World-class dining destination, cultural frontrunner, cosmopolitan fashion capital, and political powerhouse. These are just a few of the accolades describing the vibrant, history-rich British capital. Dr. Samuel Johnson famously said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Today, that statement has never felt more true. Things to do in London range from a Thames River cruise to exploring lush parks. You can spot World War II monuments, visit food markets, and see street art-smothered neighborhoods. Duck into the British Museum or National Gallery when showers threaten. And soak up panoramic views of the skyline from the top of icons such as The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
Here, get your guide to London’s best attractions, tours, and more.
There’s no better place in the summer. The capital’s parks swell with picnickers and festivals celebrating music from every genre. And the best things to do in London during the winter include drinking mulled wine and visiting holiday light displays in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Whatever the season, bring an umbrella, as downpours can strike at any moment.
The capital’s public transport system is world-famous and has been operating since the 1800s. It’s a surefire way to navigate the city and beat the notorious traffic jams aboveground. The London Underground (also known as the Tube) and the super-speedy Elizabeth Line are cost-effective ways to explore. And the Overground helps you explore the other points of the compass—make sure you mind the gap.
Once you’ve sampled the street art of Shoreditch and bagels of Brick Lane, one of the best things to do in London is visiting the city’s coolest borough: Hackney in East London. Here, you’ll find leafy parks such as Victoria Park and Haggerston Park. There are gastropubs serving pints of beer alongside British classics such as Scotch eggs and pork pies. And Hackney boasts some of the capital’s best nightlife, from LGBTQ bars hosting drag shows to R&B nights in underground nightclubs.
Attractions 228 | Tours 3,727 | Reviews 285,281 |
One of those rare Londoners actually born in London, Emma is a writer who’s only two degrees of separation from both Kate Moss and the Queen.
get an Oyster card—buses are cashless and there’s no time to faff around with paper tickets at the tube station.
starts with brunch (Caravan in King’s Cross is my go-to), involves a trip to a museum (make it the V&A if there’s a special exhibition), and ends in Soho for dinner and drinks.
St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s beautiful inside and the view from the dome is worth the 550-step climb.
go to a market. I love Broadway Market in Hackney for its Victorian history and proximity to the Regent’s Canal.
head to Primrose Hill or Greenwich Park to see the skyline, but walk along the South Bank for an up-close perspective.
is thinking Londoners are rude because we walk fast and avoid eye contact on the tube. Start a conversation outside a pub and you’ll find it’s generally not the case.
There are so many unmissable things to do in London. Begin with UNESCO-listed attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Maritime Greenwich, and Big Ben. Go on a River Thames boat or hop-on hop-off bus tour to glimpse the highlights. You’ll save time to visit icons like the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye on the South Bank.
...MoreArguably the most famous attraction in town is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (home to the House of Commons and House of Lords), which overlook the Thames River. The city boasts many other iconic attractions, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey. Don’t forget the Natural History Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
...MoreThere are many ways Londoners like to let loose. They visit in-demand restaurants in Soho and unwind over pints in one of the city's historic pubs. Centrally located attractions like Borough Market and the Tate Modern are ever-popular. Residents also head to East London to discover the city's hippest neighborhoods.
...MoreMany attractions are just a short distance outside of town. Discover royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Hever Castle. Alternatively, plan a seaside excursion to Brighton, Whitstable, or Margate. Other highlights within day-trip distance include Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Bath, and Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace).
...MoreYes, two days is enough to discover the city’s highlights if you sightsee efficiently. Embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Central London walking tour, or a Thames boat trip to see more of the sights in less time. Explore leafy Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, plan a West End theater outing in Covent Garden, and shop in South Kensington.
...MoreThe city offers a wealth of free attractions, including cultural destinations such as the British Museum, Tate Modern (home to boundary-pushing modern art and visionary performance art), Victoria and Albert Museum (known for decorative art). The city's Royal Parks are also free to explore, as are highlights like Trafalgar Square. Don't miss the free-to-view Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
...MoreEngland’s capital is home to some of Europe’s most recognizable landmarks, but Big Ben is just the tip of the iceberg. Exploring London with a guide lets you see how locals enjoy the cosmopolitan city. Get your guide to take you to culinary hot spots, street art hubs, hidden parks, and—of course—some traditional British pubs.
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