London is endlessly layered — royal pomp next to street art, world-class museums that are free, and food from every corner of the planet. Three days gives you the iconic sights, a dose of East London grit and enough time to feel like you're starting to understand it.
Start at the residence of the Royal Family. Arrive early to grab a good spot for the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11:00 (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun). The palace facade and the Victoria Memorial in front make for iconic photos.
Walk through London's oldest Royal Park connecting Buckingham Palace to Westminster. The lake views with pelicans and the skyline of Whitehall are quintessentially London — and completely free.
Visit Westminster Abbey — the church where monarchs have been crowned since 1066 and where royals are buried. Right across the road, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament are best photographed from Westminster Bridge.
Cross the Thames to Borough Market, one of London's oldest and greatest food markets. Dozens of stalls with world food, artisan bread, cheese and hot meals. A perfect lunch stop before hitting the Southbank.
The Tate Modern is the world's most visited modern art museum — and it's free. Housed in a converted power station on the Thames. After, walk the Southbank riverside path east past street performers, food trucks and the Globe Theatre.
End Day 1 at Tower Bridge — London's most iconic landmark. Walk across for free, or pay £12 for the Glass Floor exhibition. From the north side, the view of the Tower of London and the City skyline is breathtaking at golden hour.
One of the world's greatest museums, home to the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles and Egyptian mummies. Free entry always. Arrive at opening to beat the crowds — the Great Court atrium alone is worth the visit.
London's most theatrical piazza. Street performers, independent shops, Michelin-star restaurants and market stalls all packed into one buzzing area. Browse the Apple Market and watch a free show in the piazza.
Over 2,300 paintings from 1250 to 1900 — Van Gogh's Sunflowers, Monet's Water Lilies, Leonardo da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks. Completely free. Located right on Trafalgar Square with Nelson's Column out front.
One of London's eight Royal Parks at 142 hectares. Rent a pedalo on the Serpentine lake, watch the Speakers' Corner debates on Sunday, or simply sit on the grass. The Diana Memorial Fountain and Kensington Palace gardens are at the west end.
The world's greatest museum of art and design — jewellery, fashion, ceramics, furniture, architecture across 5,000 years. Free entry. The Cast Courts room alone has plaster casts of Michelangelo's David and Trajan's Column.
Head north to Notting Hill for dinner. Portobello Road has dozens of international restaurants. On Friday and Saturday the antique market runs all day. The colourful houses on Lancaster Road and Elgin Crescent are the most photographed in London.
East London's open-air art gallery. Brick Lane and the surrounding streets (Hanbury St, Pedley St, Chance St) are covered in world-class murals. Ronnie Wood, Banksy alumni and internationally known artists have all left work here.
Brick Lane is London's curry corridor and vintage fashion hub. Spitalfields Market (indoor, free entry) is one of London's best markets for street food, fashion and vintage. The old Truman Brewery hosts independent designers and pop-ups.
Brick Lane's Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants compete aggressively for customers — this means excellent curry at fair prices. Most restaurants on the street are BYOB and offer set lunch menus for £8–12.
The highest public garden in London, on the 35th floor of the "Walkie Talkie" building. 360° views of the City, the Shard, Tower Bridge and the Thames — completely free if you book in advance online.
At 310 metres, The Shard is Western Europe's tallest building. The View from The Shard on floors 68-72 is the highest public viewpoint in London, with views up to 64km on a clear day. Worth every penny at sunset.
End your London trip with an evening stroll along the South Bank. The lights of the city reflect on the Thames as you walk from London Bridge back towards Waterloo. Stop at one of the riverside bars or restaurants for a final meal.