How To Spend 3 Days In LONDON As A First Time Visitor | London Travel Guide and Itinerary 2025

Summary

London, the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, offers a rich blend of historical sites and modern attractions. This travel guide is perfect for first-time visitors aiming to see famous landmarks like Big Ben, London Bridge, and Buckingham Palace. It also highlights lesser-known spots such as Little Venice and provides tips on maximizing your visit. From historic palaces like Kensington and the Tower of London to vibrant areas like Notting Hill and Camden, this guide maps out a three-day itinerary filled with iconic sights, cultural experiences, and picturesque views. Additionally, free museums like the Natural History Museum and the British Museum are must-visits on your London adventure.

Highlights

• Day 1 starts in Little Venice, a serene neighborhood with charming waterways, followed by vibrant Notting Hill. 🚣‍♂️
• Visit Kensington Palace and Gardens, a majestic royal residence with beautiful surrounding gardens. 👑
• Marvel at the architecture at the Natural History Museum with its vast collection, including dinosaur skeletons. 🦖
• Day 2 includes a trip to Buckingham Palace and the delightful Green Park before witnessing the Changing of the Guard. 👑
• Walk to Westminster to see Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, and take photos on Westminster Bridge. 🌉
• Day 3 covers the historic Tower of London and a walk across the iconic Tower Bridge. 🏰
• Stroll through Leadenhall Market, a Harry Potter filming location known for its vibrant atmosphere. 🎥
• End your trip with a scenic view at St. Paul's Cathedral, appreciating its stunning dome. ⛪

Key Takeaways

• Explore famous landmarks like Big Ben and London Bridge for the classic London experience. 🏛️
• Discover lesser-known gems like Little Venice for a unique view of the city. 🚣‍♂️
• Visit iconic spots like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to dive into royal history. 👑
• Enjoy diverse cultural experiences at vibrant markets in Notting Hill and Camden. 🎨
• Don't miss the free British Museum and Natural History Museum for an educational experience. 🏛️

Overview

The three-day London itinerary begins in Little Venice with its picturesque canals and relaxed vibe, perfect for a leisurely start to your trip. Stroll along the charming waterways before moving on to the colorful and bustling streets of Notting Hill, exploring its renowned markets and vibrant history. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy the iconic pastel-colored houses lining the streets.

Day two is a journey through British history and royal heritage, starting off with an early visit to the majestic Buckingham Palace. After a peaceful morning in Green Park, catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a quintessential London experience. The day continues with a picturesque walk to Westminster where you'll marvel at Big Ben and the intricate designs of Westminster Abbey, soaking in centuries of British history.

The final day offers a mix of history and breathtaking views, beginning with the Tower of London and its storied past since the era of William the Conqueror. Follow this with a stroll across both Tower and London Bridge, savoring captivating views of the city and River Thames. The adventure concludes at Leadenhall Market, a historic site with a cinematic twist, before catching a glimpse of the magnificent St. Paul's Cathedral, capping off a memorable London escapade.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Introduction and Overview This chapter serves as an introduction and overview for those planning a trip to London. It highlights the main tourist attractions, including iconic places like Big Ben and London Bridge, along with lesser-known spots. The guide suggests an optimal sequence for visiting these attractions to make the most of your time, and provides tips on the best ways to get around. It also gives a brief historical background on London as the capital of England and the UK, mentioning its significance in events such as the rise and fall of empires and its pivotal role during both World Wars.
• 00:30 - 01:00: London's Historical and Modern Landmarks The chapter explores London's unique blend of historical and modern landmarks, highlighting its cultural influence. Landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the Shard, and the Gherkin exemplify this blend. The vibrant experiences offered by Covent Garden, Camden markets, and Hyde Park showcase the city's storied heritage. The narrative begins with a trip to the suburbs of Little Venice, accessing it via the Tube's Warwick Avenue Station.
• 01:00 - 03:00: Day 1: Little Venice and Notting Hill In this chapter, the narrator describes their visit to Little Venice and Notting Hill on the first day of their adventure. They reach Little Venice via the Bakerloo Line and embark on a walk through the charming neighborhood known for its beautiful waterways and narrowboats, reminiscent of Venice, Italy. Little Venice offers a peaceful setting with canal paths, cozy cafes, and pubs, providing an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing break. The narrator mentions the popular activity of boat trips along the canals, which offer a unique view of London and can take visitors all the way to Camden Lock.
• 03:00 - 04:00: Day 1: Kensington Palace and Gardens This chapter begins with a visit to Little Venice, followed by a walk to Notting Hill, one of London's vibrant neighborhoods. Despite the option to take the Tube to Notting Hill Gate Station, the decision was made to walk. Notting Hill is noted for its colorful houses.
• 04:00 - 05:00: Day 1: Natural History Museum The chapter is set in a vibrant neighborhood with historical transformation from a rural suburb to a bustling urban area known for the Notting Hill Carnival, which celebrates Caribbean culture with music and dancing. The exploration begins along Portobello Road, famous for its market filled with antiques, vintage clothing, and unique items.
• 05:00 - 07:30: Day 2: Buckingham Palace and Green Park The chapter titled 'Day 2: Buckingham Palace and Green Park' depicts the journey of the narrator through some of the iconic locations in London. The adventure begins in Notting Hill, famous for its lively atmosphere and pretty pastel-colored houses. The narrator and Bella aim to find these vibrant houses, which are easily spotted on their walk. Following that, they head towards Kensington Palace and Gardens on foot, appreciating London's charming streets along the way. A quick stop at the Churchill Arms, an iconic pub adorned with beautiful flowers, provides an excellent photo opportunity despite not going inside.
• 07:30 - 10:00: Day 2: Westminster and Big Ben In Chapter titled 'Day 2: Westminster and Big Ben', the journey continues with a visit to Kensington Palace and its Gardens. Kensington Palace is highlighted as a royal residence with a historical significance dating back to the 17th century, housing many royal family members such as Queen Victoria and Princess Diana, and currently serving as the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Kensington Gardens, part of the Royal Parks, offers a serene escape from the urban environment as visitors explore the area.
• 10:00 - 15:00: Day 2: Trafalgar Square and British Museum The chapter covers a visit to Trafalgar Square and the British Museum during a travel itinerary.
• 15:00 - 18:00: Day 3: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Arriving at the Natural History Museum, visitors were greeted with a stunning building and a crowd, indicative of the museum's popularity. Admission is free, though donations are encouraged. The museum offers a vast array of exhibits covering natural history topics from the age of dinosaurs to the present day. The narrative describes spending several hours admiring life-sized dinosaur skeletons, beautiful minerals and gemstones, and engaging displays on human evolution.
• 18:00 - 21:00: Day 3: Leadenhall Market and St. Paul’s Cathedral The chapter describes a visit to Leadenhall Market and St. Paul's Cathedral. After taking some photos, the narrative follows a trip to Green Park, situated next to Buckingham Palace. Green Park is highlighted as one of London's Royal Parks, offering a peaceful retreat through its open lawns and tree-lined paths. The chapter concludes with the group relaxing over coffee before returning to Buckingham Palace.

How To Spend 3 Days In LONDON As A First Time Visitor | London Travel Guide and Itinerary 2025 Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 If you're planning a trip to London for the first  time and want to try and tick all the main tourist   attractions off the list, then this video is for  you. We’ll visit many of the iconic places in   London including Big Ben and London Bridge and  sprinkle in a few lesser known places that you   might not have heard of. We’ll suggest the best  order in which to visit them to maximize your time   and tell you the best way to get there. London is the capital city of England and the   United Kingdom, with history stretching back to  Roman times. This city has seen the rise and fall   of empires, played a pivotal role in both World  Wars, and has been a center of political power
• 00:30 - 01:00 and cultural influence for centuries. From the  historic Tower of London and majestic Buckingham   Palace to the architectural marvels of the Shard  and the Gherkin, London seamlessly blends its   rich past with modern innovation. Whether  you're strolling along the bustling streets   of Covent Garden, exploring the diverse markets  of Camden, or enjoying a peaceful moment in Hyde   Park, London offers a huge range of experiences  that reflect its unique and storied heritage.   Day 1 of our trip through London saw us begin  in the lesser known suburbs of Little Venice. We   took the underground, also known as the Tube to  locals, to Warwick Avenue Station which is part
• 01:00 - 01:30 of the Bakerloo Line. From there, it was only a  short walk to the main part of Little Venice.   Little Venice is known for its charming  waterways and narrowboats. The area gets its   name from the resemblance of its canals to those  in Venice, Italy. It's a peaceful neighborhood   that offers a variety of activities.  We took a stroll along the canal paths,   where we saw several cozy cafes and pubs lining  the waterways, perfect for a quick stop.   A popular activity here is taking a boat trip  along the canals, which can take you all the way   to Camden Lock. This provides a great way to see  more of London from a different perspective.
• 01:30 - 02:00 After our visit to Little Venice, we headed  to Notting Hill, one of London's most famous   and vibrant neighborhoods. We decided to walk  there but you can take the Tube to Notting Hill   Gate Station if you’re not up for the walk. Notting Hill is renowned for its colorful houses,
• 02:00 - 02:30 diverse shops, and lively markets. It's  a neighborhood with a rich history,   having transformed from a rural suburb in the  19th century to the bustling area it is today.   The annual Notting Hill Carnival, one of  the largest street festivals in Europe,   takes place here, celebrating Caribbean culture  with music, dancing, and vibrant costumes.   We began our exploration with  a walk along Portobello Road,   home to the world-famous Portobello Market.  The market is a treasure trove of antiques,   vintage clothes, and unique finds. As we wandered  through the stalls, we admired the variety of
• 02:30 - 03:00 goods on display and the lively atmosphere. One of the highlights of Notting Hill is its   beautiful streets lined with pastel-colored  houses. Bella’s main goal was to find the   different colored houses, and it definitely  wasn’t hard to spot them as we walked.   Next on our itinerary was a visit to Kensington  Palace and Gardens. We decided to walk there   from Notting Hill, which allowed us to take in  more of London's charming streets. On our way,   we made a brief stop to admire the Churchill Arms.  This iconic pub, covered in beautiful flowers,   is a sight to behold and well worth a quick  photo stop even if you don't go inside.
• 03:00 - 03:30 Continuing our journey, we soon arrived at  Kensington Palace and Gardens. Kensington   Palace is a royal residence with a rich history  dating back to the 17th century. It has been   the home of many members of the royal family,  including Queen Victoria and Princess Diana,   and today it serves as the official residence  of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.   The gardens surrounding the palace are equally  impressive. Kensington Gardens is one of London's   eight Royal Parks, offering an escape from  the city's hustle and bustle. As we strolled
• 03:30 - 04:00 through the gardens, we enjoyed the beautifully  manicured lawns, colorful flower beds, and the   peaceful Round Pond. The gardens are also home  to the Albert Memorial and the Italian Gardens,   both of which are worth a visit. While we didn't enter the palace itself,   the outside is stunning and provides a great  backdrop for photos. The grounds are open to   the public, and the walking paths offer a peaceful  place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.   Next on our itinerary was the  Natural History Museum. On the way,   we passed by Hyde Park. Although we didn't  explore it, Hyde Park is a great option   if you enjoy outdoor activities with its  large green spaces and Serpentine Lake.
• 04:00 - 04:30 Arriving at the Natural History Museum, we  were greeted by a stunning building and quite   a crowd. The museum is very popular, and entry  is free, though donations are appreciated.   The museum boasts a vast collection that spans  natural history from the age of the dinosaurs   to the present day. We spent a couple of  hours exploring the different sections,   impressed at the life-sized dinosaur skeletons,  the stunning minerals and gemstones, and the   fascinating exhibits on human evolution. Day 2 of our London adventure began with a   visit to Buckingham Palace. We got there early  to see the palace up close without the large   crowds. The sight of Buckingham Palace, the  official residence of the British monarch,
• 04:30 - 05:00 is truly impressive. After taking some photos,   we went over to Green Park, which is right  next to the palace. Green Park is one of   London's Royal Parks and offers a peaceful  retreat with its open lawns and tree-lined   paths. We spent some time relaxing with a coffee  before heading back to Buckingham Palace.
• 05:00 - 05:30 We timed our return to catch the Changing  of the Guard ceremony. This takes place in   front of the palace at 11:00 AM on most days  (excluding Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday),   though it's best to check the schedule as  it can vary. The ceremony is a traditional   display where the New Guard takes over from the  Old Guard, featuring marching and music.   The history of the Changing of  the Guard dates back to 1660,   when King Charles II formed a permanent  bodyguard. The ceremony has evolved over
• 05:30 - 06:00 the centuries, becoming a significant and  symbolic event in British culture.
• 06:00 - 06:30 Next, we walked to Westminster, making  our way towards the iconic Big Ben. The   walk was enjoyable, with plenty of  sights to take in along the way.   Upon reaching Westminster, we were  greeted by the majestic sight of Big Ben,   the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of  Westminster. Officially named the Elizabeth Tower,   Big Ben is one of London's most recognizable  landmarks. The intricate details of the   clock tower are stunning up close. Nearby is the historic Westminster Abbey,   a Gothic church with a history stretching back  over a thousand years. Westminster Abbey has
• 06:30 - 07:00 been the coronation church since 1066 and  is the final resting place of 18 monarchs.   It's also where many royal weddings and  state ceremonies take place, making it   a significant site in British history. We continued our walk to Westminster Bridge,   where we stopped to take some photos.  The view from the bridge is fantastic,   offering a perfect backdrop of Big Ben, the  Houses of Parliament, and the River Thames.   The crowds were huge, so we'd recommend  getting there as early as possible if   you want to avoid them. Despite the  number of people, it was worth it to
• 07:00 - 07:30 capture some memorable photos of one  of London's most famous areas.   After leaving Westminster, we continued our  walk and passed by the Churchill War Rooms.   This historic site served as the underground  command center for Winston Churchill and his   government during World War II. Next, we strolled by Downing Street,   home to the Prime Minister's official  residence at Number 10. Though heavily guarded,   it's interesting to see the location that  plays a crucial role in British politics.
• 07:30 - 08:00 We also saw the Royal Horse Guards. The large  Horse Guards building, with its grand facade,   stands as a key part of London's ceremonial area.  The big parade ground at the back, known as Horse   Guards Parade, is used for major events like the  Trooping the Colour, which celebrates the Queen's   official birthday. The impressive uniforms and  well-trained horses are a striking sight.
• 08:00 - 08:30 Our route then took us through Trafalgar Square.  Although it was mostly covered by a large concert   being set up, we could still appreciate  the area. Trafalgar Square is known for   Nelson's Column and its iconic lion statues,  and it often hosts events and gatherings.   Although we didn't visit Carnaby Street, it's  worth mentioning for those interested in trendy
• 08:30 - 09:00 shops and vibrant atmosphere. It's a famous  spot for fashion and culture enthusiasts.   These stops are great recommendations if you're  walking, but they can also be seen from public   transport on the way to the British Museum. Our final stop of the day was the British Museum.   We enjoyed this one even more than the Natural  History Museum, though we had to wait a long time   in line for our bags to be checked. If you can,  we recommend not bringing a bag, as this will   allow you to enter straight away. Like the Natural History Museum,
• 09:00 - 09:30 entry to the British Museum is free, though  donations are appreciated. Once inside,   we found it to be less crowded, which made  exploring the exhibits more enjoyable.   The British Museum houses an incredible collection  of art and artifacts from around the world,   spanning thousands of years of history. Some  of the highlights include the Rosetta Stone,   which was key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs,  and the Egyptian mummies, which provide a   fascinating look into ancient burial practices.  We also admired the Parthenon sculptures, stunning   marble carvings from the Parthenon in Athens. In addition to these famous pieces, the museum   features extensive collections from Africa, Asia,  the Americas, and Europe, offering a comprehensive
• 09:30 - 10:00 look at human history and culture. Each gallery  is filled with unique and interesting items,   making the British Museum a must-visit for  anyone interested in history and art.
• 10:00 - 10:30 Day 3 of our London adventure began with a  visit to the historic Tower of London. We   decided not to go inside, but even from the  outside, we could appreciate its impressive   architecture and rich history. Information  signs scattered around the area provided
• 10:30 - 11:00 interesting facts about the tower’s past.  Founded in 1066 by William the Conqueror,   the Tower of London has served various roles  over the centuries, including a royal palace,   prison, and treasury. It’s also home to the Crown  Jewels, which are housed within its walls.   After taking in the sights around the Tower  of London, we made our way to the nearby Tower
• 11:00 - 11:30 Bridge. This iconic symbol of London, completed  in 1894, is one of the most recognizable bridges   in the world. Walking from one end to the  other, the bridge offers fantastic views of the   River Thames and the surrounding cityscape. Walking across Tower Bridge allowed us to enjoy   its intricate details up close, from the massive  towers to the blue and white painted ironwork.
• 11:30 - 12:00 After crossing Tower Bridge, we continued  our walk across the London Bridge. Though   not as iconic as Tower Bridge, London  Bridge offers its own unique views of   the River Thames and the surrounding city. As we walked, we noted the nearby Sky Garden   at 20 Fenchurch Street, known for its  panoramic city views from the top floors.   Although we didn't visit, it's a popular spot  for those wanting to see London from above.   Next, we made our way to Leadenhall  Market. This beautiful covered market,   dating back to the 14th century, is known  for its stunning Victorian architecture and   vibrant atmosphere. It’s also famous for being a  filming location for Diagon Alley and the Leaky
• 12:00 - 12:30 Cauldron in the Harry Potter movies. Strolling through Leadenhall Market,   we admired the ornate details and colorful  decorations. It’s a lively place with a mix   of traditional charm and modern amenities, and  it’s perfect for grabbing a bite to eat or just   enjoying the historic surroundings. After exploring Leadenhall Market,   we headed to the Reflection Garden. This  peaceful spot is perfect for a brief rest,   offering a tranquil escape from the busy streets.  Surrounded by greenery and serene water features,   it’s a lovely place to unwind and reflect. Next, we made our way to St. Paul’s Cathedral.   The majestic dome of St. Paul’s is one of London’s  most iconic sights, standing tall over the city.
• 12:30 - 13:00 Although we didn’t go inside, we admired the  stunning exterior and took some photos. The   cathedral, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and  completed in the 17th century, has a rich history   and is known for its impressive architecture. Even though we didn’t enter St Paul’s Cathedral,   the outside was amazing to see and was  an great end to our day of exploring.