Going to London for three days or less is obviously the ideal time to enjoy a weekend away from home. However, there’s a lot to do in the UK capital, including the historical monuments and all the little value-added activities. Buckingham Palace, Tower Bridge, Big Ben and the London Eye are all must-sees in London.
Before you hop on the next train to London, I encourage you to check out this handy guide to visiting the city in three days. What to see and do in London in 24, 48 or 72 hours?
The London Eye and Big Ben are two of London’s must-see attractions. Close to each other, they are a must-see during your stay in the English capital. The London Eye is a kind of Ferris wheel with 33 capsules to admire the panorama. It is a favourite with tourists and was built to celebrate the arrival of the year 2000. After dark, the London Eye is illuminated to provide a real spectacle not to be missed.
Not far from the London Eye is the big, beautiful Big Ben. This 13.5 ton astronomical clock belongs to the Palace of Westminster, the seat of the British Parliament. Big Ben is one of London’s strongest symbols and every year it strikes midnight to celebrate the New Year. It was erected in 1859 by Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.
See the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey
The Palace of Westminster is the seat of the British Parliament. If you’re in London for three days or less, this is a must-see. If you don’t have time to visit the Palace, you can see it from Westminster Bridge. Behind Big Ben, you can also visit Westminster Abbey, one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. It was built in the 13th century during the reign of Henry III. It is also the burial place of some of England’s most famous kings and queens.
Discover the Harry Potter studios
If you’re coming to London with children, a must-do activity is a visit to Harry Potter Studios in London. This is where part of the saga was filmed. Film sets, magic wands and books for the little wizards, a must-see universe for the whole family! A visit to the studios is a great classic in London. You can go there on a day trip from the city centre without any problem.
The Royal Residence Buckingham Palace
After visiting the four places mentioned above, head to the unmissable Buckingham Palace, the royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II. If you have enough time and budget, you can book a tour of the palace and discover its treasures. If you don’t have enough time and budget, I recommend you to attend the Changing of the Guard. This event takes place every day from 10.45 am for 45 minutes. It is the moment when the old guard is renewed to make way for the new royal guard, all in a musical and folkloric atmosphere.
Walk in St James’s Park
A walk in St James’s Park, one of the Crown Parks, is a must when visiting London in less than 3 days. St James’ Park is the oldest of the nine Queen’s Parks, covering 23 hectares. Like Central Park in New York, St James’ Park is London’s green lungs for escaping the hustle and bustle of the capital. What’s more, it is so large that it is home to vast ponds, sculptures, lush vegetation, not to mention the few animals that reside in the wooded areas…
The Tower of London
On your way to the east end of London, don’t forget the Tower of London. The Tower of London is a fortress with a very rich and troubled past. It was built during the reign of William the Conqueror to guard against enemy attacks. It is also a place of tragedy as many executions have taken place, including that of Queens Anne Boleyn and Jane Grey, as well as the writer Thomas More. Best of all, The Tower of London houses all the royal crown jewels, a real treasure trove that attracts visitors from all over the world.
The British Museum
The British Museum is the most famous London museum in the world. It reveals the history of human culture throughout the world, with important collections of objects. By visiting the British Museum, you travel through time and space to explore history in great detail and learn more about the origins of the human race and its evolution. If you don’t like museums, you’ll love the British Museum for its immersive nature!
Alex
