Three days is enough to see central London properly if you keep each day to one side of the river and let the Tube handle the long hops. This plan groups Westminster, the City and East End, and the museum quarter so you spend your time in places rather than in transit.
May to June and September bring long daylight, mild temperatures and lighter queues than the July–August peak. December is festive but hotel rates jump and daylight ends by 4pm.
Getting around
Tap in and out with a contactless card or phone — daily and weekly fare caps apply automatically, so no travelcard is needed. Central stops are often one short walk apart; the Tube is best for crossing zones, not for single stops.
The 3-day London, United Kingdom itinerary
Day 1
Westminster and the royal parks
Morning
~£29
Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament
Start at the Abbey when it opens, then walk out past Big Ben and along Westminster Bridge for the classic river view.
Mid-range estimate: one shared hotel room, a table-service dinner and one paid attraction a day. London's big national museums are free, so your budget swings mostly on accommodation.
Estimated daily total
£140–£260 per person, per day
Accommodation (per person, shared room)
£70–£130
Food & drink
£40–£75
Attractions & tours
£20–£40
Local transport
£8–£15
London, United Kingdom weather by season
Season
Typical range
What to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
6–17°C / 43–63°F
Changeable; carry a light waterproof.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
14–24°C / 57–75°F
Long evenings; few places have air conditioning.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
8–19°C / 46–66°F
September is the sweet spot for walking.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
2–9°C / 36–48°F
Damp and dark early; plan indoor afternoons.
SmartVoyage shows the live forecast, or seasonal averages for far-off dates, next to every day of a generated itinerary.
Practical tips for London, United Kingdom
Book timed tickets online for the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey — walk-up entry costs more and often sells out at weekends.
Tap the same contactless card or phone for every journey; daily capping means you never overpay and no paper ticket is needed.
The national museums — British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery, V&A and Natural History Museum — are free to enter.
Stand on the right on escalators, and avoid the Tube between 8–9:30am and 5–6:30pm if you can.
Service is often included on London restaurant bills; check before adding a tip.
London, United Kingdom itinerary questions
Is 3 days enough for London?
Three days covers Westminster, the Tower and the City, the South Bank and the major museums at a comfortable pace. It is not enough to add Greenwich, Windsor or more than one or two day trips.
Where should I stay in London for a short trip?
South Bank, Bloomsbury or Victoria keep you within walking distance or one short Tube ride of everything in this plan.
How much does a 3-day trip to London cost?
Budget roughly £140–£260 per person per day for a mid-range trip, with accommodation the largest single line and free museums keeping attraction costs low.
Do I need an Oyster card for 3 days in London?
No. A contactless bank card or phone gives the same fares and the same daily cap, so most short-stay visitors can skip buying an Oyster card entirely.
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