Day 1

Start your first day in London with one of the most iconic traditions: the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Arrive around 11:00 AM to get a good viewing spot—especially during busy seasons. The ceremony lasts about 30 minutes and is a great way to kick off your London trip with a bit of royal flair. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the gates!

From there, take a scenic walk through St. James’s Park, heading toward Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. As you approach the River Thames, you’ll get a picture-perfect view of both Big Ben and the London Eye across the water. Walk along the riverbank, take in the street performers and cafés, and let the atmosphere of the city sink in. It’s a great time to slow down and enjoy the contrast between historic buildings and modern life.

After your riverside stroll, hop on the tube or take a short taxi ride to Madame Tussauds. This world-famous wax museum is a fun way to spend a couple of hours, especially if you’re into pop culture, celebrities, or history. Pro tip: book tickets online in advance to skip the queue. It can get crowded, but once inside, the exhibits are worth it.

By now, you’ll be ready for a late lunch—and you’re in luck. Just a 5-minute walk from Madame Tussauds is Gloria, a stylish and cozy Italian trattoria. It’s popular, so booking ahead is a good idea. The pasta portions are generous, the décor is Instagram-worthy, and the desserts (like the lemon pie) are absolutely worth saving room for!

In the evening, head over to Chinatown, located near Leicester Square and Soho. The area comes alive at night with glowing lanterns, bustling streets, and the scent of amazing food in the air. Take your time exploring the small shops, bakeries, and supermarkets filled with unique snacks and gifts. For dinner, try Four Seasons for crispy duck, or check out Plum Valley for something more upscale. If you’re into sweets, grab a bubble tea or some egg tarts from a local bakery.

End the night with a gentle walk through nearby Soho, or head to Covent Garden for some live street music and a nightcap. After a day full of iconic sights and local flavor, you’ll already feel the magic that makes London so unforgettable.

Day 2

We started our second day in London with a relaxed breakfast at a café nearby. For us, it was Arise Coffee Roasters, a cozy spot just around the corner from our Airbnb. The coffee was excellent, and the vibe was perfect for a calm start to the day—but of course, you can choose any café near your stay that suits your taste.

After breakfast, we took the train to Windsor Castle, which takes about one hour from central London. As one of the official residences of the British royal family, Windsor Castle is full of history and absolutely worth the trip. Once there, we joined the audio tour, which gave great background stories while exploring the beautiful State Apartments, St George’s Chapel, and Queen Mary’s Dolls’ House—don’t miss that one, it’s incredibly detailed and charming. The entire castle grounds are impressive, and the views over the surrounding countryside add to the experience.

In the afternoon, we headed back to London and made our way to the Tower Bridge. It’s a must-see landmark and a great photo spot—especially if the bridge lifts for a passing ship! Just a short walk away is the Sky Garden, one of the best free viewpoints in London. Located at the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building, it offers stunning panoramic views over the city. Tip: Tickets are free, but you need to book them online in advance, as they sell out quickly. We spent a relaxing hour here, just enjoying the plants, the view, and the peaceful atmosphere above the busy city.

For dinner, we found ourselves returning to Gloria, the Italian restaurant we already loved on Day 1. It’s not far from Tower Bridge and was the perfect spot to unwind after a full day of sightseeing. Honestly, the food, the staff, and the ambiance made us want to come back again—and we weren’t disappointed.

Day 3

After two busy days, we kept Day 3 calm and relaxed—just what you need for a perfect weekend in London.

We started our morning at Borough Market, which is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays). It’s one of London’s oldest and best food markets, packed with fresh produce, gourmet treats, and street food from around the world. Arrive early for the best selection and fewer crowds. We sampled everything from truffle cheese toasties to fresh oysters and sweet pastries. Tip: Bring cash as not all stalls accept cards, and come hungry!

Next, we headed to Westfield London Mall for a break from the weather and some casual shopping. It’s open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, offering everything from high street brands to luxury shops, plus plenty of cafes and restaurants if you want a coffee or snack.

In the late afternoon, we returned to Covent Garden, a perfect spot to wander without a strict plan. The main market square is lively and full of street performers, but we loved exploring the small side streets with their quirky shops, vintage boutiques, and cozy cafés. It’s a great place to discover unique gifts or just soak in the atmosphere. If you want to grab a quick bite here, try Flat Iron for amazing steak or The Ivy Market Grill for a classic British meal.

Outside of London

If you prefer a different day trip, Stonehenge is a fantastic alternative to Windsor Castle. To get there, take a train from London Waterloo to Salisbury (about 1.5 hours). From Salisbury, there are frequent shuttle buses or taxis that will take you directly to the Stonehenge Visitor Centre. Plan to spend a few hours exploring the mysterious ancient stone circle and the informative exhibition. Just like Windsor, it’s best to book your Stonehenge tickets in advance to avoid queues. It’s a unique way to experience England’s rich history and stunning countryside in one day.