London is a vibrant city with over 2,000 years of history. And with 170 museums alone, it can be a challenge narrowing down what to do in a single trip. The city is known for being a melting pot of cultures, diverse cuisine, performing arts, and history.
There is no way to see all the glorious things London offers on your first visit, which means picking only a few things to do per day. This list of the best things to do in London will help you decide where to start. And with everything from the best afternoon tea spots to charming neighborhoods to visit, there is something for all interests.
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Top Things to Do in London
Explore the Tower of London
The Tower of London is actually a fortified castle that sits along the banks of the River Thames. It was used as a royal residence, armery, prison, royal mint, and even a zoo for exotic creatures. Now, it is one of London’s top attractions and home to the crown jewels.
There is a lot to see here, so make good use of your audioguide, which will help you get around. Entry tickets cost £33.60 for adults and £16.80 for children over the age of five.
Guided tours are also available for those who want to learn more about the tower’s fascinating history. These include a knowledgeable Beefeater guide and allow you to skip the long lines to see the Crown Jewels.
Unless you join a guided tour, plan on a line to get into the tower. The line for the crow jewels will be much longer. In order to avoid these long lines, head to the Tower of London right when it opens and visit the crown jewels exhibit first. Between the beefeater tours and the numerous exhibits, you can spend at least two hours exploring the tower.
Check ticket availability and times.
Visit Big Ben
The famous clock is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and sits proudly in the Elizabeth Tower. In actuality, the tower’s largest bell is named Big Ben, but many people connect the name to the large clock instead. Big Ben sits on the north side of the Palace of Westminster, also known as the Houses of Parliament.
Standing 316 feet tall, you can glimpse the Elizabeth Tower from a mile away, but you will want to get close for a better view. And since it sits near several of the most popular attractions in London, you can easily add this to your list of things to do in London.
Learn About the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster sits on the banks of the River Thames, across from Westminster Abbey. The beautifully constructed building is where both the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet.
If tours are available during your time in London, I recommend purchasing tickets. Your guide will take you to some of the most important rooms in the Parliament Building and teach you about the House’s long and intruiging history.
Take a Tour of Westminster Abbey
After stopping by Big Ben and the House of Parliament, walk over to Westminster Abbey. This important church is where the coronation of kings and queens is held. It also has special ties to some of history’s most influential people, including Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens.
Entrance is not free, but you can take a self-guided tour of Westminster Abbey with the help of an audio guide for £27. You can also access the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries for an additional fee.
Unless you use a London Pass, you need to book your ticket in advance. Most of London’s attractions, including the free ones, require pre-selected slot times for entry to help lessen crowds.
For history lovers, a guided tour will grant you more knowledge of the famous abbey. The Westminster Abbey Tour includes skip-the-line tickets, a guide, and optional access to the Houses of Parliament (I highly recommend you see them!).
Stop by Buckingham Palace
One of the most important buildings in London is the royal residence which has been the home to a number of monarchs. The best way to visit Buckingham Palace is by walking down the Mall. The shaded avenue is beautiful and gives you the perfect view of the palace in the distance.
If you are able to visit at 11:00 am, you can watch the daily Changing of the Guard during the summer months. At other times of the year, the ceremony happens every other day. You can go to the palace website for an up-to-date schedule of dates.
This is one of the most crowded places in London, especially during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. For fewer crowds, try visiting early in the morning.
The massive 775-room palace is available to visit for ten weeks during the summer. Portions of the palace such as the State Rooms are available to tour on your own.
Exclusive guided tours are also available in the spring and winter for £90 a ticket. Unlike the general admission tickets, you can explore the palace after hours. Due to limited number of slots, pre-book these tickets as soon as they become available.
Tour the Churchill War Rooms
One of the most intriguing things to do in London is visit the Churchill War Rooms. These were used during World War II by Churchill and his staff in order to stay safe from air raids. The bunkers are located just around the corner from 10 Downing Street, deep underground. Save for a small entrance and sign, anyone could easily walk past the war rooms if they weren’t paying attention.
Going underground in the dark, cramped rooms and hallways really gives you an appreciation for the Prime Minister and his staff. And with an audio guide taking you through the bedrooms, offices, and map rooms, you learn a great deal about the daily life of the war cabinet.
Ride the London Eye
Take a ride on the London Eye for the best views of London. The large wheel is 443 feet tall, allowing you to see the city from a completely unique perspective. At one point, it even held the record for being the tallest Ferris wheel in the world.
In total, there are 32 pods that can hold up to 25 passengers. For a more romantic experience, you can pay for a private pod. A ride on the London Eye is very popular, so unless you purchase a Fast Track Ticket, you may have to wait a little while. A standard ticket costs £33 if purchased online.
Another option is to sit on the opposite bank of the Thames and enjoy the Ferris wheel from a distance. The London Eye is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up. Visit Tattershall Castle, a former ferry-turned-pub docked on the opposite side of the river for a pint with a view.
Check current ticket prices and availability.
Take a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
London is known for its bust tours which take you around the city to some of its most famous attractions. You can quickly see the main sites in a short time, all from the top of an iconic double-decker bus.
Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours are unique because you can do just that, hop-on and hop-off. With these particular experiences, you don’t have to stay the whole time. London Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tours allow you the flexibility to get off whenever you please while still learning from a guide along the way.
With 36 different stops to choose from, you can get off at many important sights. These passes can be purchased for 24, 48, or 72 hours and include a free cruise on the Thames.
Another popular experience is the London By Night Open-Top Bus Tour. Some landmarks you will pass along the way are Big Ben, Harrods, the London Eye, and Trafalgar Square. You will also get a chance to experience the neon lights of Piccadilly Circus, all from the top of an open-roof bus.
Relax at a Park
London has several large parks located throughout the city. St Jame’s Park is a personal favorite because of the variety of birds that live there. You could spend hours watching them around the river banks and trees. The 23-hectare park sits between some of London’s most important buildings such as Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade.
Hyde Park is also another terrific public green space in the city center. It sits along the Serpentine River, where you can rent paddle boards and boats for a leisurely afternoon on the water. There are also regular free concerts and outdoor events that happen here throughout the year. Hyde Park is most known for its Spearker’s Corner where public rallies and debates are held.
If you’re looking for some live entertainment, Regent’s Park has an Open Air Theater that regularly hosts comedies, musicals, and plays. You can also find London’s oldest scientific zoo here. In addition to these animals, you can find over 100 species of wild birds and hedgehogs spread around the 166-hectare green space.
Walk Across Tower Bridge
Another of London’s most famous landmarks is Tower Bridge, not to be confused with London Bridge. The structure stretches across the River Thames, connecting the north and south banks.
Tower Bridge is much newer than most other sites in London, having been constructed in 1894. Over 50 different designs were submitted before those of Sir Horace Jones were chosen for the massive project. There are pedestrian walkways at both sides of the bridge that are free to use.
You can purchase tickets to cross through the higher levels. Access to the glass walkway and the Engine Rooms are included with your pass.
Enjoy a Thames River Cruise
Want to see the city of London in a short period of time? River cruises are scenic ways to experience the city in just a few hours. With many iconic Landmarks sitting along the riverbank, cruises offer an inexpensive way to get around, all while enjoying a leisurely boat trip and tour guide.
The Thames River Sightseeing Company specializes in these tours and offers a number of experiences. One of the most popular tours is from Westminster to Greenwich. You can purchase a one-way or round trip ticket for as little as £15 for adults.
Visit One of London’s Markets
London is famous for its terrific markets that sell anything from food to gifts. One of the most popular is Borough Market. It has one of the most diverse assortment of food vendors in London. You can find stalls selling dishes from around the world, and all for relatively low prices.
Covent Garden Market is another popular place for foodies. They too have some tasty food stalls as well as a Saturday Farmer’s Market. You can also find several sit-down restaurants and boutique shops here. It is smaller than Borough Market, but a great place to come for a meal and free entertainment.
Another favorite is Leadenhall Market. It dates back to 1321 when it was used to sell meat and game. Since then, it has expanded to include anything from pubs, boutiques, and restaurants. The building itself is extremely iconic and highly photographed.
The covered market with its arched glass roof and brick is so beautiful that it has landed the building in movies such as Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone.
Take in London from the Shard
The Shard is a nickname for the tallest building in London. The 72-story skyscraper offers some of the best 360 views of London. From office spaces to award-winning restaurants, it is one of the most well-known modern buildings in the city.
Their observation deck near the top is a popular place for views of London from above. Once there, you have as long as you’d like to explore. You can even go up to the top level to the open-air Skydeck where you can see as far as 40 miles in all directions.
You can purchase Fast Track Tickets in order to skip the lines. Tickets start at £28 online, where you will book a specific date and time to visit.
Take a Trip to Windsor Castle
Did you know that Windsor Castle is the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world? This estate has been the home to over 40 monarchs since its founding in the 11th century. The original residence commissioned by William the Conqueror took 16 years to build. Over the centuries monarchs have added their personal touches to the residence.
Queen Victoria was the first monarch to open the residence to the public in 1837 with the purchase of a ticket. Today, Windsor Castle attracts around one and a half million people each year, making it one of the most popular attractions in London.
Tickets are available to visit sections of the castle including the State Apartments and St. George’s Chapel throughout the year. Since Windsor Castle is still a residence, opening times and dates vary. For updated tickets availability check the main site.
Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral was one of our favorite landmarks in London. The interior and exterior of the building are exquisite. St. Paul’s Cathedral was built by Sir Christopher Wren, who designed other important landmarks such as the Monument for the Great Fire of London and Cambridge’s Trinity College Library.
St. Paul’s Cathedral is open to the public for an admission cost of £20.50. Entrance tickets include an audioguide which takes you to all the different areas inside the cathedral. Once inside, you can explore the main level, crypt, and climb up to the dome.
Stroll Through Trafalgar Square
Sitting in front of the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, named after the victory in the Battle of Trafalgar against the French and Spanish. At the front of the square, you will find Nelson’s Column guarded on either corner by large bronze lions. The monument was designed by William Railton in honor of Nelson’s victory.
With beautiful large fountains, sculptures, and steps leading up to The National Gallery, Trafalgar Square is a popular place for tourists and locals to hang out. Numerous celebrations and events are hosted here throughout the year.
Tour the British Museum
London has a number of free museums, with the British Museum being one of the most visited. The building is extremely extensive and can take around three hours to explore. You can find anything from Egyptian artifacts to sculptures from Ancient Greece here.
The most famous artifact housed in the British Museum is the Rosetta Stone. Dozens of people crowd around the display at all times of the day. For the least crowded experience, visit at 10:00 am when the museum opens.
All the exhibits have plaques explaining each of the objects on display. Download the audio app onto your phone for more information on the museum’s treasures. There are 65 galleries available on the app for free, self-guided tours and expert commentary on over 250 objects.
Enjoy the Views at Sky Garden
For a less expensive view of London, visit the Sky Garden instead. The indoor observation area and garden are free to visit and open daily. You get some of the best views from the open-air terrace and indoor botanical garden.
You will still need to book a ticket in advance as only a number of people are allowed in at a time. Tickets are available a week in advance, and as this has become a popular thing to do of late, you will want to get yours right away. They tend to sell out quickly!
Visit The National Gallery
For lovers of art, The National Gallery should be on your list of things to see in London. You can find a variety of paintings displayed here from the 13th century all the way to the 19th century. There are over 2,300 paintings throughout the different wings and seasonal exhibits that change every few months.
The gallery houses works from the world’s greatest painters, including Monet, Van Gogh, and da Vinci. One of the highlights is Van Gogh’s famous Sunflowers. Not only are the collections impressive, but the large gallery rooms are exquisitely decorated.
In order to beat the lines, book your free ticket online in advance. Group and private tours are also available upon advanced request. These tours are led by an expert guide with several themed options available.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
One of the most relaxing ways to spend your afternoon is at a cozy hotel enjoying afternoon tea. The popular British tradition was introduced by the Duchess of Bedford in 1840.
The Savoy is one of the most historic and loved hotels in London and offers the best afternoon tea around. We had an absolutely wonderful experience here and recommend it to anyone.
Book Afternoon Tea at the Savoy
Other popular places for afternoon tea in London are the Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon and The Grill House. Check out my post on how to have afternoon tea in London for more information on this longstanding tradition.
Visit Piccadilly Circus
Known for its neon lights and large displays, Piccadilly Circus is a lively part of the city close to the late-night spots. This vibrant area is located in the West End of London, and has remained a busy commercial hub for centuries.
The name “Piccadilly” comes from the frill collars that were a popular fashion trend in the 17th century. A tailor by the name of Robert Baker created these piccadills and lived in the area. His house was eventually nicknamed the Piccadilly House, and thus, Piccadilly Circus was born.
There is more to do here than just peering at the large screen displays in the main square. The area also has several theaters and is close to Regent Street, known for its shops. No matter what time of day you can find tourists and locals relaxing around the Eros fountain. Visit at night for the most magical experience.
Explore the Natural History Museum
The highly photographed main lobby with its large blue whale skeleton is another top London museum focused on scientific discoveries. London’s Natural History Museum is a science research center focusing on life and earth science. You can find over 70 million species on display here as well as animal exhibits, space, and dinosaur exhibits.
Grab a Pint at an Historic Pub
Nothing is better than hanging out at a cozy London Pub, sipping on a pint, and indulging in traditional British comfort food. London’s most historic pubs have played host to some of Britain’s royals and the most influential literary figures of all time.
Dozens of pubs scattered throughout the city have been around since the 1500s, and have remained unchanged. The cramped rooms, low ceilings, and hidden nooks add to their charm.
Two of London’s most historic pubs are The Lamb & Flad and Ye Old Cheshire Cheese, but there are so many others. No matter what time of day, you will find locals crowded around the bar or sitting in a cozy booth.
Stop by the Churchill Arms
The Churchill Arms is probably one of the most famous pubs in London. It is also highly photographed for its beautiful exterior flower display that covers the sides and roof of the building.
The best time to visit is during spring and summer when the flowers are in full bloom. The flower display has even made the pub a Chelsea Flower Show winner. Christmas is another popular time of year as the pub is adorned with thousands of lights and decorations.
Since The Churchill Arms is extremely popular, you may have trouble finding room inside for a pint. You can reserve a table in advance on the dinner side though! Although I did not have the chance to try it, I have heard the food here is pretty good. And unlike most British pubs, they serve Thai cuisine instead of traditional pub food.
Watch a Play at Shakespeare’s Globe
Shakespeare’s Globe is both a tourist attraction and a live entertainment venue. The original theater, unfortunately, burnt down in 1613, so the current structure is a reconstruction. The Globe Theater was where William Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
You can visit the open-air theatre during the day or attend a live performance at night. For an authentic experience, the inside of the globe is constructed with all the original materials and setup, which includes standing-only areas near the stage.
Middle to upper gallery tickets will cost you between £25 and £68 depending on the seat locations, with general admission selling for as little as £5.
Don’t worry though! If you purchase the “yard” tickets, blankets and cushions are available to rent, so you won’t have to stand the entire time. Check out the official website for an updated schedule of live performances.
Conclusion
This post covered some of the best things to do in London, but there are so many more! If you are visiting London for the first time or staying for a few days, these attractions are a good place to start. For more travel tips and inspiration, check out some other featured guides on London.
Enjoyed this post? Here are some other London guides!
- 10 Best London Bus Tours for the Ultimate Sightseeing Experience
- Simple Tips for Visiting London on a Budget
- Ultimate London to Oxford Day Trip Itinerary
- 100+ London Captions to Inspire You
Travel Planning Resources
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT | Skyscanner is the top search engine for finding and booking flights. They price check over 1,200 travel sites to help you find the best prices.
VIEW ACCOMMODATIONS | For booking hotels and vacation rentals Booking.com is a top resource . They offer some of the cheapest rates and different payment options.
PLAN TRANSPORTATION
- Rental Car: Discover Cars is my go-to site when booking rentals. They work with hundreds of companies worldwide to help you find the best car for your needs and budget.
- Trains: Trainline is the best choice if you are traveling throughout England. They work with 270 companies for 45 countries in Europe and the UK.
- Bus: Omio is an easy website to use for booking train and bus tickets. Similar to Skyscanner, the website looks at hundreds of transport companies to get you the best deals.
SCHEDULE YOUR TOURS | There are many top companies available in Europe. Get Your Guide is one of the best sites for tours, excursions, and activities. Viator is another terrific website for all types of experiences.
GET TRAVEL INSURANCE | Having travel insurance is always a good idea. World Nomads is one of the top travel insurance companies. It will cover you if you must cancel your trip or if something unexpected happens.
Check out the resource page for additional travel planning resources.
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