to the V&A for decorative arts, fashion, and design collections.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on one or two sections (fashion, ceramics, or sculpture) if short on time.
- The V&A has excellent temporary exhibitions; book tickets for those in advance.
- Allow an hour to 90 minutes if you want a good overview.
Dinner at Ognisko Restaurant (South Kensington)
A refined option in South Kensington offering seasonal, Central European-inspired dishes — good for a leisurely evening meal.
Tips from local experts:
- Make a reservation for dinner; it's a popular spot in the neighborhood.
- Check the tasting or set menus if you prefer a curated experience.
- Ask staff about wine pairings to complement the menu.
Day 3
Notting Hill and Portobello Market in the morning, then Camden’s markets, canal walks and live-music evening.
Portobello Road Market exploration
Wander the famous market for antiques, vintage clothing and local stalls (best mid-morning).
Tips from local experts:
- Saturday is the full market day — busiest but best for antiques.
- If you want antiques, come early before the best pieces go.
- Watch for narrow, busy sidewalks and keep belongings secure.
Brunch at Farm Girl (Notting Hill)
Healthy, stylish brunch spot popular for avocado dishes, bowls and coffee.
Tips from local experts:
- Farm Girl is popular — expect a short wait at peak times.
- Try the famous rose latte or the acai bowl.
- If you prefer a quicker option, seek a takeaway pastry from nearby bakeries.
Transfer to Camden Town (Tube)
Take the Tube from Notting Hill/Notting Hill Gate area to Camden Town to continue the day's market and canal walking.
Tips from local experts:
- Best route typically involves the Circle/District line and a change — allow 25–35 minutes.
- Camden Town station can get very crowded; follow exit signs to the markets.
- Plan your route in advance if mobility needs require fewer steps.
Camden Market (Camden Lock) wandering
Explore a mix of street food, independent stalls, crafts and alternative fashion around Camden Lock.
Tips from local experts:
- Try small street-food portions to sample a few different vendors.
- The market has multiple courtyards — take your time to navigate them all.
- Keep an eye on opening hours for specific market sections (some open later).
Canal-side break at Regent's Canal (Camden Lock)
Take a short canal walk and rest by the water — a calm contrast to the busy market.
Tips from local experts:
- Follow the towpath east or west for pleasant canal-side views.
- Bring a light jacket — canal breezes can be cool even in summer.
- Look out for narrowboats and independent coffee stalls along the canal.
Browse Camden Lock Village & Chalker's Yard
Continue exploring nearby indoor/outdoor market courtyards and local shops.
Tips from local experts:
- These smaller yards often house independent crafts and quirky gifts.
- If looking for live-music memorabilia or vinyl, check the record shops in the area.
- Take photos of the colourful street art as you wander.
Dinner at Mildreds (Camden)
Vegetarian favourite with varied international plates — generous portions and a relaxed vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Mildreds is popular with locals; booking or arriving early is recommended.
- Menu caters well to different diets — ask staff about allergens.
- Try a sharing starter to taste more dishes.
Evening live music at the Jazz Café
Cap the trip with live music at a long-standing Camden venue (check the evening's bill in advance).
Tips from local experts:
- Book tickets in advance for headline shows; smaller gigs may be walk-up.
- Arrive early to get a good spot; the venue can fill up for popular acts.
- Check the night’s start time as some events start earlier or later than typical concert times.
