In today's post we're going to give you 25 ideas of things to see and do in London and we'll tell you about all the essential visits that everyone should enjoy on a first trip to the capital of England . Whether it's your first trip or you're returning for the tenth time 😉
This city is a kaleidoscope of experiences, a unique destination that has managed to unite history and modernity, traditions and trends. Serious, with its characteristic English aplomb , but also with a rogue touch, with alternative neighborhoods, street art and flea markets where you can go hunting for vintage bargains.
There are almost endless things to do in London , but we have taken on the challenge of choosing the 25 most essential things to do and including many free activities. Will we succeed?
We already told you that it may seem like there aren't many great things to do in London for free, but the reality is different. The English capital offers an endless number of free activities : from churches to museums, from emblematic buildings to markets and colorful neighborhoods. Seriously, your trip to London can be cheaper than you think.
But if we talk about things to see and do in London , it is clear that the city is overwhelming. It is impossible to get bored in this metropolis… as the poet Samuel Johnson said: “ The man who is tired of London is tired of life .”
Before we start listing the visits, we are going to give you some recommendations that will come in handy:
- Read our post with tips for travelling to London , which will help you organise your trip.
- Consider buying the London Pass , a tourist card that offers access to over 80 attractions. You can choose from 1, 2, 3, 6 or 10-day passes, with the price varying depending on the duration. Do the math, as it doesn't always pay off.
- Book your free tour of London before you travel: it is one of the most popular tours and don't risk running out of space.
- We believe that most of the tourist sites can be seen in a 3-day itinerary in London , although if you want to visit the city more leisurely, spend 5-7 days.
Now we are going to discover everything that awaits you in London . Let's go!
1. Tower Bridge, one of the icons to see in London
We begin the list with one of the most visited places in London, the London Bridge ( Tower Bridge ). This Victorian-style drawbridge , with its impressive Gothic towers , connects the two banks of the River Thames.
There are several scheduled “ Bridge Lifts ” during the day , where the bridge is raised to allow the passage of large vessels. You can see the schedules here.
But don't worry if it doesn't fit into your schedule, because the bridge is so beautiful that you'll enjoy it whether you're up or not. In fact, we always recommend crossing London Bridge at least twice, once during the day and once at night.
Extra tip: if you cross the bridge and reach South Bank , don't miss Borough Market , one of the most famous food markets in London. Although it is becoming more and more touristy, it still maintains its essence with street food stalls, local products and a mix of aromas that will make you want to try everything.
From fresh oysters and artisan cheeses to Thai curries and legendary chorizo sandwiches, there's something for everyone here. Plus, the area has a vibrant vibe, with cafes, historic pubs and incredible views of Shakespeare's Globe and The Shard - perfect for a foodie stop on your London itinerary!
2. Tower of London
Just a stone's throw from Tower Bridge stands the Tower of London , a place steeped in centuries of history. Although Tower Hill was founded towards the end of 1066, the Tower was built in 1078 by William the Conqueror and has since played a number of roles, from palace and prison to mint and armoury.
This, for example, is where Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII, was imprisoned. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses the Crown Jewels , a collection of impressive treasures such as crowns, scepters and other royal objects.
→ We recommend you buy skip-the-line tickets (including the Crown Jewels) if you are travelling during the high season.
Fun fact: every night the Tower of London hosts the famous Ceremony of the Keys . During this event, a sentry shouts “Halt, who comes?” while the guard replies: “The keys.” “Whose keys are they?” “King Charles’ keys.” “Come in then, all is well.” And for another day the Tower is closed and secured for the night: London can rest easy.
If you want to attend the ceremony, you must book in advance. You can do so on this official website.
But there is something even more famous: the ravens of the Tower of London ! There is a legend that if these birds left the Tower, it would collapse and with it, the monarchy. So the poor creatures have the tips of their wings cut off so they can't fly 🙁
3. London Eye, to enjoy great views of London
The South Bank area, which is south of the River Thames, is one of the most beautiful places to walk in London in our opinion. There are several points of interest here but for now we are focusing on one of the must-see places in London: going up the London Eye .
This huge Ferris wheel , which has earned the nickname of the " London Eye ", will allow you to enjoy the city from above (it reaches 135 metres ). The ride lasts about 30 minutes and from its glass capsule you will see many of London's iconic monuments, such as Big Ben, Parliament or the London Tower.
→ Buy your London Eye skip-the-line tickets in advance and forget about any worries.
4. British Museum, one of the best things to see in London
If there's one thing we love to do in London, it's to go to the British Museum. It's one of the most complete and spectacular museums in the world (although they've had to do some looting to get there, ahem). The site is huge and it takes time to see everything, so we recommend spending at least a morning there.
Here you will find rare and different objects such as Egyptian mummies, statues from Easter Island, Buddha imprints, remains of the Parthenon in Athens and even the Rosetta Stone . If you like history, this place is paradise.
⭐ To make your visit easier, we have put together a post with the best works in the British Museum .
And there's good news: it's one of the free visits in London (yay!) so you can come back as many times as you want.
5. Westminster Palace and Big Ben, two icons to see in London
Did you know that you can visit the English Parliament at the Palace of Westminster ? Please note that to do so you will have to book a place in advance on the official Parliament website and with a bit of luck you may even be able to attend a session.
Also, you'll know that a visit to London isn't a visit at all if you don't come home with a photo of its most universal symbol: Big Ben ! Good places to take photos of Big Ben are Parliament Square , Westminster Bridge or the Bridge Arch Photo (you can find it on Google Maps).
It was recently restored and now looks more beautiful than ever. Although technically speaking, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the tower, not the clock or the tower itself . But hey, let's not get picky, shall we?
6. Buckingham Palace and changing of the guard
An original thing to do in London is to attend the changing of the guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace . To find out the schedule of the ceremonies, we recommend you take a look at the official calendar .
The palace can only be visited on certain days of the year, so check if they coincide with your trip and if so, don't think twice and book your ticket to Buckingham Palace ! And if you really like the monarchy and God Save the Queen,QueenKing, visit Windsor Castle . This tour in Spanish has good reviews.
7. National Gallery
The National Gallery is another of London's must-see museums . Under one roof you'll find paintings by Botticelli, Caravaggio, Raffaello, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Van Gogh (the Sunflowers are here), Goya and many more.
Come on, visiting the Tate Gallery is a real luxury for art lovers , especially when you consider that this incredible art gallery is free! It would be a real crime not to take time to visit it during your visit to London.
Here you will find Trafalgar Square, the ideal place to rest for a while, preferably under the statue of General Nelson and his four lions.
8. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey, home to the tombs of English kings and celebrities such as Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton and Charles Dickens, is another must-see on any London itinerary.
This impressive Abbey is also famous for being the place where royal coronations have taken place since 1066 (no less!) and, therefore, it is a silent witness to the developments of the United Kingdom and the English Monarchy.
It is certainly an expensive visit, but if you can spend that money, it is worth it, so we advise you to buy the ticket and visit Westminster Abbey to get close, even if only briefly, to a part of English high society. Inside you have to visit (at least) these places:
- Lady Chapel , where the beautiful choir stalls stand out.
- Cloisters , from the 13th and 14th centuries, built in Gothic style.
- St Edward's Throne , a medieval throne where all kings and sovereigns of England are crowned.
If the 30 or so euros seem excessive, go and see it from the outside, it's just as impressive. And it's free!
9. Picadilly Circus and Soho
Piccadilly Circus is like London's Times Square , with its LED screens and the constant coming and going of locals and tourists. In this lively square there are always street musicians offering impromptu concerts or artists surprising with their talent.
There are also plenty of theatres, restaurants and shops nearby (don't miss a stroll down Regent Street) and the fantastic and far from boring Soho district . Find a traditional pub where you can have a proper pint and take the opportunity to practice your English while trying some typical British food.
You can also take a stroll down Carnaby Street and Chinatown , and if you're up for it, you can take part in a London night tour that will take you to discover the whole area with a local guide.
10. St. Paul's Cathedral, another must-see in London
Marvel at St. Paul's Cathedral: the second largest religious building in the world, after St. Peter's in the Vatican (as you might expect). It's really impressive and a super photogenic place.
St Paul's Cathedral was rebuilt after the Great Fire of London in 1666 and is Christopher Wren's masterpiece . Particularly noteworthy is its immense dome, one of the largest in the world.
Tip: If you want to take photos of St Paul's Cathedral there are good views of St Paul's Cathedral from Paternoster Square and from the Millennium Bridge .
This and other visits, in addition to the tourist bus, are included in the Go City London pass , the most complete and best value of all. Plus, enjoy a 5% discount with the promotional code 'MOCHILEANDO'
11. Camden Town
This neighborhood is one of the most alternative in London , it is located in the northeast of the city and coming here seems to us to be one of the best things to do in London. Why? To get lost among the stalls of Camden Market , one of the best markets in London and undoubtedly the most curious. The stalls sell crafts, vintage clothing, jewelry, prints and they all have an alternative vibe .
Make the most of the day to eat at one of the market's food trucks or at the well-known Poppie's , where they say they prepare one of the best fish and chips in London. Something interesting to see here are the Camden canals : the Regent's Canal runs through Camden and Camden Lock is one of the most picturesque sections, although we admit that we like London's Little Venice better.
→ There is even a free tour of Camden Town in case you don't feel like exploring the neighbourhood on your own.
12. Tate Modern
Lose yourself in the Tate Modern, one of the most famous modern art galleries in the world (and yes, it's free too!). It's located in a former industrial building on the South Bank and houses works by 20th and 11th century artists such as Warhol, Rothko, Hirst and Picasso.
The top floor also has some breathtaking views . Here is the official Tate Modern website so you can check out the works and plan your visit.
Extra: Very close to the Tate Gallery is another legendary site to see in London. We are talking about the Globe Theatre London , a replica of the theatre from Shakespeare's works. It is beautiful and there is a very well organised guided tour if you are interested.
13. Other museums to see in London
You can imagine that in a city with as much history and culture as London, there is no shortage of museums. Here is a small selection of the best museums to see in London (beyond those we have already mentioned):
› Museum of Natural Sciences
Be amazed by the skeleton of the famous dinosaur at the Natural History Museum : it is truly impressive. Visiting this museum is a great idea (even if you are travelling with children). And, like most museums in London, it is free!
› Science Museum
If you prefer science, take a stroll through the Science Museum (free), with an IMAX cinema , a large section dedicated to space exploration and lots of interactive rooms , especially interesting for those looking for things to do in London with children .
› Museum of London
If you are a London lover and already know the best corners of the English capital, perhaps you can discover something new at the Museum of London , which tells the history of the city.
› Victoria and Albert Museum
If you love photography, a stroll through the Victoria and Albert Museum will be a pleasure. There are more than 1 million photos from all over the world and from all eras.
14. Boat trip on the Thames
We continue with the things to see and do in London with a classic that never fails: a boat ride along the River Thames . During the trip you will see London and its monuments from the water and, in addition, you will cross some of its most beautiful bridges, such as the Tower Bridge or the Millenium Bridge .
Looking for something more romantic? This London sunset cruise is a sure thing. It includes a 2-hour tour, live music, a snack and a glass of wine.
15. Parks to see in London
If you have time, between one cultural visit and another, you can visit one of the many parks in London , and if you have a nice, sunny day, an interesting idea to save some money is to get some takeaway food and have a picnic. It will surely be one of the best memories of the trip.
These are our favorite parks and gardens to see in London:
- Kensington Gardens: If you like Disney movies, you have to go and find the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens. Kensington Palace and the Princess Diana Memorial are also located here.
- Hyde Park: discover the Serpentine Lake and Speakers' Corner , a unique spot where anyone can express their opinions on any subject, while passers-by can join in the conversation or debate.
- Primrose Hill: from here you can enjoy one of the best views of London (and for free!).
- Regent's Park : with vast gardens and sports areas. Here you will also find the Queen Mary Rose Garden, the most beautiful rose garden in the city.
- Richmond Park: This sprawling London park is known for its grassland and woodland areas and its population of wild deer.
16. The Shard
But when it comes to spectacular views, we can't overlook the panoramic view offered by The Shard . This 310-metre-high skyscraper, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and covered in elegant blue glass, is the tallest building in London.
On the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors of The Shard, you will find the observation deck “ The View from The Shard ”. From there, you can enjoy incredible views of London and, on clear days, you can see up to 40 miles in all directions!
It's the perfect place to marvel at the city's skyline, the famous skyline and capture those breathtaking views that make London so special.
→ You can buy tickets online (although if you have the London Pass it is included).
17. Jack the Ripper Tour
It may seem unusual, but one of the most fascinating and well-organized tours in London revolves around the enigmatic figure of Jack the Ripper . Although this infamous serial killer, who terrorized Whitechapel , remains shrouded in mystery and speculation, the tour will reveal a lot of intriguing facts not only about Jack, but also about his victims and life in London during that time.
That said, the Jack the Ripper tour is one of the best things to do in London, especially if you like True Crime , mysteries and original activities. Get ready for a dose of chills!
18. Harry Potter route in London
If Jack's tour sounds too gloomy for you, there's a much more magical alternative! Put together a Harry Potter tour in London. One stop you can't miss is Platform 9¾ at King's Cross Station , where you can take a photo with a trolley that appears to be going through the wall (it's free but there are often queues). There's also a shop here full of interesting merchandise.
Another legendary site from the world of Harry Potter is Leadenhall Market on Gracechurch Street, which served as inspiration for Diagon Alley .
If you're a Harry Potter fan, though, be prepared to dig deep into your wallet as the Harry Potter studio tour isn't exactly cheap but it's absolutely amazing. An alternative is to take this Harry Potter tour (with a quiz included)
19. Beautiful and interesting streets to see in London
Here are a handful of streets that we recommend you visit in London:
- Abbey Road: Take a photo at the famous Abbey Road pedestrian crossing, emulating the Beatles on their iconic album cover. It's a place of pilgrimage for fans of the band and a fun experience.
- Downing Street: Walk past the Prime Minister's residence, 10 Downing Street, and who knows, you might even see him or his cat leave through the famous door!
- Bond Street: Take a stroll down Bond Street, between Churchill statues and luxury shops.
- Oxford Street: If you're in the shopping mood, Oxford Street is your destination. With over 300 shops, it's a shopper's paradise where you're almost guaranteed to find what you're looking for.
- Brick Lane: The vibrant Brick Lane is another beautiful street to visit in London. It is famous for its eclectic street markets, Asian restaurants and colorful street art.
20. Harrods, London's most legendary department store
Harrods is the legendary and glamorous luxury department store in London, located in the elegant Knightsbridge neighborhood . Founded in 1834, this place began as a small grocery store and today is one of the most famous and exclusive shopping destinations on the planet.
Fun fact : Its owner (until 2010) was the Egyptian Mohamed Al Fayed , father of Dodi Al Fayed, who died along with Lady Diana in the tragic car accident on 31 July 1997. Harrods is currently owned by Qatar Holdings.
21. Eating, something you have to do in London without prejudice!
Now that we've whet our appetite, something you can enjoy in London (as long as you forget your prejudices) is to try some of the typical dishes of English cuisine . We already know that it doesn't have a very good reputation, but we have to eat local, right?
We also guarantee you'll find some delicious dishes: meat pies , bangers&mash and, of course, fish and chips . It's not something we'd eat every day, but on a trip to London it's a must!
And if that doesn't convince you, try some exotic food : London is full of ethnic restaurants and sitting at their tables will be like travelling around the world without leaving England.
⭐ Here are some restaurants where you can eat well and cheaply in London .
22. Shoreditch
Until the 1990s, Shoreditch was a rather seedy slum, but today it is the realm of hipsters and one of the coolest areas in London. Shoreditch has been transformed from a run-down, industrial area into a vibrant hub of creativity and culture. The secret ingredient? Street art !
That's right: the streets of the neighbourhood gradually came to life thanks to graffiti artists and urban artists, and the old industrial warehouses began to fill up with art galleries and vintage and alternative shops . But don't expect just an explosion of art: Shoreditch is also synonymous with cafes, restaurants and flea markets (Boxpark and Brick Lane are just two examples).
Spending an afternoon in Shoreditch seems to us to be one of the best things to do in London and we are looking forward to returning as soon as possible to continue discovering corners of the neighbourhood.
23. Greenwich Observatory
Stepping on the 0º meridian at the Greenwich Observatory is a bit of a geeky thing to do, but it's really cool! The Royal Greenwich Observatory was founded in 1657 with the ambitious idea of establishing a space-astronomy system that would serve the entire planet Earth.
It is located about 10 km from the center of London , so it is not the typical thing we recommend doing on a first trip to the city, but if you already know its essentials and are looking for an alternative plan, you know what to do! To get there, the best thing to do is to take the Southeastern subway line to the Greenwich stop.
24. Horizon 22, London's new free viewing platform
Good news for backpackers: there's a new free urban viewing platform with incredible views over London! We're talking about Horizon 22 , which is located on the 58th floor of the 22 Bishopsgate building (at 278 metres high).
Admission is free but places are limited, so you must book on the official website . Make sure you book well in advance as this free London viewing platform is very popular.
25. Notting Hill
Stroll through the famous Notting Hill neighborhood , one of the most famous, beautiful and charming neighborhoods in London and where, if one day we win the lottery (which is difficult since we do NOT play) we would buy a colorful British house on Lancaster Road or Hillgate Street.
Some of the things that await you here are the Portobello Road Market and the well-known Notting Hill Carnival , one of the largest and most vibrant events in London, which takes place the last week of August and honours Caribbean culture with parades, costumes, music (calypso, soca, reggae) and delicious food.
→ If you want, you can sign up for a free tour of Notting Hill in Spanish!
More things to see and do in London
The above are the 25 most recommended things to do in London on a first trip, but if you have time and desire, there are other equally interesting proposals. Here are some of our favorites.
- Take one of the longest escalators in Europe : they are located at the Angel underground station and measure over 60 metres. And while you're at it, take a ride on the famous London tube , the oldest underground in the world .
- Feel like you're in Paris for a moment in front of Wellington's Arc de Triomphe or Marble Arch .
- Don't miss the circular Temple Church , a sanctuary built by the Templars as the organisation's official headquarters in London. It became very popular after being featured in Dan Brown's " The Da Vinci Code ". Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Hop on a bus and let yourself go. You might discover secret spots that aren't in any guidebook. If you prefer, you can use the hop-on hop-off bus to visit London's most famous sights (and considering how expensive the tube is, it might be worth it!)
- Take a selfie with the typical red telephone booth . A little healthy posturing never hurts, right?
- If the weather is sunny and warm (which isn't always easy in London), you can go swimming in the pools and ponds of Hampstead Heath . There are several (both artificial and natural), and don't worry, there are no monsters hiding in their waters. Or so we think XD. More info: Hampstead Heath Ponds .
- An original thing to see in London completely free of charge is to visit the Jamaican neighbourhood : Brixton , where David Bowie was born.
- Covent Garden is another very beautiful area to see in London.
Getaways from London
Have you already done the main thing and want to take advantage of your days in London to go on a getaway? Just a few hours from the capital there are idyllic places like the English countryside of the Cotswolds , entertaining towns like Brighton, prehistoric sites like Stonehenge or majestic castles like Windsor.
These are our favorite getaways from London:
- Excursion to Stonehenge and Bath , to discover the most mysterious prehistoric site in the United Kingdom and that beautiful city of Roman origin.
- Cotswolds and Blenheim Palace getaway , ideal for those who don't have time to visit the Cotswolds in 3 days .
- Excursion to Oxford and Cambridge , the two most famous university cities in England.
- Visit to Stratford upon Avon , Shakespeare's village.
⭐ You will find more details in the article on the best excursions from London.
This is our list of things to see and do in London that we find most interesting and attractive. Do you know any more? Surely you do: there are so many places to see in London that it would be impossible to visit it all in a lifetime, that's for sure. But if you organize yourself well, you're sure to enjoy some great days and cross off a lot of activities from your list. Enjoy your trip to London a lot!
