If you only have a long 3-day weekend in London, location is everything, and I couldn’t have picked a better home base for my first trip to the city than hub by Premier Inn Westminster Abbey. The rooms are on the smaller side, perfect for a solo traveler or a couple. It’s clean, modern, and exactly what you need when you plan to be out exploring all day.

This sleek hotel sits just one block from Big Ben and Westminster Station, which meant I could step outside and instantly be surrounded by some of London’s most iconic landmarks. For a short trip, it was the ideal setup: minimal transit time, maximum sightseeing.

Why Westminster Is the Ultimate Base for a Short London Trip

Staying in Westminster made London feel walkable, cinematic, and effortless. Every morning, I walked past Big Ben like it was no big deal (it never gets old), crossed Westminster Bridge, and had the River Thames right at my feet.

From this location, I was within walking distance of:

• Big Ben
• Westminster Abbey
• London Eye
• Parliament Square
• Scenic river walks along the Thames

And when I did need to hop on the Tube, Westminster Station and St. James’s Park Station were literally steps away connecting me easily to Soho, Covent Garden, Borough Market, and beyond.

Here is my 3 Day London Itinerary

Because I stayed so centrally, my days felt relaxed—not rushed.

Day 1

After arriving at Heathrow, I jumped on the Elizabeth Line to Paddington Station. I wouldn’t recommend taking the Piccadilly Line after a long flight—it can take close to an hour to reach central London, and after traveling, you’ll probably just want to drop your bags and get out into the city.

I stopped by the hotel to drop my luggage and paid about €15 for early check-in, which was totally worth it so I could freshen up and start exploring right away.

First up was Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, which I had already walked past on my way to the hotel. Westminster Abbey is where British history and centuries of royalty come together, and it’s just as impressive inside as it is from the outside.

Next, I hopped on a double-decker bus toward Buckingham Palace. While buses are slower than the Tube, I love being above ground and seeing the city along the way. The Tube is incredibly efficient, but the bus lets you soak it all in.

Now… the Palace. The iconic home of the British monarchy and the heart of London. It’s wild to imagine the royal family just chilling inside that massive building. The guards were fascinating to watch, although I still don’t know how they can see anything with those hats on.

After sightseeing, I was ready to eat, so I headed to The Albert, a British pub built in 1862 in the heart of Victoria, named after Queen Victoria’s husband, Prince Albert. This is where I had my first traditional fish and chips—a must while in London.

If you know me, you know I’m not ending the day without dessert. Years ago, when I fell in love with baking, I discovered Peggy Porschen on social media—everything pink, pretty, and charming. I was just a few blocks away, so of course I had to stop. I was not disappointed. The bakery is just as adorable in person, and the cupcakes and desserts were absolutely delicious.

Then it was back to the Hub for a hot shower and a well-earned night’s sleep.

Day 2

Day two was a full sightseeing day: historic streets, markets, bookstores, cafés, and iconic neighborhoods, all connected by quick Tube rides or scenic walks.

The day can’t start without good breakfast and hot coffee, so I hopped on the Tube and headed to Victoria House, near the Natural History Museum. Breakfast was good, but I highly recommend making a reservation unless you’re prepared to stand in line.

After breakfast, I headed over to the museum, then made my way to Hatchards, which has been in business since 1797 and holds the royal warrant to supply books to the royal family. This bookstore was such a treat—levels upon levels of books.

Next door is Fortnum & Mason, which is a must if you love tea. From there, I continued walking down Piccadilly to Harrods—because who doesn’t want to see this iconic maze of high-end shops? Practice self-control, though—there is a lot of shopping to be done in London.

From there, I jumped in an Uber to Borough Market. Sometimes, as a solo traveler, I enjoy taking an Uber, it’s nice to chat with the driver and get a little local history along the way.

My honest opinion? Borough Market is overwhelming. It’s busy, crowded, and nonstop. Yes, I got the £8.50 chocolate-covered strawberries, but that was it. I quickly made my way out and walked toward the Tower of London.

The market is full of food vendors, curried meats, cheeses, and everything you’d expect, but I personally prefer sitting down for a proper meal. My suggestion: make it a quick stop on your way to the London Eye or the Tower of London.

This ended up being a very long day—about 12 miles of walking, plus an Uber boat ride and several Uber trips once my feet had officially had enough. By sunset, I had seen everything I came to London for, and I was more than ready for dinner, a hot shower, and bed.

Day 3

Day three was slower and more relaxed, revisiting favorite streets, spending more time in spots I loved, doing a bit more shopping, and just taking London in.

If you love shopping, Selfridges is worth a visit—they truly have everything, from high-end designers to everyday finds. Liberty is another favorite, housed in a beautiful historic building known for its textiles, accessories, and unique finds.

One last bookstore stop is Daunt Books in the Marylebone area. This neighborhood is full of charming coffee shops and boutique stores and is the perfect way to wind down a London trip.

The Journey Back to Heathrow

For my trip back to Heathrow, I decided to take an Uber, and honestly, it was the perfect way to end the trip. After days of walking and navigating the city, sitting back and watching London roll by one last time felt calm and reflective. My driver shared bits of local history and pointed out landmarks along the way, which made the ride feel like a final mini tour of the city.

There’s something special about wandering a city on your own, moving at your own pace, and letting curiosity lead the way. This three-day London trip reminded me that you don’t need weeks to experience a place—you just need the right location, a good pair of walking shoes, and an open mind.

Once at Heathrow Airport, I gave myself plenty of time to explore. Heathrow is a shopping destination all on its own, and I made the most of it—browsing boutiques, picking up last-minute gifts, and of course, a few treats for myself. It felt like the perfect transition from city streets to the journey home.