Time:110 min. These days, Camden is best known for its shopping, markets, live music, and unique atmosphere. This birds eye view will really help you map out and gain a new perspective on your preceding journey through the city. However, the more central areas are nearest to the majority of the iconic London attractions, so I wouldnt recommend staying too far from the center. Tower Bridge is Londons most famous bridge. This is the underground bunker where Churchill and his staff ran their operations during World War II. London Itinerary London Itinerary: Planning Your Time Even under gray skies, London sightseeing offers nonstop thrills. It is here that you can see British art from the 13th century to 1900. Its worth the quick visit just to take a photo. The impressive complex contains an astounding 1 100 rooms and the Perpendicular Gothic architecture is breathtaking! There is a daily max which means once you hit the max, you can travel as much as you like in a single day and the amount you pay is capped. Learn how to visit Pere LeChaise Cemetery, plan your time with our 3 Day Paris Itinerary, learn where to get the best views of Paris, and read our Paris Food Guide for information on what to eat in Paris. To maximize your time, either stay in the city center or pick a hotel within walking distance of convenient tube station. 122 helpful votes. Unless you are in London. Hop off at top attractions such as the Tower of London, Trafalgar Square, and Piccadilly Circus, then time your arrival at Buckingham Palace . It has been featured in several movies, including Harry Potter and Guardians of the Galaxy. You can visit each of the websites and pick out the one that looks the most interesting to you, or take a look at the list of afternoon teas in this article. I am still working on our details (we are traveling late july 2023) but youve given me the launching pad I needed to make our European Adventure a mission GO! Take a short walk to St. James Palace and Buckingham Palace. The complex was rebuilt in the mid 19th century after a fire tore down much of the original building-complex in 1834. However, the Changing of the Guard will take up most of your morning and then you will be dealing with long lines and crowds at Westminster Abbey. Cost: Free Hours: 10:00 am 6:00 pm, open until 9:00 pm on Friday. It also has a thriving LGBT bar scene and is home to many of the citys sex shops and burlesque shows. Walk across Millennium Bridge and continue on to St. Pauls Cathedral. The Oyster Card is a smartcard that you use to pay for transportation in London, including the Tube, trams, buses, and more. 1. We have a complete guide to where to stay in London, with over 60 recommendations across all the main areas in London we recommend. The Changing of the Guard occurs every other day at 11 am (usually Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday). There are several great things to do in Greenwich. The view from The Shard | 5 Day London Itinerary. This modern pedestrian suspension bridge between the City and Southwark has quickly become a beloved landmark. Here are a few more options. You can also shop for books, clothing, music, and grab lunch here. Itll save you aload of time when organising transport and youll probably nab an EPIC DISCOUNT too! Hours: 10:00 am 5:00 pm daily, open until 8:30 pm on Fridays Getting here: The nearest underground stations are Tottenham Court Road, Holborn, Goodge Street, and Russell Square. While 3 days is enough to see the top attractions, 5 days will give you enough time to really get to know the city. Just a 5-minute walk from Westminster Abbey and Big Ben, this is a great mid-range hotel to consider if you want to be centrally located in London. OUR TOP PICK: The Marriott County Hall. Change to the DLR towards Lewisham, getting off at Cutty Sark for Maritime Greenwich. W e admit it: You can't see everything London has to offer in just 48 hours. Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Pauls Cathedral, Sky Garden. Head to the famed Westminster Abbey to pay homage to the British monarchs, English poets, and other notables buried inside. For the purpose of today, all you need is a basic 24-hour ticket. Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox. Lunch on the South Bank. In case you are lucky enough to have some extra days in London, here are a couple of ideas on how to fill them. Its no surprise that Oxford Street sees so much footfall it offers one of the best and most extensive shopping experiences in the world. Its an art museum with over 2 300 paintings that were committed to canvas between the mid 13th century and 1900. The world-famous Harrods Department Store can be found here and Sloan Square which is also nearby. Also, at the end of this post, we give recommendations on how to shorten this London itinerary if you only have 2, 3, or 4 days to spend in London. This is a great place to snap that iconic photo of Parliament and the River Thames. They offer clean, stylish, and comfortable accommodation for a very reasonable price. Official tourism information site for London. The one-hour Yeoman Warder tour is not only educational but also entertaining (even for kids!). 4: For each day, Pick only 1 - 2 things from the time consuming list. The city is home to some modern architectural marvels including the inside out Lloyds Building and the Shard with its epic views over London. Want more deetz on why we love itso damn much? Multiple royal weddings have also taken place at Westminster Abbey. Learn how in our article How to Plan a Day Trip to Windsor Castle. The Shard is a 95-storey skyscraper in Southwark with a striking design and walled almost entirely with glass! But we have not tried the public fountains in London, Paris or Amsterdam (but its most likely fine). Cost: Free! This beautiful area is quick and easy to get to by tube or train from the city center, and there's a lot to do here. LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are 12 important things to know if it will be your first time in London. The collection features pieces by some of the worlds most famous artists including Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, David Hockney and Andy Warhol! This massive room is great for travellers who visit London for the first time. This is a perfect option if youre just spending one day in London. Should I take the Hop On Hop Off Bus in London for this Itinerary? What to Do with More than 3 Days in London? World Nomads mission is to support and encourage travellers to explore their boundaries. If you want to know what to do in London, youve come to the right place. The building holds significant historical value and boasts exceptionally enchanting architecture a visit here is a profound and informative experience. Learn more here. For roughly 70-240 (depending on the number of days), London Pass provides free entry to over 80 London attractions. Its an awesome option if youre backpacking in London. Use Bookawayto find the best deals on transport buses, planes, trains, and ferries. Learn more here. (Budget 75minutes for the collections, and another 15 minutes at the awesome museum shop.). Transit: District or Circle to Embankment, then Northern to Tottenham Court Road. London is enormous. Best Time to Visit London How To Get Around London Get updated hours here. The late spring and summer months (May-August) are peak tourism season when the weather is pleasant and children are on holiday. Booking ahead is advisable. Visit the Up at the O2 website for full details, hours, cost, and how to schedule your visit. Learn more about the London Pass on their website. Spend the rest of the afternoon at the Natural History Museum and/or the Victoria and Albert Museum. Included with your entry fee is an audio guide that explains the history of this amazing place. However, note that the queues can be bloody long if you are thin on time but fat on budget, I suggest booking a skip the queue pass in advance. Get up early andbe at the Tower of London before it opens 9am (it helps to buy skip-the-line tickets ahead of time) so you can get on the first Yeoman Warder tour of this bastion of London's Middle Ages. It is home to incredible tourist attractions and boasts a fantastic selection of world-class restaurants, high-quality shops and boisterous bars. There is a one-time 5 fee to purchase the card. You can visit Oxford or Bath as a day trip by train on your own, or book a guided Stonehenge and Bath day trip. Tickets are available on the official website and through GetYourGuide. Small-Group Tour: Historical Pub Walking Tour of London. As you wander through these rooms you will be amazed at how much stuff the British Empire amassed during their world rule. Both museums are free to visit and are open until 5:45 pm. Day 1 (Half Day)****: Tower of London. Normally, we do not recommend bus tours. After having tea, go for a stroll in the neighborhood of your choice, or visit one of Londons green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Green Park. There are lots of great places, cafes, and restaurants around. Here, youll find paintings by Van Gogh, Monet, Da Vinci, Botticelli, and Rembrandt to name a few! We kept our visit quick (about an hour) and were still able to tour most of the museum. Depending on how much time you have left in the day, you may not be able to get all of these in. they're also the only ones who will answer the phone. You can click the check marks to hide or show layers. This hostel sits just across the street from St. Pancras station. Be sure to walk across the bridges high level walkway and enjoy the stunning views. Welcome to one of the world's most important and influential cities. However, there are numerous restaurants nearby if you are here when the market is closed. Sightseeing from The Shard. Re: First time in London: help with itinerary. The building can get pretty crowded as its not very large yet extremely popular. Plan Your Visit: Tour Westminster Abbey in photos and learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Westminster Abbey. Visit some of the top attractions outside of London on this day trip to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and the historic town of Bath. Unfortunately, there is not enough time in this itinerary for a visit that long, but spending the morning here is an appropriate amount of time for most visitors. Hello Traci. After a day filled with historical sites and old ornate buildings, take a big step-back into the modern world and experience a completely different side of London by paying a visit to SoHo. No more boring hotels you deserve WAY BETTER. The West End is to London as Broadway is to New York, and together they are generally considered to represent some of the highest levels of commercial theatre in the world. / Continue your walk along the River Thames to the Globe Theater. Recap of 4-day London itinerary. This is incredible. Along the way, you will pass Hamleys, one of the largest toy stores in the world and a great place to take kids. Night time in SoHo brings quite a spectacle as the sun drops from the sky, thousands of neon lights vibrantly color the streets and the evening energy starts to emerge! The ceremony starts at 10:30 am at St. Jamess Palace, at 10:45 the procession enters The Mall and walks towards Buckingham Palace, and at 11 am the official Changing of the Guard occurs at Buckingham Palace. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The other main draw to the tower of London is its incredible and extensive history. It is possible to purchase the London Pass with a discount during certain months of the year. Have dinner and go to bed early to get that much needed sleep. Covers the top stuff, and current events, but a distant second to. This is The Shard, one of Londons newest editions to its skyline. Then walk 5 minutes to the market. Jul 12, 2022, 9:37 PM. Natural History Museum; Science Museum; Hyde Park; Notting Hill; Portobello Road Its amongst the biggest cities in Europe and is one of the worlds largest financial centers. OR, have afternoon tea, take a stroll through one of your favorite neighborhoods in London, and follow this up with dinner and drinks. Hyde Park is the largest park in London and one of the most relaxing places to visit in London. Make sure you save time for the excellent museum shop (good spot for gifts). Now you know what to see in London in two days, here are a few tips to help you plan your London trip. From the Churchill War Rooms, continue the walk towards Big Ben. An impressive series of free talks and scheduled guided tours are offered by the gallery for free, and audio tours peppered with interesting information are free too. Spending more time in London? It's a pretty bright white cafe with passionate baristas and nummy baked goods. Each experience was fantastic and of the three, we really dont have a favorite. Ben Franklin, in London? Alternatively, you could just wander through the museum and get lost amongst a sea of history. Getting here: Use the bus tour to get here, hop off and ride the London Eye, and then hop back on the bus to complete the loop back to your hotel (or your starting destination). For your evening plans, choose one of the following: London theatre, music, and other performance venues. The inside is just as impressive with soaring ceilings, intricate detailing, and an array of historical relics and ornaments. Note: Borough Market is closed on Sundays. Or, yknow you can stick to ziplock bags. There is so much to see that really you could spend an entire day at the British Museum. You will first come to #10 Downing Street, the official home of the British Prime Minister. Begin your adventure on the . The British Museum is a journey back in time and a vibrant representation of human culture it offers an incredible experience for those who visit. Visitors can squint at tiny ancient relics or be dwarfed by some enormous pieces of history that extend far over head in cavernous rooms. Unfortunately, the Elizabeth Tower is currently undergoing construction, and tours have been postponed until 2021. document.getElementById("ak_js_1").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); Travelling to London? Having grown up between the UK and Germany, Sophie is currently living in Brighton. There are multiple companies that offer Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours. There are many hotels and restaurants that offer afternoon tea. The city is also well equipped to deal with the cold and the rain, and the majority of the London points of interest can be visited comfortably regardless of the weather conditions. Cross the bridge on foot, watch the river roll below and get your photo fix. London in half a day tour (4hrs). Spend the morning landing, getting though customs and immigration (takes forever at Heathrow), getting downtown, and checking into your hotel. Again, thank you! Hence this 3 day London itinerary. In its almost 1 000 years of existence, the Tower of London has acted as a fortress, a royal palace, a prison, an astronomical observatory, a treasury, and an armoury. (The tour lasts an hour. If you click the star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. Many famous Hollywood, British, and international film actors have performed on these stages. One of the main attractions to the castle is the Crown Jewels a collection of the worlds finest jewels set into a variety of items including swords and crowns. WESTMINSTER ABBEY: Tour Westminster Abbey in photos and learn how to plan your visit in our Guide to Westminster Abbey. If we want to carry water with us, we tend to fill up a water bottle in the hotel and bring that with us, and then drink tap water or sparkling water at lunch and dinner. Though pickpocketing is very rare in London, its best to be aware of your personal belongings when in busy public spaces. Share my passion for history and this small green island I call home. PARIS: For the top experiences in the city, read our article Best Things to Do in Paris. In the summer, the Changing of the Guard may occur daily. Areas like Camden and the East End are more affordable than the other areas discussed but arent as conveniently located. Start at Windsor Castle, home to the British royal family, for a tour of the State Apartments and St George's Chapel, and then continue west of London to Salisbury, home of the mysterious Stonehenge rock formations. ITINERARIES WITH LONDON: London and Paris can be combined into a wonderful 7 or 10 day trip. for London. After digging for some treasures at the markets and stores, take a walk along Regents Canal, the picturesque waterway around which Camden Town sits. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass. Some people say that this is the best view of London. TIP: If there is a play on tonight (usually at 6pm or 7:30pm), I highly recommendarrangingfor tickets ahead of time (or you can play it by ear and see if there are any left when you stop in). A round trip on the London Eye takes 30 minutes, so youll have plenty of time to enjoy the stellar views! Hopefully you can find what you need online and I hope you have a wonderful trip to London! For zones 1-3 (inner city) oyster cards are capped at 10 for the day, and they can be picked up at any train station. (70 min. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Theres just something about London. By Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw So much to see, so little time. Day 1: Arrive in London, Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour, the London Eye Day 2: Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Whitehall, Covent Garden Day 3: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market, Tate Modern, St. Pauls Cathedral, Sky Garden Day 4: National Gallery, Greenwich, Prime Meridian, Up at the O2 Day 5: British Museum, Afternoon Tea, Portobello Road Market, Museums in Kensington. Ive purchased collapsible water bottles for our family of 6. 2 Day London Itinerary Overview. Learn how to put it all together in our London Christmas Itinerary. Cost: tickets start at 28; included in the London Pass (we recently heard that the London Pass cannot be used at The Shard on a Saturday; if your visit will be on a Saturday, you may have to buy a separate ticket for The Shard, rather than using the London Pass) Hours: 10:00 am 10:00 pm, with reduced hours during the winter. Option 3: Just drink in the street acts and nighttime crowds milling around Leicester Square, Piccadilly, and Covent Garden. Enormous neon signs bath the area in colorful light and double decker red buses and cars continually stream by. London Eye. However, it also seems to cover more destinations, especially secondary ones. This itinerary assumes you are, as are many visitors, just arriving in London (on an overnight flight, or a train or car from somewhere else in Britain), so it picks up after lunch on the afternoon of the first day. Breakfast If you haven't had breakfast when you arrive in Oxford, pop into the Handle Bar Cafe and Kitchen on St. Micheal's Street for some avocado toast or a smoothie. Save. The thought of putting an itinerary together PLUS figuring out how to safely feed my son in another country made me want to just cancel the whole thing. Ive used so much of it for our upcoming London/Paris/Amsterdam trip! Visit the London Eye website for more information. This post provides an itinerary for A Day in London to give you some great ideas about what to do while visiting this iconic city. Theyve been doing it since 2002 protecting, connecting, and inspiring independent travellers just like you. Be sure to wear comfy shoes and bring some snacks if you do want to walk! Hotel Indigo was designed beautifully in the Victorian style, and is well located in Kensington, just a walk away from many iconic London attractions. Recent historical events that have taken place here include the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and the funeral of Winston Churchill. It sits on the River Thames and from here its just a short walk to Covent Garden and the British Museum. 16. This house is the only surviving house that he called home. Paintings, sculptures, medieval objects, jewelry, photographs, and costumes from around the world can be seen here. At the time of writing, London is also struggling with knife-crime but this appears to be gang-related. Along this walk, you will pass several red phone booths where you can photograph the phone booth and Big Ben together, as in the photo below. Its motto, Omnia Omnibus Ubique, is Latin for all things for all people, everywhere. And have everything, they do. The gallery suggests that you aim to get there first thing in the morning in order to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful artwork in peace. Use your time to check out this very impressive area, grab some dinner and then head back to your accusation to change for tonights trip to the West End. There are also plenty of benches along South Bank overlooking the River Thames. Cost (online price): Adults 29.90, Child 14.90, included on the London Pass; walk-up tickets cost 2 4 more than online tickets Hours: Summer (March 1 to October 31) Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am 5:30 pm, Sunday and Monday 10:00 am 5:30 pm, last admission 5:00 pm; Winter (November 1 to February 28) Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am 4:30 pm, Sunday and Monday 10:00 am 4:30 pm, last admission 4:00 pm Getting here: Take the underground to Tower Hill, then it is a 5 minute walk to the Tower of London Website: Get updated hours and pricing on the official website, RELATED: 12 Important Things to Know for Your First Visit to London. Whether youd prefer to mellow out with some jazz at the Jazz Cafe or do a bit of dancing at Koko, Camdens got you covered. It is open all week but the best day to go is Saturday. Even those indifferent to the Royalty (like your humble narrator) can appreciate the splendid architecture, history & cultural significance. If youre fortunate enough to be in London between late November and Early January, youll get to experience Oxford Street as it bursts into shimmering color each evening with the extensive annual festive lights. Despite this variety, Londons weather is rarely extreme and is generally very manageable with the appropriate preparation. TRAVEL ITINERARIES: For more travel itineraries for destinations around the world, take a look at our Travel Itineraries page. By making this the first thing you do today, you will get to tour Westminster Abbey before it gets crowded. You'll have to move quickly and efficiently in order to squeeze everything in. Cost (online): Adults 20.50; included with the London Pass; tickets are also available through GetYourGuide. A week and a half is long enough to tick off many of England's classic highlights. And of course, at its centre sits St Pauls Cathedral. If youd prefer to explore at your own speed, a comprehensive audio guide tour is also available. We put together this 5-day London itinerary to help you have the best experience here. A modern version of the Globe Theatre was built in 1997 on the site of the original theatre. The Tate Modern is worth it if you are an art lover, but it is skippable if you are not. This museum contains a massive collection of historical artifacts that were amassed while Great Britain was a major world super power. Also known as the London Houses of Parliament, the Palace of Westminster is the political center of the city and a UNESCO world heritage site. Website: Check opening times and get updated pricing on the official website, Buckingham Palace | Ewelina W/shutterstock.com. This itineary is amazing and my inspiration just booked my hotel for next April! 4 hours. This is a major shopping street in London. If you have the time, I do recommend going inside the buildings, but if not, its worth taking a photo stop outside. From the British Museum, hop on the underground and head out to the Portobello Road Market. We loved the location, the views, the onsite restaurants, and being just steps away from Westminster Bridge. Then head for StPaul's Cathedral. Youll explore all of the best sights and places to visit in London in 3 days from some of the oldest pieces of human history to some of the hippest and most forward-facing areas in the world. Camden is a district of northwest London that was once known as the rock n roll capital of the world due to its rich musical history. Whats even better is that a visit here is free. There are some half day trips from London that can fit in a tight itinerary. The most obvious thing missing from your City of London day is the Tower of London, probably London's premier attraction. Visit the official website for more information. For more recommendations on where to stay, read ourBest Hotels and Neighborhoods Guide for London. After lunch, walk to the Churchill War Rooms. Your level of detail and ease to follow is fantastic. Each room has its own TV and free minibar, and guests have access to a health and fitness center. Covering the semi-independent Royal Borough of Greenwichpart of Greater London, but really a (well worthwhile) daytrip in its own right. To help you plan your sightseeing, I've listed my ideal one-week itinerary for a first-time London visit. During that time, I was able to do almost everything listed above, except #4 and #11. Thanks for writing in. If youre travelling on a budget and want to save money, hey, at least its free! Hi Jennifer- we are also traveling to London in July and 2 of us are gluten free. Ideally, you should spend anywhere between three and five days in London, to really get the most of it (any less than three days and youll miss the magic, in my opinion). Weve tested countless day packs over the years, and now weve found our absolute favourite: the traveller-approved Osprey Daylite Plus. If you still have energy, you can climb its 311 steps for another view over London. Hyde Park is large and beautiful, and it offers a huge variety of great activities. We recommend 8 at the Londoner (creative cocktails and Japanese cuisine), The Rooftop (great views over Trafalgar Square), and the Aviary Rooftop Restaurant. Paintings are not the only artistic medium found here the gallery also contains a large collection of other art forms including photography, film, performance, and live art exhibitions. Theres no need for the weather to deter you from planning a trip to London. The House of Commons and House of Lords are both open to the public but you generally need to visit as the guest of your MP. Whether you decide to watch a musical or an incredible play, a West End show promises to be the experience of a lifetime! Finally, arrive in Bath, known for its elegant . Check outthis schedulefor up-to-date information. There are numerous restaurants to try just south of Buckingham Palace, including Bon Gusto (Italian), Quilon (Indian and Asian), or Buckingham Arms (bar/pub located on at 62 Petty France). In our opinion, your time is better spent at Westminster Abbey than joining the crowds at the Changing of the Guard. There are 330 departments offering things for sale like jewelry, electronics, furniture, clothing, and stationary. You can get this from any Underground station from the ticket office. I recommend a quick sandwich at the kiosk by the Abbey's West Towers, though if you need a sit-down break, take 30 minutes to dine in the Abbey's Cellarium. Wandering through Camden Market, youre sure to find some interesting stuff to take home with you. For an article that explains the Oyster Card in great detail, click here. There really isnt a best area to stay in London as all of the attractions are spread out across the city, meaning youll have to travel regardless of where you stay. Day 1: Tower of London, Tower Bridge, HMS Belfast, The Shard, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Churchill War Rooms; Day 2: Kensington Palace, Royal Albert Hall, V&A Museum, Buckingham Palace . Whether London is your main destination or youre just spending two days in London while backpacking the UK, the above London trip planner will take you on an exhilarating and varied journey through this vast city. There is a wide range of rooms to suit any kind of traveler, and the staff are incredibly helpful and friendly! No trip to London is complete without visiting these top places: Borough/Camden Markets Covent Garden Westminster Abbey St Pauls Cathedral Buckingham Palace. PRO TRAVEL TIP: To avoid waiting in line, it helps to pre-purchase your tickets onlineand arrive at Westminster Abbey 15 minutes before opening time. If you follow this London itinerary and plan on visiting everything we list, then purchasing a 3-day London Pass is worth it. Taking a bus tour is a great way to get an overview of this amazing city. The O2 is an entertainment district with an arena, music club, cinema, and restaurants.
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