London is nearly double the size of New York City and more than fifteen times the size of Paris! Trying to see it all in 72 hours is ambitious… but doable.
After visiting 5 times and spending a semester abroad, I’ve created a 3-day London itinerary of the must-see attractions and stellar hidden gems. It’s slightly jam-packed, so feel free to spend more time at the spots that resonate with you most.
From world-class museums to stunning historical sites, to dimly-lit pubs, the U.K. capital city offers a little something for everyone. Whether it’s your first time visiting or a quick weekend trip to England – London is calling, and you better answer! Let’s crack on!
Starting strong near South Bank and Waterloo, find an English breakfast like beans and toast, then make your way to the captivating 
Next, you’ll head west across Westminster Bridge. It is the oldest surviving functional bridge in central London. Walk past the South Bank Lion, and you’ll see Big Ben up ahead and ornate lanterns that beautifully adorn the bridge.
Big Ben is one of the most recognizable attractions in London. Overlooking the Thames River, it is attached to the House of Parliament (also known as Westminster Palace), which was built in 1097.
As you cut through Victoria Street and across the neighborhood of Belgravia (a wealthy and garden-adorned area of London with amazing vintage shops) – Make your way east toward Harrods. It’s a little out of the way. But if you love to shop, take the detour. If you don’t, head straight for 
Looping back slightly east, Buckingham Palace is the royal residence and London headquarters for the British monarch. Queen Elizabeth II spent the majority of her time here, and the first sovereign to reside here was Queen Victoria in 1837.
Going slightly north from Buckingham, take a moment to wind down with a British tradition – afternoon tea! This enchanting ritual was created in 19th-century England as a way to temper hunger between lunch and dinner. Around 4-5 p.m. each day, society women would gather to eat light sandwiches and scones, sipping on an array of warm herbal elixirs.
Continue north to spend your first evening in the best area for iconic London nightlife – the West End. This area includes Soho, Covenant Garden, Oxford Street, and other artsy districts that have great restaurants, boutiques, pubs, and cocktail bars.
Start your day with a little market magic. You’ll probably recognize parts of Leadenhall Market from movies like 
Walk about 10 minutes southeast to the Tower of London. Built by William the Conqueror nearly a thousand years ago (1070) – this monument acted as a fortress for the capital, intended to defend the conqueror’s power and symbolize prestige.
Many people mistake the Tower Bridge for London Bridge, (which actually dates back to Roman times as the only method for entering and exiting London. After being renovated and rebuilt many times, the bridge we sang about in children’s songs is no longer falling down. Thankfully!)
From here, you can head east (cutting through Borough Market for another snack!) and walk about 1 mile towards 
An afternoon or evening cruise is a fantastic way to see the city from a unique perspective. 
Since you’re near East London – mix it up tonight and stay in the areas of Spitalfields, Old Street, and Coville Estate. Here you’ll find the Smithfield Market and art galleries like 
With ancient relics from Egypt, Greece, Rome, and more – 
The 
Back in the eclectic West End – Covent Garden is the entertainment hub of London.
Now, head slightly east for about a 15-minute walk or 10-minute tube ride to Soho. You’re able to see the West End in all its daylight-glory with energetic streets and an inviting ambiance.
While still technically in the Covent Garden area, head south on a 5-minute walk to Piccadilly Circus – the neon plaza is where the West End and Westminster meet.
At this point in your travels, you’ll probably be bit tired and moving at a slower pace. So take a stroll through the top-notch park options that lie at your fingertips! Head southwest down Piccadilly Road or cut across the Mayfair district to Hyde Park. Here you’ll find a Wonderland Ice Rink, Princess Diana’s Memorial Fountain, and Speakers’ Corner where you can hop on a soapbox and plead any case you like.
You could bounce further East to Holland Park or see the Design Museum. But I recommend heading directly from Kensington to Nottinghill for the sake of time. It’s a slight walk (about 1.5 miles), so you can take the underground for convenience.
Notting Hill offers one of the most popular markets in the world – Portobello Road Market. It’s my personal favorite market in the city and a go-to spot for 2nd hand gold like authentic antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry, nick-nacks, and snacks like street food and fresh produce. Not to mention, excellent people-watching and live entertainment!
After a busy last few days, you’ll be ready for a low-key evening. Head back to your accommodation to freshen up for dinner and drinks in the posh borough of Chelsea and Kensington.
