49 BEST THINGS TO DO IN LONDON, ENGLAND - BUCKET LIST EXPERIENCES

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This post is about the top things to see and do in London, England

**So you’re planning a trip to London, England and you need a little travel inspiration to get you started?**

Don’t worry - this list has you covered!
London is massive. It takes days or weeks to see the best of London and trying to figure out what to do can be overwhelming.
There’s something for everyone on the list whatever your interests, be it art, museums, food, nightlife, architecture… You will find many things on the list that appeal to you and you should add on to your London itinerary.
All you have to do is pick and choose based on your interests to create your perfect trip to the city.
Below is the list of the 49 best things to do in London. Don’t expect to be able to see them all on your first trip to London. But that gives you a great reason to return to London another time.

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Iconic Sights of London

1) Take a Beefeater tour of the Tower of London

This iconic landmark was established by William the Conqueror in 1066 and has played a pivotal role in the annals of British history. It was used as both a prison and a royal residence and now houses the crown jewels.

You can marvel at the Imperial State Crown, the Sovereign's Sceptre, and the Cullinan Diamond – the largest clear-cut diamond in the world.

For an educational guide through British history, you shouldn’t miss the Beefeater tours that are held daily. They will guide you through all the tower's secrets and are very entertaining.

Once at the Tower of London, you can join the next available tour, there’s no need to book it in advance.

For hours, pricing, and to purchase your tickets in advance, visit the official website

A visit here lasts around 1-2 hours.

2) Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarch. Buckingham Palace is probably the most famous royal residence in the world and since 1837, this is where the British monarchs have called home.

Strolling along The Mall to Buckingham Palace is a must-do for first timers to London. This is also where you can watch the Changing of the Guard which is another must-do for your first time in London. More details are included later in the list.

A great thing to do whilst visiting London is to take a tour Buckingham Palace and you can learn more here.

3) Big Ben

Big Ben is one of London’s most famous landmarks. For a first timer in London, it is a crazy sight to see this famous landmark in person when you get that first glimpse of Big Ben.

Big Ben is not actually the name of the tower but the name of the largest of the five bells inside of the clock tower. This bell weighs 13.76 tons (30,000lbs) tolls on the hour, every hour.

The tower itself was previously known as 'The Clock Tower', but in 2012 it was renamed Elizabeth Tower to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.

The tower was completed in 1869 and is probably the most recognisable clock in the world.

The Elizabeth Tower itself is 96m tall and has 399 steps inside, leading all the way to the Aryton Light (a lantern type structure) at the top.

This iconic tower sits on the north end of the Houses of Parliament. You can book to go on a tour of the tower. Tickets are released around 3 months in advance and they sell out quickly so you have to be quick to book.

The best views of Big Ben can be seen by walking across Westminster Bridge from the south side of the river, going on the London Eye, or on a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London.

The clock faces are always illumated at night which makes for some amazing photographs. Also, look out for the light illuminating at the top of all four clock faces as that indicates that Parliament is in session.

4) Houses of Parliament

The Houses of Parliament have been used for political meetings since the Norman conquest in 1066. The Houses of Parliament are the centre of the British government where the House of Commons and the House of Lords assemble.

The oldest part of the Houses of Parliament is Westminster Hall which was built in 1097 which is an incredible part of the building.

Did you know that you can actually do a tour the Houses of Parliament and even attend the debates at the House of Commons or House of Lords? For more information, click here.

5) St Paul's Cathedral

St. Pauls’ Cathedral is a very famous London landmark. It is instantly recognisable by it’s world famous dome. The present design of the cathedral is by Sir Christopher Wren and was built from 1675 to 1710 after the Great Fire of London destroyed most of the old St Paul’s Cathedral in 1666.

It is still an active place of worship and has seen many of Britains most important events over the years including the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana in 1981. The funerals of several important figures have been held here including Margaret Thatcher, Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill.

There is so much to see in the cathedral and you could easily spend a whole morning or afternoon admiring the different chapels, religious artifacts and artwork and absolutely stunning fresco ceilings.

The highlight of a trip to St Paul’s Cathedral is climbing up the dome. It’s not for the faint hearted as you have to climb 526 steps in total but you are rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of London.

The first 259 steps takes you to the Whispering Gallery where you will get the most amazing views of the inside of the cathedral. The Whispering Gallery gets it’s name from the fact that the slightest whisper can be heard on the other side of the gallery.

Another 117 steps takes you up to the Stone Gallery. If you’re feeling like you can go further (and you should!) the final 150 steps take you to the Golden Gallery at the very top where you get the London views.

St. Paul’s Cathedral opens at 8:30 am most days of the week. On Wednesdays it does not open until 10 am and Sundays it is closed to visitors. I recommend getting updated hours before your visit because these can change.

I recommend you book your tickets in advance for St Paul’s Cathedral.

A visit here will last at least an hour and a half.

TOP TIP : For a unique view of St Paul’s Cathedral from the outside head to the rooftop terrace of One New Change shopping centre. It offers one of the best views in London.

6) Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square was established in the early 19th century and was named to commemorate the Battle of Trafalgar that happened in 1805. In this battle Horatio Nelson and the British Navy defeated Napoleon. Which is why right in the centre of the square stands a 52m column called Nelson’s Column that has a statue of Nelson on top.

Surrounding the column are two large fountains which many people sit around, especially in the warmer weather. It’s a place that tourists and locals alike gather.

There are also four huge black lion statues surrounding Nelson’s Column that I remember climbing on to when I was young on my first trip to London. The lions at the base of Nelson’s Column represent the heroism Lord Nelson showed during the battle.

Also in Tragalgar Square is the National Gallery which is one of the best museums to visit in London.

Trafalgar Square is not a place that you have to spend a great deal of time but it is a must-go-to when you visit London.

If you are visiting London during the Christmas season you won’t be able to miss the big Norway spruce Christmas tree that is gifted to London from Oslo each year as a thank you for Britain’s help during the Second World War. Trafalgar Square is a great place to spend New Years Eve in London as well. There are lots of crowds, celebrating and bringing in the new year together.

7) Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an absolutely must-see landmark when you visit London. It’s possibly one of the most recognisable bridges in the world.

Lot’s of people get confused between London Bridge and Tower Bridge. Tower Bridge is much more impressive than London Bridge and the one most people recognise. It is so-named as it is right next to the Tower of London. London Bridge is a 10 minute walk down the river from Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge is not as old as it looks! Construction began in 1886 and the bridge was opened in 1894. It was designed to blend in with the historical buildings that were around the area at the time.

Tower Bridge usually opens up several times a day to let ships through. If you want to see the bridge open you can visit the Lift Times page on the website to find out when it will be raised during your time in London. If you know the times of the lifts you can even go up to the glass walkway at the top and be able to see the lift from above.

If you want to go up Tower Bridge you can see inside the North and South Towers and inside the engine room. The engine room contains the steam engines that were originally used to power the lift mechanism of the bridge. The walkaway is made mostly of glass so you get amazing, panoramic views of London and you can look down to the traffic crossing the bridge below and to the river.

If you don’t want to go up Tower Bridge you can always just get some great photos from either side of the river. You can also walk across the bridge whenever you want, except when it’s raised for ships.

8) Westminster Abbey

Visiting Westminster Abbey is one of the best things you can do in London.

Westminster Abbey is the site of many of Britain’s most important moments in history. The building was consecrated in 1065 and every British monarch has been crowned there since 1066. On 6th May 2023 King Charles III was coronated at Westminster Abbey. It has also been the venuw of 16 Royal weddings with the most recent being the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton (now the Prince and Princess of Wales.)

More than 3,300 people are buried in Westminster Abbey. These include Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, Stephen Hawking and many of the Kings and Queens of England.

The Abbey is open for regular worship although it isn’t a normal parish church or a cathedral. Westminster Abbey is known as a ‘Royal Peculiar,’ which means it isn’t subject to a bishop or archbishop, only to the reigning Sovereign.

There’s plenty to see when visiting Westminster Abbey. You must see the ancient Coronation chair in St George’s Chapel. You may have seen it on the TV when Charles was being crowned. It’s a magnificent oak seat that many Kings and Queens have sat on to be coronated.

There are over 600 wall tablets and monuments commemorating important figures in music, science, warfare and more. You can visit Poet’s Corner which is devoted to notable British writers such as William Shakesphere, Charles Dickens and CS Lewis.

While here, you have the option to add on the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Galleries. It’s the best £5 you’ll spend in London. The views of Westminster Abbey are breathtaking and you’ll stand in rooms that were closed for hundreds of years.

Westminster Abbey is open from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, Monday through Saturday. The best time to visit is first thing in the morning, when crowds are low. For the best experience, book your tickets online in advance as you may end up queuing for a reasonable amount of time if you don’t.

9) The View from The Shard

During your trip to London I reccommend including a visit to The Shard to your London itinerary.

The Shard is not your average skyscraper. It's a towering architectural marvel piercing the London skyline at a staggering 310 meters (1,016 feet). As you approach it, the Shard's pointy tip seems to almost touch the clouds. You should book your The View from The Shard experience in advance to avoid disappointment and standing in line.

Going up The Shard is a fantastic experience that will give you incredible views over all of London. The Shard boasts not one, but three viewing platforms, each offering a 360-degree panorama of London's iconic landmarks. From the Tower Bridge to the London Eye, you’ll be able to see it all. There are two indoor viewing platforms on the 66th and the 69th floor and one open air on the 72nd floor. The open air sky deck on the 72nd floor is the highest viewing platform in Western Europe.

For an extra special experience you can time your visit with sunset and experience London from up high during this magical time of warm, golden hues. There’s also Shard’s Sky Bar where you can grab a drink and enjoy your evening.

GOOD TO KNOW : The Shard is pretty close to Tower Bridge. It’s just a 10 minute walk from the bridge on the south side of the river.

10) London Eye

The London Eye is hard to miss when you’re in London. It stands tall on the South Bank of the Thames opposite Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.

For one of the best views of London you should take a ride on the London Eye. Your pod moves slowly making one revolution that takes around 30 minutes and whislt that happens, you’ll get an ever changing bird’s eye view of London including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the River Thames. In the distance, you can see St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, Tower Bridge and other famous London landmarks.

If you're feeling a tad fancy, you can book a private capsule for that extra romantic touch or celebrate a special occasion. Pop the champagne and let the breathtaking views be the backdrop to your unforgettable moment. If you don’t do that you will be sharing your pod with others and are free to walk around inside.

Sunset tends to be the most popular time of day to ride the London Eye. If you plan to ride it at sunset, a Fast Track ticket may be worth it to save you some time (or get here early).

PRO TIP : Book your tickets online. London is fabulous, but standing in line isn't. Save yourself some precious time and prebook your tickets online.

11) The Mall

The Mall is the wide, tree-lined street leading up to Buckingham Palace. When big Royal events happen in London such as a wedding, funeral or coronation people line the streets to watch the royal procession.

I’ve been on The Mall for many of the recent Royal events and it’s a great place to watch all the pomp and ceremony that Britain does better than any other nation.

You can watch the videos of my time on the Mall for Queen Elizabeth II Funeral procession, the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations and Trooping of the Colour.

If you’re visiting Buckingham Palace then I recommend starting at the bottom of the Mall and walking up towards Buckingham Palace. It’s an amazing sight with Union Jack flags lining the street with Buckingham Palace in the background.

12) Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a grand spectacle and a quintessential London experience. It's a ceremonious display of precision and tradition as the old guard hands over the duty to the new. The impeccably dressed soldiers, complete with their iconic bearskin hats, march with clockwork precision, accompanied by the resounding notes of military bands.

The Changing of the Guard is a ceremony takes place between St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace. The ceremony starts at 10:30am at St. James’s Palace, at 10:45 the procession enters The Mall and walks towards Buckingham Palace, and at 11 am the official Changing of the Guard occurs at Buckingham Palace.

The ceremony only happens on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday except in the summer when the Changing of the Guard Ceremony happens every day. This schedule can change and the ceremony will not occur in inclement weather. Click here for the up to date schedule.

You can watch this ceremony on The Mall and in front of Buckingham Palace. It helps to get here early (as much as an hour early during the busy summer months) to get a good spot.

13) Downing Street

Downing Street is a street in Westminster that houses the official residences and offices of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The current Prime Minister lives at Number 10 and the current Chancellor of the Exchequer lives at Number 11.

Downing Street is situated just off Whitehall, it is 200 metres long, and only few minutes' walk from the Houses of Parliament.

Visiting Downing Street isn’t quite as good as it used to be. Back when I was a kid I remember walking down Downing Street and being able to stand right outside the famous door of Number 10. These days there’s a huge fence and armed guards preventing you from going down the street but you can still spot the famous residences from the behind the fence.

Museums and Art Galleries

14) The British Museum

The British Museum is one of the world’s top museums. At the entrance is the Great Court which has a breathtaking glass roof welcoming you to this spectacular museum.

This museum contains a massive collection of historical artifacts, including a portion of the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and hieroglyphics.

A visit here typically lasts 2 to 3 hours, but you could spend all day here. This place is enormous and filled with historical treasures.

The great thing about this museums and many of Londons museums is that admission is free but donations are accepted. For the best experience, book your time slot in advance.

15) The Tate Modern

If you’re an art lover you should make sure you visit the Tate Modern on your visit to London. It’s located on the south bank of the Thames and if you follow the giant chimney towering over the skyline you’ll find the Tate Modern. The building itself is pretty unimpressive, at least compared to some of Londons other buildings. That put me off visiting the Tate Modern for years but inside it is spectacular. Don’t let the outside put you off!

Inside the Tate Modern you can view contemporary artwork from around the world, including paintings, sculptures, videos, and constructions. There are works of art by famous artists such as Picasso, Dali, Hockey and Warhol that are on display.

The Tate Modern is another one of Londons free attractions but it can get very busy particularly at the weekends. You can book a guided tour if you’d like to learn more about the art on show.

TOP TIP : If you don’t want to spend time queuing, consider visiting during the weekdays or opt for the Members' Rooms which gives you access to exclusive areas.

Get updated hours and upcoming exhibitions on the official website.

16) Natural History Museum

London’s world-famous Natural History museum is an amazing place to visit when in London. It’s in the heart of South Kensington and is a beautiful grand Victorian building. Next to the Natural History Museum is the Science Museum and the V&A so you can make a day of it and visit all three museums whilst you’re in the area.

As you enter there’s a huge Diplodocus skeleton that greets you as you enter.

The museum is home to over 70 million species, including several billion-years-old dinosaur skeletons, the world’s first discovered T-Rex fossil, a meteorite as old as our solar system, and exhibits on mammals, human evolution and on Charles Darwin’s discoveries.

Due to its amazing exhibitions and magnificent building, the Natural History Museum is a must-see during your time in London.

It’s also another one of Londons free museums so it’s great if you’re visiting London on a budget.

TOP TIPS : Download the museum's app for interactive maps and to uncover hidden gems of information. Also the museum can get incredibly busy, particularly at weekends so arrive early or go during the week.

Get updated opening hours on the official website.

17) The National Gallery

London’s National Gallery is a world-famous art museum in Trafalgar Square.

The gallery houses western European paintings that spans over 700 years from the 13th to the 19th centuries. There are original paintings from incredible, world famous artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Rembrandt, Turner, Cézanne, and Van Gogh.

TOP TIP : Grab a map at the entrance as the National Gallery is huge and it’s easy to get lost without a map as you navigate around the gallery’s labyrinth.

When visiting the gallery, you can freely stroll through the displays of paintings. You can also book tickets in advance to go to an exhibition about a specific artist.

There are also great audio guides that will give you more information about the art on display.

The National Gallery is free to enter. You can book a time slot in advance to save time waiting in line. Get updated hours and book your time slot on the official website.

18) V&A Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum affectionatly known as the V&A is the world’s largest museum of decoration arts and design. There is something for everyone at this incredible museum from paintings, sculptures, medieval objects, jewellry, photographs, and costumes from around the world.

The V&A is located in South Kensington, right next to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. Make a day of it and visit all three museums whilst you’re in the area.

19) Portrait Gallery

If you are an art lover, here’s another art museum to put on your London bucketlist. This world famous museum houses portraits of famous British people. Like the National Gallery, it is located just off Trafalgar Square, although it is a separate museum.

The National Portrait Gallery contains more than 215,000 works of art making it the home to the largest number of portraits in the world.

Get updated hours on the official website.

20) Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms are a fascinating thing to do whilst in London and you should definitely add it to your London itinerary. During World War II, Winston Churchill and his staff hunkered down under the streets of London in bunkers where they were relatively safe from German air raids. They ran the war from these bunkers!

In this museum you can tour the bunkers, see where they lived and slept and learn all about Winston Churchill. Whilst the Churchill War Rooms are a must for history lovers you do not need to be a history buff to appreciate this museum.

You can prebook your ticket online to save time.

Visit the official website for updated hours and pricing.

London's Diverse Neighbourhoods

21) Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of the places in London I just love to hang around! It’s a district in the West End that is now a popular shopping and tourist site.

Personally I love to take a seat and watch the street performers. The first record of Covent Garden street entertainment came in 1662, when Samuel Pepys’ diary notes that a marionette show featuring a character named Punch took place on the Piazza. Today, the custom continues with performers taking to the piazza to entertain tourists and locals alike.

Covent Garden has many fantastic shops and restaurants that you can wander around or enjoy a bite to eat. Most shops are small boutique shops, but you’ll also find Apple, Chanel, Free People, L’Occitane, Pandora, and Tom Ford.

For a full listing of shops, restaurants, cafes, and bars, visit the official Covent Garden website.

22) Notting Hill

Notting Hill was made famous by the movie of the same name.

It is situated in west London and is one of the capital's most desirable and Instagrammable areas, with iconic pastel-coloured houses and a thriving market.

If you’re in London at the end of August you can join a million other people who head to Notting Hill Carnival, Europes largest street festival.

Also located in Notting Hill is one of Londons best markets, Portobello Market. The main day at Portobello Market is Saturday, although traders set up some market stalls from Monday to Friday. The main market on Saturday is a big day for antiques and bargain hunters, but you can also buy fresh fruit and vegetables, second-hand goods and vintage clothing.

On this walking tour of Notting Hill, you get to visit Portobello Road Market, famous filming locations, and celebrity homes.

23) Southbank

Another of my favourite areas of London to take a stroll is South Bank.

It’s just the perfect spot for a stroll especially on a sunny day. South Bank stretches between Lambeth Bridge and Blackfriars Bridge on the south side of the river Thames.

There are many annual events and pop ups that happen on the SouthBank as well as lots of other tourist attractions. It’s right next to the London Eye.

You can take a stroll along the pedestrianised Queen's Walk, a riverside walkway between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge that's perfect for people-watching, lazy afternoons at a pavement cafe, and browsing through bookshops and market stalls.

Southbank is a great place to visit if you want a relaxing afternoon.

24) Walking Tour

There are numerous options for walking tours in London depending on your interests. If you love Harry Potter can take a Harry Potter walking tour, if you want to learn more about Jack the Ripper you can take a Jack the Ripper walking tour and music lovers can learn all about British Rock Roll on this tour featuring The Rolling Stones, Led Zepplin and The Beatles. There are also street art tours, food tours around different markets - there’s a walking tour to suit everyone.

There are so many different walking tours you can do in London. Here are a few more options.

25) Neals Yard

Another of my favourite locations in London is Neal’s Yard. I first discovered Neal’s Yard years ago when searching for Vegan restaurants in London and I stumbled across Wild Food Cafe which at the time was the world’s top raw, vegan restaurant. If you’re wondering - the food is delicious and I highly recommend a visit.

But what is Neal’s Yard? Neal’s Yard is a colourful alley in the Seven Dials neighbourhood of London, not far from Covent Garden. It’s a lovely, hidden place that not many people know about and worth a visit even just to take a photo of the colourful buildings.

Green Escapes

26) Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a wonderful Royal Park in the heart of London. Get ready for lakeside strolls, swan-spotting, and maybe even a paddleboat adventure.

Finding Hyde Park is extremley easy - it’s right next to Buckingham Palace and you can get the tube to any of it’s surrounding tube stations like Lancaster Gate or Marble Arch.

There is a serene, relaxing lake called the Serpentine where you can grab a paddleboat and enjoy some time on the water. You’ll be joined by the many ducks and swans that live in the park.

If you’re feeling a little peckish Hyde Park is dotted with charming cafes and kiosks where you can grab a coffee, a sandwich, and find a cozy spot to people-watch or bask in the sun.

Most of the Royal Parks are big on events, so check the schedule. You might stumble upon a concert, a storytelling session, or maybe even a pop-up market.

27) Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a little out of central London. You’ll have to head south west to Richmond Upon Thames to explore this giant botanical garden. It’s pretty easy to get to though as you just head west on the District Line to Kew Gardens Station.

You will need a ticket for Kew Gardens which you can book online before you visit.

A half day here is a great way to take a break from city life. There’s an iconic Palm House and treetop walkways which will have you marvelling at the diversity of plant life. Tour the greenhouses and walk along the manicured property. This is a tranquil, pretty spot in London that allows you to relax and get away from the noise of London.

28) Regents Park

Regent's Park was originally land owned by the Crown after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 1500s and was used as a hunting ground by King Henry VIII, much like Richmond Park, which still maintains its wild feel.

It opened to the public for the first time in 1835 and the park has since evolved to contain the London Zoo, Queen Mary’s Gardens, an outdoor theatre, sports pitches (rugby, softball, football, and cricket!), and numerous statues, memorials, and fountains.

One of London’s eight Royal Parks, Regent’s Park is 166 hectares (410 acres) of green space right in the middle of London, surrounded by stunning Georgian mansions on the adjacent terraces.

The park is also a home for wildlife with around 100 species of wild birds as well as a breeding population of hedgehogs, in addition to purpose-built insect houses!

29) Greenwich Park

Another one of my favourite places in London is Greenwich. It’s a little outside the centre but easy to reach via the DLR (Light Docklands Railway) It has a wonderful village vibe and it’s great to wander around.

Greenwich has a huge, wonderful park where you can visit the Royal Observatory and see the Prime Meridian. Here is your chance to stand over 0° longitude, placing one foot in the eastern hemisphere and one foot in the western hemisphere.

You can also visit the planetarium museum. Since this observatory sits on top of a hill, you have a great view over Greenwich and the River Thames from here.

There’s also the Cutty Sark which is a celebrated historic sailing ship and fastest of its time. You can prebook your tickets online.

Entertainment and Theatre

30) West End Show

One of the best things to do in London is to see a theatre performance. There are so many theatres and concert halls that put on world class shows and musicals. There’s bound to be a show that takes your fancy whatever you enjoy.

For the best seats and choice of show you will have to book your tickets at least 3 months in advance particularly for the more popular shows.

If you are not too bothered about your seats or which show you see you can usually find some great price last minute tickets. There is a last minute ticket booth in Leicester Square (look for the TKTS stand) that you can purchase tickets for same day or next day shows.

31) Shakesphere's Globe

The Globe Theater opened in 1599. For fourteen years, the theater put on many of Shakespeare’s, now famous plays. In 1614, it burnt down. It was rebuilt again and used until 1642, when the Puritans of London shut it down. In 1644, the Globe Theater was demolished.

The building that stands today is a replica of the original Globe Theater. It sits just a few hundred feet from the original location.

These days you can tour the theater or watch a show. You can check out the official website for what’s currently on.

32) Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall holds many different events such. as classical concerts, rock gigs, or ballets.

For the history buffs, consider taking a guided tour where you’ll walk in the footsteps of legends, discover the hall's fascinating past, and maybe even catch a glimpse of the backstage magic.

If you want to see a show at the Royal Albert Hall you can check out the official website for what’s currently on and to book your tickets.

Shop 'Til You Drop

33) Oxford Street

Oxford Street is Europe's busiest shopping street. It has around 300 shops and welcomes more than 200 million visitors a year.

If you want to do a spot of shopping whilst on your trip to London, Oxford Street is the place to go.

It's a shopper's paradise with flagship stores, department giants, and fashion-forward boutiques lining the street.

Don't miss the iconic department stores like Selfridges and Primark. Whether you're after high-end designer pieces or budget-friendly finds, Oxford Street caters to every style and wallet size.

If you’re feeling a little peckish Oxford Street is dotted with cafes and eateries. Grab a quick bite or treat yourself to a sit-down meal.

And for the tech enthusiasts, the street boasts flagship tech stores for the latest gadgets and gizmos. It's not just fashion; it's a tech haven too.

If you want to see what’s happening on Oxford Street and all the shops and eateries you can find out on the official website.

34) Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street is a famous, pedestrianised shopping and dining area in London’s West End, found just behind Oxford Street and Regent Street.

There is an exciting mix of international and British labels, independent boutiques, concept stores, beauty and grooming brands and jewellery specialists.

Carnaby is the place to find the most diverse and exciting eateries and drinking spots. With over 60 restaurants, bars, cafes, and pubs, and more than 30 global cuisines, discover a range of dining and drinking spots that call this buzzy area home.

As you explore the cobbled streets, don't miss the famous Carnaby Street arch.

For more information on Carnaby check out the official website.

35) Harrods

Harrod’s is located in Knightsbridge on Brompton Road and is London’s premiere department store. Seven floors are filled with luxury items to purchase from all around the world. They even offer afternoon tea. Popping in to Harrod’s during your trip to London is a must!

36) London Markets

There are so many iconic, amazing markets you can visit whilst on your trip to London. From the iconic Borough Market to the bustling Portobello Road Market, each market has its unique charm.

It’s important to plan your market escapade based on your interests – whether it's vintage fashion, artisanal goodies, or world cuisine, London's got a market for that.

Borough Market, near London Bridge, is a foodie's paradise with gourmet treats from around the world. Camden Market, a short walk from Camden Town Tube station, is a bohemian haven with quirky fashion and street eats. For the vintage enthusiasts, Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is a treasure trove of pre-loved gems.

As you meander through the stalls, don't miss the chance to strike up a conversation with the passionate vendors – they're the heart and soul of London's markets.

TOP TIP : Weekdays usually offer a more relaxed shopping experience, while weekends amp up the energy with street performers and a livelier atmosphere.

37) London department stores

There are many famous and wonderful department stores in London that you should visit during your time in London. If you are visiting London during Christmas time many of these department stores have amazing Christmas window displays that are worth seeing.

Selfridges is a high-end department store that is located on Oxford Street. This store is famous for its creative window designs, so much so that they have been photographed and featured in Vogue, Icon, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times.

Hamley’s is London’s largest toy store located on Regent Street. Even if you aren’t visiting London with kids it’s a fun place to pop in to as they do lots of demonstrations of the toys and it’s a somewhat chaotic store.

The exterior façade of Liberty London resembles a Tudor building. Inside, for sale are men’s and women’s clothing, jewellry, and Liberty fabric, which is famous for its bold, colorful prints. Liberty London is located in the West End on Great Marlborough Street.

Fortnum and Mason started off as a grocery store, dating back to the 1700’s. It first sold exotic goods from around the world, imported by the East India Company. Now, it is one of the best places in London to shop for tea and biscuits.

Unique London Experiences

38) Red Phone Boxes

The red phone boxes of London are as iconic as the double decker buses. It’s a must do whilst in London to get a photo inside a classic red phone box.

Public phones are not something we really need anymore with the rise of the smartphone but many red phone boxes of London are being kept. Some creative people are turning these phone booths into micro businesses, selling coffee, ice cream, and other things.

You can still see the red phone booths around town. If you want a truly iconic London photo in a red phone box with Big Ben in the background you can head to Great George Street, in between Parliament Street and Horse Guards Road. This is a popular thing to do so you may have to wait in line.

39) The London Tube

The London Tube or Underground is London’s metro or subway system. It was the world's first underground railway, opening in January 1863 between Paddington and Farringdon using gas-lit wooden carriages hauled by steam locomotives.

These days it is fast, efficient and easy to use even if you’ve never used it before. It’s the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city. Just remember one of my most important tips and tricks when visiting London and stand on the right of the escalators - the locals will thank you for it.

40) Monument to the Great Fire of London

On September 2nd 1666, a fire started on Pudding Lane that lasted four days and burned most of London to the ground. It destroyed 13,200 houses, 87 parish churches, The Royal Exchange, Guildhall and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

This monument commemorates that fire and how the city rebuilt from the ashes to become even grander than it was before.

I’ve attempted to climb the Monument twice and my fear of heights and enclosed spaces has beaten me each time. I’m determined one day I’ll get to the top! You have to climb 311 spiral steps to the top for a great view of London (so I’m told!) You can see the Shard, Sky Garden, and other famous London landmarks.

Before you go, get updated hours and pricing on the official website.

41) Sky Garden

Sky Garden, affectionately known as the Walkie Talkie, is one of the newer skyscrapers in London. On the top level is an observation deck with panoramic views of London.

It is free to visit Sky Garden any day of the week. Tickets are released 3 weeks in advance and I recommend booking as there are limited amount of spaces. You can get all the information and book on the official website.

There are also two restaurants, Darwin Brasserie and Fenchurch Restaurant. If you have a reservation at one of these restaurants, you do not have to reserve an entrance ticket.

42) Afternoon Tea

Firstly, I have to dispell a myth that afternoon tea is something we really do in England anymore. It may have been more common in the days of Downton Abbey but these days it’s really only something that we do for a special occasion such as a birthday or a special get together with friends.

It is deemed as a quintessential British experience though - to dine on finger sandwiches, scones, and small cakes. Trust me, it’s not something we tend to do and it’s become more of a tourist thing over the years.

There are many hotels and restaurants that offer a traditional afternoon tea experience.

43) Thames Cruise

A must do in London is to see it from the river and take a cruise along the River Thames. It gives you the opportunity to see the city from a whole new perspective and you’ll get to see many of the popular tourist attractions and iconic sights from a different angle.

There are many different types of experiences you can book on the river. The most popular option for tourists tends to be a cruise that takes you between the London Eye/Westminster Bridge and Tower Bridge/Tower of London. The great news is it’s often included in the hop-on hop-off bus tickets.

If you want to combine two great things to do in London you can take a Thames Cruise whilst being served afternoon tea

If a cruise is a little out of your budget you can take a Thames Clipper which is boats by Uber that allow you to travel along the river from Greenwich in the east to Battersea in the west. It’s a great choice if you are heading out to Greenwich on your trip to London.

44) Harry Potter Studio Tour

If you’re a fan of Harry Potter you simply must visit the Warner Bros. Studios in London.

The magic of the wizarding world begins to unfold the moment you step into the jaw dropping replica of the Great Hall. From Dumbledore's office to Diagon Alley, every nook and cranny is meticulously recreated, offering a backstage pass to the movie-making magic.

As you wander through the Forbidden Forest, marvel at the intricate costumes, and gasp at the scale model of Hogwarts, you'll feel like you've stepped into the pages of J.K. Rowling's imagination. Interactive exhibits, green screens for broomstick rides, and even the chance to hop aboard the Hogwarts Express – it's an immersive experience that'll leave you spellbound.

If you’re feeling a little peckish The Studio Tour has a charming café where you can refuel with Potter-themed treats and maybe even a Chocolate Frog.

Book your tickets in advance to avoid dispointment.

45) Up at the O2

The O2 is an entertainment district with an arena, music club, cinema, and restaurants. Up at the O2 is a 90 minute experience where you take on an exhilarating climb onto the O2 roof. The views over London from the top are spectacular with a 360 view of the historic Greenwich, The Olympic Park and Canary Wharf.

Visit the Up at the O2 website for full details, hours, cost, and how to schedule your visit. You should prebook your tickets here.

46) Hop-on Hop-off Bus

If you are visiting London for the first time or you only have a short amount of time in London a hop-on hop-off bus is a great way to see the main sites in just a matter of hours. You can choose to stay on the bus and get an overview of the city, or use it as transportation to get between sites.

Some of the main tourist sights you can see on the bus are Big Ben, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Whitehall, Piccadilly Circus, and so much more.

47) Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is tucked in the heart of London's West End, it's a stone's throw from Leicester Square, Soho, and Regent Street. It’s a little like Time Square in New York City - bright, neon lights and bustling with people.

It’s a bustling hub of shops, theaters, and the famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. You can take a seat on the steps of the fountain and enjoy watching London in action for a while.

I recommend visiting Piccadilly Circus in the evening when the enormous neon signs bath the area in colourful light and big red double decker buses go streaming by.

48) Churchill Arms

Churchill Arms is one of the oldest pubs in London, dating back to 1750. It gets its name because Winston Churchill’s grandparents were regular visitors here.

The exterior of Churchill Arms is decorated 365 days of the year with flowers, making it one of the most photographed pubs in London.

In December, thousands of lights and Christmas trees hung on the outside of Churchill Arms and the inside gets a covering of lights and Christmas decorations which makes it one of the most festive places to visit in London at Christmas.

49) Day Trip out of London

If you have a few days or even a week in London, why not take a day trip out of the city to experience more of the UK. It is a beautiful country and it’s such a shame that many tourists only visit London and don’t venture outside to see other areas of the country.

A popular London day trip is to visit Stonehenge and Oxford. You can do this either by renting a car for the day, travelling by train, or taking a tour. Some tours include Stonehenge, Bath, and Windsor.

Windsor Castle which is a spectacular royal residence, can easily be done in a half day from London.

The White Cliffs of Dover is another popular day trip that takes one full day where you will see the iconic cliffs and get to appreciate spectacular views.

You can also day trip to the beautiful Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty that is the Cotswolds

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in London if it is your first visit?

If it is your first time in London, we recommend spending at least three days here. That gives you just enough time to see the main highlights of London. More time allows you to day trip out of the city or more thoroughly explore the neighbourhoods and museums in London.

What is not to be missed on a first trip to London?

If it will be your first time in London, be sure to visit St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, the British Museum, Westminster Abbey, stroll across Westminster Bridge and up The Mall to Buckingham Palace, go shopping at Covent Garden, have afternoon tea, and get a bird’s eye view of London from the London Eye, Sky Garden, and/or the View from the Shard.

What is the best month to visit London?

The best time to travel to London is in the warmer season between March and October. Summer (end of July and August) is the busiest time with big crowds.. For mild weather and less people you should visit London in the spring or autumn. The best months to visit London are April and May and September

What’s the best way to tour London?

The best way to explore London is by focusing on one neighbourhood or area at a time and walking between the main tourisit attractions that are all close to each other. For bigger distances use the London Tube, hop-on hop-off buses or river cruises.

Do you tip in London?

Yes, it is customary to tip 10 to 15% at restaurants and tip taxi drivers and bellhops one to two pounds for their assistance.

What are the best free things to do in London?

Many museums in London are free, including Tate Modern, The National Gallery, and the British Museum. Other free things to do in London include watching the Changing of the Guard, strolling across Westminster Bridge and the south bank of the River Thames, enjoying the view from Sky Garden, seeing Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square, and window shopping along Regent, Oxford, and Bond Streets.

Is London worth visiting?

London is one of the best cities in the world and definitely worth visiting. London has something to offer all types of travellers from famous landmarks, world class museums, theatres, royal history and amazing tourist attractions. It’s a bucketlist destination that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime.

Top 10 London Experiences

Information About London

LONDON ITINERARY: In our article The Perfect 2 Days in London you’ll find a detailed itinerary for exploring London. If you only have one day in London you can find out the most important things to fit into your day in this 1 Day London Itinerary.

LONDON TRAVEL ADVICE: Here are the important things to know if it will be your first time in London. Included in this article are all my best hints and tips for visiting London for the first time. The Best 49 Things to do in London article will help you plan your London itinerary. If you’re wondering what foods you should try when in London read this Best British Foods You Have to Try.

WHERE TO STAY: If you’re unsure on the different areas in London and where would be best to stay make sure you read this Best Places to Stay in London article.

PACKING FOR LONDON: If you’re wondering what you should pack when visiting London read this Packing for London and the Rest of the UK Guide.

LONDON AT CHRISTMAS: For an overview of the best things to do in London at Christmas here are 15 things to do in London at Christmas. I also have guides to the best Christmas lights, best London Christmas window displays and best Christmas markets in London. Learn how to put it all together in this great London Christmas Itinerary.

More Information for your Trip to the UK

If you’re struggling to decide other places to visit in the UK read Best Cities to Visit in the UK

What is England Famous For?

I also have many other UK city guides and which you can read by clicking on the links.

ENGLAND: How to visit Liverpool from London, visit best beaches near Liverpool and find out the best things to do in Liverpool, must sees in Manchester, make the most of your time in Brighton. Visit the Roman city of Chester or head to the stunning Lake District.

SCOTLAND: Discover the best things to do in Edinburgh

WALES: Llangollen

Read all of my articles about England in the United Kingdom Travel Guide.

LONDON ESSENTIALS

Planning a trip to London? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans to anywhere in the UK.

FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to London using Skyscanner.

VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for the UK and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.

TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo

AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Stanstead Airport, Gatwick Airport or Gatwick Airport

ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in London on Booking.com.

BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your transport once you’re in London but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy private transfers online through Bookaway .

DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in London on Viator or Get Your Guide.

Did you know that …

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