Day 1 - Discover the City Begin your London exploration by visiting the iconic Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament. After that, explore the Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park. Don't miss out a visit to the National Gallery, where you can admire art from various periods.
Day 2 - Explore and Shop Start the day by visiting The British Museum, where you can explore ancient artifacts, mummies, and much more. After that, head towards Oxford Street where you can enjoy the latest fashion trends and hoard some souvenirs. End the day by indulging in a West End show, for which London is famous worldwide.
Day 3 - History and Culture Begin with a visit to the Tower of London, where you can explore its rich history and catch the Crown Jewels exhibit. Next, head to the famous London Eye, where you can take in some stunning views of the city. Finish off by visiting the Tate Modern, a modern art museum that showcases the contemporary art of Britain.
Time and Costs Estimates
Big Ben and The Houses of Parliament (1 hour, free)
Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park (2 hours, free)
National Gallery (2-3 hours, free)
The British Museum (2-3 hours, free)
Oxford Street (2-3 hours, varies)
West End show (3 hours, £50-£100)
Tower of London (3 hours, £27)
London Eye (30 minutes, £27)
Tate Modern (2 hours, free)
Total Estimated Costs - £100-£200
Transportation
London has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses, underground trains, and taxis. It is best to buy an Oyster card, which you can top-up as per your travel requirements. Travelling by buses is convenient and economical; however, they may take longer due to traffic. Taxis are expensive but convenient for short-distance travel, and the iconic Black Cabs are a must-try.
Useful Tips
If you have more time, visit Westminster Abbey, The Shard and take a boat ride on the River Thames. For those with less time, skip Buckingham Palace and St. James's Park on Day 1 or the Tate Modern on Day 3. Pack comfortable shoes, and layers, as the weather in London can be unpredictable.
Airports
London has six airports, with the most prominent being Heathrow (LHR) situated about 17 miles west of the city center. Other airports include Gatwick (LGW), Stansted (STN), Luton (LTN), London City (LCY), and Southend (SEN). Heathrow is well-connected to the city, with the Heathrow Express, the underground Piccadilly line, and taxis being the best options.