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Three days in London: the ideal itinerary

Three days is the right length for a first visit. It adds Kensington's museums, Hyde Park and Notting Hill to the essentials, or a morning in Greenwich if you prefer the river.

Day 1: Westminster, Trafalgar Square and the South Bank

  1. Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace

    The royal and political heart of London.

    Stay nearby: Westminster · ~$320/night

  2. National Gallery and Covent GardenFree

    Art, lunch and street performers.

    Stay nearby: Covent Garden · ~$360/night

  3. South Bank to Tate ModernFree

    Then a show in the evening.

    Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night

Day 2: the City, markets and Bloomsbury

  1. Tower of London and Tower Bridge

    Allow three hours.

    Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night

  2. Borough Market

    Lunch.

    Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night

  3. St Paul's Cathedral

    Or Sky Garden if you've booked.

    Stay nearby: South Bank · ~$295/night

  4. British MuseumFree

    Late opening on Fridays.

    Stay nearby: Bloomsbury · ~$255/night

Day 3: Kensington, Hyde Park and Notting Hill

  1. Natural History Museum or the V&AFree

    Pick one; both are free.

    Stay nearby: Kensington · ~$295/night

  2. Kensington Palace and GardensFree

    Walk north through the park past the Serpentine.

    Stay nearby: Kensington · ~$295/night

  3. Notting Hill and Portobello Road

    Best on a Saturday; pastel houses any day.

    Stay nearby: Notting Hill · ~$270/night

  4. Alternative: Greenwich by boat

    Swap day three for the Cutty Sark, the Royal Observatory and Greenwich Park.

    Stay nearby: Greenwich · ~$200/night

Written by the StayAreas editorial team · Updated Oct 2026 · How we research our guides

Hotels we'd book in Covent Garden

Our top area for this guide. Mid-range doubles cost about $360 a night.

Covent Garden guide

Best value

hub by Premier Inn London Covent Garden

Why we like it: Compact, well-designed rooms by the piazza.

Typical budget rate in Covent Garden: ~$190/night

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Boutique pick

Covent Garden Hotel

Why we like it: Cosy Firmdale hotel in the middle of the district.

Typical mid-range rate in Covent Garden: ~$360/night

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Luxury pick

The Savoy

Why we like it: Grand 1889 hotel between the Strand and the river.

Typical luxury rate in Covent Garden: ~$805/night

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FAQs

Is 3 days in London enough?

Three days is enough for the main sights, one or two big museums and a neighbourhood like Notting Hill or Greenwich.

Should I stay in one hotel for three days in London?

Yes. London is well connected, and a central base like Covent Garden or the South Bank works for all three days.

More London guides

Where to stay in London

Hotels in Covent GardenMid-range from ~$360/night

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