A City Guide to London: Places to Go With Friends

London is one of the most iconic cities in the world, steeped in history, culture and a vibrant atmosphere. Home to a population of over 8 million people, it is the capital city of England and the United Kingdom, renowned for its landmarks and attractions. From iconic buildings like Big Ben, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to its world-famous theatre district, London is a destination unlike any other.

Whether you’re visiting London with friends for a weekend or planning an extended stay, there are plenty of exciting places to explore with your group. From iconic sightseeing spots to unique attractions and activities, here’s a city guide to some of the best places to go in London with friends.

Explore the Iconic Sights

No trip to London is complete without visiting some of the city’s most iconic sights. A great way to see the landmarks is to take a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus tour which takes you past all the major attractions in London. Hop off at any of the stops to explore each landmark in more detail.

The first stop on any sightseeing tour should be Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the British royal family. Take a guided tour of the palace and get a glimpse into how the royals live. You can also explore the beautiful grounds and take photos outside the palace gates.

Next up is Big Ben, the world-famous clock tower situated at the north end of the Houses of Parliament. Take a tour inside Big Ben and admire its intricate architecture, or take a stroll along the nearby banks of the River Thames. Don’t forget to take a selfie with the iconic clock tower in the background.

The Tower of London is another must-see attraction when you’re in London with friends. This World Heritage Site has been home to many famous prisoners over the centuries, including Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. Take a guided tour inside and explore its many chambers and towers. Don’t forget to check out the crown jewels too!

Relive History at a Museum

London is home to many fantastic museums, perfect for a day out with friends. The British Museum houses a vast collection of artifacts from around the world, from ancient Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures and Chinese pottery. It’s one of the oldest museums in the world and has something for everyone.

The Natural History Museum is another popular attraction, boasting a huge collection of specimens from all over the world. Take a tour around the museum and learn about dinosaurs, volcanoes and other natural phenomena. Don’t miss a visit to the museum’s famous dinosaur exhibits.

The Science Museum is another great place to visit with friends in London. This interactive museum offers hands-on exhibits and interactive displays which are great fun for the whole group. Learn about space exploration, engineering, mathematics and more in this unique museum.

Go Shopping in London

London is home to some of the best shopping in Europe, from iconic department stores like Harrods and Selfridges to quirky markets like Camden Market and Brick Lane Market. Whether you’re looking for food, clothing or souvenirs, you’ll find something for everyone in London’s shopping districts.

Oxford Street is probably London’s most popular shopping destination, home to hundreds of shops and stores selling everything from fashion and beauty products to electronics and homeware. Don’t miss out on a visit to iconic department store Selfridges while you’re here – it’s one of London’s most famous shopping destinations.

Covent Garden is another popular shopping district in London, boasting an eclectic mix of independent shops, street performers and eateries. Stop off for lunch at one of Covent Garden’s many cafes before continuing your shopping spree. Don’t forget to check out Neal’s Yard for some unique gifts and souvenirs too!

Experience London’s Nightlife

London has some of the best nightlife in Europe, from bustling nightclubs to relaxed bars and pubs. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to dance or just want to grab a few drinks with friends, there’s something for everyone in London after dark.

Soho is one of London’s most popular nightlife districts, boasting an array of clubs, bars and pubs. Head to Bar Soho for some great drinks deals or check out one of Soho’s legendary nightclubs like Fabric or Ministry of Sound if you’re looking for somewhere to dance until the early hours.

The area around Leicester Square is also great for nightlife in London. Head to one of the many bars in this area or catch a show at one of Leicester Square’s many theatres. Don’t forget to check out the iconic Comedy Store nearby too!

Take a Tour

There are plenty of great tours available in London which are perfect for groups of friends looking for an alternative way to explore the city. Why not take a guided walking tour around some of London’s most famous sights or take a boat cruise down the River Thames?

The Jack the Ripper Tour takes you around some of London’s most infamous haunts and crime scenes associated with this notorious serial killer. Hear tales about Jack’s victims and discover how he was never caught during this two-hour tour. Book your Jack the Ripper Tour here.

For something more unique why not take a Harry Potter Tour? This two-hour tour takes you around some of London’s most famous Harry Potter filming locations, from Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross Station to Diagon Alley and more. Book your Harry Potter Tour here.

The original Beatles Tour is another great way to explore London with friends. This three-hour tour takes you around some of The Beatles most famous haunts in London from 1960–1966 and includes stops at Abbey Road Studios, Savile Row tailors and more. Book your Beatles Tour here.

No matter what kind of experience you’re looking for when visiting London with friends, there are plenty of places to explore and activities to enjoy together. From iconic sights and attractions to unique tours and nightlife districts – make sure you check out everything this vibrant city has to offer on your next visit!