Grand regal landmarks sitting beside cutting-edge skyscrapers, defiant street art and tranquil green spaces – surely London is a city of contrasts waiting to be uncovered! Picture the elegance of Buckingham Palace at sunrise and the hum of the double-deckers weaving through the bustling streets as the scent of freshly baked scones wafts from the bakeries…Exploring London is a journey filled with adventure, iconic sights and offbeat treasures.
Standing before such a diverse landscape, the question is, where to start? In this guide, we share with you the top things to do in London, ensuring you experience the city’s magic to the fullest. This London travel guide is ready to make you fall in love with one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals!
1. Walk Through Westminster & Visit Westminster Abbey
Looking for London’s heartbeat? Westminster is one of the city’s most prominent quarters. This part of town is home to the country’s most influential political institutions and regal landmarks, including Buckingham Palace and the Central Hall.
Kick off your walk with a Westminster Abbey and Big Ben tour. Westminster is one of the must-see attractions in London and one of the city’s most prominent religious sites, alongside St. Paul’s Cathedral. Stepping inside this 13th-century abbey, you will encounter a spiritual realm of kaleidoscopic stained-glass windows and intricate stonework. As the final resting place of some of the country’s most illustrious figures, including Shakespeare and Dickens, we recommend you arrive early to fully experience the Poets Corner’s transporting ambience. End your Westminster adventure at Downing Street (home of the British Prime Minister) – maybe you will be invited for tea!
2. Experience the Tower of London & Tower Bridge
Next on our London travel guide is the iconic Tower of London! This World Heritage Site is integral to the city’s history, filled with royal intrigue and chilling prisoner stories. From a palace to a prison and even a zoo, the Tower of London is now a museum ready to immerse you in London lore. Here, you can see the Crown Jewels – a collection of royal treasures, including a 530-carat diamond! Then, it is time to meet the Beefeaters (the tower’s ceremonial guards) and learn more about this site’s darker tales. Did you know that Anne Boleyn, wife of Henry VIII, was imprisoned and beheaded here?
As your tour of the Tower of London reaches its end, let the whispers of the past guide you to another emblematic site, the Tower Bridge. Walk across this construction’s glass-floored walkway and prepare yourself for a scenery to remember! Following the meandering waters of the River Thames, your gaze will meet a skyline marked by Big Ben’s striking golden hues and the London Eye’s modern silhouette. Below your feet, the red double-deckers and boats dance to the city’s frenzy!
3. See the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
If there is a moment that screams “London”, that is watching the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace! This centuries-old tradition is one of the finest representations of British pageantry. The ceremony, starting at 11:00 AM on selected days (check beforehand), brings to The Mall a sea of crisp red uniforms and dark bearskin hats accompanied by royal anthems and the occasional pop song - you might be able to belt out a Queen song!
Since this is one of the top things to do in London, you can expect a sizeable crowd of tourists, all eager to take part in this grand tradition. So, we recommend you arrive at Buckingham Palace at least 45 minutes early to find the best angle. Less crowded? The Mall or the Victoria Memorial are the best spots. For a fully immersive experience, we recommend you do this in the summer when Buckingham Palace’s state rooms are open to the public. From glittering chandeliers to opulent furniture and grand halls, you’re in for a real regal treat!
4. Stroll Along the Thames & Cross the Millennium Bridge
Every visit to London must include a scenic stroll along the Thames! This riverside walk takes you on a magical journey past dazzling sights. The 16th-century Globe Theatre is the perfect starting point! This venue, built in 1599 and later reconstructed in 1613, is the place where Shakespeare’s plays were first introduced to the English audience. From here, head over to the sleek Millennium Bridge – aka the “Wobbly Bridge” – and enjoy the views from this cinematic structure. Does Harry Potter ring a bell? In front of you, you will find St. Paul’s Cathedral and its imposing dome.
For a different perspective, we believe a cruise along the River Thames is the ideal way to end a day exploring London’s top attractions. As you sit back and glide past landmarks, such as the Tower Bridge and the London Eye, the most unforgettable scenery unfolds – one that appears straight out of a Hollywood movie! In the end, this will prove to be part of the top things to do in London.
5. Explore the British Museum (For Free!)
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Time to find the best museums in London! When exploring this city and its top attractions, one must not overlook its fascinating collection of museums. The legendary British Museum promises to surround you with thousands of years of human history, spanning from the Egyptian period to ancient Greek marble. And the best part? You get to experience all of this for free! The Great Court and its soaring glass roof are unmissable sights, followed by the Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian mummies – well-preserved historical wonders that add to this civilisation's mystic allure.
Considering this museum’s size, we recommend you pick the exhibits that best fit your interests and ensure you peruse these at your own pace. This way, you will avoid museum fatigue and ensure that your experience at the British Museum is as memorable as possible!
6. Go to a Traditional London Pub
Food is a vital part of any travelling experience. With that in mind, we had to include in our guide, a traditional London pub experience! These historic establishments aren’t mere places to grab a pint. In fact, these are the ideal site to immerse yourself in the heart and soul of British culture.
The first item on your bill must be a classic British ale or a crisp cider – no tipping required – then it its time for a classic pub dish. Fish & Chips are a go-to order among locals and visitors and it is served with piping hot mushy peas and a tangy tartar sauce that will grace your palate with a delectable set of flavours. If you are visiting on a Sunday, then you must choose the Sunday roast. Prepare for a feast of roast beef, golden potatoes and Yorkshire pudding garnished with a favourable layer of gravy. At most pubs in the capital, you will also find other meat and vegetarian options. Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese is among London’s most coveted pubs, primarily for being a place where Charles Dickens used to go!
7. Catch a Show in London’s West End
London is a city pulsating with art at every corner, yet there is one place where creativity flourishes even strongly – the West End! Similar to New York’s Broadway, the London West End is a district dotted by some of the city’s most prestigious venues where one can enjoy an evening of blockbuster musicals and gripping dramas. From ‘Les Misérables’ to ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘The Lion King’, the London West End theatre shows and their star-studded productions have been wowing audiences for decades.
As part of the “essential London itinerary”, these shows are usually sold out, so booking in advance is key to guaranteeing attendance at your favourite musical or theatre play. Fear not, spontaneous souls are also catered for! The TKTS in Leicester Square is ideal for last-minute discounted seats. Another alternative is to head to one of the West End theatres and see if there are any same-day rush tickets!
8. Wander through Covent Garden & Soho
Looking for energy, charm, and a touch of magic in your list of what to do in London? Covent Garden and Soho are two districts where London’s buzzing energy truly comes alive. In Covent, the cobbled streets and boutique shops transport you to a riveting ambience marked by background music and eager crowds looking for the best café spot. The Market Hall is a must-visit, known for its organic eateries and indie coffee shops. The Seven Dials will present you with the opportunity for a shopping fix, where you will encounter designer fashion and handmade jewellery – surely unique tokens from your time in London!
With the sun starting to set, the adventure continues at the neon-lit Soho. This maze of stylish boutiques and lively speakeasies is home to some of London’s best food spots and most iconic jazz clubs. This is the best place to get lost in London’s charm! Not too far is Chinatown – the ideal quarter if you’re looking for international food delicacies.
9. Explore Camden Market & Embrace London’s Edgy Side
By now, we have been assured that London is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity meet at the most unlikely places. A visit to Camden Market is a must-do to tick off your England bucket list. Here, you will find a haven for vintage lovers, music fans and street food enthusiasts. Picture colourful buildings, street artists and a flair of edginess that brings to the present the magic of the 70s and 80s. Make sure to check out the punk rock shops and the statue of Amy Winehouse.
From tattoo parlours, underground bars and alternative live music venues, Camden is also ideal to venture on a stroll along Regent’s Canal. Allow this part of the experience to help you ponder on the uniqueness that is to explore Camden!
10. Escape the City in Hyde Park & Kensington Gardens
After all the hustle and bustle of traipsing around London’s busy districts and popular attractions, all one needs is a green retreat. Hyde Park is the perfect spot, right in the heart of the city. Whether you are interested in an unwinding stroll or a moment to soak up the sun and catch up on your reading, this expansive park is the right place to do it. The Serpentine Lake is a nice alternative for an end-of-day row. Before leaving Hyde Park, try to find the Peter Pan statue, a favourite among visitors. And while you are at it, you might encounter the park’s friendly squirrels!
The Kensington Gardens are another site worth adding to your London travel guide. This charming natural retreat near Kensington Palace is the former home of Princess Diana. Here, the Diana Memorial Fountain is a highlight that adds to the site’s beauty. Amidst such a whimsical atmosphere, you will find yourself worlds away from London’s fast pace.
Your London Adventure Starts Here!
As we travelled around London and experienced its magic from some of its most popular landmarks, we encountered a city enveloped in a rich tapestry of royal intrigue, architectural wonder and natural beauty. Whether you are looking for a serene stroll amidst lush greenery or action-packed artistic performances and storied sites, England’s capital ensures it has something for every traveller.
Let us use our expertise and insider tips to help you curate a seamless travel experience that brings London’s best to you. And there’s more: our journey doesn’t stop in London! We now offer new destinations for you to discover: England, Scotland, and Ireland. See our tours here!
