The Perfect London 3 Day Itinerary

Travelling to London for a few days of fun in the <s>sun</s> grey? With all that London has to offer, the most important thing is that you explore the city from a comfortable home base, and Plum Guide can offer just that. There is so much to see here - world-class museums, lush green parks, art galleries, historic sites - and so much delicious food to eat - from fish and chips to fine dining - but thankfully with this perfectly planned London 3 day itinerary you won’t miss a beat.

Start this trip as you mean to go on, waking up in Marylebone in a sumptuous flat like The Maryle and making your way to breakfast at The Wolseley, where delicious European fare meets art deco glamour and prime people watching. Take our advice and order the Eggs Benedict - you won’t be sorry, although let’s be honest - your trousers might be (metabolisms just aren’t the same after 40, or so we’re told).

Now that you’re fueled and ready for the day, give your credit card a thrill (and your partner a scare) with a quick walk to Oxford Street. Here lie cheap and cheerful high street shops your kids will love, while nearby Bond Street brims with designer boutiques and high-end jewelry shops ready to lure you in with their chic and shiny wares. Once you’ve taken on all the recognisable shopping bags you can carry, drop them back at your nearby apartment before making your way to a museum, where the intake of culture will counter your recent outpouring of funds.

If you’re feeling nibbly, make sure to take a fish and chips break before you start pounding the museum marble. We recommend one of London’s oldest chippies, the Rock & Sole Plaice located in Covent Garden (in case you don’t know this yet, Brits love a pun).

London is home to some of the world’s most renowned museums amongst its various other attractions, including the British Museum, the V&A, the National Gallery and the Tate. For those of you enchanted by toddler-style contemporary art, definitely head to the Tate Modern on the Southbank. If you have the kids in tow, try the Natural History Museum, where they can marvel at a ginormous blue whale skeleton and a stuffed polar bear.

By now it’s probably time for a drink. We don’t know about you, but staring at paintings and historical objects always tends to make us thirsty. Head to the nearest pub and grab a pint like the locals do before making your way to dinner at Dishoom. This delicious London Indian restaurant has a few locations across the city so choose the one that’s most convenient and enjoy your fill of free chai if you end up having to wait a while for a table.

Explore our collection of family-friendly rentals in London.

Wake up and smell the <s>coffee</s> bacon. The traditional English breakfast consists of eggs, toast, baked beans, roast tomato, sauteed mushrooms, bacon and sausages and it’s your job to try at least some version of that at your local greasy spoon. A greasy spoon is the UK equivalent of a diner and wherever you are resting your head at night, there will be one nearby – even when your flat is as posh as this. No London 3 day itinerary would be complete without a meal at one of these.

After breakfast, live your royal wedding fantasy (minus the fact that you’ll be extremely full) at Westminster Abbey. Dating back to 1245, this is the final resting place of Elizabeth I, Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and more key figures in British history. It is also where William and Kate were married and where monarchs are crowned in the traditional coronation ceremony. Here you’ll also view Big Ben, the world’s most iconic clock.

Now that you’re in that royal mood, make the stroll to Buckingham Palace. This is a great spot to take photos. Children will especially enjoy the Changing of the Guards if you can plan to get there at the right time. Next grab a light picnic lunch and enjoy it al fresco in nearby Green Park (weather permitting – let's hope you're visiting London in summer). Otherwise head to Cicchetti, a local Italian spot great for the whole family.

Walk off the meal exploring the funky shops and cobbled streets of Soho. Stop at Bar Italia for a cappuccino or if you need something stronger at this point, go for an Aperol spritz or negroni.

Tonight you’re off to the theatre, treating yourself and your family to a West End show. Tap your toes to the latest hit musical, laugh your way through a comedy or let yourself be drawn into a serious drama - it’ll be just like home (though maybe slightly less dramatic).

It’s the final morning of your London 3 day itinerary, so it’s time to head East. After a tasty salt beef and mustard or smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel at world famous Brick Lane Beigel, it’s time to check out Brick Lane. Here colourful street art, vintage boutiques, market stalls, coffee and curry shops line the street. Next up is London’s oldest market, Old Spitalfields, which dates back to the 17th century. Here you’ll find jewellery, books, clothes and you guessed it - more food. Do what you were born to and shop ‘till you drop because a heavy dose of culture is coming right up.

Make the short walk to London’s financial district known as ‘the City’ where you’ll find St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and plenty of people who’ve swapped their dreams for cold hard cash. Two of these three attractions are certainly worth visiting. If you’re feeling fit, or simply want to work off that bagel, try the 257 steps up to the top of St. Pauls before trotting across Tower Bridge and visiting the Tower of London.

Throughout its 1,000 year history, the tower has served as a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison. Highlights of a visit include the Crown Jewels - which will no doubt make you jealous - and seeing the famous ravens, whose presence protects the crown and the tower according to superstition.

A sunset cocktail at the top of the Shard is the perfect way to mark the end of a fantastic trip.

Only have a day in London? Not to worry – we've put together a 24-hour London itinerary. We even have 2 day and 4 day itineraries, too. Don't say we don't treat you.