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3 Day London i10

  • Writer: C. Dobby
    C. Dobby
  • Dec 31, 2025
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jan 3

3-days in London: All My Favs!


I know that I say this a lot about many places but I could l legitimately live in London. It has a moxy to it mixed with endless restaurants, cozy pubs, and a never ending list of things to do! It is a nice city to blend local and touristy into one trip. Here’s how I’d spend 3 days in London:


Where to Stay:

  • Shoreditch or Hackney → creative, fun restaurants, wine bars, vintage shops, record stores, and nightlife. Best if you want a more true lived in London experience.

  • Westminster → classic, touristy, postcard London (Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, river walks). Best if this is your first time and you want everything close.



Day 1: Shoreditch Strolls & Wine Bar Energy

Creative London, low-pressure exploring


Morning

  • Coffee @ Oat Coffee or Jolene

  • Wander Shoreditch High Street, peek into vintage shops, record stores, and art-covered side streets.


Lunch

  • Casual but chic lunch at Rogues! It is perfect for solo dining energy. I highly recommend their set menu. I have had it 3 times and every time I loved it. https://rogueslondon.uk/


Afternoon

  • Browse Mare Street Market for fashion, home goods, flowers, yummy food, and order a spicy marg from the bar while you do all the above. https://marestreetmarket.com/hackney/

  • Optional: long walk toward Spitalfields for people-watching and any photos you want to take. After that, head back to your AirBnB to reset for dinner and evening vibes.


Evening

  • Start with cocktails at Natural Philosopher which is a bit moody & intimate. You always know if a place is cool based on the servers outfit (I don’t make the rules) and NP doesn’t disappoint. https://www.naturalphilosopher.co.uk/

  • Head to dinner at Senza Fondo! Bottomless lasagna, £5 Negronis, and a really cute interior! https://www.senzafondo.com/

  • End the night pub hopping! Honestly, any cozy pub will do and there are plenty to choose from. Order a pint & sit at the bar, always.

  • Optional - if you’re not into pubs and would rather a nice cocktail, head to Seed Library. You will not be disappointed:) https://www.seedlibraryshoreditch.com/



Day 2: Iconic London, But Make It Chill

Touristy highlights without the chaos


Morning

  • Grab a coffee from Iris & June http://www.irisandjune.com/

  • Early walk past Big Ben and along the Thames (best photos before crowds).

  • Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace which is a classic, but still very cool! Go a little bit earlier before 1045 to get a good view spot.


Late Morning

  • Hop on a bus tour (sit upstairs, headphones in, minimal effort sightseeing)


Afternoon Tea

  • Treat yourself to afternoon tea at London Marriott Hotel County Hall which has river views, calm energy, and a huge selection of tea and snacks. Go hungry! The scones are deceivingly filling. https://www.thelibraryatcountyhall.com/


Early Evening

  • Take an Uber over to Nottinghill to catch a little bit of the market, vintage stores, and the iconic colored houses!

  • Stop into Canteen for dinner - this place is really cute. Fresh menu, yummy cocktails, Italian inspired with a modern take. To note, they don’t take reservations so you have to get there a little early or at non peak times. https://www.canteen310.com/



Day 3: Markets, Music & Local Favorites

Relaxed, lived-in London


Morning


Afternoon

  • Wander around Kentish Town—less touristy, more local.

  • Late lunch or early dinner at Parakeet (cozy, elevated pub food). I really enjoyed the ambiance here and the bartenders were all super friendly and nice! https://theparakeetpub.com/


Evening

  • Check if anyone’s playing at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town! I saw the Band Camino here and I really loved the venue. It’s cozy and intimate with an old style theater feel.

  • Nightcap at a nearby pub or wine bar.



This honestly makes me want to head back to London one more time before this summer. I think of it as the New York of the UK & Europe. Everyone has great style, so many different types of food, and it’s just one big melting pot of culture and history. I absolutely love it. Alrighty, I’m outtie! TYWIL! Xxoo

 
 
 

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