It goes visit London in 3 days ? Do you want to know the essential places in London? In this article I answer all your questions to know what to see in London, where to stay in London, where to go shopping, where to party in London… Of course, you won't be able to discover everything but you already have something to do! London is near!
Summary of the article:
- How to visit London in 3 days
- Ideas for visits to do in London
- Where to stay in London
- Activities for visit london
- Custom Oyster Card and London Underground Map
- Information on the Oyster Card
- Where to go out in London
- Getting to London from the airport
1) A bit of history before discovering London
With more than 8 inhabitants, the beautiful capital of the United Kingdom was founded around 500 years ago by the Romans (and yes again!), They called it Londinium. One of the great wars that our two countries share is the Hundred Years War (000-2000).
Although it lasted many years, this war did not result in so many deaths! On the other hand, numerous looting ruined the populations ... This war was ultimately a more dynastic conflict, and one of its deep reasons continues to be the control of Guyenne (south-western France), Flanders (northern France) and Scotland.
It was also during this war (in 1429) that our beautiful Joan of Arc played a decisive role!
In 1800, London was the most populated city in the world (the construction of the first railway lines had a lot to do with it). It was from 1860 (due to traffic jams) that the underground transportation system began, a world first!
After the Second World War, a great wave of immigrants from the Commonwealths made London a very troubled city. Come on, I'll stop bothering you with my stories, and let's get to the point, the loulous! :)
- A guided tour to learn more about the history of a neighborhood?
Feel free to contact Emilie, Mathieu or Magali who live in London. and offer to discover certain districts of London. London anecdotes and legends on the menu. They offer walking or cycling tours.
- A guided tour of Jack the Ripper or in the footsteps of Harry Potter?
2) How to visit London in 3 days
Let's go explore London.
I arrived at Gatwick Airport, which is an hour away by train, and took the Gatwick Express (train) to Victoria Station (ticket price is not given, € 1 each way but it is the easiest and most pleasant way to get to Victoria Station, which is located in central London).
Note that at Gatwick airport, you can take the Southern Railways train, with an Oyster card: outside peak hours, the trip to Victoria Station is only £ 8,30 (€ 10)! A really good plan!
Some will arrive at Luton, Heathrow, Stansted or London City Airport, it all depends on your departure airport, see instead:
The problem is that, as you can see in this photo, these airports are not really close to the center, so there are different ways to get to the city center of London.
That is why I wrote (in this same article) a part specially dedicated to this little problem, there you will find links to book your bus or train tickets, so if you want to know how to get to London city center (shuttle / bus or train) from your airport. I also put the cheapest solutions.
- Let's go now to discover London:
A bit like the backpacker's guide but much more synthesized, here is a list of things to do. Here is a Google map that will be able to give you an overview of London tours to do.
- To enlarge this map ...
- Picadilly Circus (Soho)
A must see in London! Picadilly is a very lively area.
At night it is a festival of light. The stores are as far as the eye can see. There are many restaurants without forgetting the crazy atmosphere of the English bars and pubs. However, expect to queue. There are also many street shows. A visit to M&MS is essential, it's crazy!
- Mercado de Camden (Camden Town)
In Camden Town on weekends 10 a.m. M. At 18 p. M. You have a super market with many stalls, each one crazier than the other. There is something for all tastes and all pockets. Completely crazy, go ahead!
- Hyde Park
Located in the city center, Hyde Park is the most popular park in London. Ideal park to walk, or simply lie down quietly. I often went there for a nap when I moved to London for a few months.
- South Kensington (at the dud of Hyde Park)
This is where you will find 3 exceptional museums. The Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum - are located south of Hyde Park. You have to visit them, it's a lot of fun doing it!
- Big Ben
London's famous great clock, Big Ben, a must see! And right in front you have the London Eye (the big tower) - (for the standard ticket, so it does not skip the line, but it allows you to reserve your place because there is often a SOLD OUT sign at the entrance) or here ( that he entered it without going through the line but it is expensive I think).
- Visit the Covent Garden district
Lots of street performers and lots of nice shops! A fun environment! It is right next to the opera, a must see! Spend two hours on Saturday night. Arrive in the late afternoon, you will see the atmosphere of the night slowly increase. Ideal to have a few pints and laugh while watching the artists perform on the street :)
There are many shows, musicals, theater ... in Covent Garden, to see the program.
Here are two videos that can show you what this neighborhood that I particularly love is like (it's in English but the pictures speak for themselves):
- Portobello Road Market
Saturday 6 am-18pm. A very famous antique market. There are very beautiful objects to see! Go there for 2 hours.
- Hamley's
One of the largest toy stores in the world. You absolutely must see that, it's amazing !!! Ali Baba's Cave!
- Harrod's
Brompton Road. The decorations are impressive, not to mention the building itself. In short, one of the most beautiful department stores in the world (don't bring your children: p)!
- Guided tour of a particular neighborhood?
Feel free to contact Emilie, Mathieu or Magali who live in London. and offer to discover certain districts of London. London anecdotes and legends on the menu. They also offer bike tours.
- Selfridge's
Oxford Street. Close to Marble Arch, a department store accessible to all. One of the most famous addresses in London.
- Carnaby Street
Cool pubs, interesting shops, do not hesitate to enter the parallel streets to discover other shops or pubs. Not even 100 meters from Oxford Circus station, it's a super nice neighborhood!
When it comes to shops, there is something for everyone. Go for tea at Camelia's Tea House. If you're more of a chocolatier, check out Choccywoccydoodah at Foubert's Place.
- Visita el museo Madame Tussauds
A good idea to do (especially with your children) is the Madame Tussauds museum (to have more information about the entrance). Here is a video I caught on Youtube:
- Visit the London Eye: the London Ferris Wheel
A good way to discover the city seen from the sky (duration of the tour 30 min).
I advise you to book in advance because you can easily wait 1 hour. Anyway, you won't regret it!
(for the standard ticket, so you don't skip the line, but it does allow you to reserve your spot because there is often a SOLD OUT sign at the entrance) or here (entered without passing the line but expensive) to find). .
Ideas for visits to do in London
- Buckingham Palace (to visit this magnificent palace here is the ticket).
To see the Changing of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, I advise you to go early enough to get a good seat, be there by 10:30 am at the latest. The ceremony lasts 45 minutes and is free, however it is very popular, so expect it to be packed, which is why I tell you to go early enough. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 am
To access it, stop at Green Park tube station, then cross the park as on the google map below.
If you are unable to access this relief, you can opt for the alternate relief which takes place at Windsor Castle (the Queen's secondary residence) every day at 10:25 am and 09:30 am on Sunday. Learn more about the changing of the guard in this excellent article.
Westminster Abbey (pay attention to weekend hours). Ticket price € 20 (there is no skip-the-line ticket, so there is no point in reserving them on the Internet).
- The tower of London
Located a stone's throw from Tower Bridge, best to arrive at 10am Find magnificent collections (armor, jewelry, etc.). A converted turret explains the place of torture in British history. There you will also see the large machines to lift the bridge, and above all, you have an unbeatable panorama ...
In short, a great ride to share even with children. Here is a ticket to visit the Tower of London.
If museums are important to you during your London visit I can only advise you to take a guided tour of the British Museum or the National Gallery! And get in touch with the French-speaking guides!
- See London by hop-on, hop-off bus
I personally did and I must admit I found it really cool. In fact, in London we always travel by tube which is a shame because suddenly we don't visit London well ...
In short, I highly recommend it, it's great! (or here if you are interested and want to avoid getting your tickets at the collection point and getting on the bus directly)
- Guided tour of a particular neighborhood?
Feel free to contact Emilie, Mathieu, Maxime or Magali who live in London, are French and offer to discover certain districts of London. London anecdotes and legends on the menu. They offer walking or cycling tours.
- A Harry Potter or Jack the Ripper themed tour with a guide?
What you can do is a program to make the most of your weekend in London:
- Buckingam Palace (with the changing of the guard) + Thames walk (you can book your ticket here or here for a walk along the Thames).
To see the Changing of the Royal Guard at Buckingham Palace, I advise you to go early enough to get a good seat, be there by 10:30 am at the latest. The ceremony lasts 45 minutes and is free, however it is very popular, so expect it to be packed, which is why I tell you to go early enough. Hours are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 11 am
To access it, stop at Green Park tube station, then cross the park as on the google map below.
If you are unable to access this relief, you can opt for the alternate relief which takes place at Windsor Castle (the Queen's second home) every day at 10:25 am and 09:30 am on Sundays.
Learn more about the changing of the guard in this excellent article.
- Picadilly circus + china town + covent garden
- Musée + Camden Town
- A bike ride
Also interesting is taking a guided bike tour of London with a guide! Otherwise, you can always rent a bike and make your own trip.
- StoneHenge Tour from London
If you have plenty of time in London why not take a day trip to visit StoneHenge in the morning or afternoon (or here (see reviews)? StoneHenge is still a 2 hour drive from London.
3) Where to stay in London
Here we are, where to sleep in London, London is a very big city, that's why I selected strategic corners and hotels / rooms with an interesting quality / price ratio according to YOUR AIRPORT (don't waste time crossing London with your suitcases, you will lose a lot of time, believe me ).
But I am aware that you can also look for a well located London hotel to party on time and therefore not necessarily located according to your airport. We will see all that;)
You will realize that London is a city where hotels are very, very expensive (like Amsterdam!).
Below the map, I give you a selection of hotels, b & b ...
On this card you have:
- At A, Paddington tube station (for those coming from Heathrow airport).
- At B, Victoria station (for those coming from Gatwick airport).
- At C, Tower Hill station (for those coming from London City Airport (City of London).
- At D, Liverpool Street Station (for those coming from Stansted Airport).
- At E, Saint Pancras (Fossil) station (for those coming from Luton airport or via EuroStars).
Through these stations you are 10 minutes by tube from the center (Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Covent Garden ...), so once again, don't waste time crossing the city with your suitcases and look for accommodation depending on your station.
Don't hesitate to search the Airbnb site! Many people offer their own accommodation there at prices that are often very attractive, so why do without! ;)
- Accommodation in London if I am coming from Gatwick airport:
Victoria side for those coming from Gatwick airport. In fact, the shuttle service reaches Victoria Station (2 tube stations Oxford Circus and Piccadilly, and close to Green Park (known for squirrels ...) and St James Park.
- The Eye is a Bed & Breakfast 5 minutes from the bridge overlooking Big Ben (side of the Ferris wheel - London Eye).
- The Belgrave Hotel, usually offer good prices.
- You have the Huttons Hotel, which is well located, especially for its price. That being said, they sometimes offer good prices depending on the season ... to see.
- If you are looking for more comfort ... you have the Surtees hotel which often offers good discounts so don't deprive yourself).
- Feel free to search AirBnb too!
Take a look at the reviews and don't forget to share them if you find a good plan;)
- Accommodation in London if I am coming from Heathrow airport:
Hyde Park side for those coming from Heathrow airport. The ferry arrives at London Paddington station (north of Hyde Park).
- The Metro hotel has a very good quality / price ratio, to see!
- The 72QT is also very nice, take a look at the plug
- The Reem Hotel is also a good address that often offers discounted prices so a must see!
- You also have the Craven Hotel. They often offer discounts, to see!
- Feel free to search AirBnb too!
- The EquityPoint is a youth hostel located right next to Paddington tube station (Oxford Circus and Piccadilly are 4 stops, allow 10 minutes).
- The classic hyde park hotel is also well located, but it's a hotel, so it's more expensive! If you find good advice, don't forget to share it;)
Good London accommodation addresses for those coming from Luton airport (or eurostar):
Side St Pancras or Regent's Park for those coming from Luton airport (or eurostar). The shuttle service runs to either St Pancras or King's Cross station.
- Otherwise you have a Bed & Breakfast: the Home London, the Clink 78 and a little more expensive the Keystone-house. Don't expect luxury, they are still hostels ...
- La Wadornia, an address with an interesting quality / price ratio and close to the metro.
- More expensive you have the Melville which is not bad at all! And the Apollo.
Feel free to search AirBnb too!
- Hotel in London if I am coming from Stansted Airport and London City Airport:
Once you arrive at Stansted Airport you will have the train station which is located just below Stansted Airport. The Stansted Express train connects Liverpool Street Station directly to London (count € 20 for the outward journey and € 30 for the return journey, duration 50 min).
If you are coming to one of these airports, you will arrive at Liverpool Street (for Stansted Airport) and Tower Hill for those coming from London City Airport.
Once you get to Liverpool Street or Tower Hill station (they are not very far from each other), I advise you, because personally I don't find the area very good, that you get to St Pancras (accessible via the subway without changing) or to get to Victoria (also accessible via the subway without change).
So look at the hotels I offer for those arriving from Gatwick Airport, accommodation near Victoria, OR the hotels I offer for those arriving from Luton Airport (see a little above).
- Accommodation if I want to party
The Soho district is one of the districts to see the liveliest district in London: there you will find clubs, restaurants and theaters. It is 15 minutes by tube to Victoria and 17 minutes by tube to Paddington / Bayswater. Victoria and Paddington / Bayswaterest are therefore good areas to find a hotel.
Anyway, a good address in the heart of Soho is Sohostel. I have never found cheaper, so if you have an address, leave a comment! :)
Feel free to search AirBnb too!
Again, keep in mind that London is an expensive city! Feel free to send me your tips, sharing is good! :)
4) Activities to visit London
- A convertible bus trip in London
A good idea to be able to visit all these essential places in London is to use the convertible bus (hop on and off whenever you want).
In fact, it is always more fun to go from one point to another by bus instead of going through the subway… I advise you to take the red line.
Voilà quelques-unes des estaciones: Victoria, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch, Madame Tussauds, Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar Square (Pall Mall), Westminster Bridge, London Eye, Covent Garden, St. Pauls Cathedral, The Monument, Tower de Londres, Shakespeares Globe, Embankment, Westminster, Buckingham Palace.
- A bike ride through London
Something also interesting to do is take a guided bike tour of London with a guide (to get in touch)! Otherwise, you can always rent a bike and make your own trip.
They also have walking tours of London neighborhoods, feel free to contact Emilie, Mathieu or Magali so they can offer you a guided tour () of the neighborhood you want.
- Guided tour of a particular neighborhood?
Feel free to contact Emilie, Maximen, Mathieu or Magali who live in London, are French and offer to discover certain districts of London. London anecdotes and legends on the menu. They offer walking or cycling tours.
- A guided tour of Harry Potter or Jack the Ripper?
5) Custom London Underground map and Oysterd card
Here we are: How visit London in 3 days. Well it all depends on what you want to do! For some of you this trip will be shopping, and for others it will be about visiting the British Museum, Tower Bridge, strolling around Convent Garden or Camden Town.
Either the London Eye (on the other hand, it's often crowded (for the standard ticket, so you don't skip the line, but it does allow you to reserve your spot because there's often a SOLD OUT sign at the entrance) or here (which entered without going through the line but is expensive I think).
Anyway I have exactly what you need to get through a first-rate weekend in London!
To keep it simple and because a diagram is sometimes more meaningful than words, I have customized the London Underground map so you know where to go.
To complete this map of the London Underground, I have also customized a Google map so that you have a map of London in mind.
Here is the color code that I used to facilitate the metro map (the color code is used in metro stations):
- A blue circle for visits: Museums, neighborhoods to see, markets ...
- A green circle for shops
- An orange circle for restaurants and bars.
- The Green / Orange / Blue circles are the places that include visits, shops and restaurants ... Anyway, you understand me (well I hope!) :)
Get this card soaked well and if you can print it, even better! ;)
- Oyster card information
It goes without saying that in order to get from one point to another you will have to use the Metro.
Forget the taxi or the bus, you will be in your head. I myself have used the bus and the taxi only once, the first was a tourist bus (which by the way I advise you to do it at least once, in fact it is a good way to discover London especially that you can get on and off whenever you want! To tour London, and the last one was to come back from a drunken night ...
For the metro card, you can choose between the Oyster Card or the Day Travelcard. A metro trip without a card costs £ 4. Through the Oyster card, the ticket price is calculated based on the distance you travel, that's why it's very interesting, that's why I recommend this one, don't take your head to know what is best for you, if you want to visit London, this is the Oyster card for you.
- How to collect the Oyster card:
Either at information points located in the main metro stations, or at an automatic terminal that you will find in the metro stations. This is how you buy an Oyster card at an automated kiosk.
So opt for the Oyster Card that you can buy through a person if the automatic terminal scares you. You will find an information terminal with a person in the main tube stations, so take your arrival in London (you will inevitably arrive at a major station / train station in London, please contact the people who are in the information terminals).
Please note that the tube for children under 10 years (bring your identity card with you) can travel for free on any tube, DLR and London Overground as long as they are accompanied by an adult. (On the other hand, no more than 4 children are needed per person).
To recharge the Oyster Card at the terminals (located everywhere in the stations), here is an explanatory video that I found on youtube:
If you want to reserve it in advance (and have it delivered directly to your home) through the visitbritainshop site if you are concerned. But keep in mind that it will take you 5-10 minutes at London tube stations.
The London Underground can be accessed at the following times:
- Monday to Saturday: 5:00 am to 0:30 am
- Domingo: 7:30 a.m. a 23:30 p.m.
If necessary, here is the London bus map, it will take you longer to get from one point to another but it will allow you to see London differently.
- Rent a public bike to discover London
Also interesting is taking a guided bike tour of London with a guide! Otherwise, you can always rent a bike and make your own trip.
6) Where to go out in London
In London there are several boroughs to celebrate, here is a small selection:
- Piccadilly and Soho. Very nice neighborhood with many bars and clubs.
- Luxury clubs in London, go to Mayfair (dress well and sign up for the guest list, via their websites) - $ 20 average admission
- Looking for an area with small theaters? Covent Garden is the place to be.
- Looking for a show, an opera, a musical, a play, to see the program.
- Camden Town is the most rock and jazz neighborhood in London. On the other hand, it's not close, so don't be fooled by going back to your hotel!
Little tips:
- Dress well. Many boxes are selective. You want to meet people from all walks of life, you won't be disappointed;)
- If someone turns on the tap or gives you a piece of paper to clean your hands, they are not doing it out of generosity ... it is not a gift :)
- No more tube between 1 and 4:30 am, but don't worry, buses serve London very well. Save a few pounds to go home, you don't realize it with the tube, but London is great, 3 times Paris!
Some restaurant addresses ...
- Chez Antoinette in Covent Garden
- Abouth Thyme (little gastro) in the Victoria district
- Bill's Soho 36/44 Brewer street frankly to die for! Super good fish and chips.
- The Hard Rock Café, the Rum Kitchen and the Zebrano.
- The Miter at Lancaster Gate Pub (excellent fishing and boats) is located at 24 Craven Terace, not far from Regent's Park.
- The Chopped Burger in Camden great fresh burgers, even veggies.
- St Stephen's Tavern across from Big Ben affordable, good and typical for fish and chips.
- For a good Indian restaurant: Shikara restaurant in South Kensington 21 bute street district, a simple place but with great flavors that we went to, just over 2 years ago. To see The Cinnamon on youtube, the chef made a video or tripadvisor to get reviews.
Do you want to go for a drink on a rooftop?
- Have a drink at the top of the Shard for a magnificent view of London
- And in front of the Sky Garden
A little tip to see London for free from the 37th floor. The Sky Garden Quartier de la City. You have to book 3 weeks in advance on their website (places go really fast), the view is breathtaking. It is beautiful and free.
It makes no sense to arrive before the time slot you have booked. Go there when the weather is nice. There will be a wait to go back, but it's worth it!
- You want to meet people from all walks of life, you won't be disappointed;)
7) Join London city center from the airport
Let's move on to the airports, how to get to London from the airport.
To have a simple idea, know that London has several Airports (6 in total, the last one is the furthest, so I will not talk about that), and of course the Eurostar arrival station - Saint Pancras Station. for tips on finding a plane ticket.
Let's go!
So if you use the train (which is not cheap yet), you will arrive at one of the 5 stations below (depending on your airport):
- Aeropuerto de Healthrow -> London Paddington Station
- Gatwick Airport -> Victoria Station
- Aeropuerto de Stansted -> Liverpool Street
- London City Airport -> Tower Hill Station
- Luton Airport and EuroStar -> Saint Pancras Station (Fossil)
- From Heathrow Airport (IATA: LHR)
Then you have the economic solution that will cost you around € 8, and the most expensive solution (but the easiest and fastest) through the Heathrow Express.
It takes just 15 minutes to get from the airport to London Paddington Station (zone 1). Just north of Hyde Park. More information on Heathrow transport, timetables ...
- From Gatwick Airport (LGW)
The economic solution will cost you € 13, otherwise you have the Gatwick Express (the one I used, simple and fast) that allows you to get to Victoria station. Learn more about the Gatwick Express shuttle service.
Carole's comment: hello! just to let you know that I found a commuter train (link) that reaches Gatwick-London-Victoria airport in 45 minutes at 50%. ready :)
Sandrine's comment: At Gatwick, you can take the Southern Railways train, with an Oyster card - off-peak, the trip to Victoria Station is just £ 8,30. A really good plan!
- From Stansted Airport (STN)
Once again you have the economic solution by taking a shuttle, it costs € 6, and you have the possibility of selecting the arrival station "Victoria".
A more expensive solution is to use the Stansted Express. Departures every 15 minutes, it takes 45 minutes to get from the airport to Liverpool Street station (zone 1). Just north of Tower Bridge. More information on Stansted transport, night hours, reduction ...
To get to Victoria from Stansted Airport, stop at Tottenham Hale Station, then take the Victoria Line and voilou (googlemap link)! :)
- From London City Airport (LCY)
Used by business travelers who want to be close to business districts. Go £ 4, 20-30 minute journey to Tower Hill station (Tower Bridge, the famous London Bridge). The metro line is the DLR.
- From Luton Airport (LTN)
Economic solution through the shuttle (very practical), count € 10,
Otherwise, by train, the one way € 18 and the round trip € 23. On the other hand, you must take a bus to go to the station - Price 1.5 €, the bus leaves every 10 minutes (wait 5 minutes for the trip).
The train leaves every 10 minutes from the station and takes 30 minutes to go from the airport to Saint Pancras (Fossil) station. East of Regent Park. It takes 10 minutes (by tube) to get to Oxford Circus. More information about Luton shuttle service, night hours, discount
- Join London via EuroStar
From Paris, head to Gare du Nord. Take the EuroStar and you'll be directly into central London in just over 2 hours at St Pancras station.
- Get to London via brittany ferries
For people coming from the west coast (Breton among others), it is convenient to take the Brittany ferries from Caen, St Malo or Roscoff. It's longer, cheaper, but really more enjoyable. The site here.
Here we are at the end of the article, I hope it has let you know how to proceed to organize a weekend in London, or at least you will have facilitated your research to know what to visit in London!
Well here is the end of this article, now you know:
- How to get to London easily
- Where are the unmissable corners and especially how to visit them
- Where to find accommodation in London
- Where to go shopping or to visit london
All you have to do is have an adventure in this wonderful city of London! ;)
Other items not to be missed!
- Where to sleep in London
- Hop-on Hop-off London
- Tour del London Eye
- 5-star luxury hotel in London
- Visit Harry Potter Studios
- Harry Potter Guado Tour in London
- Guided bike tour of London
- Practical information in London
- Visit Dublin
Keywords that allowed Internet users to find this article:
- Visit London in 3 days
- Discover London
- What to see in London
