First-time in London? See the best of the city with our three-day itinerary.

Day One

Morning: London Eye and Bus Tour

Board a 30-minute flight on the London Eye and admire London from a height of 135 metres in one of 32 capsules.

Golden Tours, Original London Sightseeing Tour and Big Bus Company run hop-on, hop-off open-top bus tours of the city centre passing all the major landmarks, and lasting approximately two hours. Catch a tour outside County Hall by Westminster Bridge and see what the city has to offer.

Lunch: Riverside Dining

Alight from the bus at Tower Bridge and take the stairs down to Shad Thames and Butler's Wharf. The riverside restaurants have an excellent view of the river. Try Le Pont de la Tour, an elegant, 19th-century former tea warehouse, serving classic French cuisine or Butler’s Wharf Chop House who offer an all-day menu of chophouse classics, steaks and nostalgic British recipes, both in shadow of Tower Bridge.

Afternoon: Tower of London and Tower Bridge

See London's most notorious prison and the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London. A Yeoman Warder gives a tour of the Tower every half an hour.

Walk back to Tower Bridge and visit the Tower Bridge Exhibition. You'll see some of the most spectacular views up and down the River Thames and learn about the history of one of London’s most famous landmarks.

Evening: West End Theatre Show

Experience London theatre, from musicals such as Billy Elliot and Mamma Mia, to opera and ballet at the Royal Opera House and modern dance at Sadler's Wells. There really is something for everyone.

After the show, take a trip into the Far East by walking north from Leicester Square into Chinatown, the bustling hub of London’s East Asian community. Whether you have an appetite for sushi or Szechuan, satay or stir fry, you'll find it in one of Chinatown's many restaurants.

Day Two

Morning: Shopping in Covent Garden

Wander around Covent Garden, Neal Street and Seven Dials for a spot of shopping. Don't forget to explore Covent Garden's covered market and, if the weather is good, sit outside and watch the street entertainers in the piazza.

Lunch: River Thames Lunch Cruise

Board the Bateaux London lunch river cruise, and enjoy a three-course set meal as you cruise along the river Thames.

Afternoon: Shakespeare's Globe and Tate Modern

Head to Shakespeare's Globe, where a tour offers a fascinating insight into Shakespearean London and today’s working theatre. Next door is Tate Modern, where you can browse the permanent collection or view one of the world-class exhibitions. Stop off for coffee at Tate café, Tate Modern's first-floor café looking out over the Millennium Bridge and St Paul's Cathedral.

Evening: Curry in Brick Lane

For dinner, try Britain's favourite dish – a curry – in Brick Lane, which is lined with curry houses and trendy bars. Aladin and City Spice offer good, value-for-money meals.

Have a few drinks after your meal by heading just north of Brick Lane to the buzzing Shoreditch and Hoxton areas, where you will find a wealth of trendy bars and clubs that are open until late.

Day Three

Morning: British Museum

Head to the British Museum, London’s single most visited museum, featuring exhibits such as the 2,000-year-old Lindow Man, Egyptian pharaohs and treasures from all over the world.

Afternoon: Camden Market

Take the Tube to Camden Town and explore Camden Lock Market, where you'll find fashion, jewellery, arts and crafts and some of London's more interesting characters. The market is a great place for lunch, with stalls and shops selling food from all over the world. 

Walk from Camden to Primrose Hill for one of the best views of London. This is a great spot for a picnic or a few pints in one of the nearby pubs.

Evening: Traditional London Pub

You can't come to London without visiting a traditional London pub for a pint and a bite to eat. Many of London's pubs offer delicious food, with menus ranging from typical British cuisine such as fish and chips to Thai.

Just a few favourites include The Melton Mowbray in The City, the Cittie of Yorke in King's Cross and The George Inn in London Bridge.

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