I head into London almost every week. Sometimes it’s for my daughter’s activities and sometimes it’s for a day out at a museum or just walking around my favorite city in the world.
Over the past few years, I’ve been to pretty much all of London’s tourist attractions either on my own or with visiting friends. This guide to tourist things to do in London is based on the attractions that are always favorites for me and my visiting family and friends.
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Know Before You Go: London
🛎️ Top Hotel Pick: For a central, walkable base, I recommend the Radisson Blu Mercer Street. It’s right between Covent Garden and Soho, with excellent Tube access and easy walks to major sights.
🚶♀️Best London Walking Tour: London is full of stories. One of my favorite ways to experience the city in-depth is by joining an expert guided walking tour. Try the Secrets of Old London tour for an entertaining look at London’s medieval and Tudor past.
🎭 West End theatre tickets: I find the best prices and show availability with London Theatre Direct.
📱 Phone data: Check maps, send messages and utilize your phone apps without surprise charges with an Airalo e-sim.
Top Tourist Things To Do In London
London’s most popular sights are popular for a reason, but you’ll likely need to pare down your to-do list to fit the time you have to explore. These are the places I consistently return to with visiting friends and family, along with my thoughts on who tends to enjoy them most.
1. Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic fortress that has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury for nearly 1,000 years. Most visitors come to see the Crown Jewels, which are genuinely impressive, and meet the famous Yeoman Warders (aka Beefeaters).
It’s the one attraction I always make sure friends and family see. I’ve never brought anyone here who didn’t think it was well worth their time after visiting. Beyond the highlights, I find the carved graffiti left behind by former prisoners especially moving. I also always make time to see the Tower’s famous ravens.
Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the Tower. There is more here than you might imagine, but I tend to prioritize a Yeoman Warder tour, the Crown Jewels, and the White Tower. Booking ahead is often necessary to ensure you get a chance to visit.
2. Tower Bridge Exhibition
Tower Bridge is one of London’s most recognizable landmarks, and the exhibition allows you to explore the mechanics inside the bridge and walk across its high-level walkways.
From personal experience, this visit is fun but can be intimidating. My daughter finds the glass floors in the top walkways absolutely terrifying, so keep this in mind if anyone in your group is afraid of heights. It does make for pretty cool photos standing on the glass if you visit with someone who isn’t too scared to take your picture.
Travel Tip: If you want to get excellent photos of the bridge without going inside, stop in nearby Potters Fields just south of the river for the perfect angle.
3. St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic domed church and a defining feature of London’s skyline. It’s a popular place to visit for the architecture and the views from the dome. It often hosts services attended by members of the royal family for major Christian holidays and was the wedding location for Prince Charles and Princess Diana.
If you’re deciding between St. Paul’s and Westminster Abbey, I usually recommend Westminster Abbey first. If you aren’t interested in church history and architecture, I think Westminster Abbey has more to offer.
That said, the architecture inside St. Paul’s is incredible and the cathedral has some unique features. For instance, climb up to the Whispering Gallery and you can speak to a friend standing at the opposite side of the dome. You can also climb (a lot of stairs) to the Golden Gallery balcony at the top of the dome for fantastic views around the city.
4. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben form one of London’s most photographed views. Most visitors stop here to admire the architecture and take photos.
You can get great photos from the green space across from Parliament. You’ll likely see a queue of people waiting by the red phone box diagonal from Big Ben. This is worth it if you’re dying for that shot of you with a phone box, Big Ben, and the London Eye in one photo. I usually take friends across Westminster Bridge to take pictures from the south side of the river. From here, the view back toward Parliament is wide and uncluttered.
It is possible to book a tour inside of Parliament, which is fascinating for history and politics buffs. However, it does take advance planning as tour times are limited and I don’t think it’s the best choice for most visitors’ time.
Travel Tip: One of my favorite “secret spots” in London is the park just down river from Parliament. Walk down the road in front of Parliament and you will reach Victoria Tower Gardens. This spot is an oasis of calm even in the height of tourist season and has lovely views over the Thames.
5. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is one of the most important religious buildings in the UK and the site of coronations, royal weddings, and burials. It’s absolutely gorgeous from the outside, and also a fascinating place to tour. Many famous figures have been laid to rest here, from Elizabeth I to Stephen Hawking. The audio guide included in your tour entry is very well done.
When you’re inside, don’t miss a stop in the Chapter House. It sits slightly apart from the main space and is easy to pass by after you exit the main building, but it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the abbey.
6. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the monarch and a major stop for first-time visitors. Most people come to see the exterior and the Changing of the Guard.
I tend to treat the palace as a walk-by attraction. It is very fun to see, but I personally don’t think it’s worth your time to brave the Changing of the Guard crowds unless you are really fixed on the idea. What I would do instead is head to the Horse Guards Parade for their similar ceremony. It’s less busy and you get horses in the mix.
During limited months in the summer, you can tour inside Buckingham Palace. You’ll need to book well in advance as it always sells out. Keep in mind that only a small portion of the palace is open to see on the tour.
However you visit Buckingham Palace, I recommend spending some time wandering the adjacent St. James’ Park. This park is lovely and brimming with birds of all types. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the resident pelicans.
7. British Museum
The British Museum is one of the world’s most famous museums, known for its vast collection spanning thousands of years. You might also call it infamous, given that much of its collection was acquired during Britain’s imperial age.
However you feel about the museum, there is no denying that there is a lot worth seeing here. In fact, with so much to see it’s easy to burn out. I suggest choosing a few sections that interest you the most. The Rosetta Stone and the Egyptian galleries are popular choices.
If you aren’t sure what you’d like to see, stop by one of the visitor desks in the entry hall for help deciding. The staff that work here are super helpful and can point you toward the bits that will resonate with you most.
You can spend a little or a lot of time here, depending on your stamina. Entrance is free, but you will need to book an entrance time in advance on the museum website.
Travel Tip: After your visit, take a walk toward Seven Dials and Neal’s Yard in Covent Garden. It’s not far away and makes for a perfect transition to lunch or shopping when your brain needs a break.
8. V&A Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum focuses on art, design, fashion, and decorative objects. It appeals to a wide range of interests, from architecture to pop culture. I wasn’t sure I’d like this museum when I first visited, but now it is easily my favorite in London.
It is often less crowded than some of the more popular museums and its varied collections means you can find something to suit pretty much any interest. The special exhibits here are also fantastic. I’ve seen many unique things, including Beatrix Potter original sketches, Taylor Swift tour costumes, and Cartier tiaras.
Entry to the main museum is free and there is no need to book an entrance time. Special exhibits vary in price and pre-booking is a good idea for those as they tend to fill up .
A non-museum highlight to this museum is the central courtyard. This is a gorgeous peaceful spot that is perfectly enjoyed with a coffee from the cafe stand on a sunny day.
9. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is iconic, but what sets it apart is the building itself. Walking into the main hall beneath the blue whale skeleton feels like stepping into a Victorian-era cabinet of curiosities. You’ll find plenty to keep you busy here, especially if you are traveling with children.
Because it can get very crowded, I prefer visiting late in the day when many people have begun to depart. The museum is popular with school groups so there isn’t really a low season to visit. If it feels overwhelming, it helps to know the V&A and Science Museum are next door, making it easy to change plans without adding major travel to your day.
10. Borough Market
I’ll be honest, I both love and hate Borough Market. It is the best stop for food lovers and I’ve always had something delicious when I’ve visited. On the other hand, I hear more American accents here than anywhere else in the city and the crowds at peak times can be maddening.
If you’re looking for an authentic local market experience, this isn’t the place for you. However, if you want to try some yummy stuff in a really unique spot, you should still check it out. I most often find myself ordering a traditional sausage roll from The Ginger Pig or snagging raclette over potatoes from Kappacasein Dairy.
For those who want to experience the best of the market without getting overwhelmed, joining a Borough Market food tour makes it easier to cut through the noise.
Travel Tip: For a unique side quest, duck into Southwark Cathedral next to the market. The hallway inside hosts a fascinating small exhibit of items pulled from the Thames over the years. Free to visit.
11. London Parks and Viewpoints
London’s parks offer some of the best breaks from sightseeing. A short stroll can take you from city madness into peaceful greenery. These are my favorite central London spots:
- Regent’s Park. Adjacent to Buckingham Palace and runs up to the London Zoo and Regent’s Canal.
- Hyde Park. Easy to reach after visiting Museum Row. I particularly recommend a stroll along the Serpentine.
- Primrose Hill. Just across Regent’s Canal from Regent’s Park, this slice of greenery also offers incredible views across London.
- Parliament Hill. A bit further out in Hampstead Heath, this is another brilliant viewpoint across London.
These green spaces are where London slows down, even on busy days. I try to spend time in one of these spots with all of my guests to take a break from the city.
12. Jack The Ripper Tour
Are you a fan of true crime stories? It doesn’t get any better than this one. If you’re wondering whether spending an evening listening to gruesome tales of unsolved murder is any fun, well it actually is.
Jack the Ripper tours explore East London in areas you probably wouldn’t stumble into on your own. The best tours balance storytelling with history and are informative without being boring. They aren’t for everyone, but if you’re intrigued I recommend giving it a go.
13. Traditional London Pubs
Pubs are a core part of daily life in London, not just places to drink. London locals tend to head to their neighborhood pub regularly, but visitors should try them out too.
You’ll find two of my favorite pubs on Fleet Street: Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese , which claims to be the oldest pub in London, and The Old Bank of England, based in the bank’s former law courts. My favorite unique neighborhood pub recommendation is The Prince Alfred in Maida Vale, which still has original “snob screens” separating sections of the pub.
Wherever you choose to visit, you’ll likely order and pay for drinks at the bar, with open seating or standing room to enjoy your beverage. Some pubs offer table service for meals. If you aren’t sure where to order, just ask.
Kids are generally welcome in pubs, though some restrict under-18s in the evening. You’ll find after work crowds largest on Thursday and Friday evenings, with the most popular table service on Sunday afternoons when folks stop in for a Sunday roast.
14. Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea is a fun, distinctly British experience to build into your trip. It tends to range from expensive to crazy expensive, though, so don’t force yourself into it if the idea doesn’t resonate with you.
You’ll find spots offering afternoon tea all over, from fancy hotels to restaurants. For a very traditional British tea, I particularly like taking people to Fortnum & Mason near Piccadilly Circus. This iconic department store is worth a visit in itself (I like it better than Harrod’s), and the tea room is lovely.
For a more fanciful splurge, you can’t beat the Peter Pan themed afternoon tea served with stunning views over London at Aqua Shard. If you’re traveling with kids and want to try afternoon tea with less formality, check out the dino-themed take at the Natural History Museum.
15. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theater and offers insight into what London was like during Shakespeare’s time. I love the tour here and have enjoyed it several times with visiting friends.
Seeing a play at the Globe is also incredibly fun. If you book a groundling spot in the pit (note: this means standing for the performance) it is both fun and one of the cheapest theatre tickets you can buy in London.
16. West End Theatre
London’s theater scene is one of the best in the world, and seeing a performance is always worth prioritizing. I’ve yet to see a bad production on the West End, and you can find many large-scale musicals and plays on the same level you’d expect on Broadway. London theatres are gorgeous and a perfect stop for your night out.
The biggest productions center around the Covent Garden area of London, but my favorite theatre is actually quite new. You’ll find the Bridge Theatre near the south side of Tower Bridge. The tech in this theatre is really impressive and allows for really creative performance choices. They also pull in some big names occasionally. My first visit here was to see Jonathan Bailey in Richard II.
👉 I book West End tickets at the best prices through London Theatre Direct.
Touristy Things To Skip In London
London has no shortage of attractions, but not everything is worth prioritizing, especially if your time is limited. These are a few places I usually suggest skipping, along with better alternatives.
London Eye
The London Eye is an easy to spot part of the London skyline. I’ve been on it twice, which was… fine. Overall, I think it is expensive for what you get, and the experience often involves long lines for the 30 minute ride.
If skyline views are what you’re after, there are better spots available for less cost. The Lookout at 8 Bishopsgate is free to book and slightly less crowded than the popular Sky Garden.
London Dungeon
Despite the historical branding, the London Dungeon feels more like a theme park attraction than a meaningful look at the city’s past. It’s theatrical and intentionally cheesy, which can be fun for some, but it doesn’t offer much depth or context.
If you want a big themed attraction, my pick would be to instead visit the Harry Potter Studios just outside London. It’s also not historic, but a really fun day trip that’s enjoyable for all ages.
Madame Tussauds
Unless you’re a big fan of wax figures, this is an easy skip. Expect long queues, crowded rooms, and an experience that feels more about photo ops than anything uniquely London.
For an immersive alternative where the occasional wax figure serves real purpose, check out the Churchill War Rooms. This former WWII bunker just round the corner from Parliament was closed off after the war and has since been reopened to show what the British war efforts looked like for real people. Several spaces are just as they were left at the end of the war.
Where To Stay In London
Where you stay in London matters more than the hotel brand itself. I always prioritize neighborhoods with strong Underground connections and walkable access to major sights, especially for first-time visitors who want to maximize time without feeling exhausted.
Staying central makes it easier to sightsee in the morning, return to your hotel for a break, and head back out for dinner or theater without long transit times.
Budget Hotel Pick
The Z Hotel Covent Garden is a solid option if you want a clean, compact room in a very central location. Rooms are small (some without windows), but the location is hard to beat for short stays.
Mid-range Hotel Pick
The Radisson Blu Mercer Street is my top recommendation for most visitors. It sits right between Covent Garden and Soho, making it easy to walk to theaters, restaurants, and multiple Tube lines.
Luxury Hotel Pick
For a classic London luxury stay, The Savoy offers river views, historic character, and an unbeatable location near the West End and Covent Garden.
Travel Tip: For more hotel options and a detailed neighborhood guide, see my where to stay guide for first-time visitors.
FAQs About Things To Do In London
I recommend at least two to three days to see a selection of the top highlights. A week allows time to mix major sights with neighborhoods and slower afternoons.
Yes, especially in central areas like Covent Garden, Westminster, and South Bank. You’ll still cover a lot of ground, so plan to combine walking with short Tube or bus rides. Expect a lot more steps in your day than you may be used to at home.
The three spots you must book in advance are The Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace interior visits. It doesn’t hurt to book other attractions as well, but you can wait until closer to your trip for other spots on this list.
Many of the major London museums are free to enter, including the British Museum and Natural History Museum. You may still need to reserve a timed entry slot in advance, but these are often available the day before and sometimes even the same day as your visit.
Seeing London Like A Local, Not A Checklist
London can feel overwhelming at first, but it becomes far more enjoyable once you stop trying to do everything. I like to take the city at a slower pace. London’s magic comes from the ability to explore and find the unexpected.
Focus on a few highlights, balance them with calmer experiences, and give yourself permission to skip what doesn’t excite you. London will still be here, and chances are, you’ll already be planning your return before you leave.
