London is one of my favourite cities, but it took me a few visits to figure out the best way to get around.
I’ve now been four times. On my earlier trips, I relied far too much on taxis. Coming from suburban Toronto, where we drive almost everywhere, that seemed like the easiest option. In London, it usually isn’t. Taxis are expensive, traffic can be slow, and public transportation is often much faster.
By my fourth visit, I was much more comfortable using the Tube, buses and trains. We also did more walking and planned each day around sights that were close to one another.
It made a big difference. We spent less time getting from place to place and more time actually enjoying London.
If you have two or three days in the city, this London Travel Guide will help you make the most of your time.
Getting From Heathrow to Central London
After an overnight flight from Toronto, we landed at Heathrow early in the morning.
On previous trips, I had taken a taxi into London. This time, we used the Heathrow Express, and I wish I had started doing it sooner.
The train runs between Heathrow and Paddington Station in about 15 minutes from Terminals 2 & 3. The key is to book ahead. Advance fares can start at £10, while walk-up tickets cost considerably more.
Travel tip: If Paddington isn’t convenient for your hotel, check the Elizabeth line. It runs from Heathrow through central London and may save you a transfer.
Paddington is also a useful place to arrive early. If your room isn’t ready, you can grab something to eat and leave your luggage nearby rather than carrying it around London.
Staying Connected
For my last couple of trips, I’ve used a prepaid Airalo eSIM. You can set it up before leaving home and have mobile data soon after landing.
That’s especially useful in London, where Google Maps makes navigating the Tube and buses much easier.
Where to Stay in London
London has accommodation at every price level, from landmark luxury hotels to apartments, smaller hotels and hostels.
We were travelling as a group that included a baby, so we chose an Airbnb in Bayswater. Having a kitchen, extra space and somewhere to relax together worked well for us.
For sightseeing, I’d choose location over luxury. London is huge, and staying near a good Tube station can save a lot of time.
Bayswater also put us close to Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens and Notting Hill, which worked perfectly for our third day.
Use the Tube
This was probably the biggest change from my earlier London trips.
The Underground map can look intimidating at first, but using the system is surprisingly easy. Google Maps tells you the station, line and direction to take.
You also don’t necessarily need an Oyster card. A contactless credit card or mobile wallet works for most visitors. Just tap in and out using the same card or device so Transport for London (TfL) can calculate the correct daily fare cap.
Accessibility Matters
Not every Underground station is equally easy with luggage, a stroller or mobility issues. Some involve stairs, long corridors and changes between levels.
TfL’s step-free journey planner is worth checking before you leave the hotel.
Don’t Ignore London’s Buses
The Tube is efficient, but buses have one big advantage: you get to see London along the way.
The red double-deckers are almost a sightseeing tour in themselves.
On buses, you tap when you board but don’t tap when you get off.
For a first visit, I’d use a combination of walking, the Tube and buses rather than automatically going underground every time.
And then there’s my favourite way to see London…
Day 1: See London From the Thames
I think the Thames is one of the best places to begin a London visit.
A river cruise gives you a quick sense of where many of the major landmarks are and offers views you simply don’t get from the street.
From the river, you can see the London Eye, Big Ben, Houses of Parliament, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London and Tower Bridge, among others.
If a sightseeing cruise isn’t your thing, London’s regular river services are another option.
Westminster: Start With the Classics
For a first visit, I wouldn’t avoid the famous sights just because they’re touristy.
Start around Westminster.
Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey are all close together. Walk across Westminster Bridge as well for one of the classic views back toward Parliament.
It will probably be busy. It’s busy for a reason.
Follow the Thames East
One of the best ways to save time in London is to group nearby attractions.
From Westminster, continue east along the river rather than jumping across town.
Along the way, you’ll pass several bridges, including the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge, with St. Paul’s nearby.
Eventually, you reach something that confused me on my first visits:
London Bridge is not Tower Bridge.
London Bridge is fairly ordinary. Tower Bridge is the spectacular Victorian bridge with the towers that most people picture when they hear the name “London Bridge.”
On this trip, we were lucky enough to see Tower Bridge open for a tall ship. It was one of those unplanned moments that ended up being a highlight.
The Tower of London is nearby. I had already visited both the Tower and St. Paul’s Cathedral on earlier trips, so we skipped the interiors this time.
For a first visit, both are worth considering—but you may need another day.
You Are Not Going to See All of London
Don’t try.
London rewards repeat visits.
I’d rather enjoy eight or ten places properly than rush through twenty just because they appear on a “must-see” list.
Want to see what this trip looks like on the ground? Watch my London video, where I take you through the transportation, sights and experiences from our latest visit.
Day 2: Buckingham Palace to Borough Market
Our second day started at Buckingham Palace.
Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Park
If you want to see Changing the Guard, check the official schedule before your visit. The days and times can change.
From the palace, walk through St. James’s Park. One of the nice things about central London is how quickly you can go from crowds and traffic to green space.
Continue toward Trafalgar Square and the West End.
Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus and Regent Street
From Trafalgar Square, we walked toward Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street and Oxford Street.
Even if shopping isn’t your priority, this is a good area to experience the energy of central London.
Many of these famous places are also closer together than you might think.
Travel tip: Before taking the Tube for one or two stops, check the walking time. Sometimes walking is just as fast—and more interesting.
Sky Garden: A Great Free View
One attraction I particularly recommend is Sky Garden.
High above the City of London, it offers panoramic views of landmarks including Tower Bridge, The Shard and the Tower of London.
And admission is free.
You do need to reserve ahead, and popular times can disappear quickly.
For me, it’s one of London’s best-value attractions.
Borough Market: Come Hungry
Across the Thames is one of my favourite food stops in London: Borough Market.
Don’t rush through it.
There are bakeries, produce stalls and prepared foods from around the world. It’s an easy place to turn sightseeing into lunch without making a restaurant reservation.
Nearby is another unmistakable London landmark: The Shard.
If you want a special meal with a view, the Shangri-La has dining options high above the city.
I’ve experienced London from up there, and the view is spectacular—trains below, boats on the Thames and the city stretching in every direction.
Day 3: Notting Hill, Kensington and Hyde Park
After two days of major landmarks, our third day felt different.
We headed west.
Wander Around Notting Hill
Notting Hill has a completely different feel from Westminster or the City.
Colourful houses, neighbourhood streets, cafés and bakeries make it a good place to wander without much of a plan.
Not every hour in London needs a ticket or timed entry.
Sometimes you remember the neighbourhood you walked through more than the attraction you lined up to see.
Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park
From Notting Hill, continue toward Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.
We visited the Sunken Garden, saw Kensington Palace from outside and continued through the park.
Again, grouping attractions makes sense. Notting Hill, Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace and Hyde Park fit naturally into the same day.
Harrods: Even If You’re Not Shopping
From Hyde Park, you can continue to Harrods.
I have no illusions about doing my weekly shopping there.
Much of what’s inside is well beyond what the average traveller plans to spend, but the famous food halls are worth seeing.
Harrods is part department store and part London institution. You don’t have to buy anything to enjoy looking around.
Eating in London
London’s food scene has changed enormously.
Try a Traditional Pub
A traditional pub is still worth experiencing, especially for classics such as fish and chips or sausages and mash.
One difference North American visitors may notice is that many pubs use counter service. You order at the bar, and if you’re ordering food, you may need your table number.
Once you know how it works, it’s simple.
Don’t Miss London’s Indian Food
As someone with Indian roots, this is one part of London’s food scene I particularly enjoy.
London has everything from casual neighbourhood restaurants to excellent fine dining. Restaurants such as Quilon, Trishna and Dishoom give you an idea of the range.
My suggestion: don’t automatically choose the Indian restaurant closest to a tourist attraction. A little research can pay off.
Also check the bill before adding a tip. Many restaurants include a discretionary service charge.
A Few London Tips I Learned Along the Way
After four visits, my approach has become much simpler:
- Use public transportation. It saves time and money.
- Group nearby attractions together.
- Walk whenever it makes sense.
- Book ahead only where necessary. Leave some time to wander.
- Check accessibility if you’re travelling with luggage, a stroller or mobility limitations.
- See London from the Thames at least once.
- Don’t try to see everything. You won’t.
Once I became comfortable with the Tube, buses and trains, London became much easier—and more enjoyable.
Is Three Days in London Enough?
Three days is enough to see a very good cross-section of London.
You can cover many of the major landmarks, spend time along the Thames, visit the West End, explore a neighbourhood, enjoy the parks and still make room for good food.
But you won’t see everything.
After four visits, there are still places I haven’t seen.
That’s one of the reasons I keep going back.
- London Travel Guide: How to Make the Most of 3 Days – August 10, 2026
- Dubai: 10 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn’t Know – August 9, 2026
- San Francisco Outdoors for Casual Hikers: 10 Easy Walks & Scenic Trails – August 9, 2026
Do you have a comment or suggestion?