3-Day Itinerary for Your London Holiday

3-Day Itinerary for Your London Holiday

Looking to stop over in London for a short leisure trip? You need at least three days to sample the best the city offers.      

From Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, and Trafalgar Square to the River Thames and Big Ben, there is much to see, taste and do in London. With so much going on in London, it can be overwhelming for new visitors to plan a short trip to the British capital. 

To help you out, the team at Pan Pacific London has put together a recommended 3-day London itinerary focused on the city’s top attractions.  

 

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Where to Stay for Your London Holiday

Deluxe City View Room at Pan Pacific London Deluxe City View Room at Pan Pacific London

 

Located in the heart of the city, close to iconic landmarks and transportation hubs, Pan Pacific London is the ideal place to stay during your London vacation. Check into its Deluxe City View Room to be enveloped by spectacular city views, courtesy of floor-to-ceiling windows. 

The hotel also offers plenty of exciting dining options, comprising a carefully curated selection of local and international cuisine to cater to any taste buds. Guests can also relax at its artfully designed infinity pool, blessed with panoramic views of the city. Feeling tired and tense after a busy day out? Go for a soothing and relaxing massage to knead any tension away.  

 

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Day 1: Explore London’s Most Famous Landmarks

Buckingham Palace Buckingham Palace

 

Start your first day in London with a serene stroll at Hyde Park. The largest of four royal parks, its origins date back to the 1500s. Look out for key landmarks and features like the Diana, Princess of Wales Fountain. 

At 11 am, head to Buckingham Palace to catch the famed changing of the guards. This regal ceremony is a 30-minute affair that is precisely choreographed—come rain or shine. Here is a bit of trivia: When Queen Elizabeth II is in residence, you can see four sentries at the front of the building. When she is away, you can only see two. 

Thereafter, take a short stroll to Westminster Abbey—one of London's most iconic landmarks. Beyond being one of the United Kingdom's most notable religious buildings, the grand cathedral is also the traditional site for the British coronation. Sign up for a verger-led guided tour to gain an insight into the abbey's rich history, exploring historic places like the royal tombs and the Lady Chapel.

Need some fresh air? Walk along the vaunted River Thames and soak in the sights on both banks of the river. Stop by one of the bars along the river for a drink before you check out the nearby Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, or towering London Eye.

 

The Big Ben and Palace of Westminster The Big Ben and Palace of Westminster

 

Step into the hall that kings and queens once graced at the Palace of Westminster and admire its beautiful facade, unique structure, and inspiring statues and monuments. And on the north side of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can find the iconic Big Ben—the nickname for the Great Bell of the striking clock on the north side of the Palace, officially renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012.

Tip: To photograph Big Ben, do not go up close. Instead, walk across Westminster Bridge to Parliament Square Garden to capture the tip of the clock tower and part of the Westminster Palace on your camera. 

Once you have taken that Instagram-worthy shot of Big Ben, adjourn to the neighbouring London Eye to enjoy one of the city's best views on a giant Ferris wheel. 

After you descend from the Eye, head to Piccadilly Circus for dinner while checking out the iconic advertising screens of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. End your night with a cocktail at Silverleaf, back at the hotel. With an interior design inspired by naturalism and an innovative cocktail menu, it is the perfect place to cap off your first day in London. 

 

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Day 2: Delve Deep into London’s Heritage and Culture

Tower of London Tower of London

 

History fans, kickstart your second day by visiting the Tower of London, a must-see attraction for any London traveller. Its four towering walls contain a colourful journey through centuries of British history. Going early reduces the chances of snaking queues to get in, giving you enough time to tour this UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

Take a free tour with a Beefeater Guide, who will regale you with humourous anecdotes of the tower’s colourful (and sometimes sordid) past. After your tour, explore the historic castle on your own; get up close to the glittering crown jewels, and see extensive collections of armour, cannons and weapons from centuries past.  

 

Traditional British Fudge at the Borough Market Traditional British Fudge at the Borough Market

 

Take a breather after your history lesson by visiting the charming Borough Market for lunch. Beyond the delicatessens, grocers, cheesemongers and other street food stalls, the sprawling marketplace also features many restaurants and pubs. It is easy to get lost in the maze of narrow passageways here. To avoid crowds, visit on a Wednesday or Thursday afternoon. 

Thereafter, venture to the Museum of London, which provides an interactive overview of the city’s history, told through models, hands-on stations, film screenings and original objects dawning from different eras. The highlight here is a section of the old Roman Wall, said to have been built in 200 AD, which can be viewed from outside the museum. 


Next, make your way to one of London’s largest public rooftop places at The Garden at 120, offering stunning 360-degree views of the city. This oasis in the heart of the city is a sight to behold on its own, filled with wisteria and fruit trees, and topped with a 200-ft long flowing water feature. Grab a cup of afternoon tea or coffee as you drink in your surroundings.

 

 

Keen for some Asian cuisine—with a touch of Singaporean? Make your way back to the hotel for dinner at the Straits Kitchen. Offering a melting pot of cuisines from Singapore’s diverse cultures, the restaurant uses purely Asian ingredients sourced and grown locally in the UK. The eclectic flavours served here appeal to different palettes. 

After dinner, hop by Ginger Lily for after-dinner drinks. Pick an alcoholic beverage or two from our cocktail menu, offering a varied mix of signature Singaporean classics and new creations, ending your second day on a high. 

 

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Day 3: Take it Slow with Art and Artisans

Infinity pool at Pan Pacific London Infinity pool at Pan Pacific London

 

Take it slow on your last day in London, beginning with a refreshing dip in the hotel's infinity pool, located on the Wellbeing floor, before heading to Covent Garden for brunch, followed by shopping. 

One of London's most popular shopping and dining destination located amidst London’s West End theatre hub, Covent Garden is home to world-class fashion boutiques and quaint lifestyle stores. Have a lovely brunch at James Street Collective as you dine alfresco style along the street and people-watch. After your meal, take your time to comb through the rows of shops and pick up some shopping.

 

Somerset House Somerset House

 

If you are an art enthusiast, take a stroll to the nearby Somerset House, home to travelling art exhibitions across multiple visual art media—from sculpture, photography, to painting and even live performances. While you are here, go for a walk around the grounds to admire the majesty of the building’s architecture. 

Follow that with a visit to St Paul's Cathedral, a beloved cultural institution with a rich British history—guaranteed to excite any heritage enthusiast. Take the challenge of climbing up 528 steps to the Golden Gallery to be rewarded with a panoramic view of the capital. The cathedral has seen numerous historical events, including Prince Charles's wedding and Winston Churchill's funeral. To get a better look at the cathedral itself, head over to the Roof Terrace at One New Change.  

End your third day in London with an out-of-this-world artistic adventure at Van Gogh Exhibition: The Immersive Experience. Entering the exhibition is like walking into a lifesize painting that comes alive. The spectacular light and sound exhibit features projections of Van Gogh's most compelling works, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the brilliant artist. Round up your three-day London holiday with one last drink, preferably a champagne-based Asian-inspired cocktail, at the Straits Bar.

 

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If you need more ideas for your London itinerary, visit our Destination Insights for recommendations. Or send us an enquiry—our team at Pan Pacific London would be most happy to assist.  

 

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