London attracts several million visitors every year which makes it one of the most visited cities in England. Being extensively diverse, London is a city with a rich culture and history which is wonderfully depicted by the array of attractions it houses like the Buckingham Palace, cathedrals, museums, River Thames, and so much more.
With some of the best collections of art, glamorous dining options, bustling bars, excellent food, and varied shopping avenues, London is a city that must be on every travel enthusiast’s bucket list. If you are planning to explore this glorious city and wish to know the interesting things to do in London and places to visit in London, read on!
Westminster
Located near the famous Buckingham Palace, Westminster is a well-known government area in London bustling with tourists and locals. While the London politicians mingle in the multitude of pubs in Whitehall, the tourists are more concerned with exploring the monuments in Trafalgar Square.
Another popular activity which you must witness is the guard changing event at the Horse Guard Parade. Just by the Thames river, the House of Parliament is situated where you can find the most iconic clock tower of the city, Big Ben. When you explore further and come across Westminster Abbey, you can find the graves of famous historical figures like Charles Darwin, King Henry V, Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens, among others.
By DaniKauf, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Near Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London | Timing: 24/7 Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/pqRKauCwBrBRqFwQ7
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the most idyllic parks in the heart of the city. You can explore a plethora of exciting activities in Hyde Park, including swimming, boating, tennis, horse riding, jogging, skating, and walking, among many others. The innumerable adornments of the park in the form of colorful flowers and lush green trees make for a fascinating sight.
The glittering lake surrounding the park adds to the beauty of the place, attracting tourists in thousands every day. Apart from the natural beauty, Hyde Park also encompasses some of the most insightful memorials, monuments, statues, fountains, and several other buildings.
By Leonard Bentley, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: 142 HA, Central London | Timing: 05:00 am to midnight | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/EJGpatVnXx5pud6T9 | Phone number: +44 300 061 2000
London Eye
Witness all the major landmarks of the city through a bird’s eye view by hopping on the tallest cantilever wheel of the world. Some of the key places that can be witnessed from the London Eye include Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and Tower Bridge.
The ride goes pretty slow giving you enough time to soak in the beauty of London and to marvel at the various fascinating landmarks. Try visiting this London attraction during a special themed event to make the most of your trip. If you do get a chance, visit the London Eye on New Year’s Eve to experience the spectacle of city skylines filled with firework displays.
By Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net)., CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, South Bank, London | Timing: 11:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/bqwZVpVYmr7vggt59 | Phone number: +44 20 7967 8021
Camden Town
No trip ever is truly fulfilled without an indulgent session of shopping and night dining for gourmet food. The best place to indulge in both these experiences is the Camden Market in Camden Town. The moment you set foot in this shopping market, you can see an array of food stalls, bars, and restaurants featuring delicious food delights.
This shopping market also features plenty of shopping centers featuring some of the trendiest fashion styles, divine perfumes, swanky jewelry, and other accessories for sale. If you love partying at night, you can stay back till sunset in this shopping market and explore the happening night scenes here. Do visit the Camden Town Brewery and take a refreshing sip of some of the best-brewed beers in the city.
Address: Camden Market, 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, Camden Town, London | Timing: Sunday-Monday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, Tuesday-Saturday: Closed | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/MEcVzLTrYKtzZEUf8 | Phone number: – +442037639900
The Trendsetter Shoreditch
Shoreditch is not only the coolest place in London to reside in but it is also known for hosting the best nightlife experiences. It is packed with an array of bars and eateries, making it the perfect place for a visit during the day as well as during the night.
One of the most recommended bars to visit during the night is Trapeze bar, which is a circus-themed bar. If you are into pop culture, try lounging in Far Rockaway bar where you can find lined up comic books and 90s band posters. If you wish to enjoy London’s nightlife and bars by trying out the American staples, try sticky ribs at Blue Kitchen.
By Dr Neil Clifton, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Trendsetter Shoreditch, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ZfyTuASDNdzyeXYK6
Enjoy the Nightlife at Soho
One of the fun things to do in London is to explore the nightlife at Soho. Soho has long been considered to be the city’s base for the sex industry. Lately, it has transformed into an area where you can experience the best nightlife in London. Although there are still a few sex shopping centers in Soho open here and there during the night but there is much more to this place than this.
Soho is one of the prime locations for the LGBTQ communities and you will find several lesbian and gay bars light up throughout this area during the night, which comes alive as soon as the sun goes down during the night. In addition to this, Soho is also the home to some well-known jazz bars, theaters, and restaurants.
By Alex Tomaras , CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Soho, UK | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/FHZmuTKqJ46yxTocA
British Film Institute or BFI
If you are someone who loves films, you must visit the British Film Institute or BFI. BFI is in the popular Southbank area which features the perfect areas for spending leisure time with friends and family. This vibrant part of the city is best explored by strolling along the waterfront while taking in the culture of the city.
The British Film Institute shows a variety of films every day. You can pick from the mainstream blockbuster movies, reshowing of the classics, or the indie hits being featured in BFI. At BFI, you can also visit the riverfront restaurant and bar for delicious food snacks and drinks.
By Robert Aleck, CC BY-SA 2.5, Link
Address: Belvedere Rd., South Bank, London | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/hkEbEHvSwSio19hn9 | Phone number: +44 20 7928 3232
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is known to be the most scenic area in London with openly accessible spaces. It is located about six kilometers from the iconic Trafalgar Square and spans an area of 790 acres. The defining features of this area are the quaint woodlands, rambling hillocks, vast playgrounds, and serene ponds.
This area is also known for housing the highest points of the London city, which is Parliament Hill. From here, you can enjoy unrestricted city views while being surrounded by nature. Hampstead Heath is one of the places where the city’s local culture and history are experienced through the various experiences offered here.
By Loz Pycock, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Hampstead Heath, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/G6fnaf4BJCVXyypq6 | Phone number: +44 20 7332 3322
Baker Street
Baker Street is a cultural staple of London city which became famous since the well-known detective Sherlock Holmes lived here. If you are a Sherlock Holmes fan, you must explore the Sherlock Holmes museum, which is located beside the Underground Station.
Baker Street also houses the famous Madame Tussauds museum, where you can pose alongside the amazing wax statues of renowned celebrities. Once you have explored these prominent London tourist attractions, escape the crowded streets of this area by lounging in Regent’s Park or witness London city’s spectacular views from Primrose Hill.
By Apsu09, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Marylebone, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/HfPk68E8tS11eFEq6
Cruise over the River Thames
The River Thames in London has been the lifeline of trading in the city for several years. One of the most interesting activities in London is enjoying a cruise over the glistening waters of the River Thames. Many companies offer such cruises which start every 30 minutes from various cruise pick-up points located at the prime locations of the city.
The cruise features the sightings of many key monuments like the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. You can enjoy a romantic London sightseeing experience with your loved one by opting for any of the night cruises post-sunset in the night.
By Acabashi, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: River Thames, London | Timing: 10:45 am to 07:45 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/YQCvvZJ7Qhyt6wb5A
Portobello Road Market
Explore the ever-changing trends and adventures at the Portobello Road Market in London. This market runs on a strict schedule throughout the week and is generally closed on all Sundays. You can pick up a variety of antiques from the local stores here as souvenir pieces or gifts for friends and family back home.
If you love shopping for clothes, you will enjoy exploring the clothing stores in Portobello Road Market. You can end your day by munching on the scrumptious street snacks sold here. Also, do not forget to explore the wine collection at the shopping centers here.
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By Chmee2, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Notting Hill District, West London | Timing: Monday-Saturday: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm, Sunday: Closed | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/8fPmFxFQfBa8ynAu9
Leake Street Tunnel
The Leake Street Tunnel in London is a part of the Leake Street Arches and is one of the best things to see in London. It is famous for being the largest street art area in London. You can see several tourists swarming in and out of this tunnel, marveling at the art on the tunnel walls.
Leake Street Tunnel is dotted with a multitude of restaurants, bars, cafes, and creative centers. In 2008, during the Banksy and the Can festival, about 30 artists came together to display their artistic talent. Their splendid art can still be seen here and is one of the prime pieces of art in the tunnel.
By Ethan Doyle White, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Leake St., South Bank, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/tqD4hWFHYr3nnFi19
Imperial War Museum
Deemed as one of the finest museums in the world, the Imperial Museum is one of the must-see places in London. It features many prominent apparatus and equipment used during the World Wars. Not only does it display several archives of art pieces that played a prominent role in London’s history, but it also focuses on educating the tourists about the story behind each of these displayed art pieces.
This museum also throws light on how the World Wars affected people through several portraits adorned on the walls. This museum is more about following a realistic approach to art viewing.
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By Peter Trimming, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Lambeth Road, London | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location:https://goo.gl/maps/6TbZscem6AYsYD9Q6
Go to the Global Brixton Market
When you set foot in Electric Ave in London, the first thing you would notice is the Brixton Market. To date, the entire market street is lit with electric lights and hence the name “Electric Ave”. If you are looking for any type of Caribbean, African, Asian, or South American goods, one of the top things to do in London is to visit the Brixton Market.
This market is one of the lesser-known places in London and is not often crowded, which is good for all those visitors who hate the hustle-bustle of the central city. Here you can experience a different side of the city and also try out unique dishes while shopping for interesting products from the lined-up stores.
By Matus Benza , CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Electric Ave, Brixton, London | Timing: 08:00 am to 11:30 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/rshakwAoMcDDBqXa6 | Phone number: +44 20 7274 2990
Piccadilly Circus
You would be surprised to know that Piccadilly Circus is not a circus at all in reality. Piccadilly Circus earns its name from Roger Biker who was famous for making and selling Piccadilly once upon a time. Earlier, this place was confined to a circular public area. However, it has transformed into a busy square bustling with tourists every day.
Piccadilly Circus is close to several sightseeing spots of the city including, Haymarket, Leicester Square, Oxford Circle, Regent Street, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Try planning your visit to this place during the night when this area transforms into a welcoming sight. Tourists generally visit this place to see the spectacular Eros Statue and a quick glimpse of the city’s hustle-bustle.
By Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Piccadilly Circus, London | Timing: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/NjXxd4ufu5ymNbY59 | Phone number: +44 20 7734 4507
West End Theatre District
Just like watching a show on Broadway is a must when visiting New York, witnessing a theater act in any one of the theaters in the West End District is a must when visiting London. There are more than 40 theaters that dot this district and each of these theaters has regular shows hosted by some of the world-renowned talents.
If you are someone who does not enjoy theater acts, you can still have a late-night stroll near Leicester Square, which is very lively after sunset. To find the best ticket deals, you need to visit any one of the TKTS booths on the day of the performance.
Address: West End, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/2WvDD36u8DxiB6jdA
The Postal Museum
The Postal museum displays the traces of the British’s postal history wonderfully. It shows how complicated it was during the earlier times to set up and run such a postal system. Once you are done visiting the museum, for a more real experience, head to the Mail Rail located right across the street.
This subterranean train line in London was used to transport more than a million mails beneath the London city streets every day. This train line was shut in 2003 and then a revamped version of it was opened in 2017 mainly for tourist viewing purposes. Now, you can enjoy the delightful experience of exploring the little-known underground train tracks of the city.
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By Gaius Cornelius, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: 15-20 Phoenix PI, London | Timings: Thursday, Friday, & Sunday: 10.30 am to 05:00 pm, Saturday: 10.30 am to 06.30 pm, Monday-Wednesday: Closed | Google map location: https://g.page/thepostalmuseum?share | Phone number: +44 300 030 0700
The National Gallery
The National Gallery of London is another famous tourist spot in Trafalgar Square which must be visited during your trip to London. This gallery was established in 1824, and over time, it has managed to collect and display more than 2000 paintings by some of the most renowned artists of the world.
The famous art pieces in this gallery are ‘The Virgin of the Rocks’ by Leonardo da Vinci, ‘The Fighting Temeraire’ by J. M. W. Turner, and ‘The Ambassadors’ by Hans Holbein. The Sainsbury Wing is a recent addition in this gallery which encompasses some of the most important paintings making this section the most impressive in the entire gallery.
By Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/ujsobzHK3H9785Lr8 | Phone number: +442077472885
Tower Bridge
One of the most iconic symbols of London, the Tower Bridge is famously located on the River Thames. Earlier, there was a royal prison inside this tower, and during those times it was called the “Tower of London”. The construction of this tower roughly took around eight years and it showcases an exemplary level of design and engineering.
The Princess of Wales was the first to officially open this bridge to the public in 1894. The most striking feature which makes this bridge so famous is the pair of grand towers that stay connected with the help of parallel pathways. You can visit these connecting pathways to witness unobstructed panoramic views of the city.
By Tropical1979, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
Address: Tower Bridge Rd., London | Timing: 10:30 am to 07: 00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Nnimq6Zeb7wmfnSU9 | Phone number: +44 20 7403 3761
Tate Modern
Visiting Tate Modern is one of the best things to do in London city because you get to witness the perfect blend of contemporary and modern art. This art gallery showcases some of the most challenging art pieces to the masses. In 2016, this gallery welcomed the Blavatnik Building which increased the space for exhibition by almost 60%.
Here you can find more than 60,000 art pieces by talented artists like Henri Matisse, Georges Braque, Andy Warhol, and Piet Mondrian. Make sure to visit the Tate Modern shop to check out postcards, art books, and prints as a gift for your friends and family back home.
Address: Bankside, London | Timing: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/robpVKH5ZgCtb5a19 | Phone number: +44 20 7887 8888
King’s Cross
King’s Cross is one of the busiest districts in London, famous for housing a popular train station. Although there are many London attractions and things to do in London’s King’s Cross, the one thing which makes it so popular is the train station which was established in 1852. Recently this train station has been renovated to a sleek and a more modern look.
The reason behind this train station being so popular is that it houses Platform 9 ¾ from the Harry Potter movie series. If you are a Harry Potter fan, do not forget to click a picture with the luggage trolley disappearing into the wall.
Address: King’s Cross station, Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/GxhL719SUTgNVsiN6 | Phone number: +443457114141
The Royal Parks
The Royal Parks of London sprawl over an area of about 5000 acres and are open on all days of the week. You can visit these parks for free and enjoy yourself with your friends and family. Numerous activities can be enjoyed in this park making it a great place to visit for every kind of traveler.
You can take a slow, peaceful stroll here with your family or you can even try other activities like bike riding and swimming. Since these parks are so large, they host several events and concerts throughout the year. From birdwatching to boating, kid’s playgrounds to grand gardens, these parks offer the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
By Alexander Kachkaev, CC BY 3.0, Link
Address: The Regent’s Park, The Park Office, The Storeyard Inner Circle, London | Timing: Monday-Saturday: 09:00 am to 06:00 am, Sunday: Closed | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/GAuCH4mkUxtd8cCR6 | Phone number: 0300 061 2000
Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace is one of the most visited royal buildings which is also the place of residence of the Queen of England. If you visit London’s Buckingham Palace during a national or local celebration, you can catch a glimpse of the Queen who appears in front of the local audience through the central gallery in the palace.
This palace consists of lavishly decorated rooms and passageways with grand carpet spreads, sparkling candelabras, marble columns, and ultra-fine furniture sets. The Throne Room is the prime London attraction at this palace where the royals hold almost all their ceremonial receptions. Other principal attractions of the palace include the Herbaceous Border, Tennis Court, Rose Garden, Summer House, and Waterloo Vase.
By Diliff, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: Westminster, London | Timing: 09:30 am to 05:30 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/1jPrinYmvC6DSs5R7 | Phone number: +44 303 123 7300
Tower of London
This official fortress of Queen Elizabeth II in London, located in the heart of the city, reveals British history’s momentous happenings and tales. The Tower of London has been previously used as a prison and has also served as a repository for sensitive royal documents. At the Tower of London, six ravens are kept captive in the Tower of London. This culture is traditionally followed as it is believed that these ravens protect the Tower as well as the Crown.
The riveting craftsmanship and architecture of this historic monument surrounded by the sparkling Thames river are what made this tower famous among the locals as well as tourists. When here, you must head to the Jewel House where you can witness one of the largest cut diamonds of the world, Kohinoor diamond weighing more than 105 carats.
By Bob Collowan, CC BY-SA 3.0, Link
Address: St. Katharine’s & Wapping, London | Timing: Timings vary, Summers: 01 March to 01 November, Winters: 02 November to 12 February | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Fx8S5k8Xp2JDoxoa7 | Phone number: +44 20 3166 6000
Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill is a quaint little village gem located in the Northern part of London. One of the most striking things about this village is that you will find the streets lined with houses painted in pastel shades. The top of Primrose Hill features breathtaking views of the city, and this is exactly why many celebrities make their homes here.
You will find this place is jam-packed during the summer season with locals enjoying picnics while enjoying the bird’s eye view of the city. If you wish to skip the crowd, pay a visit to this place during the weekdays, and enjoy a stroll through the streets of Primrose Hill with your loved one.
By Snowmanradio, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link
Address: Regent’s Park, London | Timing: 24/7 | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/EBcTSKUWERpRbrJt7
British Museum
One of the most interesting places to visit in London is the British Museum. Established in 1753, the British Museum holds one of the largest collections of art which beautifully depicts the age-old history and culture of the city. If you are an art enthusiast, you would love to explore the priceless artifacts here that are acquired from Babylonia, Assyria, Europe, China, and several other places.
Some of the main highlights in the British Museum include Senusret III, Gebelein mummy, Amenhotep III, Goddess Sekhmet, and the coffins from Egypt. In addition to this, this museum also has an onsite bookshop where you will find an exhaustive collection of titles ranging from archeology, ancient history, and art history.
Address: Great Russell St., Bloomsbury, London | Timing: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm, last entry: 03:30 pm | Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Ko8mgcuyAVeMJQ3t7 | Phone number: +44 (0)20 7323 8181
Borough Market
Borough Market is a London institution, a hidden gem located in the heart of Southwark, at the point where the River Thames meets the South Bank. Here you can enjoy some of the freshest and tastiest artisan food in all of London.
Boasting of a vast range of vendors, Borough Market is one of the most popular destinations in London for both tourists and Londoners alike. Here, you can leisurely try a variety of delicacies such as gourmet food, refreshing beers, delectable desserts, and a wide array of fresh produce, flowers, etc.
Its charm and allure have resulted in Borough Market being named as an award-winning historic street market. It is also one of London’s oldest markets and can trace its history back to the 15th century.
Address: 8 Southwark St, London SE1 1TL, United Kingdom | Timings: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Friday: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm; Saturday: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xS59EXHkREG6Vsbc9 | Phone number: +44 20 7407 1002
If you are ever planning a trip to London city and are wondering about which are the best places to visit and things to do in London, the above London to do list can surely help you out. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to this city rich in culture and history to have one of the most memorable trips of your life.