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The best things to do in London include iconic activities like riding the London Eye, exploring the Tower of London, and getting lost in the British Museum. England’s capital is one of the world’s most visited cities, drawing over 20 million international tourists annually.
Gaze at the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London, stroll through Hyde Park’s lush gardens, or enjoy the city’s skyline from the London Eye. Whether you’re a history buff exploring Westminster Abbey or a shopper hitting Oxford Street, London’s mix of tradition and modernity is unique.
To create this list of the best things to do in London, we’ve combined personal experiences from multiple visits with insights from traveler reviews and local recommendations. Each activity highlights the best of London’s history, culture, and attractions — from world-famous landmarks to hidden gems that only locals know.
Ride the London Eye – The London Eye offers some of the best views in London.
Visit the Tower of London – The Tower of London is one of the United Kingdom’s most famous landmarks.
Get lost in the British Museum – The British Museum is London’s most visited attraction.
Ride the London Eye
The London Eye is a must-visit London tourist attraction if you’re looking for epic city views. Also known as the Millennium Wheel, it’s a giant Ferris wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. Interestingly, at 443 feet (135 meters) tall, it’s Europe’s tallest cantilevered observation wheel.
It takes approximately 30 minutes for the London Eye to complete one rotation. During the ride, you’ll be treated to 360-degree views of the capital. At the top of the wheel, you can see almost the whole of London.
During the ride, you should look out for iconic landmarks such as the Palace of Westminster, St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, and Buckingham Palace.
Travel Tips
Book Tickets Online: I recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. This saves time and often provides a discount compared to buying on-site.
Check the Weather: The London Eye is best enjoyed on a clear day for optimal views. Before booking, check the weather forecast to get the best experience.
Ride During Sunset: I suggest riding around sunset if you want a memorable experience. The city’s skyline looks spectacular as the sun sets, casting beautiful light over the landmarks.
The Tower of London is the most visited historical landmark in the United Kingdom, welcoming approximately 2.8 million visitors annually. Located within the borough of Tower Hamlets, alongside the River Thames, the tower is a hilltop castle and officially His Majesty’s Royal Palace. This historic castle is both a sight to behold and a fascinating place to learn about.
Since its construction in the 1070s by William the Conqueror, the tower has been used to host high-profile executions, hold prisoners, and protect the crown jewels. On a tour of the Tower of London, you can learn more about the castle and get closer to the crown jewels.
You can also meet the famous Yeoman Warders and the tower’s ravens.
Travel Tips
Guided Tours: I highly recommend a guided tour with a Yeoman Warder (Beefeater). Their stories and historical insights add a unique and personal touch to the experience.
Nearby Lunch Spots: After your visit, stop by The Hung, Drawn & Quartered pub nearby for a traditional English meal in a historic setting.
Perfect for a family day out, the British Museum takes visitors through two million years of human history, art, and culture. Its permanent collection of over eight million objects is the world’s largest. The museum documents the history of human culture from its beginnings to the present.
The museum also hosts special exhibitions. At the time of writing, it is hosting a Silk Road exhibition featuring historic objects from around the globe.
Travel Tips
Free Admission: The British Museum is free to enter, but I recommend making a donation if you enjoy the exhibits. It helps support the museum’s ongoing projects and collections.
Use the Museum App: I found the British Museum’s app helpful for navigating the vast space. It provides audio guides and detailed information on exhibits, so I never felt lost among the thousands of artifacts.
Visit the Great Court: The Great Court is a stunning space with a glass roof, and I recommend taking a moment to sit and admire the architecture.
One of my favorite things to do in London is eat. I don’t know what it is about us Brits, but we love food markets. Almost everywhere you go in the UK, you’ll find a food market selling delicious worldwide cuisine. In London, there are nearly too many food markets to count, making it hard to find the best ones.
Luckily for you, though, I know my way around London’s food scene. Some of the best food spots in London that you must visit include Camden Market, Borough Market, and Market Halls Oxford Street. Meanwhile, if you love street food markets, head to BOXPARK Shoreditch.
At these markets, you’ll find everything from pizzas and pasta to Greek gyros and Asian fried chicken.
Travel Tips
Avoid Weekend Crowds: Many markets get quite packed on weekends, so I suggest going on weekdays if possible.
Bring Cash for Smaller Vendors: While most food stalls accept cards, I’ve found some smaller vendors only take cash.
Food enthusiasts must try London’s famous pie and mash. The capital is renowned for its pie and mash because it was its original fast food. It’s a traditional British meal that became popular in London’s eastern docklands during the Victorian era.
The best place to try London’s pie and mash is M.Manze. Located on Tower Bridge Road, M.Manze is London’s oldest operating pie and mash house. It opened for business in 1892.
Incredibly, the pie and mash house still follows its original traditional recipe. M. Manze’s beef pies are served with an iconic green liquor and heaps of mashed potatoes. While you’re there, you should also try the famous jellied eels.
Travel Tips
Pie Variations: Some pie and mash spots offer alternative fillings like lamb or chicken. If you’re not keen on beef, I suggest asking about other options before deciding on your pie.
Look for the Green Liquor: The green liquor (a parsley sauce) is a key part of the dish. When ordering, be sure to ask for it, as it’s not always automatically included with the pie and mash.
The London Dungeon, located on the South Bank near the London Eye, is one of the best family-friendly attractions in London. This exciting attraction recreates London’s gory, macabre, and perilous history, covering over 1,000 years through 13 interactive shows and 360-degree thrilling sets.
Before exploring medieval London, you’ll drop down into the dungeon via a medieval lift. Along the way, you’ll meet shady characters like Guy Fawkes, the Plague Doctor, Mrs Lovett, and Jack the Ripper.
Honestly, you’ll be lucky to get out of the dungeons alive. The tour ends with you in the gallows awaiting your hanging. Don’t worry; you can recover in the on-site tavern with a beer once you’ve been executed.
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Travel Tips
Book Tickets in Advance: The London Dungeon is extremely popular, especially during weekends and holidays. I suggest booking your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines and ensure you get the time slot you prefer.
Avoid Claustrophobia: The Dungeon can feel quite tight and intense, especially during the interactive shows. If you’re prone to claustrophobia or prefer less intense experiences, I recommend letting staff know before starting the tour, as they can guide you through the quieter areas.
Richmond Park is one of the best places in London to escape the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping streets. Located in the London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames, this park is the largest of London’s Royal Parks. It’s also of national and international significance for wildlife conservation.
Spanning 2,500 acres (1,011 hectares), you’ll easily find somewhere peaceful to relax, unwind, and stroll. As you walk around the park, you’ll come across ancient woods, lush hills, picturesque ponds, and open grasslands. There’s honestly no better place to be in London on a sunny day.
Keep your eyes peeled for the park’s resident fallow deer. There are over 600 deer in the park, so you should see at least two or three.
“One of the best local tips I received was to visit The Teahouse for a traditional English tea experience. Sipping tea in the greenhouse while savoring their carrot and walnut cake was pure bliss,” shares Georgia Konidari, founder of World Wild Schooling.
Travel Tips
Explore the Isabella Plantation: This beautiful woodland garden is one of my favorite spots in the park, especially during spring when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.
Rent a Bike: If you’re up for a more active visit, you can rent a bike from one of the local shops around Richmond and cycle through the park.
Like the London Eye, the Shard offers spectacular views of London. At 1,016 feet (309.6 meters), the Shard is the tallest building in England’s capital. As such, you can expect breathtaking city views from the top.
On a clear day, it offers visitors unparalleled 360-degree views for up to 40 miles. The View From the Shard is the best place to enjoy the impressive views. This observation deck is situated at the top of the Shard, on floors 68, 69, and 72.
Once you’ve taken the high-speed lift to the viewing platform, you’ll be given a glass of Champagne. Admiring incredible city views and sipping Champagne sounds perfect!
Travel Tips
Book Breakfast or Afternoon Tea: For a unique experience, consider booking a breakfast or afternoon tea at one of the Shard’s restaurants, such as Aqua Shard or TING. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the views while indulging in a delicious meal.
Consider the Glass-floored View: For a thrilling experience, visit the glass-floored section of the viewing platform on the 72nd floor.
Buckingham Palace, the official home of the monarch, is one of London’s most famous tourist attractions. Built in the early 18th century, this grand palace has been the official London residence of the UK’s sovereigns since 1837. Today, it’s also the administrative headquarters of the Monarch and is used for many official events.
Most visitors stand outside the front gates, taking photographs of the palace’s breathtaking facade and the King’s guard. However, it’s worth noting that you can also go inside the palace. In total, Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms.
This includes 19 State rooms, 52 Royal and guest bedrooms, 92 offices, and 78 bathrooms. Visitors can see the state rooms, the throne room, the ballroom, and more.
Travel Tips
Book Timed Entry Tickets: Buckingham Palace can get crowded, especially in summer. To make the most of your visit, I suggest booking timed entry tickets in advance.
Visit During Changing of the Guard: If you’re interested in the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony, check the schedule in advance. It’s an iconic part of the Buckingham Palace experience and happens at 11:00 AM.
Big Ben is one of the United Kingdom’s most recognizable landmarks. Millions of tourists visit the capital every year to hear the bell chime. Part of the Great Clock of Westminster, Big Ben is the nickname given to the Great Bell.
However, visitors often refer to the clock tower itself when discussing Big Ben. Standing at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, this iconic clock tower stands at 314 feet (96 meters) tall. It first opened in 1859.
Seeing the tower is enough to blow any traveler away, but hearing its bells ring is extra special. The Great Bell chimes at the top of every hour. Westminster Bridge is an excellent viewing point.
Travel Tips
Book a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster:The tour provides an in-depth look at the history and architecture of both the Palace and Big Ben. Tickets are available online and fill up quickly, especially in summer.
Westminster Abbey: While you’re nearby, don’t miss Westminster Abbey, just a short walk from Big Ben. It’s a must-visit historical site with an entry fee of £30 (USD 36).
Avoid rush hour near Westminster Station: The area can get crowded during rush hours, so plan your visit before 9 AM or after 5 PM to avoid heavy foot traffic around Big Ben and Westminster Station.
One of the most exciting things to do in London is explore the city by boat. The River Thames runs through the center of London, offering a convenient way to get around. Therefore, you can see many of the city’s most famous attractions on a boat trip without walking.
This Westminster to Greenwich River Thames Cruise is one of London’s highest-rated boat trips. During the trip, you’ll pass many iconic landmarks, including the Houses of Parliament, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Shard, and the Tower of London.
You’ll also receive an audio guide that tells you more about the landmarks as you pass them. The tour starts at Westminster Pier and ends at Greenwich Pier.
Travel Tips
Travel Oyster Card or Contactless Payment: To save on boat trip costs, use an Oyster card or contactless payment when boarding. It’s more affordable than buying a paper ticket for the river bus.
Explore the Thames Clippers: If you’re looking for a more frequent, faster way to explore the Thames, check out the Thames Clippers service. It’s a commuter boat service but also provides great views and drops you off at several key London locations.
Harrods is one of the best places to visit in London if you love shopping. Found on Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, Harrods is a luxury British department store famed for its high-end goods, designer stores, and gourmet food. Admittedly, it’s not somewhere you want to do your Christmas shopping unless you’re rich, but it’s a seriously fun place to explore.
I go to Harrods every time I’m in London and have never bought anything. However, I’ve always had plenty of fun admiring the expensive products, checking the latest gadgets, and trying the delicious food and drinks.
Visit the Food Halls for unique treats: Harrods’ Food Halls are a must-see, offering everything from luxury chocolates to freshly prepared meals. It’s an ideal spot to pick up something unique, even without buying high-end goods.
Timing your visit around sales events: If you want to experience Harrods at a more affordable price point, keep an eye on seasonal sales events. They are typically held after Christmas or during summer and select items may be discounted.
Jack is a freelance content writer from the U.K. He writes about travel, health & lifestyle, and food amongst other things. As a passionate traveler, he’s always in search of his next big adventure, and ways to save his readers money on their next trip.