Top 20 Things To Do In London

London is one of the world’s most visited cities and filled with culture, history, and entertainment. Home to some of the greatest landmarks, museums, and attractions in the world, it’s no wonder why so many people visit London year after year. From the iconic Tower of London to the modern Shard skyscraper, there is something for everyone to enjoy in London. For those visiting London for the first time, here are the top 20 things to do in this beautiful city.

1. Visit The Tower of London

One of the most iconic attractions in London, the Tower of London is a must-see for all visitors. This historic castle has been a royal palace, fortress, and prison over the centuries, and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the grounds and take part in guided tours led by the famous Yeoman Warders—also known as “Beefeaters”—or explore the exhibits and displays within the walls of the tower.

2. Take in the View from The Shard

The Shard is a striking, modern skyscraper located near London Bridge Station. Visitors can take in unparalleled views from the 72nd floor, with a 360-degree panorama of the city stretching out before them. Those looking for a more interactive experience can also visit The View from The Shard—a multimedia experience with interactive displays and interactive games.

3. Explore the British Museum

The British Museum is an impressive collection of artifacts and artworks from around the world and across time. Spanning more than two million years of history, the British Museum is home to ancient Greek sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and Roman relics. Visitors can explore the galleries on their own or join a guided tour to learn more about the exhibits on display.

4. Take a Stroll Through Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s Royal Parks, covering more than 350 acres of beautiful parkland. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around Serpentine Lake or join in on one of the many activities held in the park throughout the year, such as outdoor concerts and film screenings. There are also plenty of attractions within Hyde Park, including Kensington Palace, the Diana Memorial Fountain, and Speakers’ Corner.

5. Visit Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is one of London’s most important religious sites, having served as a royal burial ground since 1066 and as a national shrine since 1245. Visitors can explore the beautiful architecture of this Gothic cathedral or attend one of its many services. Westminster Abbey is also home to several important tombs and monuments, including those of kings, queens, and other prominent figures.

6. Admire Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has served as the official residence of Britain’s monarchs since 1837 and is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. Visitors can take a tour of the palace’s state apartments and admire its grand architecture or watch the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony outside.

7. Take a Walk Along The Thames

London’s River Thames stretches from west to east across the city and is one of its most iconic features. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along the Thames Path or join in on one of the popular river cruises that explore its many attractions and landmarks. There are also several bridges that span the river, such as Tower Bridge, London Bridge, and Millennium Bridge, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to admire its beauty up close.

8. Admire St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is an impressive Baroque building located in the City of London. The cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and has served as an important religious site since its completion in 1708. Visitors can explore its interior and admire its architecture or attend one of its many services held throughout the year.

9. Explore Covent Garden

Covent Garden is a popular area located in central London, known for its cobbled streets, Victorian architecture, and lively atmosphere. Visitors can browse its many shops, restaurants, and street performers or visit one of its many museums or galleries. Its markets are also a popular attraction and offer plenty of unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.

10. Visit Camden Market

Camden Market is a vibrant market located in north London that attracts thousands of visitors each day. It’s home to hundreds of stalls selling handmade crafts, vintage clothing, food, and more. Camden Market also hosts regular events such as live music performances and art exhibitions throughout the year.

11. Visit Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is one of central London’s most iconic landmarks and is home to Nelson’s Column and four large lions that guard it from each corner. The square is surrounded by impressive buildings such as The National Gallery and The National Portrait Gallery, as well as several famous statues including Charles I and George IV.

12. Take a Trip to Greenwich

The borough of Greenwich is located just outside central London and offers plenty for visitors to explore. Attractions such as The Royal Observatory and The Cutty Sark can be found in Greenwich Park while the Old Royal Naval College and Queen’s House are popular with visitors who want to explore its maritime history.

13. Visit Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is one of London’s most popular attractions and is home to thousands of plants from all over the world across 300 acres of landscaped gardens. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll around its grounds or join in on one of its many events such as outdoor concerts or film screenings throughout the year.

14. Shop at Oxford Street

Europe’s busiest shopping street located in central London, Oxford Street is home to over 300 shops spanning one-and-a-half miles from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road. Visitors can browse its many high street stores, independent boutiques, department stores, and markets or join in on one of its regular events such as pop-up shops or fashion shows throughout the year.

15. Take a Tour of Big Ben

Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and has been a symbol of Britain since it was completed in 1859. Visitors can take a tour up its clock tower to admire its architecture up close or watch its famous chimes ring out every hour on the hour from outside its walls.

16. Explore Shoreditch

Located in east London, Shoreditch is home to trendy bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques, and markets that attract visitors from all over the world each year. Its cobbled streets are lined with street art that changes regularly to reflect current trends while its nightlife scene has made it one of London’s most popular areas among younger visitors.

17. Visit Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum located on Marylebone Road in central London that features lifelike wax figures of famous celebrities from around the world including actors, musicians politicians, sports stars and more. Visitors can wander through its many galleries or take part in interactive experiences such as having dinner with Harry Potter or taking a selfie with Beyonce!

18 Attend an Event at The O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is one of Europe’s largest indoor venues located in Greenwich Peninsula in east London that hosts a wide range of events throughout the year including concerts, sports games and comedy shows as well as exhibitions such as Disney On Ice or Star Wars Identities: The Exhibition designed for younger visitors who want to explore their favourite films up close.

19 Take a Tour on The London Eye

The London Eye is an iconic Ferris wheel located on the South Bank overlooking the River Thames that affords visitors incredible views over the city from its pods 135 metres above ground level. The London Eye also offers several tours such as those exploring its history or offering an early morning champagne experience for those looking for something special!

20 See a Show at The West End

The West End is London’s theatre district located in Soho that hosts some of world’s best shows such as Disney’s The Lion King or Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom Of The Opera, making it an essential stop for theatre buffs visiting London for the first time!

Two Popular Tours Related To London

London Sightseeing Tour – Explore London’s Iconic Sights By Bus

A great way to get an overview of all that London has to offer is by taking a sightseeing tour by bus! This popular tour lasts just over 3 hours and takes visitors past some of London’s most iconic sights such as Big Ben and Buckingham Palace as well as some lesser known gems such as Covent Garden and St Paul’s Cathedral—all narrated by expert guides providing plenty of interesting facts along the way! Tickets for this tour can be booked here.

London River Cruise – An Unforgettable Journey Along The Thames

A great way to explore London’s many riverside attractions is by taking a river cruise along The Thames! This popular cruise departs from Westminster Pier and takes passengers on a 40-minute journey past sights such as The Houses Of Parliament And Big Ben before finishing up at Tower Bridge where passengers are met by guides who provide interesting facts about each attraction along the way! Tickets for this tour can be booked here.