Suggested Itineraries in London
 |
| Changing of the Guards |
London’s got everything - art, architecture, fashion, food, coffee - well, they’re still working on that last one, so have a pint instead. Join a long line of failures in your attempt to make a Beefeater laugh. Hunt down that rare as-yet-uncollected Elvis Costello single in Portobello Road. Or conquer your vertigo and climb to the top of St Paul’s Cathedral.
There’s a lot to do in London, so read our Suggested Itineraries in London for some ideas on how to maximize your travel time. Highlights include:
Day 1: London Up Front. Should you fancy the affairs of state, just look up and find that unmistakable clocktower that is Big Ben - a handy signpost for the Houses of Parliament, where you can watch the legislative process in action. Follow that up with the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace and a spot of tea. The city’s spiritual side is on splendid display at its two major churches: Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, both of which are architectural marvels rich with history. To go back even further into London’s past, visit the Tower of London, with its Norman walls and dank cells.
 |
| Tate Britain in London |
Wander the galleries at Tate Modern, with its outstanding international collection of modern art. While you’re at it you could visit some of London’s other outstanding museums, including the Victoria & Albert, the Natural History Museum, and the British Museum. End the day with a dinner cruise down the Thames.
Day 2: Exploring London. London’s many weekly and daily markets feature everything from trendy clothes to vintage, antiques to modern amenities, health-food to sweets. The markets should be a part of any London itinerary - among them are Portobello Road, famous for antiques and quirky odds ‘n’ ends (Saturdays); Borough Market, a Saturday must-do for foodies; and Camden Markets, open every day, with alternative fashions and hand-made crafts.
300-year-old Fortnum and Mason, the ‘premiere purveyor of exotic edibles’ brings an elegant, age-old tradition to life every day with the serving of afternoon tea. Stop in and experience this custom, invented by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford.
For an unforgettable evening don’t miss the London theater. There are heaps of shows on any given night; currently you can book Dirty Dancing, The Sound of Music, Lord of the Rings, and Spamalot and others.
 |
| Stonehenge |
Day 3: Outside London. As chock-a-block as London is with sights, there are plenty of things to see and do beyond the city limits. Head southwest to Windsor Castle , mysterious Stonehenge, and the light opera and Roman spas of genteel Bath. Or make a pilgrimage to Canterbury, Dover, Leeds Castle, and the other treasures of Kent. Stratford, birthplace of Shakespeare, has annual festivals and performances of the Bard’s work nearly year-round. Go even further: try haggis in Edinburgh or blood pudding in Paris.
Armed with a healthy dose of London’s culture and history, you are now ready for the other hundreds of tours, attractions and activities we have on offer in London. Browse our complete list of things to do in London and off you go!
Get articles like this one delivered to your favorite RSS feed reader. Subscribe to Viator Travel Blog now.