People walking across Millennium Bridge in London

Things to do in  London

Mind the gap

World-class dining destination, cultural frontrunner, cosmopolitan fashion capital, and political powerhouse. These are just a few of the accolades describing the vibrant, history-rich British capital. Dr. Samuel Johnson famously said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.” Today, that statement has never felt more true. Things to do in London range from a Thames River cruise to exploring lush parks. You can spot World War II monuments, visit food markets, and see street art-smothered neighborhoods. Duck into the British Museum or National Gallery when showers threaten. And soak up panoramic views of the skyline from the top of icons such as The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.

Top 15 attractions in London

Buckingham Palace

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Buckingham Palace has served as the official London residence and administrative office of the British royal family since the 19th century and is one of the few remaining working royal palaces in the world. Public access to the interiors is limited to the summer, but it’s worthwhile for those who arrange a visit.More

Stonehenge

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As one of the world’s most enigmatic tourist attractions, Stonehenge draws up to 1.3 million visitors annually. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of an inner and an outer circle of gigantic stones standing in the heart of the English countryside——is made even more impressive by its mysterious history. Although Stonehenge’s original purpose remains unknown, onlookers gather to admire the sarsen stone circles and ponder its astronomical, spiritual, or even supernatural meaning.More

Tower of London

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From medieval torture to grim executions and infamous royal prisoners, the Tower of London has long found itself at the center of the city's dark history. Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, the historic castle has served as a Royal Menagerie, Her Majesty's prison, an execution site, a royal observatory, a Royal Mint, and a military storehouse over the course of its existence.More

Westminster Abbey

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A UNESCO World Heritage site with a legacy dating back more than 1,000 years, Westminster Abbey is among London’s most historic landmarks. The Gothic church is best known for hosting headline-grabbing events involving the British royal family, such as the Queen’s coronation, Princess Diana's funeral, and Prince William and Kate Middleton’s wedding.More

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

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Few landmarks epitomize central London as perfectly as Big Ben, the iconic clock tower of the Houses of Parliament that's officially known as Elizabeth Tower, after the late Queen Elizabeth II. Heralding Great Britain's political nucleus in Westminster, Big Ben stands as the striking centerpiece of the Thames waterfront and is backed by the historic Palace of Westminster, home to the Houses of Parliament.More

London Eye

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The London Eye offers panoramic views of world-famous central London landmarks from its prime location on the Thames River waterfront, opposite Houses of Parliament & Big Ben. The 443-foot-tall (135 meters) Ferris wheel was built to mark the millennium in the year 2000 and has since become one of the most popular paid tourist attractions in the United Kingdom.More

Windsor Castle

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Windsor Castle is the largest occupied castle in the world still used by resident monarchs. William the Conqueror built a wooden fortress on the site 900 years ago—and Windsor has been a royal palace and residence since. Despite its daily use for royal business, much of the palace is open to the public and well worth a visit.More

St. Paul's Cathedral

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An architectural masterpiece with a magnificent dome, St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable sites. The 17th-century cathedral boasts a rich history as host of the jubilee celebrations of late Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, the marriage of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, and the funeral of Sir Winston Churchill.More

Tower Bridge

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With its Gothic towers and central bascule flanked by dramatic suspension bridges, Tower Bridge is both a remarkable feat of engineering and one of the most recognizable of London’s landmarks. The famous bridge is a popular subject of London postcards, leading many to mistake it for London Bridge, which is actually the next bridge upstream.More

Thames River

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Flowing right through the heart of central London, the Thames River offers a dramatic backdrop to the city's famous skyline with landmarks lining its shores. Walk along the riverfront from Westminster to Tower Bridge and you'll pass London icons such as the London Eye, Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, the Tower of London, St. Paul's Cathedral, Southbank, Shakespeare's Globe, and the London Bridge.More

Trafalgar Square

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Trafalgar Square—the living, breathing, and beating heart of London’s West End—plays an integral part in local life as a site of celebrations, protests, performances, parades, and public gatherings. Overlooked by grand, stately buildings such as the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields Church, this vast square is dotted with iconic fountains and statuary. Most famous among them is the 144-foot (44-meter) Nelson’s Column, which commemorates a British naval victory over France and Spain, and is guarded by four oversized bronze lions.More

London Shard

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Piercing the sky like a gigantic shard of glass, the London Shard is a spectacular sight. This architectural wonder, designed by Renzo Piano, is not only one of the city’s most iconic structures—it also boasts the highest observation deck in London.More

Covent Garden

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In the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the city’s most popular dining and entertainment hubs. Home to the Royal Opera House; several top theaters, including the Lyceum and the Donmar Warehouse; world-class restaurants; and many major brand-name stores, most travelers to London plan to explore this area while visiting.More

Piccadilly Circus

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Famous for its giant illuminated screens and near-constant stream of traffic, Piccadilly Circus in London’s West End has been featured in so many movies and TV shows that even first-time visitors feel they recognize the surroundings. Almost every visitor to London will pass through this major tourist hub at one point.More

London Bridge

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Often confused with the grand Tower Bridge, London Bridge, UK is more functional than fancy. It does, however, have a long history: It was first erected over the Thames River by the Romans, way back in AD 50. No visible trace remains of the original bridge, nor of the handful of structures that replaced it, including the one that became the subject of that famous nursery rhyme. Though the current concrete bridge, which opened to traffic in the 1970s, isn't so photogenic, its views of London are hard to beat.More

Trip ideas

Top activities in London

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London
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Harry Potter Tour of Warner Bros. Studio with Luxury Transport from London
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Oxford, Stratford-upon-Avon and Warwick Castle Day Trip from London
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Best of London Tour inc Tower of London and Changing of the Guard
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Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

Stonehenge and Bath Tour from London

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Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London
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Best of London: Tower of London, Thames & Changing of the Guard
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All about London

When to visit

There’s no better place in the summer. The capital’s parks swell with picnickers and festivals celebrating music from every genre. And the best things to do in London during the winter include drinking mulled wine and visiting holiday light displays in Oxford Street and Carnaby Street. Whatever the season, bring an umbrella, as downpours can strike at any moment.

Getting around

The capital’s public transport system is world-famous and has been operating since the 1800s. It’s a surefire way to navigate the city and beat the notorious traffic jams aboveground. The London Underground (also known as the Tube) and the super-speedy Elizabeth Line are cost-effective ways to explore. And the Overground helps you explore the other points of the compass—make sure you mind the gap.

Traveler tips

Once you’ve sampled the street art of Shoreditch and bagels of Brick Lane, one of the best things to do in London is visiting the city’s coolest borough: Hackney in East London. Here, you’ll find leafy parks such as Victoria Park and Haggerston Park. There are gastropubs serving pints of beer alongside British classics such as Scotch eggs and pork pies. And Hackney boasts some of the capital’s best nightlife, from LGBTQ bars hosting drag shows to R&B nights in underground nightclubs.

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A local’s pocket guide to London

Emma Knock

One of those rare Londoners actually born in London, Emma is a writer who’s only two degrees of separation from both Kate Moss and the Queen.

The first thing you should do in London is...

get an Oyster card—buses are cashless and there’s no time to faff around with paper tickets at the tube station.

A perfect Saturday in London...

starts with brunch (Caravan in King’s Cross is my go-to), involves a trip to a museum (make it the V&A if there’s a special exhibition), and ends in Soho for dinner and drinks.

One touristy thing that lives up to the hype is...

St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s beautiful inside and the view from the dome is worth the 550-step climb.

To discover the "real" London...

go to a market. I love Broadway Market in Hackney for its Victorian history and proximity to the Regent’s Canal.

For the best view of the city...

head to Primrose Hill or Greenwich Park to see the skyline, but walk along the South Bank for an up-close perspective.

One thing people get wrong...

is thinking Londoners are rude because we walk fast and avoid eye contact on the tube. Start a conversation outside a pub and you’ll find it’s generally not the case.

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People Also Ask

What should you not miss in London?

There are so many unmissable things to do in London. Begin with UNESCO-listed attractions such as Westminster Abbey, Maritime Greenwich, and Big Ben. Go on a River Thames boat or hop-on hop-off bus tour to glimpse the highlights. You’ll save time to visit icons like the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye on the South Bank.

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What is the most famous attraction in London?

Arguably the most famous attraction in town is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament (home to the House of Commons and House of Lords), which overlook the Thames River. The city boasts many other iconic attractions, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey. Don’t forget the Natural History Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.

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What do Londoners do for fun?

There are many ways Londoners like to let loose. They visit in-demand restaurants in Soho and unwind over pints in one of the city's historic pubs. Centrally located attractions like Borough Market and the Tate Modern are ever-popular. Residents also head to East London to discover the city's hippest neighborhoods.

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What attractions can I see outside of London?

Many attractions are just a short distance outside of town. Discover royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, and Hever Castle. Alternatively, plan a seaside excursion to Brighton, Whitstable, or Margate. Other highlights within day-trip distance include Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Bath, and Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace).

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Is 2 days enough for London?

Yes, two days is enough to discover the city’s highlights if you sightsee efficiently. Embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Central London walking tour, or a Thames boat trip to see more of the sights in less time. Explore leafy Hyde Park and St. James’s Park, plan a West End theater outing in Covent Garden, and shop in South Kensington.

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What attractions are free in London?

The city offers a wealth of free attractions, including cultural destinations such as the British Museum, Tate Modern (home to boundary-pushing modern art and visionary performance art), Victoria and Albert Museum (known for decorative art). The city's Royal Parks are also free to explore, as are highlights like Trafalgar Square. Don't miss the free-to-view Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

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