How to Spend 3 Days in London
London is an excellent choice if you're looking to get away and explore something new!
When Norah and I say we love traveling, we really mean it. So I thought it was a great idea to take a six-hour flight (including a redeye on the way there) to spend a few days in London. Spoiler alert: I was right.
Getting Around the City
As a solo traveler in London, navigating the city's streets is a breeze, even without a car (or maybe especially without a car). Let's start with getting from the airport to the city center. From Heathrow Airport, hop on the Heathrow Express train for a quick 15-minute trip to Paddington Station. From there, you can easily get the Tube, London's underground train system. You can also take either the Elizabeth Line or the Piccadilly Line from Heathrow, depending on where you want to go in the city. From Gatwick the ride is a little longer, but just as easy. You can take the Gatwick Express to Victoria Station or either the Southern Line or the Thames Link from Gatwick, again depending on where you want to go in the city.
Taking the Tube is the most convenient (and budget-friendly) way to get around London. London has one of the more extensive public transportation networks and you can reach almost any destination in the city. Simply purchase an Oyster card or use contactless payment to tap in and out of stations. Personally, I loved contactless payment and wish it could make its way to Boston any time soon. With contactless payment, each passenger needs to use a different credit card and you need to remember to use the same card when you enter and exit the Tube system. An Oyster card will cost £5, but if you plan to take the Tube enough you can easily recoup that cost. Contactless payment at the gates may be more cost-efficient if you aren’t taking the Tube all that much because there is a daily limit to what you’ll be charged. The daily limit depends on in which zone you start your journey and applies to trains, the Tube, and buses.
Lastly, be sure to check the Tube map and plan your route to avoid getting lost! I find Google Maps is a really handy resource when I’m trying to find my way around public transportation in a new place.
Where to Stay
Choosing the right neighborhood to stay is a really important decision, especially when you’re traveling solo (and more especially when you’re a female traveling solo). Here are my two recommended neighborhoods:
Covent Garden
Located in London's West End, Covent Garden is a busy neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, charming streets, and world-class entertainment. Staying in Covent Garden puts you within walking distance of some of London's most iconic landmarks, including the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden Market, and Leicester Square.
Covent Garden also has a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it the perfect base for solo travelers. From street performers and boutique shops to trendy eateries and historic pubs, Covent Garden has something for everyone.
South Bank
Situated along the southern bank of the River Thames, South Bank is a dynamic neighborhood known for its stunning riverfront views. Staying in South Bank puts you within walking distance of popular attractions like the London Eye, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
This vibrant district is also home to a thriving arts and entertainment scene, with a number of galleries and theaters. You can find stunning views of the River Thames and the London skyline. You’ll also find lots of outdoor spaces, including parks, gardens, and riverside walkways. The South Bank has some of the city’s best dining options from street food vendors to waterfront restaurants.
Accommodations
Looking for a place to stay in London? Below are a few recommendations, but keep in mind that these recommendations are catered towards solo travelers or couples, not families.
Convent Garden
THE HENRIETTA HOTEL
The Henrietta Hotel is located in the heart of Covent Garden and offers boutique luxury with a touch of Parisian elegance. This charming hotel is located just steps away from Covent Garden Market, where you can explore a variety of shops, restaurants, and street performers. The Henrietta Hotel is a short walk from Covent Garden Tube station, providing easy access to the rest of London via the Piccadilly Line.
THE RESIDENT COVENT GARDEN
The Resident Covent Garden is a historic Georgian building and offers modern comfort and convenience in the heart of London's theater district. This boutique hotel is just a stone's throw away from the bustling streets of Covent Garden, where you can explore an array of shops, cafes, and cultural attractions. The Resident Covent Garden is a short walk from Covent Garden Tube station, providing easy access to the rest of London via the Piccadilly Line.
South Bank
THE BANKSIDE HOTEL
The Bankside Hotel is in an amazing location along the River Thames, right at the Blackfriars Bridge. With the Bankside Hotel, you have the comforts of a Marriott, it’s an Autograph Collection hotel, with the charm of a boutique hotel. You have the convenience of being near the National Theater, the South Bank Riverside, and the Tate Modern. The Bankside Hotel is a short walk from the Black Friars Tube station, providing easy access to the rest of London via the Circle and District lines.
West End
THE HAYMARKET HOTEL
Located in the heart of London's West End, The Haymarket Hotel offers stylish rooms, impeccable service, and a central location perfect for exploring the city's attractions. With its elegant decor and modern amenities, it provides a tranquil retreat amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The Haymarket Hotel is a short walk from the Charing Cross station, providing easy access to the rest of London via the Northern and Bakerloo lines. You’re also a short walk from nearly all of the West End theaters. You can also check out my review of the Haymarket Hotel!
Restaurants
There are just too many restaurants in London to be able to provide a comprehensive list of the great ones. But here are three restaurants I like.
DISHOOM COVENT GARDEN
Coming from an American, London has some of the best Indian food there is. Dishoom Covent Garden is a popular restaurant that serves modern Indian street food in a stylish setting with vintage decor.
HAWKSMOOR SEVEN DIALS
If you just can’t go without visiting a steakhouse, head to Hawksmoor Seven Dials. Indulge in steaks, seafood, and decadent desserts in a relaxed atmosphere.
THE WOLSELEY
Located in a grand former car showroom on Piccadilly, dining at Wolseley is an experience not to be missed. It’s renowned for its elegant ambiance and classic European cuisine. Enjoy dishes ranging from steak frites to Dover sole. After lunch, you can wander over to Fortnum & Mason for London shopping that isn’t to be missed.
Pubs
A must-do activity in London is visiting a pub. London pubs aren’t what we in America think of as bars. Pubs are community gathering places with a much more laid-back atmosphere when compared to an American bar.
Covent Garden
THE HARP
Tucked away down a quiet alley near Covent Garden, The Harp is loved by locals and visitors alike. With its impressive selection of real ales and ciders, it's the perfect spot to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
THE LAMB & FLAG
Dating back to the 17th century, The Lamb & Flag is one of London's oldest pubs, steeped in history and charm. Enjoy a pint of ale in the cozy interior or soak up the sunshine in the outdoor courtyard.
Kensington
THE CHURCHILL ARMS
Known for its stunning floral displays and cozy atmosphere, The Churchill Arms is a neighborhood pub in Kensington. Sip on a pint of beer while admiring the pub's eclectic decor and lively ambiance.
What to Do
Here is a mix of popular tourist attractions and some activities off the beaten path for your stereotypical London tourist.
Afternoon Tea at the Connaught
Yup, I did it. I went to super-fancy afternoon tea in London at the Jean-Georges at the Connaught. And it was AMAZING! Tea started with champagne, which, for those who know me, know that just thrilled me. Next came five tea sandwiches, which were Cucumber & Sour Cream, Poached & Smoked Salmon, Turkey, Salt Beef, and Egg Salad. Honestly, they made me want to eat all my sandwiches with the crusts cut off and shaped into nice rectangles.
The dessert tray was impressive. Sadly I couldn't possibly finish all the deserts, but I tried! As a bonus, the scones came with clotted cream (another new experience for me!), which brings me to the big debate: cream or jam first. Luckily the women at the table next to me debated the issue, so I knew what to do when the time came. For those curious, cream before jam was the winner (although both are acceptable, depending on which part of England you’re from). I recommend making a reservation in advance since tea is only served for two hours in the afternoon.
See the Prime Minister speak at Parliament
If you know anything about me, you know I’m a nerd. I went to school in Washington D.C., so I’ve visited the U.S. Senate and Congress. Having the opportunity to watch Parliament and see how different it is from its U.S. counterpart was fascinating! One of my preplanned activities (by preplanned I mean I researched it, but couldn’t actually buy tickets, see below) was a visit to Parliament to see the Prime Minister speak. You can check the schedule in advance on Parliament's website. You can also book a tour or tickets to watch Parliament in advance if you’re a UK resident. Since I'm not a UK resident, I couldn't book tickets in advance and had to wait in line and take my chances. I had to wait about 20 minutes, but I was able to get in! It was a relatively painless process since I knew to expect that I would have to wait.
Experience the grandeur of Buckingham Palace
No trip to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British monarch. Sadly I wasn’t able to see the inside of Buckingham Palace but I managed to time it so I could see the Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you’re hoping to watch the Changing of the Guard, the incoming guard gather at St. James Palace and proceed down the Mall and the Wellington barracks and proceed down the Birdcage Walk to Spur Road.
Discover the magic of the Tower of London
Embrace being a tourist! I visited London as a kid and did all the touristy things, so skipped the Tower of London my last time around. If you haven’t been there though, you can’t miss the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site steeped in centuries of history. Discover the legendary tales of kings, queens, and prisoners as you wander through the ancient fortress, marvel at the dazzling Crown Jewels, and uncover the secrets of the Tower's past with engaging guided tours led by Yeoman Warders. Don’t forget to ask about the ravens!
Visit the British Museum
For all fans of The Mummy out there, be careful not to release any curses. The British Museum is home to one of the world's most extensive collections of treasures and was the only must-visit on my list on this last trip. From ancient Egyptian mummies to the Rosetta Stone, the museum's galleries offer a captivating journey through the history of civilization. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to wander through (I spent HOURS) because the British Museum is huge! Admission is free, but I highly recommend reserving a time slot because it will save you from standing in the very long line.
Experience Covent Garden
Spend some time in Covent Garden, a bustling district known for its street performers, artisanal shops, and cultural attractions. From charming cafes to gourmet eateries and trendy boutiques, Covent Garden offers a diverse array of experiences.
Admire the panoramic views from the London Eye
Take to the skies aboard the iconic London Eye and soar above the city skyline for breathtaking views of London's landmarks. From the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben to St. Paul's Cathedral and the Shard, the 30-minute ride offers a bird's-eye perspective of the city's most iconic sights.
Immerse yourself in history at Westminster Abbey
Step inside the hallowed halls of Westminster Abbey and you’ll see where royal weddings and coronations take place. Join a guided tour to uncover the stories behind the abbey's landmarks, including the Poet's Corner and the Coronation Chair.
Experience the magic of a West End show
London has so many theaters! Treat yourself to a night of theatrical magic in London's legendary West End theater district. I recommend booking tickets in advance to secure the best seats. On my whirlwind trip, I saw To Kill a Mockingbird and it was one of the highlights of that trip.
Bonus Traveler Tips
Europeans do not wear athletic wear during the day like Americans. Wearing your gym clothes while exploring is a sure way to be spotted as a tourist. Also, always keep a compact umbrella in your (waterproof) bag because it’s sure to rain at some point during your day.
