If you are planning a visit to London to experience the many world-famous landmarks, historical sites, tourist attractions and sightseeing places. Here is a guide to some of the best things to do in London if you are spending a day trip, a weekend or a couple of hours. Pick and choose from the list to add to your London itinerary.
The View from The Shard, London - Photo by Benjamin Davies on Unsplash
What to Do in London For a Day
What can I do in London in one day? This is what you might want to know if you have a free day or a few hours to spend in the UK's capital. If you reside in the country or are visiting for business or pleasure.
A day trip to London is necessary to personally experience British culture and history. This iconic English city is host to world-famous landmarks, ancient sights, and fantastic dining and entertainment possibilities.
There are an incredible number of attractions to accommodate everyone's curiosity. London is an excellent place to begin discovering the best of the United Kingdom's largest cities.
Here's an itinerary if you want to know what you should do in the city to assist you in planning a day trip to London. Simply choose from this list of top-rated attractions, sightseeing spots, and landmarks to visit in London, and you'll spend a brilliant day exploring its historic and very culturally rich streets.
1. The Tower of London
His Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, more commonly referred to as "The Tower of London," is a historic castle in the heart of London on the north bank of the River Thames.
In times of war and rebellion, the royal family and their possessions could take refuge here, which is widely regarded as the safest castle in England. However, for 500 years, the Tower also served as a remarkably opulent royal palace. The Tower has been a visible representation of adoration and despair throughout history.
This renowned castle in London is not free to explore. To visit the Tower, there is an admission fee and often a long line. The ancient Ceremony of the Keys requires advance tickets, but you can see a portion of it for free at night if you plan.
2. The British Museum
One of the best things to do in London if you're a history buff is to check out one of the city's many museums. The museum's permanent collections cover more than two million years of human history and culture and can be viewed for free.
The Great Court, which contains the Reading Room, is worth a visit if only to take in the sight of its stunning domed glass roof as well as the ancient pillars and high ceilings that can be experienced elsewhere in this historical London landmark.
Located in London's Bloomsbury neighbourhood, the British Museum showcases artefacts from around the world to shed light on human history and culture. Among the largest and most comprehensive in existence, its eight-million-piece permanent collection is a must-see on any trip to London. It chronicles cultural history from its earliest periods to the present day.
3. London Eye
Situated on the riverbank directly across from the famous landmarks of Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster, upon crossing the bustling Westminster Bridge. You'll find the London Eye, suspended above the River Thames on the south bank, formerly known as the Millennium Wheel. It is a well-known tourist attraction in the English capital.
Over three million people visit every year to get a bird's-eye view of the city from Europe's tallest observation wheel, making it the most popular paid tourist attraction in the United Kingdom.
4. National Gallery
London is a fantastic place for art enthusiasts, as the city's numerous museums and galleries showcase some of the world's finest examples of both classical and modern art. The city's most famous gallery, the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, is just one of many that do not charge admission.
Art by da Vinci, Turner, van Gogh, and Rembrandt are just a few of the many famous artists whose works can be found in the National Gallery. Almost 2,300 works of art from the years 1300 to 1900 are housed in the museum, which was founded in 1824 and has been in its current location on Trafalgar Square since 1838.
5. Tower Bridge
Glass Floors and high-level Walkways on the Tower Bridge allow visitors to experience the city from 42 meters (138 feet) above the river. Seeing the road rise from beneath your feet as a Bridge Lift occurs is a brilliant sight, so schedule your trip accordingly.
Adult tickets to the Victorian Engine Rooms cost about £12, while child tickets are around £6. After purchasing a ticket, visitors can learn about the lives of the people who maintained the Tower Bridge. The stories come to life in the museum's permanent exhibition with the help of photographs, films, and interactive displays.
The Tower Bridge in London was built between 1886 and 1894 and is now a National Historic Landmark due to its unique combination of bascule and suspension bridge architecture. The bridge was designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry, with assistance from Henry Marc Brunel.
6. Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum in London houses an impressive collection of artefacts from all corners of the world. On the same street as the Natural History Museum is the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum, both of which are considered major attractions in the South Kensington neighbourhood.
When the Natural History Museum is open to the public, anyone can walk in and enjoy the exhibits, café, and gift shop without purchasing a ticket. The museum's permanent exhibits, which include an impressive collection of dinosaur skeletons and an elaborate building often described as a "cathedral of nature," are free and open to the public.
The museum decided to switch things up in 2017 and put a blue whale skeleton in the central vaulted hall, previously occupied by a massive Diplodocus cast. Give yourself at least three hours to see the museum, but plan on spending the whole day if you're interested in everything it has to offer. The closest subway stop is South Kensington.
7. Churchill War Rooms
One of the five locations of London's Imperial War Museum, commonly referred to as the Churchill War Rooms, can be found on King Charles St in the City of Westminster, not far from Downing Street. Former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill oversaw military operations from this building during World War II.
A bunker houses the entirety of this establishment. To take in everything that the Churchill Museum and the historic Cabinet War Rooms have to offer, you should budget at least an hour and a half of your time. Seeing the spot where the man who led Britain to victory and changed the world is one of the most fascinating and unique things to do in London.
Stroll across the street to Buckingham Palace, and you might catch the trooping of the colours along the Mall on your way to the city's urban oasis, St. James's Park, where the picturesque Duck Island Cottage can be discovered.
8. Victoria and Albert Museum - V&A
Known simply as "the V&A," There are approximately 2.27 million artefacts housed at London's Victoria and Albert Museum, making it the largest museum of its kind in the world. In 1852, the royal couple Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were an inspiration for the name.
The South Kensington underground station places this London Museum just a short walk away from the Natural History Museum. There are many London attractions within walking distance, including the Royal Albert Hall, Imperial College London, and the swanky Harrods department store, which is also considered one of the best places to visit in London.
9. Westminster Abbey
While Westminster Abbey is certainly impressive, it is just one of many magnificent and historically significant structures found in London. Built-in 1245 at the behest of King Henry III, it is now recognised as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in all of England.
Since its settlement by Benedictine monks in 1066, the church has served as the final resting place for 17 monarchs and as the site of their coronations. Paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books, and other artefacts can be found here, along with the largest collection of monumental sculptures in the United Kingdom.
This Collegiate church in London is one of a kind, with a storied past that spans over 752 years.
10. Hyde Park
The 350-acre Hyde Park in the heart of London features a large wetland area, gardens, children's playgrounds, sports facilities, and historic monuments. In addition, there are two eateries, a rose garden, and the Diana Memorial Fountain.
The largest of London's four royal parks, this Grade I-listed gem in Westminster stretches from Kensington to Buckingham Palace and is one of the city's most well-known parks. The meadow is 6.8 kilometres in circumference and is dotted with native wildflowers and teeming with fauna, making for a pleasant walk that takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes on average.
11. Covent Garden
Travel to the West End of London, specifically Covent Garden, is widely regarded as one of the best tourist destinations in the world. The upscale shops and arts and crafts stalls that populate the area around the Piazza that bears the area's name are joined by the historic Apple Market, which is in a gorgeous Italianate colonnade.
Built-in the 17th century, St. Paul's Church is now one of London's most popular tourist destinations thanks to its proximity to the Royal Opera House and several street performers. If you're a fan of classic cars, you should check out London's Transport Museum here too.
When planning your London day trip itinerary, be sure to include a visit to the area's high-end restaurants serving European cuisine, and if you have time, consider one of the many theatres presenting plays and musicals in your travel plans. As you make your way through the winding streets, you might want to cool off at one of the many Gelato ice cream shops.
12. Borough Market
Many of London's ancient marketplaces remain popular tourist destinations. Located in the heart of the city, the 172-year-old Borough Market is a great place to spend an hour or two perusing local wares and trying out exotic cuisines from all over the world. If you're in the mood for some British-style sourdough bread, wine, or fudge, you'll love it here.
If the enticing smells of freshly prepared foods aren't enough, perhaps the elegant glass exterior of the historic building, which has housed market sellers selling fresh fruit since 1756, will be. The market is a great place to see how British traditions blend with those of other countries because it is both one of London's oldest and largest food markets and a melting pot of cultures.
There we have it, our top 12 best attractions and things to do when you visit London.