Things to Do in London UK – An In-Depth City Guide for Tourists Visiting for the First Time

London has been a major city since the Roman times and is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its rich history and vibrant culture make it a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. London is the capital and largest city in the United Kingdom, with an estimated population of 8.9 million people living in the Greater London area. It is also one of the most visited cities in the world, with an average of 19 million international tourists arriving in London each year.

London is a bustling and diverse city, filled with amazing attractions and activities. From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge to vibrant markets, museums, and galleries, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling metropolis. With its rich history and vibrant culture, London offers many exciting experiences for tourists to explore.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, there are plenty of things to do in London. Here is an in-depth guide for tourists visiting London for the first time, including some of the most popular attractions, activities, and tours in the city.

Historical Landmarks

London is filled with iconic landmarks and historical sites that have been carefully preserved throughout the years. These sites are an integral part of London’s history, making them some of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Here are some of the most well-known historical landmarks in London:

Big Ben

Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has become a symbol of the city. The clock tower is located at the north end of the Palace of Westminster and is one of the most recognizable sights in London. Big Ben is officially known as the Great Bell of Westminster, and it chimes on the hour every single day.

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is another iconic landmark in London and has become a symbol of the city. This iconic bridge was built in 1894 and spans the River Thames between the Tower of London and Southwark. It features an impressive bascule bridge that can be raised to allow passage for boats on the river below.

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is a Gothic church located in Westminster, London. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Britain and has been used for royal coronations since 1066. The building itself is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and has been used as a backdrop for many films and television shows over the years.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an Anglican cathedral located on Ludgate Hill in central London. It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1675 and has been an iconic landmark ever since. The interior of the church is awe-inspiring, with intricate decorations and an impressive dome that can be seen from miles around.

The London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the banks of the River Thames. It was built in 2000 and stands at a height of 135 metres (443 feet) making it one of the tallest structures in London. Visitors can take in stunning views of London from the top of the wheel, including sights like Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.

Popular Tours & Activities

In addition to exploring historical landmarks and iconic sights, there are plenty of other activities and tours available in London. Here are some popular tours and activities to enjoy during your visit:

Jack The Ripper Tour

The Jack The Ripper Tour takes visitors back in time to explore some of the most notorious sites related to Jack The Ripper’s murders in 1888. The tour follows a detailed route around Whitechapel and Spitalfields – two areas of East London where Jack The Ripper committed his infamous crimes – and includes stops at crime scenes as well as a visit to a local pub to learn more about the infamous serial killer. Book a Jack The Ripper Tour here.

Covent Garden Street Performance & Magic Show

Covent Garden Street Performance & Magic Show takes place every day at Covent Garden Market in central London. Enjoy an afternoon full of entertainment from street performers, magicians, jugglers, acrobats, comedians, and more! This family friendly show is perfect for visitors who want to experience some of London’s best street performers up close. Book a Covent Garden Street Performance & Magic Show here.

Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour

Explore London with ease on an open-top bus tour! Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours are the perfect way to get around London and explore the city’s major landmarks and attractions at your own pace. These tours offer an audio commentary in multiple languages and are filled with interesting facts about each attraction you visit! Book a Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour here.

London Architecture Cruise

Discover some of the best architecture in London on a Thames River Cruise! This cruise takes passengers on a journey along the River Thames where they can admire some of London’s best architecture from onboard a luxurious boat. Enjoy breathtaking views of landmarks like Tower Bridge, Big Ben, The Tower of London, St Paul’s Cathedral, Houses of Parliament, South Bank Centre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and more! Book a London Architecture Cruise here.

Shopping & Dining

London is home to some of the best shopping streets in Europe as well as many restaurants and pubs serving up delicious food. From Harrods to Camden Market and everything in between, there are plenty of shopping opportunities available throughout London. Here are some popular shopping streets & districts to check out:

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of London’s busiest shopping streets filled with department stores like Selfridges and John Lewis, as well as smaller shops selling everything from clothing to home goods. Oxford Street is also lined with restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars, making it a great destination for both shopping and dining!

Covent Garden

Covent Garden is one of central London’s most popular shopping districts filled with boutique stores selling unique items as well as big name brands such as Apple, Nike and Gap. The area also features an open-air market where you can find artisans selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothes, souvenirs and more!

Regent Street

Regent Street is one of London’s most famous shopping streets filled with high-end stores such as Burberry, Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. The street is lined with restaurants offering international cuisine as well as pubs serving traditional British food and drinks.

Conclusion

London is an amazing city filled with history, culture, shopping, dining and more! From iconic landmarks like Big Ben and Tower Bridge to lively markets, museums, galleries and more – there’s something for everyone to enjoy while visiting this bustling metropolis. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a few weeks, use this guide to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the amazing attractions that this amazing city has to offer!