Best things to do in London
Find out more about those top places in London
London: A Megacity Packed with Iconic Sights, Surprises, and Fun!
When you think of the top attractions in the world, London instantly comes to mind, right? This mega city, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is adored by millions of travelers every year. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, an art lover, or just someone in search of a good old-fashioned London adventure, this city has something for everyone.
A top travel guide to London could fill an entire book, but let’s narrow it down to the must-see places, things to do, and sightseeing spots that will have you saying “Blimey, what a city!”
Buckingham Palace: A Royal Affair
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like royalty (or at least stand near it), Buckingham Palace is where you need to be. This iconic symbol of British monarchy is one of the top attractions in London. You can watch the world-famous Changing of the Guard ceremony and fantasize about being invited for tea with the Queen (don’t worry, we’ve all been there). And while you can’t exactly waltz into the Queen’s living room, the palace is still a brilliant place to get that royal experience.
Pro tip: Make sure to check out the palace gardens—they’re quite spectacular when in bloom!
The London Eye: A Wheel of Wonder
For those of you who like your sightseeing with a side of thrill, the London Eye is the perfect choice. This giant Ferris wheel offers an unbeatable panoramic view of the city, from the sparkling Thames River to the towering Big Ben. Don’t forget to snap a selfie from the top—you know, for Instagram. Whether it’s sunset or nighttime, the London Eye will make you feel like you’ve seen the city from a whole new perspective—literally.
St. Paul’s Cathedral: A Historic Marvel
Ready to feel a bit awe-struck? St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most magnificent churches in the world and is certainly a must-see during your visit to London. From its awe-inspiring dome (one of the largest in the world) to its whispering gallery (where you can literally whisper secrets and have them heard across the room), this cathedral is a treasure trove of history and architecture. It’s been around for centuries, and it’s been the site of some pretty iconic events like Winston Churchill’s funeral and the wedding of Charles and Diana. Talk about a bucket-list item, right?
The British Museum: Where History Comes to Life
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step into the past (without the time travel paradoxes), the British Museum is the place for you. This is one of the largest and most comprehensive museums in the world, housing everything from Egyptian mummies to the iconic Rosetta Stone. And don’t worry, the best part? It’s free to visit! So, take your time exploring the fascinating artifacts, from the ancient Greek statues to the vast collection of Asian art—and maybe even pretend you’re in an Indiana Jones movie for a minute.
Covent Garden: Shopping, Street Performers, and Scrumptious Eats
Want to shop till you drop, listen to some street performances, and sample some of the best street food London has to offer? Covent Garden is the place where you can do all of that and more. It’s a lively hub of culture and entertainment, with market stalls, quaint boutiques, and plenty of quirky cafes. Don’t forget to stop and watch the street performers—you’ll be amazed by the talent on display, whether it’s magicians, musicians, or living statues (yes, those are a thing here).
Pro tip: If you’re a foodie, don’t leave without grabbing a bite at one of the food stalls—your taste buds will thank you.
Trafalgar Square: Where History and Fun Meet
Trafalgar Square is a bustling public square and one of the most iconic spots in London. Whether you’re standing beneath Nelson’s Column or feeding the pigeons (don’t worry, it’s a classic London pastime), you’ll be surrounded by history and culture. It’s also home to the National Gallery, which holds an impressive collection of European paintings. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a free outdoor performance or an event hosted in the square.
West End: Where the Lights Shine Bright
If you’re a fan of theatre and musicals, then a trip to London’s West End is an absolute must-do. This area is home to some of the world’s best shows, from long-running classics like The Phantom of the Opera to new hits you’ll be talking about for weeks. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming show tunes for days on end. After all, that’s the magic of London’s West End.
Camden Market: A Bohemian Wonderland
Looking for something a little bit different? Head over to Camden Market, a unique blend of alternative culture, street food, and eclectic shopping. Whether you’re after vintage clothing, quirky art, or delicious international cuisine, you’ll find it here. Be sure to try the famous Camden Lock burger (you’ll be glad you did), and take in the funky street art that makes this place feel like it’s from another world.
Things to Do in London: More Than Just the Sights
Beyond the big attractions, London is filled with hidden gems waiting to be explored. You could spend hours wandering through Hyde Park, strolling along the South Bank, or exploring the quirky streets of Shoreditch. For those who love shopping, Oxford Street and Regent Street offer some of the best shopping in Europe (hello, designer boutiques!). And for those who like to take things slow, hop on a Thames River cruise for a relaxing afternoon of sightseeing with a glass of wine in hand.
In Conclusion: London’s Calling
Whether you’re here for the history, the culture, or just a good time, London has a bit of everything. From iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben to the buzzing neighborhoods of Camden and Covent Garden, the city is a smorgasbord of sights, experiences, and memories waiting to be made. So pack your bag, put on your most comfortable shoes, and get ready to explore one of the greatest cities in the world—because London is always a good idea!
-
Buckingham Palace
Representing past and present England, the Buckingham Palace is usually the starting point of tourists exploring the country. Originally known as Buckingham House, it was built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and has become the official residence of the monarchs of the United Kingdom since 1837. Its 19 states rooms are accessible to the public from mid-July to September, when the Queen is on holiday. The tour of the Palace includes seeing the throne room and meeting rooms - asides the interior of the palace, you can move around its gardens. Another thing to look at for is the changing of guard which happens a few times every day.
-
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is London’s most famous and largest park, established in 1536 by Henry VIII who used it as a hunting ground. As time passed it became one of the city’s most significant places becoming the location for demonstrations, debates, exhibitions, concerts and sports – also known for being the location for the 1851 Great Exhibition. Spreading over 350 acres the park is surrounded by the Serpentine and the Long Water lakes, and remains one of the best places to take a break the fast life of the city.
-
Tate Modern
Established in 2000, Tate Modern is one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world. Visited by over 5 million people in 2018, it is one of London’s most visited locations, it features the best artworks you can find in the United Kingdom. Located in Bankside, London its exhibitions are divided into various sections with different themes, some rooms at the Tate Modern are accessible with no charge.
-
St Paul’s Cathedral
Considered one of Europe’s oldest Cathedral, the St. Paul’s Cathedral is situated on Ludgate Hill which is the highest point of the city. The original church dates back to AD 604, but the present one was built late 17th century with the designs of notable architect Sir Christopher Wren. With an English Baroque style, it was once the tallest building in London and has hosted several notable events such as the funerals of famous names, jubilee celebrations for Queen Victoria and Peace services marking the end of World Wars.
-
Museum of London
During your visit to the city, you would come to realize that there a quite a number of museums to see, however The Museum of London is the regarded as one of the best due to the fact that it offers much diversity when it comes to its exhibitions. Established primarily to document the history of London from prehistoric to modern times it is considered the largest urban history museum in the world and holds up to six million objects. Its exhibitions include archaeological findings, jewelry and fashion, war artifacts, medias and much more.
-
River Thames
The 346 km river is the second longest river in the United Kingdom and the longest in England, flowing from Oxford to Greater London. The river has played a crucial part in the history of London having been a source of a fresh water source and a strategic site for the nation past wars. A great way for visitors to enjoy the beauty of the River Thames is to go on a boat cruise. The cruise offers tourists the opportunity to see the city in a different way while passing through some of its major attractions such as the Tower Bridge and the London Eye.
-
Tower of London
The Tower of London is a 900-year-old castle and fortress in central London that is notable for housing the crown jewels and for holding many famous and infamous prisoners.
Throughout its history, the tower has served many purposes: it housed the royal mint (until the early 19th century), a menagerie (which left in 1835), a records office, an armory and barracks for troops. Until the 17th century, it was also used as a royal residence.
-
Warner Bros. Studios
Perfect for those with a penchant for Harry Potter, this Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London provides a unique opportunity to explore the magic of the Harry Potter films – the most successful movie series of all time.
Venture behind the scenes to discover a huge array of fantastic sets, costumes, and props. Learn some closely guarded secrets, including facts about the special effects and animatronics that made the Harry Potter films so hugely popular around the world. -
London Eye
Located on the South Bank of the River Thames is the London Eye, an observation wheel which is one of London’s most visited tourist destinations. Standing at an incredible 135 meters, it is supported by an A-frame on only one side and it was once the World tallest Ferris Wheel. Designed by David Marks and Julia Barfield, its main attraction of the London Eye is its observation Tower at 804 ft (245.06 m) high on its 72nd floor, it is the highest public viewing point in the city.
-
Brixton Academy
Known as the O2 Brixton Academy, it is the entertainment center of London. Originally established as a cinema and theater called “The Astoria”, it was remodeled in 1981 to become one of the leading venues for some of the biggest entertainment nights in the city. If you are looking for somewhere to enjoy live music this is the place.
