London is a city you never quite finish. Royal palaces sit a short walk from cutting-edge galleries, Victorian markets share streets with Michelin-starred kitchens, and some of the world’s greatest museums open their doors to everyone. Planning the things to do in London can feel overwhelming, because there is simply so much: two thousand years of history, a world-class theatre scene and dozens of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own character.
This evergreen guide gathers the best things to do in London for first-time visitors and returning fans alike. We cover the neighbourhoods worth exploring, the essential museums, the markets, afternoon tea, shopping streets, green spaces, easy day trips and practical tips for getting around. Opening times and ticket details change often, so always check official websites before you go.
Things to Do in London at a Glance
- For history: the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral
- For art and culture: the British Museum, National Gallery, V&A and Tate Modern
- For food: Borough Market and a classic afternoon tea
- For shopping: Regent Street, Carnaby Street, Bond Street and Covent Garden
- For green space: Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, Hampstead Heath and Kew Gardens
- For a day out: Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge or Brighton
Iconic Landmarks You Should Not Miss
Any list of things to do in London starts with the landmarks that have shaped the city for centuries.
The Tower of London and Tower Bridge
Founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century, the Tower of London has served as a royal palace, fortress and prison, and it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Inside you can see the Crown Jewels and join a tour led by the Yeoman Warders, often called Beefeaters. Next door, the Victorian Tower Bridge is one of the most photographed sights in the city, and its high-level walkways offer views up and down the Thames.
Westminster and Buckingham Palace
Walk from Westminster Abbey, where coronations have taken place for centuries, past the Houses of Parliament and the Elizabeth Tower, home of the Great Bell known as Big Ben. From there, St James’s Park leads to Buckingham Palace. The Changing the Guard ceremony is one of the most popular things to do in London, so check the schedule and arrive early for a good view.
St Paul’s Cathedral and the South Bank
Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece, St Paul’s Cathedral, dominates the City of London skyline. Cross the Millennium Bridge to the South Bank, where a riverside walk links Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, the Southbank Centre and the London Eye. Walking this stretch is one of the simplest and most rewarding things to do in London, especially at sunset.
The Best Museums and Galleries in London
London’s national museums are among its greatest treasures, and general admission to their permanent collections is free, which makes them some of the best things to do in London on any budget. Special exhibitions are usually ticketed.
The British Museum
In Bloomsbury, the British Museum covers two million years of human history. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian mummies and the Parthenon sculptures. It is vast, so choose a few galleries rather than trying to see everything.
The National Gallery
Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery holds one of the world’s great collections of European paintings, with works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Turner and Van Gogh, including one of his famous Sunflowers paintings.
The V&A
The Victoria and Albert Museum in South Kensington is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. Fashion lovers should head for the fashion galleries, while the jewellery rooms, cast courts and the garden courtyard are all memorable. The nearby Natural History Museum and Science Museum make South Kensington a perfect museum day.
Tate Modern and Tate Britain
Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern showcases international modern and contemporary art, and its huge Turbine Hall hosts ambitious commissions. Tate Britain, on Millbank, focuses on British art from the 1500s to today, with an outstanding collection of works by J.M.W. Turner.
Neighbourhoods Worth Exploring
Covent Garden and Soho
Exploring Covent Garden is one of the liveliest things to do in London. The piazza is famous for street performers, boutiques and the Royal Opera House. Neighbouring Soho is packed with restaurants, bars and independent shops, and it sits right beside the West End theatres, so it is ideal for dinner before a show.
Notting Hill
Pastel houses, mews streets and Portobello Road Market give Notting Hill its postcard charm. Saturday is the busiest market day, when antiques stalls line the upper end of the road.
Shoreditch and Spitalfields
East London is the creative side of the city, with street art, vintage shops and the historic Old Spitalfields Market. Nearby Brick Lane is known for its curry houses and Sunday market.
Greenwich
Take a boat down the Thames to maritime Greenwich, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Cutty Sark, the National Maritime Museum and the Royal Observatory, where you can stand on the prime meridian.
Markets, Food and Afternoon Tea
Eating your way around the city is one of the most delicious things to do in London. Borough Market, near London Bridge, is one of the oldest food markets in the city and a paradise for cheese, bread and street food. Columbia Road Flower Market fills an East London street with blooms on Sundays, and Camden Market mixes global street food with alternative fashion.
No visit is complete without afternoon tea, a tradition often credited to Anna, Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s. Expect finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries. Grand hotels such as The Ritz, The Savoy and Claridge’s are classic choices, while Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly adds the history of a famous tea merchant. Book well ahead for the most popular venues.
Shopping in London
Shopping is high on the list of things to do in London for many visitors. For big names, head to Oxford Street and Regent Street, home to Liberty’s mock-Tudor building and the toy shop Hamleys. Bond Street is the address for luxury fashion and jewellery, while Carnaby Street mixes independent labels with youthful brands. In Knightsbridge, Harrods is a destination in its own right, and Selfridges on Oxford Street is famous for its window displays. For something more relaxed, browse the bookshops of Marylebone High Street or the boutiques of the King’s Road in Chelsea.
Parks and Green Spaces
London is one of the greenest major cities in Europe. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens offer boating on the Serpentine and the Diana Memorial Fountain. Regent’s Park is home to Queen Mary’s Gardens and its famous roses, while Primrose Hill next door has a celebrated view of the skyline. Climb Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath for another panorama, look for deer in Richmond Park, or spend a day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular glasshouses. Picnics in the park are among the easiest things to do in London on a sunny day.
Theatre and Evenings Out
Seeing a show is one of the classic things to do in London after dark. The West End is one of the world’s great theatre districts, with long-running musicals and new plays every season. Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse, stages performances in the open air during the warmer months. Evenings can also mean a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, comedy in Soho or a riverside drink on the South Bank.
Easy Day Trips From London
Some of the best things to do in London are actually just outside it. Fast trains make these classic day trips simple:
- Windsor: Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world.
- Oxford: Wander historic college quadrangles and the Bodleian Library.
- Cambridge: Go punting on the River Cam and visit King’s College Chapel.
- Bath: See the Roman Baths and Georgian architecture.
- Brighton: Enjoy the seaside, the pier and the Royal Pavilion.
- Stonehenge: Visit the prehistoric monument on Salisbury Plain, often combined with Bath on a tour.
Getting Around London
The Underground and Elizabeth Line
The Tube is the fastest way to cross the city, and the Elizabeth line links Heathrow, central London and the east. You can tap in and out with a contactless bank card or phone, or use an Oyster card. Remember to stand on the right on escalators.
Buses, Boats and Bikes
Red double-decker buses are a sightseeing tour in themselves; sit upstairs at the front for the best view. River boats run along the Thames between Westminster and Greenwich, and bike hire docking stations are found all over central London.
Walking
Many central sights are closer than the Tube map suggests. Walking between neighbourhoods is one of the most enjoyable things to do in London, and you will discover hidden squares, blue plaques and quiet churches along the way.
Plan With a Trusted Guidebook
If you like to plan with a printed guide, Rick Steves London offers self-guided walks, museum tours and practical advice from the long-running travel series.
Rick Steves London (Rick Steves Travel Guide)
- By Rick Steves and Gene Openshaw
- Self-guided walks and museum tours
- Practical planning advice
Tips for Visiting London
- Book popular sights ahead. Timed entry is common for top attractions and exhibitions.
- Pack layers and an umbrella. London weather can change quickly in every season.
- Group sights by area. Plan each day around one or two neighbourhoods to save travel time.
- Check the official tourism site. Visit London lists events, attractions and up-to-date visitor information.
- Leave room for wandering. Some of the best things to do in London are the unplanned ones.
Things to Do in London FAQ
How many days do you need in London?
Three to four days lets you see the major landmarks and a few museums. A week allows time for neighbourhoods, markets and a day trip.
What are the best free things to do in London?
Visiting the national museums’ permanent collections, walking the South Bank, watching the Changing the Guard and relaxing in the Royal Parks are all popular free things to do in London.
When is the best time to visit London?
Late spring and early autumn often bring pleasant weather and slightly smaller crowds, while December is magical for festive lights and markets.
Is London easy to get around without a car?
Yes. Public transport is extensive, and driving in central London is generally not recommended for visitors.
Final Thoughts
From the Crown Jewels to a cream tea, there are endless things to do in London, and every visit reveals something new. Choose a handful of must-sees, leave space to explore a neighbourhood slowly, and you will soon understand why so many travellers return again and again.
Planning a bigger European trip? Read our Paris travel guide for your next stop, and pack smart with our edit of the best travel accessories for women.
