30 Things to do in London
Discover 30 top things to do in London, from Big Ben and the Tower of London to museums, markets, West End shows and Thames cruises.
Discover the best of London, UK
London brings together centuries of history, iconic landmarks, world-class culture, shopping, dining and green spaces within one endlessly varied city. With more than 190 museums, including 11 national museums, over 200 theatres and more than 800 art galleries, there is always something new to discover. You could spend the morning touring the Tower of London, cross the Thames for lunch at Borough Market, explore a major museum or gallery in the afternoon and finish your day with a West End show or skyline views after dark.
The capital is also easy to explore by neighbourhood. Westminster and the City of London are packed with historic landmarks, South Kensington is ideal for museums, Covent Garden and Soho combine dining with theatre, while areas such as Notting Hill, Camden and Greenwich reveal very different sides of London.
Our stylish London vacation rentals include modern apartments, elegant townhouses and spacious family homes in sought-after neighbourhoods such as Kensington, Knightsbridge, Chelsea, Wimbledon, Vauxhall, Barbican, Primrose Hill, Fulham, Greenwich and Kew. With private kitchens, generous living areas and optional outdoor space, couples, families and larger groups can unwind in year-round home comfort, whilst experiencing the capital to its fullest.
Iconic & Historic Things to Do in London
1. Explore the Tower of London
Location / Neighborhood: Tower Hill / City of London. Best For: Families, history lovers, royal history. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: ££; admission required.
Step inside nearly 1,000 years of history at the Tower of London, one of the capital’s most important historic landmarks. Explore the White Tower, medieval battlements, Traitors’ Gate and Tower Green while hearing stories of monarchs, prisoners and political intrigue.
A major highlight is the Crown Jewels, which include some of the most important objects associated with the British monarchy. The resident Yeoman Warders also help bring the fortress’s long and often dramatic history to life. Insider tip: arrive close to opening time and head to the Crown Jewels first before queues build later in the morning.
2. Visit Westminster Abbey
Location / Neighborhood: Westminster. Best For: History, architecture, royal heritage. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: ££; admission applies.
Walk through more than 1,000 years of British history inside Westminster Abbey, the setting for royal coronations since 1066 and the resting place of monarchs, writers, scientists and national figures.
Highlights include the Coronation Chair, Poets’ Corner, the Lady Chapel and memorials connected with figures such as Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. The Abbey remains an active place of worship as well as a major visitor attraction. Insider tip: visit earlier in the morning during busy months and book ahead, as walk-up entry can become restricted at peak periods.
3. See Buckingham Palace and Changing the Guard
Location / Neighborhood: Westminster / St James’s. Best For: First-time visitors, families, royal history. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free outside; State Rooms £££.
See the official London residence of the monarch at Buckingham Palace, where visitors gather around the palace gates and Victoria Memorial throughout the year. On scheduled days, you can also watch Changing the Guard, one of London’s best-known ceremonial traditions.
During selected summer dates, the palace’s State Rooms open to visitors, offering a rare opportunity to see grand ceremonial interiors and artworks from the Royal Collection. Insider tip: check the official guard schedule before travelling, as ceremonies do not take place every day and can change because of weather or official events.
4. See Big Ben and tour the Houses of Parliament
Location / Neighborhood: Westminster. Best For: History, architecture, politics. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2.5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to view outside; tours ££–£££.
See one of London’s defining landmarks beside the Thames at the Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament and the famous Elizabeth Tower. The bell inside the tower is officially called Big Ben, although the name is commonly used for the entire clock tower.
Guided and self-guided Parliament tours take visitors through historic interiors, while official Big Ben tours climb 334 steps inside the Elizabeth Tower to the clock mechanism and belfry. Insider tip: Big Ben tour tickets are limited and released in advance, so book early if climbing the tower is a priority.
5. Walk across Tower Bridge
Location / Neighborhood: Tower Hill / Southwark. Best For: Families, first-time visitors, skyline views. Estimated Time Needed: 1–1.5 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to cross; exhibition ££.
Walk across Tower Bridge for one of London’s most recognisable river views, or head inside to explore the Victorian landmark in more detail. Tickets include access to the North and South Towers, high-level walkways and the original Engine Rooms.
The highlight for many visitors is the glass floor, where you can look straight down at traffic and boats moving beneath the bridge. Insider tip: check the published bridge-lift schedule before your visit and time your walk to watch the roadway open for passing ships.
6. Explore St Paul’s Cathedral
Location / Neighborhood: City of London. Best For: Architecture, history, couples, views. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: ££.
Step beneath the vast dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, one of Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpieces and a defining feature of London’s skyline. Explore the cathedral floor and crypt before climbing higher into the dome galleries for increasingly dramatic city views.
The cathedral has hosted major national events including royal weddings, jubilees and state funerals, while its crypt contains memorials and tombs associated with figures such as Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. Insider tip: wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb to the highest galleries, as the ascent involves hundreds of steps.
7. Ride the London Eye
Location / Neighborhood: South Bank. Best For: Families, couples, first-time visitors, photography. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1.5 hours including queues. Cost / Entry: £££.
See London from above during a rotation on the London Eye, the giant observation wheel overlooking the River Thames. Glass capsules rise to around 135 metres, revealing views across Westminster, St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Buckingham Palace and many other landmarks on clear days.
The ride itself lasts around 30 minutes, making it easy to combine with other South Bank attractions. Insider tip: book a late-afternoon or sunset time slot if you want to see London transition from daylight into illuminated evening views.
8. Cruise along the River Thames
Location / Neighborhood: Central London / River Thames. Best For: Families, couples, first-time visitors, sightseeing. Estimated Time Needed: 1–3 hours. Cost / Entry: ££–£££.
See many of London’s major landmarks without navigating busy streets on a Thames sightseeing cruise. Boats pass attractions including the Houses of Parliament, London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tate Modern, Tower of London and Tower Bridge.
Choose a simple sightseeing service, hop-on hop-off boat or longer lunch, afternoon tea and dinner cruise depending on how much time you want to spend on the water. Insider tip: A river journey between Westminster and Greenwich is particularly useful because it doubles as transport while giving you excellent city views.
Museums, Galleries & Cultural Things to Do in London
9. Explore the British Museum
Location / Neighborhood: Bloomsbury. Best For: Families, history, archaeology, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free; special exhibitions extra.
Travel through thousands of years of world history at the British Museum, where enormous collections cover ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome, Mesopotamia, Asia and many other cultures.
Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and galleries devoted to ancient civilisations, but the sheer scale of the museum means you’ll enjoy it more if you focus on a few sections rather than trying to see everything. Insider tip: book a free timed entry where available and choose your priority galleries before arriving, particularly during weekends and school holidays.
10. Visit the Natural History Museum
Location / Neighborhood: South Kensington. Best For: Families, children, science, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 3–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free; exhibitions may charge.
Explore dinosaurs, volcanoes, wildlife and the history of planet Earth inside the spectacular Natural History Museum. The museum’s collection contains tens of millions of objects, with galleries covering subjects from prehistoric life and geology to mammals and biodiversity.
The building itself is also a highlight, particularly Hintze Hall with its soaring Romanesque architecture. Insider tip: General admission is free, but booking a free entry ticket helps guarantee access during busy weekends and school holidays.
11. See masterpieces at the National Gallery
Location / Neighborhood: Trafalgar Square. Best For: Art lovers, couples, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free; temporary exhibitions extra.
Spend a few hours among masterpieces at the National Gallery, overlooking Trafalgar Square. More than 1,000 paintings are displayed across the collection, with artists including Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh, Monet, Turner and Velázquez.
Because general admission is free, you can visit for a focused hour or spend much longer exploring the different schools and periods of European painting. Insider tip: book a free fast-track ticket before visiting and combine the gallery with Covent Garden or Westminster, both within walking distance.
12. Explore Tate Modern
Location / Neighborhood: Bankside / South Bank. Best For: Contemporary art, couples, families, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free; special exhibitions extra.
Discover modern and contemporary art inside Tate Modern, housed within the former Bankside Power Station beside the Thames. Galleries feature internationally known artists and movements, while the vast Turbine Hall regularly hosts ambitious installations.
Its location makes Tate Modern easy to combine with Shakespeare’s Globe, Borough Market or a walk across Millennium Bridge towards St Paul’s Cathedral. Insider tip: allow extra time for the riverside setting rather than rushing straight back to the Tube, as this section of the South Bank is one of London’s best walking areas.
13. Visit the Churchill War Rooms
Location / Neighborhood: Westminster. Best For: History lovers, older families, World War II history. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: £££.
Go underground beneath Westminster at the Churchill War Rooms, where Britain’s wartime government operated during the Second World War. Explore preserved Cabinet rooms, map rooms and underground offices before continuing into the museum dedicated to Winston Churchill’s life and political career.
The atmospheric interiors make the history feel unusually immediate, with many spaces appearing much as they did during wartime. Insider tip: book timed admission in advance and allow longer than you expect — there is considerably more to explore than the initial bunker rooms suggest.
14. See a West End show
Location / Neighborhood: West End / Soho / Covent Garden. Best For: Couples, families, theatre lovers, evening entertainment. Estimated Time Needed: 2.5–3 hours. Cost / Entry: ££–£££.
No London trip feels complete without an evening in the West End, where historic theatres host world-famous musicals, dramas, comedies and new productions throughout the year.
Long-running favourites sit alongside limited-run shows and major new openings, giving both first-time visitors and regular theatre-goers plenty of choice. Covent Garden and Soho are also packed with restaurants for pre-theatre dining. Insider tip: book must-see productions well ahead, but check same-day ticket booths and official theatre offers if you are flexible about which show you see.
15. Tour Shakespeare’s Globe
Location / Neighborhood: Bankside. Best For: Literature, theatre, families, history. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: ££.
Discover the world of Shakespeare beside the Thames at Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction inspired by the Elizabethan playhouse associated with Shakespeare’s company.
Guided tours explain the theatre’s design, performance traditions and the history of entertainment in Shakespearean London. During the performance season, you can also see plays in the open-air auditorium and experience the venue as a working theatre. Insider tip: standing tickets can offer a particularly atmospheric performance experience, but prepare for the weather because the central yard is uncovered.
Markets, Food & Neighbourhood Things to Do in London
16. Eat your way around Borough Market
Location / Neighborhood: London Bridge / Southwark. Best For: Food lovers, couples, families. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to enter; food extra.
Arrive hungry at Borough Market, where traders sell everything from British cheeses and baked goods to international street food, fresh produce and specialty ingredients.
The market’s location beneath railway arches near London Bridge makes it easy to combine with Tower Bridge, Tate Modern or Shakespeare’s Globe. Insider tip: visit during the morning or early lunch period on a weekday if possible, as the narrow market lanes can become extremely busy during weekends.
17. Explore Covent Garden
Location / Neighborhood: Covent Garden / West End. Best For: Couples, families, shopping, dining. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Wander around Covent Garden, where the historic market building is surrounded by boutiques, theatres, restaurants and pedestrian streets. Street performers animate the piazza while the Apple Market sells crafts, antiques and gifts on different days.
The neighbourhood’s central position makes it easy to continue towards Leicester Square, Soho, Trafalgar Square or the West End theatres. Insider tip: explore the side streets around Seven Dials as well as the main piazza for smaller shops, cafés and a slightly quieter atmosphere.
18. Browse Camden Market
Location / Neighborhood: Camden Town. Best For: Teenagers, groups, street food, alternative culture. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
See one of London’s most eclectic neighbourhoods around Camden Market, where former industrial buildings and canal-side spaces are filled with food stalls, independent shops, vintage clothing and alternative fashion.
The nearby Regent’s Canal adds a more relaxed side to the visit and connects Camden with Regent’s Park and Little Venice. Insider tip: start at the market before lunchtime, then take a canal walk afterwards when the busiest shopping areas become more crowded.
19. Explore Notting Hill and Portobello Road
Location / Neighborhood: Notting Hill. Best For: Couples, shopping, photography, markets. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore.
Walk through the colourful streets of Notting Hill, one of west London’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Pastel-painted houses, garden squares, independent cafés and boutiques surround Portobello Road, home to one of London’s best-known markets.
Different market sections focus on antiques, food, fashion and second-hand goods depending on the day. Insider tip: Saturday offers the fullest market experience but also the biggest crowds, so visit on a weekday if colourful streets and relaxed browsing matter more than seeing every stall.
20. Discover Soho and Chinatown
Location / Neighborhood: West End. Best For: Couples, groups, food, nightlife. Estimated Time Needed: 2–4 hours. Cost / Entry: Free to explore; food and entertainment extra.
Explore two of central London’s liveliest neighbourhoods around Soho and Chinatown. Soho’s narrow streets are packed with restaurants, historic pubs, music venues and independent shops, while neighbouring Chinatown offers Chinese, Malaysian, Vietnamese and other East Asian restaurants and bakeries.
Both areas are particularly lively after dark and sit within easy walking distance of West End theatres. Insider tip: explore during the late afternoon, eat before a theatre show and return later for cocktails or live music.
21. Enjoy afternoon tea
Location / Neighborhood: Across central London. Best For: Couples, families, celebrations, food lovers. Estimated Time Needed: 1.5–2 hours. Cost / Entry: ££–£££.
Make time for one of London’s most traditional dining experiences with afternoon tea. Hotels, department stores and specialist tearooms serve combinations of sandwiches, scones, pastries and tea ranging from classic presentations to creative themed menus.
Well-known hotels around Mayfair, Knightsbridge and the West End can turn afternoon tea into a special occasion, while more casual options suit families and shorter breaks. Insider tip: reserve prestigious venues well ahead and avoid booking a large dinner immediately afterwards — afternoon tea is usually more filling than it looks.
Best Things to Do in London with Kids
22. Visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Location / Neighborhood: Leavesden, near Watford. Best For: Families, teenagers, Harry Potter fans. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: £££; advance booking essential.
Step behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film series at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter. Walk through original sets including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Forbidden Forest while seeing authentic costumes, props, creature effects and filmmaking techniques.
The studio lies outside central London, so allow travel time as well as several hours for the tour itself. Insider tip: tickets must be booked in advance and popular dates can sell out far ahead, particularly during school holidays and seasonal features such as Dark Arts and Hogwarts in the Snow.
23. Spend the day at London Zoo
Location / Neighborhood: Regent’s Park. Best For: Families, younger children, wildlife. Estimated Time Needed: 3–5 hours. Cost / Entry: £££.
Spend a family day among wildlife at London Zoo, set on the northern edge of Regent’s Park. Habitats are home to animals from around the world, while conservation-focused exhibits introduce children to species, ecosystems and the work involved in protecting wildlife.
The central location means you can combine the zoo with Regent’s Park or nearby Camden if your family still has energy afterwards. Insider tip: arrive in the morning and check the day’s talks and feeding schedule before choosing your route around the zoo.
24. Explore the London Transport Museum
Location / Neighborhood: Covent Garden. Best For: Families, children, transport fans, rainy days. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: ££; children typically free with a paying adult.
Discover the story of London’s buses, Underground trains and transport network at the London Transport Museum. Historic vehicles, interactive exhibits and family play areas explain how London expanded alongside its transport system and how the famous Tube map and branding developed.
Its Covent Garden location makes the museum particularly easy to include in a broader central London sightseeing day. Insider tip: younger children can spend a surprising amount of time in the interactive transport areas, so avoid squeezing the museum into a very tight schedule.
Parks, Views & Outdoor Things to Do in London
25. Walk through Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
Location / Neighborhood: Westminster / Kensington. Best For: Families, couples, walking, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.
Escape London’s busy streets across the connected green spaces of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Walk beside the Serpentine, visit memorials and fountains or simply find a quiet patch of grass between sightseeing stops.
Kensington Palace, the Albert Memorial and South Kensington museums are all nearby, making the parks easy to incorporate into a larger day in west London. Insider tip: rent a bike or allow yourself a relaxed walk from Hyde Park Corner towards Kensington rather than trying to cross the entire area in a hurry.
26. Explore Kew Gardens
Location / Neighborhood: Kew, southwest London. Best For: Families, couples, gardens, nature. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: ££.
Spend several hours at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, one of London’s most impressive green spaces and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore enormous glasshouses, landscaped gardens, woodland and collections of plants from around the world.
Highlights include the Palm House, Temperate House and seasonal displays, while exhibitions and family activities change throughout the year. Our London collection also includes stays in Kew, making the gardens particularly convenient for guests based in southwest London. Insider tip: allow at least half a day — the site is far larger than a typical city garden.
27. See London from Sky Garden
Location / Neighborhood: City of London. Best For: Couples, photographers, free activities, skyline views. Estimated Time Needed: Around 1 hour. Cost / Entry: Free with advance ticket; food and drinks extra.
Take in panoramic views from Sky Garden, a landscaped public space high above the City of London inside the distinctive Walkie Talkie building. Floor-to-ceiling windows look towards landmarks including The Shard, Tower Bridge and the Thames, while indoor planting creates a surprisingly green setting above the financial district.
Public access is free but timed tickets are limited. Insider tip: Free tickets are typically released only a few weeks ahead, so check availability as soon as your preferred visit date enters the booking window.
28. Explore Greenwich and the Royal Observatory
Location / Neighborhood: Greenwich. Best For: Families, couples, history, river trips. Estimated Time Needed: Half day to full day. Cost / Entry: Free to explore Greenwich; attractions ££.
Spend a day in Greenwich, where maritime history, parkland and river views sit around one of London’s most attractive historic districts. Visit the Royal Observatory to stand on the Prime Meridian, explore the National Maritime Museum or step aboard the Cutty Sark.
Greenwich Park also offers excellent views back towards Canary Wharf and central London. Insider tip: travel by boat from central London so the Thames journey becomes part of the experience, then return by DLR or train for a different view of the city.
29. Watch sunset from Primrose Hill
Location / Neighborhood: Primrose Hill / Regent’s Park. Best For: Couples, families, photographers, free activities. Estimated Time Needed: 1–2 hours. Cost / Entry: Free.
Walk to the summit of Primrose Hill for one of London’s best free skyline views. The grassy hill rises north of Regent’s Park and looks south towards landmarks across central London, making it particularly popular around sunset.
Afterwards, explore the neighbourhood’s cafés, restaurants and attractive residential streets. Our London holiday rental collection also includes homes around Primrose Hill, giving you the chance to stay in one of the capital’s most village-like central neighbourhoods. Insider tip: bring a light layer even during summer evenings, as the exposed hilltop can become breezy after sunset.
30. Tour Wimbledon and the Lawn Tennis Museum
Location / Neighborhood: Wimbledon. Best For: Tennis fans, families, sports history. Estimated Time Needed: 2–3 hours. Cost / Entry: ££.
Go behind the scenes of one of world sport’s most famous venues at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Guided tours reveal areas used during The Championships and explain how Wimbledon’s grass courts are maintained, while the Lawn Tennis Museum explores the history, players and traditions of the tournament.
The museum and tours operate beyond the two-week Championships, making this a worthwhile year-round experience for tennis fans staying in London. Our London holiday rentals also include homes in Wimbledon. Insider tip: tour access can change around The Championships and other events, so check availability before travelling.
Seasonal Events in London
London Marathon
Usually held in April, the London Marathon brings elite athletes and tens of thousands of runners through the capital on a route passing landmarks such as Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace. Spectators line the streets throughout the day, creating one of London’s biggest sporting atmospheres. Insider tip: expect major road closures and very busy public transport around the route.
RHS Chelsea Flower Show
Held in May, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show transforms the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea with show gardens, innovative planting and displays from leading designers and growers. Tickets are highly sought after and often sell well in advance. Insider tip: book as soon as tickets become available if this is one of the main reasons for your London trip.
Trooping the Colour
Usually held in June, Trooping the Colour marks the monarch’s official birthday with a large military parade around Horse Guards Parade, The Mall and Buckingham Palace. Even without grandstand tickets, visitors gather around the ceremonial route to experience the atmosphere. Insider tip: arrive very early for public viewing areas and expect extensive security and road closures.
Wimbledon Championships
Taking place across late June and July, The Championships, Wimbledon bring the world’s best tennis players to southwest London. Centre Court and No.1 Court tickets are highly prized, while the famous Queue offers another route to selected same-day tickets. Insider tip: If attending the tennis isn’t essential, visit Wimbledon outside tournament dates for a calmer behind-the-scenes tour.
Notting Hill Carnival
Held over the August bank holiday weekend, Notting Hill Carnival fills west London with Caribbean music, costumes, dancing, sound systems and food. It is one of Europe’s largest street festivals and completely changes the atmosphere of Notting Hill for the weekend. Insider tip: plan your transport in advance because some local Tube stations operate differently or close temporarily because of crowds.
Christmas in London
From November through December London is transformed by Christmas lights, festive markets, seasonal theatre, decorated shopping streets and winter attractions. Highlights range from the lights of Regent Street and Covent Garden to Christmas at Kew and festive performances across the West End. Insider tip: book major festive attractions and popular restaurants early, particularly for weekends in December.
Where to Stay in London
Choose Kensington, Knightsbridge or Chelsea if museums, shopping, restaurants and major central London landmarks are priorities. These elegant west London neighbourhoods offer convenient access to South Kensington’s museums, Hyde Park and the West End.
Stay around Barbican or Vauxhall for easy access to the City, South Bank and central transport connections, while Primrose Hill offers a quieter, more residential atmosphere close to Regent’s Park and Camden.
For families or longer stays, Wimbledon, Kew and Fulham provide more space and greener surroundings while remaining well connected to central London. Greenwich is another appealing option if riverside walks, maritime attractions and a more relaxed neighbourhood feel suit your trip.
Our London holiday rentals range from compact short-term rental apartments for couples to large group accommodation in the form of elegant townhouses and substantial family homes. Private kitchens, living rooms and selected outdoor spaces make them particularly useful for families, multigenerational groups and longer London stays.
Plan your London Trip
Where to Stay in London
