Hotels near King's Cross or Westminster HotelExcellent underground links and easy access to most sights.
3Days
13Stops
9Meal tips
About £130-200 a day, mid-range, hotels includedBudget
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A three-day London plan that links Westminster's royal and political sights, the free museums and the South Bank, and the Tower of London and the East End. Many of the best museums are free, so the plan leaves budget for one or two paid highlights. Best from May to September, but good all year with a raincoat.
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Where Mohammed Ali stayed and what to book
Windsor Castle and Stonehenge day trip TourA popular day trip from central London.
Thames evening cruise ActivitySee the main landmarks lit up from the river.
Day by day
Westminster and the West End
09:00
Westminster Abbey
The coronation church of British monarchs, with royal tombs and Poets' Corner. Audio guides are included in the ticket.
View on map ↗💡 Photography inside the abbey is not permitted.
11:00
Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge
Walk past Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, then cross the bridge for the classic view back.
View on map ↗💡 Tours of Parliament are available on some days if booked ahead.
12:30
St James's Park and Buckingham Palace
Stroll through London's oldest royal park to the palace. The Changing of the Guard does not take place every day, so check the schedule.
View on map ↗💡 Look for pelicans in St James's Park.
15:00
Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery
A grand public square and a free gallery of paintings from the 13th to the 20th century, including Van Gogh's Sunflowers.
View on map ↗💡 Pick a few rooms rather than trying to see everything.
18:00
Covent Garden and the West End
Browse the market and street performers, then catch a musical or play. Same-day tickets are often cheaper.
View on map ↗💡 Use official theatre box offices or the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastFull English or café breakfastBritish · $$
lunchPub lunchBritish · $$
dinnerPre-theatre dinnerInternational · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 1Tickets and tours: Westminster Abbey 🏨 Find a hotel
Museums and the South Bank
10:00
British Museum
A huge free museum with the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures. Choose a handful of galleries.
View on map ↗💡 Free timed tickets may be required at busy periods, so check the website.
13:00
Borough Market
A historic food market with cheese, pies, street food and fresh bread. It is busiest at lunch, and opening days vary.
View on map ↗💡 Check opening days before you go.
14:30
Tate Modern and the Millennium Bridge
A free gallery in a former power station, with strong modern art and a free viewing terrace. Walk over the Millennium Bridge afterwards to St Paul's.
View on map ↗💡 Special exhibitions are paid, but the collection displays are free.
17:30
Walk the South Bank to the London Eye
A riverside walk past the Globe, the National Theatre and street food stalls, ending at the London Eye. The evening light is lovely.
View on map ↗💡 Skip the paid ride if you are on a budget: the walk gives great views.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastCafé breakfastBritish · $$
lunchBorough Market street foodMixed · $
dinnerDinner on the South BankInternational · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 2Tickets and tours: British Museum
The Tower of London and the East End
09:30
Tower of London
A royal fortress with the Crown Jewels, medieval towers and Beefeater guides. Join a Yeoman Warder tour for stories and humour.
View on map ↗💡 Arrive at opening time and head to the Crown Jewels first.
13:00
Tower Bridge
Walk across the bridge for views of the Thames. The exhibition and glass walkway are optional.
View on map ↗💡 The best photo of the bridge is from the riverside path on the south side.
14:30
Brick Lane and Shoreditch
Explore street art, vintage shops and markets, and try a bagel or a curry. The area is busiest at weekends.
View on map ↗💡 Sunday is the big market day.
17:30
Sky Garden
Free entry to a high garden with city views. Tickets must be booked online in advance and release dates vary.
View on map ↗💡 Book early, as sunset slots go quickly.
🍽 Where to eat
breakfastBakery breakfastBritish · $
lunchBagel on Brick LaneJewish bakery · $
dinnerCurry on Brick LaneIndian · $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 3Tickets and tours: Tower of London
Good to know
✈️ Getting thereHeathrow is linked to central London by the Elizabeth line (about 30-35 minutes) and the Piccadilly line. Gatwick has fast trains to Victoria.
🚆 Getting aroundUse contactless cards on the Tube, buses and trains: daily caps keep fares fair. Walking is often quicker than you think in the centre.
💷 CurrencyPound sterling (£). Cards and contactless are accepted almost everywhere.
🗣 LanguageEnglish.
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Photos: Gustavo Márquez, Sebastian Harris | Photography, SevenStorm JUHASZIMRUS, Jimmyk photos on Pexels.
Mohammed Ali
Mohammed Ali is the Founder and CEO of Tripsora, an AI-powered travel companion transforming how people discover and plan their journeys worldwide. Driven by a passion for authentic exploration, tech innovation, and seam
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