Quick City Trips - 3 day London Itinerary
By Melissa
@Melissaritt
When I think of London I think of MAGIC. From the royal history, the gorgeous streets & establishments, to Harry Potter origins (duh), London is a place for everyone. Like any trip I plan, I love to find the best places to just walk around and soak it all in. I also aim to find a great atmosphere for meals and a fantastic cocktail – who doesn’t?! I am partial to visiting in the Autumn because of the fall colors and fashion, but any time of year in London is absolute perfection.
QUICK TIPS:
- Get an Oyster card for transportation on the tube/bus – it is such an easy system and can take you anywhere you need to go!
- The Heathrow Express is a great way to get from the airport to the city center – it’s significantly cheaper than a taxi but easier than the local tube. If you buy online prior to your trip, the cost is 22-25 EURO and if you buy at the airport the cost is 27 EURO for one way.
- Plan some museum visits but know that you might not have time for EVERYTHING (and that’s OK because you WILL be back)
WHERE TO STAY?
AIR B&B:
I truly feel like you can get one of the best experiences when visiting a new city if you stay in an Air B&B. There are flats of all sizes in all different neighborhoods in London.
BUDGET STAY:
This hostel is a very affordable, clean, and nice place to stay for somebody on more of a budget. You can sleep dorm style with others or grab your own room. Lots of people lounge in the main lobby and there is a really fun bar in the basement where you can meet other travelers! It is near a tube station that will get you to the main city center and is walking distance to some great pubs and restaurants.
MIDDLE OF THE PACK:
Hotel Indigo London – Kensington
This hotel is a very cute boutique style hotel in the Kensington neighborhood. The rooms are small but very modern with all of the amenities you could need, with a lovely breakfast in the morning.
SPLURGE OPTIONS:
Hotel 41, The Milestone Hotel, The Connaught, Corinthia Hotel London, The Soho Hotel, The Langham. All gorgeous & luxurious – ‘nuff said.
3-Day London Itinerary
Day 1:
Lunch @ Dalloway Terrace
Westminster Palace
Big Ben
Westminster Bridge
Buckingham Palace & St James Park
Shopping on Oxford, Regents, and Carnaby Streets
-Selfridges, Harrods, Maison & Fortnum are the large department stores that are famous here
Dinner: @ The Culpepper
-Get the Fish & Chips!
Day 2:
Breakfast @ The Orangery at Kensington Palace
-My favorite place.. I still dream about it!
Kensington Palace & Gardens
St. Pauls Cathedral
Borough Market
-Walk around in this neighborhood after you hit the market.. very Harry Potter-y!
Tower of London/Tower Bridge
Alex Monroe Jewelry
-London jewelry designer that has gorgeous nature inspired pieces – he was in the shop last time I was there!
Dinner @ Mabels in Covent Garden Area
Drinks @ Connaught Hotel in Kensington
-Did someone say martini cart?
Day 3:
Breakfast @ Sketch
-Make a reservation for the Pink Room & make sure to get a picture in the Loo! (you’ll see)
Natural History Museum
Hyde Park
-I could spend an entire day walking around Hyde Park. It’s gorg.
*more shopping*
- It’s London, OK?!
Afternoon Tea @ The Wolseley
Walk around Trafalgar Square
Cocktail @ The Roof Gardens
Dinner @ Churchill Arms
-Tip: if you have to wait for a reservation if you are eating, grab a glass of wine down the street at Wine Rooms
Although this doesn't cover even a slice of all the things to see & do in this fascinating city, I hope this was helpful! Please comment below if you would like some more recommendations or have any questions!
Adventure Always.
Cheers! Melissa
