20 Unmissable Things To Do In London + Tips & Map (2023)

Discover the charm of London with our guide to the best attractions and things to do. We cover ancient history, diverse cultures, famous landmarks, local hangouts, and unique experiences.

London, England.

A place where you can visit world-class museums and feel cultured because they’re completely free.

Plan your next big attraction in a traditional London pub. Or, escape to one of the city’s 3,000 beautiful green spaces. Roam free in the beautiful halls of historical palaces.

Embark on the culinary journey London provides. Enjoy the top Michelin-starred restaurants or sample street food from over 270 countries.

Ah, London! A city so abundant with famous landmarks and attractions it’s condemned for being a tourist cliché. But what a cliche you are.

We’ve been London residents for 25 years, so we know the place pretty well. Enter a world where hipsters and history meet rain and rebellion in our guide to the best things to do in London.

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1 – PALACE OF WESTMINSTER & BIG BEN

Home to the British Parliament, no visit to London would be complete without witnessing the iconic Palace of Westminster and Big Ben. The architectural grandeur of this majestic complex stands proudly on the banks of the River Thames.

The palace is a stunning example of Gothic Revival architecture, with intricate details and towering spires.

You can explore the ornate decorations of the House of Commons and the House of Lords on a guided tour. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get a glimpse into British democracy.

Technically, Big Ben is the name of the huge bell inside the tower, not the tower itself. It’s been keeping time in the city since 1859.

Best Photo Spot — Walk over Westminster Bridge to capture the perfect photo of Big Ben from across the Thames.

2 – WESTMINSTER ABBEY

Westminster Abbey was built in the 11th century and has hosted coronations, weddings, and burials for royals.

The Gothic architecture is stunning. It has soaring spires, intricate stone carvings, and ornate stained-glass windows.   

The nave is grand inside, with high-vaulted ceilings and majestic columns. It feels surprisingly small for its historical significance. Few buildings in the world have such a profound connection to the past.

Visit the Coronation Chair, where kings and queens like Edward VIII, George IV, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth II were crowned.

Most recently, King Charles III was crowned here in 2023.

WESTMINSTER ABBEY HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the tomb where Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Mary I, her half-sister, are buried together.
• Visit the Poets’ Corner, where famous writers like Charles Dickens, Rudyard Kipling, Laurence Olivier, and Geoffrey Chaucer are buried.
• Take a leisurely walk in the College Garden, a secret treasure at Westminster Abbey. It is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
• Take a moment to appreciate the beautiful Lady Chapel of Henry VII. It is decorated with detailed pendant fan vaulting and fragile rose windows.

3 – BRITISH MUSEUM

The British Museum has a special collection of art, artifacts, and relics that show our global heritage. It represents thousands of years.

The permanent collection of over eight million artifacts is the largest in the world.

The gallery holds many important discoveries from around the world. It has the Rosetta Stone, which helps us understand Egyptian hieroglyphs. There are also over 140 mummies and treasures from Tutankhamun.

Another impressive acquisition is the Elgin Marbles, a 2,500-year-old sculpture that used to adorn the Parthenon in Athens. The museum has intricate Assyrian carvings, ancient writings, and many Anglo-Saxon artifacts.

The building is supported by 43 Greek-inspired columns topped by a triangular pediment. Inside, the Great Court is one of London’s unique public spaces and the largest covered square in Europe.

Guided Tours – Take a guided tour of the British Museum to see interesting artefacts and learn more.

4 – BUCKINGHAM PALACE

The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is an iconic landmark in London that offers a glimpse into the traditions of the British royal family.

Although the neoclassical façade is adorned with strong details, most first-time visitors to Buckingham Palace can’t help but notice that the huge building looks a little dull. It’s perhaps no surprise that royalty tend to spend most of their time at Windsor Castle.  

Nonetheless, it’s hard to think of a more iconic thing to do in London than to stroll through nearby St James’s Park or Green Park, stand in front of the black and gold gates, and snap a photo of the balcony where the royal family make public appearances.

VISITING BUCKINGHAM PALACE

Buckingham Palace State Rooms are open for 10 weeks each summer. For 2023, the dates are: Friday 14 July to Sunday 14 September.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, where a procession of the king’s guards march up the mall to the Palace, takes place on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 11 am.

Grenadier Guards / Check the Household Division website to time your visit to hear the Grenadier Guards providing musical support to the changing of the guard cerenomy. You can also catch them at the annual Christmas at Royal Albert Hall.

5 – TOWER OF LONDON

The Tower of London – the imposing fortress on the banks of the River Thames – has guarded the city for over 900 years.

The formidable stone walls and looming turrets evoke the medieval power this popular tourist destination once had.

The White Tower is the oldest part of the Tower of London and the centrepiece of the complex with displays of armor, weaponry, and royal artifacts.

The highlight is the famous Crown Jewels, which has adorned British monarchs for centuries. With crowns, sceptres, and orbs, it’s the most complete collection of Royal regalia in the world.

Take a Yeoman Warders tour, also known as Beefeaters, who will regale you with tales of intrigue, royal scandals, and ghostly legends associated with the Tower.

6 – LONDON’S COOLEST MARKETS

London has a hoard of excellent markets that make shopping one of the most agreeable cultural experiences in the capital. With everything from rare delicacies to vintage crafts, here are just a few of the best markets in London.

BOROUGH MARKET (A FOOD HAVEN)

The bustling Borough Market boasts a staggering array of tantalizing treats, from artisanal cheeses and freshly baked bread to exotic spices and gourmet street food. Savour flavours from around the world and have a pint at one of the old pubs surrounding the market.

Where – 8 Southwark Street, SE1 1 TL | When – 10am to 5 pm (Mon-Fri) / 9 am to 5 pm (Sat) / 10 am to 4 pm (Sun)

PORTOBELLO MARKET (A VINTAGE WONDERLAND)

Portobello Market is a collectables paradise with antique furniture, vintage clothing, retro jewels, and quirky curiosities. Although it can get oppressively busy, especially on Saturday, it still holds onto a bohemian atmosphere, so we think it’s worth enduring the crowds. There are also plenty of other great things to do in Notting Hill while you’re in the area.

Where – Portobello Road, W11 | When – 9 am to 6 pm (Mon-Wed) / 9 am to 1 pm (Thu) / 9 am to 7 pm (Friday – Antiques) / 9 am to 7 pm (Saturday – main market) / Closed Sunday.  

CAMDEN MARKET (MUSIC & FASHION)

Camden Market is a celebration of counterculture in London with a mix of music, fashion, arts, crafts, and food spread across 4 unique spaces. Explore alleys filled with punk fashion and gothic accessories, while munching down on the trendiest street food.

Where – Camden Lock Place, NW1 8AF | When – 10 am to 6 pm daily.

7 – ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL

The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral – one of the largest in the world – has graced the London skyline since the 17^th century when Sir Christopher Wren’s re-build began following the Great Fire of London.

Inside, the grand nave is scattered with monuments to the good and the great of British history, dominated by the great West Doors.

The quire has intricate mosaics depicting scenes from the Old Testament above exquisitely carved stalls.  

The Dome Galleries – There are 3 galleries within the dome: the Whispering Gallery, the Stone Gallery, and the Golden Gallery. It’s 528 steps to the top for a panoramic perspective of London’s landmarks.

8 – LONDON’S ART GALLERIES

One of the best things about London’s art scene is that many of the galleries are completely free. And not just the more obscure art offerings. See an impressive inventory of grandmasters for absolutely nothing.

Here are some of our favourite galleries in London:

TATE MODERN

Housed in a former power station, Tate Modern showcases a huge collection of modern and contemporary art including Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. Don’t miss the rotation exhibition in the Turbine Hall and the city views from the Terrace Café.

Where – Bankside, SE1 9TG | When – 10 am to 6 pm (daily) | Website – tate.org.uk

NATIONAL GALLERY

The National Gallery houses an extensive collection of European paintings from the 13th to the 19th century from Renaissance masterpieces through to Impressionist offerings.

The iconic pieces include Vincent van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” and Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Virgin of the Rocks.” Out front, don’t miss Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, and the rotating sculpture on the Fourth Plinth.

Where – Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DN | When – 10 am to 6pm (Sat-Thu) / 10 am to 9 pm (Fri) | Website – nationalgallery.org.uk

NATIONAL PORTRAIT GALLERY

The National Portrait Gallery celebrates British history through portraiture; vividly telling Britain’s story through its influencing faces. The gallery has recently reopened after an extensive transformation as part of the Inspiring People project.

Where – St Martin’s Place, WC2H 0HE | When – 10:30 am to 6 pm (Sun-Thu) / 10:30 am to 9 pm (Fri & Sat) | Website – npg.org.uk

9 – VIEWS OVER LONDON

London is a city of iconic skylines and there are several locations that provide panoramic vistas of the capital. Here are a few of our favourite places with incredible views of London.

SKY GARDEN

Located at the top of the Fenchurch Building, better known as the Walkie-Talkie, the Sky Garden is a lush indoor garden with floor-to-ceiling windows. This unique free public space provides 360-degree view of the city.  

Where – 20 Fenchurch St, EC2M 8AF | When – 8am to 11pm (Mon-Thu & Sun) / 8 am to Midnight (Fri-Sat) | Tickets – entry is free but a timeslot must be booked in advance | Website – skygarden.london

THE SHARD

Redefining the London skyline, The Shard is the tallest building in Western Europe and offers a cool perspective on the city. The official viewing platform is an exorbitant £32 and has very random opening times, making it a bit of a tourist trap.

We think it’s much better to book one of the bars with superb views – Aqua Shard or Sky Lounge – and put that money into a cocktail instead.  

LONDON EYE

The London Eye – a now iconic massive Ferris wheel on the South Bank – is one of the best ways to get an awesome view of London.

It’s not cheap, but we think it’s worth it for first-time visitors to London for the superb vantage point of Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. Book your skip-the-line tickets.

10 – LEAKE STREET ARCHES

Leake Street Arches is a gem of urban artistry, located in 8 former railway arches beneath Waterloo Station.   

Originally made famous by the street artist Banksy who organised the Cans Festival here in 2008. Since then, the Leake Street Arches have become a canvas for local and international artists who have transformed the cavernous tunnel into an explosion of murals and thought-provoking graffiti.

In addition to the art, Leake Street has some cool dive bars, a gaming café, and an excellent Polish Restaurant.

11 – KEW GARDENS

The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew is a 300-acre horticultural paradise and UNESCO World Heritage Site of gardens, glasshouses, and arboretums.

The highlight at Kew Gardens is the Palm House, an extraordinary Victorian glasshouse with a diverse collection of plants. Inside, towering palms and exotic blooms fill the space with tropical vibes.

Waterlily House nurtures aquatic plants creating a serene ambiance, and the Japanese Landscape is a meticulously designed garden featuring traditional elements such as pagodas, bridges, and bonsai trees.

One of the highlights at Kew is to take in the gardens from above on the Xstrata Treetop Walk.

Over the festive period, the gardens and buildings are bedecked in lights creating one of the best things to do in London at Christmas.

12 – THE PAINTED HALL, OLD ROYAL NAVAL COLLEGE GREENWICH

The Old Royal Naval College is a magnificent landmark on the banks of the River Thames in Greenwich. The building was originally the birthplace of Tudor monarch Henry VIII and his daughters Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth I. It was later redesigned by Sir Christopher Wren.

Celebrating 300 years of British history, it’s one of the most impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites in London.

The centrepiece is the stunning Painted Hall, a magnificent baroque masterpiece adorned with intricately painted murals.

Adjacent to the Painted Hall, the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is almost as impressive with stained glass windows and intricate woodwork.

Quick Walking Tour — After the Painted Hall, stroll through the riverside grounds of the Old Royal Naval College to the Queen’s House for a stunning view of the Canary Wharf skyline, then potter through Greenwich Market and have a pint in a traditional old pub.

13 – COVENT GARDEN

Covent Garden is a dining and entertainment hub in the West End of London that weaves together history, culture, and retail in a lively piazza.

Surrounded by boutiques, market stalls, and street performers, Covent Garden has a vibrant tourist-friendly atmosphere. There are big brand stores, street performers and several interesting cultural activities.

Christmas at Covent Garden transforms the square into a winter wonderland.

WHAT TO DO IN COVENT GARDEN

• Shop in the historic Jubilee Market for quirky gifts.
• Book a night out at the Royal Opera House.
• Visit Neal’s Yard for esoteric remedies.
• Eat at Din Tai Fun, an excellent Taiwanese restaurant.
• Have lunch at Petersham Nurseries
• Try the cocktails and the seductive speakeasy, Cache Cache.

14 – DEPARTMENT STORES

London’s iconic department stores are a grand way to drain your wallet. It’s a great city for shopping – here are some retail heavyweights to check out:

HARRODS

The British icon is stacked with rare items, luxury fashion brands, homewares, and technology in a sprawling space with over 300 departments. The food hall in the Grade-II listed building is the perfect place to pick up some tasty morsels.

SELFRIDGES

One of the most exclusive department stores in London with a bright modern feel and high-end designer brands, Selfridges is an unmissable thing to do in London. After picking up some gifts, catch the latest release in their in-house cinema.

LIBERTY

Liberty is an exclusive London department store in the West End. It’s stocked with designer items, top-end homewares, high fashion, and much more. Even if you don’t want to shop, the mock-Tudor building is reason enough to visit.

15 – SEE A WEST END SHOW

There are 39 theatres in the West End of London hosting performances from famous screen actors through to unknown rising stars. The oldest theatre is the Theatre Royal, Dury Lane which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

No visit to London would be complete without strolling past the iconic marquees of the theatre district and finding a world-class performance.

You’ll generally want to pick a show that you’re interested in seeing, however, there are a few theatres we recommend visiting. 

Shakespeare Globe // The reconstructed Globe Theatre on the South Bank is an Elizabethan playhouse that staged Shakespeare’s plays. It’s uncomfortable, authentic, and well worth visiting.

Donmar Warehouse // The Donmar is an intimate theatre in Covent Garden where you can see world-class performances by A-listers just a few feet away.

Sadler’s Wells // Sadler’s Wells is a contemporary theatre in Clerkenwell with year-round performances from one of the world’s leading dance organisations.

Royal National Theatre // The National Theatre is the primary publicly funded arts venue in the country who stage performances across all types of theatre.

16 – VICTORIA & ALBERT MUSEUM

The Victoria & Albert Museum is a celebration of human creativity and one of the unmissable things to do in London. A vast collection spanning 5,000 years offers a captivating journey through fashion, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and performance.

From ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary installations, the V&A presents an eclectic mix of exhibits housed in a truly remarkable building.

V&A HIGHLIGHTS

• The Raphael Cartoons – The 7 huge paintings by Raphael were designs for tapestries to hang in the Sistine Chapel.
• Fashion Gallery – See the evolution of fashion in an impressive collection of over 75,000 items. 
• Tipoo’s Tiger – A sculpture of a tiger mauling a soldier which also contains an organ that can be operated by turning a handle.
• Glass Chandelier – The huge chandelier by Dale Chihuly makes a grand statement in the Cromwell Road entrance. 
• Cast Courts – Housed in a 25-metre-high hall these incredible plaster and electrotype reproductions include a copy of David’s Michelangelo and Trajan’s Column, which needed to be cut in half to fit.

17 – BRICK LANE

Brick Lane was originally a path through open countryside on the outskirts of the City of London. Existing throughout most of its history as one of the most deprived parts of London, it welcomed immigrant groups who started to embed the street with the cultural diversity it is known for today.

At the end of the Second World war, Bengalis from the Sylhet district of what is now Bangladesh came to London and opened the curry houses for which the street is now famous.

Today Brick Lane and the surrounding Spitalfields and Shoreditch areas combine to form one of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in the capital.

WHAT TO DO AROUND BRICK LANE

• Shop vintage in the Brick Lane Vintage Market in the Truman Brewery.
• Have a pizza and cocktail at Apples & Pears
• Go on a street art tour to see some hidden gems plus a few notable Banksys.
• Pick up some vinyl at Rough Trade East.
• Try a bagel from Beigel Bake, a 24-hour institution.

18 – NOTTING HILL

Notting Hill is a picturesque neighbourhood in London known for its busy market, street carnival, and cultural heritage.

Rows of colourful houses and sweeping crescents of Victorian villas sit side by side with independent boutiques, stylish cafes, and cozy pubs.

Notting Hill is most famous for the Portobello Road Market (see above) and the Notting Hill Carnival, an annual celebration of Caribbean culture that fills the streets with music, dance, and vibrant costumes.

WHAT TO DO AROUND NOTTING HILL

• Capture the pastel-coloured houses on Lancaster Road
• Book yourself to see a classic film at the Electric Cinema
• Have an excellent brunch in Notting Hill
• Pick some inspiration at the Travel Bookshop, featured in the film Notting Hill.
• Take a walking tour of Notting Hill with a local expert.

19 – SOUTH BANK WALK

One of the best ways to collect some of the iconic sights of London is to walk along the South Bank from Westminster Bridge to Tower Bridge.

Starting at Westminster Bridge opposite the houses of Parliament, photograph Big Ben from across the water.

Continue along the river past the South Bank Centre, a hub of performance and art. The forecourt has one of the best Christmas markets in London.  

Proceed on to Tate Modern, visiting the market stalls along the way, keeping an eye out for the perfect shot of St Pauls from across the Millennium Bridge.

Next, stroll through Borough Market, then continue towards Tower Bridge.

Walking slowly and taking in the sights takes about 2 hours. The walk can be lengthened by starting at Battersea. More details can be found in our best walks near London guide.

20 – WATCH A FOOTBALL MATCH

The English Premier League is the wealthiest football league in the world and one of Britain’s greatest exports. Home to several top-tier clubs, seeing a football game is a great thing to do in London.

The Premier League season runs from August to May, but if you can’t get to a match, several of the biggest stadiums in London provide interesting tours of these cultural landmarks that are very important to Londoners.  

Here are the details for our pick of the best stadium tours in London –

Emirates Stadium (Arsenal) – Located in North London, the Emirates Stadium has a capacity of 60,000 fans with modern architecture and state-of-the-art facilities.

Stamford Bridge (Chelsea) – Situated in West London, Stamford Bridge is the legendary home ground of Chelsea Football Club that allows you to feel the intensity of the game up close.

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (Tottenham Hotspur) – Located in North London, the newly built Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is a world-class venue that offers a fantastic matchday experience. It’s the largest stadium in London with a capacity of 62,850.

Wembley Stadium (England) – Known as the Home of Football, Wembley is the largest stadium in the UK with 90,000 seats. It’s the home ground for England international games.

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MAP | THINGS TO DO IN LONDON

Our map includes all the best things to do in London which we covered in this guide. To help you decide where to stay, read our guide on the best places to stay in London which includes a breakdown of all the best areas.

WHERE TO STAY?

As long-term London residents, we’ve developed a detailed guide outlining the best places to stay in London. We have 10 great neighbourhoods, including:

• Westminster
• Soho
• Mayfair

Read the full list in our guide to the best places to stay in London.

THANKS FOR VISITING // WHERE NEXT?

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