15 Best Things to do in London, England
Discover the 15 best things to do in London, England for the ultimate English holiday.
London is a truly magical city. With its endless neighborhoods, unique history, iconic attractions, and vibrant atmosphere, London is the place for everyone. Here you can find world-famous museums, enchanting theme parks, cozy pubs, thriving nightlife, huge green spaces, and much more.
With so many amazing things to do and see it can be difficult to fit it all in. Especially since London is HUGE! Getting from place to place takes quite some time so be sure to factor that into your planning.
Below are the 15 best things to do in London for the perfect trip to the UK’s most inviting city.
(Disclaimer: Some links in this post may be affiliate links, meaning if you click on the link and make a purchase, I receive a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and you may even receive a small discount. See disclosure for more information.)
In This Post
15 Best Things to do in London, England
Admire Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is London’s most famous and historic church that has served as the main site for royal coronations, weddings, and burials since 1066. It is most famous for being the place where Prince William and Cate Middleton got married in 2011.
You can also find poets’ corners where famous writers are buried like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and others. Visiting Westminster Abbey is one of the top things to do in London for culture and history lovers!
Visitors can take guided tours of Westminster Abbey Monday – Friday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm from Monday to Friday, and on Saturday and Sunday from 9a m to 3.30 pm on Saturday.
Prices are 27 for adult tickets. On Sunday, the church is not open for tours but is open for worship only, however, you enter for free. For more information visit Westminster Abbeys website!
View Big Ben
Big Ben is one of London’s most iconic landmarks and viewing it is one of the top things to do in London. This huge clock tower is famous for its four clock faces and a huge bell weighing 13,760 kg.
It is just a short distance from Westminster Abbey and can be found at the north end of The Houses of Parliament in Central London, along the river Thames.
Its perfect location makes it a must-visit to see and admire some of London’s most famous places. The best way to see big ben is with a tour, below are some great options!
Explore Camden Town
Camden Town is a trendy and alternative place in London well worth a visit. It is famous for its markets, shops, bars, and restaurants that sell weird and interesting things.
Camden is a very vibrant and artsy area quite different from Central London making it the perfect place to head to for something different. Head here for unique eats, nightclubs, and shopping, and enjoy one of the best things to do in London.
Roam Around Chinatown
Visiting Chinatown is one of the best things to do in London that should be a necessity on all travel itineraries. It has a totally buzzing and vibrant atmosphere that stays year-round and feels really unique from the rest of London.
It is great to just walk around and admire the architecture and decor. It is a bustling area that isn’t for everyone, so if you know you don’t like busy streets and lots going on, best to ski it.
While here it is great to delve into some of the different restaurants. Find here fish donuts with custard, sushi, and much more! It is the perfect place to satisfy any Asian food cravings in some of the best restraints for this cuisine in London.
Walk Around Soho
Soho is another amazing neighborhood in London and visiting here is one of the top things to do in London. Evidently, one of the best activities in London is simply wandering around the best neighbors which is great because it is 100% free!
While Soho is a young and energetic neighborhood with a wide variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. It is one of the best places to get brunch in London – I went to Bill’s Soho Restaurant and it was the perfect brunch place.
Delve into the Wizarding World
Harry Potter fans this is for you! I LOVE Harry Potter and playing pretend in London and feeling like a wizard is super easy.
There are various Harry Potter-themed attractions all around the city as well as Warner Bros Studio which is home to the spectacular Harry Potter World. Going to Harry Potter world is a must at least once in your life to immerse yourself in the fictional world and feel like a kid for a day.
If you don’t want to go to Harry Potter world you can also enjoy Harry Potter experiences in London. Such as going to Kings Cross Station and seeing Platform 9 3/4 and other famous filming spots. The best way to do this is with a Harry Potter walking tour, see the options below!
Walk Across Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is the most famous bridge in London that many people confuse with London Bridge. This ornate stone bridge is a symbol of the city and walking over this impressive structure is one of the top things to do in London. Be sure to enter Tower Bridge into your maps to ensure you end up here and not the wrong one!
Watch the Guard Change at Buckingham Palace
The changing of The King’s Guard is a quintessential London experience and one of the top things to do in London. Head to Buckingham Palace to see British Soldiers march from St James Palace and Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace.
It is best to plan your day around the guard change as it doesn’t happen all day every day. To see the change of guard here is the current schedule but it is best to check online before to ensure there are no changes or disruptions!
This area is one of the best places to stay in London for first time visitors.
- August to May: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays
- June and July: Daily.
- Time: 10:45 AM and lasts 45 minutes
Be sure to arrive early to get a good view!
Stroll Around Hyde Park
One of the best things to do in London to escape the busy, bustling streets is to head to Hyde Park. This beautiful park is one of London’s eight Royal Parks and the perfect place to spend an afternoon walking around or enjoying a picnic. Find here beautiful gardens, sports facilities, historic places and more!
Have a Meal in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a world-class shopping and entertainment hub in London. This elegant area is home to a car-free Piazza, craft stalls, the Royal Opera House, and more.
It is the perfect place to head to for an afternoon of exploring one of London’s best neighborhoods. Covent Garden is also home to some of the city’s best and most upscale restaurants. Here you can find cuisines of all kinds that draw crowds from around the world.
Go on A River Cruise
Cruising the River Thames is one of the best ways to see London. These sightseeing cruises have a variety of different experiences – from lunch to drinks, to just sightseeing and more. You can pick for yourself from all the different offerings which are best for you. Below are some great tour options!
Visit Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antique market and visiting it is one of the best things to do in London. It has over 1,000 dealers where you can find exclusive vintage goods, street food, souvenirs, and much more. It is open Monday – Saturday from around 8:30 am to 6 pm – however, times vary depending on the season.
Go Shopping on Oxford Street
Oxford Street is London’s most famous shopping street where you can find all the high street names and many others. However, it’s not just a place for shopping but also for admiring some of London’s best and most beautiful sights.
The architecture is stunning and elegant, there are iconic red double-decker busses everywhere, and the street is always bustling. Visiting here is one of the best things to do in London for the ultimate experience.
Take a Ride on the London Eye
Taking a ride on the London Eye is one of the most “London” things you can do. This huge observation wheel sits along the bank of the River Thames and offers beautiful 360-degree views of London.
As Europe’s tallest observation wheel, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the UK and welcomes over 3 million people each year!
Walk Across Abbey Road
If you are a fan of the Beatles and want to enjoy this part of London’s culture, then off to Abbey Road you go. This is a road in North West London that is home to the famous Beatles zebra crossing! It is a popular place for tourists to visit and take a photo crossing the road – and of course, the second last person must do it barefoot!
Where to Stay in London
Booking.comTravel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
Like this post? Pin “15 Best Things to do in London” for later!
Love,
SSW
