30 Best Things To Do in London

London is a fascinating and constantly evolving city. If you want to make sure you don't miss anything when you visit, make a note of these essentials
30 Best Things To Do in London

More about: 30 Best Things To Do in London

You could visit London several times and still not fully know it. Charming neighborhoods, magnificent museums, street markets, monuments that are World Heritage Sites, bucolic parks? London has more than a hundred tourist attractions, 9 million inhabitants and 35 million tourists a year. Here is a selection of what you have to see and do in the city.

1. Go on the London Eye

London Eye| ©Reiseuhu
London Eye| ©Reiseuhu

Admire London from the sky aboard one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, located in the heart of London. Its inauguration in 2000 earned it the title of 'Millennium Wheel' and its 135 meters high made it the tallest in Europe and, until 2006, the world.

The wheel has 32 glass capsules, each representing a neighborhood of the city, and the full tour with the standard ticket takes about 30 minutes, offering breathtaking panoramic views at 360 degrees.

Everything you need to know about the London Eye

If you are planning your visit to the London Eye, here you will find detailed information on everything you need to know about this must-see attraction of the British capital:

Book tickets for the London Eye

2. Visit Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament| ©judy dean
Westminster Abbey and Houses of Parliament| ©judy dean

Located at the center of political and religious power in England for over a thousand years, in the Whitehall and Westminster district, these two attractions are one of the must-see attractions in London.

Westminster Abbey is known as the "Church of the Royal Family" for serving as the pantheon of the British monarchs and the site of their coronations since 1066.

All you need to know about Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament

Westminster Abbey is one of the most important monuments in London, known for its Gothic architecture and historical significance. Also of note is the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and the iconic Big Ben tower. Below, you will find useful information to help you plan your visit in detail:

Book tickets to the Westminster Abbey

3. Enjoy breathtaking views from The Shard

The Shard standing out in the London skyline| ©Darko M.
The Shard standing out in the London skyline| ©Darko M.

The Shard is the tallest skyscraper in London and one of the most spectacular places to enjoy panoramic views of the city. With its panoramic observatory, it offers a unique experience that you can not miss. If you are already convinced, do not hesitate to book your tickets for The Shard and secure your visit.

Located next to the River Thames and near the famous Borough Market, The Shard is a landmark on the London skyline. From its height of 310 meters, it offers views that span up to 64 kilometers on clear days, allowing you to see iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge, St. Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye.

More information about The Shard

Here is some key information to help you make the most of your experience:

Book tickets for The Shard

4. Step inside the Tower of London

Tower of London| ©Doug Kerr
Tower of London| ©Doug Kerr

The Tower of London, located on the north bank of the River Thames, is a place steeped in history that stands out among the city's most important attractions. This imposing medieval castle, officially known as Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, has witnessed the most crucial events in British history. If you plan to visit it, don't forget to book your Tower of London tickets in advance to ensure access.

All you need to know about the Tower of London

Built in the 11th century after the Norman Conquest, this historic fortress has served a variety of functions, from royal residence to prison. Touring its more than seven buildings and areas of interest can take at least 3 hours, during which time you will discover its fascinating evolution over the centuries. Here is some essential information to help you organize your visit:

Book tickets for the Tower of London

5. Get to know Harry Potter's London and the young wizard's studios

Leadenhall Market| ©Simon Rae
Leadenhall Market| ©Simon Rae

Harry Potter fans have a unique opportunity in London to delve into the magical universe of this popular saga. From tours of the real places that inspired the story, to visits to the incredible Harry Potter Studios Park, the options are ideal for both children and adults who want to relive the magic.

Everything you need to know about Harry Potter in London

If you are a true fan or just looking for an original plan in the city, here is some useful information to organize your tour of the magical world of Harry Potter:

Book tickets for Harry Potter Studios

6. Take a cruise on the Thames

Thames River Cruise| ©Luca Vavassori
Thames River Cruise| ©Luca Vavassori

Seeing London from the River Thames is a unique experience not to be missed. A cruise offers you another perspective of the city, allowing you to contemplate its iconic monuments from the water. If you are already decided, do not hesitate to book a cruise on the Thames to enjoy this unforgettable activity.

Everything you need to know about Thames cruises

There are several cruise options, from quick one-hour tours to more exclusive experiences such as dinners on board. Plus, with flexible tickets you can hop on and off throughout the day, making it a convenient way to explore London while you relax. Here's some key information to help you plan your cruise.

Book a Thames cruise

7. Visit Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace| ©Hailey Wagner
Buckingham Palace| ©Hailey Wagner

You must also book a visit to Buckingham Palace, which has been the official London residence of the British Royal Family since the 19th century and is now inhabited by Elizabeth II and is lavishly decorated with chandeliers, elegant furnishings and treasures from the royal collection throughout rooms such as the Throne Room, where photographs are often taken at royal weddings.

You can visit Buckingham Palace as part of the attractions included in the London Pass or learn more about it with a palace tour.

Book a visit to Buckingham Palace

8. Attend the Changing of the Guard in London

Changing of the Guard| ©PRIMIFER
Changing of the Guard| ©PRIMIFER

If you want your experience to be more top, you have to opt for a visit to Buckingham Palace with the changing of the guard ceremony It is one of the most typical things to do in London. It is a very colorful military parade at the main entrance of the palace where you will see regiments of guards on foot and horseback accompanied by an orchestra that entertains the ceremony with music.

Those who perform the changing of the guard in London are a special section of the British army called the Queen's Guard (those in red uniform with the huge fur hat) whose mission is to protect the head of state, ie, Queen Elizabeth II.

If you want to know all the details about this curious spectacle, do not miss the article How to see the Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace in London.

Attend the Changing of the Guard Ceremony

9. Cross Tower Bridge

The London Bridge| ©Charles Postiaux
The London Bridge| ©Charles Postiaux

Built in 1894 over the River Thames, it is the most famous bridge to see in London and owes its name to its proximity to the Tower of London.

By booking tickets to Tower Bridge you can access this stone drawbridge and see the operation of the steam engine that lifts it and climb to the top and walk on a glass walkway while enjoying great views of the city. In addition, if you go with children you can also book a guided tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge for children.

Book tickets for Tower Bridge

10. Tour the city by sightseeing bus

Sightseeing bus| ©KK70088
Sightseeing bus| ©KK70088

Another way to get around London is aboard one of its many tourist buses, which you will see circulating around the city center at all hours. If you book a seat on the tourist bus in London, you can admire the city from the heights, comfortably seated and get on and off (his famous "Hop on-Hop off") as many times as you want in each of its hundreds of stops along all that can and should be seen in the wonderful metropolis of London.

There are several tour bus companies, including Big Bus Tours, the City Sightseeing, The Original Tour, Vintage Tour and Golden Tours, associated with Big Bus with the London Pass.

All of them work in the same way and include physical guides or audio guides in several languages, although they differ in their routes and number of routes, in prices, which are always cheaper if purchased in advance and online, and in certain services and offers included.

Book a place on the London sightseeing bus

11. Get culturized in the British Museum or British Museum

Inside the British Museum| ©Tamara Menzi
Inside the British Museum| ©Tamara Menzi

Inaugurated in 1759, it houses a large collection of key works in the history of mankind, from the Rosetta Stone in its Egyptian Room to the marbles of the Parthenon in Athens or a Moai from Easter Island. I recommend that if you do not want to miss any detail, book a guided tour of the British Museum because it is very difficult to cover it on your own, unless you are an art expert.

Book tickets and visits to the British Museum

12. Visit St. Paul's Cathedral

Interior of St. Paul's Cathedral| ©Mark Tominski
Interior of St. Paul's Cathedral| ©Mark Tominski

You also can't miss to book tickets to St Paul's Cathedral, which is the second largest cathedral in the world. It impresses with its great dome and its 111 meters high to which you can climb and get magnificent views of central London or descend to its crypt, where the remains of Nelson or the Duke of Wellington rest. Without a doubt, visiting St Paul's Cathedral is something you must do before leaving London.

Book tickets for St Paul's Cathedral

13. Stroll through Hyde Park

Hyde Park| ©ben.snider
Hyde Park| ©ben.snider

Another must is to visit the parks of the British capital. And what better way than booking a bike tour of the parks of London.

Hyde Park is the largest and most famous park in the city and you can walk between a huge lake, various monuments, a rose garden and the gardens and Kensington Palace, whose interior can also be visited.

Book a bike tour through the parks of London

14. Visit Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds in London| ©Citizen59
Madame Tussauds in London| ©Citizen59

Booking tickets for Madame Tussauds is another plan to take into account. It is known as "London's favorite tourist attraction" and one of the best to visit with the little ones thanks to its amazing wax reproductions of 250 of the most popular characters in the history of cinema, politics, music, sport or show business.

And now, in addition to everything there is to see at Madame Tussauds London, there are several immersive experiences about Sherlock Holmes, Star Wars, Marvel and the history of London aboard the Spirit London Ride. Check the types of tickets for Madame Tussauds

Book tickets to Madame Tussauds

15. Discover the best art at the National Gallery

National Gallery| ©Anas Miah
National Gallery| ©Anas Miah

Of course, you must also book a guided tour of the National Gallery. This renowned art gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings by such geniuses as Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Velázquez and Goya, among many others.

Book tickets and tours to the National Gallery

16. See a musical at the West-End

Sweeney Todd - West End| ©Studio Sarah Lou
Sweeney Todd - West End| ©Studio Sarah Lou

Who hasn't heard of London musicals? If you buy tickets for one of the musicals in London you will live an experience you will hardly forget.

Among the best musicals in the West-End of London you have some of the most famous ones such as Los Miserables or The Phantom of the Opera. If you can afford it, do not hesitate to sign it up as one of the plans for the London night: the show is worth it and for many of them you will not even need to know English, as the music and the staging will transmit you more than words.

Buy tickets for London musicals

17. Enter the dungeons of London

London Dungeon Museum| ©Zheileman
London Dungeon Museum| ©Zheileman

If you know a little of the history of the city of London, you will already know that it has more than one dark episode... Surely you are familiar with the characters of Jack the Ripper or Sweeney Todd, but have you ever heard of the Gunpowder Plot or the Great Fire of London?

If you buy tickets for the London Dungeon Museum you will find interactive shows that will tell you about all these events and other equally chilling ones. Read all the information about the London Dungeon Museum and get ready to be scared inthe dungeons of the English capital.

Book tickets for London Dungeon

18. Walk through Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square| ©a.canvas.of.light
Trafalgar Square| ©a.canvas.of.light

It is one of the most popular squares to see in London and where you can admire the Nelson's Column of 50 meters high built in honor of this admiral and the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. To get there comfortably, I recommend you book a London Big Bus tour bus.

Book a tour of London

19. Take a night tour of London

Alleyways where Jack the Ripper used to move around| ©terencechisholm
Alleyways where Jack the Ripper used to move around| ©terencechisholm

Get ready to have a scary time with a night tour of London that will show you the less 'pretty' side of the city of London through its blackest history and places like the Tower of London and its bloody tower, the first Psychiatric Hospital, the Plague Pits, the haunted areas of the East End and the stories of how and where one of the most famous serial killers in history, Jack the Ripper, operated.

There are many options, but I recommend you opt to book a ghost tour of London. Check all the information here.

Book a night tour of London

20. Take a tour from London

Stonehenge| ©Debbie Grap
Stonehenge| ©Debbie Grap

If you are lucky enough to have a long trip ahead or you have already visited London on previous occasions, you can take advantage of your trip to discover other wonders within walking distance of the capital. There are excursions from London for all interests and with several modalities to go only to one place or take advantage of the day visiting several of them as is the case of the excursion to Stonehenge and Bath.

If you book an excursion to Stonehenge from London, you can discover the most famous and mysterious megalithic complex on the planet with 5.000 years old, visiting Stonehenge on a tour from London; the renowned and picturesque university towns of Oxford and Cambridge; the medieval Warwick Castle and its wonderful gardens or the home of the British royal family for over 900 years, Windsor Castle -

. If you prefer, you can tour the bucolic English countryside of the Cotswolds; one of the most beautiful cities in the country, Bath; and discover the Magna Carta in Salisbury or where Shakespeare was born, in Stratford-on-Avon. You can get to these places by alternative bus or train transport, but there are some guided tours that will be more instructive, very comfortable and even cheaper than going on your own.

Stonehenge from London, an unmissable visit

If you ask my opinion, if I have to choose an excursion, it is Stonehenge. Because of the historical value of this complex, getting to Stonehenge from London is worth it either on your own or with an organized tour. There are many things to do in Stonehenge that will leave you with a good taste in your mouth, but without a doubt the best is to visit Stonehenge during the summer solstice. If you can choose the time to visit Stonehenge do not hesitate because the experience will leave you speechless.

Book a tour from London

21. Get lost in Notting Hill

Portobello Market| ©Robert Bye
Portobello Market| ©Robert Bye

London has many charming neighborhoods, but Notting Hill is also well known for movies like Mary Poppins, which sang of its bustling Portobello Market, or for the film of the same name, starring Julia Roberts. It is a delight for a Saturday morning stroll, when all the stalls of Portobello Street are set up among its beautiful colorful houses. And if you want to learn all about its history, book a personalized tour of London.

Book a personalized tour of London

22. Walk through St James's Park

St James's Park| ©Andrés Motta
St James's Park| ©Andrés Motta

Located near Buckingham Palace is one of the Royal Parks of London and the most loved by its citizens because of the beauty of its gardens and its fun children's areas. Remember that you can book a bike tour of London's parks.

Book a bike tour in London's Parks

23. Visit the Natural History Museum

Natural History Museum| ©Kevin Mueller
Natural History Museum| ©Kevin Mueller

London has some great museums but if you book a guided tour of the Natural History Museum you will be truly impressed. It exhibits spectacular recreations of all the species of the earth highlighting its mind-blowing scale reproductions of dinosaurs and an amazing skeleton of a blue whale.

Book a guided tour of the Natural History Museum

24. Hypnotize yourself with the lights of Picadilly Circus

The lights of Picadilly Circus at night.| ©Alex Holyoake
The lights of Picadilly Circus at night.| ©Alex Holyoake

If you book your ticket for the London night tour bus you will arrive at this small square at the intersection of several streets. Very popular for its bustling life as a meeting point for locals and outsiders, is characterized by its large video screens, neon advertising signs and the famous fountain with the sculpture of Eros. A spectacle for the senses starting at dusk.

From Piccadilly Circus you can reach one of the most famous shopping streets in the city, Oxford Street.

Book your ticket for the night tourist bus

25. Discover London with the best tourist cards

London Pass| ©ba7raini
London Pass| ©ba7raini

If you are planning your trip to London, tourist cards like the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass are your best allies to explore the city saving time and money. With the London Pass, you will have unlimited access to over 80 attractions for the number of days you choose, from the historic Tower of London to a relaxing cruise on the Thames. On the other hand, the Explorer Pass allows you to choose between 2 and 7 attractions from a list of over 50 options, ideal if you prefer a more personalized itinerary.

Both cards are designed to suit your travel style. If you want to immerse yourself to the fullest in the essence of London, the London Pass is perfect for you, while the Explorer Pass is the ideal option if you are looking for flexibility and only want to visit specific places. Plus, both passes include digital tickets and free cancellation options, because your trip should be as comfortable and stress-free as possible! Ready to discover all that London has to offer?

Book your London Tourist Card

26. Be amazed at the Sea Life Aquarium

Sea Life Aquarium| ©Domenico Convertini
Sea Life Aquarium| ©Domenico Convertini

Are you traveling to London with children? Do you like animals? In either case, a visit to the Sea Life Aquarium is a great choice to complete your trip to London.

This is not only the largest aquarium in England, but also has themed areas, interactive activities and an amazing glass tunnel from which you can see the more than 500 species that live in the Sea Life Aquarium. Of course, it is a very demanded plan so it is advisable to book tickets for Sea Life Aquarium in advance.

Book tickets for Sea Life Aquarium

27. Take a bike tour of London

Cycling in London| ©Luca Bolatti Guzzo
Cycling in London| ©Luca Bolatti Guzzo

Exercise, fun and places to see is what this bike tour of London offers you, where you will learn about the history of the city and more than 12 of its main attractions, such as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace, the street performers of Covent Garden or Trafalgar Square.

Book a bike tour in London

28. Go shopping in Candem Town

Candem Town| ©Javi Vte Rejas
Candem Town| ©Javi Vte Rejas

To get a different souvenir of the city of London you must visit this picturesque and popular neighborhood that houses the largest market in the city with over 1,000 stores and street stalls where you can eat while listening to live music.

If you dive around the area you are sure to find some of those secret places in London that do not appear in any guidebook. And if you're thinking about it, you can also get there comfortably with your ticket for the London sightseeing bus.

Book your London sightseeing bus ticket

29. Eat like a king in London without spending a lot of money

London Food| ©Ben30
London Food| ©Ben30

Although it may not seem like it is possible to eat well in a city as expensive as London without going broke even if you are looking to eat near the London Eye or eat near The Shard. Being one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet, the gastronomic offer is very varied and there are restaurants accessible to all budgets.

So you do not fall into the typical "tourist trap" in the article the best food tours in London I give you a list of 10 great restaurants where you can enjoy eating during your trip. You will see options for all tastes! Also, another option to take into account is to book a food tour in London.

Book a food tour in London

30. Visit Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe| ©FlyingCrimsonPig
Shakespeare's Globe| ©FlyingCrimsonPig

If you have seen the famous movie Shakespeare in love you will get an idea of what you will see on this visit to the reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater where Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed and where you will learn about playwriting in 16th century London, including the experience of afternoon tea.

Don't forgo comfort upon arrival

London Hotel| ©Matt Brown
London Hotel| ©Matt Brown

When we arrive in a new city we can't wait to get to our hotel, drop our bags and visit things. Unfortunately before that there is a rather cumbersome thing to go through: the airport. London has four airports and all of them are far from the center. Do you know how to get from Stansted airport to the center of London, from Luton airport to London, from Gatwick airport to the center and from Heathrow airport to your hotel in London?

You will not be short of public transport, but my advice is to hire a private or shared transfer in advance. The advantage? Not having to wait for your arrival and move with maximum comfort.

Book your airport transfer

Choose the best time to visit London

Christmas in London| ©Drew de F Fawkes
Christmas in London| ©Drew de F Fawkes

When is the best time to go to London? This is a difficult question as every season of the year has its charm; whether you go to London in summer, winter, spring or autumn you will find that the city has its charm.

However, seeing London at Christmas is one of my favorite options because of the decorations that dress the city at this time and the many festive activities you will find there. In any case, if you are not convinced the most useful thing to do is to take a look at these posts in which I tell you what to do in London in each of the months of the year:

Finally, if after reading all that London has to offer you have been overwhelmed and have doubts about how to make the most of your stay, I recommend you to visit these posts about what to see and do in London according to the days you are going to spend in the British capital. Have a good trip!

Book London Pass

Reviews from other travellers

4.7
· 31529 Reviews
  • A
    A. P.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    Very fun and informative. Marvin was entertaining and a good storytellers! We enjoyed it very much.
  • L
    L. P.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    He was great and very knowledgeable
  • S
    S. L.
    4
    (0 Reviews)
    Outside walking tour, was a surprise that it was only outside. Plan accordingly.
  • J
    J. M.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This is a must see.
  • H
    H. C.
    5
    (0 Reviews)
    This was a fantastic tour! Our tour guide was very engaging and so funny. A great way to see London and learn some not-so-well-known fun facts. Well worth your time and money, especially if you want to hop on/hop off at the different stops.