London, England 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Central London

Accommodation:

  • The Rubens at the Palace (Victoria) - A Luxury Collection Hotel: Located near Buckingham Palace, offering a classic English experience.
  • Premier Inn London County Hall: Budget-friendly and centrally located with great views of the River Thames.

Breakfast:

  • Eggslut at Leicester Square Market - A tasty start to your day with unique egg sandwiches.

Morning Activities:

  1. Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony (11 AM daily, except when the Queen is in residence).
  2. Westminster Abbey: A historic Gothic abbey where many British monarchs have been crowned and buried.
  3. Houses of Parliament & Big Ben: Iconic landmarks not to be missed.

Lunch:

  • The Delaunay: Enjoy traditional German and Austrian cuisine in a beautiful Art Deco setting.

Afternoon Activities:

  1. London Eye: Take a scenic river cruise along the Thames and then hop on the London Eye for panoramic views of the city.
  2. British Museum: Free admission to this world-class museum showcasing millions of years of history.

Dinner:

  • Dishoom Kensington: Experience the flavors of Bombay with delicious Indian dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Nightlife:

  • Rooftop St. Martin’s Lane: Cocktails and stunning views over London at this chic rooftop bar.

Day 2: East End Exploration

Breakfast:

  • Violet Cakes Bakery (Hackney): Start your day with a sweet treat from this charming bakery.

Morning Activities:

  1. Brick Lane: Explore the vibrant street filled with street art, vintage shops, and the famous Beigel Bake bagels.
  2. Tower of London & Tower Bridge: Discover the rich history of these iconic structures.
  3. The Geffrye Museum of the Home: Gain insight into the evolving design of British homes over the centuries.

Lunch:

  • Ottolenghi Spitalfields: Taste flavorsome salads, sandwiches, and pastries from this renowned chef.

Afternoon Activities:

  1. Shoreditch Street Art Tour: Wander through the colorful streets admiring street art created by famous artists and up-and-coming talent.
  2. V&A Museum of Design: Explore fashion, textiles, architecture, and more at this world-class museum.

Dinner:

  • Hawksmoor Spitalfields: Savor British steakhouse classics in a stunning setting.

Day 3: West End & River Thames

Breakfast:

  • Farm Girl Cafe (Notting Hill): Fresh, healthy, and Instagrammable food in a boho-chic setting.

Morning Activities:

  1. Portobello Road Market: Browse antiques, vintage clothing, and street food at this bustling market.
  2. Hyde Park: Relax, rent a boat on the Serpentine lake, or visit the Diana Memorial Fountain.
  3. Kensington Palace & Gardens: Explore the residence of several British monarchs, including the current Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Lunch:

  • Hummus Bros (various locations): Indulge in delicious Mediterranean food with a variety of hummus options.

Afternoon Activities:

  1. Harrods: Explore London’s most famous department store, offering everything from fashion to food.
  2. The Natural History Museum: Marvel at the vast collection of natural history specimens, including dinosaur fossils and the iconic blue whale skeleton.
  3. Science Museum: Learn about innovation, technology, and science through interactive exhibits.

Dinner:

  • Dishoom Kensington: If you missed it on Day 1, make sure to visit this Bombay cafĂ© for a second time!

Transportation:

  • Oyster Card: The best way to navigate London’s extensive public transportation network. Top up as needed at tube stations and ticket machines.

Things to Know:

  • Tube map: Familiarize yourself with the London Underground system, using it to explore different neighborhoods quickly and easily.
  • Weather: Pack for all seasons, as the weather in London can be unpredictable.
  • Tips: Service charge is usually included in restaurant bills, but tipping additional is appreciated. Round up to the nearest pound or leave 10% if you’re satisfied with your meal.