Top Things To Do in London
From world-class museums to experiencing pub culture, here are the best things to do in London. World-class dining destination, cultural frontrunner, cosmopolitan fashion capital, and political powerhouse. These are just a few of the accolades describing the vibrant, history-rich British capital. Dr. Samuel Johnson famously said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Today, that statement has never felt more true. Things to do in London range from a Thames River cruise to exploring lush parks.
You can spot World War II monuments, visit food markets, and see street art-smothered neighborhoods. Duck into the British Museum or National Gallery when showers threaten. And soak up panoramic views of the skyline from the top of icons such as The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city’s dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal Menagerie, Her Majesty’s prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a Royal Mint, and a military storehouse over the course of its existence.
Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Public access to the interiors is limited to the summer, but it’s worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.
Crammed full of artisan foods, homemade goodies, delicious street dishes and fresh produce, Borough Market is the go-to destination for in-the-know London foodies. With a history dating back over 1,000 years, Borough Market is the city’s oldest and most famous food market, and—in case you need any more convincing—regular customers include celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Gordon Ramsay.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana’s funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.
Few landmarks epitomize central London as perfectly as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of the Houses of Parliament that’s officially known as Elizabeth Tower, after the late Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben, heralding Great Britain’s political heart in Westminster, stands as the striking centerpiece of the Thames waterfront. It towers over the Palace of Westminster, which houses the Houses of Parliament.
The London Eye offers panoramic views of world-famous central London landmarks from its prime location on the Thames River waterfront, opposite Houses of Parliament & Big Ben. The 443-foot-tall (135 meters) Ferris wheel was built to mark the millennium in the year 2000 and has since become one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.
Windsor Castle Tours and Tickets
Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world still used by resident monarchs. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on the site 900 years ago—and Windsor has been a royal palace and residence since. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.
St. Paul’s Cathedral Tours and Tickets
An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’smost recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of the late Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.
Tower Bridge Tours and Tickets
With its Gothic towers and central bascule flanked by dramatic suspension bridges, Tower Bridge is both a remarkable feat of engineering and one of the most recognizable of London’s landmarks. The famous bridge is a popular subject of London postcards, leading many to mistake it for London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream.
Thames River Tours and Tickets
Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city’s famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you’ll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare’s Globe, and the London Bridge.
Trafalgar Square Tours and Tickets
Trafalgar Square—the living, breathing, and beating heart of London’s West End—plays an integral part in local life as a site of celebrations, protests, performances, parades, and public gatherings. Overlooked by grand, stately buildings such as the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, this vast square is dotted with iconic fountains and statuary. Most famous among them is the 144-foot (44-meter) Nelson’s Column, which commemorates a British naval victory over France and Spain, and is guarded by four oversized bronze lions.
London Shard Tours and Tickets
Piercing the sky like a gigantic shard of glass, the London Shard is a spectacular sight. This architectural wonder, designed by Renzo Piano, is not only one of the city’s most iconic structures—it also boasts the highest observation deck in London.
Piccadilly Circus Tours and Tickets
Famous for its giant illuminated screens and near-constant stream of traffic, Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End has been featured in so many movies and TV shows that even first-time visitors feel they recognize the surroundings. Almost every visitor to London will pass through this major tourist hub at one point, whether on a sightseeing tour or while exploring other attractions.
Covent Garden Tours and Tickets
In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House, several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse, world-class restaurants, and major brand-name stores, this area is a must-visit for most travelers to London.
Shakespeare’s Globe Tours and Tickets
Meticulously constructed using period-appropriate materials to resemble the original Elizabethan Globe Theatre, which stood at a site just 656 feet (200 meters) away, Shakespeare’s Globe brings the theatergoing experience of yore to life. Plays—not exclusively Shakespeare’s, though the bard’s works do dominate the schedule—are staged in the atmospheric, circular, open-air auditorium.
Changing of the Guard Tours and Tickets
The Changing of the Guard is a centuries-old tradition that marks the official shift change of the Household Regiment—the King’s guards stationed at Buckingham Palace. One of the world’s most famous ceremonies and a top London experience, this ceremony gives visitors the chance to witness the grandeur of a royal march. Dressed in their iconic red suits and bearskin hats, the guards exemplify classic British pomp in a showing that’s not to be missed.
London Bridge Tours and Tickets
Often confused with the grand Tower Bridge, London Bridge, UK is more functional than fancy. It does, however, have a long history: It was first erected over the Thames River by the Romans, way back in AD 50. No visible trace remains of the original bridge, nor of the handful of structures that replaced it, including the one that became the subject of that famous nursery rhyme. Though the current concrete bridge, which opened to traffic in the 1970s, isn’t so photogenic, its views of London are hard to beat.
Downing Street Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most famous addresses, 10 Downing Street is the official residence of the British prime minister. The chancellor of the exchequer, responsible for the UK’s money and economy, lives next door at number 11. On any given day, you can see streams of important politicians walking through the doors of these two iconic addresses.
Parliament Square Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most popular and most visited tourist attractions, Parliament Square links many of the capital’s iconic buildings. The square is ringed by Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, the Supreme Court, and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs and features 12 statues of famous world leaders and historical figures.
St. James’s Park Tours and Tickets
One of London’s eight Royal Parks, St. James’s Park is a verdant jewel located right in the center of town. Flanked by Buckingham Palace, Green Park, and St. James’s Palace, the green space stretches across almost 57 acres (23 hectares). It’s renowned for its pretty lake, vibrant flower beds, and for hosting several regal events.
Westminster Tours and Tickets
Home to several of London’s most iconic attractions—including Parliament, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace—Westminster has been the capital’s political center for more than 1,000 years, and has been the setting of historical events, such as the Reformation, Gunpowder Plot, and Churchill’s World War II campaign.
Monument to the Great Fire of London Tours and Tickets
The Monument to the Great Fire of London, known locally as the Monument, commemorates the fire that swept London in 1666. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1677, the 202-foot (61-meter) Doric column stands exactly 202 feet (61 meters) from where the fire began. Today, visitors can ascend the landmark for panoramic views of the city.
British Museum Tours and Tickets
Founded in 1753, the British Museum is London‘s largest and most visited museum. Its gigantic permanent collection includes over 8 million historical artifacts, with everything from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs and mummies to Roman treasures. A veritable temple of history and culture, the museum is best known for its Ancient Greek sculptures, the world-famous Rosetta Stone, and the 12th-century Lewis chessmen.
Hyde Park Tours and Tickets
A vast patch of green in central London, Hyde Park originally served as a hunting ground for Henry VIII. The British Crown still owns the land, but the 358-acre (145-hectare) park is open to the public, welcoming picnickers, boaters, joggers, cyclists, and hosting seasonal events like rock concerts and Christmas festivals.
Regent Street Tours and Tickets
Lined with grand Victorian buildings and big-name stores, Regent Street was London’s first dedicated shopping street, dating back to the early 19th century. Running for over a mile (2 kilometers) between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus, the historical boulevard is a major traffic thoroughfare and one of London’s busiest streets.
Mayfair Tours and Tickets
One of Central London’s most affluent districts, Mayfair is known for its designer stores, luxurious hotels, and stately architecture—and as the birthplace of Her Majesty the Queen. It’s also bordered by two of the city’s largest green spaces—Hyde Park to the west and Green Park to the south—and home to immaculate gardens.
Southwark Cathedral Tours and Tickets
With a prime location on the south bank of the River Thames, looking out across London Bridge, Southwark Cathedral is one of central London’s oldest churches, dating back to the 12th century. Its official name is the Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Saviour and St. Mary Overie.
Whitehall Tours and Tickets
Packed with monuments and lined with some of London’s most significant government buildings, busy Whitehall is an important thoroughfare. Originally constructed as an entryway to the now-demolished Palace of Whitehall, the road may be short, but its heavy concentration of landmarks means walking down it is a must when touring London.
Fleet Street Tours and Tickets
Once the center of London’s newspaper industry, Fleet Street is one of the city’s most storied locations. At the top of the street you’ll find the Royal Courts of Justice, the UK’s highest court, also known as Old Bailey. Also here is the historic Temple Church—built by the Knights Templar and featured in Dan Brown’s novel The Da Vinci Code.
Leicester Square Tours and Tickets
Nestled between Soho, St. James’s, and the West End, Leicester Square is the intersection that never sleeps. Home to world-famous movie theaters, nightclubs, and a recently renovated park, the square attracts more than 2 million visitors each week. It has been popular as an entertainment hub since the 19th century.
Tate Modern Tours and Tickets
Perched on the banks of the River Thames, Tate Modern is the epicenter of London’s contemporary art scene. It’s a culture lover’s paradise and one of the largest modern art museums in the world, complete with cutting-edge works, thought-provoking installations, and dramatic think pieces.
Soho Tours and Tickets
This London neighborhood has it all: theaters, live music, art galleries, eclectic nightlife, shopping, historical sites, and a quirky food scene. Located in the West End District popular with actors, artists, musicians, and fashionistas, Soho is also the epicenter of London’s LGBTQ+ scene.
Westminster Bridge Tours and Tickets
The neo-Gothic Westminster Bridge connects Lambeth and Westminster. Though popular for its panoramic views, the Victorian bridge’s decorative details and cultural importance make it an attraction in its own right. The present-day structure opened on Queen Victoria’s birthday in 1862, though its history reaches back to the 17th century.
Marble Arch Tours and Tickets
Amid the blur of traffic of one of central London’s busiest intersections—the meeting point of Oxford Street, Park Lane, and Edgware Road—the grand Marble Arch is one of the city’s most striking landmarks, and it boasts an impressive royal history.
London National Gallery Tours and Tickets
Home to England’s greatest collection of paintings, the London National Gallery’s pantheon-style facade looms over London’s Trafalgar Square. With a storied history dating back to 1824, it’s no wonder this is one of the most-visited art museums in the world.
Green Park Tours and Tickets
The smallest of London’s network of eight Royal parks, Green Park is located in Westminster, between Hyde Park to the west and St. James Park to the east. The 40-acre (16-hectare) green space is dissected by the Mall on one side and Constitution Hill on the other, right next to Buckingham Palace. It’s a peaceful triangle, known for mature plane and lime trees as well as a number of memorials, statues, and fountains.
Harrods Tours and Tickets
Built by Charles Henry Harrod in 1834 and now owned by Qatar Holdings, Harrods is London’s largest and most iconic department store. With 330 different departments spread over seven floors, it’s a top choice for shoppers, selling everything from luxury souvenirs and gourmet British foods to renowned designer brands and stylish homewares.
SEA LIFE® London Aquarium Tours and Tickets
Located in a colonnade-fronted, early 20th-century County Hall building (the former headquarters for the Greater London Council), the SEA LIFE® London Aquarium is one of Europe’s aquatic museums with 14 themed zones. Marine-life displays include walk-over glass shark tanks, transparent tunnels where sea turtles swim overhead, and kaleidoscopic coral reefs. Visitors also love the penguin exhibit, where it’s possible to observe adorable orange-beaked gentoo penguins waddling on land and swimming gracefully underwater.
Oxford Street Tours and Tickets
Built upon one of London’s oldest Roman roads, Oxford Street is now Europe’s most famous retail avenue. An array of major outlets and boutiques cater to about a half million shoppers each day. The street’s history, architecture, and Christmas light displays also draw all manner of visitors to the capital.
Millennium Bridge Tours and Tickets
London’s Millennium Bridge, aka the London Millennium Footbridge, sits at the intersection of architecture, art, and engineering. The sleek, 1,083-foot-long (330-meter) steel suspension bridge stretches over the River Thames, connecting St. Paul’s Cathedral on the north bank to the Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre on the south.
St. Pancras International Tours and Tickets
Both an architectural marvel and a key transit hub, St. Pancras International is one of London’s most striking landmarks. Opened in 1868, the station is the hub for the Eurostar service that connects London to Continental Europe. The station also connects to King’s Cross station, where you can catch the mainline and London Underground trains.
King’s Cross Tours and Tickets
King’s Cross is both a major railway station in London and a neighborhood that circles the transport hub. Many thousands use the station every day to reach cities in the north of the UK and access the Tube (subway station. Neighboring St. Pancras holds the Eurostar Terminal, where passengers can hop on a train to Paris or Amsterdam.
London Dungeon Tours and Tickets
The immersive London Dungeon transports visitors into London’s past for a theatrical journey into the city’s underbelly. Participants make their way through a series of shadowy rooms, where costumed actors reveal the most horrible tales from the capital’s history, including accounts of the gory murders committed by Jack the Ripper and Sweeney Todd, the failed Gunpowder Plot of Guy Fawkes, and the Great Fire of London. The meticulous sets, spooky special effects, and thrilling rides make for a memorable, shriek-out-loud experience.
Leadenhall Market Tours and Tickets
Leadenhall Market itself dates back to the 14th century, while its City of London location has links to Roman Londinium (AD 43). The ornate structure of today was designed by Sir Horace Jones in 1881, though the market has since swapped meat trade for modern retail, and adopted an alter ego as Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter film series.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour London Tours and Tickets
Embark on a magical journey into the world of one of the most beloved film series ever at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Wander through iconic sets like Diagon Alley, Dumbledore’s office, and the Great Hall. Uncover behind-the-scenes secrets and marvel at the special effects that brought the wizarding world to life. Take in an impressive collection of costumes, legendary props, and interactive exhibits that make the magic even more real.
Canary Wharf Tours and Tickets
Canary Wharf, once a bustling docklands area, has emerged as one of London’s most influential financial hubs. Today, alongside the City of London, it stands as a central business district that drives the capital’s economy. Its stunning skyline, filled with modern skyscrapers, highlights its transformation into a global powerhouse.
Wellington Arch Tours and Tickets
Built to celebrate British victories over Napoleon, Wellington Arch served as London’s smallest police station before being handed over to English Heritage and opened to the public. Exhibitions document its construction, while an open-air viewing gallery offers views over Hyde Park and the queen’s back yard, aka Buckingham Palace gardens.
Somerset House Tours and Tickets
Once a Tudor palace, Somerset House was redesigned by Sir William Chambers in 1776 as part of the city’s infrastructural improvements. Now a creative and cultural hub offering shows and activities year-round, the building is also known to have appeared in the Sherlock Holmes and James Bond films, among others.
Fortnum & Mason Tours and Tickets
Fortnum & Mason is one of London’s most iconic and best-known department stores. Set on Piccadilly Street, it has been a key local shopping destination since 1707, but it’s also a must-see for visitors who want to peruse luxury goods, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, and purchase souvenirs.
Cutty Sark Tours and Tickets
Now permanently docked in Greenwich, London, this 19th-century tea clipper—one of the fastest vessels of its era—once sailed the seas between Britain and China. Onboard exhibitions and costumed characters document what life was like for the crew as they steered the ship to ports all around the world.
Brick Lane Tours and Tickets
Graffiti-lined Brick Lane has long been an immigrant neighborhood, having hosted French Huguenot, Irish, Jewish, and—most recently—Bangladeshi communities. The string of curry houses at its southern end specialize in Indian and South Asian cuisine, while farther north, retro clothing shops, cafés, and bars dominate the scene.
Old Spitalfields Market Tours and Tickets
Established in the 1860s, Old Spitalfields Market is a historic market that is still bustling today. The covered marketplace is full of stalls offering a mix of chain restaurants and local street food as well as unique, locally designed goods, imported wares, vintage clothes, handmade jewelry, and all manner of quirky items.
Royal Opera House Tours and Tickets
The third theater to have stood on this Covent Garden site, the Victorian-era Royal Opera House (ROH) was given a major facelift at the turn of the 21st century. The landmark venue now hosts performances by two of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious companies: the Royal Ballet and the Royal Opera.
Abbey Road Tours and Tickets
Pop pilgrims flock to this black-and-white-striped crosswalk in North London for the ultimate photo opportunity. Day in and day out, Beatles fans can be seen trying to recreate the iconic 1969 “Abbey Road” album cover photo at this now-iconic pedestrian crossing. Nearby lies Abbey Road Studios, the famous recording studio where the Beatles recorded many of their hits.
Carnaby Street Tours and Tickets
An alternative-fashion mecca during the Swinging Sixties, Carnaby Street epitomized It was home to iconic boutiques like Mary Quant, frequented by The Who and the Rolling Stones, and even name-checked in pop hits like The Kinks’ Dedicated Follower of Fashion. By the 1970s, it became a stomping ground for the punk movement, with the Sex Pistols and their anti-establishment ethos leaving their mark on its rebellious spirit. Today, Carnaby Street blends its counterculture heritage with modern flair, remaining one of central London’s coolest shopping destinations.
Hampton Court Palace Tours and Tickets
Once the residence of the infamous King Henry VIII, Hampton Court is one of the king’s two remaining palaces and one of the grandest castles in England, having once been planned to rival the Palace of Versailles in France. With its 500 years of history, the palace has witnessed royal drama, political intrigue, and architectural transformation, making it one of England’s most fascinating historical landmarks.
Westminster Cathedral Tours and Tickets
Not to be confused with the more-famous Westminster Abbey, just a short walk away, Westminster Cathedral is England’s most important Roman Catholic Church and an architectural landmark in its own right.
Notting Hill Tours and Tickets
Immortalized in the 1999 romantic comedy of the same name, Notting Hill is a popular West London neighborhood and is at the top of many visitors’ wish lists. Known for its vibrant rainbow-hued houses, the bustling Portobello Road market, and the highly anticipated Notting Hill Carnival, the area stands out as one of London’s most colorful and lively neighborhoods, offering a unique blend of cultural events and iconic sights.
Cenotaph Tours and Tickets
One of London’s most important commemorative monuments, the Cenotaph—located on Whitehall, just steps from 10 Downing Street and Churchill’s Imperial War Rooms—was originally created to memorialize the British troops who lost their lives in World War I. Today, it remembers all British servicemen who have fallen in conflict.
Diana Memorial Fountain Tours and Tickets
Dedicated in 2004 by the late Queen Elizabeth II, the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain was established in remembrance of Princess Diana following her untimely death. The oval fountain—created by landscape architects Gustafson Porter + Bowman, and constructed from Cornish granite—was designed to be accessible, and to invite peaceful contemplation.
London City Hall (Southwark) Tours and Tickets
Note: London City Hall (Southwark) is temporarily closed.
Famed for its striking looks, London City Hall (Southwark)—which overlooks the Thames and is just steps from Tower Bridge—was designed by starchitect Norman Foster (who also created the city’s iconic “Gherkin” skyscraper.
Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum Tours and Tickets
One of the world’s largest tennis museums, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum—located just steps from the world-famous Centre Court—delves deep into the history and highlights of the sport. Items on display range from trophies and outfits worn by former Grand Slam champions to Olympic memorabilia and other historical mementos.
London Chinatown Tours and Tickets
