The Best Things to See & Do in London England

London is a bustling city filled with so much to see and do!
With so many historic landmarks, wonderful museums, cultural experiences and local-approved shops and restaurants, you’ll need some help narrowing down how to best spend your time in the British Capital.
Here’s a list of what you shouldn’t miss during your next trip to London!

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Welcome to London, the incredible capital of the United Kingdom. Considered the gateway to the country, you are bound to find yourself here at some point. This is where the majority of visitors to England and the United Kingdom start and end their trip. Take some time to thoughtfully consider what you would like to experience while you are here, what it will cost and how much time you think you’ll need to fit it all in. Take these essential steps to create memories that will last a lifetime.  

There is something to be said about spontaneity while travelling, but there is nothing more satisfying than showing up prepared to a new destination. Preparation not only offers peace of mind, but you’ll have a better chance of snagging deals on flights, booking your preferred accommodation, reserving a table at an in-demand restaurant or getting limited-supply tickets to local attractions. Don’t miss your opportunity to take a ride on the London Eye because you forgot to book tickets in advance. 

Best Things to See & Do

Use this guide to create a list of your top highlights for visiting London. From there you can make a budget and itinerary, turning your dream vacation into a reality. Planning the trip is almost as exciting as the journey itself. All that will be left to do is pack your bags and decide where to go first! 

1. Buckingham Palace 

Official residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom (King Charles III). The Mall is the main ceremonial road leading to Buckingham Palace from Trafalgar Square via the Admiralty Arch. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is a popular attraction for tourists to attend and is free to watch. Green Park & St. James Park also border the palace and are beautiful to walk through.  

Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details. 
Cost: £30 (Adult – Purchased in Advance); £33 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: 2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Charing Cross or Victoria Station

2. Westminster Abbey 

Royal church located in the heart of London with over one thousand years of history. This religious site has hosted British coronations and royal weddings (Prince William & Kate Middleton). Westminster Abbey is also the burial site for British monarchs and prominent people such as prime ministers, military leaders and poets.

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday from 9:30am-3:30pm. Open for church services on Sunday. 
Cost: £27 (Adult)
Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours. Queue times can be 30 minutes – 2 hours. Fast track entry is available for an additional fee. 
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station 

3. Big Ben 

Nickname for the Great Bell that can be found within London’s iconic clock tower. The structure is officially named Elizabeth Tower. 

Opening Hours: Temporarily closed for renovations. 
Time Needed: Less than 30 minutes
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station

4. Palace of Westminster 

Complex of buildings that now serves as the meeting place for the United Kingdom House of Parliament. The original palace functioned as the primary residence of reigning Monarchs during the Medieval period. 

Opening Hours: Saturdays from 8:45am-4:45pm. 
Cost: £29 (Adult – Guided Tour); £22.50 (Adult – Audio Self-Guided Tour)
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station

5. Churchill War Rooms 

Secret underground headquarters where Prime Minister Winston Churchill lived and worked during World War II. The bunker complex was not actually “bomb-proof” and thankfully was never struck during the war. Give yourself about 2 hours to explore the museum. Book your entrance ticket online in advance to guarantee your arrival time.

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am-6:00pm. Last entry at 5:00pm.
Cost: £27.25
Time Needed: 2 hours
Closest Tube Station: Westminster Station 

6. London Eye 

The Millennium Wheel is a popular paid tourist attraction located along the River Thames which provides incredible views of the city. The observation wheel completes one revolution every 30 minutes with each capsule holding up to 25 people. 

Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details. 
Cost: £32.50 (Adult – Purchased in Advance); £36 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: Ride duration is 30 minutes. Queue times can be 30 minutes – 2 hours. Fast track entry is available for an additional fee. 
Closest Tube Station: Waterloo Station

7. Tower Bridge 

Iconic draw bridge crossing the River Thames with glass floor pedestrian walkway above. The bridge lifts at pre-scheduled times to allow boats to pass through. An entrance fee is required to access the towers and walkway. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 9:30am – 6:00pm. 
Cost: £11.40 (Adult)
Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station

8. Tower of London 

Historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London. Built over 1000 years ago, Tower of London now functions as a tourist attraction and World Heritage Site. The entrance fee includes access to several areas of the castle including the White Tower, Royal Armouries, Crown Jewels and Royal Menagerie (former home to exotic animals never before seen in London). Listen to ghost stories and haunting tales of torture and execution that occurred within the fortress walls. 

Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on the season. Check out the official website for details. 
Cost: £29.90 (Adult). Price will increase to £33.60 on May 26/2023. 
Time Needed: 3 hours 
Closest Tube Station: Tower Hill Station

9. St. Paul’s Cathedral 

Anglican cathedral renowned for its dome and impressive interior. Rebuilt following the Great Fire of London in 1666, St. Paul’s Cathedral has become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline. The cathedral survived the Blitz during WW2, but was damaged by two bombs in 1940 and 1941. If you plan to enter the cathedral, please be respectful and wear appropriate clothing.

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday (except Wednesday) 8:30am – 4:30pm. Wednesday 10:00am – 4:30pm. Sunday open for worship only. 
Cost: £20.50 Adult – Purchased in Advance); £23 (Adult – Purchased on the Day)
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: St. Paul’s Station 

10. London Millennium Footbridge 

Pedestrian-only suspension bridge spanning the River Thames connecting the City of London to the South Bank neighbourhood. If you are looking for something delicious to eat, walk from St. Paul’s Cathedral over the Millennium Bridge to reach the Borough Market. The journey takes about 20 minutes and there is no fee to cross.

11. Borough Market 

Historic market located on the south side of the London Bridge. Established in 1776, this market has served fresh and delicious food to locals and travellers from all over the world for hundreds of years. Find meats, cheeses, produce, breads, desserts, coffee and more. 

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday from 8:00am – 5:00pm; Sunday from 10:00am – 3:00pm. 
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge Station 

12. Tate Modern 

London has so many free museums and Tate Modern is one of them. Spend an hour or more browsing unique paintings and sculptures at this modern and contemporary art gallery. There is a fee if you want to access the speciality exhibitions.  

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00am – 6:00pm. 
Cost: Free admission. 
Time Needed: 1+ hours. 
Closest Tube Station: Southwark Station 

13. The Shard 

Visit London’s tallest skyscraper to enjoy incredible views of the city. The View from The Shard provides indoor viewing platforms on levels 68 & 69 as well as 360° panoramic views from the Skydeck on level 72. Enjoy a refreshing drink or an ice cream cone while checking out the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, River Thames and other iconic landmarks from above.

Opening Hours: Hours of operation vary depending on special events taking place. Check out the official website for details. 
Cost: £32
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: London Bridge Station

14. Trafalgar Square 

Public square located in the middle of the city surrounded by museums, galleries, fountains, statues and historic buildings. Trafalgar Square is within walking distance to some of London’s most popular attractions including Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey & Big Ben. 

Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross Station

15. The National Gallery 

Located right in Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is another free museum in Central London. Museum lovers typically spend half a day here browsing the collection of paintings, photographs and sculptures.

Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00pm – 6:00pm. Open until 9:00pm on Friday. 
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 2-3 hours
Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross Station

16. Cleopatra’s Needle 

After exploring the National Gallery, walk down towards the riverfront to check out Cleopatra’s Needle, an Egyptian obelisk gifted to Britain in 1819. The structure has survived bombing attacks from both world wars. Shrapnel damage was not repaired but rather left as a reminder of the brutality of war. 

Closest Tube Station: Charing Cross or Embankment Station

17. Covent Garden

Convent Garden is one of London’s most charming neighbourhoods with its cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways packed with boutique shops, coffee bars and food vendors. Grab a bite to eat from the market and catch a performance by the talented buskers. 

Closest Tube Station: Convent Garden Station

18. Kensington Palace 

Royal Residence surrounded by the Kensington Gardens that is currently home to the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge (William & Kate) and their children. The memorial dedicated to Princess Diana is located on the palace grounds. Paid guided tours are available.

Opening Hours: Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00am – 6:00pm. 
Cost: £25.40
Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours
Closest Tube Station: High Street Kensington or Queensway Station

19. Hyde Park 

The largest Royal Park in central London perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. Popular features in the park include Speakers Corner, Wellington Arch, Marble Arch and the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain. Many seasonal events, concerts and festivals take place here. The grounds are transformed into a Christmas Market every year for Winter Wonderland.

Opening Hours: Daily 5:00am – Midnight. 
Cost: Free
Time Needed: 2 Hours
Closest Tube Station: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge Station. 

20. Royal Albert Hall 

World-renowned concert venue hosting musical shows, orchestra, ballet, opera and sporting events. The Hall was named in memory of Queen Victoria’s late beloved husband, Prince Albert. There is no better way to spend your last evening in London than by watching a performance. Book tickets in advance to avoid being sold out. There are also guided tours available to get a behind the scenes look at where some of the world’s most famous artists once performed. 

Opening Hours: Daily 9:00am – 9:00pm. 
Cost: £18.50 for guided tour. Free entry with the London Pass. 
Time Needed: 1 hour
Closest Tube Station: South Kensington Station

21. Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9^3/4 

Popular attraction and souvenir shop for Harry Potter fans located inside King’s Cross Station. Outside the Harry Potter Shop, visitors have the opportunity to snap a famous trolley photo. Take your own photo for free or pay for professional photographs. If you are planning to stop by for a quick photo prior to boarding a train, be aware that there is often a long queue. 

Opening Hours: Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 10:00pm. Saturday from 8:00am – 10:00pm. Sunday from 9:00am – 8:00pm. 
Closest Tube Station: King’s Cross Station

22. London Walking Tour

London’s major landmarks are concentrated only a few minutes walking distance from each other. There are plenty of pedestrianized streets and squares for increased safety. Join a walking tour to learn more about the history of London, see the highlights and connect with a local guide that can answer all of your questions.

23. Join a Food Tour

Come share an experience with like-minded travellers on one of London’s tastiest sightseeing tours. Visit several local venues and try famous British foods such as fig cakes, toffee pudding and of course fish and chips. With help from a local guide, you will stop at several eateries you may not have found on your own.

24. Take a Guided Bike Tour

Join a guided bike tour to discover some of the city’s hidden gems as well as world-famous sights. This is a great option for travellers who only have a few days to spend in London. You will be able to cover more ground cycling the streets than you would on foot.

How to Save Money in London

Here are some of the best ways to save money in London so that you can see and do as much as possible, within budget! 

Visitor Oyster Card

Purchase a reusable transit pass for quick and easy payment on London’s underground system and city buses. The card costs £5 and is pre-loaded with pay as you go credit for you to spend on travel. Buy your card before you leave home so it’s ready to go when you arrive. Oyster Card fares are significantly cheaper than buying a single ride or one-day ticket. Card holders also receive discounts at London restaurants, shops and entertainment venues. 

• If you’re visiting London for 2 days, start with £15 credit
• If you’re visiting London for 4 days, start with £30 credit

London Pass

The London Pass is a sightseeing card for tourists offering discounted access to over 80+ popular attractions, tours and museums in the city. It’s cheaper to buy a London Pass than to pay for each attraction individually. Choose to load your pass with credits to a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 7 attractions. Prices vary depending on the number of attractions you choose to load. The pass also includes a one-day Hop-On/Hop-Off Bus Tour. Download the pass to either save onto your phone or print a physical copy. Passes are valid for 2 years from the purchase date and are activated following the first attraction visit. After activation, passes are valid for 60 days or until credits run out. 

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Bus route created for tourists stopping at all the major landmarks in London while providing audio commentary. Purchase a one, two or three-day pass to suit your itinerary. Tickets often also include a scenic cruise on the Thames River and access to self-guided walking tours. 

Start Booking Your Trip

Use the helpful resources below to start booking your trip to London, England! 

• Reserve your accommodation with Hotels.com or Hostelworld. 
• Book your rental car with Discover Cars.
• Book your flight with SkyScanner.
• Book activities with Get Your Guide.
• Traveling Solo? Book a Group Tour with G Adventures.
• Buy Travel Insurance with SafetyWing or World Nomads.

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Have any questions about planning your trip to London? Please share your questions or comments below!