The 26 Best Things To Do in London For Tourists

In this comprehensive guide to the sights and attractions of London, I provide recommendations to all those traveling to London, looking to experience the city’s best and most well-known sites.

I describe both the things to do that are free as well as those that cost money. You can typically save money by buying tickets for the paid attractions in advance – in these cases I will provide a link to purchase tickets, so you can get a head start on planning your trip to London from home.

Let’s get started with the guide to the best things to do in London.

1. London Eye

It’s impossible to create a guide to the sights of London without mentioning the London Eye. Indeed, it’s with good reason that the London Eye is one of the most visited attractions in London. The huge observation wheel, located on the south bank of the Thames, provides a brilliant view over the whole of central London.

The view includes famous buildings such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. On clear days you can see up to 40 km away!

Each “capsule” has room for 28 passengers, so if you are as a family, you can rest assured that there is room for everyone to be together on the loop – which takes about 30 minutes.

Buy tickets for the London Eye in advance!

The only drawback of taking a ride in the London Eye is that it’s an extremely popular attraction, so there is always a long queue. This can be remedied by purchasing a fast track ticket online.

Tickets to the London Eye cost £22.50 when you buy them online (cheaper than buying on the day), but I recommend to anyone who wishes to avoid wasting a lot of time standing in line to buy a fast track ticket.

I have been to the London Eye twice – once with a regular ticket, and later with a fast track ticket. The fast track ticket to the London Eye skips the long queue and allows you to go directly onboard.

Fast track ticket to the London Eye cost £31.50 and it’s definitely money well spent. Less time standing in line gives you more time to for the rest of the city and its numerous attractions.

Buy tickets for the London Eye at GetYourGuide.

2. Musicals in London

Not a specific attraction, but a unique experience in London. London is world renowned for having some of the best musicals, and the West End of London has countless charming theatres where fantastic musicals are on every day.

If you have even the slightest interest in musicals or theatre, then you should take in a musical on your visit to London.

The tickets must be purchased from home if you want to see a particular musical – they will actually sell out during busy periods in the town, which is almost always the case. However, it’s also possible to be lucky to buy last minute tickets to musicals in London.

The website London Tickets is where you can both check the musicals that are playing right now, and buy tickets for them – check out the section for last-minute musical ticket today, tomorrow and this week.

Read my extensive guide to musicals in London.

• If you want to stay close to the West End Theatres then check out this huge guide to the best value hotels in Central London.

3. Harry Potter’s London

If you’re not a fan of the Harry Potter universe, you may be forgiven for skipping to the next section. But if you, like me, are a big fan of the wizard from England, then you should start looking forward to your next trip to London.

For there are many Harry Potter-related attractions in the English capital: A dedicated Harry Potter sightseeing bus ride, a Harry Potter Walking Tour and then also Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station just to name a few.

But just outside London is the real Harry Potter mecca; Harry Potter Studios. Where you can step into the magical universe and walk around in the sets and soundstages from the movies. Highly recommended!

Remember to book tickets for Harry Potter Studios in advance – they will sell out.

You can read more about the studios in my huge guide to Harry Potter’s London.

4. Boat ride on the Thames

This is something I never get tired of and I always try to fit one in when I’m in London. There is something very special about them that gives one a unique impression of how ever-changing London is.

Combine your visit to the London Eye with a boat tour – all boats sail right past the Ferris wheel. I have written a thorough guide to boat trips on the Thames to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Read more about the best things to do in London at Destination Well Known.

5. Madame Tussauds London

You may already know Madame Tussauds wax museum from other cities in the world. Madame Tussauds in London is the first of its kind and it has been in operation for a long time, since the museum first opened its doors in 1835.

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum where you can “meet” a variety of celebrities and famous people. Well worth a visit for the whole family. Like many of the other sights & experiences in London mentioned in this guide, I strongly recommend to book tickets to Madame Tussauds well in advance.

Why you should do that, and much more, you can read in my guide to Madame Tussauds London.

6. Brick Lane

Brick Lane is ‘just’ a street in east London. But in recent years ‘Brick Lane’ has become a destination in itself for young people traveling to London to experience that unique, trendy, hipster London vibe.

To be fair, the so-called ‘real’ London hipsters are probably long since departed the Brick Lane area (and north towards Dalston, Hackney and Stoke Newington), but there is still much cool left in Brick Lane and the rest of the Shoreditch area.

Brick Lane is multicultural, trendy and host to many good Indian restaurants.

Read more about Brick Lane here.

7. Tower of London

From London’s East End, heading south from the trendy Brick Lane to the Thames embankment, we find the impressive Tower of London.

The Tower of London is a castle that was founded back in 1066. The tower has most recently been used as a prison. Two well-known East End villains, The Kray Twins, were among the last who were imprisoned there.

The tower of London remains a royal palace, but functions primarily as a tourist attraction and is home to the British crown jewels, which are an attraction in their own right. The tower of London and Tower Bridge, which is right next door, are indubitably one of those sights that feature in many people’s bucket lists.

You could just view the Tower from the outside, but for the full experience make your way into the castle.

Buy tickets to see the crown jewels and experience the Tower of London here.

8. Skygarden or The Shard

There are a number of splendid vantage points in London where you get a brilliant view over the city. The previously mentioned London Eye is the most well-known, but if you’re more into a conventional experience I would recommend either Skygarden or The Shard.

Skygarden is a free ‘public garden’ where there is a bar and a large area where you can sit or walk around and enjoy the views out over London. Skygarden is located near the Tower of London, so the two sites can easily be combined.

A free ticket to Skygarden must be ‘purchased’ in advance – read more in my guide to Skygarden here.

If you prefer a more elegant setting for your viewing experience, you may want to cross the river to the south of London and take the elevator up The Shard. There are several options, since there are, among other things, many a number of bars and restaurants in the tall building.

You will enjoy a particularly nice view of London, but be aware the prices match the setting, it costs about £26 just to get up to the top of the building.

Find more information on The Shard’s website.

9. Buckingham Palace

Want to see where the Queen of England lives? She lives in Central London, so it would almost be a shame not to pay her a visit on your city break to London.

From the outside, one can get a fairly good impression of the palace, but by far the most interesting part of this attraction is the changing of the queen’s guard. Typically, these takes place in the morning between 10:15 and 11:45, but always check up on this before you go to the palace, as it may vary.

Read more about the changing of the guard times on the official website here.

It’s also possible to experience Buckingham Palace from the inside, but there are limited opening hours:

If you are traveling to London during the period Buckingham Palace is open for visits, you should be there on time and make sure you book your ticket in advance.

Buy your tickets to visit Buckingham Palace here.

Tickets to Buckingham Palace cost as follows:

10. Sightseeing bus tour in London

If you would like to see as many sights in London in as little time as possible, then it’s possible to jump on one of the dedicated sightseeing buses, of which there are many in London.

I usually recommend Big Bus Tour of London as it includes a free boat trip on the Thames, their buses run every 5-20 minutes and the bus route includes all the best-known attractions in London.

Read more about sightseeing buses and buy tickets here.

You can easily take in many of these sights on foot. I would not exactly advise against taking a sightseeing bus tour in London, but will say that it can be much cheaper to just buy a Visitor Oyster Card and then get around using London’s regular city buses and other public transport.

With a Visitor Oyster Card a bus ride costs only £1.50 no matter how far you go, this is an opportunity to save some money by traveling as the locals do.

11. Westminster Abbey

The gothic church, Westminster Abbey, derives its name from the district in which it stands. This district is also home to the aforementioned Buckingham Palace. Westminster Abbey was originally built between 1045 and 1050 AD, while the construction that stands today was built in the 1200s.

If you have even the smallest interest in architecture, you need to schedule a stop at Westminster Abbey on your trip to London.

The church is not just a masterpiece; it also plays a central role historically. It’s the site of many of Britain’s biggest events such as coronations or royal family weddings. The most recent being Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage.

Westminster Abbey is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A ticket for Westminster Abbey costs £20 and you can buy your tickets here.

12. Palace of Westminster

After the visit to Westminster Abbey, there’s no need to take more than a few steps before you encounter the Palace of Westminster, the building where the British Parliament is housed. It’s here that the House of Lords and House of Commons convene.

The Palace of Westminster is perhaps London’s best-known landmark and is well worth a stroll outside. And yes, that is the bell tower housing ‘Big Ben’ rising above the Palace of Westminster.

It’s also possible to get inside the doors, read how to on their website here.

13. St Paul’s Cathedral

Earlier in this guide to London’s best sights I mentioned a few places where you can get a spectacular view of London. If you want to combine a good view with some culture, then you should consider visiting St Paul’s Cathedral which is in my opinion one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK.

Instead of writing a lot more about the church, I would much rather just play this video containing an excellent introduction to St Paul’s Cathedral, letting you know what to expect from the visit:

Tickets to St Paul’s costs £16 for adults and £7 for children. Fast-track tickets, which can save 10% compared to buying on the day, can be purchased at VisitBritain on this link.

14. Football stadium tours

London is home to some of the most successful football clubs in England and there are a lot of beautiful, impressive stadiums in London.

Most of these stadiums are open to visitors when the home team is not playing. Football matches in England are notoriously expensive, but even if you are not ready to spend large amounts of money to watch a game, it’s still possible to visit various stadiums in London – and even see much more than you would be able to on a match day.

I have compiled a list of stadium tours in London worth checking out. Click the link and read more about the given stadium tour:

• Arsenal stadium tour
• Chelsea stadium tour
• Tottenham stadium tour
• Wembley stadium tour

Other known football clubs in London include West Ham (now playing at the Olympic Stadium), Fulham, Millwall, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers.

15. Free museums

London has a large number of museums with free access. For example, London’s Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. They are both located in London’s West End and only a few hundred meters from each other, so if you want to visit the two museums on the same day it’s quite straightforward.

Read more about the Science Museum here and read more about the Natural History Museum here.

And then there is, of course, the British Museum. If you only visit one museum on your trip to London, I strongly recommend it’s the British Museum, which is also free. The British Museum has been around since 1700 and is considered one of the world’s largest and most important museums.

Read more about the exhibits that are in the British Museum right now on their website here.

16. Stroll through Hyde Park

Covering over 350 acres of London real estate, Hyde Park is one of the city’s largest parks and a beloved local landmark. This green space is home to all attractions, from manicured gardens to sprawling lawns and wildlife reserves to boating ponds.

Visitors can take leisurely walks along the tree-lined avenues or enjoy seasonal events like music concerts or open-air theatre performances. With so much fun in a single park – you won’t want to miss out.

17. Markets in London

London has many good markets to offer. My personal favorite is Borough Market, which is a food market located on the south bank of the River Thames and near London Bridge. Read more here.

Additionally, there is the ever-popular Camden Lock Market, which attracts thousands of tourists every day. Camden Lock Market is for the more alternative types, so if you want to buy a The Libertines t-shirt, a cool spiky leather bag or some really spacey clothes for a techno party, this is the place for you.

And even if you are not looking for those things, the atmosphere in the market area is still worth experiencing. Be aware, the place gets quite uncomfortably crowded in the weekends so I recommend you plan accordingly and arrive during a weekday.

Check out this cool video and get a sense of what it’s all about in Camden Town:

There is also the legendary Portobello Road Market, which takes place in the beautiful Notting Hill area. See more of London’s markets on this list.

18. Shop at Harrods in Knightsbridge

Shopping enthusiasts should ensure they add Knightsbridge to their list of must-visit places in London.

Home to world-renowned department store Harrods and a host of other luxury boutiques, it’s no surprise that this upmarket district is frequented by A-list celebrities and everyday shoppers looking for designer labels, exquisite cuisine and lavish interior decorations.

Whether you want an indulgent shopping experience or want to window shop – there’s something for everyone here!

19. Admire the Skyline of London from Primrose Hill

Primrose Hill is one of the most iconic places in London. With its stunning views of the city skyline, it’s easy to see why this spot is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The hill sits on the northern edge of Regent’s Park, offering panoramic vistas of central London from a single vantage point.

At night, the view takes on a different character – with glittering lights giving the skyline an almost magical feel. Photographers flock here for stunning shots of London after dark and blushing sunsets against the backdrop of glimmering skyscrapers.

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, you’ll still be able to capture some remarkable moments with your phone camera or regular camera lens!

In addition to its beauty, Primrose Hill also offers plenty of places to relax and socialise. From casual hangouts in cafés and restaurants along Regent’s Park Road to summer street parties in Chalk Farm, this spot has become one of London’s best-loved green spaces.

20. Wander around Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a vibrant area of London and the perfect spot for visitors looking to experience the city’s culture, energy and charm.

From theatres and art galleries to pubs, cafés and shopping centres – this lively neighbourhood has something to offer all kinds of travellers.

The main attraction in Covent Garden is undoubtedly its bustling market square. Here you’ll find vendors selling a range of curiosities, from handmade crafts to second-hand books and vintage clothing.

It’s also home to the iconic London Opera House, where you can watch classic performances such as ballet, opera or musicals. You can soak up the historic atmosphere between shows with a stroll around streets lined with colourful shops and street performers entertaining passers-by.

Every visit to Covent Garden is complete with a meal at one of its many restaurants. Whether you’re after high-end haute cuisine or simple street food – there’s something for everyone.

21. Tate Modern

Tate Modern is a must-see attraction in London. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this iconic building showcases a spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art from worldwide.

The gallery contains works by famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso and lesser-known pieces from emerging talent. As you explore the various galleries, you’ll be able to view sculptures, photography, video art and more.

Many visitors also appreciate Tate Modern for its unique architecture – with various structures ranging from old industrial buildings to more recent renovations that provide an inspiring backdrop for any artwork.

If you have time during your visit, check out the museum’s other attractions – including its Turbine Hall, which hosts regular installations designed to challenge visitors’ perception of art. There are also plenty of interactive events throughout the year – allowing visitors to get involved and engage with today’s contemporary art scene.

22. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is a stunning botanical paradise nestled in the heart of London. Spanning 300 acres, this lush oasis contains a variety of flora and fauna – from exotic plants to rare birds and animals.

The gardens are split into different zones so that visitors can explore different areas – from historic greenhouses to beautiful flower gardens and majestic trees.

One of the highlights is Kew Palace, an 18th-century royal residence filled with historical artefacts and artworks. There’s also lots for families to enjoy – with activities like mini golf, play areas for children, and educational seminars throughout the year.

Combined with its picturesque grounds, Kew Gardens provides an ideal setting for a day out or even a romantic evening stroll around its tranquil ponds and paths.

If you happen to be in London in the autumn, you need to check out Halloween at Kew Gardens.

23. Try Afternoon Tea in London

Afternoon tea is one of Britain’s most beloved traditions. Enjoying a pot of tea, a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and delicious cakes in glamorous surroundings is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Check out this afternoon tea bus tour in London.

The tradition originates from the mid-19th century when Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, used to invite her friends for a late afternoon tea party. The idea quickly spread throughout British society and soon became a fashionable event.

These days, afternoon tea is still as popular as ever – with hotels and restaurants offering their unique take on this classic experience. Whether it’s served in royal style at The Ritz or presented with playful whimsy at the sketch, many beautiful options are available for all tastes. So why not indulge in some afternoon tea today and make it an occasion to remember?

24. London Zoo

London Zoo is a world-renowned zoological garden located in the heart of Regent’s Park. It’s home to over 17,000 animals of different species – including four great apes, tigers, polar bears and giraffes.

The zoo also provides fun experiences for visitors of all ages. There are daily animal talks and feeds, specialist keeper experiences where you can get close to the animals and even overnight stays at their exclusive lodges.

London Zoo also houses beautiful gardens perfect for a stroll around the grounds – from exotic displays to tranquil ponds, educational exhibitions, and many places to eat and drink. It’s a great day out for families or groups alike and makes for an unforgettable experience.

25. Sealife London Aquarium

Sealife London Aquarium is an amazing underwater adventure located in the heart of London. Here you can explore the ocean’s depths to discover an array of incredible marine life, from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and octopuses.

The aquarium is full of unique and interactive experiences, such as touching pools where you can get up close and personal with some of the sea’s inhabitants and a 360° 4D cinema which will take you on an immersive journey through an enchanting underwater world.

There are plenty of educational displays too that provide fascinating facts about these fascinating creatures.

Sealife London Aquarium is perfect for all ages – providing hours of entertainment while teaching visitors more about our beautiful oceans. So why not dive in today and explore this extraordinary attraction?

26. The London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a unique experience replicating historic London’s sights and sounds. Visitors can journey through 1000 years of the capital’s past, from the Viking invasion to the Great Fire of London.

The dungeon comprises a series of interactive scenes and live shows, including eerie boat rides through plague-ridden streets and a trial by jury where you might be found guilty or innocent.

It also provides some genuinely terrifying experiences such as a torture chamber where you’ll come face to face with some of history’s most notorious criminals – it’s sure to get your heart racing.

The London Dungeon is suitable for all ages, but beware: there are plenty of surprises in store, so brace yourself for an unforgettable experience.

If you have any questions about sights and things to do in London when please just write a comment below.