Things to do in London? When it comes to the most memorable travel destinations, things to do in London undoubtedly make the list. As a person who has walked along the bustling streets of London, gazed upon its historic landmarks and absorbed its colorful culture, let me tell you: London really does have something for everyone. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat adventurer, this city never disappoints in sensation and experience.
London is lovely in that it has that great contrast between historical beauty and new. From ancient palaces to modern museums, bustling markets to tranquil parks, there is a history to every corner. If walking in the footsteps of kings and queens, or catching a show in the West End features in your fondest fantasies, then London is your stage. And if you’re like me a visitor in the Foreign Service, or maybe a freelancer here to write a story between weeks of sightseeing you’ll have plenty to keep your days filled with exploration.
Ready to explore? Below are the 50 best things to do in London, from can’t-miss tourist destinations to one-of-a-kind food and drink experiences, in no particular order.
1–10: The Iconic And The Classic
- Head to the Tower of London and discover its royal history
- Pose for pictures at Tower Bridge: London’s iconic gateway
- Visit Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard
- Stroll through Westminster Abbey, one of pioneering Gothic structure
- Look down the Thames towards Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
- Ride the London Eye for sweeping city vistas
- Explore Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery (built up to 1946)
- Take a walk along the South Bank to soak in the river vibes and street performers
- See artifacts from all over the world at the British Museum
- Visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Whispering Gallery
11–20: Culture, Art, and Museums
- Wander the Tate Modern modern Art at its greatest
- Dive into the design collections at the Victoria and Albert Museum
- Pop to the Natural History Museum and wave at the dinosaur bones
- Interact with the exhibits in the Science Museum
- Go see a play or a musical in London’s glitzy West End
- Go to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and perhaps see a play
- See the contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery
- Discover the latest in creative innovation at the Design Museum
- Explore the fine and decorative arts from the Wallace Collection
- Discover the city’s amazing history at the Museum of London
21–30: Markets, Food, and Neighborhoods
- Indulge in tasty treats at Borough Market – a foodie’s heaven
- Browse the weird and wonderful at Camden Market
- Collectibles and antiques at Portobello Road Market
- Walk around Covent Garden with its street entertainers and shops
- Afternoon tea at a traditional London tea room
- Explore the colorful streets of Notting Hill
- Discover Shoreditch’s street art and hip cafes
- Eat your way through Chinatown and experience the historic and cultural things that it has to offer
- Take a mouthwatering food tour around the world
- Brick Lane – home to delicious curries and vibrant culture
31–40: Parks, Gardens, and Outdoors
- Relax in Hyde Park, the city’s green heart
- Explore Kensington Gardens and the Peter Pan statue
- Discover Regent’s Park and London Zoo
- Scenic views: take a stroll along the Thames Path
- Find the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
- Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew
- Have a picnic in Greenwich Park with a vista over the city
- Take a walk on Hampstead Heath for a dose of the country in the city
- Experience boat rides in St. James’s Park — hopping on a boat ride in St. James’s Park is inexplicably romantic
- Wander around the cherry tree-filled gardens at the Chelsea Physic Garden
41–50: The Unexpected and the Unexplained
- Discover Leadenhall Market’s Victorian architecture
- Tour the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street
- Step inside the former horse-and-carriage stables and pay homage to the lives once lived or visit the historic pubs, some dating back hundreds of years
- Go to the Sky Garden for a free garden with incredible 360 views
- Look below for some magic: Harry Potter walking tour
- Uncover bizarre objects at the Viktor Wynd Museum of Curiosities
- Explore English interiors at the Geffrye Museum
- Visit the Thames Barrier and its visitor center
- Go on a ghost tour and discover London’s haunted history
- Stroll through London’s covered passages or secret alleys
Whether you’re walking the grand halls of Buckingham Palace or grabbing some street food at Camden Market, these cool things to do in London will inspire your trip. I come back each time to find new corners to go ‘home’ to perhaps you’ll be the next undercover freelancer balancing work and play in this great city!
So, pack your walking shoes, pick up an Oyster card, and embark on the infinite adventures that London has ready for you.
