3-Days in London Itinerary
This itinerary provides a good overview of the city and includes many of the major sights. Of course, there are many more things to see and do, so you may need to make choices based on your personal interests.
Day 1:
Historic and Iconic Landmarks
- Tower of London
- Iconic Tower Bridge
- River Cruise
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Westminster Abbey
- Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower)
- The Houses of Parliament
- St. James Park
- Changing of the Guard
- Buckingham Palace
- Trafalgar Square
- Covent Garden
In the morning, start your day with a visit to the Tower of London to beat the crowds. Spend a couple of hours exploring the history of the place, and be sure to see the Crown Jewels.
The Tower of London, officially known as Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. It has a rich history dating back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.
William the Conqueror built the White Tower, which gives the entire complex its name, as a demonstration of power, a norman stronghold in a hostile city. It was used as a royal residence in the early centuries after its construction.
Tower of London Image by Walter from Pixabay
Over the centuries, the Tower of London has served various purposes, including an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of the Crown Jewels of England.
It is perhaps most famous as a prison, however. People imprisoned in the Tower of London include Elizabeth I before she became queen, Sir Walter Raleigh, and even Nazi Rudolf Hess, Hitler’s deputy, in 1941. The Tower is also known for its role as a place of execution. Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, was beheaded there in the 16th century, among others.
Despite the Tower’s reputation for torture and death, only seven people were executed within the Tower before the World Wars of the 20th century.
It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the country, and it’s maintained by the Historic Royal Palaces charity. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, the Tower was open to the public for tours, during which visitors can see the Crown Jewels, the various towers, the White Tower, and the Tower Green where many executions took place. There are also popular exhibitions about the history of the site and its role in English history.
One unique feature of the Tower is its ravens. Legend has it that the kingdom and the Tower will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave the fortress. To prevent this, there are always at least six ravens kept at the Tower (plus a few spares), their wings are clipped to prevent them from flying too far away, and they’re cared for by a dedicated Ravenmaster.
The Tower of London was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, in recognition of its global importance and to help conserve and protect the site.
Cross the river via the iconic Tower Bridge, you can also visit the exhibition inside for an in-depth understanding of its history.
Image by Richard Ley from Pixabay
Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, built between 1886 and 1894. The bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London and has become a world-famous symbol of the city.
Designed by Sir Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, Tower Bridge was constructed in the Gothic style to match the nearby Tower of London. Its twin towers, the walkway connecting them, and the suspension and bascule (drawbridge) elements that allow the bridge to open for passing ships, all contribute to its iconic status.
The bridge is 800 feet (244 meters) in length with two towers each 213 feet (65 meters) high, built on piers. The central span of 200 feet (61 meters) between the towers is split into two equal bascules or leaves, which can be raised to allow river traffic to pass. The two side-spans are suspension bridges, each 270 feet (82 meters) long, with the suspension rods anchored both at the abutments and through rods contained within the bridge’s upper walkways.
After lunch, you can hop on a river cruise or a bus towards Westminster area.
Image by Younjoon CHOI from Pixabay
Stop by at St. Paul’s Cathedral on the way. St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous and recognizable sights in London. Its dome, framed by the spires of Wren’s City churches, has dominated the skyline for over 300 years.
Image by iSAW Company from Pixabay
The cathedral is located in the heart of London’s City, on Ludgate Hill, the highest point in the city.
The current St. Paul’s Cathedral, which was completed in 1710, is the fourth church to be built on the site. The first, built in 604 AD, was destroyed by fire, rebuilt, and then destroyed by the Vikings. The third St. Paul’s, known as Old St. Paul’s, was a magnificent Gothic cathedral that was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The current cathedral was designed by the famous British architect Sir Christopher Wren.
The cathedral is built in the English Baroque style. Its dome is one of the largest in the world, standing at 365 feet (111 m) high. It was the tallest building in London until 1967.
St. Paul’s has been the site of many significant events in British history, including the funerals of Lord Nelson, Winston Churchill, and Margaret Thatcher; the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer; and the Diamond Jubilee celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II.
Inside, the cathedral is just as impressive with its vast nave, intricate mosaics, the famous Whispering Gallery, and numerous monuments and memorials.
St. Paul’s is not just an architectural masterpiece and London landmark, it’s also an active place of worship and important tourist destination. Visitors can explore its awe-inspiring interior, climb up to the dome to enjoy a panoramic view of London, and visit the crypt to see the tombs of some of the nation’s heroes.
You also can explore Westminster Abbey, Big Ben (Elizabeth Tower), and the Houses of Parliament.
Westminster Abbey, officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter at Westminster, is a large, mainly Gothic abbey church in the City of Westminster, London, England, just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is one of the United Kingdom’s most notable religious buildings and the traditional place of coronation and a burial site for English and, later, British monarchs.
Westminster Abbey Image by Alfred Derks from Pixabay
The history of Westminster Abbey dates back to the 10th century when King Edgar and St. Dunstan founded a community of Benedictine monks on the site. The present building was started by Henry III in 1245 and is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country. It has the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint at its heart.
The Abbey is also the final resting place of more than 3,000 great Britons, including seventeen monarchs. Many of the nation’s most significant historical figures, including Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and several prime ministers, are buried there. Poets’ Corner, a section of the south transept, is so-named because many of England’s greatest poets and writers, including Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, and Thomas Hardy, are buried or commemorated there.
Westminster Abbey has also been the site of many royal weddings, including the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
The Abbey is not only a place of worship, but also a treasure house of artefacts covering over a thousand years of history. It serves as a site of celebration and mourning at times of national significance, like the coronation of monarchs and their funerals, as well as services for national events and tragedies. It is also a major tourist attraction and is open to the public for sightseeing.
The Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, is one of the most iconic landmarks in London, England. It stands at the north end of the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
The term “Big Ben” is often used to describe the tower, the clock, and the bell, but it was originally meant to refer only to the largest bell, which weighs over 13 tons. The bell was named after Sir Benjamin Hall, who oversaw its installation. It’s famous for its distinctive “bongs,” which mark the hour.
The tower itself is officially known as the Elizabeth Tower. It was completed in 1859 and stands at 96 meters tall (about 315 feet). Originally, it was simply known as the Clock Tower, but it was renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee, marking 60 years on the throne.
Each of the four clock faces on the tower are 7 meters in diameter, and the timekeeping is remarkably precise. It’s a wonderful example of 19th-century British architecture, designed in the Gothic Revival style by architects Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin.
The tower has become a symbol of the United Kingdom and is particularly prominent in media and popular culture. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in London.
The Elizabeth Tower underwent a series of extensive renovations and repair work beginning in 2017. The repairs included work on the clock’s mechanism and the tower’s structure, and during this time, the hourly bongs were silenced to protect the hearing of the workers. The first major refurbishment of the clock tower is now complete.
The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster, is the meeting place of the two houses of the Parliament of the United Kingdom: the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
The Palace of Westminster is one of the most iconic buildings in the United Kingdom and an emblem of parliamentary democracy. The building is designed in the Perpendicular Gothic style and is one of the most significant monuments of this style of architecture.
The original Palace of Westminster was used as a royal residence in the medieval period, but a fire in 1834 destroyed most of the complex. The palace was then rebuilt over the following decades. The rebuilding was based on designs by architect Charles Barry and his assistant, Augustus Pugin, in a grand Neo-Gothic style.
Some of the key features of the Houses of Parliament include:
Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben): As mentioned before, the clock tower known as Big Ben is one of the most recognizable parts of the Palace of Westminster.
The Victoria Tower: This is the square tower at the other end of the Palace of Westminster. It’s the tallest tower in the palace, and it houses the parliamentary archives.
The Chambers of the House of Commons and the House of Lords: These are the meeting rooms for the two houses of the UK parliament. The House of Commons is decorated in green, while the House of Lords is decorated in red.
Westminster Hall: This is the oldest part of the palace, and it dates back to the 11th century. It’s used for important public ceremonies.
The Palace of Westminster is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a working building and is therefore not always fully open to the public, but visitors can attend debates, watch committee hearings and take a tour through parts of the historic building.
Then you can have a stroll in St. James Park and towards Buckingham Palace to watch the Changing of the Guard (check the schedule).
St. James’s Park is one of the Royal Parks of London in the City of Westminster, central London. It’s the oldest of the Royal Parks, covering nearly 57 acres (23 hectares), and it’s located just east of Buckingham Palace and west of the Palace of Westminster and Whitehall.
Summer in St. James Park. Image by rupert15 from Pixabay
St. James Park Image by Susanne Weitzhofer from Pixabay
The park features a small lake, St. James’s Park Lake, with two islands, West Island and Duck Island, which is named for the lake’s collection of waterfowl. This includes a resident colony of pelicans, which has been a feature of the park since the first gift of the birds from a Russian ambassador in 1664.
Among the park’s attractions is the Tiffany Fountain on Pelican Rock, and the park’s main feature is a bridge that offers beautiful views of Buckingham Palace to the west and the London Eye and Horse Guards to the east.
A lovely spot in the heart of London, St. James’s Park is an ideal place for relaxation and for watching the ceremonial changing of the guard at the nearby Buckingham Palace. It is also frequently used for royal pageants and ceremonies, such as the Queen’s annual Birthday Parade.
Near the park, you’ll also find other important sites, including the Churchill War Rooms, part of the Imperial War Museum, and The Mall, a ceremonial route running from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square.
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is a popular tourist attraction in London, showcasing a formal ceremony in which the soldiers currently on duty (the Old Guard) are replaced with new soldiers (the New Guard).
Image by rolf_aderhold from Pixabay
The ceremony is also known as Guard Mounting, and it involves a regiment of the British Army’s Household Division. The guards that are being changed are responsible for protecting the official royal residences. The regiments that make up the Household Division have been serving the monarchy for hundreds of years.
Here’s a brief overview of what happens during the ceremony:
The New Guard leaves Wellington Barracks, located not far from the palace. They march to Buckingham Palace accompanied by a band, playing traditional military marches or even popular music.
At the palace, the Old Guard is waiting in the palace forecourt. Once the New Guard arrives, the soldiers report to each other, and the officers salute each other.
The Old and New Guards ‘change’, essentially swapping places. The band usually plays music during this part of the ceremony.
Once the guards have changed, the Old Guard marches away, back towards the barracks, and the New Guard is left in place at the palace.
The entire process takes around 45 minutes, but the exact timing can depend on the day and specific circumstances.
The Changing of the Guard takes place in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, but similar ceremonies also occur at Windsor Castle and the Horse Guards Parade. The schedule can vary, but at Buckingham Palace, it often takes place on certain days of the week at around 11 a.m.
Note that the ceremony is subject to change and can be canceled in bad weather or for special events. Always check the official Household Division website for the latest schedule and details before planning your visit.
Buckingham Palace is the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. Located in the City of Westminster, the palace is often at the center of state occasions and royal hospitality. It has been a focal point for the British people at times of national rejoicing and mourning.
Image by balichaca from Pixabay
Originally known as Buckingham House, the building at the core of today’s palace was a townhouse built for the Duke of Buckingham in 1703. It was subsequently acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and became known as “The Queen’s House.”
Image by Mantelblatt from Pixabay
The palace was expanded during the 19th century, primarily by architects John Nash and Edward Blore, who added three wings around a central courtyard. Buckingham Palace became the official royal palace of the British monarch with the accession of Queen Victoria in 1837.
The last major structural additions were made in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with the addition of the East Front which contains the well-known balcony on which the royal family traditionally congregates to greet crowds.
The palace has 775 rooms, including 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Its garden is the largest private garden in London.
The State Rooms, used for official and state entertaining, are open to the public each year for most of August and September and on some days in winter and spring.
In the evening, you can head towards Trafalgar Square, and spend some time at National Gallery which houses over 2,300 artworks.
Trafalgar Square is a public square in the City of Westminster, Central London, built to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar, a British naval victory of the Napoleonic Wars over France and Spain that took place on 21 October 1805 off the coast of Cape Trafalgar, Spain.
Trafalgar Square Image by Dimitris Vetsikas from Pixabay
The square is a popular tourist attraction and a site for political demonstrations, public gatherings, and community celebrations like New Year’s Eve. Its iconic features include:
Nelson’s Column: This is a monument in the centre of the square built to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died at the Battle of Trafalgar. The column is approximately 52 meters (170 ft) high. The statue of Nelson stands on top of the column, overlooking the square.
Fountains: There are two large fountains in the square, designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1937–39, which replaced earlier ones. The fountains are memorials to Lord Jellicoe (west) and Lord Beatty (east).
Statues and Plinths: The square has a number of statues and sculptures. At each corner of the square is a plinth with a statue of a king or queen. The fourth plinth, in the northwest of the square, was originally intended to hold an equestrian statue of William IV but remained empty due to insufficient funds. In recent years, it has been used to display a series of specially commissioned artworks, known as the “Fourth Plinth.”
National Gallery: On the north side of the square is the National Gallery, one of the world’s most famous art museums. It houses a collection of over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.
St Martin in the Fields Church: This Anglican church at the northeast corner of Trafalgar Square is famous for its regular lunchtime and evening concerts.
Christmas Tree: Since 1947, a Norwegian spruce (or sometimes a fir) has been given by Norway to the UK, in gratitude for Britain’s support during World War II. The tree is prominently displayed in the square and decorated in a traditional Norwegian manner.
Wrap up your day with a lovely dinner in Covent Garden, with a wide array of restaurants and pubs to choose from.
Covent Garden Image by Hulki Okan Tabak from Pixabay
Covent Garden is a famous area in London’s West End, known as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s located in the eastern part of the City of Westminster and borders the western fringes of the City of London.
The name “Covent Garden” originally referred to a fruit-and-vegetable market on the square, which has been a central London shopping venue since the 17th century. The area was the early site of modern theatre in England, and by the 18th century, it had become a well-known red-light district.
Covent Garden is packed with a variety of shops, including high-end fashion retailers, independent boutiques, and iconic British brands. The area also has a large number of restaurants, cafés, and pubs. Today, Covent Garden is a bustling, vibrant part of London.
Day 2:
Museums and Shopping
In the morning, start your day at the British Museum, where you can find artefacts from all over the world.
The British Museum, located in London, is one of the world’s oldest and most famous museums. Established in 1753, it was the first national public museum in the world and was free to all ‘studious and curious persons’.
Image by Hulki Okan Tabak from Pixabay
Image by Madsolution from Pixabay
The museum’s collection is dedicated to human history, art, and culture. Its comprehensive collections number more than 8 million works and originate from all continents, illustrating and documenting the story of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
The British Museum’s most famous exhibits include the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, the Rosetta Stone, which helped experts learn how to read Egyptian hieroglyphs, and the Egyptian mummies.
Image by awsloley from Pixabay
The museum has faced controversies, including demands for the return of certain artifacts to their countries of origin, such as the Elgin Marbles to Greece and the Benin Bronzes to Nigeria.
After that, head to the Covent Garden Market for some shopping and lunch.
In the afternoon, visit the Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington. The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is the world’s largest museum of applied and decorative arts and design. Named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, the museum was founded in 1852 as a monument to the couple’s enthusiasm for art and design.
Image by Jori Samonen from Pixabay
Image by Alexandria from Pixabay
The museum’s collection spans over 5,000 years of human creativity, with over two million objects from around the world. The collections include ceramics, fashion, furniture, glass, metalwork, paintings, photographs, prints, sculpture, and textiles. Among its vast and varied collection, highlights include the Raphael Cartoons, the Ardabil Carpet (one of the world’s oldest and finest Islamic carpets), and the Cast Courts, which house reproductions of famous monuments from around the world.
The V&A also has a renowned fashion collection that includes items from five centuries, including rare 17th-century gowns, 18th-century court dress, 1930s evening wear, 1960s daywear, and post-millennium fashion garments.
By exiting from the Victoria and Albert Museum, you can take a stroll through Hyde Park and visit the Serpentine Gallery.
Hyde Park is one of the eight Royal Parks of London, covering 350 acres. It’s centrally located in the city and is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere, with lots of activities and events that attract both Londoners and tourists.
Image by GK von Skoddeheimen from Pixabay
Image by Oli Lynch from Pixabay
Key features and attractions of Hyde Park include:
The Serpentine: This large artificial lake is open for boating during the summer and is popular with swimmers. Next to it is the Serpentine Gallery, a free contemporary art gallery.
Speakers’ Corner: This is a traditional site for public speeches and debates since the mid 1800s when protests and demonstrations took place in the park. On a Sunday morning, it’s not uncommon to see groups gathering to listen to enthusiastic speakers who climb onto their soapboxes to voice their opinions.
Monuments and Memorials: Hyde Park contains several notable monuments, including the 7 July Memorial and the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain.
Events: Hyde Park is a major venue for concerts, exhibitions, and public events, including large rock concerts and the annual Winter Wonderland at Christmas time.
Nature and Wildlife: Despite its location in the city, Hyde Park is home to a variety of flora and fauna. It’s an excellent spot for bird watching, and you might even spot the occasional fox.
The park is open from 5 am until midnight throughout the year, making it an accessible and enjoyable green space in the heart of London. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest opening times and any potential event disruptions on their official website.
Enjoy the evening around Knightsbridge that is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in London. Known for its grand Victorian homes, high-end shops, and luxury hotels, it’s a desirable area in the heart of the city.
Knightsbridge Image by Laura Tutu from Pixabay
Here are some key aspects about Knightsbridge:
- Shopping: Knightsbridge is perhaps best known for being home to the luxury department store Harrods, which is a significant tourist attraction. Another famous department store, Harvey Nichols, is also situated in this area. Additionally, Knightsbridge features high-end designer boutiques and flagship stores of many luxury brands.
- Museums: The area boasts a close proximity to a number of world-class museums. These include the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum, all of which are located in neighboring South Kensington.
- Green Spaces: The renowned Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are close by, offering expansive green spaces for outdoor activities and relaxation.
- Housing: Knightsbridge is known for its expensive residential properties, including luxury apartments and grand townhouses. It’s a preferred residential location for many celebrities and high-net-worth individuals.
- Hotels: Knightsbridge hosts a number of luxury hotels, such as the Mandarin Oriental and The Berkeley, known for their high-end amenities and services.
- Dining: The area is also a hub for fine dining, with a number of Michelin-starred restaurants, chic cafes, and gourmet food shops.
Department Store Harrods Image by Steven Iodice from Pixabay
Knightsbridge, overall, reflects London’s status as a global city of high standing and wealth.
Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the area.
Day 3:
Modern London
Visit Borough Market first thing in the morning. Grab a coffee and a bite from the various food stalls.
Borough Market is one of the oldest and largest food markets in London, boasting a rich history that dates back over 1,000 years. Known for its high-quality produce and wide variety of food items, Borough Market has long been a beloved destination for foodies, tourists, and locals alike.
Situated on Southwark Street and Borough High Street just south of the River Thames, the market is within easy walking distance from London Bridge. Its central location makes it easily accessible and has helped establish it as a popular tourist spot.
Vendors at Borough Market sell a wide variety of goods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, artisanal breads, cheeses, meats, fish, and pastries. Many of the vendors are local farmers and small-scale producers, making the market a hot spot for those looking for high-quality, sustainably produced food. In addition to raw ingredients, there are also numerous stalls selling ready-to-eat meals from cuisines around the world, as well as a variety of beverages.
Image by Matchbox Marketing from Pixabay
The market is typically open from Monday to Saturday, with limited operations on Sundays. It’s worth noting that not all stalls are open every day, with the full market typically running from Wednesday to Saturday.
Surrounding the market, there are also several restaurants, cafes, and pubs, many of which source their ingredients from the market itself. This area of London, known as Borough, has a vibrant food and drink scene, further enhancing the appeal of the market.
Visiting Borough Market is not just about shopping; it’s about experiencing the bustling atmosphere, the aromas of cooking food, the sights of colorful fruits and vegetables, and the sounds of vendors promoting their goods. It’s a sensory experience that encapsulates the spirit of London’s food culture.
Walk along the South Bank, check out the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe.
Tate Modern is one of the most renowned contemporary and modern art museums in the world, located in the former Bankside Power Station in the borough of Southwark, London. The power station, which was originally designed by Sir Giles Gilbert Scott and ceased operations in 1981, was transformed into a museum by the architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron and opened to the public in 2000.
Image by damarcoello from Pixabay
The museum houses works from international artists dating from the 1900s to the present day. The collection includes major works of art from movements such as Cubism, Surrealism, Pop Art, Abstract Expressionism, and contemporary work from around the globe. It boasts works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko, and Joseph Beuys, among others.
The Tate Modern is divided into several galleries, each hosting thematic displays from the Tate collection. The displays are regularly changed to show the collection in a broader context. The museum also features special temporary exhibitions, performance art, and installations. Some of these installations have been commissioned for the museum’s iconic Turbine Hall, which is a massive space that used to house the power station’s electricity generators.
Another major addition to Tate Modern is the Blavatnik Building (previously known as the Switch House), which opened in 2016. This ten-story extension, also designed by Herzog & de Meuron, increased the museum’s gallery space by 60% and added a panoramic viewing platform on its top floor, offering stunning views of the London skyline.
Shakespeare’s Globe is a faithful reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, which was an Elizabethan playhouse in London associated with William Shakespeare. The original Globe was built in 1599, destroyed by fire in 1613, rebuilt in 1614, and finally demolished in 1644.
Image by David Mark from Pixabay
The modern Globe Theatre, usually referred to as “Shakespeare’s Globe,” is located on the south bank of the River Thames in the London borough of Southwark, about 230 meters from the site of the original theatre. It was the brainchild of actor and director Sam Wanamaker, whose vision and dedication led to its construction. Despite Wanamaker’s death in 1993, the project was completed and the theatre was officially opened to the public in 1997.
While it’s not an exact replica, the current Globe Theatre was built using traditional construction methods and materials to resemble the original as closely as possible. It’s an open-air playhouse designed with a circular, uncovered yard surrounded by three tiers of covered seating. It can accommodate about 1,400 spectators, some of whom stand in the yard, just as “groundlings” did in Shakespeare’s time.
Shakespeare’s Globe functions not only as a performance venue, presenting plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries as well as new works, but also as a center for education and research. The complex includes an indoor theatre named the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which opened in 2014 and is designed to resemble a Jacobean-era indoor theatre, the Globe Exhibition & Tour, which delves into Elizabethan stage history, and a center for education that offers workshops and courses.
One of the unique aspects of attending a play at the Globe is the chance to experience theatre as it was in Shakespeare’s time. Plays are performed in daylight, without microphones, and audience members in the yard stand throughout the performance, creating a unique atmosphere that differs from that of a conventional theatre.
After lunch, head over to London Eye for a panoramic view of the city.
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London. Standing at a total height of 443 feet (135 meters), it’s one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, offering breathtaking views of the city.
Image by iris Vallejo from Pixabay
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames, opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the London Eye was officially opened to the public in March 2000. It was a part of the millennium celebrations in London, hence the name “Millennium Wheel.”
Image by andreaschitz from Pixabay
The London Eye has 32 sealed and air-conditioned ovoidal passenger capsules, each of which can hold up to 25 people. The capsules are numbered from 1 to 33, skipping number 13 for superstitious reasons. A complete rotation of the wheel takes about 30 minutes. Thanks to the gradual rotation, passengers are able to step on and off without the wheel having to stop.
From the highest point of the London Eye, on a clear day, visitors can see up to 25 miles (40 kilometers) in all directions. It’s an excellent vantage point for many of London’s most iconic landmarks, including the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace, among others.
In addition to serving as a popular tourist attraction, the London Eye has also been the centerpiece of London’s New Year’s fireworks display since 2003. The wheel is frequently lit up in different colors to mark various occasions and celebrations throughout the year.
Explore the Southbank Centre, where you can find the Royal Festival Hall and the Hayward Gallery.
The Southbank Centre is the UK’s largest arts center, situated in a prominent riverside location that was originally part of the Festival of Britain site in 1951. It’s located on the South Bank of the River Thames, in the heart of London. The complex includes the Royal Festival Hall, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, the Purcell Room, and the Hayward Gallery.
- Royal Festival Hall: This is the main venue within the Southbank Centre and one of the world’s leading performance venues. Opened in 1951, the hall has a seating capacity of over 2,700 and is home to a wide range of activities including orchestral concerts, jazz, dance, and literature events. It also hosts many different festivals throughout the year.
- Queen Elizabeth Hall: This venue, which reopened in 2018 after a refurbishment, is home to chamber orchestras, quartets, choirs, dance performances, operas, and contemporary music concerts. The hall has a seating capacity of 900.
- Purcell Room: Situated alongside the Queen Elizabeth Hall, this venue is known for hosting talks, literary events, classical music, and smaller-scale music performances. The room has a seating capacity of around 360.
- Hayward Gallery: This gallery is a world-renowned contemporary art gallery and a landmark of brutalist architecture. It was opened by the Queen in 1968 and provides space for major solo exhibitions and curated group shows.
The Southbank Centre also includes outdoor spaces such as the riverside Southbank Centre Market, which hosts street food and book stalls, and spaces for performance art, installations, and community events.
In the evening, finish your day with a visit to The Shard, where you can enjoy a sunset view of London from its viewing platform.
The Shard, also known as the Shard of Glass, is a skyscraper in London and one of the most notable landmarks in the city. The Shard is located in the London Bridge Quarter, next to London Bridge station. It was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and was officially opened to the public on February 1, 2013. The building’s design was inspired by railway lines, a ship’s mast, and the spires of London churches, and the shape of the building was intended to evoke an image of a shard of glass, hence the name.
Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in the vibrant London Bridge area.
Remember, London is a huge city with so much to offer. This itinerary is just a suggestion and there are many other things to see and do. You might want to consider your interests and research more about what London has to offer! Also, some attractions may require booking in advance, so be sure to check their official websites.