Is 3 days enough for first-time London?

Yes for hitting the main highlights. You'll see the royal sites, major museums, and get a feel for different neighborhoods. You won't see everything, but you'll leave satisfied and know what to prioritize on a return trip.

Should I get a London Pass?

Not for 3 days. The London Pass costs £78 for 3 days but only makes sense if you visit 6+ paid attractions daily. Most first-timers visit 1-2 paid sites per day plus free museums and walking around.

How much time do I need at each major attraction?

Westminster Abbey: 90 minutes. Tower of London: 2-3 hours. London Eye: 1 hour total including queue. British Museum: 2+ hours minimum. National Gallery: 1-2 hours. Plan accordingly and don't rush.

Is it better to stay in Zone 1 or Zone 2?

Zone 1 for a first visit. You'll walk more and tube less. The small extra cost in accommodation saves time and transport costs. Zone 2 works if you find a great deal near a major tube line.

How to plan a 3-day first-time London itinerary

Focus on Westminster and Central London on day 1, the Tower of London and Thames area on day 2, and museums plus neighborhoods on day 3. Book the London Eye and Tower of London in advance. Stay near Zone 1 tube stations and get an Oyster card for transport.

Book your must-sees first. Reserve the London Eye (£27 online, £37 at gate) and Tower of London (£29.90 adult) at least a week ahead. Both sell out regularly. The London Eye runs every 30 minutes; book a specific time slot. Tower of London tickets are valid for the date you select.
Plan your days by geography. Day 1: Westminster area (Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace). Day 2: Tower Bridge area and the Thames (Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Borough Market). Day 3: Museums and neighborhoods (British Museum or Tate Modern, plus Covent Garden or Notting Hill).
Map your accommodation to transport. Stay within walking distance of a Zone 1 tube station. King's Cross, Russell Square, or anywhere on the Piccadilly, Central, or Northern lines puts you 20 minutes from major sites. Avoid staying south of the Thames unless you're comfortable with more complex transport connections.
Get an Oyster card on arrival. Buy one at Heathrow or any tube station. Load it with £45 for 3 days. Daily cap is £7.70 for Zones 1-2, so you'll never pay more than that regardless of how many trips you take. Much cheaper than buying individual tickets at £2.80 each.
Time your museum visits. British Museum and National Gallery are free but crowded after 11am. Go when they open (10am for both) or after 4pm. Tate Modern opens at 10am and is less crowded on weekdays. Allow 2-3 hours minimum for any major museum.

Is 3 days enough for first-time London?: Yes for hitting the main highlights. You'll see the royal sites, major museums, and get a feel for different neighborhoods. You won't see everything, but you'll leave satisfied and know what to prioritize on a return trip.
Should I get a London Pass?: Not for 3 days. The London Pass costs £78 for 3 days but only makes sense if you visit 6+ paid attractions daily. Most first-timers visit 1-2 paid sites per day plus free museums and walking around.
How much time do I need at each major attraction?: Westminster Abbey: 90 minutes. Tower of London: 2-3 hours. London Eye: 1 hour total including queue. British Museum: 2+ hours minimum. National Gallery: 1-2 hours. Plan accordingly and don't rush.
Is it better to stay in Zone 1 or Zone 2?: Zone 1 for a first visit. You'll walk more and tube less. The small extra cost in accommodation saves time and transport costs. Zone 2 works if you find a great deal near a major tube line.