My three-day itinerary in London - what to see

Three days in London is too little, because there are too many reasons to extend your visit to England's capital. However, even if you only spend one day in London, you'll be able to visit many of the city's main attractions.

In this three-day itinerary in London, you'll be able to enjoy some famous sites and some lesser-known ones. If you only have one day in London, you can read the article I wrote earlier about how to spend 24 hours in London.

Just like the 24-hour itinerary, this 72-hour proposal in London starts at dawn and only ends when the sun has long since gone down. It's going to be an intense three days, but I know that as a traveller you want to make the most of your time.

Day 1 - Three-day itinerary in London

Billingsgate Market

London is a city where there are markets for almost every taste, so I invite you to start this 72-hour itinerary in London with a little-known market visited by tourists: Billingsgate Market. This is the largest fish market in the UK.

Prepare yourself for a "violent" awakening. Billingsgate Market is only open between 4am and finishes its business around 7am. It may be advisable to take extra clothes with you or stay at the hotel, because as with any fish market, you may bring some extra smells with you. Billingsgate Market is located in East London and is open from Tuesday to Saturday.

Breakfast with a view

After the intense, early morning experience at Billingsgate Market, I suggest you have breakfast at the Duck and Waffle. As you leave the DLR you'll pass the Bank of England building, a good opportunity to take some photos. The breakfast is good, there's plenty of variety - from continental to English - and it's more than enough to satisfy your sweet tooth while you enjoy the views from the top of the building.

Refined architecture and culture

With a full stomach, I suggest that we dedicate some time to culture and architecture in this three-day itinerary in London. As you leave the Duck and Waffle, if you turn left onto St Mary Axe, you'll find one of London's most famous buildings - The Gherkin.

The tall, spiral-shaped glass building by British architect Norman Foster is a landmark and can be seen from various points in London. A little further on you'll find another renowned building - Lloyd's of London. You can't visit it, but you can (and should) appreciate the bold architectural details.

Following in the architectural footsteps, head to Leadenhall Market, one of London's oldest markets, and notice the colourful ornate structure and cobbled street. You can also visit the market's various shops and, if you can't resist it, take a bite of some cheese.

Barbican Centre, Museum of London and Tate Modern

The Barbican Centre is a 20-minute walk from Leadenhall Market. This performing arts centre in the City of London is set in an area of brutalist architecture. It's one of my favourite places to visit bold exhibitions, alternative cinema or music, theatre or visual arts shows.

Less than a five-minute walk away is the Museum of London, where you can discover the history of London from prehistoric times to the present day. The Museum of London has a collection of over six million objects.

The Museum of London is just five short minutes' walk from St Paul's Cathedral, reputedly the second largest cathedral in the world. It's another must-see on a one-day or three-day itinerary in London.

If you walk a few more minutes across the elegant pedestrian suspension bridge - Millennium Bridge- you'll see a brown brick building. It's the Tate Modern, a place I've visited dozens of times and which surprises me with provocative exhibitions each time. Entry to the Barbican Centre, Tate Modern and Museum of London is free.

Scenic walk to lunch

When you leave the Tate Modern, I invite you to walk along the river to meet amateur artists in the street and professional artists at Shakespeare's Globe. You can buy a ticket for the next day because it's lunchtime. I suggest you explore Borough Market and find something you like to satisfy the "hole" in your stomach.

It won't be a difficult task, as Borough Market is one of the largest and oldest food markets in London and you'll be able to indulge in a wide variety of delicacies. Borough Market is closed on Sundays.

The Shard

The 95-storey skyscraper, The Shard, was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano and is a five-minute walk from Borough Market. The view from the top is one of the best in London, although the entrance fee is less attractive. And there are ways to pay less money to visit The Shard or the London Eye and other tips for saving money in London.

Tower Bridge

After the panoramic view of the city, it was time to take a closer look at the city's trade mark: Tower Bridge. The bridge, with its movable deck, was built between 1886 and 1894 and every day thousands of workers cross it on their way to and from work. Also take a look at the London City Hall building, right next to Tower Bridge.

Setting the clock in Greenwich

Get on the Thameslink or Southeastern train at London Bridge and get off further on (about 20 minutes) at Greenwich station. In Greenwich, you can visit various attractions - from the National Maritime Museum to the Cutty Sark - a Victorian era boat/museum.

At the former, entry is free, but at the Cutty Sark you'll have to buy a ticket or watch the boat from outside. Then a short walk to one of my favourite places to watch the sunset - Greenwich Park.

Here you can also see the astronomical clock and a point that marks the Greenwich Meridian, while down below the buildings and skyscrapers of Canary Wharf remain imposing.

Boat trip on the River Thames

On the way to the River Thames you'll find Greenwich Market, where you can buy some snacks for the boat trip that follows. You'll have to buy your ticket in advance online or use the Oyster Card as a form of payment. The ride on the Thames Clippers between Greenwich and the London Eye will cost you just over six pounds. Believe me, it's well worth it.

London Eye and Big Ben

At the end of the boat trip on the River Thames, you'll disembark at the London Eye and easily spot England's Parliament building and Big Ben.

If you wish, you can get on the wheel and have a different view of Parliament, but in my opinion it's perfectly dispensable. The view from the top of the London Eye isn't particularly impressive and the admission price is very uninviting - over £30 per person.

If you have time, take a trip to Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, right next door, to take the obligatory photo. If you don't have time, you can try to come back the next day and visit Westminster Cathedral.

Day 1 - Places to visit on the three-day itinerary in London

• Billingsgate Market
• Duck and Waffle
• The Gherkin
• Leadenhall Market
• Barbican Centre
• Museum of London
• St Paul's Cathedral
• Millennium Bridge
• Tate Modern
• Borough Market
• The Shard
• Tower Bridge
• National Maritime Museum
• Cutty Sark
• Royal Observatory, Greenwich
• London Eye

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Day 2 - Three-day itinerary in London

Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath

On the second day of this three-day itinerary in London, I suggest waking up early to watch the sunrise from Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath. From the highest point you can watch the sun illuminate the entire British metropolis. And here on Hampstead Heath you can have breakfast in one of the many cafés, such as the popular Ginger and White. You can also sample Parisian street food at La Crêperie de Hampstead, reportedly popular with celebrities.

Punks and piercings in Camden

If you spend three days in London and don't go to Camden, you won't forgive yourself. It really is a sin. You'll find a bit of everything in this popular part of town. From tasty food, vintage shops and punks to places to get tattoos and piercings. There's plenty to explore in Camden, especially at the Stables Market.

Primrose Hill

Walk along the Regent's Canal to Primrose Hill and, leaving the canal behind for a moment, take in another beautiful (and very exclusive) London neighbourhood. With its Victorian houses and colourful doors, Primrose Hill is home to many celebrities from the world of fashion and music.

London Zoo and Regent's Park

Follow Regent's Canal until you reach London Zoo. If you're travelling with children, you'll be "forced" to enter and pay the entrance fee (£24.30 online). If you're only travelling with adults who, like me, aren't fans of seeing animals in seclusion, then skip it and choose to spend some time admiring the beauty of Regent's Park.

The gardens are very pretty and Regent's Park is also an excellent place to relax on a wooden bench while waiting for the many squirrels that inhabit the park to visit.

Sherlock Holmes Museum

If you're a fan of the most famous detective, then you're in the right place. Opened in 1990, the Sherlock Holmes Museum in Baker Street is a house museum dedicated to the life of the British detective. The museum exhibits objects from various Sherlock Holmes adaptations and recreations of scenes from the television series of this character created by Arthur Conan Doyle.

Melt for this museum

I'll give you a clue as to what's coming next. You melt in the heat... You're right! It's Madame Tussauds wax museum. After walking through a block of elegant buildings - most of them filled with private clinics specialising in plastic and heart surgery - you'll come across the famous museum and be able to say hello to James Bond or David Beckham and maybe Mourinho or Ronaldo.

The British Museum

The British Museum is an absolute must on a three-day trip to London. Entry to the museum is free. Founded in 1753, the British Museum has a magnificent art collection with more than eight million objects, such as pieces from the Parthenon in Athens.

The museum's architecture is also impressive, especially the blue-tiled ceiling - a glass roof that has transformed the former cloister into the largest covered square in Europe.

Covent Garden

In Covent Garden, just a few minutes' walk from the British Museum, you can finally take a break and have lunch. If your budget allows, try L'Atelier De Joel Robuchon, a restaurant crowned with a Michelin star.

If your purse doesn't allow for this boldness, then you can opt for the Cinnamon Bazaar, a popular Indian restaurant in London. But you'll find good flavours from Spain, Italy and Japan in Covent Garden. The picturesque and colourful Neal's Yard is also well worth a look.

The National Gallery

After enjoying a meal in Covent Garden, I suggest you visit the market in the same area and then walk to Trafalgar Square, where you'll have the chance to visit the UK's main art gallery: The National Gallery. Founded in 1824, The National Gallery exhibits more than 2,000,000 paintings by artists from the 13th to the 20th century.

Westminster Abbey

When you've had enough of the National Gallery's art collection, hop on a coach and travel to Westminster Abbey. Built in the 11th century, this important Gothic-style church is the place where kings and queens are crowned and married and where funeral ceremonies for British royalty also take place.

St James's Park

Continuing on the path of royalty, head for St James's Park, the oldest of London's Royal Parks. At the gates of Buckingham Palace, take the opportunity to enjoy the landscape and the lakes of St James's Park. Admire the Palace and perhaps see Queen Elizabeth II waving from the window. If you don't make it, don't worry, you'll have another chance tomorrow.

Piccadilly Circus

Enough about royal attractions for now, it's time to get back to socialising. If you walk a few minutes through St James's Park, you'll reach Piccadilly Circus. This is a popular area with tourists, who take photos in front of the huge screens that display advertising in the famous square.

Apart from this and a visit to one or two shops with the usual London souvenirs, there's not much else to do in Piccadilly Circus.

This is an excellent place to end day 2 of the three-day itinerary in London and look for a place to have dinner. I once again recommend Soho for the second day's meal.

Day 2 - Places to visit on the three-day itinerary in London

• Parliament Hill
• Hampstead Heath
• Camden Market
• Primrose Hill
• Regent's Canal
• Regent's Park
• London Zoo
• Sherlock Holmes Museum
• Madame Tussauds
• British Museum
• Covent Garden
• The National Gallery
• Westminster Abbey
• St James's Park
• Piccadilly Circus

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Day 3 - Three-day itinerary in London

Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

As I promised you on the second day of the itinerary, on this day you have another opportunity to visit the outside of Buckingham Palace and try to catch a glimpse of the Queen of England. If you don't succeed, at least I have some good news for you: you don't have to get out of bed early today, as you only have to be in the centre of London at 10am to watch the Changing of the Guard.

Yes, that's right, I said 10 a.m., because although the time for the changing of the guard in London is 11 a.m., it's advisable to be there an hour earlier to ensure a good location and take the best photographs.

If you've enjoyed St James's Park, this is another opportunity to explore a little further. Or come back later for tea with the Queen, if you've managed to get a private audience...

Hyde Park

It is one of London's largest parks and, due to its central location, the best known among visitors. It's a perfect place to have a coffee on the terrace, take a stroll and admire the green or golden landscape (in autumn) or even attend a concert.

Hyde Park is also home to football and tennis pitches, sculptures and memorials. I recommend a visit to the Serpentine Gallery, where there are invariably interesting exhibitions. Right next door, take a look at the Albert Memorial - a monument in honour of King Albert.

Notting Hill

In Notting Hill you can enjoy the beautiful houses of this exquisite London neighbourhood - there are seven fantastic neighbourhoods in London. Notting Hill - in the district of Kensington and Chelsea - seduces visitors with its unique charm and with entertainment such as the diverse Portobello Market or the lively Notting Hill Carnival (in August).

This area of London became even more popular after it was the main location for the film Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. The main days of the Portobello market are Friday and Saturday.

Natural History Museum

I confess that the Natural History Museum is one of my favourite museums in London and I've lost count of the number of times I've visited it. Complete skeletons of dinosaurs and extinct mammals are among the millions of specimens and objects from the natural world.

At the Natural History Museum, you can also see the annual photography exhibition - Wildlife Photographer of the Year - usually available from October onwards. Even the museum shop itself is fascinating and it's almost impossible not to buy a souvenir. Next to the Natural History Museum you'll find the Science Museum - equally unmissable.

These two museums are very popular with adults and children alike, so I recommend visiting in the early hours of the day and during the week. Entry to the Natural History Museum is free, although you have to pay to access temporary exhibitions.

Victoria and Albert Museum

Opposite the Natural History Museum, in South Kensington, you'll find the Victoria and Albert Museum. Founded in 1852, the V&A has recently undergone renovations and features art, decoration and design from the Middle Ages to the present day.

It is the world's largest museum of decorative arts - with several million objects. Highlights of the objects on display include the medieval galleries from the Renaissance era and a jewellery gallery.

The Victoria and Albert Museum is open daily, with extra time to visit on Fridays when it's open late. Entry to the V&A is free.

Harrods

Harrods is a luxury shopping gallery located in Knightsbridge, London. The gallery is owned by the state of Qatar and is frequented by visitors with financial power and tourists - to be shocked by the prices of what is sold.

However, not everything is out of reach for tourists on a budget, as the restaurant area has acceptable prices (for London) and plenty of variety, from sweets to cheeses and, of course, caviar. This is a good place to sample some delicacies and even fill your belly without having to eat dinner later.

Harrods shopping centres are open daily until 21:00, except on Sundays when they close at 18:00. The shops are particularly seductive at Christmas time, when they are decorated to perfection - inside and out.

Royal Albert Hall

The last place to visit on this three-day London itinerary is the Royal Albert Hall. To round off this tour of England's capital, why not attend a classical music concert or an opera? Inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1871, the hall hosts more than 360 events a year, including classical music, jazz, circus, dance and comedy. 

There are also guided tours of the Royal Albert Hall during the day, which show you behind the scenes of this fantastic concert hall, right between Harrods and Hyde Park.

Day 3 - Places to visit on the three-day itinerary in London

• Buckingham Palace
• Hyde Park
• Serpentine Gallery
• Albert Memorial
• Notting Hill
• Natural History Museum
• Science Museum
• Victoria and Albert Museum
• Harrods
• Royal Albert Hall

Map of the places to visit on the three-day itinerary in London

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