This list of 100 things to do in London England helps you decide what’s actually worth your vacation time. London can feel overwhelming on a first trip because Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, medieval towers, world-class museums, West End shows, historic pubs, colorful markets, royal parks, Harry Potter locations, and famous neighborhoods are scattered across an enormous city.
You will find London’s must-see landmarks, attractions, museums, neighborhoods, food, pubs, viewpoints, shopping, outdoor activities, photo spots, and experiences worth adding to your London bucket list. You don’t need to do all 100. Choose the places that genuinely interest you, group attractions by neighborhood, and leave enough time for afternoon tea, a pub lunch, or simply watching London go by from the top deck of a red bus.
READ Complete England Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Top 10 Things to Do in London England
If this is your first trip to London, I’d prioritize these experiences.
- See Big Ben and tour Westminster Abbey.
- Visit the Tower of London and Crown Jewels.
- Walk across Tower Bridge.
- See Buckingham Palace and Changing the Guard.
- Explore the British Museum.
- Walk along the South Bank.
- See a West End show.
- Eat your way through Borough Market.
- Ride a double-decker bus through central London.
- Explore at least one London neighborhood beyond the major landmarks.
100 Unforgettable Things to Do in London England
Not to Miss Landmarks in London
- See Buckingham Palace and check the current Changing the Guard schedule before your visit.
- Visit the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels and explore nearly 1,000 years of history.
- Tour Westminster Abbey or attend Evensong inside one of Britain’s most important churches.
- Photograph Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament from Parliament Square or across the Thames.
- Tour the Houses of Parliament when public tours are available.
- Visit St Paul’s Cathedral and climb toward the dome for impressive views over London.
- Walk across Tower Bridge and visit its elevated walkways and glass floors.
- Time your visit to see Tower Bridge lift for passing river traffic.
- Walk across Millennium Bridge between St Paul’s Cathedral and Tate Modern.
- See Nelson’s Column and the bronze lions in Trafalgar Square.
- Experience Piccadilly Circus and its enormous illuminated advertising screens.
- Walk through Leicester Square in the heart of London’s entertainment district.
- Visit the Royal Mews to see royal carriages including the magnificent Gold State Coach when it is on display.
- Tour Kensington Palace, once home to Princess Diana and still a working royal residence.
- Explore Hampton Court Palace and try to find your way through its famous hedge maze.
Must Do Attractions and Activities in London
- Ride on the upper deck of a red double-decker bus for inexpensive sightseeing between attractions.
- Ride in a traditional black cab at least once during your trip.
- Take a boat ride along the Thames to see London’s landmarks from the water.
- Ride the London Eye for sweeping views over Westminster and the Thames.
- See a musical or play in the West End.
- Watch Shakespeare performed at Shakespeare’s Globe or tour the reconstructed theater.
- See a concert at Royal Albert Hall or take a tour of the historic venue.
- Watch the Horse Guards ceremony in Whitehall.
- See the pelicans in St James’s Park, where the resident birds are usually fed fish in the afternoon.
- Explore Shoreditch and Brick Lane street art to see another side of London’s creative culture.
- Tour Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter to see original sets, costumes, and props.
- Find Harry Potter filming locations around London including Leadenhall Market and King’s Cross.
- Take a photograph at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station.
- Walk across the Abbey Road crossing made famous by the Beatles.
- Take a London rock music tour to find locations connected with the Beatles, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and other musicians.
- See the John Snow pump in Soho and learn how it became part of epidemiology history.
- Ride a waterbus between Camden and Little Venice for a quieter look at London.
- Take a Jack the Ripper walking tour through Whitechapel if London’s darker history interests you.
- Attend a sing-along or cult-film screening at the Prince Charles Cinema.
- Stand on the Prime Meridian at the Royal Observatory Greenwich with one foot in each hemisphere.
Best Museums in London
- See the Rosetta Stone at the British Museum while exploring collections spanning thousands of years.
- Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum for fashion, decorative arts, sculpture, design, and treasures including Tipu’s Tiger.
- See modern and contemporary art at Tate Modern inside the former Bankside Power Station.
- Browse British masterpieces at Tate Britain including works by Turner.
- See Van Gogh, Monet, Rembrandt, and other masters at the National Gallery.
- Visit the National Portrait Gallery to put faces to centuries of British history.
- See Hope the enormous blue whale skeleton at the Natural History Museum suspended above Hintze Hall.
- Explore dinosaurs, gemstones, volcanoes, wildlife, and evolution at the Natural History Museum.
- See the Apollo 10 command module at the Science Museum.
- Go underground into Churchill’s wartime bunker at the Churchill War Rooms.
- See historic manuscripts at the British Library and check its current Treasures displays and exhibitions.
- Explore Britain’s naval history at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
- Visit the London Transport Museum for historic buses, trains, Tube maps, and the story of getting around London.
- Explore the Horniman Museum and Gardens for anthropology, natural history, musical instruments, and family-friendly exhibits.
- See Sigmund Freud’s famous couch at the Freud Museum London.
- Step inside the Clink Prison Museum to learn about one of England’s oldest prisons.
- Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum at 221B Baker Street if you’re a fan of the fictional detective.
- Experience the London Dungeon for a theatrical take on London’s darker history.
London Neighborhoods
- Wander through Covent Garden for shops, restaurants, historic architecture, and street performers.
- Explore colorful Notting Hill and browse Portobello Road Market.
- Spend a few hours in Camden Town exploring its markets, food stalls, music culture, and alternative shops.
- Wander through Hampstead for village streets, historic pubs, cafés, and easy access to Hampstead Heath.
- Explore Greenwich for maritime history, markets, Georgian architecture, and river views.
- Walk through Soho for restaurants, nightlife, theaters, music history, and people-watching.
- Explore Chinatown for Asian restaurants, bakeries, bubble tea, and colorful streets.
- Wander through Marylebone when you want attractive streets, independent shops, and a calmer break from nearby Oxford Street.
- Explore Shoreditch for street art, markets, restaurants, bars, and London’s creative East End atmosphere.
Outdoor Things to Do in London
- Walk along the South Bank from Westminster toward Tower Bridge for some of London’s best free sightseeing.
- Picnic in Hyde Park and wander toward Speakers’ Corner.
- Walk through St James’s Park between Buckingham Palace and Westminster.
- Explore Regent’s Park and climb Primrose Hill for skyline views.
- Walk across Hampstead Heath and see London from Parliament Hill.
- Explore Richmond Park and watch its wild red and fallow deer from a respectful distance.
- Visit Kew Gardens to explore one of the world’s great botanical collections.
- Relax among the ruins at St Dunstan in the East, a bomb-damaged church transformed into a garden.
- Walk through Kensington Gardens and see the Sunken Garden at Kensington Palace.
- Kayak on the Thames for a completely different view of London.
Where to Eat in London
- Eat your way through Borough Market for everything from British cheese and baked goods to international street food.
- Have afternoon tea at The Ritz, Claridge’s, or another classic London hotel.
- Order fish and chips in a traditional London pub.
- Eat Indian or Bangladeshi food around Brick Lane.
- Explore the food stalls and restaurants around Camden Market.
- Eat your way around Kingly Court just off Carnaby Street.
- Splurge on a Michelin-starred dinner if fine dining is part of your London wish list.
- Try a traditional Sunday roast with Yorkshire pudding and all the trimmings.
- Eat something sweet at Harrods Food Halls while exploring Knightsbridge.
- Have dinner at an iconic London restaurant such as The Ivy.
London Pubs, Cocktails and Nightlife
- Have a pint in a historic London pub and give your feet a much-needed sightseeing break.
- Create your own historic pub crawl around Fleet Street.
- Have a drink at The Mayflower in Rotherhithe for Thames views and centuries of history.
- Listen to live jazz at Ronnie Scott’s in Soho.
- Drink a rooftop cocktail at Madison, Queen of Hoxton, SUSHISAMBA, or Radio Rooftop.
- Go clubbing at Fabric, Ministry of Sound, XOYO, Scala, or Phonox if you still have energy after sightseeing.
Shopping in London
- Shop along Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Bond Street for everything from high-street brands to luxury designers.
- Browse Harrods, Selfridges, and Liberty to experience London’s famous department stores.
- Explore Carnaby Street for fashion, restaurants, colorful displays, and pedestrian-friendly streets.
- Hunt for antiques and vintage finds at Portobello Road Market.
- Visit Columbia Road Flower Market on Sunday morning for flowers, shops, cafés, and East London atmosphere.
- Browse Leadenhall Market for its beautiful Victorian architecture as much as its shops and restaurants.
Best London Views and Photo Spots
- Visit Sky Garden for elevated views across the City of London.
- See London from The Shard for one of the highest public viewpoints in the city.
- Walk across the roof of The O2 for a more adventurous London skyline experience.
- Visit One New Change’s rooftop terrace for a free close-up view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
- Photograph Neal’s Yard, colorful Notting Hill houses, red telephone boxes, Underground signs, and London’s classic streets.
- Watch London light up after dark from a bridge, rooftop, riverboat, or Thames viewpoint.
Check the London England Tourism Board website for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Plan Your Trip to London England
Why Visit London England
People are drawn to London for various reasons and fascination with the Royals is often at the top of the list. London is well known for its iconic red phone booths, double-decker buses, black cabs, pubs, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the Beatles, famous bridges, free museums, Harry Potter, amazing street art, afternoon tea, fish and chips, and great shopping.
What Should You Book Ahead in London?
Book Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter well ahead because popular dates can sell out. I’d also reserve the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, major West End shows, Sky Garden, afternoon tea, The View from The Shard, Royal Observatory Greenwich, Buckingham Palace State Rooms when seasonally open, and popular restaurants when they’re priorities. Wimbledon is an entirely different planning challenge if attending the Championships is on your bucket list.
Are London’s Museums Really Free?
Many of London’s major national museums offer free general admission, which is one of the best things about sightseeing here. The British Museum, National Gallery, National Portrait Gallery, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, and Victoria and Albert Museum generally offer free admission to their permanent collections.
Special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Even when admission is free, reserving a timed entry can make your visit easier at busy museums.
How Many Days in London Is Enough?
Four days is a good minimum for a first trip to London. Three days works if you’re comfortable with a busy schedule and focus on the major sights. Four or five days gives you enough time to explore several neighborhoods, enjoy a few museums, see a West End show, and eat without constantly watching the clock. Add additional days for trips outside London rather than squeezing them into an already packed city itinerary.
Is London Walkable?
Central London is very walkable, and walking often makes more sense than taking the Tube between nearby attractions. Group sights geographically and use the Underground, Elizabeth line, buses, Overground, and boats to connect neighborhoods.
How to Get to London
London has several airports, with Heathrow and Gatwick handling many international flights.
Heathrow is particularly well connected with central London by the Elizabeth line, Piccadilly line, and Heathrow Express.
How to Get From Heathrow Airport to Central London
You now have three particularly useful rail options from Heathrow. The Elizabeth line connects Heathrow with Paddington, Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road, Farringdon, Liverpool Street, and destinations farther east, making it especially convenient if you’re staying near one of those stations. The journey between Heathrow and Paddington takes about 28 minutes. Heathrow Express is faster to Paddington, while the Piccadilly line is generally the slower option but can be convenient for hotels along its route. Choose based on where you’re staying rather than automatically taking the fastest train to Paddington.
How to Get Around London
The London Underground is one of the easiest ways to move around the city, but don’t overlook buses. Sitting upstairs on a double-decker bus gives you sightseeing along with transportation. You do not need an Oyster card to use London’s public transportation.
Visitors can generally pay as they go using a contactless bank card or compatible device, or use an Oyster card. Use the same payment method when touching in and out so TfL can calculate the correct fare and apply applicable caps.
Where to Stay in London
I have stayed in several locations in London. Choose a hotel near the underground! I can’t stress that enough. Check out Club Quarters Hotel, it is in a great location.
Best Time to Visit London
London works year-round, but late spring and early fall offer a good balance of daylight, weather, and sightseeing conditions. Summer brings long days, major events, outdoor theater, and crowds. Winter brings shorter days and colder weather, but Christmas lights, festive markets, theater, pubs, and museums make December particularly atmospheric. Expect the possibility of rain in every season.
Is London Safe for Solo Travelers?
Pay particular attention to phone theft and pickpocketing in crowded areas, on public transportation, and around major tourist attractions. Don’t stand at the edge of a busy pavement staring at your phone, and be mindful when using it near the road. At night, stick to well-traveled areas and use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services when you don’t want to navigate public transportation.
What Should You Pack for London?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layers, and a lightweight waterproof jacket or compact umbrella. London weather can change quickly, and you’ll move constantly between outdoor streets, warm Tube stations, museums, restaurants, and theaters. Bring a small secure bag for sightseeing and a portable phone charger if you rely heavily on navigation. Wear clothes you can comfortably walk in all day.
Romantic Things to Do in London
Watch sunset over the Thames, have afternoon tea, see a West End show, wander through Kew Gardens, picnic in a royal park, listen to jazz at Ronnie Scott’s, or have cocktails overlooking the London skyline. A nighttime walk along the South Bank when the bridges and landmarks are illuminated is difficult to beat.
Things to Do in London With Children
London works extremely well for families because so many major attractions appeal to adults and children at the same time. Start with the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, London Transport Museum, London Zoo, Tower of London, SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studio Tour. A double-decker bus ride or Thames boat trip can also double as sightseeing when children need a break from museums.
Things to Do in London With Teens
Teens may enjoy Camden Market, Shoreditch street art, London Eye, Tower Bridge glass floor, The O2 climb, Harry Potter Studio Tour, West End shows, football stadium tours, and shopping around Carnaby Street. Give them some freedom to choose food and neighborhoods rather than scheduling every hour around historic buildings.
Best Day Trips From London
London is an excellent base for exploring more of England by train.
Bath works well for Roman history and Georgian architecture.
Canterbury combines its famous cathedral with medieval streets.
Brighton gives you a completely different seaside atmosphere.
Cambridge offers colleges, punting, and beautiful architecture.
York and Liverpool are farther away but possible by fast train if they’re high priorities.
Stonehenge is less straightforward by public transportation, so an organized tour can make the logistics easier.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in London England
You don’t need to complete all 100 things to do in London England to have an amazing trip. See the Crown Jewels. Stand beneath Big Ben. Ride upstairs on a red bus. Wander through a free museum. Eat in a pub. See a West End show. Explore a neighborhood you hadn’t planned to visit.
Check out our England Travel Guide with links to must-see destinations and itineraries!
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