Three days in London what to do

What do you like to do? History, art, theatre? It's a huge city and it's got it all. Since you only have 3 days I would prioritize what your interests are and then start focusing on that. For me it's history. Tower of London was a must-see and didn't disappoint. I love reading historical fiction or watching tv/movies as a start to getting an idea of the history of a place and then some of the sites I see are more meaningful. A couple of examples for me. Watching The Crown. I didn't really have much interest in the current Royals but I enjoyed the series and it made seeing Buckingham Palace more interesting. Same thing with Westminster Abbey. After reading about Elizabeth I, I was blown away when I saw her tomb.

What are your interests? Do you like history? Plenty of that to be found. Do you like art? Lots of art museums. Wanna go shopping? Plenty of stores to chose from.

How about starting with what RS recommends right here on the website https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/england/london .

https://www.visitlondon.com/things-to-do?ref=nav

Why have you opted to spend time there?

We were there last month, on a rainy day, and spent part of it seeing the Banqueting House. Our B&B hosts weren’t even aware of it, so maybe it’s a “hidden” gem, tucked away in plain sight, right in the center of London, a few blocks north of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, and a few blocks south of the National Gallery and St. Martin in The Fields church/cafeteria. Wasn’t a crowded sight, which was a plus!

The Banqueting House is the one surviving building from the immense Whitehall palace that burned down in the 1600’s. It was used to stage performances for King Charles I, before he was executed just outside it 370 years ago. The ceiling is a giant Reubens painting, showing Charles I as an infant, with his father, James I as a godlike figure, amongst cherubs, animals, and figures representing Wisdom and Justice. It’s like Britain’s Answer to the Sistine Chapel. There are mirrors so you can study the ceiling without craning your neck up, and beanbag chairs on the floor, so you can sit/recline comfortably, looking up, while listening to the audioguide, included with your admission.

Up the street at the National Gallery, there was a truly fantastic Paul Gauguin show, but that will be replaced by a Titian exhibition when you’re there in March . . . not to be missed!

Why are you going to London in the first place?

A match at Craven Cottage.

An evening at Sadlers Wells.

A walk around Highgate Cemetary.

Thank you all for the suggestions!

While many people like to visit the top 10 must see locations, we like to try to find quiet corners of London. Walking on the Thames pathway from Putney Bridge up (and past) Hammersmith Bridge is lovely. Little parks and old pubs scattered along the banks - hard to know that you're in busy London. The river pathway on the south side of the Thames from the Rotherhithe area (lovely in it's own right) towards the Tower Bridge is also a great way to see and experience London. Great views. Old pubs and lots of history abound.

The area around St Bartholomew the Great is nice and quiet. The church is beautiful and was in several movies. We happened to visit one time when Sherlock Holmes was being filmed there.

Thanks! I appreciate your input.

We saw the Banqueting house too! My brother in law who has been to London many times recommended it. We really enjoyed, especially the lack of crowds and the nice pillows to lay out while listening to the audio guide describing the ceiling.