You'll see the highlights but feel rushed. 4 days minimum lets you actually enjoy places instead of just checking them off.

How much should I tip?

10-12% at restaurants if service charge isn't included. Nothing required at pubs. Round up taxi fares to nearest pound.

Can I drink the tap water?

Yes, it's excellent. Restaurants must provide free tap water by law. Bring a refillable bottle.

Do I need to book restaurants?

For dinner at popular places, yes. Lunch usually fine to walk in. Book shows well in advance, especially musicals.

How to Spend a Long Weekend in London

A proper London long weekend needs 4 days minimum. Focus on one area per day: Westminster and the South Bank on day one, museums and Hyde Park area on day two, East London markets and neighborhoods on day three, plus a day trip to Windsor or Greenwich. Budget £80-120 per day including accommodation.

Book accommodation in Zone 1 or 2. Stay near a Tube station. Hostels run £25-40/night, mid-range hotels £80-150/night. Avoid anything beyond Zone 3 unless you enjoy long commutes.
Get an Oyster Card at the airport. Load £40 for the weekend. Daily cap is £8.50 for Zones 1-2. Much cheaper than buying individual tickets.
Day 1: Westminster and South Bank. Start at Westminster Bridge at 9am. See Big Ben (under scaffolding until 2028), Westminster Abbey (£25), walk across to London Eye area, continue east along South Bank to Tower Bridge. Takes 6-8 hours with stops.
Day 2: Museums and Hyde Park. British Museum (free, 3 hours), lunch in Fitzrovia, walk to Hyde Park, visit V&A or Natural History Museum (both free). End at Harrods if you're into department stores.
Day 3: East London. Borough Market (Saturday is best), cross to Brick Lane for lunch, explore Spitalfields, end in Shoreditch for dinner and drinks. Sunday: Columbia Road Flower Market opens at 8am.
Day 4: Day trip. Windsor Castle (£28.50, 1 hour by train) or Greenwich (free park and observatory, 30 minutes by DLR). Both doable as half-days if you start early.

Is 3 days enough?: You'll see the highlights but feel rushed. 4 days minimum lets you actually enjoy places instead of just checking them off.
How much should I tip?: 10-12% at restaurants if service charge isn't included. Nothing required at pubs. Round up taxi fares to nearest pound.
Can I drink the tap water?: Yes, it's excellent. Restaurants must provide free tap water by law. Bring a refillable bottle.
Do I need to book restaurants?: For dinner at popular places, yes. Lunch usually fine to walk in. Book shows well in advance, especially musicals.