London, the capital of England, is a 21st-century city dating back to the Roman times. From its never ending rich history and culture to its fine food and good times, there is a spot for everyone here in London. Go back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history London has to offer, for its seams of eye-opening antiquity are everywhere. Let your hair down and be spoilt for choice with the wide array of bars, restaurants and clubs here in London - who said anything about bland, mushy British food clearly doesn’t know how fabulous the food scene is like here.
With so many choices to choose from, we don’t blame you if London starts to get a bit too overwhelming. Major sights and interesting places deserve your attention, so how about this three-day itinerary we planned just for you? Now you never have to feel overwhelmed, for London is what we call simply spectacular!
Day 1: UNESCO sites to admire in London
Steeped in history so rich and great, London is famous for having major attractions listed by UNESCO that have special cultural or physical significance. Here, we dedicate one day in honouring and admiring some of these beautiful sights, an enriching and fulfilling day to know more about the historic side of London.
1. Morning: Westminster Abbey
This intricately designed and stunning gothic church is famous for being the coronation church of the royal family for over 900 years. From Chaucer to Darwin, this Westminster Abbey has also been the burial ground for some of the world’s most renowned writers, poets and physicians. Immerse yourself in the must-see living pageant of British history and be fascinated by the highlights of this historic church - the Coronation Chair made for King Edward I, the Lady Chapel that has won the hearts of many, the unique and remarkable Cosmati Pavement, as well as many more famous attractions that made this gothic church a well-deserved UNESCO site.
Spend your morning walking along the stone cloisters, among the gardens and old wooden pews; but don’t forget to stop in at Scientists Corner to see the tomb of Sir Isaac Newton.
Westminster Abbey
Address: Dean’s Yard, Westminster, London, SW1
Price: 16 USD for Adults, 14 USD for students (ID required) & citizens 60 years and over, 7 USD for children 6-16 years. (Note these prices are only applicable if you purchase tickets online)
Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9:30 am- 3:30 pm. On Sundays and religious holidays such as Easter and Christmas, the Abbey is open for worship only.
Contact: +44(0)20 7222 5152
Website: Westminster Abbey
2. Afternoon: Tower of London (from USD 166.72)
The Tower of London, another one of London’s UNESCO sites, is an internationally famous monument that is one of England’s most iconic structures. Also a significant symbol of royalty, this sophisticated tower was once home to torture and death, a prison for many figures who had fallen into disgrace.
Now, the tower is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions with much to see and do. Despite its grim reputation, discover the history of a royal palace, an armoury and a powerful fortress. Have a taste of the Wall Walk, learn the legend of the Tower’s ravens, see the wonders of the White Tower, and of course, witness the bloody and gory days at the Tower Torture, for it is only in London that we realise history is omnipresent.
Tower of London
Address: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom
Price: from 18. 44 USD for Adults, 8.60 USD for Children. Free for Children 5-15 years and under 5.
Opening Hours: Summer: 1 March - 31 October: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am-6:00 pm / Sunday - Monday 10:00 am-6:00 pm. Last admission 5:00 pm. Winter: 1 November - 28 February: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 am-5:00 pm / Sunday - Monday 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Last admission 4:00 pm.
Contact: 0844 482 7777
Website: Tower of London
London: Tower of London and Tower Bridge Early-Access Tour
Duration: 3.0 hour
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
3. Evening: Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, are two of London’s most iconic attractions and UNESCO sites. Actually, many people mistake Big Ben as the name of the tower, when it is actually the name of the massive bell inside the clock tower! Also, did you know that this tough clock tower rarely stops? Even after a bomb destroyed the Commons chamber during World War II, the clock tower survived and Big Ben continued to strike the hours until this day.
Graze up and admire the stunning architecture and distinctive charm of the world’s most famous clock tower. It looks even better at night than during the day when the four clock faces are illuminated - a spectacular sight. Although it is impossible for tourists to tour the clock tower, here is a video of Big Ben in action that hopefully makes up for it:
Big Ben
Address: London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom
Price: Free for all
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
Contact: +44 20 7219 4272
Website: Big Ben
London Tour Guide
Robert Woolf
I am a London tour guide and my tours include talking about people who have shaped the city plus the many connected places such as Hampton Court Palace, The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, the commercial centre of the city: the City of London, and London’s world class museums and galleries. I have been guiding for 12 years. I am a licenced London Blue Badge Tour Guide, a City of London Gu... Read more
Tours by Robert
.JPG)
Day 2: arts & literature make London what it is
For centuries, London has been home and inspiration to a great number of writers. The number of characters that are brought up and born here are countless, as well as the various houses and streets that have been immortalised in the pages of books. Dedicate a day to visit one of the best and most iconic literary pastimes and haunts that this great metropolis has to offer!
1. Morning: Shakespeare's Globe
Located on the bank of the River Thames in Bankside’s Cultural Quarter, Shakespeare’s Globe welcomes thousands of visitors to experience the many works of William Shakespeare himself. As the theatre from the Elizabethan times was demolished in 1644, this wooden theatre still remains loyal to its history - a vibrant and cheerful place where animated plays are actively performed - the stage and stalls of this open-air playhouse are a reminder of how rich and significant plays were in the past.
Though the exhibition and tour is informative, it is slightly costly at 13.2 GBP (16.5 USD). However, watching a play is cheap at 4.8 GBP (6 USD), if you choose a standing-space ticket. Apart from Shakespeare’s works, you can also get a taste of productions by other playwrights and events like concerts, talks and sonnets - a great insight to London’s literary world.
Shakespeare's Globe
Address: 21 New Globe Walk, Bankside, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom
Price: Bookings should be made via website due to the different pricing of shows.
Opening Hours: Different opening hours due to the different seasonal changes. Check the website for more information.
Contact: +44 20 7902 1400
Website: Shakespeare’s Globe
2. Afternoon: Sherlock Holmes Museum
Dedicated to the famous fictional detective Sherlock Holmes, The Sherlock Holmes Museum was opened in 1930 and supposedly covers the details of Sherlock and Doctor Watson from 1881-1904, when they were tenants of Mrs Hudson. As it was believed that Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson lived at 221 Baker Street, the museum fought hard to bear that number plate, although it lies between the numbers 237-241. This was to make the museum more believable for its visitors, a set-up to ensure the experience was real.
Take a step back into Victorian times to a preserved fragment of historical reality. Examine the murder weapons, waxworks depicting the scenes from the stories, and a folder of letters addressed to Holmes by fans from all over the world. The museum also includes a shop full of quirky and quaint souvenirs, a piece of historic literature you can bring home as a memento.
Sherlock Holmes Museum
Address: Baker Street, London, NW1, United Kingdom
Price: from 12.30 USD for Adults; 8.20 USD for children under the age of 16 years.
Opening Hours: 9:30 am-6:00 pm daily
Contact: +44 20 7224 3688
Website: Sherlock Holmes Museum
3. Evening: Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
Recreate the Hogwarts Express scene on Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in Central London, where Harry’s big adventure began. With rich wooden panelling and drawers full of magical artefacts and wizard gear, The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾ has been designed to look like Ollivander’s wand shop from the books.
Enter the mystical world of Hogwarts - take a picture and reenact that famous scene! Half of a luggage trolley, complete with an owl cage, sticks out of the wall underneath it, and all you have to do is run to take a picture before you are made to wait in queue. The cosy shop is a wonderland of merchandise despite its tiny size, so feel free to glance around the wands that line on the wall, house cardigans and scarves, Bertie Bott’s every flavour beans, Marauder’s Maps, feather quill pens, and, if you are feeling like a baller, original signed posters.
Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾
Address: 1, King’s Cross, Kings Cross Station, Euston Rd, London N1 9AP, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 8:00 am-10:00pm daily except for Sundays. 9:00 am-9:00 pm on Sunday.
Contact: +44 20 7803 0500
Website: Harry Potter Shop
4. Night: Pillar of Hercules
What you see from this quiet and mostly laid-back pub was built around 1910, though the pub dates back to 1733. The famous and well-known Charles Dickens has actually referred to it in his book, The Tale of Two cities, where he named one of his characters after the road at the side of the pub. The pub has also been favoured by many figures from the London literary scene. Clive James named his second book of literary criticism (At the Pillars of Hercules) after it, apparently because that was where most of the pieces within it were commissioned, delivered and written.
The pub is also featured in episode 2 of the third season of the television series Hustle, and a 2014 episode of Australian soap Home and Away. For what it is worth, the pub offers decent beer, and occasionally a 3 for 10 GBP (12.2 USD) deal on Jägerbombs.
Pillar of Hercules
Address: 7 Greek St, London W1D 4DF, United Kingdom
Opening Hours: 11:00 am-11:00 pm, from Monday-Thursday, 11:00 am-12:00 am on Friday, and 11:00 am-10:00 pm on Sunday
Contact: +44 20 7437 1179
Day 3: spook-tacular ways to enjoy London
In a city with as much history as London, it is hard to erase the horrific memories of London’s past. Mad monarchs, plagues and the Great Fire of London - these horrific events still bring a chill down our spines. Whether you are up for the supernatural or not, these spook-tacular attractions are worth a brave visit.
1. Morning: London Dungeon
Opened in 1974, the London Dungeon was initially designed as a museum of macabre history depicting gory scenes. However, over the years, the London Dungeon had started to evolve and became a more interactive, actor-led experience. Embark on this thrill-filled journey back in time to London’s murky past 1,000 years ago. Experience London’s dark history like never before - with live actors, spine-tinging rides, dramatic special effects, and alarming realistic models - all in one terrifying time.
Be prepared to be face to face with one of your worst nightmares. Infamous London nightmares include Sweeney Todd, Jack the Ripper and The Plague Doctor.
London Dungeon
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom
Price: from 28.4 USD for Adults, 22.3 USD for Children
Opening Hours: 10:00 am-5:00 pm from Monday-Wednesday & Friday. 11:00 am-5:00 pm on Thursday, 10:00 am-6:00 pm on Saturday & Sunday.
Contact: +44 871 423 2240
Website: London Dungeon
2. Afternoon: London Bridge Experience
Become a part of London’s gruesome history and travel back in time of adventure, uncovering the deep dark secrets that lie beneath the London bridge. This two-part interactive journey offers you an exciting, chilling and educational experience. Embark on this 2,000 years of London Bridge history tour brought to you by world-class actors and stunning visual effects. See, hear and even smell the London Bridge throughout the years. Watch Boudicca fight her battles against the Romans, get twisted up in the fates of traitors and their treachery but beware to keep your head! Be engulfed in the powerful Great London Fire and follow the gruesome and gory tales of Jack the Ripper.
Finally, for those brave courageous souls, descend into the depths of hell and torment with The London Tombs. Come face to face with the demons, zombies and ghosts that were kept locked below. To the evil clowns that make your blood run cold to the walls dripping in blood and gore, expect the unexpected and be chased, horrified and mortified in The London Tombs. This attraction is strongly not recommended for the faint-hearted or for children below the age of 11. However, this award-winning attraction do offer children under 11 a ‘guardian angel’ who will accompany and protect them from anything too frightening.
The London Bridge Experience
Address: London Bridge Experience, 2-4 Tooley Street, London Bridge, London SE1 2SY, United Kingdom
Price: 14.20 USD for Adults over 15, 10.80 USD for Children 5-15 years old
Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00am - 5:00 pm, Saturday - Sunday 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Contact: +44 20 7403 6333
Website: The London Bridge Experience
3. Night: London Walks
Get a closer look at London’s most interesting and unique sites, as well as learn more about the city’s long history and diverse culture with the London walking tour. If you are still in the mood for a scare-feast, we have just the tours for you. Join the historic Jack the Ripper tour or embark on the Haunted London Pub tour (only for adults).
The list of tours is endless, and if you don’t wish for another thrilling experience, feel free to go on a historic tour on Classical London. All walks last for a maximum of 2 hours rain or shine. Booking is not even necessary, just meet at the designated time and place and you can start your walk!
London Walks
Address: Different locations for different walks. Check the website for more details
Price: from 8.20 USD for Adults, free for Children
Opening Hours: Different timings for different walks. Check the website for more details
Contact: 020 7624 3978
Website: The London Walks
There's so much to do in London!
Rich in history with so many award-winning sites, artsy and poise for the elegant bunch in love with stories, and spooky and horrifying for those who crave a thrilling time, London is clearly a place for all. This fast-paced metropolis may be modern and developed like what it ought to be in the 21st century, but it has never once lost its diverse history and culture - something most countries fail to keep. Immerse yourself in this enchanting and historic world, the sparks in London are worth the visit.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to