Unforgettable Things to Do in London

London captivates visitors with its perfect blend of historic grandeur and cutting-edge innovation. As someone who’s explored London’s cobblestone alleys and sleek skyscrapers for over a decade, I’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to the best things to do in London. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning to discover more of this magnificent city, this guide covers everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems that even locals treasure.

London’s magic lies in its endless variety – where else can you tour a medieval castle in the morning, enjoy afternoon tea in a converted Victorian toilet, and catch world-class theater in the evening? Let’s explore the very best things to do in London that will make your trip truly unforgettable.

Before diving into London’s attractions, let’s cover some practical information to help you make the most of your visit.

London’s public transportation system is extensive and efficient. The Underground (Tube) is the fastest way to travel around central London, while buses offer scenic routes to see the city. For convenience, get an Oyster card or use a contactless payment card for all public transport. Most visitors spend about £10-15 per day on transportation.

London is a year-round destination, but each season offers a different experience. Spring (April-June) brings pleasant weather and blooming parks. Summer (July-August) offers the warmest temperatures but also the largest crowds. Fall (September-October) features beautiful colors and fewer tourists. Winter (November-February) can be chilly but festive with Christmas markets and decorations.

Let’s start with London’s world-famous landmarks that have defined the city’s skyline and history for centuries.

This UNESCO World Heritage site has played a crucial role in English history since 1066. Explore the White Tower, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and join a Yeoman Warder (“Beefeater”) tour to hear fascinating tales of intrigue, imprisonment, and execution. The Tower of London offers a perfect blend of history, architecture, and royal splendor.

Allow at least 3 hours to fully explore the Tower. The Yeoman Warder tours are included in your ticket price and provide entertaining historical insights you won’t get elsewhere.

Often mistakenly called “London Bridge,” the iconic Tower Bridge offers more than just a river crossing. The Tower Bridge Experience allows you to walk across the glass floor walkway between the two towers, looking down at the Thames and traffic below. You’ll also learn about the bridge’s history and visit the Victorian engine rooms that once powered the bridge lifts.

This magnificent Gothic church has been the coronation site for British monarchs since 1066 and hosts royal weddings and funerals. Beyond its royal connections, Westminster Abbey contains the tombs and memorials of countless historical figures, from monarchs and politicians to scientists and artists. The architecture alone is breathtaking, with soaring arches and stunning stained glass.

Audio guides are included with your ticket and provide fascinating details about the abbey’s history and notable residents. Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours exploring.

The official London residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is a must-see for any visitor. While the palace interior is only open to visitors during summer months (usually late July to September), the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place throughout the year (check the schedule before visiting). This elaborate ceremony features guards in their distinctive red tunics and bearskin hats.

For spectacular panoramic views of London, take a ride on the London Eye. This giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames offers 30-minute “flights” in glass capsules. On a clear day, you can see up to 40 kilometers in all directions, taking in landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace from above.

Book tickets in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak season. Consider a sunset ride for the most dramatic views as the city lights begin to twinkle.

London houses some of the world’s finest museums and art collections, many of which offer free entry to their permanent exhibitions.

Home to one of the world’s finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum houses treasures from across the globe, spanning two million years of human history and culture. Highlights include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies, and the Lewis Chessmen. The museum’s magnificent Great Court with its stunning glass roof is worth seeing in its own right.

With over 8 million objects (not all on display), it’s impossible to see everything in one visit. Consider taking a guided highlights tour or focusing on specific galleries that interest you most.

Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses a world-renowned collection of paintings from the 13th to the 19th centuries. You’ll find masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Turner, Renoir, and Van Gogh among many others. The gallery offers free entry to its permanent collection, making it one of the best free things to do in London for art lovers.

Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, Tate Modern is Britain’s national museum of modern and contemporary art. The vast Turbine Hall hosts large-scale installations and exhibitions, while the permanent collection features works by Picasso, Warhol, Dalí, and Hockney. The viewing platform on the 10th floor offers spectacular views of the Thames and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

With its impressive Victorian architecture and world-class exhibits, the Natural History Museum delights visitors of all ages. Highlights include the dinosaur gallery with animatronic T-Rex, the breathtaking blue whale skeleton in the central hall, and the earthquake simulator. The building itself is a masterpiece, with intricate terracotta decorations featuring plants and animals.

The museum is particularly popular with families, so visit early in the day or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

Beyond the famous landmarks, London offers countless unique experiences that showcase the city’s eccentricity and charm.

Experience a quintessentially British tradition with a twist by enjoying afternoon tea aboard a vintage Routemaster bus. As you indulge in finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate pastries, you’ll tour past iconic London landmarks including Big Ben, The London Eye, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

For something more atmospheric, explore the Victorian Highgate Cemetery, final resting place of notable figures including Karl Marx, George Eliot, and Douglas Adams. The West Cemetery, accessible by guided tour only, features the Egyptian Avenue, Circle of Lebanon, and Terrace Catacombs with their impressive architecture and haunting atmosphere.

The East Cemetery can be visited independently, while the West Cemetery’s guided tours provide fascinating insights into Victorian funeral customs and symbolism.

How about coffee in a converted Victorian public toilet? The Attendant in Fitzrovia has transformed a former underground gentlemen’s convenience into a charming specialty coffee shop. Sit at the original porcelain urinals (now serving as table seating) while enjoying excellent coffee and delicious pastries in this uniquely repurposed space.

Discover London’s largest legal graffiti wall at Leake Street Tunnel near Waterloo Station. This ever-changing underground gallery showcases vibrant street art from talented artists. The tunnel’s atmosphere is electric, especially on weekends when you might catch artists at work. After exploring the tunnel, visit nearby Lower Marsh Street with its independent shops and cafés.

For a truly unique relaxation experience, book a session at Netil360’s Sauna or Hackney’s BOXSAUNA. These urban rooftop saunas offer traditional Finnish sauna experiences with stunning views of the London skyline. Alternate between the intense heat of the sauna and refreshing cold plunge pools while taking in panoramic city vistas.

London’s markets offer everything from antiques and vintage fashion to international street food and handcrafted goods.

London’s oldest food market, Borough Market has been serving the city for over 1,000 years. Today, it’s a paradise for food lovers, offering everything from fresh produce and artisanal cheeses to international street food and specialty ingredients. The market is at its busiest and most vibrant from Thursday to Saturday, though some stalls open Wednesday and Sunday too.

Come hungry and graze your way through the market, sampling specialties from different vendors. Don’t miss the grilled cheese sandwiches from Kappacasein or the legendary doughnuts from Bread Ahead.

With its alternative vibe and eclectic mix of stalls, Camden Market is a treasure trove of unique finds. Browse everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewelry to international street food and quirky souvenirs. The market comprises several adjoining marketplaces, including Camden Lock Market, Stables Market, and Buck Street Market.

Notting Hill’s famous Portobello Road Market is the world’s largest antiques market, with over 1,000 dealers selling everything from fine antiques to vintage fashion. Saturday is the main market day when all sections are open, though the antiques section also operates on Fridays, and some food stalls are open throughout the week.

The market stretches for nearly two miles, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to spend several hours exploring its different sections.

Once a fruit and vegetable market, Covent Garden is now a popular shopping and entertainment hub. The beautiful 19th-century market building houses boutique shops, craft stalls, and restaurants, while street performers entertain crowds in the piazza. Surrounding streets feature designer stores, the Royal Opera House, and numerous theaters.

Despite being a major metropolis, London is surprisingly green, with beautiful parks and gardens offering peaceful retreats from the urban bustle.

London’s most famous park offers 350 acres of green space in the heart of the city. Rent a rowboat on the Serpentine lake, listen to passionate debates at Speakers’ Corner, or simply relax with a picnic on the lawns. The park connects to Kensington Gardens, where you’ll find Kensington Palace and the enchanting Peter Pan statue.

This hidden gem is a bombed-out church transformed into a peaceful garden. Destroyed during the Blitz in World War II, the ruins of St. Dunstan in the East now form a serene public garden where climbing plants wind around crumbling arches and empty window frames. It’s a magical spot for quiet contemplation in the heart of the City of London.

For panoramic views without the price tag, visit the Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street (nicknamed the “Walkie-Talkie” building). This free public garden spans three floors and offers 360-degree views of London, lush plantings, observation decks, and an open-air terrace. While entry is free, you must book a time slot in advance as space is limited.

Visit at sunset for the most spectacular views as the city transitions from day to night. There are bars and restaurants within the Sky Garden if you want to enjoy the view with a drink or meal.

London’s culinary scene reflects its status as one of the world’s most diverse cities, offering everything from traditional British fare to innovative global cuisine.

Experience a beloved British tradition by enjoying a Sunday Roast at a historic London pub. This hearty meal typically includes roast meat (beef, chicken, pork, or lamb), crispy roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, seasonal vegetables, and rich gravy. Pair it with a local ale for the full experience. Popular spots include The Anchor & Hope in Southwark, The Harwood Arms in Fulham, and The Spaniards Inn in Hampstead.

East London’s diverse communities have created one of the city’s most exciting food scenes. A guided food tour through neighborhoods like Spitalfields and Shoreditch offers a delicious way to explore the area’s history and culture while sampling specialties from around the world.

No visit to London is complete without experiencing afternoon tea. This elegant tradition includes finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, pastries, and fine tea. For a classic experience, try The Ritz or Claridge’s (booking essential). For something more unusual, consider sketch (with its Instagram-famous pink dining room) or the Science Afternoon Tea at The Ampersand Hotel.

London has a long history with gin, dating back to the 18th century. Today, craft distilleries are reviving this tradition. Take a tour of Sipsmith, Beefeater, or the City of London Distillery to learn about gin production and enjoy guided tastings. Most tours include a complimentary gin and tonic and the opportunity to purchase bottles directly from the distillery.

London rewards those who explore beyond the obvious attractions. While landmarks like the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey are must-sees for good reason, some of your most memorable experiences might come from wandering through local neighborhoods, discovering a hidden garden, or chatting with locals at a neighborhood pub.

The city’s layers of history, culture, and innovation create an endlessly fascinating destination that changes with each visit. Whether you’re drawn to royal pageantry, cutting-edge art, culinary adventures, or simply soaking up the atmosphere of one of the world’s great cities, London offers countless things to do that will leave you planning your return before you’ve even left.