Discover the best activities to do in London while you’re visiting the British capital with a selection of diverse attractions to suit every taste.
If you’re visiting England and unsure of what to do in London, check out our detailed itinerary for up to seven days of activities in the UK capital, including tickets to major landmarks.
You will have easy access to top museums, restaurants, parks, and historical sites to enhance your trip. We also provide suggestions for free nighttime activities during rainy days and for traveling with kids. Keep reading for more information!
In this article you will find:
- Best attractions in London
- London museums
- London parks
- Free activities to enjoy in London
- Activities in London suitable for children
- Activities to enjoy in London during the evening
- Activities to enjoy in London when it is raining.
- Activities to enjoy in London during the winter months
- Activities to enjoy in London during the summer
- London eateries
- Accommodations in London
- Explore additional recommendations from London.
- FAQs
London’s most popular attractions
We created a collection of the most impressive landmarks in London, catering to various age groups and interests, including parks and museums.
- London Eye – Paraphrased
- Big Ben is the subject of the text.
- Buckingham Palace
- Westminster Abbey is the name of the text.
- Westminster Palace is the name of the text.
- Tower Bridge – A structure known as Tower Bridge
- Hyde Park – A green space in London.
- The Shard
- Regent’s Park – a park named Regent’s.
- Albert Hall of the Royal Family
- Museum of Natural History
- British Museum – a museum located in the United Kingdom
- Tower of London
- National Gallery – Art Museum
- Kensington Palace – A royal residence located in London.
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Piccadilly Circus is a famous location.
- Trafalgar Square
- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
- Royal Greenwich Observatory – Royal Greenwich Observatory
- Sky Garden – A garden located in the sky
See the information provided below for specifics on each one.
London Eye – Text 1
The London Eye is a popular attraction in London, featuring a large wheel that stands at 135 meters tall. Operating daily from 11am to 6pm, visitors can purchase tickets in advance to skip the lines and experience a 30-minute ride in the cabin. Children under 15 must be supervised by someone over 18.
- Purchase tickets for the London Eye at the most competitive rate.
Big Ben – Text 2
The name Big Ben actually refers to the bell located in the Clock Tower of Westminster Palace, a highly renowned site in London that is a must-see on any visit to the city. While the interior cannot be visited by non-UK residents, taking photos in front of the tower is a great way to capture the moment. 😉
- Secure your ticket for Westminster Palace and receive an audio guide.
Buckingham Palace – Text 3
Travelers inevitably consider a visit to Buckingham Palace as a must-do activity in London. The experience, whether witnessing the changing of the guard or exploring the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II, is unforgettable.
The palace’s interior can be visited by tourists only in the European summer, and the guard change has set schedules that can be verified on the official website. It is advisable to make reservations in advance. 😉
- Book a guided tour of the London Guard Exchange at the most affordable rate
- Secure your admission to Buckingham Palace
- Explore the Royal Collection at Buckingham Palace by using the King’s Gallery ticket.
Westminster Abbey – Text 4
Westminster Abbey, a historic church in the city, has been hosting royal ceremonies such as marriages, coronations, and burials of monarchs since the 11th century. Tickets can be purchased for £27 to visit the site during designated hours from 9:30 to 15:30.
Visitors to the site can explore renowned chapels, the Throne of St. Edward, and an area dedicated to poets, featuring tombs and shrines honoring literary geniuses.
- Purchase tickets for Westminster Abbey ahead of time
Westminster Palace is the subject of text number 5.
The Westminster Palace, which includes the Houses of Parliament, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons, is located in the same area. Entrance to the site costs £59 and includes access to the Victorian Gothic monument recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, along with an audioguide in Portuguese.
- Secure your ticket for Westminster Palace with an English audio guide.
Tower Bridge – Text 6
The Tower Bridge is a well-known drawbridge that links both banks of the River Thames and is a must-see attraction for those looking to capture the essence of London. It is open to visitors from 10 am to 6 pm between April and September, and from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm from October to March. Admission to the exhibitions at the top of the bridge costs around £13.40 on average.
- Purchase Tower Bridge tickets at the most competitive rate
Hyde Park – Text 7
Hyde Park is London’s biggest park, offering a peaceful escape amidst the cityscape. Visitors can engage in various activities such as jogging, walking, sunbathing, picnicking, and renting rowing boats on the lake. The park is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, making it an ideal spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to make the most of sunny days in London.
The Shard – Text 8
The Shard, standing at 310 meters tall with 72 floors, is a distinctive building near London Bridge. It is renowned as the tallest skyscraper in London and one of the largest in Europe. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the city from the viewpoint on floors 68 to 72, which also has amenities like coffee, ice cream, and two bars available.
Regent’s Park – Text 9
Regent’s Park is a top pick among London parks for those looking to engage in sports activities, offering a variety of options such as hockey, tennis, athletics, football, rugby, and rowing.
There are additional attractions to explore in the area, including the London Zoo, a picturesque lake with diverse bird species, charming neoclassical villages, an open-air theater, and a mosque.
- Make sure you have your ticket for ZSL London Zoo in Regent’s Park.
Royal Albert Hall – Text 10
chsyys/Flickr
Attending a performance at the Royal Albert Hall is a fantastic suggestion, considering its historical significance dating back to the Victorian era and its status as one of the UK’s most renowned venues. Visitors can also book a guided tour of the venue starting at £18.50, which includes a visit to the king’s box and other exclusive areas.
You might still have the luck to catch a glimpse of the artist’s essay as you pass through the hallway. 😉
- Book a guided tour of the Royal Albert Hall that lasts for an hour.
Natural History Museum – Text 11
The Natural History Museum in London is a significant attraction for families with young children, offering dinosaur skeletons, large animal displays, and educational information on Earth, animal evolution, and nature. The museum is open daily from 10am to 5:50pm with free admission.
British Museum – Text 12
The British Museum is a significant attraction in London, housing artifacts from ancient civilizations and over 7 million objects from around the world, making it one of the most visited museums globally.
You can choose to book a guided tour starting from £16 or join a complimentary tour while you are there!
- Take part in a complimentary guided tour of the British Museum.
- Book a two-hour guided tour at the British Museum.
Tower of London – Text 13
The Tower of London, also referred to as the Tower of Terror due to its history as a prison for those who opposed the monarchs, holds a great deal of the British crown’s history and the rulers who held the throne.
Visitors can purchase a ticket priced at £34.70 to explore the site, including the Crown Jewels, royal chambers, armor displays, execution sites, and other attractions.
- Purchase tickets for the Tower of London at the most competitive rate.
National Gallery – Fourteen
Discover the National Gallery, located close to the British Museum, where you can admire a remarkable collection of paintings by renowned artists such as Van Gogh and Rembrandt. Entry is free, and guided tours are available starting from £19. Don’t forget to visit the National Portrait Gallery nearby to see more portraits.
- Arrange for a tour of the National Gallery ahead of time.
Kensington Palace, number 15.
Kensington Palace, located at the edge of Hyde Park, showcases royal chambers once occupied by King Charles III and Princess Diana. A £20 ticket provides entry to the King’s Staircase, King’s State Apartments, dome room, Queen Maria II’s preserved room, and a guided tour of Sunken Gardens, known for its year-round colorful flowers.
- Purchase tickets for Kensington Palace at the most competitive rate
16 – St. Paul’s Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral, the world’s second largest cathedral, impresses visitors with its baroque interior. Entry costs start at £25 and include access to the Stone and Golden Gallery, as well as the crypt holding the remains of notable British figures.
The website features the display “Oculus: a glimpse into St Paul’s,” narrating the history from the building of the initial church honoring São Paulo in 604.
- Secure your entry to St. Paul’s Cathedral along with a Portuguese audio guide.
17 – Piccadilly Circus
The Piccadilly Circus square is renowned for its bright panels and Eros statue at its center, making it one of London’s most well-known spots for entertainment. It is best enjoyed at night when the neon lights illuminate the area, offering a range of shops, cinemas, theaters, and dining options.
Don’t forget to visit Trocadero, a spacious arcade filled with games. 😉
Trafalgar Square, location 18
Trafalgar Square, situated across from the National Gallery, is a stunning square adorned with various monuments. Notable features include a central column dedicated to Admiral Nelson, four lion statues surrounding the column, and a fountain located in one corner of the square.
It is beneficial to add this place to the London itinerary due to the presence of numerous major retail outlets like Apple, Nike Store, and popular fast fashion retailers such as H&M, Forever 21, and Primark.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – Text 19
Shakespeare enthusiasts are drawn to the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, an exact replica of where the playwright’s works were staged in 1599. Visitors can secure play tickets for as low as £5 or opt for a £27 guided tour, which includes access to Shakespeare’s exhibition and the theater.
- Book a guided tour of the Shakespearean Globe Theater.
The text discusses the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
The Royal Greenwich Observatory is a must-visit place for marking the experience of being in both the Western and Eastern hemispheres simultaneously, as it sits on the Prime Meridian which divides the world into East and West. Tickets are priced starting at £20 and include access to the site with a Portuguese audio guide.
- Purchase tickets for the Royal Greenwich Observatory at the most competitive rate.
Sky Garden – Section 21
The Sky Garden, situated in a skyscraper nicknamed “Walkie Talkie” due to its unique shape, is the highest garden in London. Rising to 160 meters, it is a popular free viewing point in the city, providing panoramic views in all directions.
Visitors can check the building’s heights by reserving entry through the official website. The Sky Garden is accessible Sunday to Thursday from 8am to 11pm, and on Fridays and Saturdays from 8am to midnight.
Explore additional transportation choices in London to ensure you see all the essential sights.
London’s museums
chsyys/StockVault
London boasts more than 300 museums and art galleries showcasing extensive collections of classical and contemporary art. Among the most popular are the British Museum, housing 4 million artifacts on world civilizations, and Madame Tussauds Wax Museum.
Several museums provide free admission, such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum, and London Museum. Alternatively, visitors can opt to buy the Go City London Explorer Pass for access to other non-free museums. 😉
Below is a list of the top recommended museums in London:
- The Natural History Museum
- Museum of Science
- The British Museum
- National Gallery – Art Museum
- National Portrait Gallery
- Madame Tussauds Museum of Wax
- Tate Modern museum
- Sherlock Holmes Museum – The museum dedicated to Sherlock Holmes
- Jack Museum, the Ripper.
- Immersive Art Experience without a frame
- Imperial War Museum – A museum dedicated to the history of war
- The Victoria and Albert Museum
- Clink Prison Museum
- Museum dedicated to transportation
- HMS Belfast is the name of the ship.
- Cutty Sark is a type of tea blend.
- Household Cavalry Museum is the subject of the text.
Explore additional transportation choices in London for an essential itinerary.
London’s parks
Sunny days and clear skies in London are not common, but when they happen, they should be enjoyed by exploring the parks in the city. Hyde Park, located in Mayfair, is a prominent and well-known park with attractions such as the Princess Diana Memorial, vast grassy areas, and spots for picnicking and hiking.
St. James Park is considered London’s oldest park, dating back to 1603. Make sure to visit Regent’s Park with attractions like the London Zoo and the city’s largest outdoor sports complex. Don’t forget about Kensington Gardens, located near Kensington Palace and Hyde Park, which boasts numerous statues and monuments.
Below is a list of the best parks in London.
- St. James Park is the name of the location.
- Hyde Park – A public park in London.
- Regent’s Park
- Green Park – a park with green surroundings.
- Kensington Gardens – a place of interest
- Hampstead Heath is the name of the text.
- Greenwich Park is the subject of the text.
- Holland Park is the name of the text.
Explore additional transportation choices in London for an essential itinerary.
Free activities in London
A visit to London can be expensive due to costs like airfare, food, and accommodation. However, there are also free activities available in the city, alongside paid attractions.
Discover a selection of the best activities to enjoy in London without spending any money.
- Visit various no-cost museums like the British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum, London Museum, Tate Modern, and National Gallery.
- Capture stunning photos in the vicinity of the London Eye and the area surrounding Big Ben.
- Familiarize yourself with well-known areas like Notting Hill, Soho, Kensington, South Bank, Shoreditch, Camden, and Chinatown.
- Enjoy sunny days at parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park.
- Walk around Trafalgar Square, Piccadilly Circus, and Covent Garden
- Witness the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
- Explore London City for free with a guided tour.
- Tour of the British Museum free of charge.
- Harry Potter walking tour at no cost
- Rock and roll tour in Soho offered free of charge.
- East End offers a complimentary tour showcasing street art.
- Tour that is free and includes sightings of ghosts, demons, and murders.
- Greenwich offers a complimentary guided tour.
- Mayfair and Belgravia tour free of charge
- London offers a complimentary Christmas tour.
- Explore the history of witches and witchcraft with a complimentary tour.
Explore additional transportation choices in London to experience an essential show.
Activities for children in London
Spend school holidays in London with your children worry-free as we have compiled the best tips and attractions for you to explore with the little ones.
- Visit attractions like Madame Tussauds, the Natural History Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and the Science Museum.
- Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial is located in Hyde Park.
- Stroll on the London Eye.
- Visit Warner Studios for a Harry Potter tour.
- Join a guided tour of Wembley Stadium.
- Witness the shift of responsibility at Buckingham Palace
- Take the Big Bus tourist service in London.
- Spend a day at Sea Life London.
- Go to Regent’s Park to visit the London Zoo.
- LEGOLAND® Windsor Tour
Explore additional transportation choices in London to ensure you see all the essential sights.
Activities to enjoy in London during the evening
There are various activities available for booking in London, ideal for couples seeking a romantic experience or curious visitors interested in the city. Here are some recommendations.
- Ride on the London Eye.
- Dinner and live music included on a cruise
- Sail along the Thames during the sunset.
- Night Tour on a Panoramic Bus
- Harry Potter Tour combined with a Boat Tour
- London’s night tour is scheduled for today.
- Guided tour exploring ghosts, demons, and murders at no cost.
- Ticket for The London Bridge Experience
- Tickets for Up at The O2
- Jack’s Tour, the Ripper
- “Mamma Mia! The Party” is the title of the text.
- Christmas Tour in London free of charge
- London bus during Christmas time
Explore additional transportation choices in London to fully experience the popular show.
Activities to enjoy in London during wet weather
The London weather is typically overcast or wet, but there are tours available to suit all conditions. Many of London’s museums are located indoors, making them ideal places to explore during inclement weather. Here are some top attractions to visit on rainy days.
- The British Museum, the National Gallery, the Tate Modern, the Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum are some of the attractions you can visit.
- Explore places such as Covent Garden or Borough markets.
- Visit Emirates Stadium, Stamford Bridge, or Wembley on a tour.
- Attend a live performance in London’s West End theater district.
- Encounter St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- Visit Warner Studios for a Harry Potter tour.
- Spend a day at Sea Life London.
- Explore Westminster Abbey and Westminster Palace
- The Shard introduction
- Attend a performance at the Royal Albert Hall
- Head to the Royal Greenwich Observatory.
- View the rooftops of London from the Sky Garden.
- Experience Hard Rock Cafe London without waiting in line.
- Visit Kew Palace and Royal Botanical Garden.
Explore additional transportation choices in London to ensure you see all the essential sights.
Activities to enjoy in London during the winter months
The winter season in London is enchanting, with a variety of attractions and tours available from December to March. In addition to the popular Christmas markets and ice skating rinks, there are other recommended activities to make the most of the snowy experience in the city.
- Ice found at locations such as Somerset House.
- Discover the Southbank Centre and the Winter Wonderland Christmas Markets in Hyde Park.
- Walking in the evening along Oxford and Regent streets to view the festive Christmas decorations.
- Attend a live performance in the West End to get in the mood.
- Experience the ambiance of traditional taverns featuring fireplaces like The Churchill Arms.
- Explore indoor markets like Borough Market to avoid the chilly weather.
- Explore London for free during the Christmas season.
- Explore the Christmas lights display at Kew Gardens.
Explore additional transportation choices in London for an essential itinerary.
Activities to enjoy in London during the summer
Summer in London is lively and offers a variety of activities to include in your itinerary. Exploring parks and engaging in outdoor activities are among the top recommendations for a summer visit to London. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your summer tours in the city:
- Hyde Park and Regent’s Park offer opportunities for picnics, cycling, and outdoor concerts.
- Experience the sunset at elevated outdoor areas like Sky Garden.
- Take a leisurely stroll and unwind at Kew Gardens.
- Explore festivals and street markets like Borough Market and Southbank Centre.
- Discover the magnificent gardens of Hampton Court Palace.
- Attend a performance at the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.
Explore additional transportation choices in London for an essential sightseeing itinerary.
London eateries
In London, there is a wide range of restaurants to cater to everyone’s tastes, including traditional English tea houses like The Park Room where you can indulge in a variety of delicious pastries.
People looking to try international cuisine can choose between Bonoo Indian Tapas offering Indian dishes, Alexander The Great specializing in Mediterranean food like houmous, scallops, and grilled octopus, and Scarlett Green for barbecue and hot drinks enthusiasts.
Below are a few of the top dining establishments in London:
- Indian Tapas at Bonoo
- Alexander the Great
- Scarlett Green
- Andy’s Greek Restaurant
- Nora Cafe
- The Room in the Park
Accommodation options in London
To avoid the hassle of searching for accommodations in London, we have listed top-rated options in different categories for you to choose from, including hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and holiday rentals.
| Cheaper: Urbany Hostel London | Note: 8.5 | £20 / day |
| Luxury: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park | Note: 9.0 | £875 / day |
| Honeymoon: Rubens At The Palace | Note: 8.6 | £207 / day |
| Families: Hilton London Bankside | Note: 8.8 | £160 / day |
| In Westminster: The Clermont London, Victoria | Note: 8.7 | £219 / day |
| In Covent Garden: The Z Hotel Trafalgar | Note: 8.4 | £50 / day |
| In Soho: The Resident Soho | Note: 8.9 | £146 per day |
| In Mayfair: The Chesterfield Mayfair | Note: 8.9 | £209 / day |
Discover the top deals for all lodging options in London.
Explore additional suggestions from London.
The tips are not finished yet! Here is a list of detailed posts to assist you in organizing your trip:
- London – Paráfrase: The city of London
- London screenplay
- How is British Airways operating in the air?
- Attractions in England
- Where to find accommodation in London
- Brighton is the name of a place.
- Activities to engage in at Bath
- Activities in Bristol
- The city of London
- Traveling through Europe with a backpack
Have a secure journey to London.
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Mobile Chip designed for use in London.
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Sightseeing excursions and admission passes in London
Plan your London tours in advance with Civitatis to avoid waiting in ticket lines. Book from the comfort of your home, secure your spot on top tours, and pay in installments with no IOF fees. Check prices now.
Flights heading to London
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Car hire service in London
You can easily book a car online in London and pick it up when you reach your destination through Enjoy RentCars platform. Check out their offers to find the best deal for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have additional inquiries about activities in London? Explore more detailed Q&A on the topic.
A helpful suggestion for purchasing tickets for activities in London is to use Civitatis. You can buy packages on the website and pay in installments without any foreign transaction fees. Check out the tour prices on the site.
Visitors with limited time in London can begin their day at Buckingham Palace to witness the changing of the guard, followed by a stroll through St. James’s Park. Next, they can visit Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, and the iconic Big Ben. A ride on the London Eye offers a panoramic view of the city, with lunch options at Southbank or Covent Garden. In the afternoon, exploring Trafalgar Square and the National Gallery is recommended before venturing to Camden Market or Oxford Street for shopping. The day can conclude with visits to the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, followed by a vibrant evening in Soho, and exploring Piccadilly Circus and Leicester Square to experience the city’s lively nightlife and bright lights.
Begin the second day by exploring the Tower of London and possibly visiting the Crown Jewels. Afterwards, take a stroll across Tower Bridge and proceed to The Shard area for lunch with picturesque city views. In the afternoon, explore the British Museum with its remarkable collection that offers free admission. For a more relaxed afternoon, wander through Hyde Park gardens and visit Kensington Palace. In the evening, dine in Notting Hill or savor the atmosphere of a traditional pub in Covent Garden. To enrich your cultural experience, attend a play in the West End or enjoy an outdoor show, depending on the season.
3rd day: Exploring Notting Hill, Abbey Road, and other famous sites in London.
Day 1 includes visiting Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. On Day 2, you can explore the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, British Museum, Covent Garden, National Gallery, and Soho. Day 3 offers visits to Camden Town, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Sky Garden. Finally, on Day 4, you can choose to visit the Royal Greenwich Observatory and Cutty Sark or take a tour of Windsor Castle.
Day 1: Visit Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, and the London Eye. Day 2: Explore the British Museum, Covent Garden, National Gallery, and Soho. Day 3: Discover Camden Town, the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Sky Garden. Day 4: Visit the Royal Greenwich Observatory and choose between Cutty Sark or a Windsor Castle Tour. Day 5: Explore Notting Hill, Portobello Market, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, and the South Bank.
Day 1: Visiting Tower of London, Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Sky Garden. Day 2: Exploring Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Park, Westminster Abbey, Westminster Palace, Big Ben, and London Eye. Day 3: Discovering British Museum, Covent Garden, National Gallery, Leicester Square, and Piccadilly Circus. Day 4: Touring Camden Town, Regent’s Park, London Zoo, and Little Venice. Day 5: Exploring Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, Bath, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Kensington Palace. Day 6: Visiting Notting Hill, Portobello Market, Harrods or Oxford Street, and The Shard.
Day 6: Roaming around Notting Hill, Portobello Market, Harrods or Oxford Street, and The Shard.
