One of the busiest cities in the world, London is the perfect mix of charming tradition and modern convenience. Home to famous museums, stunning architecture, and iconic landmarks; lush public gardens and historic theatres; dozens of shopping districts that range from boho to high-end; and an innovative multicultural food scene, it’s a bright and bustling destination that truly has it all. And whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover.
Pedestrian-friendly, the city is divided into 32 boroughs—each with its own unique personality and mix of neighborhoods—located on either side of the Thames River and conveniently connected by London’s well-run tube system or massive bridges. From historic Westminster and the royal borough of Kensington, to the bustling markets of Camden, the diverse, sprawling boroughs south of the Thames, and everything in between, London’s old-meets-new neighborhoods and attractions are sure to charm you and keep you busy throughout your stay.
With so much to see and do, it may be hard to know where to start. So, we asked our London Destination Manager to create the perfect three-day vacation itinerary for this timeless, cosmopolitan city. Enjoy!
Day One: See the Sights
Kick off your London vacation with a full day of sightseeing, starting with the vibrant Covent Garden neighborhood right outside your front door. If you skipped breakfast at home, make time to fuel up with sweet and savory crêpes and smoothies at Crème de la Crêpe or try the seasonal egg and tartine dishes at Le Pain Quotidien (the goat cheese frittata and the smoked salmon tartine are especially delicious).
During the morning, take a leisurely stroll through the piazza and check out some of the neighborhood’s popular attractions. St. Paul’s Church (nicknamed the “Actors’ Church”); the Jubilee Market with its arts-and-crafts stalls, souvenirs, and antiques; and the famed Royal Opera House are all worth a visit.
After the piazza, be sure to have your camera ready and head to Trafalgar Square for Instagram-worthy photos, and then grab a taxi, hop on the tube, or continue your walk to Buckingham Palace, the London residence of the newly-crowned King Charles III.
The palace is open for guided and self-guided tours throughout the summer and part of the winter and spring, allowing you to walk through 19 magnificent State Rooms (where the royal family hosts guests for official affairs) and ogle the gilded ceilings, opulent art, and rich décor that hold special historical significance. Outside, you can enjoy the lake, fountain, and greenspace at St. James Park and even catch the Changing of the Guard if you time it right.
In the afternoon, catch your breath and sit down for a nice, refined-pub lunch and pint at The Red Lion (their sharing boards make for an excellent Brit-food experience). And then continue your sightseeing with a personalized, private tour of notable landmarks, arranged for you by your Personal Travel Concierge.
On the two-hour tour, you can relax in the comfort of a classic black cab as your knowledgeable guide drives you through the city, regaling you with stories of London’s history and stopping for photos and a closer look at some of the attractions. It’s a great way to see Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, Big Ben, and more to round out your day.
In the evening, take a ride on the London Eye for unbelievable panoramic views of the city, followed by a sunset cruise on the Thames complete with canapes, sparkling wine, and live music.
Day Two: Garden Time and Theatre Scene
Where day one focused on grand buildings and landmarks, day two is about slowing down and spending time in London’s incredible public gardens and ornate theatres.
Start the day in your Equity Estates home, enjoying coffee, tea, and a light breakfast in the dining room, overlooking the Covent Garden Piazza below, then lace up your walking shoes and head over to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
Once the stomping grounds of King Henry VIII, this long stretch of greenery is now open to the public and offers a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Separated down the middle by Serpentine Lake, Hyde Park (to the east) and Kensington (to the west) feature over 300 acres of green space, shaded paths, blooming gardens, and immersive sensory trails with play sculptures inspired by Peter Pan.
Sit by the water and watch the swans and boats glide over the lake, visit the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, go for a swim, or see what’s happening at Hyde Park’s famous Speaker’s Corner.
Midday, take a break to enjoy a casual, alfresco lunch of authentic fish & chips or house-made falafel at the Serpentine Lido Café, but save room for ice cream from one of the refreshments stands set up around the park.
Afterwards, take a tour of Kensington Palace (home of the young royals), located at the edge of the gardens or walk through the Serpentine Galleries for a look at their permanent art collections and temporary exhibits.
In the afternoon, turn your attention from parks to theatres with a visit to the legendary Globe Theatre and their two-hour Shakespeare’s Globe Story & Tour. In their curated walk-through exhibit space, you’ll have time to explore on your own and also follow along with expert guides as they bring the theatre’s 400 years of history to life.
In the evening, we’ll make reservations for you at Joe Allen, a New York-style brasserie in the heart of Covent Garden’s theatreland. A long-time favorite of theatre-goers and performers, it’s the perfect spot for a cozy pre-show dinner of baby back ribs (their signature dish), grilled ribeye, or the not-so-secret, off-menu cheeseburger.
End your day with tickets to the show of your choice in one of West End’s fabulous historic theatres, followed by post-performance cocktails, wine, and British ales at the traditional Crown & Anchor pub.
Day Three: Fine Art and Chic Shopping
Wrap up your stay in London with a final day of art, shopping, and museum-hopping.
Start early with free admission to the British Museum or the National Gallery for a look at some of the city’s most amazing art and history collections, followed by a short trip south of the Thames and a visit to Tate Modern. Housing permanent paintings and sculptures by Picasso, Diane Arbus, and Andy Warhol (among others) and temporary exhibits such as Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Room, it’s a must-see museum for any art-lover.
At lunchtime, head over to the artsy enclave of Gabriel’s Wharf, a pleasant ten-minute walk away. There you’ll find a fun mix of restaurants, bars, and local artisan shops set along London’s South Bank riverside walk. Sit outside for lunch with an iced drink and unbelievably good (and gooey) grilled cheese from Hot Mess Toasties, and then browse the secondhand books at the cool South Bank Book Market, located outdoors under Waterloo Bridge (open daily rain or shine).
In the afternoon, it’s time to shop! Chelsea’s posh Kings Road is the go-to spot for an eclectic mix of chic boutiques and high-street staples. Oxford Street (one of the city’s most famous shopping areas) is home to both Selfridges and John Lewis department stores. And high-end Bond Street and Mayfair is the place to be for luxury brands (Tiffany, Louis Vuitton, and Burberry to name a few) and celebrity–spotting.
Though it may not be possible to hit all of London’s hotspot shopping districts in one visit, there are a few places you shouldn’t miss.
Be sure to check out the historic (and architecturally interesting) Burlington Arcade and the ultra-cool Dover Street Market in St. James’s; Harrods department store in Knightsbridge; and the lively Piccadilly Circus intersection where Regent Street and Piccadilly meet. On Piccadilly, shop the grand, 300-year-old Fortnum & Mason department store and take afternoon tea in their elegant Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon.
At the end of the day, we’ll make reservations for you in the spectacular dining room of the Michelin-starred Ritz Restaurant. With towering marble columns, floor-to-ceiling windows, excellent service, and seasonal fine-dining British cuisine, it’s a luxurious way to wrap up an incredible London vacation.
At Home in London with Equity Estates
Your spectacular London home is a luxuriously modern three-bedroom flat located in the heart of Covent Garden in the city’s vibrant West End. Its central location puts you close to theatres, cafes, pubs, shops, and London’s most iconic attractions—many within walking distance. With a spacious floor plan, gourmet kitchen, and stunning views over the piazza and London Opera House, it’s the perfect residence for couples, friends, or the whole family.
Your personal travel concierge will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless by arranging reservations for activities, transportation, and dining. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice from the local market. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Your fabulous Palm Springs getaway awaits!
