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Why we love London

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture, green spaces and an international crowd that spills into every delicious corner of its cuisine.  From the unique vintage markets of Portobello Road or Camden to the huge highstreet shops of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Westfield, food lovers will be spoilt for every kind of cuisine - check out trendy trendy Shoreditch and Brick Lane to colourful Chinatown.

Hike up its iconic landmarks and sip a cocktail in tallest building, The Shard, or take in the view from one of its many rooftop bars. Immense yourself in a leading cultural scene with no fewer than four international orchestras, a plethora of West End theatres and live gigs from Wembley to the O2 (Millennium Dome). And discover world-leading museums and galleries, from the Natural History Museum to London’s two Tates. And for some downtime, soak up some rays in one of the city’s Royal Parks or the green lungs of Hampstead Health or Greenwich. Britain’s biggest city has it all – and then some more!

VisitLondon/Jon Reid

NG200, National Gallery

It’s party time as the National Gallery celebrates 200 years. Expect an ambitious programme of events in 2024, including a special Vincent Van Gogh exhibition.

Wembley Stadium

Wembley, London

2024 UEFA Champions League final: Wembley Stadium

What better place is there see the 2024 UEFA Champions League final than at Wembley Stadium? See the best of the best in football crowned champions as the 2023/24 competition concludes.

boroughmarket

Borough Market

The mother of all food markets in London. Dating back from the thirteenth century, Borough Market  is an institution. From gourmet and sustainable to butchers, bakers and cheese makers and all things food.

visitlondon.com

Art but not as you know it

On the bank of the Thames, in a sort of trendier more modern sister of Pimlico’s  Tate Britain , is Tate Modern . Free to enter, you can take in 360 views of London and eat and drink here too.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Hit up London’s Southbank

A giant of culture,  Southbank Centre is made up a few places that house London’s most desired events from music to poetry. There’s books, cafes and multiple venues hosting some of London’s most sought-after events.

Get your London Eye tickets

Book your tower of london tickets, things to do in london.

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The London Eye

Take a spin on this world-famous London landmark: riding high in a glass pod, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the capital.

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

ABBA Voyage

ABBA return to the stage as Abbatars for a unique performance.

VisitBritain/Abba Voyage

Tower of London

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Visit Britain/George Johnson

iFLY at The O2

Feel the adrenaline rush as you take flight and freefall through the air at this indoor skydiving experience.

iFLY London

London’s Royal Parks

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Buckingham Palace

On selected dates, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors for your chance to explore the Royal Family’s iconic London home.

VisitBritain/Tom Weightman

Natural History Museum

Explore the story of life on Earth at this fantastic – and free – museum. A must-visit for all animal lovers and curious thinkers!

VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Theatre tour and Regency afternoon tea at The Lane

One of London's most iconic theatres, offering a decadent Regency afternoon tea and theatre tours that uncover 350 years of history.

Theatre Royal Drury Lane

London, England

The Lost Estate

Five-star dining, live performance and craft cocktails. Step into an unforgettable immersive experience by master world-builders.

Hanson Leatherby

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter

Filled with original props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films, this is a must-visit for all fans.

Warner Bros. Studio Tours, The Making of Harry Potter / Marc Sethi

London Rock Tour

A musical journey through the sounds of rock music, from 1950s beatnik coffee houses in Soho, to Freddie Mercury and Queen’s very own playground in Kensington.

David Bowie Walking Tour

Get to know the man behind Ziggy Stardust as you uncover the stories and sounds of a musical legend in Brixton and Soho.

Brit Music Tours

West End Silent Disco Walking Tour

Party, parade and prance through the dazzling streets of London’s West End, taking in the city’s theatres while listening to their musical sounds.

Silent Disco Walking Tours

Thames Rockets

Scream if you want to go faster! Part sightseeing cruise, part rollercoaster ride, this speedboat is an epic way to explore London.

VisitBritain/Thames Rockets

Secret Adventures - Kayak

Join this small-group kayaking tour on the River Thames and see London from a whole new perspective.

The Dare Skywalk

Do you dare walk on the roof of London’s mighty Tottenham Hotspur Stadium? Its London views are incredible…

Tottenham Hotspur

Up at the O2

The O2 is one of the capital’s top entertainment venues – but did you know you can also climb up to its roof?

Museum of London

Full of spine-tingling stories, archive photos and curious artefacts, this museum explores the capital’s past.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

The epicentre of all-things art and design, the V&A explores everything from high-art sculptures to vintage fashions.

Tate Modern

Discover modern art and captivating exhibitions on the bank of the River Thames.

Somerset House

From outdoor movie screenings to vibrant art exhibitions, Somerset House is packed with fun things to do.

Kevin Meredith

Tally Ho Gin Safari

Discover the entertaining history of London’s favourite spirit on this gin-fuelled bike tour of Southwark and Bermondsey.

©VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Supperclub Tube

On a 1967 former Victorian Line carriage, you’ll enjoy a six-course Latin American menu in this truly unique combination.

Jess Rose Photography

Taste of London

Immerse yourself in cooking masterclasses, watch live demonstrations from Michelin star chefs or tee off for a round of crazy golf.

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

London in the Sky

Taking dining to new heights, this open-air table is suspended high over Greenwich: an epic spot for dinner and drinks.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

Step back in time to the Victorian world of one of the greatest literary detectives, Sherlock Holmes, at his ‘real life’ address.

VisitBritain/Emmanuel Teikirisi

The British Library

From Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks to priceless artworks, Britain’s biggest library is rammed full of treasures…

British Library

Imperial War Museum

Revealing the human side of Britain’s conflicts, the world’s largest war museum is both poignant and fascinating.

Imperial War Museums

St Paul's Cathedral

Open to visitors of all faiths and none, London’s iconic cathedral hosts guided tours, live music and art exhibitions.

VisitBritain/Matador Network

Houses of Parliament

Westminster Palace is the spectacular home of the British Government – see it for yourself on a guided tour.

London Pride

Britain’s biggest Pride celebration takes over the capital every summer – with spin-off events year-round.

Tristan Fewings

Camden Market

This eclectic collection of punk-like fashion and clothes for every subculture, includes vintage shops and bric-a-brac emporia is firmly a favourite with visitors.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

UK Black Pride

Dive into Europe’s largest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Easter, Latin American and Caribbean LGBTQIA+ people in London.

All Points East

August 2024 Big names hit up the capital for two weekends of music extravaganza from the likes of Gorillaz, Tame Impala and The Chemical Brothers.

Louise Morris/ All Points East

Wireless Festival

12 – 14 July 2024 The place to be for rap and R&B music in the UK with previous headliners including Kanye West and Jay-Z.

Festival Republic

DJ and clubbing royalty headline this annual fiesta of electronic music, in East London’s Victoria Park.

Outside Org/Eric Aydin

Mighty Hoopla

This flamboyant festival of pop and queer culture has featured the likes of Steps, Cheryl and Chaka Khan.

Forage London

These foraging tours reveal the edible herbs, flowers and berries hidden in the capital’s parks and gardens.

Little Venice

Though it’s just steps from Paddington, this waterside area is famed for its tranquil walks and charming pubs.

VisitBritain/Francesco Stile

Skuna Boats

Hop on board a floating hot tub or barbecue boat, for a tour of Canary Wharf you’ll never forget.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Connect with nature at London’s 300-acre Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, founded by King George III’s mother in 1759.

VisitBritain/J Baxter

Richmond Park

One of London’s eight royal parks, this wildlife-filled nature reserve is a haven for solitude-seekers.

At this state-of-the-art spa, Eastern traditions meet Western technologies, for an exhilarating full-body experience.

Kensington Palace, London

The home to many a royal, including Queen Victoria, William III and Queen Anne.

Â? visitlondon.com/Jon Reid

Westminster Abbey, London

Step into more than 1,000 years of history at the setting of every coronation since 1066.

Hampton Court Palace

Once the home of King Henry VIII, it now hosts vibrant festivals, outdoor movies, historic tours – and the odd ghost.

VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Oxford Street

This retail heaven boasts almost 1.5 miles (2.4km) of flagship boutiques – for fashion, beauty, souvenirs and more.

Kevin Lamport

Portobello Road

Find the world-famous antiques market spilling over with fascinating wares.

Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

This East London street is famous for its vintage fashions, bustling stalls and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine.

Gauthier Soho

One of the world’s first fine-dining restaurants to go 100% vegan, this acclaimed spot is inspired by fine French cuisine.

Silo, Hackney

A zero waste restaurant choosing local ingredients that generate no waste.

AlternativeLDN

Learn about street art through AlternativeLDN’s London tour, then have a go yourself.

The Culpeper, Shoreditch

Housed in Shoreditch, surround yourself with colourful flora, indulge in homegrown veggies, and take in the impressive London skyline from this rooftop oasis.

The Culpeper

Explore a Great British icon of luxury at Harrods, and discover more than 330 departments over seven floors.

Battersea Power Station

A one stop destination for shopping, food and drink, entertainment and views over the River Thames.

Vogue Fabrics

With film screenings, stand-up comedy, club nights and cabaret, this Dalston venue celebrates all things LGBTQIA+.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Colours Hoxton

Located in vibrant Shoreditch, this cocktail bar and live music venue hosts a fun-filled ‘drag brunch’ every Saturday.

The Crown Tour of London

You’ve admired London’s royal landmarks on screen – now explore them in person on this Crown-based walking tour.

VisitBritain/Aurélie Four/@LeCorgi

Leave the real world behind, and immerse yourself in a mind-clearing, tension-soothing soak in a weightlessness pool.

Float Works

Featured things to do

A sleepover at London Zoo

Stay overnight with the animals, get a private evening tour of your favourite wild beasts, eat dinner within a whisker of a lion and sleep among the cacophony of baboons and parrots.

Discover London’s Pride festival as it retraces its original route from 1972 through Hyde Park, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square.

Secret Adventures

Kayak the Thames by moonlight

Kayak on the Thames and see London’s iconic landmarks - quite literally in a different light. See landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Bank Side and Tower Bridge all light up.

VisitBritain/Jessica Lemaitre

Christmas festivities

London glows with twinkling Christmas lights, bustling shops, ice rinks and seasonal theatre performances each Christmas. Visit the capital city to get a taste for the festivities.

Places to stay in London

Notting hill.

Stroll along the brightly painted houses, the buzzing cafés and pubs and visit its famous market in this, the home to one of the world’s most iconic festivals - The Notting Hill Carnival.

Explore the super central, trendy, all night buzz to Soho, find cafes, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlour here. It’s a playful and buzzing spot all the time, and shoulders China Town.

Stay in this leafy and affluent part of London that has a great bars and delis, restaurants and its home to London’s green lungs - Hampstead Heath. And of course, you can grab one of best views here - Primrose Hill.

Explore nearby

From ice-cream parlours to sea food festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

South Downs

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

VisitBritain/Jess Barfield

Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Getting to London

The capital is served by six international airports , including London Heathrow and Gatwick, with direct and connecting routes to destinations all over the world (shop for Heathrow Express tickets and Stansted Express tickets here). Travelling by train is an eco-friendlier option and the capital offers 12 major stations , including Waterloo, Euston and Paddington. St Pancras International is the city’s Eurostar hub, with multiple direct connections to Europe.

Getting around

London is incredibly well served by public transport, much of which runs late and through the night. Take your pick from the Tube  (shop for a London visitor Oyster card , London Day Travelcard or a Group Day London Travelcard ), trams , buses and boats, or the IFS Cloud Cable Car  for a different perspective of London’s skyline. All services and numerous stations are wheelchair accessible. Alternatively, grab a Santander Cycle from one of hundreds of docking stations around the capital – you can bike around the city from as little as £2.

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13 of the best things to do in London

Feb 25, 2024 • 13 min read

Make the most of your time in London with these top things to do © franckreporter / Getty Images

Fast-paced, fabulous and fun, London is packed with world-class things to see, do and experience.

You probably already have a checklist of London sights to visit, but don't forget to pause and soak up the vibe of a city that has been at the forefront of world culture for at least two millennia.

Whether you're a first-time visitor  or coming back for more, London serves up so many options that it can be hard to know where to start. It's easy to fill days or even weeks taking advantage of free entry at the city's top art galleries and museums, learning about the rich and complex history, and seeing live bands and captivating West End shows.

If you have the time – and budget – almost anything is possible in London. To help you whittle down the options, here are the top experiences in London that you won't want to miss.

1. Step back in time at the Tower of London

A world of English eccentricity enclosed within the sturdy walls of an imposing 11th-century fortress, the Tower of London is the perfect place to start a visit to London. As well as taking visitors on a remarkable architectural and historical journey, the castle is home to the world's largest diamond (the controversial Cullinan diamond, part of the famous Crown Jewels), as well as a dazzling array of armor and weaponry. A palpable sense of history and heritage will greet you at every turn.

Planning tip: It’s well worth getting to the Tower early – you'll need at least half a day to explore the sprawling chambers, courtyards and jail cells, and hear about its gruesome history. Arrive as the doors are unlocked and head straight to the Crown Jewels to avoid a long wait in line. To learn more about the Tower's back story, join a Yeoman Warder’s tour for a fascinating and personal introduction to the life and grisly times of this fortress-palace.

Explore the Tower of London effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

2. Be wowed by contemporary art at Tate Modern

A vast shrine to modern and contemporary art, the much-loved Tate Modern enjoys a triumphant position right on the River Thames. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the gallery is a vigorous statement of modernity, architectural renewal and accessibility. Enter via Holland Street to experience the vast Turbine Hall, which used to house the power station’s electricity generators, and is now home to large-scale art installations. Upstairs exhibition spaces are pushing the conceptual envelope, too, with interesting temporary shows, installations and performance art.

Local tip: Level 10, the viewing platform atop the Blavatnik Building, has been the subject of some controversy regarding privacy because it's possible to look into the adjacent apartment buildings. There are many signs politely requesting no photography on the south side (and not as much to see there anyway). There are also great views from the coffee shop and bar in the main building. If the tide is out, there's good mudlarking – an evocative term for looking for historic junk on the exposed mud at low tide – right in front of the gallery.

3. Explore London’s Black history 

London’s Black history is rich and fascinating and stretches back across centuries. All over London, you'll sense a growing enthusiasm for acknowledging, owning and celebrating this once-overlooked part of London's story. Begin your journey by joining one of the 16 walking tours in central London run by Black History Walks , then head down to the Docklands to learn about the capital’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at the Musem of London Docklands before meandering south to marvel at the vast Black archives at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives . Next, indulge in some delicious Caribbean cuisine and take in many of the city’s best Black artists at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning .

Planning tip:  Notting Hill Carnival , held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, is a colossal street party celebrating Black, Caribbean and African cultures. Join the dancing, parties and parades that fill the neighborhoods around Ladbroke Grove. The official website publishes routes and events in advance.

4. Imagine the royal weddings of yesteryear at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the heart of the country’s royal and religious life for centuries. This Gothic wonder was founded more than a thousand years ago and today it displays a mix of architectural styles, with the bulk of its structure dating back to the 13th century. As a result, almost every nook and cranny has a story attached to it.

London's great abbey has served as the venue for many showstopper funerals and weddings – 30 monarchs are buried here, and 16 royal weddings have been hosted here, the most recent being that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Among the highlights, you will find the oldest door in the UK, the collection of memorials to great poets and writers known as Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair, 14th-century cloisters, a 900-year-old garden, royal tombs and much, much more.

Planning tip: Be warned that the crowds are almost as solid as the abbey’s unshakeable stonework, so aim to join the line first thing in the morning.

Explore Westminster Abbey effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

5. Stroll the sights of the South Bank

A great way to get your bearings and take in a slew of sights at the same time is to take a west-to-east walk along the Thames, through the cultural quarter known as the South Bank. Getting off the Tube at Westminster will deposit you right by Big Ben , the legendary bell atop the clocktower of the Houses of Parliament . From there, cross Westminster Bridge for stellar views back toward the seat of British democracy. 

Once on the Queen's Walk, as this pathway is known, stroll east with the river to your left. Although it’s inescapably touristy, a rotation on the London Eye  is a must for any first-time visitor to the capital. This futuristic Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to complete a full turn, reaching 135m (443ft) at its highest point, and providing spectacular views of iconic landmarks from its glass capsules. Book tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

The Southbank Centre offers up a roll call of top-draw icons and entertainment; it's a great place to go if you're traveling with kids , with lots of free activities and events in summer. Once you leave the Brutalist concrete architecture of the Southbank Centre behind, you'll find other eclectic London sights, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , the Tate Modern art gallery (with views across the river to  St Paul’s Cathedral ), and the Shard , Britain's tallest building. As you walk, look across the river towards the City of London, and try to pick out its curiously nicknamed skyscrapers – such as the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater and the Walkie-Talkie.

Detour: When hunger calls, take a snack break at legendary Borough Market close to London Bridge, where there are pubs, restaurants, dairies, bakers and more than 100 gourmet food stalls.

Transform your visit to London's Eye by  booking with GetYourGuide.

6. Delve into Muslim London

London was once the capital of an empire that ruled over more than half the world’s Muslims, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to a wide range of Muslim communities and rich in Islamic heritage. Start with the amazing Islamic collections in the Victoria & Albert Museum ’s Jameel Gallery or the British Museum ’s Albukhary Gallery  – between them, these former imperial institutes hold over 115,000 Islamic items. 

To learn where Arabic was taught in 17th century London, take an eye-opening Muslim History Tour , then treat yourself to some of the capital’s most delicious Muslim cuisine. Try a fiery curry along East London’s Brick Lane (or great Punjabi-style kebabs nearby at Tayyabs ), head north to Green Lanes for London’s most authentic Anatolian dishes, or go west along Edgware Road for varied Middle Eastern cuisine.

7. Dive deep into history at the South Kensington museums

A trio of world-class museums lie within yards of each other in the well-to-do neighborhood of South Kensington , their grand edifices proving an equal draw to the glories within. With seven floors of interactive, educational and eye-opening exhibits, the spellbinding collection of models, machines and inventions at the Science Museum mesmerizes adults and children in equal measure. 

You could spend days in the huge Victoria & Albert Museum , which houses the world’s leading collection of decorative art objects, and still be astounded at its variety and depth. With its animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex , riveting displays about planet Earth, the research-oriented Darwin Centre and architecture straight out of a Gothic fairy tale, the Natural History Museum is an astonishing melding of science and imagination. Start in the iconic Hintze Hall, where the skeleton of a blue whale dives down from the ceiling.

Local tip: To see a more unusual side to the museums, and mingle with some Londoners, check in advance to see if any “Lates” are running; the museums periodically open their doors into the evening for special events with music and food. There are even occasional sleepover events called Dino Snores  at the Natural History Museum.

8. See a world-class theater show in the West End – and beyond

London is one of the best places in the world to catch a show, so take the opportunity while visiting the capital. For the most famous faces and well-known productions, head to the West End . This area is synonymous with musicals; look out for classics like  Les Misérables or Mamma Mia! , family favorites such as Matilda,   The Lion King  or Wicked, and offbeat hits such as The Book of Mormon (definitely not family viewing!) .

If musicals are not your thing, get onto TodayTix and see what else is playing. Be sure to check out the edgy, small-cast shows at independent theaters such as the Donmar Warehouse and Soho Theatre , to catch up-and-coming talent for not much more than the price of a pint of beer.

Detour: If Shakespeare is more your thing, attend an Elizabethan-style performance at Shakespeare's Globe . You'll need to book ahead for a standing ticket as one of the all-weather "groundlings" who watch from the open-air yard in front of the stage (or you can pay extra for a seat in the gallery). Despite being the brainchild of American actor, Sam Wanamaker, the facsimile theater is a triumph of authenticity, right down to the nail-less construction, English-oak beams, original joinery and thatched roof (the sprinklers are a modern touch).

9. Relax in gloriously green Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London’s impressive array of urban parks is second to none and the city's eight Royal Parks are the place to see locals at ease and in their element. Hyde Park alone covers 142 hectares; throw in Kensington Gardens , and you have even more space to roam. Here, you'll find everything you could want from a London park: a central setting, a royal palace , deck chairs, boating lakes, open-air concerts, art galleries, towering centuries-old trees, a tasteful granite memorial to Princess Diana, and a magnificently overblown memorial to Prince Albert facing the iconic Albert Hall .

10. Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace 

No trip to the capital would be complete without a glimpse of what the Royals are up to. The simplest way to see a bit of sovereign ceremony is to watch the Changing of the Guard , a generations-old ritual in which soldiers in iconic bearskin hats swap shifts outside Buckingham Palace . Arrive early for a good view; the show starts at 11am, and it’s best to arrive by 10:15am (unless you happen to be very tall). If you hanker after more, you can tour the palace itself from July through September (the State Rooms are open for guided tours in the winter and spring, and for 10 weeks every summer).

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and then purchased by King George III, Buckingham Palace has been the Royal Family’s official London lodging since 1837, when Queen Victoria abandoned the old royal residence at St James's Palace . On a tour, visitors can get a peek at the State Rooms – a mere 19 of the palace's 775 rooms – and wander through the stunning gardens.

11. Drink a pint at a historic English pub

London minus its pubs would be like Paris sans cafes. Pub culture is a part of London's DNA, and the pub is the best place to see local people in their hop-scented element. Some London pubs – such as the character-filled, centuries-old  Lamb & Flag  and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – have been fixtures on the social scene for centuries, and a pub pint is the cornerstone of a good night out across the capital. They're also favorite stops for long, family-friendly weekend lunches; gastropubs dot London’s culinary cosmos, many rivaling the best restaurants. 

Local tip: If you have to choose one place in London for an evening out, make it Soho , a densely packed warren of after-dark delights. For centuries a bohemian quarter, Soho was once a seedy red-light district, but these days, it's better known as the hub for London’s LGBTIQ+ community . For an old-school pint or four, drop into the French House , Bar Termini , Yard or the White Horse .

12. See the world’s treasures at the British Museum

With almost six million visitors trooping through its doors annually, the British Museum in Bloomsbury is Britain’s most-visited attraction. It is crammed with such an array of treasures (many of which, controversially, were obtained from other countries by force or political sleight of hand) that you could probably spend your whole trip navigating the vast and hallowed collection of artifacts, art and age-old antiquity, and still not be done.

In fact, the collection was once even bigger, but some objects have been returned to their home countries (and others, unbelievably, were stolen by a light-fingered curator). Free eye-opener tours allow you to focus on specific parts of the vast collection, or you can take in the highlights by wandering through the Great Court, with its stunning glass-and-steel roof designed by Norman Foster, and checking out the closest exhibition halls. Don’t leave before you’ve seen the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, and the fascinatingly macabre Egyptian mummies (including mummified calves, birds and cats).

13. Sit down to a traditional afternoon tea 

The quintessentially English indulgence of whiling away an afternoon eating dainty sandwiches and cakes and drinking tea may give you the feeling you're being observed by Lady Whistledown herself. Venues serving afternoon tea abound, and despite looking like sets from a Bridgerton party, these establishments are perfectly welcoming to all sorts of travelers. There's no need to dress to the nines; smart casual attire is fine (in other words, no trainers, joggers or sweatshirts). 

For the classic experience, head to Claridge’s or the Ritz , or in the summer try the terrace at The Goring or the stately Orangery  at Kensington Palace. It's called afternoon tea, but you can have your tea at almost any time of the day. Pre-booking is highly recommended as slots can book out, especially on weekends and in the peak season.

Planning tip: Make sure you arrive suitably hungry. The spread might not look much in the pictures, but all those plates of delicate treats really do add up to a mini feast. 

This article was first published Mar 19, 2019 and updated Feb 25, 2024.

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The 50 best attractions in London

Discover London’s best attractions, landmarks and sightseeing spots that you’d be mad to miss, even if you‘re a local

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London landmarks are iconic for a reason.  You’ve got your London Eye, your Hyde Park, your Big Ben, and even if you’ve lived here for years and have steadfastly been avoiding ‘tourist traps’, you really ought to check these places out at least once.  Whether you’re a day-tripper or a local, marvelling at the capital’s museums , galleries , monuments and  parks  is a London rite of passage – and they’re all really bloody great.  But where to begin? We’ve pulled together a list of the best attractions in London for you to start ticking off your bucket list. And the best news? Loads of these must-see London attractions won’t cost you a penny. For those that aren’t, you can book below.

Still after some sightseeing inspiration? Check out our list of  101 things to do  in London, and find out what’s happening in London  today ,  this week , and  this weekend .

RECOMMENDED: the best hotels in London   RECOMMENDED: the best alternative attractions in London RECOMMENDED: the best London bus tours

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

London’s top attractions

1.  tower of london.

• Historic buildings and sites

What is it? O ne of the capital’s best and most well-known historical attractions.  The Tower of London offers wonderful architecture, gruesome stories, hands-on activities for younger visitors, costumed actors and guides, and worryingly confident ravens.

Why go? To get an eyeful of the Crown Jewels.

2.  The London Eye

• Things to do
• Event spaces

What is it? Much like the Millenium Dome – or, as it's known to those who don’t remember the twentieth century, the O2 Arena – the London Eye was built to celebrate the year 2000. Since then, the Eye has been a resounding success, and it’s hard to picture London’s skyline without it. Step into one of its spaceship-like pods, and before you know it, you’re halfway into the sky and taking in sweeping vistas of the city.

Why go? The view, obviously. 

3.  The National Gallery

• Trafalgar Square

What is it? A huge art museum right on Trafalgar Square that’s free to enter. Perfect, whether you’ve got ten minutes in your lunch break to check out Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ or time to wander the entire collection of Western European paintings from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Check out the Friday Lates for after-hours access to exhibitions, creative workshops and life drawing sessions, or drop in for one of the themed tours of the collection to get a different perspective on the work.

Why go? To be swaddled in artistic greatness.

4.  Buckingham Palace

• Sightseeing

What is it? A chance to see world-famous art, glimpse regal opulence and get inside HM’s headquarters. In the summer, the palace opens to the public for tours, letting you go behind the keyhole of what’s one of the most – if not the most – famous buildings in London. Inside, you’ll learn about the monarchs and the big, ornate palace itself.  

Why go? To snoop around the most famous royal residence in the world.

5.  St Paul’s Cathedral

• Religious buildings and sites

What is it? Iconic as St Paul’s may be, the cathedral as we know it today is in fact version six, at least. The last was infamously razed to the ground by the Great Fire of London in 1666, but thankfully Sir Christopher Wren’s design, which was completed in 1708, has survived 12 monarchs and two world wars. The admission fee here comes with an introductory talk before you're taken on a 90-minute tour.

Why go? To test your hearing in the Whispering Gallery.

6.  Westminster Abbey

• Westminster

What is it? Like the Pantheon Crypt in Paris, where you can see the tombs and memorials of great figures from history, Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction to peruse the graves, tablets, busts and stone dedications. Seventeen monarchs are buried here, along with dukes, countesses and history’s ‘celebs’ (Think Darwin, Dickens and Hardy). It's also played host to 16 royal weddings and every single British coronation has taken place within the Abbey's walls since 1066.

Why go? To see Gothic grandeur in all its splendour.

7.  Hampton Court Palace

What is it? A resplendent palace with plush grounds on the edge of southwest London. From the Tudor indoor tennis court to the Royal Maze, the King’s private loo to the Magic Garden adventure playground, there’s something here for all ages. History buffs and art enthusiasts should purchase a ticket for the Palace and Gardens; those with little ones in tow will appreciate the Magic Garden and Maze ticket. 

Why go? To get lost in the Royal Maze.

8.  Tower Bridge

• Tower Bridge

What is it? There’s more to this ornate Victorian bridge than something cool to look at: you can actually venture inside. Check out the engine rooms with their whirring wheels and pistons, then head up to the glass-floored viewing platform above the draw bridge, where you can delve into this magnificent structure's story.

Why go?  Time it right and you'll see the bridge rising up to let paddle steamers and barges through. Want to know a fun fact? A full schedule of bridge lift times is available on their website . 

9.  The London Dungeon

What is it?  A tour of London’s nastiest historical moments, with gory stories retold with humour, gooey props and gruesomely costumed actors. You can board a traitor’s boat to the Tower of London, dash through the streets of Whitechapel in pursuit of Jack the Ripper and get a glimpse of plague London. 

Why go?   Gore-seekers can ride a recreation of The Death Express, a line which carried the deceased to their final resting place in Surrey. 

10.  Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

• Hertfordshire

What is it? The Warner Bros Studio, a short trek north of London, where you can set foot inside the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley. See film sets, costumes, props and exhibits that take you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. Changing exhibitions are included in the ticket and you get the chance to discover the secrets of the movies’ special effects.

Why go? To finally get your mitts on a flagon of Butterbeer.

11.  The View from the Shard

• Towers and viewpoints
• London Bridge

What is it?  The capital's tallest tower, having joined London's skyline in 2012.  Measuring 310 metres, The Shard was built with everything in mind: offices, homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and, of course, the alluring viewing platform. From the highest point that the public are allowed access to (floors 69-72), you get stunning 360-degree views of the city. There’s a silent disco on selected Saturday nights and other events, such as gigs and gin tastings throughout the year.

Why go? The floor-to-ceiling windows allow exceptional views out across the capital, especially on a clear day.

12.  Wembley Stadium

• Sport and fitness

What is it? The venue where England won the World Cup in 1966, and the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022. Wembley still has a magic about it, even when you don’t have a ticket for a match or a rock concert. Take the tour and you’ll feel the atmosphere in the players’ tunnel and climb the 107 Trophy Winner’s steps. With the use of 360-degree video, you can also experience what it’s like to be at some of the stadium’s biggest events.

Why go?  To peek  behind the scenes and sense that Cup Final magic.

13.  Up at The O2

• Greenwich Peninsula

What is it? Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? Find out with a ticket for Up at The O2 where you can choose from Daytime, Sunset and Twilight climbs. The ultimate AAA pass gains you access to the roof, where you’ll be able to see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf.

Why go? For an incredible 360-degree view – and that adorable climbing onesie.

14.  Kew Gardens

• Parks and gardens

What is it? Budding horticulturalists will have a field day here. There are over 300 acres to explore filled with indigenous flora and fauna, as well as exotic greenhouses and nature trails. What sets Kew Gardens apart from other botanical gardens? Well, the treetop walkway and the beautiful Grade I-listed Temperate House, for two. The latter is the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and quite a sight to behold.

Why go? For a breath of fresh air in the busy city.

15.  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

• Olympic Park

What is it? The huge park created in Stratford for the London Olympics in 2012. As well as swathes of parkland, it’s home to London Stadium (host to big concerts with headliners like The Weeknd and West Ham FC as well as various athletics championships), children’s play areas, walking trails, the remarkable ArcerlorMittal Orbit , and more state-of-the-art sporting venues.

Why go? For whatever exercise takes your fancy – a swim at the Zaha Hadid-designed London Aquatics Centre , BMXing at the Velo Park, or just strolling through the beautiful park.

16.  The Houses of Parliament

What is it? The seat of British democracy. Take an audio tour through the House of Lords and House of Commons to bring the building to life. It takes around 90 minutes and features leading parliamentary figures such as Mr Speaker and Black Rod. 

Why go? For a dazzling combo of history, politics and architecture.

17.  Kensington Palace

What is it? Where William, Kate and the kids hang their hats. This tourist attraction has a chic style: it played host to the most fashionable salons in Georgian times, was home to Queen Victoria in her youth, then sassy Princess Margaret and then classy Princess Diana. Now the main palace is a pretty visitor magnet with tranquil gardens to wander.

Why go? To be blown away by the outfits in the ‘Royal Style in the Making’ exhibition.

18.  Big Ben

What is it?  Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside Westminster’s iconic clock tower, but even locals think ‘Big Ben’ when they see the Elizabeth Tower. If you’re ready and willing to climb up the narrow 334-step spiral staircase, you can pay a visit to Ben himself – and stand next to him when the hour strikes. Now is a good time to visit, too – renovations on the tower were recently completed, meaning it’s in better nick than ever.

Why go?  To see the world's most celebrated clock – and bell – face to face.

19.  Madame Tussauds

What is it? In 1802, Marie Tussaud made her waxwork debut in the capital (32 years after she founded the show in Paris). By 1884, she decided to lay down permanent roots in Marylebone, and she’s been there ever since (well, her legacy, at least). If you head down to Madame Tussauds today, you’ll come face-to-wax-face with over 150 lifelike models including contemporary stars like Drake and Dua Lipa and historic icons like Albert Einstein and Marilyn Monroe. 

Why go? To snap a selfie with all the famous faces. Instagram, incoming.

20.  Churchill War Rooms

What is it? A secret, secure bunker, tucked behind Downing Street and Parliament Square, where Churchill and his cabinet could monitor how World War II was going, receive intelligence and give orders. It’s the little details that give the biggest impression, from a daily-updated weather noticeboard to the scratch marks on Churchill’s chair (caused by his ring on a stressed day).

Why go? For history lovers to see the rooms just as they were left after 1945.

21.  Royal Opera House

• Classical and opera
• Covent Garden

What is it? Covent Garden’s grand old opera house. Visiting for a performance doesn’t have to set you back a ton of cash – there are discounts for students, senior citizens and those on credits, plus regular ticket offers for all. Alternatively, take a backstage tour, where you can sometimes spot the Royal Ballet practising their moves. 

Why go? To see a right royal opera or ballet performance.

22.  Thames RIB Experience

• Victoria Embankment

What is it? A high-speed ‘rigid inflatable boat’ that will have you zooming up and down the river. Unleash your inner 007 and hop aboard the RIB to travel at speeds of around 35 knots (roughly 40 mph) – it’s almost definitely the fastest, most thrilling way to see some of London’s riverside attractions, from the Tower of London to the Cutty Sark.

Why go? Because it’s the most thrilling way for adrenaline junkies to see the sights.

23.  National Theatre

• Public and national theatres

What is it? Only the greatest theatre in the world (well, we would argue so, anyway). Take your pick of entertainment from the three theatres, and if you’ve got time to kill pre- or post-performance, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in the vicinity to gab about your expectations or dissect the show in afterwards.

Why go?  To witness shows that champion rising talents and showcase big-name stars.

24.  Royal Albert Hall

• Music venues
• South Kensington

What is it?  Across the road from the ornate golden memorial statue of Prince Albert is another dedication. The construction of Royal Albert Hall was ordered by Queen Victoria and named after her late husband. Although the venue is most famously associated with the Proms, its prestigious hall has played host to all kinds of music, theatre and comedy – and continues to do so to this day.

Why go? To experience the dazzling Victorian opulence.

25.  The British Museum

What is it?  The first-ever national museum for the public. Since it first opened in 1759, the British Museum has been displaying global artefacts discovered by British explorers, and it aims to document human culture from its very beginnings. Must-see gems in its permanent collection include the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.

Why go? The museum has more than eight million objects in its collection, 50,000 of which are on display. That’s a lot of bang for your buck, considering entrance to the main areas is free.

26.  Shakespeare’s Globe

• Shakespeare

What is it? A painstakingly accurate recreation of the kind of theatre Shakespeare would have written all his plays for. If you’ve never been, book groundling tickets and stand in the open-air pit like you’re at a rock festival. It will shake the perception of the Bard’s poetry as stuffy memories of English homework and make it feel how it should – like first-rate drama.

Why go? For a raucous, interactive take on  theatre.

27.  Somerset House

What is it? An elegant eighteenth-century landmark and cultural hub on the north side of Waterloo Bridge that hosts several art exhibitions and events at a time, incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries. The courtyard was once an Inland Revenue car park, but now plays host to a variety of gigs, alfresco cinema and fountains in the summer.

Why go? For music and movies under the stars.

28.  Tate Modern

What is it?  A riverside icon dedicated to modern and contemporary art, based in what was the Bankside power station. The permanent collection is always free, and features work by big names like Warhol, Dalí and Hockney, while the gallery’s programme of special exhibitions delves deeper into the lives and careers of important artists.

Why go?  For some of the best art and architecture London has to offer. 

29.  Kew Palace

What is it? The favoured residence of George III looks more like a massive, ornate biscuit tin than the glittering home of a royal. In the gardens, there is a wonderful little cottage built for Queen Charlotte that trumps any garden shed. You can only visit the palace via Kew Gardens (it’s included in the entry ticket to Kew) so make save time to pop inside during your botanical outing. 

Why go? To discover an often-forgotten treasure.

30.  Cutty Sark

• Ships and boats

What is it? T he world’s last surviving tea clipper. Experience life on board, see the intricate craftsmanship used in its creation and find out how the crew lived. The historic ship caught fire in 2007, but was thankfully repaired. Since its post-blaze refurbishment, visitors have been able to walk underneath the hull. 

Why go?  To get a taste of life at sea without leaving the dock. 

31.  London Transport Museum

What is it? A vast museum full of real relics of the bygone ages of London transport, where there’s always a bus or a train to hop on. While you can swot up on the history of the city’s transport network – including why tube stations were used as war shelters – you can also learn about its future and how the latest technology will run our services in the future. The LTM always hosts a fabulous Friday Late, themed around its newest exhibition.

Why go?  To discover a treasure trove of retro design. 

32.  Highgate Cemetery

What is it?  A beautiful, crumbling north London cemetery. It’s full of overgrown paths that will lead you to several Grade II-listed catacombs and a number of famous remains, including poet Christina Rossetti, architect Sir Lawrence Weaver and philosopher Karl Marx. On a sunny day, it even feels a little less morbid.

Why go?  To try to find Karl Marx’s hidden-away grave.

33.  London Zoo

• Zoos and aquariums
• Regent’s Park

What is it?  The Regent’s Park landmark has come a long way since the days when zoos were full of homesick wildlife. London Zoo does a lot of world-class animal welfare work, creating carefully designed settings in which beautiful creatures from gorillas to lizards, penguins to tigers now reside. There’s a dedicated area for small kids and daily shows for nature fans of all ages.

Why go?  To take a walk on the wild side.

34.  V&A Museum

• Art and design

What is it? One of the greatest collections of decorative art, design, fashion and textiles in the world. The Fashion galleries run from 18th-century court dress right up to contemporary chiffon numbers; the Architecture gallery has videos, models, plans and descriptions of various styles; and the famous Photography collection holds more than 500,000 images. Admission is free, expect for special exhibitions.

Why go? To drool over amazing designs and gobble up cake in the sunny courtyard. Bliss.

35.  The South Bank

What is it? A buzzing open space and cultural nucleus of the capital, lined with some of the city’s most exciting galleries, theatres and attractions. Start at the Southbank Centre, for free art and live shows, lunch at one of the many restaurants, watch the skateboarders and then wander east past the artists’ enclave at Gabriel’s Wharf and on to Tate Modern and the Globe.

Why go? For riverside adventures and ace views. 

36.  SEA LIFE London Aquarium

What is it?  The home of sea creatures from all over the world, from Pacific nurse sharks to Antarctic penguins (with a glimpse of what’s swimming past you in the Thames, too). There are different themed areas to explore, too, like the Coral Kingdom and Open Oceans. It can get busy but go off-peak to get some one-on-one time with the crocs.

Why go? To immerse yourself in the life aquatic.

37.  British Library

• Libraries, archives and foundations
• King’s Cross

What is it? A working resource for printed and sound archives that’s open to all. If you nip into the free entrance hall exhibitions you might get to see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark scientific items too, including very early photographs. While it’s usually a hushed venue, don’t expect silence to be enforced when a Late at the Library event kicks off.

Why go? For studious research or to geek out on paper-based artefacts.

38.  Science Museum

• Science and technology

What is it? An incredible, free-to-enter, hands-on museum. Over seven floors of entertaining and educational exhibits, you can get up close to the Apollo 10 command module, a virtual reality space-descent experience and a 16th-century artificial arm. Interactivity is a focus here, so this is one museum guaranteed to keep the attention of kids big and small.

Why go? To experience the incredible Information Age gallery, from where the Queen sent her first tweet, signed Elizabeth R.

39.  Trafalgar Square

What is it?  When it comes to London’s top attractions, Trafalgar Square can’t be overlooked. Bring your selfie stick because posing for pics is a must. Get the lions, fountains and red buses and black cabs circling the busy roads around you in shot, and check out the latest modern art installation adorning the Fourth Plinth. Don’t be tempted to get in those fountains, though – paddling is forbidden.

Why go? To take the archetypal, cheesy, London tourist selfie.

40.  Natural History Museum

• Natural history

What is it? The magnificent South Kensington home of around 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens. This fascinating museum, which is also a world-class research institution, is full of natural wonders and admission is free. In winter, you’ll find an ice rink in the grounds, while this summer a new garden will open that will let you follow in the footsteps of the story of evolution.

Why go? To marvel at a  25.2-metre-long  blue whale skeleton, a piece of Mars rock,  Mary Anning's  ichthyosaur fossil and lots more.  

41.  Borough Market

What is it? Located just around the corner from London Bridge station, Borough Market is an upmarket foodie heaven of markets, restaurants, bars and pubs. Go on an empty stomach and take a tour around its environs while sampling the dishes and flavours that have kept Londoner’s bellies full for generations... and then wash it all down with a few glugs of craft beer at a local pub.

Why go? To taste food so good you (almost) won’t have time to photograph it first.

42.  Hyde Park

What is it? A massive central London park that’s easy to take for granted. Wander into Hyde Park’s vast greenery, and eventually, you get to the Serpentine Lake, where you can take a dip, go boating, board a solar-powered ferry (in summer) or eat pizza by the water. You can also take guided tours of the gardens and a secret pet cemetery – visit the park's website to book the latter. 

Why go? Because life’s more fun if you stop for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic.

43.  Royal Observatory

What is it? For centuries, the location for the scientific study of the stars and of timekeeping – originally for the benefit of sea navigation. This is where you’ll see the Greenwich Meridian Line marked out, from which point the world’s time zones are measured. You can also see the incredible instruments that helped astronomers make discoveries about our universe, or go stargazing at a planetarium show.

Why go? To give Brian Cox a run for his money. 

44.  HMS Belfast

What is it? A grey warship, with its guns tilted high, moored close to Tower Bridge, that’ s a museum nowadays. Open daily, with scenes set to show you what life was like on board a working WWII warship, HMS Belfast is a lively visitor space. You can explore all levels of the boat, from the bowels of the vessel to the engine room, the kitchens and even the dentist’s office. And don’t forget the action stations up on the deck.

Why go? To play life-sized battleships.

45.  Regent’s Park

What is it?  A verdant 410 acres of lush, open space, just a short stroll north of Oxford Circus. Featuring a pretty rose garden, the elegant Open Air Theatre (open throughout the summer – check the  website for exact dates) and tree-lined avenues for jogging, it’s a slice of horticultural heaven and a much-needed respite from the rest of the whirring city. 

Why go? To escape the Oxford Street crowds.

46.  Young V&A

• Bethnal Green
• 4 out of 5 stars
• Recommended

What is it? The Bethnal Green museum previously known as the V&A Museum of Childhood. It’s since undergone a £13 million refurbishment project to make it shine brighter, but is still home to one of the world’s finest collections of children’s toys, dolls’ houses, games and costumes.

Why go? To see kids' toys over the ages, including bonkers 1970s puppets, Barbie Dolls and Victorian praxinoscopes.

47.  St James’s Park

What is it? London’s oldest Royal Park and, essentially, Buckingham Palace’s front garden. St James’s Park runs alongside The Mall and offers a handy escape from the traffic noise of Trafalgar Square. The two islands in its lake are home to wildlife and there’s the Princess Diana Memorial Walk to follow if you fancy some gentle exercise.

Why go? To watch the pelicans (which were introduced to the park more than 400 years ago) being fed at 2.30pm daily.

48.  Design Museum

What is it? A trove of the world’s finest design. Relocated in 2016 from its former home on the side of the Thames near Tower Bridge, the new-and-improved building in Kensington is an awe-inspiring presence that covers design over a wealth of disciplines, from architecture and fashion to graphics and products.

Why go? To be wowed by eye-pleasing works and by how design has evolved over the decades.

49.  Hamilton

• Victoria Open run
• 5 out of 5 stars

What is it? The award-winning musical from Lin-Manuel Miranda about US founding father Alexander Hamilton. The show modernises the history of America, pulling from hip-hop, R&B and soul in its songbook, and has won huge acclaim since it first premiered off-Broadway in New York in 2015.

Why go? For the most entertaining – and catchy – history class around.

50.  Shrek’s Adventure! London

• Theme parks

What is it? An interactive tour that starts with a breathtaking 4D ride through the sky before you crash-land near a certain ogre’s swamp and find yourself having to flee from the wicked Rumpelstiltskin. Different missions will give you the chance to meet, help, or even rescue some favourite characters, such as liberating Pinocchio from the Wheel of Torture and cooking up some spells with the Muffin Man. 

Why go? To have a giggle on a whirlwind trip to Far, Far Away.

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Top 30 Things to Do in London | Landmarks, Attractions & Activities

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 16, 2024

If you’re visiting the UK capital and are seeking the top things to do in London, then you’re in just the right place! While this list includes the top 10 attractions in London, we also cover other popular places to go, unique things to do, and the best day trips from London. 

Intended to inspire your London travel planning, this guide includes all the icons you know about. It also includes some stand-out tours to take and places to visit in the Big Smoke – as London is often called by Brits. 

Whether you’re into art, history, theatre, food, shopping, nature, or simply snapping as many Instagrammable views as possible, London awaits. Read on to discover the 30 best things to do in London Town – as recommended by our team of local experts. 

Tower of London

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If you only visit one historic attraction in London, make it the Tower of London. Seeing the Beefeaters, the ravens, the ancient buildings and the Crown Jewels is a quintessential London experience. You can also grab a sneaky glimpse of Tower Bridge at the same time, making this a two-for-one kind of deal!

• Find out more in our complete Tower of London guide

Click here to book Tower of London tickets

The famous venue for royal coronations, weddings, and funerals is one of London’s most popular places to visit. Also close to the Abbey are the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. You can also capture shots of the iconic red telephone boxes in the area. 

• Find out more in the ultimate Westminster Abbey guide

Click here to book Westminster Abbey tickets

The largest cantilevered observation wheel on the continent is also the UK’s top paid tourist attraction. Seeing the city and the River Thames spread out beneath you while you ride is utterly unforgettable. We recommend booking fast track tickets to save time waiting in line. 

• Find out more in our complete guide to the London Eye

Click here to book London Eye tickets

St Paul’s Cathedral isn’t just any old church. It was built on the city’s highest point, has a landmark dome, and is also an art gallery. If you’re able, it’s worth climbing to the top, via the Whispering Gallery. The cathedral is a London icon and, like Westminster Abbey, is the final resting place for many notable people.

• Find out more in the ultimate guide to St Paul’s Cathedral

Click here to book St Paul’s Cathedral tickets

🎡 London Eye – Ride with fantastic views over London. (Skip-the-line tickets available)

🏙 The Shard – The tallest building in the UK with commanding views over London.

⛪️ Westminster Abbey – Gothic abbey where coronations and royal weddings are held.

💎 Tower of London – Infamous prison and mighty fortress. The Crown Jewels are on display too.

⚔ Madame Tussauds – Get up close and personal with over 250 waxworks of famous people.

⛓ London Dungeon – Enjoy a recreation of some of London’s goriest and macabre historical events.

🐧 London Zoo – World’s oldest scientific zoo and a popular attraction for families.

👑 Hampton Court Palace – King Henry VIII’s favourite palace.

Fingers crossed you get lucky with the weather, as breathtaking Kensington Palace has equally beautiful gardens. Princess Diana lived here, along with her sons William and Harry, and Queen Victoria spent a lot of time here too. Make sure you see the state apartments, jewel room, and Sunken Garden.

• Find out more in this Kensington Palace guide

Click here to book Kensington Palace tickets

Henry VIII’s kitchens and the most famous maze in London are among the attractions of Hampton Court Palace. It takes a little longer to get here, but it really is worth it. The peaceful surroundings alone make it worth the effort. Don’t miss the chocolate kitchens, the tapestries in the Great Hall, and the Cumberland Gallery.

• Find out more in our guide to Hampton Court Palace

Click here to book Hampton Court Palace tickets

Since opening in early 2013, The Shard has become one of London’s top tourist sites. You can enjoy the View from the Shard by day or by night, and even drink, dine, or stay at this London landmark.

We recommend booking an evening slot here, to free up your time during the day.

Click here to book The View from the Shard tickets

There’s lots to see and do on the South Bank, and it’s more laid-back than the northern side of the River Thames. Look out for Shakespeare’s Globe, delve into contemporary art at the Tate Modern, or pick up a picnic at Borough Market. 

You’ll also find an interesting mix of  shops, cafes, and restaurants in this locale – and a fabulous Christmas market in late November and December. 

London boasts some of the finest museums on the planet – and many are also free to get into. The British Museum in Bloomsbury could keep you happy all day long, or dip into Sir John Soane’s, which is something of a hidden gem . 

If you find it hard to choose, head to South Kensington to explore the Science Museum, the arty V&A, or the magnificent Natural History Museum. 

It’s not only museums that London’s got going for it. Art galleries like the Tate Modern on the South Bank, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, and the National Portrait Gallery close by can keep art fans amused for many hours.

5 Different Things to Do in London

Taking place at the Tower of London, the Ceremony of the Keys is the reenactment of an ancient ceremony. Led by the Chief Yeoman Warder, the event takes place at seven minutes to ten in the evening.

It commences with a cry of ‘Halt, who comes there?’ A lantern, red uniforms and of course the keys also feature in this traditional ceremony. Historic Royal Palaces charges £5 per ticket, and you must pre-book online. 

But if you really want to experience the Ceremony of the Keys our favourite way is as part of a VIP small group tour with Walks. Book this very special experience (and one of our London favourites) here!

We’re huge fans of Discover Real London’s black cab tours of the city. It’s an experience you’ll never forget, and you can expect a fun-filled day out, whatever the weather. The signature tour is a real crowd-pleaser, or go for a city sunrise tour, or London De-Tour, if you’re seeking something different. 

Click here to book Discover Real London tours (please tick the box to indicate you heard of them via this website!)

There’s nothing like a professional photoshoot to ensure lasting mementoes of your London trip. Not to mention making sure you look your absolute best! We love the pictures Domi from Scalens Studio has taken of us. All sorts of packages are available, including the flying dress, proposal, and solo traveller deals. 

Click here to book a Scalens Studio photoshoot  

If you have a penchant for the gothic side of life, Highgate Cemetery could be the London destination to go to. It’s vast, and home to the graves of many famous folk. Look out for Karl Marx, Henry Moore, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, and George Michael, for starters. The 15 hectare site has about 53,000 graves.

Forming part of the Imperial War Museum, the Churchill War Rooms shows you where the British government planned their part in the Second World War. Led by Prime Minister Winston Churchill, of course. You can visit the Churchill Museum here, as well as the Cabinet War Rooms.

Book a small group tour of the Churchill War Rooms

10 Popular Things to Do in London

If you like a spot of retail therapy, then you must hit London’s shops at least once during your visit. Anywhere in the West End is good – Oxford Street has all the British favourites, while Regent and Bond Streets are more upmarket. 

Covent Garden is also a good choice, and also has daily markets. Carnaby Street is a little more unique, and you can find the stunning Liberty store between there and Regent Street. It has a Tudor style facade, and is famous for its arty fabrics. 

Take a bus tour of London to see the sights without stress. It’s a great way to start or end your trio, whetting your appetite at the beginning, or capping it all off before you leave. 

There are lots to choose from, including hop-on, hop-off tours and vintage vehicles. We can personally recommend an afternoon tea tour, which means ending up well fed at the same time!

Here are three of the best:

• Vintage London bus tour
• London bus tour with afternoon tea
• Hop-on, hop-off City Sightseeing London bus tour

But our favourite has got to be Brigit’s Bakery Bus tour (see images above) Book afternoon tea and a tour with Brigit’s Bakery Bus and enjoy!

Take to the River Thames to see the city from a different angle. A boat trip is also a very relaxing way to travel, and you can hop onto an Uber boat at numerous piers. 

Alternatively, book an organised trip. With so many to choose from, here’s a few of our favourites.

• Thames Barrier speedboat tour
• Circular river cruise to Richmond
• Westminster to Greenwich Thames cruise

London has some amazing markets to discover. Whether you stop to pick up some street food or end up with a bagful of bargains, there are superb stalls all over the city. 

The best include Portobello Market in Notting Hill, Columbia Road flower market, Borough Market, Camden Market and Greenwich Market. 

Find out more in our complete London markets guide

The tinkle of cutlery on fine china, a pianist playing in the background, sumptuous surroundings – and that’s before we even mention the food! Afternoon tea is a very British thing and nowhere does it better than London. 

From the Diamond Jubilee tea salon at Fortnum & Mason to a five star hotel or an afternoon tea bus, there are so many ways to enjoy it. There are plenty of family-friendly, themed afternoon teas too. 

Find out more in the ultimate guide to afternoon tea in London

Seeing a show in London’s Theatreland – aka the West End – is unmissable for anyone who dreams of Broadway. This is one of the top places in the world to attend the theatre, so don’t miss it if you have even the slightest interest! 

Just being there is a memorable experience in itself, and there are so many theatres and shows to choose from. Try using the London Theatre Direct app to bag a bargain or last minute ticket. 

Why not tickle your tastebuds by taking a food tour of London? Again, there are so many to choose from, whether you have a sweet tooth or prefer savoury treats. 

We love the tour that combines traditional London pubs with sampling a range of lip-smacking fare, for example. Here are a few ideas.  

• Evening food tour of Soho  
• Foodie tour of historic London pubs
• Borough Market and Southwark food tour

From Hyde Park in the heart of the city to Hampstead Heath in the northern suburbs, there’s a London park with your name on it. Head to Regent’s Park for London Zoo and Primrose Hill views as well as the park itself, or stroll through St James or Green Park between visiting London attractions. 

Pack a picnic if the weather’s fine. Whether it’s from the upmarket food hall at Harrods near Hyde Park or an express supermarket, good times are guaranteed. Well, when the weather’s kind, anyway…

If you love all things botanical, then you cannot miss Kew Gardens to the west of the city. It’s a glorious place to be when spring or summer is in the air. As well as when the autumn leaves change colour, or the winter lights are illuminated. 

This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a treetop walk, the tropical Palm House, a vast arboretum, and three art galleries, as well as a whole lot more.  

Click here to book Kew Gardens tickets

We adore Greenwich, and think it’s one of London’s best-kept secrets. There are numerous historic sites here, a thriving market, a huge park, and lots more. Don’t miss the Prime Meridian Line, either, where east meets west. 

• Find out more in this ultimate guide to Greenwich

5 Top Day Trips from London

Windsor Castle is surely the most popular day trip destination from London. This historic royal pile is incredibly popular. The town and Windsor Great Park are very pretty, too. 

The simplest way to see Windsor is with a guided tour, or you can buy train and castle tickets separately. Here are some recommendations.

• Windsor Castle entrance ticket
• Half day tour to Windsor from London
• Private Windsor Castle and Stonehenge tour

Find out more in this guide to Windsor Castle or listen to our podcast all about Windsor

The famous stone circle of Stonehenge in Wiltshire is one of England’s most iconic and mysterious sites. Not only is it prehistoric, but no one really knows just how the stones arrived here from Wales. 

Click here to book a small group half day tour to Stonehenge from London with the English Bus Co. (the link will take you to an agency page – select the tour at checkout use the code UKTP5 for 5% discount)

The gently rolling hills of the Cotswolds, contrasted against buildings constructed from the local honey-toned stone, make it easy to see why the Cotswolds is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. 

Click here to book a one day small group Cotswolds tour from London with the English Bus Co. (the link will take you to an agency page – select the tour at checkout use the code UKTP5 for 5% discount)

Staying in Moreton in Marsh or Stratford we recommend booking a small group tour with Go Cotswolds – use code UKTRAVPLAN for 5% discount at checkout.

The elegant city of Bath offers astonishingly well-preserved Roman baths, elegant Georgian architecture, and so much history. It’s also got the Thermae Bath Spa, great shopping,and a famous tea room. For organised tours, Bath is usually combined with other places like Stonehenge, 

Click here to book a small group tour to Bath and Stonehenge with the English Bus co. (the link will take you to an agency page – select the tour at checkout use the code UKTP5 for 5% discount)

For fans of the most famous wizard in the world, a trip to The Making of Harry Potter, aka the Warner Bros Studios, is essential. You can also take walking tours of London to see sites used in the movies – and one clever tour even combines both!

Click here to book a combined Harry Potter studios and London walking tour

With so much to see and do in London, the only problem is fitting it all in! Whether you’d rather shop till you drop, tour royal sites, or delve deeper into the city’s foodie scene, one thing’s for sure. It really is impossible to get bored in London. 

And anyway, if you do feel like an escape from the city, there are plenty of perfect day trip destinations within easy reach of the capital. It really is a winning combination

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What to Do in London?

22 attractions you shouldn't miss.

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In a nutshell: 5 tips for staying in London

• Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard are some of the absolute highlights of London .
• While in London, you should visit at least one market. Our highlight: Borough Market !
• Free admission to museums : not a problem at London’s Tate Modern or British Museum.
• Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter through real sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

These were our top highlights in London . But of course, that’s not all!

In our article we will show you 22 cool London sights sorted by category: You can just have a look at what is really interesting for you.

Table of Contents

• Attractions map
• For first-timers
• For culture lovers
• For London experts
• For families
• For shopping fans
• London for free
• General tips

Map of our 22 London attractions

To start off and give you a better sense of all the London sights in this post, we made a map of our 22 highlights below.

Click here to download the map in PDF format

London attractions for first-timers

You are visiting London for the first time and obviously want to check out the most popular London highlights . We put the must-sees for you in two lists. The London attractions with a camera icon are among the highlights, but a short photo stop is enough here. The other the attractions are also worth checking out from the inside. Therefore, we will describe them in more detail.

These London highlights will be described in more detail:

Tower Bridge

Tower of london, westminster abbey.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral

Buckingham Palace

London attractions for a quick photo stop:

Big Ben Houses of Parliament Downing Street Windsor Castle

You should plan 1 hour

Tower Bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most famous bridges in the world . 40,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and it is lifted several times daily to let ships pass through. Read more about the exact Bridge Lift times here .

Nine meters above the Thames is a free walkway. 42 meters up, there is another walkway with a glass floor – pretty cool, but only if you’re not afraid of heights.

You will need a ticket for the glass floor and the Bridge Museum.

Get tickets for Tower Bridge

You should plan 1.5 hours

The Tower of London is especially famous for the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels , estimated at over 20 billion pounds, which are kept there.

The Tower’s history is equally interesting though: it has served as an armory, prison, execution site and even a royal residence .

Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended, as the lines at the door are always very long .

Get tickets for the Tower of London

To the website

Only a short walk from the Palace of Westminster is the 700-year-old church Westminster Abbey. This is where the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Kate and William took place.

As you stroll around the gravestones in the cemetery, you’ll find many famous names from British history, such as Charles Darwin.

If you pre-purchase your tickets online they are a little cheaper.

Get tickets for Westminster Abbey

closed on Sundays (open for church services)

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is a defining feature of London’s skyline and is located in the heart of the City. The cathedral’s huge dome is even bigger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . The entire structure is absolutely beautiful, not just the architecture, but also the paintings and exhibitions .

If you can stomach climbing more than 500 steps up the spiral staircase to the top of the cathedral, a breathtaking view of London awaits you from a height of about 111 meters.

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. The lines at the tickets booths can take forever, especially on weekends and during the peak season.

Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral Combined Ticket Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)

You should plan 1 hour (for the Changing of the Guard)

Nothing represents British history better than the Royal Family. So of course a visit to Buckingham Palace is an absolute must when you’re in London. The Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family .

You can watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palace all year round. The spectacle takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It always starts at 11 am, but you should get there by 10:30 am to get a good view.

Note: You can only visit the royal chambers between July and October. Make sure to secure your tickets well in advance online.

Get tickets for the Buckingham Palace

Open between July and October

The Shard really lives up to its name, jutting out of the ground like a piece of shattered glass. For a brief period, the 310-meter skyscraper even held the title of tallest building in Europe upon completion in 2012.

Its 72 floors include offices, apartments, restaurants, stores, and a 5-star hotel. The viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer fantastic views over London.

It’s quite a bit cheaper to buy tickets online in advance than on site, but you’ll still have to wait in line to exchange your online ticket for a physical one. We recommend that you avoid visiting on weekends when the lines are particularly long.

Get tickets for The Shard

Several floors offer Michelin-star cuisine and great cocktails as well as an amazing view of London. You don’t have to pay admission here, but of course the food and drinks cost a pretty penny. You can also book a hotel room at the Shangri-La Hotel.  It offers luxury rooms with a spectacular view.

Current room rates at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter

It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at 135 meters , and the view is fantastic. However, if you have to choose between the London Eye and The Shard, we would recommend The Shard.

You can find all the important information in our article with the best tips for your visit to the London Eye .

It’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance , as they’re 10 percent cheaper that way. You can choose between a standard ticket and a fast track ticket when you book your ride. The fast track ticket grants you preferred entry to the Ferris wheel through a special entrance so you don’t have to wait in line.

Get Fast Track Tickets for the London Eye

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: More London highlights for first-timers

These attractions are in every travel guide and cannot missed on our list. You can visit these for the perfect London snapshot:

London attractions for culture lovers

You love museums, can really lose yourself in art or like to stroll through theater districts? Perfect! In this section you will find the most exciting museums in London and other attractions for real culture lovers.

Our culture highlights in London at a glance:

• Tate Modern / Tate Britain

British Museum

National gallery, covent garden, notting hill, tate modern and tate britain.

You should plan 3 hours

Two of our favorite museums in London are Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While Tate Britain primarily shows British artists from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world .

Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. In Tate Britain you can find art from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world . Tate Modern will appeal to you even if you’re not really into art in general.

The buildings’ architecture alone is stunning and can turn a rainy day in London into a unique experience. The 10th floor of Tate Modern also offers a great view of the city.

And here’s the best part: Both museums are completely free to visit !

Our tip: “Tate Lates”. Visit the Tates at night, accompanied by music and a bite to eat. Late at Tate is a regular event that takes place every first Friday of the month at Tate Britain and every last Friday of the month at Tate Modern.

You should plan 2 hours

The British Museum is a world-renowned museum of cultural history and has accumulated some of the most important sculptures, antiquities, and architectural works in human history.

There’s so much to see at the British Museum that it’s impossible to take in everything at once, even if you spend the whole day.

Visiting the museum is free , but you’re encouraged to make a donation. Only special exhibits and events charge admission.

Guided tour of the British Museum

The National Gallery is an art museum located directly on Trafalgar Square in the city center. It’s one of the most significant and largest portrait galleries in the world with a collection of more than 2,300 artworks from the 13th through the 19th century.

The collection includes portraits of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci, among many others. Admission to the National Gallery is free .

Our tip: Trafalgar Square is a wonderful spot to take a break from all the sightseeing. Its two fountains at the center are magnificent and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, especially in the summer.

Guided tour of the National Gallery

Covent Garden is a theatre and entertainment district in the West End. People often only associate the historic Apple Market on the car-free square with the name Covent Garden, but the area has so much more to offer.

The London Museum of Transport, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum, and Seven Dials are just a few worthwhile attractions in the neighborhood. And aside from all the museums and theaters, the Apple Market is one of the most beautiful photo spots in London.

Its elegant halls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping stroll. The many singers and street performers are what make the market so special.

You should plan 2 – 4 hours

Notting Hill is definitely one of the most photogenic parts of the city . Or instagrammable , as our younger readers might say. The neighborhood is known from numerous films such as the eponymous rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The streets of Notting Hill are characterized by colorful houses and flowers .

The market on Portobello Road is one of the most beautiful markets in London, replete with second-hand fashion, antiques, and wares of all shapes and sizes. The main market opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

The annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August. Europe’s largest street festival offers a spectacular parade with a wide variety of colorful characters.

Guided walking tour through Notting Hill

Attractions for London experts

Have you been to London before? These London attractions are great for a second or third visit .

If you are looking for insider tips in London, you might also like this article: 11 real London insider tips .

London insider tips that are worth visiting:

Borough Market

Brick lane market.

Our tip for London connoisseurs who have plenty of time:

• Street Art in London

The first Chinese restaurants set up shop in London in the 1950s. Today, you’ll feel as if you’ve been swept away to the Far East. Chinese characters, dragons, lanterns and the smell of fried duck are everywhere. Even the street signs in Chinatown are bilingual.

Chinatown is a little culture shock. You can eat delicious Asian food here or stock up on typical Asian products in the stores.

Our tip: Chinatown is also the scene of many exciting events, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations. Check the Chinatown website for information on upcoming events.

Borough Market is one of the most beautiful markets in London . It’s frequently chosen as a picturesque setting for movies, such as Bridget Jones or Harry Potter.

There are more than 130 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, natural products, meat, and fish . In addition to regional products, you’ll also find delicacies from all over the world. For example, German expats in London can enjoy a taste of home in the form of German bratwurst sold here.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here, sampling from the stalls and shopping for souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Only on Sundays it closes one hour earlier.

Our tip: Around Borough Market you’ll also find some cool London restaurants.

Closed on Sundays (only open in the run-up to Christmas)

At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch you can find anything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs and of course lots of delicious street food .

The market originated in the former Old Truman Brewery , which had to close in the 80s. Today it has developed into a market with over 300 stalls , some of them covered and others are simply on the street. We particularly like the fact that Brick Lane still retains the industrial charm of old London .

Our tip: It’s best to visit Brick Lane Market on a Sunday, which is the only time the street market takes place.

Streetart in London

You should plan 4 hours (for a tour)

If you already know the classic museums in London, there is still more art than the mainstream.

Especially the neighborhoods of Shoreditch and East End are full of beautiful street art. Among them are works by internationally known artists like Banksy or Shepherd Fairey.

We recommend a guided tour , because your guide knows the coolest street art in London and you don’t have to search for a long time.

Street art tour and workshop in London

London highlights for families

If you’re traveling to London with children, you probably won’t be looking for dull museums. In our list you will find the London highlights that kids will also enjoy . We will describe the first three in more detail in a bit.

These sights in London were our highlights:

• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
• Transport Museum London

More London attractions for families:

• Science Museum
• Holland Park
• Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

You should plan 1 – 3 hours

Hyde Park is one of the public royal parks in the heart of London. With an area of 1.4 square kilometers there’s plenty of space for your kids to run around and play.

The Serpentine, a snake-shaped lake running through the middle of the park, is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. From late November through January, Hyde Park hosts the Winter Wonderland with ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and a circus – perfect for families.

Our tip: On Sundays, pay a visit to Speakers’ Corner in the northeast end of Hyde Park (near Marble Arch). Since the 19th century, speakers have been coming here to stand on boxes and speak their minds about every topic under the sun. If you’re feeling brave, why not give it a go yourself?

Warner Bros. Studios

Why not apparate to Diagon Alley and get a few souvenirs from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes ? You can – well, almost.

At Warner Bros. Studios in London, you can visit some of the original sets, such as Diagon Alley , the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and the wizarding bank Gringotts . You’ll see the actors’ costumes and some of the iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Hagrid’s flying motorbike .

A truly magical experience for all Harry Potter fans, both young and old.

Harry Potter Studios Tour

London Transport Museum

At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, your kids can explore the world of London’s transport.

There is, for example, a restored steam engine , electric trains or the typical r ed double-decker buses to discover. What kid wouldn’t want to play train conductor?

The museum also tells some really crazy stories . There is, for example, an exhibition about an underground aircraft factory in a subway tunnel.

Get tickets for the London Transport Museum

More tips for families in London

London has so many fun options to offer for families. Here are some more ideas:

London highlights for shopping fans

London and fashion – the two belong together. We will show you the best places to shop in London.

Our highlights for shopping in London:

Oxford Street

Camden market.

Oxford Street is one of the most prestigious and famous shopping streets in all of Europe. It extends for 1.9 kilometers and offers everything from luxury brands to cheap knick-knacks.

Stores open daily. If you really want to do some serious shopping, try strolling down the street during the week ; it’s pretty much impossible to shop in peace on the weekends.

Our tip: The pre-Christmas season is a magical time in London, and starting in November, Oxford Street is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Be sure to stop by Carnaby Street, a side street off of Oxford Street, and marvel at the lights and romantic restaurants around Kingly Court.

Harrods is the most famous department store in London. The rich and famous have been shopping at Harrods since 1834, and for a long time the department store was the official supplier to the Royal Family.

The charm of the old building will send you into a shopping frenzy. Many of the stores are luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci or Prada. But there are also several “normal” stores.

Our tip: If possible, don’t visit Harrods on a Saturday, as it’s particularly crowded then.

You should plan a whole day

Camden Market is not just any old market. There are around 1,000 stores offering anything from vintage fashion to art to street food . The atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the 70s and 80s. It is divided into three separate markets :

• Buck Street Market , right next to the Tube station, is full of stalls selling cheap, mass-produced goods.
• Stables Market , along Chalk Farm Road, offers alternative and vintage fashion, furniture, and second-hand items.
• The oldest market is located directly on Regent’s Canal. Camden Lock Market offers high-quality hand-made jewelry and clothing, decorations, and the finest street food.

London for free: Our tips for those on a budget

Are you traveling on a budget? London is not exactly a cheap destination, but with some tricks at hand, you can visit many of London’s attractions for free.

Here are our tips for free sightseeing in London:

• walk across Tower Bridge
• visit a free museum like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery
• enjoy the view in the Sky Garden
• stroll through the markets of London
• check out some street art in East London

General tips for your visit to London

Before you get started with your trip to the top highlights in London, here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you should plan at least 3 to 5 days for your city trip to London. That’s still not much for such a big city, which is why it’s important to plan well. That’s why we prepared the perfect 3-day plan for London :

#1 Choosing the right place to stay

When choosing your accommodation, you should make sure that it’s in a central location . Here are three great and centrally located hotels in London.

Wilde Aparthotels : cool apartments in the bustling Covent Garden district, very close to the theater district The Montague On The Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum, especially suitable for families and first-time visitors Treehouse Hotel London : super green hotel with a treehouse theme, close to Oxford Street

#2 Get an Oyster Card

London is huge and its must-see attractions are scattered throughout the city, so doing everything on foot is only recommended for the most ambitious exercise fanatics. For everyone else, the public transport network is excellent  and is the perfect way to get around and see the sights.

You’ll need an Oyster Card to use the public transport in London. An Oyster Card is a pre-paid travel card that you simply hold against the reader before boarding a bus or entering a Tube station. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use. Cards are available at local outlets, such as airports and all Tube stations.

Alternatively, you can also order the card before your trip and have it conveniently delivered to your home for a small fee. That way you can feel like a local and just get on the next bus or Tube when you arrive, without the hassle of looking for a vending machine.

Order the Oyster Card online

We recommend using the Citymapper app for public transport in London. It shows you how long it’ll take you to get from A to B, how much it’ll cost, and which lines to take.

Get the Android app from the Google Play Store Get the iOS app from the Apple Store

#3 Save time and money with city passes

It may be worth buying one of the London city passes if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions that charge admission.

These discount passes grant you free admission to numerous attractions in London and save you quite a bit of money.

Another advantage is that some sights offer preferred fast track admission for pass holders. In other words, not only will you be saving money, but also a lot of time.

The following passes are available:

London Pass (includes most of the attractions) Go City’s London Explorer Pass (the most flexible pass) Merlin Magical London 5-in-1-Pass (a good choice for families with children)

#4 Explore London with a guided tour

If you’re visiting London for the first time or want to explore a whole other side of the city, a guided tour is a great idea.

There’s a huge range of city tours in London to suit all tastes.

Here are three cool tours, that can be booked directly online:

Bike tour through London Boat cruise on the Thames including lunch Harry Potter-themed tour

What are your London highlights?

That wraps up our list of the 22 must-see sights and attractions in London. Have you ever been to London? Which attractions in London were your absolute favorites? Tell us all about them in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

A short tourist guide to London

 where to stay, what to see, what to do, how to get around.

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Discover London 

• A selection of budget hotels in London 
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►Tourism in London

• Changing of the  Guard at Buckingham Palace. Every day at 11:30 from May to July, otherwise every two days. However the ceremony does not take place if it is raining heavily.
• NEW !  Go to the top of the Shard - Europe's tallest skyscraper.   Check this out
• The London Eye . On the South Bank of the Thames, opposite Big Ben Big Ben. Get fabulous aerial views of the river Thames, the Houses of Parliament, and the London skyline.   ► Get  Tickets 

• The Tower of London: a medieval fortress, in very good condition, which has marked the history of England. Historical collections and official jewels of the English monarchy, "the Crown Jewels". Open daily. ► Get  Tickets  
• St Katherine's dock (historic boats) and Tower Bridge; just a few hundred metres from the Tower. Free to visit.
• The London Dungeon : plunge into the world of medieval torturers! On the south bank of the Thames, opposite the Tower.     ► Get  Tickets 
• HMS Belfast: on the Thames, opposite the Tower. Visit a Royal Navy warship that saw service during the Second World War.
• Madame Tussaud's: World-famous waxworks, where you will meet all kinds of celebrities from today and yesterday; including stars, historic characters, world leaders and even some notorious criminals.      ► Get  Tickets 
• London Transport Museum : A fascinating discovery of transport in London, with historic buses, trains and lots more.  ► Get  Tickets  
• Hyde Park: the great area of parkland in the West End. Picnic on the grass, or stroll under the trees to forget for a few minutes the streets and traffic.
• St. Paul's Cathedral: London's great neo-classical cathedral of the city, designed by the great architect Sir Christopher Wren in the seventeenth century.
• London Zoo - in Regent's park - one of Britain's top zoos now a major player in world wildlife conservation.
• Clubs : London has many, big and small. Clubbers will surely already know where they want to go! But for others, try for instance the Ministry of Sound at the Elephant & Castle.
• See also culture below, for the main London museums, and more London pages:   London for Free ,   Using public transport in London, and Country walks near London .

► Shopping in London   For more details visit   Shopping in London

• Department stores Head to the West End, and the streets of Regent Street and Oxford Street in particular. You will find the most famous British department stores, including Marks & Spencers , Debenhams, Liberty, Hamleys - the oldest toy shop in the world - and other big British and international names.
• In the little streets nearby, discover small specialist shops: Savile Row, with its famous tailors and shirt-makers,  Carnaby Street with its hip trendy boutiques. Bond Street , for its up-market drapers and tailors.... and much more too. 
• Harrods : in Knightsbridge.  This is the largest store in Europe, with over 90,000m ² of retail space, on 7 levels. The store has over 300 departments, and popular legend has it that you can buy anything in this shop.
• For more information visit   Shopping in London

► London accommodation 

►culture:  national museums are free and open every day.

• The National Gallery : One of the largest and greatest art galleries in the world, located in Trafalgar Square. Free admission.
• The Science Museum - South Kensington . You can easily lose yourself for a day or more in this great science museum. This museum, which is free, is very close to .....
• The Natural History Museum - Cromwell Road. Free entry. From insects to dinosaurs, discover the fascinating world of nature in one of the largest museums of its kind in the world.
• Museum of London -  the world's biggest museum devoted to a single city. In the City, at London Wall, a few minutes from St. Paul's cathedral.
• The British Museum: Great Russell St (near Oxford St.) one of the largest museums in the world, with remarkable collections of art and artefacts from around the world.
• V&A : the Victoria et Albert Museum. The major national museum of decorative arts, including sculpture, porcelaine, paintings, decoration, particularly noteworth for its collections of 19th century decorative arts.
• Tate Modern : South Bank; near Southwark Bridge. Britain's most famous modern and contemporary art gallery.
• Theatres: London's West End is particularly famous for its Musicals . No need to understand English: just come in and enjoy the music and the show. You can buy your tickets online, often at discounted rates for all major shows in London.  
• Rock music London is a world capital of rock and pop music, with several major venues including the O2 arena.
• Classical music : Plenty of choice here: for major events choose between the Royal Albert Hall, The Barbican Centre, or the capital's other large concert halls.
• Opera : London's most famous opera house is located at Covent Garden, in the West End

Getting round London 

Getting out of london .

• For a day in the country from London, see Country walks near London - real country rambles all directly accessible by train in less than an hour from a London terminus.
• Easy access from London (Train from London Waterloo) : Windsor Castle, a residence of the Queen and one of Europe's best conserved medieval castles.  ► Get  tickets  .  
• For more ideas of places to visit that can easily be reached from London by train , see regional guides:   Southeast England  (including Eastbourne, Rochester, the North Downs), the East of England (including Cambridge),   Central southern England (to the west of London, including Windsor and Oxford)

Stay safe in London 

• Buckingham Palace
• The London Aquarium
• The London Eye
• Westminster Abbey
• Madame Tussauds
• Harry Potter tours
• The London Dungeon
• Shrek's  adventures

24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited London many times, most recently on an extensive tour of England in the spring of 2022. Author Shandley McMurray lived in London and always enjoys returning.

London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities . Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line medieval laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters. Picturesque streets and avenues connect renowned attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral, causing visitors to gape at their beauty and exhaust their phone's photo storage.

With so many impressive tourist attractions and captivating things to do, it's no wonder London is one of the most popular places to visit in the world , attracting over 20 million tourists each year. Britain's bustling capital offers something for everyone, including shopaholics, foodies, adventurists, historians, and kids, making it tough to choose what to do first.

Should you hit one of the top museums, many of which are free to enter, or enjoy a picnic in one of the city's expansive parks ? Maybe tour a royal palace, or wander around a breathtaking garden? Perhaps you'd prefer to take in a show; enjoy a horseback ride; see the city views from atop the London Eye; or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Harrods, the world's poshest department store?

Use our list of the best attractions and things to do in London to help decide what to see and do in this phenomenal city you'll want to visit again and again.

See also: Where to Stay in London

1. Visit Buckingham Palace and Watch the Changing of the Guard

2. see the crown jewels at the tower of london, 3. beat the crowds: take a morning stroll across tower bridge, 4. get cultured at the british museum, 5. big ben and the houses of parliament, 6. get creative at the national gallery, 7. tour the art displays at the victoria and albert museum, 8. wander around piccadilly circus and trafalgar square, 9. journey to the top of the shard, 10. get your art fix at tate britain and tate modern, 11. walk the hallowed halls of westminster abbey, 12. head underground to the churchill war rooms, 13. walk with dinosaurs at the natural history museum, 14. enjoy a picnic in hyde park, 15. climb the dome of st. paul's cathedral, 16. shop at london's best markets, 17. be entertained by buskers at covent garden, 18. take flight on the london eye, 19. meet henry viii at hampton court palace, 20. straddle the meridian line at greenwich, 21. the imperial war museum & hms belfast, 22. explore the london docklands & canary wharf, 23. visit picturesque richmond park, 24. ogle the flora and fauna at kew gardens, where to stay in london for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to london, map of tourist attractions & things to do in london, best time to visit london, england.

One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and ceremony: the Changing of the Guard.

Drawing crowds at 11:30am most days regardless of the season, this colorful display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace . One of the top free things to do in London , you can then follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.

Buckingham Palace was built in 1837 and has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession. If you're wondering whether the King is in, look at the flagpole atop the building: if the royal standard is flying day and night, he's at home. On special state occasions, he and members of the Royal Family may even emerge on the central balcony.

When the King's away at the Royal Family's summer residence in Balmoral Castle, Scotland , visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles over the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history, so much of which happened here.

Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, the Royal Mint, and gruesome exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds.

The Bloody Tower is also worthy of a visit. Here you'll find stories of ancient torture, and you can learn about the mystery of two princes who disappeared many years ago.

For the best use of your time, especially during the busy summer season, purchase the Tower of London Entrance Ticket Including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour in advance, to bypass the ticket office lines. This pass guarantees the lowest price, helps avoid the crowds, and saves time and hassle.

Located adjacent the Tower of London, Tower Bridge features two huge towers rising 200 feet above the River Thames.

This is one of London's best-known and most photographed landmarks. While fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are available, you can easily walk across the bridge from the Tower of London.

For the best Tower views, as well as a glimpse of HMS Belfast and London Bridge (which many mistakenly believe Tower Bridge to be), find a spot mid-way across. While it can be crowded, especially around sunset, an early morning arrival before the throngs of tourists get there is well worth the effort.

Afterwards, head over to the renovated Butlers Wharf district on the bridge's south end for a unique twist on the classic "full English" breakfast at WatchHouse Tower Bridge. This now ritzy area is fun to wander and is home to a funky selection of restaurants, luxury housing, and shops.

Address: Tower Bridge Road, London

Official site: www.towerbridge.org.uk

Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction.

Most tourists head first for the museum's most famous exhibits: the controversial Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone , the colossal bust of Ramesses II, the Egyptian mummies, and the spectacular hoard of 4th-century Roman silver known as the Mildenhall Treasure .

In addition to a well-stocked, on-site bookshop boasting an exhaustive array of titles on ancient history, archaeology and art history, there's a shop selling kids' games and souvenirs, along with one that sells replica sculptures and jewelry.

For those able to linger longer, the museum offers a variety of lectures and workshops, plus a restaurant and café.

Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Official site: www.britishmuseum.org

Nothing screams "London" more emphatically than the 318-foot tower housing the giant clock and its resounding bell known as Big Ben. It's as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge , and the tolling of Big Ben is known throughout the world as the time signal of the BBC.

Below it, stretching along the Thames, are the Houses of Parliament . The seat of Britain's government for many centuries, it was also once the site of the royal Westminster Palace occupied by William the Conqueror.

The best view of the parliament buildings can be had by crossing Westminster Bridge and looking back. Or, turn left after crossing the bridge and walk along the path towards the SEA LIFE London Aquarium (a fun spot to take kids). Gather your crew along the wall for a perfect photo with Big Ben in the background.

Tours of the Houses of Parliament offer a unique chance to see real-time debates and lively political discussions. From Parliament Square, Whitehall is lined by so many government buildings that its name has become synonymous with the British government.

Official site: www.parliament.uk/bigben

It's almost impossible to visit London without catching a glimpse of the impressive National Gallery. This iconic, columned museum is set at the edge of Trafalgar Square , home to incredible masterpieces that make it one of the best attractions in London.

Ranking among the top art museums in the world, London's National Gallery represents an almost complete survey of European painting from 1260 until 1920. The museum's greatest strengths are in its collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Among its highlights are a cartoon (preliminary sketch) of the Madonna and Child by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo's The Entombment , Botticelli's Venus and Mars , van Gogh's Sunflowers , and The Water-Lily Pond by Monet.

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London

Official site: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A) is part of a South Kensington-based group of museums that includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum . Founded in 1852, the V&A covers close to 13 acres and contains 145 galleries spanning some 5,000 years of art and related artifacts.

Exhibits include ceramics and glass, textiles and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints, and photos, and are conveniently arranged into four main categories: Asia; Furniture, Textiles, and Fashion; Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, and Glass; and Word and Image.

It's impossible to get around this vast museum in a single visit, so the best plan to tackle it is to decide in advance which sections you most want to see. Taking a V&A tour is highly recommended, and often free, with options including everything from daily introductory tours to specific gallery or themed tours.

The Main and Garden Cafés are more impressive than any museum eatery you've seen. The intricate detailing on everything from the floor to the columns to the ceiling make them worthy pieces of art themselves. Plus, the food is quite tasty. Also, don't miss an opportunity to luxuriate in the John Madejski Garden , which is so beautiful and serene, you'll forget you're in the center of one of the world's largest cities.

If you're around, check into one of the fun "Friday Late" programs held on the last Friday of the month (except for March and December). These fun events are popular for their food and drink experiences, along with late-night exhibition openings.

Address: Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London

Official site: www.vam.ac.uk

Two of London's best-known tourist spots, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square lie not far apart and mark the gateway to Soho , London's lively theater and entertainment district. The walk from one to the other is truly enjoyable, lined with eclectic boutiques, tasty cafés, ice-cream shops, and winding laneways evoking a bygone era when only horses and buggies traipsed through these historic streets.

Trafalgar Square was built to commemorate Lord Horatio Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson's Column , a 183-foot granite monument, overlooks the square's fountains and bronze reliefs, which were cast from French cannons. Admiralty Arch, St. Martin-in-the-Fields , and the National Gallery surround the square.

Piccadilly Circus marks the irregular intersection of several busy streets, including Piccadilly, Regent, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Overlooking this somewhat untidy snarl of traffic stands London's best-known sculpture, the winged Eros delicately balanced on one foot, bow poised.

"It's like Piccadilly Circus" is a common expression among Londoners to describe a busy and confusing scene.

Since it opened in 2012, The Shard has taken its place as one of the most-recognizable and most-visited landmarks in London.

Standing 1,016 feet tall and encompassing some 95 stories, this remarkable structure is so-named for its resemblance to a shard of glass. Yet, while it dominates the skyline south of the River Thames, its pleasing design doesn't seem at all out of place when seen next to neighbors such as Tower Bridge.

In addition to its office space on the lower levels, The Shard is home to a stunning Shangri-La Hotel and three superb restaurants, all boasting some of the most incredible views over London. For those not staying here, the upper-most levels consist of a choice of viewing platforms: indoor and outdoor.

Another London skyscraper that's worth a visit is the "Walkie Talkie" with its popular Sky Garden attraction. Located around the corner from the Tower of London and set on the building's 34th to 37th floors, the garden's terraces offer some of the best views over the city. If you've got the time, reserve a table at one of the restaurants here in order to enjoy the views while you dine.

Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London

Official site: www.the-shard.com

Art lovers cannot visit London without touring its most impressive art museums: the two Tates. Located on opposite sides of the Thames, Tate Britain and Tate Modern together comprise one of the world's most important art collections .

The original gallery opened in 1897 as the basis of a national collection of significant British art, and continued to make acquisitions, needing more space to properly display its collections. The end result was the establishment of Tate Britain, in Millbank on the north side of the Thames, as home to its permanent collection of historic British paintings.

A superbly transformed power station across the Thames became home to the modern art collections. Art lovers can spend a whole day viewing both sites, conveniently connected by high-speed ferry. Better still, walk across the Millennium Bridge , a footbridge that connects the two banks of the river close to the Tate Modern. The views are spectacular.

Tate Britain

• Address: Millbank, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

Tate Modern

• Address: Bankside, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Another location with a long association with British royalty, Westminster Abbey stands on a site that's been associated with Christianity since the early 7th century. Officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as his place of interment.

From his burial in 1066 until that of George II almost 700 years later, most sovereigns were not only crowned here but were buried here, too. More recently, it's become famous as the preferred location for Royal Weddings.

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture not only has the highest Gothic nave in England (102 feet), it's also one of London's most popular tourist attractions, drawing well over a million visitors each year.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the more than 600 memorials in the Nave, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior; Poet's Corner in the Transepts , with its memorials to the likes of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens; the Westminster Abbey Museum; and the attractive gardens.

Address: 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster, London

Official site: www.westminster-abbey.org

Among the most fascinating and evocative of London's historic sites are the perfectly preserved Churchill War Rooms.

The nerve-center from which Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed British military campaigns and the defense of his homeland throughout World War II, their simplicity and cramped conditions underline the desperate position of England as the Nazi grip tightened across Europe.

You'll see the tiny cubicle where Churchill slept and the improvised radio studio where he broadcast his famous wartime speeches. Simple details, such as Clementine Churchill's knitting wool marking the front lines on a map of Europe, bring the era to life as no other museum could possibly do.

Audio guides are available (a thorough self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes), and a café and bookshop are located on the premises.

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London

Official site: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

Established in 1754, London's spectacular Natural History Museum remains one of the most-visited such attractions on the planet. It's easy to spot for its huge Romanesque façade, and a visit is something you'll not want to rush. Arrive early as it can get quite crowded.

Many of the museum's original exhibits are still on display centuries later, and together comprise a massive collection of more than 80 million items showcasing everything from botany to zoology, plus pretty much everything in between. A highlight of a visit is seeing the preserved specimens that Charles Darwin collected on his epic journeys.

If you're not in a hurry, start your visit by joining one of the formal guided tours on offer, ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. You'll be introduced to highlights you may wish to return to at a later date to explore in greater detail.

A variety of fun events are held regularly, from workshops for kids to late night openings. Shopping opportunities are located on-site, along with a number of dining options.

Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London

Official site: www.nhm.ac.uk

Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner , a traditional forum for free speech—and heckling.

Another Hyde Park landmark is Apsley House , former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. Now a museum, it houses Wellington's magnificent collections of paintings, including Velázquez's The Waterseller of Seville , along with gifts presented by grateful European kings and emperors. England's greatest hero is also commemorated at the Wellington Arch.

Another lovely London green space to explore is Regent's Park . Just a short walk away from Westminster, this 410-acre attraction is a delight to stroll around. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to visit London Zoo , located within the grounds of the park and one of the most popular things to do for families visiting the city.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions around Hyde Park

The largest and most famous of London's many churches, and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's Cathedral sits atop the site of a Roman temple. The previous church structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, and Sir Christopher Wren designed the rebuild .

Today, the twin Baroque towers and magnificent 365-foot dome of St. Paul's are a masterpiece of English architecture. If you're up to it, be sure to walk the stairs with their spectacular views of the dome's interior, including the Whispering Gallery , undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London.

• Read More: Exploring London's St. Paul's Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

Whether you're a fan of food, flowers, art, or clothes, you'll find something to love in London's best markets . While most open only on weekends (Fridays included), some of the most eclectic venues, like the vibrant Camden Market in North London, welcome shoppers daily.

Camden Market is home to over 100 stalls, shops, and eateries offering everything from gluten-free goodies to hand-made jewels to bohemian clothing. If you're looking for a distinct urban feel, you'll find it here.

Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies in central London. This popular venue, which is situated near London Bridge, is so busy on weekends, you'll have to fight your way through crowds to nab the best produce or mouthwateringly good sample of giant paella.

Arrive early (we'd suggest no later than 10am) to enjoy a little more elbow room. The line for coffee can extend for blocks, so head there first. While some stalls are open during the week, most don't unveil their goods until Friday morning.

Old Spitalfields Market is another beloved spot offering some of the city's most gorgeous flowers, interesting antiques, art, jewelry, and more. Built in 1876, this is one of the best examples of a Victorian Market Hall.

Other popular markets include, Maltby Street Market , Brick Lane Market , and Portobello Road.

Read More: Best Places to Shop in London

The market halls of Covent Garden are only the beginning of the neighborhood, which encompasses the shops and restaurants of Long Acre and other adjacent streets, those of Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, as well as the Central Square with its incredibly talented, and unique, street performers.

The halls and arcades of Covent Garden Market are lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from teas to fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs. A few restaurants are sprinkled in as well, some offering patios for you to enjoy a tasty treat while people-watching.

Housed in the former flower market, you'll find the London Transport Museum , a kid-centric haven for those who love all things vehicular. Filled with historic buses, trolleys, and trams, children and adults alike will love this interactive transportation hub. "Drive" a London bus, pilot a tube train, or sit on an ancient trolley.

This area is also where you'll find the Royal Opera House and a variety of other leading London theaters.

Built to mark London's millennium celebrations in 2000, the London Eye is one of the world's largest observation wheels. Its individual glass capsules offer the most spectacular views of the city as you embark on a circular tour rising 443 feet above the Thames. The journey lasts close to 30 minutes, often quicker than the time spent lining up for your turn.

If you can, reserve your time in advance. Better still, skip the line completely with a London Eye: Skip-the-Line Ticket . This advance ticket allows you to take a flight at any time on the day you plan to visit. If you can afford it, rent one of the private capsules and share the experience with friends and family.

Another fun way to view London for above is aboard the Emirates Air Line , a cable car system that crosses the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Dock. The journey travels one kilometer and lasts 10 minutes, long enough to enjoy spectacular views and grab a few memorable selfies.

Official site: www.londoneye.com

Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of the world's most famous and grandest of royal palaces, and a truly remarkable place to visit in London. Its Great Hall dates from Henry VIII's time (two of his six wives supposedly haunt the palace), and it's where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada .

Meet Henry VIII himself or have a chat with Anne Boleyn, both of whom wander the grounds and involve guests in their interesting antics at random points throughout the day. Depending on the time and date you visit, you may even be asked to participate in a session in court.

Grab an audio guide upon your arrival and choose a velvet cloak to wear as you tour the grounds, if you're hoping to feel a bit more authentic. Get lost in the palace's famous Maze , or grab a bite in the on-site café,

Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel , the King's Apartments , and the Tudor tennis court. Don't miss the Tudor Kitchens and their massive fireplaces.

The gardens are also worth visiting, especially in mid-May when in full bloom. Highlights include the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and an area known as the Wilderness.

Although a little farther outside the city center, Hampton Court is a must-do sightseeing trip when visiting London. It's a bit of a haul on the tube, but taking a taxi, renting a car, or even grabbing a car service will make this trip more than worthwhile.

• Read More: Visiting Hampton Court Palace: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

For centuries the hub of Britain's naval power, Greenwich is best known to tourists as the home of the Cutty Sark , the last of the 19th-century tea clippers to sail between Britain and China. The ship is located adjacent to the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre with its exhibits showcasing more than 500 years of maritime history, and the Palladian mansion known as Queen's House .

The impressive collections of the National Maritime Museum , the largest of its kind in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy. And one of the most unusual things to do in London is standing with one foot in each hemisphere, astride the Meridian Line in the Meridian Building in the Royal Observatory.

Read More: Top Attractions in Greenwich & Docklands Districts, London

If you've time in your travel itinerary, two other military attractions related to the Churchill War rooms are also worth visiting: The Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast .

Located a short distance from the popular Southbank cultural district, the Imperial War Museum London can easily occupy the best part of a day with its fascinating exhibits and collections of military vehicles, weapons, and aircraft.

Set in chronological order, displays portray the very real experiences of participants and victims in the world's major conflicts, with many hands-on exhibits allowing unique incites into their place in history. The Holocaust Galleries are particularly sobering.

A shop and café are located on-site, and before leaving, grab a selfie standing next to the huge shells and guns located out front.

The other must-see under the Imperial War Museum umbrella, HMS Belfast is a well-preserved WWII-era cruiser that served during D-Day. Located on the River Thames opposite the Tower of London, this historic vessel can be explored as part of a guided or self-guided tour.

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a fun family tour. A gift shop is located on the premises.

The revitalized Docklands area of East London has been transformed into an international place of business and recreation, filled with some of London's smartest new restaurants and entertainment experiences.

The revitalized Docklands area also includes Canary Wharf. This important financial and business hub offers a variety of fun things to do, including shopping and dining.

The excellent Museum of London Docklands is the place to visit to learn more about the area. Located in a series of old Georgian warehouses on Canary Wharf, it brings to life the river, port, and its people from Roman times to the present through hands-on displays that are especially interesting for children.

A little closer to the Tower of London, St. Katherine Docks is fun to explore, too. Redeveloped as a mixed commercial and residential area, here you can spend time wandering the marina or enjoying a great meal or respite while watching the world go by.

It's hard to believe you're in London (well, technically just outside London) when on a visit to Richmond Park. One of the most captivating of the eight Royal Parks, this lavish natural wonderland has everything you'd look for in an English park: winding paths, verdant woodland, sparkling lakes, horse stables and trails, bike lanes, and multiple picnic spots.

Enjoy unparalleled views of St. Paul's Cathedral from King Henry's Mound , a picturesque hilltop surrounded by wild deer. Luxuriate in a warm tea and traditional scones at the Pembroke Lodge Tea Room , or rent a bike and cycle through this spectacular 2,500-acre nature reserve.

If visiting during spring, particularly late April or early May, make your way to the Isabella Plantation , a remarkable Victorian woodland garden set within the park. Its vibrant 40 acres are filled with colorful rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias so resplendent, you'll think you're walking through a fairy tale.

Official site: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park

Spending at day at Kew Gardens is one of the best things to do in London. A UNESCO Heritage Site , this phenomenal spot is home to over 50,000 living plants and some of the most majestically manicured gardens in England.

Officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of central London, and a welcome breath of fresh air. Located on a flight path, you'll spot multiple jumbo jets, but these add to the allure for little ones.

Also family-friendly is the expansive indoor and outdoor playground, which comes complete with a zipline. Visit on a sunny day, and you should prepare to jostle for a picnic spot on the lush lawns, as this is a popular spot for families to enjoy a lunch out. Didn't pack snacks? Visit one of the on-site restaurants for a tasty treat-they even offer dairy and gluten-free options.

Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland. A variety of tours are available free with admission, and many musical and cultural events are held here throughout the year.

Don't miss the towering Pagoda ; Japanese gardens ; Treetop Walkway ; and the remarkable Palm House , an indoor rainforest with an aquarium in the basement. The impressive Rhododendron Dell is a breathtaking treat popping with vibrant blooms during spring.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of London's Kew Gardens

London's top tourist attractions are spread out over several different areas of the city. If you want to spend time sightseeing, it's a good idea to base yourself in a central location and use the city's excellent public transport system to travel between the sites. Here are some highly rated hotels in Central London:

Luxury Hotels:

• When it comes to posh hotels, the grande dames still grace the list of London's best. Pampering guests for more than a century are The Goring , a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace.
• The Langham , in the heart of the West End, has played host to royals and celebrities for more than 150 years.
• A few steps from Trafalgar Square is the Corinthia London , with a rooftop terrace and luxurious afternoon teas.
• The Ritz London , also known for teas, is handy to the posh shops of Mayfair.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Fielding Hotel , a popular boutique property, places you right near Covent Garden, one of the city's most touristy areas. Handy for those arriving by train from Heathrow or Gatwick airports,
• The Clermont, Victoria is right over Victoria Station.
• About a 15-minute stroll from Covent Garden, Bloomsbury was once London's literary hub and is now home to one of the city's top attractions, the British Museum, as well as highly rated mid-range hotels such as The Montague on the Gardens and The Bloomsbury . Both are also a short stroll from Oxford Street shopping.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're watching your wallet, the Premier Inn London Kensington (Earl's Court) Hotel is an affordable option minutes from museums and Earls Court tube station.
• You can also head north and try The Alhambra Hotel or Jesmond Dene Hotel , both near busy King's Cross tube station, a major transport hub.
• In-depth tours. It's hard to choose the best sights to see in London; there are so many awesome spots on offer. This nine-hour, Best of London Sightseeing Tour makes sure you don't miss anything essential. In addition to taking you to some of the city's top spots like Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, guests receive pre-arranged tickets for a boat cruise, as well as comprehensive tours of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, plus a stop to watch the Changing of the Guard. Upgrade to receive a cream tea at Harrods or a flight on the London Eye.
• Seeing the Sights . One of the best ways to see the sights of London is on a traditional, double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour . This has been the classic sightseeing tour for years, and it's popular for good reason: it's easy, convenient, informative, and ensures you see the most important attractions. Tickets are flexible, with open dates, and are valid for a 24-hour period. Even if you are in London for several days, this is a great way to spend a day getting oriented, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
• Day Trips . Beyond the city, there are some excellent sightseeing opportunities that can be easily undertaken on a day trip tour from London. The Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Day Trip from London is an 11-hour guided trip that takes visitors to these must-see places to visit. It's a great way to see the surroundings without the hassle of driving, navigating, and parking.
• Harry Potter Experience. Fans of Harry Potter will definitely want to take the Warner Brother's Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the movie and a walk through the incredible sets where the film was made. Visitors can explore the site on their own, see the costumes and props, wander through the Great Hall, and learn about the whole experience of filming. The tour includes transportation to and from the studios from central London and an entrance ticket.

Let's be honest: no one travels to London for its weather. Frequented by cloudy skies that release smatterings of mist and rain, the UK's epic capital city is best visited with an umbrella in hand.

That said, London receives less annual rainfall than its tarnished reputation would have us believe, and less than many European cities . And rather than heavy rainfalls, the norm is "little and often." Yes, you'll likely run into a sprinkle or two during your visit, but a little rain never ruined a vacation, especially when touring a historic metropolis with so much to offer.

When those beautiful, bright sunny days do appear, visitors receive front row seats to the city's remarkable transformation. Locals smile more easily, the city's best parks and gardens fill with sun worshippers and picnickers, and a sparkling hue adds another level of magic to the city's most magnificent buildings. There's nothing better!

London is a tourist hot spot throughout the year. In other words, there's never a bad time to visit. If you're looking for a better chance of glimpsing the sun and avoiding masses of tourists, however, the best time to visit London is from March through May . That said, if you don't mind rubbing elbows with a zillion other tourists, a good time of year to travel to London is during the summer months from June to September.

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Other English City Destinations : Given its relatively small size, it's easy to travel from London to other great English cities, including lovely Liverpool , famous as the birthplace of The Beatles. The industrial city of Manchester is also within easy reach and is popular for its historic canal network and fine museums. Birmingham is another northern city worth visiting and celebrates both its rich industrial past along with modern museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.

Easy Escapes : From London, you're only a short train ride away from the idyllic countryside of the Lake District , a popular walking destination and known for the stunning scenery around Lake Windermere. The historic city of Bath , named after its well-preserved Roman baths, is another great escape, whether for a weekend or a week. So, too, is the cathedral city of Durham , which is also home to one of the most-visited castles in England.

Top UK Vacation Ideas : Scotland makes for an excellent UK vacation, and is where you'll find the spectacularly beautiful city of Edinburgh , recognizable the world over for its lovely castle. The tiny nation of Wales , too, is worth exploring, especially its capital city of Cardiff and the stunning scenery of Snowdonia in North Wales .

More on England

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London Travel Guide

Ah, London — home to world-class restaurants, an unparalleled music scene, fantastic hotels , and some seriously rich history. Plus, tea. Who could forget the tea? London is a beautiful city to visit, and with England's fantastic public transportation, it's a breeze to get from point A to point B. You could easily spend a week or more exploring all that each London neighborhood has to offer and still have things left over for your next visit.

With sites and cultural hubs like the National Portrait Gallery, Trafalgar Square, the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Kensington Gardens, and all manner of food, drink, shopping, history, and culture, it's no wonder why the 'Big Smoke' is a top travel destination.

Greenwich Mean Time during the winter, British Summer Time during the rest of the year (starting at Daylight Saving Time).

Best Time to Go

England experiences relatively mild and somewhat rainy weather year-round, and when you should go depends on what you'd most like to experience. Spring, summer, and fall allow for taking in the parks and getting the most out of how walkable London is, while winter is beautiful and festive for those looking to get their fill of Christmas markets and traditional cheer.

Things to Know

London is filled with neighborhoods brimming with great things to do, and England's exceptional public transportation makes it simple and stress-free to travel between them.

Londoners, and English people in general, have a much different manner of interacting with one another than Americans do. While an American might think nothing of smiling at a stranger they pass on the sidewalk or asking about work in the first few minutes of a conversation, etiquette in London errs on the more private, respectful, and more distant. Don't mistake this for aloofness or consider those you meet unfriendly; it's just a difference in cultural norms. Instead, talk about things like movies, TV shows, books, your travels, and the like, instead of work or family.

A fun and somewhat reassuring fact is that London has much better takeaway sandwiches than the U.S. If your day is too packed to have a sit-down lunch, a sandwich from a chain will be legitimately delicious. Most importantly, almost all British museums are free , meaning anyone can wander to their heart's content, no matter their budget.

How to Get Around

Getting around London is unbelievably easy thanks to the well-maintained and extensive Underground (also known as the Tube). Tickets for riding the Underground, unlike American transportation systems, which often pay per ride or per trip length, are paid in zones. Fare also varies based on the time of day and the method you use to pay. It's worth getting an Oyster card — the Underground's MetroCard or SmarTrip Card — to simplify your vacation.

There are 11 Underground lines servicing all nine zones. Maps of these zones are in every Tube station. Most of the popular sites in London are in Zone 1, which covers central London. The Tube runs daily from 5 am to midnight and with reduced hours on Sunday. Some late-night services are available on the weekend, but generally, you'll want to be prepared to take one of the easily-found London taxis or use a rideshare app if you're out and about after midnight.

Best Hotels

Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ, United Kingdom Phone:+44 20 7836 4343 Book Now

The only luxury hotel on the River Thames, The Savoy is a five-star experience known worldwide for its luxurious and beautiful accommodations. As the first hotel built for the purpose of being a luxe hotel in all of London, it has a rich and storied history; seeing its beautiful architecture and dramatic decor is worth doing even if you don't end up staying here.

The Connaught

Address: Carlos Place, Mayfair, London W1K 2AL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7499 7070 Book Now

The Connaught has known a few names and owners over the course of its more than 200-year history, but its main throughline has always been luxury. Chef Hélène Darroze runs a restaurant with the distinction of two Michelin stars, and the bar was awarded Europe's Best in 2019. For a spectacular experience in the heart of London, The Connaught can't be beat.

Address: 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3828 2000 Book Now

Once an abandoned bank building, The Ned found new life in 2012 as a five-star luxury hotel. Outfitted in a style reminiscent of the 1920s and with ten restaurants under its roof, The Ned is an experience unto itself — much less a great retreat from your London adventure. In addition, The Ned features a spa with treatments from massages to vitamin IV drips. Trendier than other 5-star hotels but certainly with style, The Ned is a great choice for a young couple or friends traveling in style.

Chiltern Firehouse

Address: 1 Chiltern Street London W1U 7PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7073 7676 Website

Originally a fire station, the Chiltern Firehouse is small and cozy. Each of the 26 rooms features at least one working fireplace and range from standard rooms to lofts and suites. The Chiltern Firehouse restaurant is a Michelin-starred eatery with seasonal offerings. A unique and domestic experience, the Chiltern Firehouse truly does feel like a home away from home.

Address: 15 Beeston Place, London SW1W 0JW, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7396 9000 Book Now

The Goring is a century-old, family-owned luxury hotel with 69 uniquely decorated rooms. Along the same road as Buckingham Palace, The Goring is the last word in having a truly royal stay. The Goring offers an excellent restaurant and bar and several packages that let you tailor your trip to exactly what makes you happiest.

11 Cadogan Gardens

Address: 11 Cadogan Gardens, London SW3 2RJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7730 7000 Book Now

Built in the late 19th century as four separate townhouses, 11 Cadogan Gardens has a resulting unique and eclectic interior of winding corridors and staircases. Located in upscale Chelsea, the hotel is within walking distance from Harrods, the Saatchi Gallery, Hyde Park, and many other can't-miss tourist spots.

Address: 252 High Holborn, London, WC1V 7EN Phone: +44 20 7781 8888 Book Now

Near the British Museum and Covent Garden, the Rosewood is a centrally located luxury hotel boasting lush, classic decor. The five-star hotel has carefully renovated its Edwardian architecture, melding the historic and modern seamlessly. Enjoy contemporary afternoon tea modeled after the art of British sculptor Antony Gormley in the intimate Mirror Room, then step out into the bustling heart of London. During busy times there is a minimum stay required to book, so be sure to check early and often if you have your heart set on staying at the Rosewood.

The Lanesborough

Address: 2 Lanesborough Place SW 1, London, SW1X 7TA Phone: +44 20 7259 5599 Book Now

Once an elegant country house, The Lanesborough is now a five-star hotel with a Michelin-starred restaurant, private spa and fitness club, cognac lounge, and award-winning afternoon tea service. With elegant and warm decor, The Lanesborough is an iconic and world-class option for travelers looking to stay somewhere in style.

Best Restaurants

Address: 593 High Road Leytonstone, Leytonstone, London E11 4PA Phone: +44 020 8281 4801 Website

Singburi is a gem of a Thai restaurant, beloved for its rotating menu of delicious and authentic curries, noodles, and seafood. Try something new here — don't stick to your usual takeout Pad Thai order (as delicious as Pad Thai is). A crispy omelette, like their delectable Kai Jeow (a crispy omelette with oysters), should do the trick.

Westerns Laundry

Address: 34 Drayton Park, Highbury East, London N5 1PB Phone: +44 020 7700 3700 Website

This beloved, sustainably-focused restaurant focuses on fresh seafood and small plates — and bread. So, so much bread, some of the best you'll ever eat. Stop in for a pastry or a sandwich, enjoy their small plates, or order a loaf of bread ahead of time to set yourself up with delicious breakfast for a week.

The Palomar

Address: 34 Rupert Street, Soho, London W1D 6DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 7439 8777 Website

The Palomar is walking distance from Trafalgar Square and some of the most enjoyable museum-going in London, so chances are you'll have the opportunity to enjoy their modern-day Jerusalem menu in a beautiful, mosaic-scattered space. Try the octopus glazed with harissa oil or the Bayt al Maqdis Chicken just for the artichoke crisps.

Address: 51 Lamb's Conduit Street, Holborn, London WC1N 3NB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7242 8963 Website

A seasonal wine bar with a classic British menu, this flashy restaurant puts the "British food is boring" rumor to rest. There's a wine for every dish, and more — their list is outstanding, and the bold and unique twists on classic British dishes make this a must-taste spot even for folks for which (gasp) wine isn't that exciting.

Address: Tea Building, 56 Shoreditch, High Street, Shoreditch, London E1 6JJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3011 5911 Website

Lunch is a la carte at Lyle's, meaning you have the opportunity to order and share a few dishes between yourself and your friends and get the best of all worlds. The dinner menu is set, offering a prix fixe three-course meal with a few options for your appetizer, entree, and dessert. The space is beautiful and minimalist — a calm, understated place to focus entirely on your incredible food.

Address: 39 Endell Street, West End, London WC2H 9BA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3422 0221 Website

A small, sustainable seafood restaurant in Covent Garden, Parsons has an unpretentious, always-fresh menu. Parsons has mastered the art of updating classic British flavors, like smoked eel, for the modern palette. Their fish pie is heavenly, and you'd be remiss not to enjoy a sticky toffee pudding if you've got room for it.

Black Axe Mangal

Address: 156 Canonbury Road, Highbury, London N1 2UP, United Kingdom Phone: No phone number, email only: [email protected] Website

What this Turkish restaurant lacks in size, it makes up for in personality — up to and including their occult buns (which are hot cross buns, but with pentacles on them). It's loud, but most importantly, it's fun: nothing about Black Axe Mangal takes itself too seriously, from the hard rock soundtrack to the delicious food. Edible glitter, tongue-in-cheek dish names, and an excellent beer list all make Black Axe a top spot for a good time.

Address: 40 Doric Way, Somers Town, London NW1 1LH, United Kingdom Phone: +44 020 4580 1282 Website

Roti King is in a basement — this is just something to know because otherwise, it might be a touch difficult to find. "Hidden gem" isn't a metaphor here: you're going to have some of the best Malaysian food you've had in some time, possibly ever. If you're having trouble finding the entrance, just look for the line; there's almost always at least a short one of people waiting for their chicken murtabak and char kuey teow.

Dishoom Shoreditch

Address: 7 Boundary Street, London, E2 7JE Phone: +44 020 7420 9324 Website

London restaurant recommendations wouldn't be complete without at least one Indian food recommendation, and to be fair, most places are going to be incredible. Dishoom is something special, though — its airy, Bombay-style decor, beautiful views from the veranda, and house recipes have earned it a dedicated following. As a reminder, chicken tikka masala is sweet in England, so if you want something savory, try a new dish — like gunpowder potatoes or the masala prawns.

Things to Do

Tower of london & tower bridge.

Address: St Katharine's & Wapping, London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7403 3761 Website

The bridge most associated with London isn't actually the London Bridge, it's Tower Bridge — this is the bridge you almost certainly have in your mind's eye when imagining London. The Tower of London has an infamous reputation, but its history is even more interesting than most know. Tudor buffs will love tracing the steps of Queen Elizabeth I, and there are free tours given throughout the day.

St. Dunstan in the East

Address: St Dunstan's Hill, Billingsgate, London EC3R 5DD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7374 4127 Website

Built in 1698, St. Dunstan in the East was once a church. It was firebombed during World War II, and the ruins were converted into a public park — certainly one of the most unique and beautiful. Though small, stepping into the park feels like stepping into another world. Bring a camera; you won't want to miss snapping shots of the ivy-covered ruins.

National Gallery

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7747 2885 Website

The National Gallery has one of the most incredible collections in the world, including pieces by Botticelli, Raphael, Titian, Rubens, Rembrandt, Cézanne, Monet, Van Gogh, and many, many more. Their 2,300-piece collection is frequently rotated, so be sure to see what sometimes-stored pieces are on display when you go.

St. James's Park

Address: London SW1A 2BJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 300 061 2350 Website

Not to be confused with the football (aka soccer) stadium in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, St. James's Park in London is one of its most famous, right alongside Buckingham Palace and perfect for a rest during a busy day of sightseeing. It is known for its waterfowl — ducks, specifically, but also a small flock of pelicans.

Address: Hyde Park has several entrances, convenient to the neighborhoods surrounding it. Phone: +44 300 061 2000 Website

Hyde Park is a massive 350 acres, nestled smack dab in the middle of London, and worth a day's focus all on its own. With events, historical monuments, walking tours, and gardens, it is a truly stunning and fun place to be. It's famous for its Speakers Corner, which has been a stage for free speech and debate since 1872.

Shakespeare's Globe

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7902 1400 Website

Shakespeare's Globe is a reconstruction of the original Elizabethan playhouse for which Shakespeare wrote his plays, and his entire body of work is rotationally performed. The Globe's performances are heavily influenced by what is known historically as the experience of seeing them in Shakespeare's day, for an immersive experience impossible to find elsewhere.

Highgate Cemetery

Address: Swain's Ln, Highgate, London N6 6PJ, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 8340 1834 Website

Ghost-chasers and history buffs alike will love to walk around Highgate Cemetery, where 170,000 people are buried. It is also a nature reserve, and the entire grounds are lush, beautiful, and feel a bit out-of-time. Notable graves to pay your respects at include Douglas Adams, George Eliot, Karl Marx, Leslie Hutchinson, and many more.

Buckingham Palace

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 303 123 7300 Website

In the heart of Westminster, Buckingham Palace is a beautiful and awesome (in the traditional sense of the word) piece of architecture and history. You can actually go inside the famed Buckingham Palace — tours of certain rooms in the palace are available.

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, South Bank, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7967 8021 Website

Also known as the Millennium Wheel, the London Eye is the best view of London — it was literally built to be exactly that, and its construction is known as an observation wheel, not a Ferris wheel. It's a touch expensive, but visited by millions of tourists for a reason: the view from the top is absolutely stunning.

St. Paul's Cathedral

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7246 8350 Website

One of the most recognizable sites in London, St. Paul's Cathedral dates from 1690 and still has most of its original stained glass. It's known for its extensive and stunning mosaics, soaring Gothic architecture, and large, beautiful Cathedral library.

Address: Westminster, London SW1A 0AA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7219 4272 Website

Everyone's must-stop for a classic London Insta snap, the iconic clock is nearby to other points of interest and featured in most driving and walking tours. Tours of the tower itself are limited to UK residents.

British Museum

Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7323 8299 Website

The British Museum differs from the National Gallery in that it is as much an anthropological museum as an art museum. Collections are organized by era and country of origin, and frequent exhibitions are curated around themes to explore human experiences across ages. Their total collection is estimated to be around 8 million pieces, with many taken out only for specific reasons, so it's worth seeing what special exhibitions are on display.

Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yd, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7222 5152 Website

Even people for whom history is not necessarily a thrill, gothic Westminster Abbey is an overwhelming, stunning experience. Every coronation of an English monarch since 1066 has happened here, and the Abbey is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth I, Elizabeth of York, Geoffrey Chaucer, The Unknown Warrior, and dozens of others. Westminster Abbey also pays homage to great poets, artists, and writers with a series of beautiful memorials.

Best Shopping

Covent garden.

Address: 14 James Street, London WC2E 8BU, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7420 5856 Website

Covent Garden is both a neighborhood and a famed market, first established in 1694. The center is the beautiful Piazza, where walking is made easier and more pleasant by the lack of cars. In addition to an array of unique shops, Covent Garden is home to the London Transport Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and several high-end restaurants.

Borough Market

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7407 1002 Website

The motto of London markets is: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Borough Market is large and primarily focused on food, and is one of the longest-running in the city. Officially established in the 19th century, there is one area that dates back to at least the 12th — so definitely buy yourself a sandwich and think how pleased your ancestors would be at your bounty.

Address: 107 Charing Cross Road, Soho, London WC2H 0DT, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 7437 5660 Website

There are a few equally-convenient locations for the famed, enormous bookstore Foyles, but the flagship — and most impressive — store is in Soho, at Charing Cross. Even folks who wouldn't describe themselves as readers travel to visit Foyles for the sheer scale of it, including the gorgeous architecture and the vast collection of books.

Camden Market

Address: Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF, United Kingdom Phone: +44 20 3763 9900 Website

Camden Market was established in 1791 and has been charming London and travelers ever since. Near enough to Regent's Park and the London Zoo to walk, Camden Market is full of shops, cafes, nightlife, and live music.

Oxford Street

Address: From Tottenham Court Road to Marble Arch Website

Oxford Street is one of the busiest shopping areas in Europe, greeting about half a million visitors every day across its 300-plus shops. Whatever you're looking for, Oxford Street probably has it. Notable shops include Topshop, Dr. Martens, Flying Tiger, Muji, and Selfridges.

Regent Street

Address: From Piccadilly Circus to Park Crescent Website

Intersecting with Oxford Street is the equally impressive Regent Street, home to the flagship stores for Burberry, Kate Spade, Tory Burch, and more. Regent Street was built to be London's dedicated shopping street, a place for Londoners to get anything and everything they might need. There might be a few more now, but Regent Street is the original — and some might say the best.

Carnaby Street

Address: From Beak Street to Great Marlborough Street Website

The third in the shopping street trifecta is Carnaby Street. A few streets over from Regent Street, Carnaby is much shorter and largely fashion-focused, especially vintage shops specializing in threads from the '60s. Shorter doesn't mean less diverse, though — Carnaby Street is home to over 100 shops, restaurants, and cafes.

Seven Dials

Address: Center of St. Giles District Website

Seven Dials, sometimes considered part of Covent Garden, is truly unique: a circular road junction that has a slower, calmer pace than the rest of London. Seven Dials is named for the seven sundials at its center and is surrounded by about 90 shops and restaurants.

Neighborhoods to Know

Shoreditch : A trendy neighborhood chock full of vintage shops, cafes, art galleries, and clubs. The neighborhood skews young and boasts everything from artisan coffee shops and fine dining to chain restaurants. Wander around here for some of the best shopping in London.

Notting Hill : Yes, that Notting Hill. It's as charming as you imagine it to be. Famed for Portobello Road Market and the antiques and vintage stores that line it, Notting Hill is also home to high-end restaurants, the Ladbroke Square Garden, and some of the most charming and beautiful residential streets in London.

Covent Garden : Synonymous with the Covent Garden Market, this much-loved neighborhood is filled with odd little gems like tiny toy stores, bookstores, clothing boutiques, and more — plus an array of restaurants and eateries. Covent Garden is not a mall; it is, truly, a garden, and a lively and beautiful place to sit, have a coffee, and people-watch.

Camden : Also known as Camden Town, though no one really calls it that anymore. Home to Camden Market and the famed venue Electric Ballroom, it abuts The Regent with easy walking access to the London Zoo and a bit of a longer walk to Queen Mary's Rose Gardens.

Kings Cross : Not only a rail station but a neighborhood, too! Historic Kings Cross Station is a big draw, though, with a photo area for Platform 9 ¾ and a "Harry Potter" gift shop right nearby. Kings Cross was once heavily industrial but has been made over with gardens and small green sitting areas.

Soho : Lively, theater-dotted Soho in the West End is the place to go for nightlife of all stripes. Take in a show, go dancing, enjoy a late-night movie or dinner, or a few of the above. It's one of the most popular tourist destinations in London, being an easy walk from Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery.

The West End : The West End is London's Broadway. But don't be fooled — it's not just international stagings of Broadway shows. The West End is a thriving theater scene with original work going up regularly.

On one hand, the weather in London does not tend to fluctuate between highs and lows, no matter the season. On the other, it rains in London — a lot. About nine to 10 days a month , on average. No matter when you go, pack some waterproof layers; odds are you'll be glad you brought them.

Spring: Spring in London, and England as a whole, is beautiful. London is a very green city, and spring brings the parks and gardens to blooming, fragrant life. Early spring can be a little chilly, but it might be worth going then to beat the tourist boom from late spring through summer.

Summer: Summer in England is mild and lovely, and London is no exception. Temperatures rarely climb above 75°F. For this reason, it is by far the most popular season for travel, and hotel and flight prices tend to reflect that — however, it's also inherently a bit more lively, with a lot going on.

Fall: Again, fall is temperate, with a little more rain than summer. If you want to beat the summer rush but still want warmer weather, you might want to wait until fall for your trip.

Winter: Winter can get cold, but not bitterly so; average temperatures rarely fall below 30°F. England is big on Christmas, and holiday markets and cheer abound. If you love the winter holidays, London might be a perfect choice for you — it's hard not to feel festive in the land of A Christmas Carol.

Apps to Download

London Tube Live : Up-to-date info on delays, updates, departure information, and routes. iOS | Android

The Pub Finder : Crowdsourced app for pubs and bars, including reviews and tips. iOS | Android

London Pass : Free interactive London guidebook. iOS | Android

Related Articles

Top London attractions: The Must-Sees!

When planning a trip to London, make sure you have this list of Top London Attractions . We have included all the must-see attractions in the city that you definitely can’t miss, especially if it’s your first time in London.

Some of the top London attractions that we have listed in this article are FREE to see or to enter but others do charge an entry fee. If you are planning on visiting any of London’s payable attractions, we highly recommend that you either buy tickets in advance or buy one of London’s Tourist Passes , as with either option you will beat the queues and save money.

Top London Attractions: The Must-Sees in London

The Open Bus Tour includes a free River Cruise we thought we would class them as one, as it just seems right to do both of them if you are visiting London. The Open Bus Tour is just a very easy way to get to know the city, and it takes to al the important places – so literally all the must-sees in London that we have included in this list. And the River Cruise is fantastic – one of my favourite things to recommend to anyone that is planning a trip to London, as it is certainly what I enjoyed the most when I visited London for the first time.

Big Ben and Houses of Parliament 

The Big Ben will probably be one of the first things you aim to see in London. This is why we would suggest that you followed our walking route Itinerary 1 for your first day in London, as this route will take you past the Big Ben and the London Eye among other must sees London attractions.

You can book tickets to visit the Houses of Parliament through the official website .

The only downside of going on the London Eye are the long queues that you need to join in order to get tickets and also to get on it after having bought the tickets. For this reason, if you already know that you will want to go on the London, I would highly recommend that you buy tickets in advance – they work out cheaper and you’ll beat the queues, especially if you get fast-track tickets.

» Skip the Line Tickets for the London Eye

Westminster Abbey

Find Westminster Abbey on our Itinerary 1 of London , a walking route which is ideal for your first day in London.

» Tickets Westminster Abbey

St Paul’s Cathedral

Make sure you get a photo of St Paul´s Cathedral with the Millenium Bridge, easily done from a cruise on the Thames or from the South Bank of the River Thames.

Inside St Paul´s Cathedral you will be able to admire the wonderful architecture of the Cathedral but you will also have the opportunity to go up to the dome and explore the famous Whispering Gallery, and even higher to get breathtaking views of London. You will also be able to go down to the crypt. There are multi-lingual multimedia guides available to guide you through the cathedral.

» Tickets St Paul’s Cathedral

Millennium bridge

The Millenium Bridge is London´s famous pedestrian suspension bridge that crosses River Thames and connects the City of London with Bankside. The northern side of the bridge is just in front of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the southern side of the bridge is near Tate Modern and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. This bridge opened in 2000, and since then has appeared in many films, being Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince one of them, in which Millenium Bridge collapses.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre is a unique place to see in London, located on the South Bank of the River Thames next to Tate Modern and the Millenium Bridge. Discover the reconstruction of Shakespeare´s real Globe Theatre, an ope-air playhouse which was designed in 1599. Under the Globe Theatre there is also a fascinating exhibition about the Shakespeare´s Globe Theatre and the life of William Shakespeare.

» Tickets Shakespeare´s Globe

Buckingham Palace

If you´re planning a trip to London you obviously know that Buckingham Palace is one the top London attractions that you can not miss. and you are probably planning on seeing the Palace at the same time as you see the famous ceremony of th Changing of The Guard. Seeing the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is free of charge, but you need to make sure you are there at least 30 minutes before the ceremony takes place as it can get quite crowdy. Seeing the Palace itself from the outside is obviously also free, but many people aren´t aware that you can actually visit different areas of Buckingham Palace. The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are only open to visitors during the summer, so if you´re lucky enough to be planning a trip to London during the summer you might as well check them out; but the Royal Mews and The Queen’s Gallery are open to the public all year round.

» Visiting Buckingham Palace In London

Trafalgar Square

One of London´s most famous squares where we you will get to see the statues of the four lions as well as Nelson’s statue. The National Gallery is also located in Trafalgar Square, and the other thing to look out for here is the fourth plinth of Trafalgar Square, where contemporary sculptures as temporarily displayed.

Trafalgar Square is home to many of London’s free events during the year, and it is where important events take place, such as the celebrations of the Chinese New Year or the celebrations of St George’s Day in London. Trafalgar Square is also one of the most memorable places to visit in London during Christmas, as this is where the tallest Christmas tree in London is placed, a tree that comes all the way from Norway every year and is given to London from this country as a gift. Carol singers can be heard singing every afternoon in the upcoming weeks to Christmas.

Tower Bridge

The famous blue bridge in London that is often mistakenly called London Bridge, is one of London´s biggest attractions and another must-see London attractions. This famous bridge is a combination of a bascule and suspension bridge, and is located next to the Tower of London. One of the best things to do is to visit the Tower of London and then cross Tower Bridge to the other side of the River Thames, where you can walk along the South Bank of the river Thames. You can actually walk from here all the way to the London Eye, passing some top London attractions, such as HMS Belfast, The Shard, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern and many more. You can see this walking route in detail in our walking route Itinerary 3 .

Tower Bridge also offers the possibility of going inside and visiting the Tower Bridge Exhibition which includes a walk across it’s famous see-through platform!

» Tower Bridge Exhibition Tickets

Tower of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames, next to Tower Bridge. A visit to the Tower of London is a must if you are planning a trip to London, and visiting the Tower of London will take you around 2 hours. Inside the Tower of London there are lots of things for you to see, but undoubtedly seeing the Crown Jewels is one of the highlights! The Yeoman Wardens offer free tours once you’re inside the Tower of London, and these are very enjoyable tours conducted in English that we would highly encourage you to join. The armeries cafe which is located inside the Tower of London has a good selection of food and snacks, as well as yummy cakes available, and I have to say that we were highly impressed with their menu and the quality of the food they served, so don’t think twice if you are feeling peckish when you are there.

This is definitely one the top London attractions I would recommend taking the kids to if you’re visiting London as a family, and it has made it to our top London attractions for kids list.

*Top Tip* You can avoid the long queues as well as get cheaper tickets if you buy them online in advance or you can enter for free if you have one of London’s Tourist Passes that includes entry to the Tower of London, such as the London Pass .

» Tower of London Tickets

British Museum

The British Museum has a collection of more than 13 million objects, and it is one of the world’s greatest museums of human history and culture. The collections housed at the British Museum originate from all continents, and are amongst the largest and most comprehensive collections in the world that illustrate and document the story of human culture from its beginning to the present.

» Top Ten Museums in London

Natural History Museum

As with most museums in London, the National History Museum is free to visit. In order to see the whole museum, you practically need a whole day, which can seem like a long time when you are just visiting London for a few days, but I would recommend that you at least step inside to take in how beautiful it truly is. The Natural History Museum is a wonderful place to visit with kids too, and the dinosaur exhibition is well worth a visit if you have kids.

The Natural History museum is located in South Kensington, right next to the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. South Kensington also has a large number of restaurants, shops and cafes, and a short stroll along South Kensington High Street will get you to Harrods .

The View from The Shard

You will not be able to visit London without noticing The Shard, the tallest building in Europe. Fancy going up to the 72nd floor to admire the awesome views? The lift takes you up to the 68th floor literally in seconds, and there are two viewing platforms from which you can just watch the world (or London!) go by… In this fantastic building there is also one of London’s most exclusive hotels as well as several restaurants, so one of the best options if you are planning a romantic dinner to surprise someone, but definitely book in advance!

» Tickets The View from The Shard

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are located next to each other. London’s central biggest park, where you can easily spend a whole day. Look out for the statue of Peter Pan, walk round the serpentine lake and discover the fabulous Kensington Gardens. Nestled in Kensington Gardens is also Kensington Palace, home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as the Royal Albert Memorial, and the Princess Diana water fountain.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall is London’s famous concert hall. If you’re planning a trip to London in the summer I would recommend that you book tickets to see one of the concerts of the BBC Proms, as you can get tickets from as cheap as £7 . If not, make sure you see the magnificent Royal Albert Hall from the outside at least.

» Tour of the Royal Albert Hall

Harry Potter

» Harry Potter Studio Tour

How to see all the Must-Sees in London

If you are only in London for a few days the best way to make sure that you don’t miss any of the must see attractions in London is by planning in advance every day of your trip. We would also highly recommend that for the first day or two in London you consider the Open Bus Tour – as it takes you to all the important places, you don’t need to worry about public transport, and you also get a free river cruise – which is something that I highly recommend to anyone that is visiting London for the first time as it was my favourite thing the first time I visited London.

If you are planning to visit several of London’s attractions it may be worth looking into one of London’s Tourist Passes , as you can save a lot of money as well as giving you the opportunity to jump the queues, which is a huge bonus!

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London Guide for Beginners: 4 Day Itinerary with 20 Must-See Attractions

• Post last modified: June 15, 2021
• Post author: Nicole

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How exciting, it’s your first trip to London! With history spanning from the mid-first century, London is one of the greatest and most historical cities in the world. It’s also one of the world’s largest and the second most visited city, just behind Bangkok. A first trip to London can be overwhelming, especially with a limited amount of time. Though there are countless things to see and do, our London Guide for Beginners makes planning easy for first-time visitors. With a four full-day itinerary of must-see attractions you’ll have your first-trip planning done in no time.

Table of Contents

How This London Guide for Beginners Is Organized

To keep things simple, this beginner’s guide organizes London’s must-see attractions into four full day itineraries .

Grouped together by location, attractions are within easy reach of each other. All attractions in this guide are in London’s transportation zone 1 .

Timings are based on averages. For example, most visitors stay at the Tower of London for 3 to 4 hours, but to see everything would take a whole day.

To fit everything in, we also presume you won’t enter every attraction. Many of London’s top attractions are best from the outside; you don’t need to pay to go in to enjoy them. London is a wonderful city to walk around and explore the architecture. If you choose to spend more time at the attractions, you may need more days in the city.

General Tips for Your First Trip

• Often it is faster to walk between destinations instead of taking the Underground. Transport London has a great Underground map with estimated walking times between stations.
• National museums are free, though donations are welcome.
• The UK includes tax in the price, so the advertised price is what you pay.
• Purchase tickets in advance online for discounts and to avoid long ticket lines.
• Attractions often offer the choice to “gift aid” your admission. You can only do this if you pay taxes in the UK.

• Getting into London from the Airports
• Getting Around London – Everything from public transportation to taxis

Where to Stay in London

On a first trip, we recommend staying in the center of London. Though there are cheaper locations on the outskirts, the city is huge and the time you’ll waste on the Tube is not worth it. 

Where within the city is less important, as attractions are quite spread out. However, we do recommend staying within walking distance of an Underground station. Here are a few of our favorite places to stay when we are in town.

• Novotel London Blackfriars – Our favorite area is between Southwark and Waterloo. It’s very central and easy to catch the Tube to other parts of the city. Plus, this area has some of the best food options.
• Mercure London Hyde Park – Like most London hotels, the rooms are small, but we love this quiet area. Plus, being close to Paddington Station makes it easy to get around the city and for day trips outside the city.
• Page8 in Westminster usually offers good value and is in the center of it all. This hotel puts you within a 5-minute walk of Trafalgar Square.  

Map of London's Must-See Attractions

The map below plots the itinerary for each day in this first-time visitor guide. Hopefully, it gives you a sense of where the main must-see attractions are.

• Blue – Day 1
• Yellow – Day 2
• Green – Day 3
• Red – Day 4

Day 1 - London Guide for Beginners

Buckingham palace.

The official residence of the royal monarchy is only open to visitors for 10 weeks in summer. Occasional private tours are available in winter and spring.

A visit to the palace’s State Rooms includes the Picture Room, Drawing Room, Ballroom, and of course, the Throne Room.

The palace does not allow photography, except in the Palace Gardens. Also note, once you enter the palace there are no restrooms until you exit to the gardens at the end.

Even if you can’t visit the interior of the palace, the exterior is still worth the trip. Head to the Victoria Memorial in front of the palace for the best photos. Plus, there are a few areas of the fence where the bars are wide enough for most lenses to get a decent photo of the palace.

Be sure to check the flag on the top of the palace. If the Royal Standard flag is flying (red, blue, and yellow with lions and a harp), then the monarch is in residence. If the Union Jack is flying (red, white, and blue with the St. George’s cross in the middle) the monarch is not at the palace.

Closest Underground Station(s) : St. James’s Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner, or Green Park

Estimated Time:  State rooms tour 2 to 2.5-hours

Changing of the Guard Ceremony

The famous Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place at Buckingham Palace .

The procession starts at Friary Court at 10:30 am. The New Guard marches down The Mall to the palace forecourt with a full brass band. The New Guard enters the forecourt around 11 am. An elaborate ceremony takes place. Around 11:35 am the Old Guard exits and marches to Wellington Barracks.

To get a good spot you must get there early. Try to find a place along the fence. The next best location is on top of Victoria Memorial . You are not likely to get good photos from here because of the fence, but at least you are likely to see the ceremony.

The ceremony takes place daily in summer, but only Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday the rest of the year. The schedule can and does change for special events.

Closest Underground Station(s): St. James’s Park, Victoria, Hyde Park Corner, or Green Park

Estimated Time: About 1 hour

Website:   The Household Division

Adult Pricing: Free

Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard

A lesser-known ceremony is the Changing of the Queen’s Life Guard , her majesty’s mounted guards. The ceremony has less pomp than its Buckingham Palace counterpart. However, it is much easier to see and it’s not necessary to get there early. Plus, there’s beautiful horses!

From Buckingham Place, follow The Mall to Horse Guards Road, or follow the path along St. James Park Lake. In Google, it’s easier to find the location using the “Household Division Charity”. The ceremony takes place in the courtyard off Whitehall Road.

Closest Underground Station(s): Westminster or Charring Cross

Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Website:   The Household Division – Queens Life Guard  

Adult Pricing:  Free

Westminster Abbey

If you watched the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Catherine Middleton, you may be familiar with Westminster Abbey . In total, 16 royal weddings have taken place at Westminster Abbey, dating back over nine hundred years. This includes Queen Elizabeth’s marriage to Prince Phillip in 1947.

Steeped in royal history; since 1066, all but two British monarch’s coronation ceremonies took place here. The grand church is also the final resting place of 17 monarchs and countless important British historical figures.

Closest Underground Station(s): Westminster

Estimated Time: 1 – 1.5 hours visit

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben’s Clock Tower

The Houses of Parliament , also known as the Palace of Westminster, holds the UK’s two meeting places of government. These are the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Though the exterior of the building is striking, it’s most famous for its clock tower. Renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012, the tower houses four clock faces and the famous Big Ben bell .

For the best photos, head over to Westminster Bridge and then cross the Thames to the riverfront walkway directly opposite the Parliament building.

For most tourists, taking photos of the exterior is enough. However, if you want to go inside, guided and self-guided audio tours are available on most Saturdays and when Parliament is not in session.

UK residents can request a free weekday tour of Parliament through their MPs office. You do not need to be politically associated to request a tour. Residents can also request a tour of the Elizabeth Clock Tower. We did both tours through our MP’s office; the process was very easy and straight forward.

Estimated Time:  Exterior 30 minutes. Interior tour 1.5 to 2 hours (plus security lines at entry)

Website: Parliament.uk

Across the River Thames from the Houses of Parliament is the London Eye . Once the world’s largest observation wheel at 443 feet, it takes visitors around in about 30 minutes. Each pod carries up to 25 guests to breathtaking views of the London skyline.

There are multiple lines and timed tickets to get on the London Eye. We recommend buying tickets online. This way you know when to arrive.

When you arrive within your 15-minute timeslot, you join the line to get on the London Eye. The wait can be more than an hour during busy times. Fast track is available when you purchase tickets. Early mornings and later evenings tend to be quieter times.

Closest Underground Station(s): Waterloo or Westminster

Estimated Time: 30-minute ride plus lines

The National Gallery & Trafalgar Square

A 15-minute walk across the Golden Jubilee Bridge and up Northumberland Ave. brings you to Trafalgar Square .

Trafalgar Square is a beautifully designed public gathering space known for its historical demonstrations and sports celebrations.

On the square is The National Gallery . The gallery features a collection of artworks from the mid-12 th to early-20 th centuries. The museum holds some of the world’s most famous pieces, including Vincent van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Jan van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Portrait, and Leonardo da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks.

Closest Underground Station(s): Charing Cross Station

Estimated Time:  2 to 3 hours for the highlights

Adult Pricing: Free, donations welcome

 In Trafalgar Square, St. Martin in the Field’s Cafe in the Crypt is often busy but worth the visit for the atmosphere alone. They use local sustainable sources whenever possible, and the food is prepared onsite. Prices are reasonable for the center of London and for the portion sizes.   

Day 2 - London Guide for Beginners

St. paul’s cathedral.

One of the most stunning and iconic buildings in the UK is St. Paul’s Cathedral. The interior is even more astounding than the exterior. Explore the ground floor of the cathedral, the famous dome with its three gallery levels, and the crypt.

It takes 257 stairs to reach the Whispering Gallery on the first level of the dome. Most notable for its design, you can whisper against the wall on one side of the gallery for it to be heard on the other side.

 If you are looking for phenomenal views of the skyline, continue to step 528 for the Golden Gallery and the top of the dome. 

Don’t forget to visit the crypt. Here you will find the resting place of many famous historical figures. This includes Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s architect and Lord Nelson, the great naval commander during the Napoleonic War. The most elaborate tomb is for the Duke of Wellington, a war hero, and former Prime Minster. 

Closest Underground Station(s): St. Paul’s, Mansion House

Estimated Time:  2 hours

British Museum

If you only had time for one museum in London, this should be it. Filled with over eight-million historical artifacts from around the world, it would take you all day to see everything.

The British Museum’s website does a wonderful job of breaking the gallery into artifact tours. We love the museum’s 3-hour selection tour, but also recommend spending a little more time in the Mesopotamia, Greece and Roman, and Egyptian rooms.

Closest Underground Station(s): Holborn, Tottenham Court Road

Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours for highlights tour

West End Theater District

Equivalent to New York’s Broadway, the West End is the place to see world-class theater and a great way to spend the evening.

The “West End” is not an official area, but generally refers to London’s entertainment district stretching out from Oxford Circus, Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square, and Covent Garden. Even if you’re not interested in a show, the area is great to walk through in the evening, especially Piccadilly Circus with all of its lights.

Don’t care which show you see? Discounts of 30-45% off the face value are typical from the ticket booths near Leicester Square. Buying tickets two days ahead or the day before gives the best chance for availability, but it is not necessary. Though, it’s rare to find seats for the most popular shows, especially on the weekend. Sometimes you can get lucky during the week or for matinees.

We found last minute discounted seats for Les Misérables, Wicked, Phantom of the Opera, Stomp, and tons of lesser-known shows at TKTS . Their lines can get very busy but usually only take around 20 minutes.

Another place we use is the Leicester Square Box Office . Just be sure to check the location of the seats on the theater’s website or on Seatplan.com before purchasing.

Closest Underground Station(s): Leicester Square for ticket vendors. Various theater locations.

Estimated Time: Shows typically run 1.5 to 2 hours

Day 3 - London Guide for Beginners

Tower of london.

Start the day on the east side of the city at the Tower of London. You’ll spend at least 3 to 4 hours exploring the castle and its history.

Though a bit pricey and often crowded, the Tower of London is well worth the visit. Encircled by double ringed stone walls, this Royal Palace and fortification is like no other. Over the centuries the castle has been many things, but its most interesting history comes from its days as a prison.

If you can, this is the place you want to go first thing in the morning when the gates open. Also, Tuesdays and Wednesdays can be slightly less crowded.

The first thing you want to do is see the famous crown jewels. The lines get very long later in the day so if you do this at opening you will save yourself a lot of time.

We also recommend joining the free Yeoman Warder tours which run every 30 minutes from 10 am (10:30 Sunday and Monday). You’ll hear about its previous residents and blood chilling stories of the tower’s historic past.

Closest Underground Station: Tower Hill Station

Estimated Time: 3 to 4 hours

Tower Bridge

Often confused with the name London Bridge, the spectacularly beautiful Tower Bridge is next door to the Tower of London. Tower Bridge is free to walk across and gives lovely views over the river and of the Tower of London.

If you are keen for a closer look, guided and self-guided tours are available of the sky walkways and the historic engine rooms. 

The bridge’s lifts are still operational to allow vessels to pass. Check the Tower Bridge website for times when the bridge will lift, if you want to be on the glass walkways when it raises. 

Estimated Time: 1 hour for the inside / 15 – 30 minutes for an exterior visit

If you are starving by this point, skip the Shard and head straight to Borough Market. Alternatively, City Hall has a lovely cafe on its ground floor that makes an easy stop.

London has some unique modern buildings, the Gherkin, the Walkie-Talkie, and now The Shard . The UK’s tallest building completed in 2012 and quickly became one of the city’s top attractions. From the 72nd floor visitors access an open-air platform with unparalleled views over London.

Alternatively, head to one of the restaurants or bars on the 31 to 33 floors for comparable views.

It’s a lovely 15-minute walk from Tower Bridge to The Shard on the south bank. Plus, just past City Hall, the unique circular building, there is a little outcropping in the guardrail which makes for a lovely spot to take photos of Tower Bridge.

Closest Underground Station: London Bridge Station

Estimated Time: 1 hour

The Shard can be a little pricey. If you’re on a budget there are plenty of fantastic free views of the city, keep reading.

Borough Market

About a 5-minute walk from the Shard is one of our favorite London food markets, Borough Market . When I used to come into London for work, I always grabbed lunch at this market or from one of the surrounding eateries. There are so many fantastic choices I was never able to try them all!

Opening Hours: Open Monday to Saturday 10 am to 5 pm. Note: few vendors open on Monday and Tuesday.

Adult Pricing: Free entry

Tate Modern

Head back out to the river by following Park St. from Borough Market. Turn left once you hit the river. It takes roughly 15 minutes to walk from Borough Market to the Tate Modern Museum .

On the way to the Tate Modern, stop for a few photos in front of Shakespeare’s Globe . This open-aired reconstruction of the theater associated with Shakespeare offers 40-minute tours and frequent performances.

Though the Tate Modern always has something that catches our eye, we are not huge fans of modern art. If you are, you will love this large museum. If it’s not your thing, it is still worth the visit for the view.

One of the best free views in the city is from the 10 th floor of the Tate Modern Museum. Though it provides 360◦ of the London skyline, the northern view facing the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral is the star of the show.  

Closest Underground Station(s): Southwark or Blackfriars

Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours for the highlights

Adult Pricing: Free entry, Free view

Millennium Bridge

Directly in front of the Tate Modern is the Millennium Bridge. The bridge beautifully lines up with St. Paul’s Cathedral, framing a picture-perfect view.

In the evening, the tourist crowds dwindle. You may even be able to get a great photo at sunset. If you can be there for dark, rewarding views of not just the cathedral but also the Shard and Tower Bridge await you.  

Estimated Time: 15 minutes, plus time to walk around St. Paul’s

If you want a typical pub meal and an English ale to end your busy day, we have the perfect place for you. On the corner of Queen Victoria St. is an authentic London pub, the Blackfriar.

Day 4 - London Guide for Beginners

Day 4 is a great day to catch up on any of the main attractions you missed in your first three days. Plus, if you find yourself with some spare time, here are our recommendations to finish off London’s must see attractions for a first-time visitor.

West End Shopping

The West End isn’t just known for its world-class theater, it’s also a popular area for shopping. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, it’s a great area to walk through and take in the vibe of the city.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is most known for its covered market areas, and pickpockets, so be cautious.

At Covent Garden Market small shops line the outside whilst local vendors set up stalls inside. Lovely street cafes surround the market and give a good place to people watch. Street performers dazzle crowds surrounding the market.

On the south side of the Covent Garden Market is the Jubilee Market Hall. Best for local souvenir shopping, but there are also some stalls selling handcrafted items.

St. Paul’s Church in front of Covent Garden Market’s west side, is known as the “Actors Church.” It’s an interesting place with lots of events in summer, including free lunch time concerts. It is also home to the Iris Theater which puts on open-aired shows in the summer. Check the church’s website for details of what’s on.

Closest Underground Station(s):  Covent Garden

Estimated Time:  1 hour+

From Covent Garden, make your way west to Leicester Square. North of Leicester Square is London’s Chinatown. On Wardour St. is the Chinatown Gate, but the surrounding areas on Lisle St., Gerrard St., and Rupert St. are interesting places to walk through. It’s also a great area of the city to grab lunch.

Closest Underground Station(s):  Piccadilly Circus or Leicester Square Station

Estimated Time:  30 minutes+

Piccadilly Circus

From Chinatown, continue west following either Coventry St. or Shaftsbury Ave. to the Shaftsbury Memorial Fountain in the center of Piccadilly Circus.

Piccadilly Circus is most famous for its giant TV screens. This will look very tame if you have been to New York or Tokyo.

If you only want to do a little shopping, follow Piccadilly St. toward Green Park. Some notable shops along this route include:

• Hatchards – London’s oldest bookshop founded in 1797
• Sotherans – World’s longest established antique bookstore
• Fortnum & Mason – Founded in 1707. Famous for tea, gift hampers, and a huge food hall

If you want the full London shopping experience, continue toward Oxford Street.

Closest Underground Station(s):  Piccadilly Circus

Estimated Time: 1 hour+

Shopping Oxford Circus

Oxford Circus is known as London’s premier shopping experience. Designer brands from all over the world line Regent St . One street over is the famous Saville Row: known for its tailored suits and high-end clothing stores.

Regent Street is also one of the best places to go for Christmas in London . Overhead lights decorate the street and stores go all out on their window fronts.

To continue shopping, from Regent St. make a left on Oxford St. and follow this toward Bond Street Station. The shopping continues all the way to Marble Arch.

Some notable shops along the route include:

• Hamleys – World’s oldest and largest toy store
• Selfridges – Second largest store in the UK
• Fenwick – High-end department store with luxury goods from around the world

Closest Underground Station(s):  Oxford Circus

Near Knightsbridge Station, is Europe’s largest department store, Harrods of London . Specializing in only the finest goods from around the world, Harrods is sure to impress.

Afternoon Tea in London

One of the best cultural experiences you can do while in London is enjoy afternoon tea. There are plenty of places to stop along your shopping route, but we recommend making reservations at one of London’s luxurious hotel restaurants.

The Green Park area is just one Underground stop from the shopping districts of Piccadilly Circus, Oxford Circus and Bond Street. This is one of the most luxurious areas of London. Hotels like the Ritz and the May Fair are a short walk from the station and have fantastic afternoon teas.

For more information, see our post on Experiencing Afternoon Tea in England . It tells you everything you want to know about this cultural experience.

Closest Underground Station(s): Various / Green Park recommended

Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours

Take a Double-Decker Bus

Another fantastic thing to do on a first trip to London is to ride one of the iconic red double-decker buses . There are formal tour buses, but public transport is cheap, easy to use, has over 700 routes and a great view of the city. Grab the front seats on the top of the bus if you can and let it whisk you around.

Some of our favorite routes are 9, 139 and 11. They go past some of the best sites in London.

Transport London has done a fantastic job putting together a guide on the most popular bus leisure routes . Also, here is the link for Route 11 as it is not included on the leisure routes listed.

Closest Underground Station(s):  Various

Estimated Time: 30 minutes+

Adult Pricing:  £1.55 unlimited 1-hour hopper fare, buses are capped £4.65 daily fare

London for Beginners Full Guide

• London’s Best Photo Spots
• Getting Around London
• Getting Into London from the Airports

We hope you have a fantastic first trip to London. Let us know in the comments what you are looking most forward to doing in London.

We recommend and use these companies to arrange our travel plans; they make travel planning easy and affordable. If you have questions on our experiences, feel free to ask us !

• Book Flights: Skyscanner
• Book Accommodation: Booking.com
• Book Rental Cars: Rentalcars.com
• Buy Travel Gear: Amazon

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The Ultimate Travel Guide to London – The Best Things To Do, See & Much More!

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Table of Contents

A brief history of london, london fact file, getting there & around, top 10 neighborhoods to visit in london, top 10 london attractions, 10 unique & quirky things to do in london, top 10 green spaces & secret gardens in london  , top 10 best views in london, top 10 london shopping areas & markets, 15 london travel hacks, 10 fun facts about london, top 5 day trips from london, how to stay safe in london, maximize points.

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London: the heart and soul of the UK is a vibrant and eclectic city with plenty to offer every visitor. Historically important and culturally diverse, modern-day London is a hub of famous landmarks, iconic buildings, and innovative attractions on every level.

From the hipster heart of the East End to the tree-lined avenues in the West, London is a collection of unique and individual boroughs all pulling together to create one the greatest cities on Earth.

Whether you are visiting London for business or pleasure, you will always be made to feel at home. The tourist heart of theatre land in Shaftesbury Avenue and the shopping mecca of Oxford Street are always busy, always lively, and always the place to be.

But if you want to step away from the hustle and bustle, you’re never more than a few minutes away from inner city parks and open spaces. Eat lunch with the pigeons in Trafalgar Square or have a picnic with the penguins in London Zoo; London is a city for creatures from all walks of life.

Of course, while you are here, you must visit the Queen! Buckingham Palace is one the most iconic and revered royal buildings in the world, surrounded by a raft of equally important historical buildings that make London such a charming and fascinating destination.

The history of London stretches back as far as Roman times, when Londinium was established as a civilian town founded on the point of the river. As a strategic location that provided easy access to much of Europe , London was used as a base for many early conflicts.

Following the fall of the Roman Empire, the Saxons took over the founding city, where it flourished for centuries until they fell at the hands of the Vikings.

Fast forward several hundred years, and the London that we know and love today really started to take shape during the 16th and 17th Centuries. While the city suffered dramatic and devastating losses during the plague of 1665 and the Fire Of London in 1666, it was still able to rise from the ashes to become a bigger and more eminent capital for the Britons than ever before.

During Edwardian and Victorian times, London was (as it still is) very much at the heart of British royalty and Government. With 2 World Wars destroying parts of the city, the one thing that never disappeared was the determination and community spirit of residents, or their love for the city they call home.

With so much history before us, and as a world-leading city for innovation, London really is the undisputed capital of the world.

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Every borough of London has its own distinct character and ambiance. From the curry houses of Brick Lane to the Victorian terraces of Chelsea, London is a collection of suburban villages that together create one of the most interesting and eclectic cities in the world.

Wherever you find yourself in the city, some facts remain the same.

Here a few useful factoids about the city as a whole:

Population:  8.6 million

Area: 610 sq miles (1,584 sq km)

Official Language: English

Other languages spoken:  Throughout the city there are as many as 250 different languages spoken by residents of all the different boroughs.

Official Religion: London, as with the rest of the UK is a Christian (Church Of England)/Anglican province.

Current Prime Minister : Teresa May (Conservatives)

Time Zone:  GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) applies from late October through until March. When the clocks are adjusted after daylight saving time, the UK joins British Summer Time (BST), which is GMT + 1

Currency:  Pound Sterling – GBP – £

Country Dialing Code Prefix: +44

Emergency Numbers: Dial 999 and ask for the service your require (police, fire service, or ambulance)

Open space: 33 percent (including regional, district, and local parks)

Black Cabs: 21,000

Pubs: 7,000

Nature reserves:  144

Getting There

The city of London is easily accessible by land or air, and it is just as easy to make your way around once you get here.

Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton airports are all important transportation hubs, both for the UK/Europe and the rest of the world in general. With direct flights from over 190 destinations and over 650 flights a day from Heathrow alone, London airports are some of the busiest and best in the world.

London City Airport is just a few miles east of the commercial center of the city, and is well-placed to service the needs of business travelers, as well as tourists and holiday makers from certain countries.

When you land in the UK, all of the airports offer fast and efficient access to the West End and the city of London via road or rail.

From Heathrow

Heathrow Terminal 3 offers direct rail service to London Victoria Station. Trains run approximately every hour and the journey time is around 50 minutes. You can pick up one-way tickets from as little as £25.00, depending on the time of travel.

The Heathrow Express runs between London Paddington and all 4 Heathrow terminals. Trains run from just before 6:00am to 11:00pm (approx) and costs from £22.00 for a 15-minute journey.

If you find yourself turned around at the airport, use this guide for navigating between terminals at LHR .

You can jump on a National Express Coach from Heathrow Airport Central Bus Station for a 50-minute journey into London Victoria for as little as £5 per journey. Coaches run around the clock.

From Gatwick

Trains run from Gatwick Airport Mainline Station to London Victoria every 30 minutes and cost from around £16.00 for the 30-minute journey. Alternatively, you can travel from Gatwick to London Victoria on the dedicated Gatwick Express service from £14.00 one-way for a 30-minute journey.

You can catch a National Express Coach from Gatwick Airport Bus Station for the 90-minute journey into London Victoria for as little as £10 per trip. Coaches run around the clock.

Thameslink Trains run regular services from Luton to London Victoria throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 1 hour, and prices start at £20.00 one-way.

National Express Coaches run from Luton Airport to London Victoria regularly throughout the day, with prices from just £5 one-way for a 40-minute journey.

From Stansted

Stansted Express trains run regularly from Stansted to London Liverpool Street throughout the day. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes, and prices start from £10.00 one-way.

National Express Coaches run from Stansted Airport to London Victoria regularly throughout the day, with prices from just £5 one-way for a 40 minute journey.

Getting Around

London is home the world-famous London Underground system spanning the central and greater metro area. The Underground (also known as the “Tube”) is one the most efficient public transport systems in the world.

First built in 1863 to service 6 intermediate stations between Paddington and Farringdon, the network now covers over 402km using 11 separate lines and stops at 270 stations.

The colored lines and easy-to-read maps make traveling on the Tube simple. Transport for London offers full details of timetables, ticket prices, and station information at www.tfl.gov.uk

The London bus network is equally famous the world over, with its iconic red rear-entrance Routemaster double-decker buses delivering passengers throughout the city day and night.

Buses have been used on the streets of London since 1829, and although the iconic Routemaster has been retired from service on all but one route, the London bus network still undertakes over 4.4 billion journeys every year.

The night bus is also available to carry weary partygoers back home all night long. Again, Transport for London offers full details of timetables, ticket prices, and station information at www.tfl.gov.uk.

Black cabs are a familiar sight on the streets of London, and they are an integral part of the capitol’s culture and community. Black cabs can be hailed on sight from anywhere in the city, and their drivers are legendary for having friendly personalities and extensive general knowledge.

Alternatively, you can call up an Uber and book where you want to go and when by using the app on your smartphone.

Cabs, Ubers , and other private hire vehicles will accept most forms of payment, including cash, credit, or debit card. Most taxis can also be pre-booked using any form of electronic payment.

The London Underground and London buses, however, are accessed using a pre-payment Oyster Card that can be purchased during your stay and topped up as necessary. You can also use a contactless credit or debit card on the Underground system.

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It’s true what they say: a man could truly lose himself in London. To ensure that you don’t, here are some of the most interesting, unusual, and downright delightful neighborhoods in London that you should definitely visit while you are there.

1. The West End, Soho, and Covent Garden

The West End of London is the beating, bustling heart of the capitol with something to see and do on every corner. Enjoy a little retail therapy in the famous shops and boutiques of Oxford Street, or rest a while in one of the many first-class restaurants or bars dotted throughout the area.

Step back from the main road to explore the avenues behind, and you will find yourself in the energetic and eclectic streets of Soho. Take in a show on Shaftesbury Avenue, or stop to see the famous digital advertising boards at Piccadilly Circus.

The West End also encompasses the wonderful Covent Garden with the Royal Opera House, Italianate piazza, and streets packed with designer boutiques and high-end bars and restaurants. The West End has some of the most iconic landmarks in London, and you can access the area from a choice of tube stations including Oxford Circus, Covent Garden, and Piccadilly Circus.

Where to stay:

• Raddison Blu
• St Giles Hotel

Where to eat:

• Heliot Steak House

If you like cool music, people, and fashion, Camden has you covered. You won’t find a more diverse, warm, or energetic part of London anywhere else. Camden may be famous for its younger vibe, but it’s perfect for anyone who is young at heart. Chock full uber-cool bars, restaurants, and funky little shops, Camden is at the heart of the live music scene in London —  you can catch every kind of band here.

To really enjoy Camden, take the time to wander the streets and be sure to look in all the shops (even the strange ones!), as everybody is lovely and welcoming.

Undoubtedly its most famous attraction is Camden Market.  Eclectic to the max and offering a smorgasbord of unusual gifts and funky food stalls, it even has its fair share of well-known brands like Dr Martens, Shelleys, and other stores for you to peruse and enjoy.

Camden is also about the atmosphere. You can spend a day there without spending a penny as you watch the world go by. The best tube stations to use are Chalk Farm Road or Camden Town.

• York & Albany
• Holiday Inn
• Andy’s Greek Taverna
• The Blues Kitchen
• Rossopomodoro

3. Shoreditch & Spitalfields

Things don’t get much more hip and trendy than they do in Shoreditch. Eye-wateringly cool and oozing with fantastic little pop-up bars plus some of the best cafes and restaurants in London, Shoreditch is a hit with hipsters of all ages.

The music scene in the area is on top of its game, and you can catch anything from a country music shindig to an electropop extravaganza in its East End streets.

Spitalfields Market on a Sunday offers cutting-edge fashion, interiors, and original artworks as well as food. Meanwhile, the ultra-chic and ultra-cool Hoxton is just around the corner with its great selection of bars, boutiques, and eateries.

Shoreditch has been heavily regenerated in recent years and is now an area of innovation, experimentation, and super fresh ideas. If you are looking for something different during your stay in London, you will probably find it here. The best station to use is probably Old Street, although Liverpool Street station is only 5 minutes away.

• Z Shoreditch
• The Clove Club

While not on many visitors’ itineraries, Peckham is well worth a visit as it is slowly becoming the Camden of the South. Trendy cafes, art studios, and pop-up bars are appearing everywhere…and the locals don’t seem to mind one bit. If it’s a bit of traditional London you’re after, Peckham has that too, with plenty of pie ‘n’ mash shops, traditional pubs, and the odd market here and there.

Visitors hoping to see Only Fools And Horses-related things will be disappointed, however. The show may have been set here, but it was filmed elsewhere entirely.

The secret of Peckhams’ success as an up-and-coming area is its diversity. All cultures meet here to share their combined love of the London vibe, making it an area that is packed full of music, food, fun, and parties.

Peckham is best reached by the overground rail network stopping at Peckham Rye Station.

• The Victoria Inn
• Peckham Rooms
• Best Western
• Peckham Bazaar
• Peckham Refreshment Rooms
• Begging Bowl

5. Notting Hill

World-renowned for its annual Caribbean Carnival, Notting Hill is also a mecca for those who like to browse unique boutique shops. Expect hefty price tags in some shops, though, as the area is awash with money, supermodels, film stars, and directors…such is its rating on the cool scale!

The world-famous Portobello Market is close by too, where you will find a universe of street foods, fashion, curiosities, and all sorts of things to grab your attention. Saturday is the best day to visit the market, as this is when the street stalls are out. Street food in London is second to none, and this market is the epicentre of culinary greatness in the capital.

If the weather is pleasant, take a wander from Notting Hill Gate to Portobello Road and check out the quirky backstreets and pretty front gardens of the beautiful terraced houses that date back to Victorian times. The best station for the area is Notting Hill Gate.

• The Laslett
• The Portobello Hotel
• Notting Hill Gate Hotel
• The Ledbury

6. Kensington and Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (to give it its proper title) is an affluent area to the west of the City of London. Bordering the Thames, the area has some lovely parks and conservation areas, as well as amazing views along the riverside.

If you like football, world-famous Chelsea FC play home games here in their enormous stadium, complete with its own 5-star hotel.

For everyone else, there are a myriad of designer shops, boutiques, super car showrooms, and beautiful people to be seen. Kensington is close enough to Harrods  (with over 330 departments and 1 million sq ft of shopping!) to be worth a visit, if only to see what being a millionaire could get you.

Dining in the area is a life-defining moment (as well as a wallet-busting one), but treat yourself at least once and you won’t forget it! The best tube stations are West Brompton or Fulham Broadway for Chelsea and High Street Kensington for Kensington.

• The Bentley
• The Five Fields
• Launceston Place

There’s a reason Mayfair is the most expensive property on the Monopoly board. Take a wander around this exclusive area and you’ll soon see why. Mayfair contains some of the most expensive properties in London, usually with some of the most expensive cars parked out front.

Many of the world’s embassies are in Mayfair, and it can be a relaxing walk to tour the streets looking at the grand houses, hidden green spaces, and tranquil squares tucked away behind them. Hyde Park also borders the beautiful streets of Mayfair and is a stunning spot all year round.

Other local attractions include the Royal Academy of Arts and super-posh shopping strip Regents Street. As you might expect, food and drink are world-class in Mayfair, and your taste buds will thank you forever if you dine here. The best tube station to use for the area is Bond Street Station, just a short walk away.

• Four Seasons
• The Chesterfield
• Ormer Mayfair
• Le Gavroche

Colourful, lively, and vibrant are just some ways to describe Brixton. Here you’ll find the always-excellent market with its street foods and amazing stalls, plus a myriad of incredible smells coming out of the various Caribbean cafes and other food outlets. You’ll never not hear music coming from somewhere in Brixton, usually accompanied by laughter as Brixton residents are some of the friendliest people in London.

For gig lovers, there’s the famous Brixton Academy , which always has something cool going on, though you’ll have to book (usually very far) in advance. It’s worth just coming down for lunch if you have a busy day elsewhere, as this really is London’s finest kitchen!

When your belly is full, walk off those calories with a wander through the area and enjoy the amazing murals and artwork painted throughout the neighborhood. The nearest tube for Brixton is, usefully, Brixton, which sits at the end of the Victoria Line.

• The Half Moon
• Premier Inn
• Gateway Hotel
• Casa Morita

9. Greenwich

Britain invented time (sort of), and Greenwich is the place you can stand with one foot in the Eastern Hemisphere and one in the Western. It’s also the place to visit Greenwich Naval College and learn about Britain’s naval history, from it’s earliest beginnings to the modern day.

Be sure to see the Cutty Sark too. This beautiful tea clipper was once the fastest ship in the world, and she’s every bit as grand as you would expect her to be. Take a walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, which runs underneath the Thames to Island Gardens on the North Shore…then take the DLR back if you don’t fancy the walk again.

Greenwich also has lots of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants, as well as a theatre. Being a historic river town, it’s also handy for grabbing one of the many sightseeing boats that head upstream to Westminster and beyond.

The best station for Greenwich is Cutty Sark on the Docklands Light Railway line.

• The Clarendon Hotel
• Old Brewery
• Elm Street Oyster House

10. Hampstead

Hampstead is a village within a town within a city. It’s a peaceful place surrounded by protected parkland, with a wonderful view down onto the London skyline below.

Hampstead Heath is the city’s largest ancient wetland and park. Take a walk through picturesque Swiss Cottage, which looks exactly as it should given the name.

Stop at any number of lovely almost-countryside pubs and eateries, or check out some of the local museums. Despite feeling like you’re in the depths of the English countryside, excellent transport links will whisk you back into the heart of London within minutes.

The best tube stations to use for the area are Swiss Cottage, Belsize Park, and Hampstead.

• Ginger & White

Hot Tip: There are lots of different hotel options in London including those you can book with points and boutique hotels .

London has more places to see and things to do than you could ever manage in just 1 visit. With this in mind, here are 10 of the top London attractions that you definitely should try to see on your trip.

Some of these attractions have specialized guided tours too so not only do you get to see the best of London, but you get a guide to tell you all the ins-and-outs along the way!

1. The Tower of London & Tower Bridge

The Tower of London is home to the Crown Jewels and is at the heart of much of Britain’s history. Guided tours start from £14.00 per person, and the Tower and visitor center is open from 9:00am–4:30pm almost all year round.

From the Tower you can see what is arguably the most famous bridge in the world. Opened in 1894, Tower Bridge is particularly impressive when it opens to let river traffic pass below. London Bridge walkways and visitor center are open daily and cost £8.70 per person. The nearest Tube station for both attractions is Tower Hill.

2. Buckingham Palace & the Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace is the London home of the British monarchy and a much loved tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the famous State Rooms from July to September, and the Changing of the Guard can be seen from 11:00-11:45am on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday from January to March, weather permitting.

For guided tours you can expect to pay £24 per adult (2018 prices), and the nearest tube stations are Victoria, St James Park, and Green Park.

3. The British Museum

Opened in 1753, the British Museum houses some of the world’s greatest treasures from throughout history. You can easily spend the whole day wandering the halls and still not see everything!

The 2001 renovation of the Great Court is also worth a visit. The museum is open daily and is totally free of charge, as are all museums in London. The nearest Tube station is Tottenham Court Road, about 500 meters away.

4. Big Ben & Parliament

The Palace of Westminster , which houses Parliament, was opened in its current form in 1870, although a palace has existed on the site since 1060. St Stephen’s Tower, home to the bell commonly known as Big Ben, sits at the eastern end of the palace. Various tours of the sprawling palace are available at various prices. The nearest tube station is Westminster.

5. Westminster Abbey

Opened in 1090, Westminster Abbey has hosted many royal weddings and funerals, so there are many Kings and Queens buried within the Abbey grounds. It is one of the most photogenic sites in London and sits right next to Westminster Palace. Open all year round, tickets cost £22 per adult (2018 prices). The nearest tube station is Westminster, which is a modern marvel in its own right.

6. The London Eye

For the best views of central London, take a trip on the London Eye . Opened in 2000, the giant ferris wheel will take you on a birds-eye tour of Westminster and the Thames over the course of 30 minutes. Tickets start at £25 and include entry into the 4D Cinema Experience.

The nearest tube station is Waterloo, although getting off at Westminster and walking over Westminster Bridge adds to the fun and affords some great views of the city too.

7. The Victoria & Albert Museum

Opened in 1852, the V&A Museum is one of the world’s largest (and best) collections of art, design pieces, and artifacts. It’s always worth checking out the website, as exhibitions and attractions change throughout the year. The museum is open daily and entry is free.

The nearest tube station is South Kensington, where the museum is just a short walk from the station through tree-lined avenues.

8. St Paul’s Cathedral

The original Cathedral was opened in 1300, although the one standing today was rebuilt and reopened in 1697. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world and has survived fires, plagues, and wars unscathed.

Visitors can tour this amazing feat of engineering, built by Sir Christopher Wren, and experience the delightful Whispering Gallery every day. Tickets start at £16 per adult (2018 prices), and the nearest tube station is St Paul’s.

9. Tate Britain & Tate Modern

The Tate Britain opened in 1897 and today houses a massive collection of British art dating back to Tudor times, including most of the works by Turner. Entry is free and the museum is open daily year-round. The nearest tube stations are Pimlico or Westminster.

The Tate Modern was opened by Queen Elizabeth in 2000. It houses the world’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art and always has special exhibitions going on. Entry is free and the gallery is open daily year-round. The nearest station is Blackfriars.

10. The London Dungeons

Opened in 1974, this horror- and history-themed attraction houses some gruesome and fun exhibits chronicling London’s sometimes-bloody past. Genuinely fun for all the family, it’s a must-see when visiting the capitol.

Tickets start at £21 per adult (2018 prices) and vary greatly depending on how much horror you can handle! The London Dungeons are open daily all year round. The nearest tube station is Waterloo.

Read our guide on the best museums in London for other attractions we recommend visiting.

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If you like your sightseeing to be a little bit off the beaten track, London has plenty of unique and unusual sights for you to see.

1. Dennis Severs House

The house is a time capsule of what a silk-weavers house would have looked like in the 18th century. Put together over many years, Dennis Severs House is a fascinating and detailed museum of early London life down to the finest detail. If you like historical recreations, the house is well worth a visit.

Open most days of the week, tickets start at £15 per adult. The house is on Folgate Street and the nearest tube is Liverpool Street or Shoreditch.

2. Clowns Gallery-Museum London

Located in a former church, the Clowns Gallery-Museum is all about everything to do with clowns, from galleries of clown faces where no 2 faces are like, to clown stained glass windows, and props and gags from throughout the ages. Rumor has it the best part of the exhibition is hidden in the basement, if you dare!

Open on the first Friday of every month, entry is free and the nearest station is Dalston Junction on the Overground.

3. Graffiti & Street Art Tour

If street art is your bag and Banksy is your boy, then this fascinating Graffiti and Street Art guided walking tour should be right up your alley. Kicking off in Shoreditch near Liverpool Street Station, this tour takes you to see some incredible pieces of graffiti and street art, with explanations and interesting facts thrown in along the way.

These tours take you deep into the heart of London, and even into areas that some Londoners may not know exist! The tour will take about 3 hours and cost you £15 per adult.

4. Jack the Ripper Tour of Whitechapel

Grizzly and gruesome, the Jack the Ripper Tour is dedicated to one of the world’s most famous serial killers. Taking you right into the heart of the East End where this prolific British murderer plied his trade, these tours are fascinating and frightening all at the same time. You’ll learn about the Ripper’s victims, his possible motives, and theories on who he was.

The tours meet every night at 7:00pm at Aldgate East tube station and cost £10 per person (2018 prices).

5. Hackney City Farm

An oasis of calm in the middle of the East End, Hackney City Farm is home to a wide variety of rescued and abandoned animals. There are always things going on at the Farm, from art classes to conservation programs and much more. If you have little explorers with you, it is the perfect place for them to get involved and learn about caring for animals and conservation on a wider scale.

Open every day except Mondays, entry is free but they do welcome donations. Hoxton and Cambridge Heath are the nearest tube stations.

6. Kayak on the Thames

Seeing London from the river is a great way to enjoy the many different sites the city has to offer. Take the plunge and kayak along the River Thames on one of many routes past Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Little Venice. You can even do it at night.

These guided tours are safe and undertaken by a qualified instructor. Prices vary; for example, the Big Ben and Back tour starts at £39. Based near Battersea Bridge, the nearest station for the tours is Imperial Wharf on the Overground network.

7. Chislehurst Caves

Many visitors (and some Londoners too) don’t know that London actually has its very own underground cave network. Chislehurst Caves is a 22-mile long cave system that can be fully explored via a guided tour.

From London Bridge station, take the train to Chislehurst and the caves are just a short walk away. Open Wednesday to Sunday and every day during the school holidays, tours cost £6 per adult (2018 prices) and last about an hour. No booking required.

8. Stay Overnight in London Zoo

Want to see what goes on at London Zoo when everybody goes home? Now you can stay the night in a lodge and get an exclusive after-hours tour of the zoo, including dinner, breakfast, and 2 days of zoo entry. The lodges offer first class accommodation, and you will get the opportunity to see what really goes on behind the scenes at a world-class zoo and conservation center.

A stay at the Gir Lion Lodges at London Zoo costs from around £438 per lodge, based on 2 adults sharing and includes a host of extras. The nearest tube stations are Camden Town and Regents Park.

9. Lee Valley River Park

If you are feeling the need for an adrenaline rush, why not have a go at white water rafting on the very same course that was used for the London 2012 Olympics? Set within the glorious Lee Valley River Park on the northern edges of London, this massive venue hosts a myriad of outdoor activities, sporting events, and an impressive bar and restaurant to boot.

Tickets start at £50 per person (2018 prices) and are for those over 14 only. The park is open all day, every day. The nearest train station is Waltham Cross station, a 10-minute walk from the park.

10. Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Glide around London on your very own vintage Routemaster double-decker red bus, while sipping tea and eating cakes as you take in the sights and sounds of the city from your top deck vantage point. You can choose from an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour or a Gin and Jam Tour. Prices start at £45 per adult (2018 prices). The tours depart from various locations (see website for details) and are available year-round.

London may be a densely populated city, but you are never more than a few minutes away from hidden gardens, open spaces, or a tranquil oasis perfect for a picnic lunch or a few minutes meditation.

Enjoy any one of these below, or maybe discover your own favorite space as you step away from the major tourist hotspots and explore the city at your own pace.

1. St Dunstan in the East

A stunning reminder of the strength of the city, St Dunstan in the East is the bombed out shell of this 900-year-old church. Now, it’s covered with trees, ivy, and has wall climbing flowers winding through its once grand arches. Tucked away behind the city, this hidden garden is a poignant testament to the destruction the city suffered at the hands of the Luftwaffe.

The garden is open from 8:00am-4:00pm daily, and the nearest tube station is Cannon Street.

2. Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park

Find your inner Zen in the Kyoto Gardens . The gardens were donated by the Chamber of Commerce of Kyoto in recognition of the Japan Festival held in London in 1992. This peaceful and serene “park within a park” is one of London’s most well known and frequented “secret” gardens.

The park is open daily from 7:30am until 30 minutes before dusk, and the nearest tube stations are Kensington High Street or Notting Hill Gate.

3. Culpeper Community Garden

Described as a “green oasis in the midst of streets, estates, and inner city bustle” the Culpeper Community Garden is a tranquil retreat for all to enjoy. Used as both a public park and an environmental community project, Culpepper Community Garden is managed by the people, for the people.

A true example of the community spirit of London, the park is open every day from 8:00am until 7:00pm. The nearest tube station is Angel.

4. Hampstead Hill Garden & Pergola

With its exotic flowers, overgrown vines, and faded grandeur, the Hampstead Pergola is both eerie and inspirational in equal parts. Formerly the home of Lord Leverhulme, the stunning raised gardens and the pergola itself are a delightful surprise set in the middle of Hampstead Heath.

The park is open daily from 8:45am until approximately 30 minutes before dusk, and the gardens are just a short walk from either Hampstead or Belsize Park stations.

5. Japanese Roof Garden

For some instant tranquility in the heart of the city, the Japanese-inspired roof garden at SOAS, University of London, provides a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of busy London streets. Perfect for a spot of relaxation and meditation, the garden is accessed via the first floor of the Brunei Gallery.

The gardens are usually open 10:30am-5:00pm Tuesday to Saturday, and the nearest tube station is High Street Kensington.

6. Richmond Park

The largest of the 8 Royal Parks in London and home to over 650 deer, Richmond Park is a beautiful and vast open space in an upmarket area of West London. Popular with cyclists, runners, dog walkers, and those looking to enjoy the splendor of it all, Richmond Park is a perfect example of the quintessential English parkland.

The park is open from 7:30am until dusk all year round, and the nearest station is Richmond.

7. Epping Forest

Forging a link between London and rural Essex, Epping Forest includes 2,400 hectares of forest and open spaces offering a variety of activities all year round. You can take a walk, try cycling, go fishing, visit Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, and explore the remains of 2 large Iron Age forts tucked within the forest grounds.

The park is open all day everyday, but the visitor centers and conservation centers are open from 8:00am-3:30pm daily. The nearest station is Epping Forest.

8. Walthamstow Wetlands

A recent addition to London’s vast selection of open spaces, the Walthamstow Wetlands conservation center just opened in 2017. Situated just 15 minutes from central London, the site offers 13 miles of footpaths and cycle tracks between 10 reservoirs, 8 islands, and London’s largest heronry. Despite being so close to the city, it has the feel of a rural English idyll…just smack dab in the middle of London.

The Wetlands are open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, and the nearest tube station is Walthamstow.

9. Hyde Park

Perhaps the most highly regarded of all of London’s parks and open spaces, Hyde Park is set right in the heart of the West End and is perfect for boating, tennis, horse riding, jogging, cycling, or just enjoying the beauty of it all. The park famously hosts festivals and live music year-round and is open daily from 5:00am until midnight.

The nearest stations are Marble Arch, Knightsbridge, or Green Park, depending on which of the park’s many entrances you’re heading for.

10. Regent’s Park

Still resplendent with all of its Victorian grandeur, Regent’s Park is the largest grass area for sports in Central London. There is plenty to do and see there, including: the famous Open Air Theatre, the extensive London Zoo, beautiful gardens, and even a boating lake. Opened to the public in 1835, it remains a perfect example of London’s love of green spaces and gardens.

Open daily from 5:00am until dusk. The nearest tube station is Regent’s Park.

The London skyline is one the most famous in the world. With iconic modern architecture, industrial skyscrapers and historical spires all living comfortably together, London offers a whole world of opportunities above ground level.

If you are looking for the very best views of London, the sky is literally the limit. Try out some of these ideas for breathtaking vistas and unique aerial experiences.

1. The Sky Garden

Situated at 20 Fenchurch Street, The Sky Garden offers superb views across the city and beyond. The enlarged glass dome offers 3 stories of landscaped public gardens, observation decks, and an open-air terrace. Yes, gardens on top of a building — how amazing! You can book to eat and enjoy the views, or try your luck and turn up as a walk-in.

Open 10:00am-6:00pm Monday through Friday, and 11:00am-9:00pm on weekends. Bookings for free visits are released every Monday, and the nearest tube station is Monument.

2. One New Change

As a recently constructed retail development in the heart of the city, The Roof Terrace at One New Change overlooks St Paul’s Cathedral and offers further views out over the city. You can visit the roof for free from 6:00am-midnight every day, or enjoy cocktails and tapas in Madison restaurant and bar. You can even book a yoga class on the roof terrace, and different events are held all year round. The nearest tube station is St Paul’s.

3. The Monument

The Monument was built in 1677 to commemorate the Great Fire of London and celebrate the rebuilding of the city. It’s in an iconic piece of British architecture and provides outstanding views of London in all directions from a height of about 160 feet. Due to the limited space in the viewing gallery, a maximum of 33 people are allowed inside at any one time.

Tickets cost £4.50 per adult, and the gallery is open from 9:30am-5:30pm every day, except for the December 25-26. The nearest tube stop is Monument.

4. Primrose Hill

First appropriated by Henry VIII to extend parkland available to the poor for open-air recreation, Primrose Hill is still a beautiful spot for everyone. With rolling hills and vast open spaces, it is situated 63 meters above sea level and offers views as far away as Hampstead and beyond.

The park opens at 5:00am and closing times vary throughout the year. The nearest tube stations are Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage.

5. The Shard

The building that revolutionized the London skyline, The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building. This whopping 95-story skyscraper is one of the most recognized landmarks in London, and as you would imagine, the views from the Shard are pretty spectacular.

Offering panoramic views stretching for up to 40 miles in every direction, you can enjoy your visit with tickets starting from £29.00 per adult, or an additional £15 for a 45-minute guided tour. The Shard is open daily from 10:00am and closing times changes throughout the year. The nearest tube station is London Bridge.

6. Tower 42

Built on the site of the former NatWest Tower, Tower 42 is the third tallest skyscraper in the City of London. At the top and 600 feet above pavement level sits Vertigo 42, a champagne bar that offers some of the finest views out across the city.

You can book to enjoy champagne and tapas Monday to Saturday from noon until 2:15pm for lunch, and 5:00pm to 9:30pm for dinner. The restaurant is open until 11:00pm, and the nearest tube stations are Bank or Liverpool Street.

7. Heron Tower

Situated at 110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower is a 230-meter skyscraper in the heart of the city. At the top are 2 highly-regarded eateries that both offer outstanding views of the city.

The Duck and Waffle is an unusual take on traditional British food and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Sushi Samba offers Japanese, Brazilian, and Peruvian cuisine from noon until 1:00am. The nearest tube station is Liverpool Street, but Heron Tower is also accessible from Bank.

8. Oxo Tower

You can enjoy fabulous views across the river from the 8th floor of the Oxo Tower if you book a table in the rather swanky Harvey Nichols Restaurant, Brasserie or Bar . The lower floors offer shops and galleries for you to explore, and the Tower is just a short walk from Southwark or Blackfriars tube stations. The restaurant is open from noon to 11:00pm daily.

9. St Paul’s Cathedral

Visiting the inside of the dome of St Paul’s Cathedral is a magical experience. Visitors can climb 259 steps up the dome to find The Whispering Gallery, which runs around the interior of the Dome, or go even higher to enjoy some of the most spectacular views over London from the Stone and Golden Galleries.

Admission costs £18 per adult and the Cathedral is open to the public from 8:30am-4:30pm Monday to Saturday. The nearest tube station is St Paul’s.

10. Emirates Air Line

The Emirates Air Line is a cable car link that will transport you across the River Thames offering exciting views over the capitol. If you’re feeling adventurous, you will enjoy this opportunity to see some of London’s most iconic spots from the air.

Tickets cost £10.50 per adult and the attraction is open from 7:00am-11:00pm in summer, and closes at 9:00pm in winter. The nearest tube station is Emirates Royal Docks on the DLR line.

From the designer boutiques of Bond Street to the cool and quirky stalls of Camden, London truly is a shopping mecca to suit all budgets.

Whether you are looking for designer handbag or antique table, you won’t struggle to find what you seek in London. Great shops, malls, and markets can be found throughout the city, but here are some of the best.

Camden Market

As eclectic as they come, Camden Market is home to secondhand clothing, furniture, and antique stalls, as well as fabulously funky food stalls, bars, and restaurants. The market is open from 10:00am daily and is just a 5-minute walk from either Camden Town or Chalk Farm stations.

Portobello Road Market

Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market, and it regularly features over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible you could ever imagine. From tiny trinkets to one-of-a-kind furnishings, Portobello Road Market has something for everyone. The Market is open every day except Sunday. Times vary and every day is dedicated to different types of stalls.

Borough Market

Borough Market is one of Britain’s finest food markets, offering fresh meat, fruit, vegetables, and delicacies from every corner of the earth. The market is held every day from 10:00am until 5:00pm (6:00pm on Fridays), although it only offers limited stalls on Mondays and Tuesdays. The nearest tube station is London Bridge Station.

Old Spitalfields Market

More of a collection of markets than just a single one, The Spitalfields Markets offer cutting-edge fashion and interiors, original artworks, and secondhand clothes and goods. There are plenty of great bars and places to eat too, so you can make a real day of your visit.

The covered Victorian hall markets are open from 10:00am-8:00pm daily, while the outside traders are there from 10:00am-5:00pm. The nearest station is Liverpool Street.

Covent Garden

Known for its beautiful architecture, open markets, and designer shops, Covent Garden is the perfect place for a bit of retail therapy. You can explore the shops in and around the Italian-style piazza, as well as the pedestrian streets surrounding it.

Most shops are open from 10:00am-7:00pm 6 days a week, and 11:00am-4:00pm on Sundays. The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.

Oxford Street

One of the most famous shopping destinations in Europe, Oxford Street offers plenty of famous brand shops and restaurants for you to enjoy. With flagship stores on almost every corner, you will not find a better selection of High Street goods anywhere in the UK. Most shops are open from 9:30am-9:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11:30am-6:00pm on Sundays.

Carnaby Street

Once the epicenter of the swinging 60s, modern-day Carnaby Street still has plenty to offer with over 100 shops and 60 different places to eat and drink. Most shops are open from 10:00am-7:00pm Monday to Saturday, and 12:00pm-6:00pm on Sunday. The nearest tube is Oxford Circus.

The streets of Soho are jam-packed with independent fashion outlets, record stores, and vintage boutiques. Where quirky meets classy, Soho offers plenty of unusual shops, great restaurants, and late night bars and clubs.

Opening hours will vary depending on the shops you’re planning to visit, with many clubs and bars staying open until the early morning hours. The nearest tube stations are Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus.

Bond Street

Home to some of the most prestigious shops in the West End, Bond Street boasts one of the biggest and best concentrations of designer shops in the world. If your wallet is up to the task, most shops are open 9:30am-9:30pm Monday to Saturday, and 11:30am-6:00pm on Sundays. The nearest tube station is Bond Street.

A trip to London is a wonderful experience, but it can also be an expensive one. You can help to keeps costs down however, by learning a few simple budget-busting tricks from the locals. Here are just a few to get you started:

1. Skip the Tour Bus

Save money on expensive bus tours by purchasing an Oyster Card instead. At no more than £4.40 a day for unlimited bus travel, you can save yourself a fortune. Routes 11 and 453 are considered the best, as they pass some of the most iconic sites in London and still operate using iconic red Routemaster double deckers.

2. Clip at a Pace Along the Thames

Don’t waste money on expensive river boat cruises, clip along instead!  The Thames Clipper is a regular boat service that travels from Putney to Greenwich, taking in many of the city’s prime locations along the way for as little as £4 for a single ride.

3. Travel Outside of Peak

Unless you need to commute for business, travel outside the peak hours of 6:30am-9:30am and 4:00pm-7:00pm Monday to Friday. Transport systems are very busy and fares are more expensive at these times of day, so try to avoid them when possible.

4. Avoid the Stairs

The London Underground is just that, built a long way under the ground. When it’s busy and escalators are packed, don’t be tempted to take the stairs! Congested stations clear quickly enough, and you would be better waiting your turn than collapsing with exhaustion after climbing hundreds of steps to street level. Convent Garden and Russell Square stations are the worst stair offenders.

5. Know Your Exits

The London Underground platforms can get very busy. Native Londoners save time and energy by getting to know where to stand to quickly board and alight from their regular journeys. If you are a visitor, keep your eye out for groups of Londoners hovered around a space on the platform; this is where the doors will be when the train pulls into the station.

6. Skip the Express Trains

Most London airports offer a dedicated “Express” service into the city. The only thing that is different about them from regular public transport is the price! For example, the Heathrow Express charges £34 to take you into central London, but you could actually jump on the Piccadilly Line for less than a fiver…the journey takes about the same amount of time.

7. Group Buying Websites

The internet has given us many great things, and group buying sites are one of its greatest blessings. Sign up to find excellent discounts for eating out and entertaining yourself in the capitol. Restaurants, theaters, attractions, and many more companies often offer discounts via Wowcher , Groupon , and many more.

8. Cheap Nights Out

Nights out in London can be pricey. Drinks, cabs, and entrance fees can quickly add up. If you are feeling cheeky enough, take some pictures of yourselves, tag your preferred venue on Instagram or Twitter, and see if the promoters will offer you a free VIP table or discounted entrance. It might not work, but it is certainly worth a try!

9. Get Cultured for Free

London may have a reputation for being expensive, but there is actually quite a lot to see and do for free. Like most museums in the UK, the Natural History Museum , the British Museum , the National Gallery , and the Tate Modern are all free to enter. Great for your cultural growth, and somewhere warm to hide from the rain!

10. Walk, Don’t Tube

The tube is worth experiencing and some fares aren’t particularly expensive, but don’t be a slave to it. In Central London it can be just as quick to walk between Tube stations, with the average journey of 3 stops or under being equivalent to a 20-minute walk at most. Walking around helps you to save money and take in more of great sights as well.

11. Stay Outside of Zones 1-3

Central London is easily accessible from all zones. To save money, don’t pay central London hotel prices; find somewhere outside of Zone 3 instead. AirBnB  properties and hotel prices are always much, much cheaper outside of the central zones.

12. Free Personal Shopping

If London fashion has got you feeling frumpy, Top Shop at Knightsbridge and London Oxford Circus has your back! Book a personal shopping appointment and you can select anything from a 30-minute “perfect jeans” session to a complete 120-minute “wardrobe overhaul.” Fabulous, darling!

13. Snap up Bargain Theater Tickets

Theater tickets can be very expensive in London, but if you’re smart you can see the best shows for a fraction of the full ticket prices. It you are between 16-25, you may be lucky enough to pick up one of the limited numbers of £5 tickets available at Cambridge Theatre (see website for details). Alternatively, matinee tickets are often much cheaper than evening performances and can be picked up at the box office of many of the theaters in town.

14. Find Free Entertainment on the South Bank

The South Bank stretches 2 square miles along the southern bank of the Thames. Every day there is a wide variety of free entertainment to be found in and around the Southbank Centre . Free lunchtime concerts at the Royal Albert Hall , free poetry, festivals, street entertainers, and lots more can be found here, along with a brilliant atmosphere and fabulous views of the river.

15. Charlotte Street: One of London’s Best Kept Secrets

Charlotte Street is a hidden gem in the heart of London. In the swanky sounding area of Fitzrovia, you will find a wealth of restaurants, shops, and bars all tucked away from the main tourist areas. Undiscovered by many visitors, the area has a great vibe and is full of Londoners enjoying their hometown.

London is full of unique and often surprising secrets. As a city so rich in history, there are myths and urban legends that have lived on for centuries…and many of them are actual true stories handed down over the years. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Big Ben Is Just a Bell

As one of the most iconic landmarks in London, you may be surprised to hear that “Big Ben” is actually just a big bell. The clock face and the tower it is housed in was actually just called the Clock Tower until the structure was renamed the Elizabeth Tower in 2012 to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee.

2. Great Ormond Street Owns Peter Pan

The Great Ormond Street Hospital actually owns the copyright to Peter Pan and receives royalties from all associated works and performances. Author J.M. Barrie gifted the rights to this children’s hospital in 1929, despite having no children of his own.

3. The City Has Plenty of Streets, But No Roads

No, that’s not a riddle. Up until as recently as 1994 there were no streets named “Road” in the City of London, and today there is still only 1: Goswell Road. There are plenty of “Lanes,” “Streets,” and “Ways”…but public paths weren’t generally referred to as roads until the 16th century.

4. Hidden Histories

Cleopatra’s Needle on the Embankment houses a time capsule hidden underneath the monument. It is said to contain a capsule from 1878 with cigars, a razor, a portrait of Queen Victoria, copies of 10 daily newspapers, and pictures of 12 “English beauties of the day.”

5. Abandoned Underground

Abandoned tube stations are the stuff of legends, making great film sets and venues for private parties. These include The Strand, Down Street, Brompton Road, and Mark Lane, which is now a pub.

6. Get the Knowledge

If you want to become a Black Cab driver in London you need to successfully master “The Knowledge.” To complete the test you must learn all 320 basic routes, all 25,000 streets, and about 20,000 landmarks and places of interest.

7. St Paul’s and the Pineapples

St Paul’s Cathedral nearly had a couple of stone pineapples placed on the top of the dome. Sir Christopher Wren saw them as “a symbol of peace, prosperity, and hospitality,” and he wanted them to be seen by the whole of London.

8. Pet Cemetery

Hyde Park is home to a hidden pet cemetery that is rarely open to the public. Dating back to the 1880s, the cemetery contains the remains of over 300 animals marked in graves with teeny tiny headstones. At certain times of the year, you can book a guided tour to visit this dark part of the park.

9. Keep Well in Westminster

Feeling a bit under the weather? You should probably give The Houses of Parliament a miss then. Ancient law decrees it illegal to die in the Houses of Parliament. This is thought to be because anyone who dies in a Royal Palace is eligible for a state funeral.

10. Back to Bedlam

The Bedlam asylum was one of the most popular tourist attractions of 18th century London. Visitors paid a penny to watch suffering, and entry was free on Tuesdays. Thankfully, there are now many more wonderful and politically correct things to see in the glorious city that is London.

If you’ve got a bit of extra time and fancy seeing a bit more of the country, here are 5 destinations you should consider within easy reach of London.

Bath is a historical city in the southwest of England. Famous for its stunning 18th-century architecture and natural hot springs, the city is surrounded by rolling English countryside. Visit the Roman baths, the majestic medieval abbey, or just spend time strolling through this beautiful British city. Perfect for a day away from London, you can reach the city of Bath by road or rail.

Trains run from London Paddington into Bath Spa station daily, and an off-peak adult ticket will cost you from £35.00 one-way for the 2-hour journey.

Stratford Upon Avon

As the birthplace of Shakespeare, Stratford Upon Avon is a world-famous market town in the county of Warwickshire. Take in a play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, take a barge along the Stratford Canal, or just spend your time enjoying the stunning medieval architecture that can be found throughout the town during your visit. Stratford Upon Avon can be reached by rail or road.

Trains to Stratford Upon Avon run from London Marylebone Station and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Prices start from £30.00 for an off-peak adult single ticket.

The university town of Oxford is famous for its 38 colleges, medieval architecture, students on bicycles, and plenty of stunning buildings and dreaming spires. Modern-day Oxford still centers around university life and is truly a picture-perfect town to visit. You can reach Oxford by rail or road, and the town is the gateway to the glorious Cotswolds if you want to travel further.

Trains run from London Marylebone to Oxford daily, and you can pick up an off-peak adult single ticket for as little as £25.00. The journey time is just over 1 hour 30 minutes.

Sometimes referred to as “London On Sea,” Brighton is a lively, energetic, and eclectic seaside town in East Sussex. With beautiful beaches when the sun is shining and plenty of attractions to see if it’s not, Brighton makes for a great getaway from the city. Close enough to get there and back in a day, Brighton is easily reached by rail or road.

Trains run from with London Victoria or London Bridge stations and reach Brighton in just over an hour. Off-peak tickets cost as little £18.00 for a one-way journey.

Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour

Opened in 2012, the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour is a very popular tourist attraction based a short distance outside London. It can get very busy, and you will need to book well in advance…but once there you get to enjoy a fun-packed day exploring the set and scenery of the world-famous Harry Potter films.

Although the studio is only located about 20 miles from Central London, there is no direct rail route or nearby station. You can take the train from London Euston to Watford for around £23.00 one-way, and catch a shuttle bus from Watford Station to the attraction. Alternatively, you can book a pre-paid coach excursion from various pickup points around the city.

For the post part, transport networks in the UK are very good. With a bit of pre-planning, you should be able to make your way all around the country using public transportation without it costing you a fortune.

Booking tickets in advance and not traveling at peak times will help reduce ticket prices and guarantee you seats. If you want to plan your journey before you visit, The Train Line , National Express Coaches , and Transport For London all offer timetables, fares, and plenty of useful advice on how best to use their services.

Overall, London is a very fun, safe, and vibrant city to visit. But like all big cities, there are incidences of crime — and knowing how to protect yourself or who to call if the worst should happen is always important when visiting somewhere new.

Emergency Contacts in the UK

• If you are the victim of a crime, are unwell, or need urgent assistance with a fire, call 999 or 112 to contact the police, ambulance, or fire department.
• For non-urgent crimes or advice on whether you need to contact emergency services, you can dial 101 and an advisor will be able to assist you.
• Information about any major incidents in the capitol will be found on the Met Police website , or follow them on Facebook or Twitter .

If you need travel information, updates of disrupted or canceled services can be found on the Transport for London website.

Keep Safe In The City

Common sense and an awareness of what is going on around you are always important in big crowds of people or densely populated areas.

To ensure you are not an easy target for pickpockets or would-be thieves, follow these simple rules:

• Keep mobile phones, wallets , and purses safely tucked away, and never leave them in plain sight.
• Keep your handbags or briefcases tucked away under your chair in bars and restaurants, or use a table clip if the venue provides one.
• Never accept drinks from strangers — incidences of “spiking” are relatively low in the city, but it’s always best to be cautious

Visiting Public Places

• Never leave your bags unattended. Apart from the potential risk of theft, unattended items often lead to unnecessary security alerts.
• Always carry your wallet or purse close to you, and never carry too much cash around. Keep bags close to you in busy areas, and carry your backpack forward facing on your chest.
• Mobile phones and other devices are incredibly tempting to thieves. Ensure that you always keep yours out of sight when not in use.
• Before you travel, make a note of your electronic serial numbers (ESNs).
• If you do lose your valuables, dial 101 for the nearest police station. You will need to make a full report with them as soon as possible. If you lose your card or it’s stolen and you don’t have a backup, consider an instant approval credit card that’ll show you your numbers and card details instantly online. That’ll allow you to make online purchases (travel purchases such as train/airline/hotel tickets etc) without waiting for the card to come.
• If you are using an ATM, be sure that there is nobody looking over your shoulder as you enter your PIN.

At Your Hotel

• Always keep your passports and other valuables in a locked room safe if one is available.
• Keep a note of the address of your hotel and contact number with you at all times. If you get lost, you can use this to find your way back.

Traveling on Your Own

Always have a point of contact that you check in with during your stay, whether they are in the UK or another country. London is one of the safest cities in the world, but it is good to keep in touch with folks back home.

Although most areas of London do not pose any particular threats to single (or group) travelers, use your own common sense when walking around late at night. Stay on main roads and in well-lit areas.

Always Be Aware

Just as in any busy city, incidents can occur. To help stay safe during your stay, you can do some research before you visit. Watch the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s (NPCC) video with advice on what to do in the rare event of a firearms or weapons attack, and download the free CitizenAid app on Android or Apple, which gives advice on immediate actions in case of an incident.

It goes without saying that there are so many opportunities while traveling to earn lots of valuable points. The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card , for example, earns you 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3x points on dining, and 2x points on all other travel purchases.

Don’t forget that the “travel” category is very broad and includes taxis, tours, parking meters, bus fare, and tube rides. There are also many other ways to earn Chase points.

Chase Ultimate Rewards are so valuable which is why we wrote up the best ways to use Ultimate Rewards points for incredible redemptions on both flights and hotel stays!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest month to travel to london.

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world but if you travel out of peak season things will be a little cheaper. If you want to find a balance between good weather and being out of peak season, consider traveling to London in April, May, September, or October.

How much does a meal cost in London?

A typical main course meal without a drink in a restaurant or pub in London will cost around $13 to $16.

Is London safe?

Like most western cities, London is a safe place for tourists to visit. The usually rules still apply of being vigilant of pickpockets and scams, particularly in tourist areas.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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London: Overview

The history of what the Romans called Londinium dates back almost 2,000 years. This has always been a powerful place because of its position on the mighty River Thames, with easy access to the Thames estuary and to the ocean beyond. London's docks, now home to trendy apartments, were the key to its prosperity as the world's greatest trading city in the 19th century, at the very height of the British Empire. The grandest of the public buildings, such as the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, are relics of this time, with a splendour at odds with Britain's 21st century political status.

London always adapts, continually re-inventing itself to suit changing conditions. While international political dominance has long declined, London has been transformed into one of the world's leading financial centres and a cultural hub. London's history as centre of the British Empire is reflected in the extraordinary collections of the British Museum and the National Gallery , while trading finds its focus in the grand shops of Oxford Street, Covent Garden and Knightsbridge . In all, London has survived fires, riots and successive rulers to become the extraordinary place it is today. As even the most casual visitor will discover, London's history is constantly evolving.

London includes many neighbourhoods - and two separate cities. The ancient City of London, also known as " The Square Mile ", is home to the oldest parts of London, including the Tower of London . Today " The City ", as Londoners call it, is dominated by financial institutions, the London Stock Exchange and the Bank of England. To the west, the City of Westminster is home to Westminster Abbey, the seat of government at the Palace of Westminster - and to the Queen's London home at Buckingham Palace . Westminster includes the famous West End, Soho and most of the major museums and galleries. The South Bank, which runs the length of the Thames in central London, includes a fine riverside walk, the National Theatre and, slightly further to the east, Tate Modern, one of the world's most popular modern and contemporary art museums, housed in the former Bankside Power Station.

London's many other neighbourhoods radiate out of the centre. Those who live there tend to define themselves as living north or south of the River Thames. In many ways these neighbourhoods are a series of villages, each with their own identity.

Camden, Hampstead and Islington in north London are traditionally home to the literary and liberal political elite as well as to some of London's best restaurants. Lambeth to the south has Lambeth Palace , the London home of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Nearby, buzzing Brixton is multicultural London at its finest. Chelsea, Mayfair and Kensington are West London's richest residential neighbourhoods, all north of the river. East London's districts of Hoxton, Shoreditch and Clerkenwell are now the capital's trendiest areas for art galleries, night clubs and the newest cocktail bars. The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in east London was home to the 2012 Olympics.

What Londoners call " Outer London " rings these central areas, and comprises the suburbs beyond the most visited tourist areas but inside the M25, the circular motorway that surrounds Greater London.

London has more sunny days than its reputation suggests, but you're always advised to carry an umbrella. The months of May to August offer the best chance of a sunny day - but there can be heavy rain showers at any time of the year. Spring and autumn often deliver clear, cold days when the Thames sparkles and the low sun shows the finest buildings at their best. Winter temperatures rarely stray below 0º C and snow is a rarity.

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Tourism in London - statistics & facts

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Detailed statistics

Number of international tourist visits to London, UK 2011-2022

Number of inbound overnight stays in London, UK 2009-2022

International tourist expenditure in London, UK 2009-2022

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Current statistics on this topic.

Destinations

Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2023, by visits

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Leading European city tourism destinations 2019-2022, by number of bed nights

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Recommended statistics

• Basic Statistic Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023
• Premium Statistic International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024
• Premium Statistic Leading UK cities for international tourism 2019-2023, by visits
• Premium Statistic Leading UK cities for international tourism spending 2019-2022
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Inbound tourist visits to the UK 2002-2023

Number of overseas resident visits to the United Kingdom from 2002 to 2023, with a forecast for 2024 (in millions)

International tourist spending in the UK 2004-2024

Spending of international visitors to the United Kingdom from 2004 to 2022, with a forecast for 2023 and 2024 (in billion GBP)

Cities and towns in the United Kingdom ranked by international visits from 2019 to 2023 (in 1,000 visits)

Leading UK cities for international tourism spending 2019-2022

Cities and towns in the United Kingdom (UK) ranked by international tourism spending in 2019 and 2022 (in million GBP)

Leading city tourism destinations in Europe from 2019 to 2022, by number of bed nights (in millions)

World's most competitive cities for business events 2021

Leading city destinations for international conventions worldwide in 2021 (index score)

Most visited cities by digital nomads worldwide 2024

Leading cities visited by digital nomads worldwide as of March 2024

Most popular travel destinations on TikTok worldwide 2024, by number of posts

Most popular travel destinations on TikTok worldwide as of May 2024, by number of posts (in millions)

Inbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist visits to London, UK 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of international tourist visits to London, UK 2019-2022, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound overnight stays in London, UK 2009-2022
• Premium Statistic Forecast number of inbound overnight stays in London, UK 2023-2031
• Premium Statistic International tourist expenditure in London, UK 2009-2022
• Premium Statistic International tourist expenditure in London, UK 2019-2023, by purpose
• Premium Statistic Forecast international tourist expenditure in London, UK 2023-2031

Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions)

Number of international tourist visits to London, UK 2019-2022, by purpose

Number of overseas tourist visits to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022, by purpose (in 1,000s)

Number of nights spent by overseas residents visiting London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2009 to 2022 (in millions)

Forecast number of inbound overnight stays in London, UK 2023-2031

Forecast number of nights spent by international visitors in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2023 to 2031 (in 1,000s)

Spending of international visitors in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2009 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

International tourist expenditure in London, UK 2019-2023, by purpose

Spending of international visitors in London, United Kingdom from 2019 to 2023, by purpose (in million GBP)

Forecast international tourist expenditure in London, UK 2023-2031

Forecast spending of international visitors in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2023 to 2031 (in million GBP)

Domestic tourism

• Premium Statistic Domestic overnight trips to London, UK 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Nights spent by domestic visitors in London 2008-2019
• Premium Statistic Forecast number of domestic overnight stays in London, UK 2023-2031
• Premium Statistic Domestic tourism expenditure in London, UK 2011-2022
• Premium Statistic Leading regions for spring staycations in the UK 2024
• Premium Statistic Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2024

Domestic overnight trips to London, UK 2011-2022

Number of domestic overnight trips to London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2011 to 2022 (in millions)

Nights spent by domestic visitors in London 2008-2019

Number of nights spent by domestic tourists during visits to London (UK) from 2008 to 2019 (in millions)

Forecast number of domestic overnight stays in London, UK 2023-2031

Forecast number of nights spent by domestic visitors in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2023 to 2031 (in 1,000s)

Domestic tourism expenditure in London, UK 2011-2022

Spending on domestic overnight trips in London, United Kingdom from 2011 to 2022 (in billion GBP)

Leading regions for spring staycations in the UK 2024

Leading regions for travelers' next spring staycation in the United Kingdom as of April 2024

Leading regions for summer staycations in the UK 2024

Leading regions for travelers' next summer staycation in the United Kingdom as of April 2024

Accommodation

• Premium Statistic Hotel occupancy rate in London (UK) 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic ADR of hotels in London (UK) 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic RevPAR of hotels in London (UK) 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of Airbnb room listings in London, UK 2022, by room type
• Basic Statistic Airbnb listings in London 2023, by room type
• Premium Statistic Overnight accommodation costs in London 2019-2022, by month

Hotel occupancy rate in London (UK) 2019-2023

Annual hotel occupancy rate in London (UK) from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2023

ADR of hotels in London (UK) 2019-2023

Average daily rate of hotels in London (UK) from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2023

RevPAR of hotels in London (UK) 2019-2023

Revenue per available room of hotels in London (UK) from 2019 to 2021, with a forecast to 2023 (in GBP)

Number of Airbnb room listings in London, UK 2022, by room type

Number of Airbnb listings in London, United Kingdom (UK) as of September 2022, by room type

Airbnb listings in London 2023, by room type

Share of Airbnb listings in London as of December 2023, by room type

Overnight accommodation costs in London 2019-2022, by month

Average cost of overnight accommodation in London from 2019 to 2022, by month (in euros)

Visitor attractions

• Premium Statistic Most visited tourist attractions in London, UK 2019-2023
• Basic Statistic Leading free visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading paid visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to the Natural History Museum in London, England 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to the British Museum in London, England 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the Tate Modern in England 2006-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the ZSL London Zoo in the UK 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the Tower of London in England 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to Westminster Abbey in the UK 2010-2023
• Basic Statistic Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2019-2023, by establishment

Most visited tourist attractions in London, UK 2019-2023

Number of visits to leading tourist attractions in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Leading free visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance

Most visited free attractions in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022 (in million visitors)

Leading paid visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance

Most visited paid attractions in London, United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2022 (in 1,000 visitors)

Number of visitors to the Natural History Museum in London, England 2011-2023

Number of visitors to the Natural History Museum in London, England from 2011 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of visitors to the British Museum in London, England 2011-2023

Number of visitors to the British Museum in London, England from 2011 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of visits to the Tate Modern in England 2006-2021

Number of visits to the Tate Modern gallery in London, England from fiscal year 2006 to 2021 (in 1,000s)

Number of visits to the ZSL London Zoo in the UK 2010-2023

Number of visits to the ZSL London Zoo in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of visits to the Tower of London in England 2010-2023

Number of visits to the Tower of London in England from 2010 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of visits to Westminster Abbey in the UK 2010-2023

Number of visits to Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2010 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2019-2023, by establishment

Number of admissions to the Royal Estate in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2019 to 2023, by establishment (in 1,000s)

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London Tube Map & Routing 4+

Transport for london tubemap, designed for iphone.

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Description.

London Tube travel guide London Tube is the free London transit app with the official map from TFL. A must-have app for London travel, you deserve it! 1. The latest data for 2024 Exquisite route map and accurate subway information. 2. Route query Choose departure and arrival, you can get a variety of transfer plans. Contains: route, time, fare, distance. 3. Provide information about nearby sites and real-time navigation 4. Site information, site surroundings Provide more service information for your subway travel. 5. Work offline without traffic

Version 1.5

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The developer, 敏 吴 , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

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Information

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