20 Best Things to Do in London

London layers more than two thousand years of history beneath its modern bustle. Royal palaces stand beside glass towers, free world-class museums sit a short walk from leafy parks, and every neighbourhood has its own character. It is a city that rewards both first-time sightseers and repeat visitors who keep discovering new corners.

Here are 20 of the best things to do in London, grouped by theme so you can balance the headline sights with the city's everyday pleasures.

Royal and historic landmarks

Tower of London

This 1,000-year-old fortress houses the Crown Jewels and is guarded by the famous Beefeaters and resident ravens. Join a Yeoman Warder tour for the gripping, gory history. Book online to save on entry.

Buckingham Palace

The monarch's London residence is best seen during the Changing of the Guard ceremony. In late summer, the State Rooms open to visitors. Check the schedule, as the ceremony does not run daily.

Westminster Abbey and Big Ben

The Gothic abbey has hosted coronations and royal weddings for centuries. Nearby stand the Houses of Parliament and the newly restored Big Ben clock tower, best photographed from Westminster Bridge.

Tower Bridge

Often confused with London Bridge, this Victorian bascule bridge is an icon in its own right. Walk the high-level glass walkway for views down the Thames and over the bridge's lifting roadway.

St Paul's Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren's masterpiece offers a vast dome you can climb for sweeping city views, plus the echoing Whispering Gallery inside.

Museums and culture

British Museum

Free to enter, this vast museum holds the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and treasures from across the globe. Pick a few galleries rather than trying to see it all.

Natural History Museum

Famous for its dinosaur skeletons and cathedral-like main hall, this free museum is a hit with families. The neighbouring Science Museum is equally good.

The National Gallery

On Trafalgar Square, this free gallery displays masterpieces from Van Gogh to Turner. Pop outside afterwards to see the square's lions and fountains.

Tate Modern

This free modern-art museum sits in a former power station on the South Bank, with a viewing terrace overlooking the river and St Paul's.

Parks, views, and markets

Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London's grandest royal park offers boating on the Serpentine, the Diana Memorial, and Speakers' Corner. It links to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace.

The London Eye

This giant observation wheel on the South Bank gives a slow, 30-minute rotation with panoramic views across the city. Book a timed ticket and aim for a clear evening.

Borough Market

One of London's oldest food markets, packed with artisan produce, street food, and global flavours. Go hungry, and find halal and vegetarian stalls easily among the choices.

Camden Market

This eclectic, alternative market sprawls along the canal with vintage fashion, crafts, and an enormous variety of international street food.

The Shard viewing gallery

Western Europe's tallest building offers the highest public view in London from its upper floors, spectacular at sunset.

Neighbourhoods and day trips

Covent Garden

This lively piazza brims with street performers, boutiques, and cafes, with the Royal Opera House and theatres nearby. Great for an afternoon stroll.

Notting Hill and Portobello Road

Famous for its pastel houses and Portobello Road antiques market (best on Saturdays), this neighbourhood is charming and photogenic.

Greenwich

Reach this riverside district by boat for the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian line, and views back over the city skyline from the park.

West End theatre

Catch a world-class musical or play in London's Theatreland. Same-day discounted tickets are available from the official booth in Leicester Square.

Harrods and Oxford Street

For shopping, the grand Harrods department store in Knightsbridge and the bustling shops of Oxford Street cover everything from luxury to high street.

Windsor Castle day trip

A short train ride west, the oldest occupied castle in the world makes a grand half-day excursion, with a fine St George's Chapel and state apartments.

Practical tips

Use a contactless card or Oyster card to tap on and off the Tube, buses, and trains, which caps your daily fare. Many top museums are free, so build a budget around them. London weather is changeable, so carry a light raincoat year-round. Halal restaurants are plentiful, especially around Edgware Road and Whitechapel. Late spring and early autumn offer the most pleasant weather.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in London?

Four to five days covers the major landmarks, a couple of museums, and a day trip. The city easily fills a week for those who want a slower pace.

Is London expensive to visit?

It can be, but free museums, royal parks, market street food, and walking tours make it possible to enjoy a lot without spending much.

What is the best way to get around?

The Underground (Tube) is fast and extensive. Pair it with buses for scenic routes and walking for the compact central areas.

London rewards travellers who mix the grand sights with simple pleasures: an afternoon in a free museum, a wander through a market, and a stroll along the Thames as the city lights come on.