There’s a reason London is visited by more than 19 million people a year. It has everything you could ask for - historical landmarks, beautiful architecture, charming neighborhoods, and lush green spaces. Many would agree that it’s one of the most vibrant cities in the world!

My husband, Alex, and I were lucky enough to spend three days in London during a particularly cold April. Despite the weather, we fell in love with the city and were amazed by all it had to offer. If you’re planning a visit, keep reading to learn the best tips for planning an unforgettable trip!

Getting Around

London is a massive, sprawling metropolis so if you’re planning a quick trip, it’s important to build an itinerary that ensures you’re not spending all of your time in transit. It’s a very walkable city, but it’s best to take the Underground when possible to save time. The Underground is easy to navigate and is much more time and cost effective than using taxis or Ubers.

If you plan on using the Underground, you’ll need to purchase an Oyster card. Oyster cards are “smart cards” that can be charged with a cash value and then used for discounted travel throughout the city. If you’re flying into London, you’ll be able to buy an Oyster card at the airport. An Oyster card costs £5, but if you turn it in at the end of your visit, you’ll get a refund. Oyster cards are typically a better value than one-day travel cards which cost £13 because of the system’s daily “cap”. You can make as many journeys as you want in Zones 1-2 (which is where you’ll likely be traveling) for just £7. When your Oyster card runs low, you can refill the value at any Underground station.

Where to Stay

While my husband, Alex, and I normally stay in AirBnBs when traveling, we found that London’s hotel options were cheaper and better located. We stayed at The Hoxton Holborn, a stylish 4-star boutique hotel that was reasonably priced and in a great location. The rooms were small, but well designed and cozy. Other areas to consider that are centrally located are Covent Garden, Soho, and Westminster.

Day 1

Westminster and St. James

Your first day in the city should be spent seeing everything that is quintessential London. Start your morning by taking the Underground to the Westminster station. From there, walk across the Westminster Bridge for an excellent view of the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. If you’re interested in riding the London Eye, this would be a good time to go. Remember to get your tickets in advance!

Once you’ve seen the postcard views, walk through Parliament Square to see Westminster Abbey, a stunning Gothic church used by the royals. Afterwards, go to the Churchill War Rooms for a deep dive into England’s history. If you’re not normally a museum person, make an exception for this one. The museum comprises the Cabinet War Rooms, an underground complex that housed the British command center throughout World War II. The rooms have been preserved almost exactly as they were when the war ended, complete with paraphernalia of a busy, round-the-clock war office.

After the museum, take a leisurely stroll through St. James Park until you come to Buckingham Palace. If you don’t mind fighting the crowds, try to go at 11:00am to watch the Changing of the Guard. For a more relaxed experience and an unobstructed view of the palace (my personal preference), go later in the day.

End your first day in London by walking back through St. James Park to Trafalgar Square. You can stop and take a look at St. James's Palace along the way. Trafalgar Square is the official center of London and home to The National Gallery. If you’re interested in art history, the museum is not to be missed. Don’t worry about the cost. It’s free to enter!

Day 2

Kensington, Notting Hill, and Camden Town

Start your second day in London by visiting Kensington Palace. The palace has been a residence of the British Royal Family since the 17th century, and is currently home to 15 high-ranking royals including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

Get there by taking the Underground to the High Street Kensington Station. Once you arrive, stroll through the oasis of greenery created by Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Spend a little extra time taking in the beauty of Princess Diana's Memorial Garden. Afterwards, if you’re interested, pay the fee to tour the interior of the residence.

After you’ve seen the palace, explore the Kensington Court Gardens and surrounding neighborhoods before walking to Notting Hill. If the twenty minute walk doesn’t sound appealing, take the Underground to Ladbroke Grove Station. Notting Hill is an eclectic, colorful area of London that is teeming with unique shops, bookstores, and trendy restaurants. For the best photo ops, check out Lancaster Road, Portobello Road, Westbourne Park Road, and St Luke’s Mews.

When you’re feeling hungry, head to Camden Market via the Underground. The best place to get off the tube is Camden Town station. Camden Market is expansive and offers a wide range of shops and a never ending supply of food vendors. Sample some of the delicious cuisine and pick up a few souvenirs as you explore the twists and turns of the market.

Once you’ve filled your stomach and emptied your pockets, leave the market by walking along Regent’s Canal. Make sure to stop and admire all of the house boats that hug the water’s edge. When you come to Gloucester Avenue, turn right and walk to Primrose Hill to see one of the best views of London! From the peak, you’ll be able to see the entire city laid out before you. When it’s clear, it’s easy to spot landmarks like the London Eye, The Shard, and BT Tower in the distance. Warning: The weather in London is unpredictable so it’s entirely possible that the view may be obscured (see picture below for evidence).

End your day by grabbing dinner and drinks in Soho or Covent Garden. There are hundreds of restaurants and bars in the area, but my personal favorites were Dishoom and The Oystermen.

Day 3

The City & South Of The Thames

Kick off your third day in the city by visiting the Tower of London. If you only want to pay admission to tour one historical site in London, the Tower of London is an excellent choice. The history of England comes alive in this miniature city of 20 towers that have housed a palace, barracks, the Royal Mint, archives, and an armory. Remember to buy your tickets in advance and try to get there as soon as the doors open to avoid the crowds.

After you’ve heard stories of imprisonment, torture, and execution at the Tower of London, walk across the iconic Tower Bridge to reach the south side of the River Thames. Once you’ve crossed, walk west to get a great #instaworthy view of Tower Bridge. From there, continue strolling along the river, taking in views of the HMS Belfast and the Shard until you come to London Bridge. When you do, leave the river’s edge and follow the signs that lead to the Borough Market.

The Borough Market is a cramped, eclectic market filled to the brim with food stalls. Enjoy a venison burger, curry mac n’ cheese, Vietnamese noodles, or one of the million other culinary delights for lunch. A little tip? Go hungry. You’ll want to taste everything in site.

Once you’ve sampled some of London’s finest cuisine, head back in the direction of the River Thames. Grouped together you’ll find Shakespeare’s Globe, Tate Modern, and Millennium Bridge. If you have an appreciation for the arts, consider attending a play at Shakespeare’s Globe or perusing modern art at Tate Modern. Even if you’re not a museum person, visit the Tate Modern Viewing Platform (for free) for a spectacular view of the city. Afterwards, walk across the eye-catching Millennium Bridge (as seen in Harry Potter) for an awe-inspiring approach to St. Paul’s Cathedral.

St. Paul’s Cathedral is breathtaking in size and beauty and is the perfect place to round out your London visit. The Cathedral was completed in 1710 after 35 years of construction and has withstood tumultuous times, including numerous World War II bombings. If you have time to tour the interior, you should. The beauty of the Cathedral is worth the extra cost. Make sure to climb up the 163 spiral steps to visit the Whispering Gallery and experience the incredible acoustics found there. From the upper galleries, walk outside for an unbelievable panorama of London.

A three day visit may not be enough time to experience all that London has to offer, but it will give you an appreciation for the city and make you excited to return. Get lost in the rich history, architectural wonders, and cultural delights found around every corner. London is everything you’re expecting, and more.