London is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations, attracting more than 20 million visitors a year. In 2018 tourism contributed just under £12 billion to the economy of the British capital, and it’s no wonder when you consider the sheer number of activities available for every type of tourist.
London is a city of culture, history and art with many different activities to enjoy during the day and at night. If you’re planning a visit to London and feel overwhelmed by the options available, read on for our ultimate three-day itinerary guide to the bustling city.
Day One
Explore the City
It’s very easy to get swallowed up in London thanks to the size of the city and just how busy it gets with locals and tourists. The best way to orient yourself and learn about the history of the city is by taking a free walking tour.
Over the course of a few hours, you can take in all of the major landmarks in the main city of London. Free London Walking Tours are an excellent company run by a couple of older British fellows who have an almost textbook knowledge of the city and its history
Each tour lasts around two hours and there are a series of different options to choose from which focus on different aspects of the city’s history and culture. These tours are of course free but most people tend to donate £10 each afterward to their tour guide.
Take the Long Way Home
London is effectively made up of smaller cities, making it a treasure trove of monuments, attractions, and architecture. After you’ve finished your walking tour, point yourself in the general direction of your hotel and take a meandering walk home.
Look out for the ancient Roman walls, the Tower of London and perhaps even the Houses of Parliament if you’re heading back through central London. Your long-winded walk will also be a great opportunity to happen across some great local restaurants and bars.
Embrace British Culture
After checking out what modern-day London offers, it’s time to embrace the past. And what better way to do so than visit a bingo hall. Bingo is enjoyed by millions in the UK, so finding a place to play in London isn’t difficult at all. There has been an increasing number of bingo hall closures, largely down to the rise in the popularity of online bingo. So, if you’re ready to relax and put your feet up, log on to Wink Bingo and play along in comfort. Just to feel that extra bit British, put the BBC on the TV in your room, you’ll soon feel like you belong in the Royal Family.
Day Two
Visit Museums
London is a city absolutely teaming with museums, and one of the best things about them is that they’re all free. The British Museum is perhaps the best museum in Europe thanks to its vast array of art, cultural and historical collections.
Then there is the National Gallery which was founded in 1824 and is home to over 2,300 paintings from every major are period of the last millennium. Vermeer, Botticelli and Michelangelo are just a few of the artists you can admire here.
The Natural History Museum is the final museum to visit on your second day. Opened in 1881 it is now home to over 80 million items and runs regular exhibitions that attract guests from all over the continent. There’s also a great section on the work of famed British scientist Charles Darwin that’s worth checking out.
Watch a Show
London is perhaps only second to New York City when it comes to amazing musicals and plays. The West End is the home to the theatre in London and definitely worth checking out. All of the world’s best shows regularly tour in the West End so check out London Theatre Tickets to see what’s on.
There are also classics like The Lion King, Wicked and Phantom of the Opera that run regularly throughout the year. Tickets can be expensive so make sure you book in advance, as prices usually range from £30 to £80 depending on how close to the show you book.
Day Three
Visit the Queen
On your last day in the British capital, you have to visit the amazing Buckingham Palace home to Queen Elizabeth II. The best time to visit is in the morning, start out your journey by wandering through the picturesque Hyde Park and timing your arrival at Buckingham Palace for 10.30 am.
You’ll want to be there at that time to get a good spot to watch the changing of the guard which happens daily at 10.45 am. It lasts around 45 minutes and is free to watch but is a great spectacle, especially if you’re travelling from overseas.
If you’re lucky enough to visit London during the summer, you can take advantage of the amazing Buckingham Palace tours after watching the changing of the guard. Tickets cost £24 but are worth every penny as you’ll be blown away by the grandiosity and history of the palace.
If you’re not visiting during summer, stroll over to the Churchill War Rooms afterward and explore the famous underground offices of Winston Churchill from £18.90 per person.
Take A Jack The Ripper Tour
After your evening meal, head down to the East End, where you’ll find huge groups of people waiting on street corners for the daily Jack The Ripper Tours. Various tour groups provide these walks, but the best is perhaps the ‘Original Jack The Ripper Tour’.
Mick who usually runs these walks has written a book about the infamous killer who struck fear into the East End locals in the 19th century. He’ll tell you everything you need to know about one of London’s most well-known characters.
Hopefully, this tour won’t give you too many nightmares on your final night in London!