33 Things to do in London (2024): Best places to visit (+ map)

Planning to see London and wondering what to visit in London? See the 33 things to do in London, including best places to visit, practical information and a map.

Today, we’re going to take a look at the best places to visit and attractions in London, England to build the perfect itinerary. We’ve also included a map so you can plan your trip to London quickly and easily.

London

London is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with each neighbourhood having its own unique atmosphere. It’s a city with a rich history that dates back to 50 AD, when London was founded by the Romans.

The origin of the name London comes from the ancient Celtic word Londinous, translated as “to be bold”.

In London, you’ll be treated to world-famous art and your taste buds will rejoice as you sample specialities from around the world.

London is a city full of lush parks and green spaces. There are 8 royal parks alone. It has so many trees per square mile that the UN has classified London as a “forest”.

☞ Are you planning to visit multiple paid attractions (London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Shard, Kew Gardens or Windsor Castle, for example)? See if you can’t save London Pass tourist card which can save you a significant amount of money (link opens in a new window).

Things to do in London: Best places to visit

What not to miss in London? From monuments, museums and skyscrapers to parks and markets, take a look at our 33 top picks for the best places to visit in London.

To help you plan your itinerary, we’ve created a 5-day London itinerary. Do you have less time? Here is an itinerary for 3 days in London or even 1 day in London if you have even less time.

1. London Eye

When you say London, it is the London Eye that comes to mind for many visitors. An iconic attraction where you can enjoy some of the best views of the city.

The London Eye is located on the south bank of the Thames, just 5 minutes from the Palace of Westminster. Even if Budapest or Dubai has its Ferris wheel, the one in London is the most famous and, at 135 metres, the tallest.

Since its opening in 2000 to celebrate the millennium, it has become one of London’s most popular tourist attractions.

It symbolizes modernity and innovation in contrast to the ancient monuments of the city. Each of the 32 air-conditioned capsules represents a London borough. These are numbered from 1 to 33. The number 13 is missing out of superstition.

Looking at the Ferris wheel, you may notice that one of the capsules is red. To commemorate the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation in 2013, one of the capsules was named the Coronation Capsule and coloured red to make it easily recognisable among the others.

One ride lasts 30 minutes, so you have plenty of time to enjoy your surroundings.

Opening hours and admission to the London Eye

The London Eye is open daily from 11:00-18:00 in winter and 10:00-20:30 in summer. In winter, part of January and February is closed for maintenance.

Admission to the London Eye is not the cheapest. But if you want to experience one of the most beautiful views of London, it’s worth it. Entrance fees vary depending on the day and time you visit the London Eye. Admission is significantly more expensive on site (£45).

☞ How to save and skip the lines at the London Eye: London Eye is one of the most popular sights in London and there are long queues. In addition, tickets are significantly more expensive on site. Save money by booking tickets in advance.

2. Tower of London

We continue further east, where the Tower of London contrasts with the skyscrapers. If you’re interested in history, the Tower of London should definitely be on your list of things to do in London. The White Tower, built by William the Conqueror, is part of the complex.

The Tower of London is one of the finest symbols of London’s long and varied history and home to England’s famous Crown Jewels. He was part of the Norman Conquest of England and from 16th to 20th century served as a prison. One of the most famous prisoners was Hitler’s deputy Rudolf Hess at the end of World War II.

Outside of the pandemic, it receives up to 2 million tourists a year, making it one of the most visited landmarks in London.

During your visit, do not miss the Royal Armoury, where you will see two armours of Henry VIII. One that he wore as a slender young man and another when he was rounder as a king.

You can walk along the top of the inner walls of the fortress or see interactive displays of various British monarchs.

It is also popular to look for the 6 ravens on the tower, which have been guarding the fortress since the reign of Charles II. Legend has it that if the ravens leave the fortress, a great disaster will befall England and the monarchy will fall. But the English did not leave it just like that and cut the wings of the ravens just in case. The second safeguard is the surrogate ravens kept by local authorities.

Opening Hours and Admission to the Tower of London

Opening hours vary according to the season. In winter, it is open daily 10:00-17:00, and the hours gradually get longer as summer approaches.

Entry to the Tower of London costs 33,60 £ for adults 18-64, 16,80 £ for children 5-15, 26,80 £ for students aged 16+, seniors 65+ and disabled.

☞ How to skip the lines: Tower of London is one of the most visited landmarks in London. Tickets are bought separately opposite the castle, so by booking tickets in advance skip the ticket line. I still recommend arriving right at opening time, as there are long queues for the crown jewels later on.

3. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge, an iconic symbol of London, is a suspension bridge that crosses the River Thames near the Tower of London. This Victorian-era masterpiece, completed in 1894, is famous for its distinctive towers and unique ability to raise the bascule (the movable parts of the bridge) to allow tall ships to pass.

What’s more, Tower Bridge is open to the public and we can highly recommend it. The entrance to the bridge is in the tower closest to the Tower of London – from here you ascend to one of the towers after a very short security check. Along the way, find out more about Tower Bridge.

One of the main attractions is the partially glazed floor in the bridge that connects the two towers. Plus, you’ll have a great view of London from the bridge. There are also windows for those who want to take a photo of Tower Bridge. For the tour of the towers, the tour continues with a visit to the engine room, where you will see for yourself how the entire mechanism of the bridge works.

The bridge is connected with the heroic act of a bus driver in 1952. Albert Gunter was driving a bus full of people across Tower Bridge when the bridge started to rise. Everything was happening so fast that it was impossible to stop the bus. The driver, on the other hand, sped up and jumped the bus 3.3 metres and successfully made it to the other side.

Sometimes some people confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge. In reality, however, these are completely different bridges. London Bridge is closer to the centre by Borough Market and is actually quite ordinary.

Opening hours and admission to Tower Bridge

You can visit the towers daily from 9:30-18:00 (last entry one hour before). Admission is 12,30 £ for 16-59 year olds and 6,20 £ for children aged 5-15. For tickets click here.

4. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Do you love Harry Potter? Just outside London is Warner Bros. Studio Tour Londonwhere Harry Potter was filmed.

☞ Note: Tickets must be booked online. They can sell out weeks in advance. Here you will find tickets with transport round trip.

You will see, for example, the Hogwarts Express, Dumbledore’s Office or the Forbidden Forest. You’ll get to try out lots of costumes, fun activities and movie effects, such as a virtual broomstick ride.

Harry Potter Studios is located in Leavesden, north of London. The first option is to buy a separate ticket and transport yourself to Leavesden. You take the train and then change to a bus that takes visitors directly to the Warner Bross studios.

The second and easier option is to buy tickets with transport. The bus departs from central London.

Harry Potter fans shouldn’t miss Edinburgh, Scotland, where the whole idea of Harry Potter originated. Here you can walk the streets and see which places inspired Straight Alley or where JK Rowling looked for inspiration for the names of her characters.

Skip the line by booking tickets in advance:

5. Buckingham Palace

No visit to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. Everyone has wanted to see the London home of the King and the British Royal Family since 1837.

The palace consists of 775 rooms, some of which are open to the public for a few weeks in the summer. For more information, check the official Buckingham Palace website before you go.

Near Buckingham Palace is the brick St James’s Palace, the official seat of the British monarchy. St James’s Park lies between the two palaces. A landscaped park with flower beds, one of the 8 Royal Parks in London.

Around the park you will see pelicans, which were donated to England by Russia. Or take a few nuts and feed the local squirrels, who are perfectly tame.

Admission to Buckingham Palace

Admission to Buckingham Palace is 32 £, reduced to 20,50 £ for students aged 18-24 and 16 £ for children aged 5-17 and people with disabilities. Prices are valid at booking at least one day in advance.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in 2024

The Changing of the Guard is one of the top attractions to see in London. The world-famous parade of the Royal Guard in red uniforms and bearskin hats is an amazing spectacle.

The official start of the changing of the guard in London is at 11am. In June and July there is a daily changing of the guards. For the rest of the year on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Update on the changing of the guard in London.

6. Palace of Westminster and Big Ben

Continuing away from the park, we come to the Palace of Westminster with Big Ben.

The Palace of Westminster is the seat of Parliament. This is where the future of the kingdom is debated, approved and decided. And you can be there.

The Palace offers several types of tours, which you can choose from on the official Palace of Westminster website.

Even if you don’t plan to go inside, the exterior of the imposing neo-Gothic building on the north bank of the Thames is definitely worth seeing. The best views are from Westminster Bridge or Lambeth on the south bank of the Thames.

The icon of the Palace of Westminster is the Elizabeth Tower. No, I wasn’t wrong. The famous tower is not called Big Ben, but Elizabeth Tower in honour of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

Big Ben is the name of the 13-ton bell in the tower that rings every hour. It was named after the man, Sir Benjamin Hall, who commissioned the bell.

Hotels in London 😴

Hotel DC – great value for money

Smaller, cosy hotel with excellent accessibility

ibis London City Shoreditch

Modern 3* hotel just off Liverpool Street

7. Westminster Abbey

Just a few steps from the Palace of Westminster is Westminster Abbey. Perhaps nowhere in the world will you find an abbey as famous as Westminster Abbey, a unique Gothic-style building that has been part of England’s history.

Westminster Abbey has hosted coronations, weddings and funerals of royalty. The wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton took place here, as did the funerals of his mother Diana and naturalist Charles Darwin.

The Abbey is the final resting place of Charles Dickens, Isaac Newton, 17 British kings and queens and 3,000 other great Britons. With 2 exceptions, every king and queen has been crowned here since 1066.

There’s a lot to see inside. Set aside a minimum of 1.5 hours.

Opening Hours and Admission to Westminster Abbey

The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday daily 9:30-15:30 (last entry). Services are held here on Sundays.

Admission to Westminster Abbey is 27 £ for adults (1 child free), 24 £ for students and over 65s and 12 £ for children 6-17 years.

Westminster Abbey is one of the most popular sights to visit in London. To skip the ticket line, it is better to order tickets in advance (just show your ticket on your mobile phone).

This saves you one queue (the second queue is at the entrance, but it is mainly in high season and passes quickly).

8. Trafalgar Square

If you walk from the Palace of Westminster through Whitehall, you’ll arrive in Trafalgar Square after a few minutes. On the way you will pass 10 Downing Street, where the British Prime Minister lives and works. You can tell by the guarded gate, where entry is forbidden.

Trafalgar Square is a vibrant space known for its rich historical significance and cultural importance. It is dominated by the tall Nelson’s Column, a tribute to Admiral Horatio Nelson, at the foot of which stand four majestic lion statues commemorating his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

9. National Gallery

The square is dominated by the National Gallery, the most important classical art gallery in London and one of the most important in the world.

The gallery was founded in 1824 and the collection consisted of 38 paintings at that time. Gradually, it grew to 2,300 works of art ranging from medieval paintings to world-famous Impressionist works.

The works are divided into several wings:

• Sainsbury Wing contains the oldest pieces from the 13th-15th century, such as works by Leonardo Da Vinci or Botticelli
• West wing with works by Italian Renaissance masters (Tiziano, Michelangelo, Correggio)
• North wing with Italian, Spanish, Flemish and Dutch artists including Rembrandt, Velásquez and Caravaggio
• East wing with French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, where you will also see the famous painting Sunflowers by Van Gogh and Lilies by Monet.

It is open daily from 10:00-18:00 and on Fridays until 21:00. Admission is free (donations are welcome).

10. View from The Shard

Where to go for the best view in London? Unbeatable to The Shard skyscraper. At 306m, the ultra-modern 72-storey building is the tallest building in London and the UK and the 6th tallest in the UK. the highest in Europe.

The Shard is a jagged, slightly irregular glass structure that protrudes above its surroundings like a shard. It consists of an incredible 11,000 glass panels.

You will find luxury apartments, offices, restaurants and a viewing platform accessible by high-speed elevator.

Opening hours and admission to The Shard

It is open daily from Monday to Friday 11:00-19:00, Saturday 10:00-22:00 and Sunday 10:00-18:00. Opening hours are shortened in winter.

☞ Reservation for the viewpoint in The Shard is mandatory. For specific times to book online. The most popular time is at sunset, when tickets tend to sell out early.

11. Covent Garden Market

Just a few minutes’ walk east of the National Gallery is one of London’s most popular markets, Covent Garden Market.

The market and the whole district will entertain you with its independent shops, cafes, street artists, restaurants and pubs. The whole place has a perfect, relaxed atmosphere.

While you’re here, walk down the lane from Covent Garden to Neal Street, which is lined with brick houses with colourful shopfronts. Very nice, picturesque place.

12. Piccadilly Circus

From Trafalgar Square, it’s a short walk to Piccadilly Circus, which is a smaller version of London’s Times Square. This is one of the most famous squares in London, famous for its illuminated advertisements and street performers.

Piccadilly Circus was a commercial centre in the 17th century and has been a busy place ever since, with easy access to some of London’s great theatres and nightclubs.

13. Chinatown – things to do in London

Right in the centre of London, you’ll find Chinatown. You can recognize it at first sight by the Chinese gate and lanterns.

If you like Asian cuisine, head here. Just be prepared that Chinatown is one of the most popular places in London and it’s really busy. Moreover, some restaurants are rather overpriced tourist traps, so you need to choose well.

14. Soho

North of Chinatown is one of London’s best and most vibrant neighbourhoods – Soho. London’s hub for the gay and lesbian community, filled with bars, theatres, jazz clubs, restaurants, music shops, small cafes and bakeries. If you’re looking for the perfect place for a good dinner or a drink, Soho is one of the best places, along with Shoreditch.

While you’re here, don’t miss the charming Carnaby Street, which is right off Regent Street and a short walk from Oxford Street.

15. Oxford Street and Regent Street

Soho is flanked by two of London’s most famous streets – Oxford Street to the north and Regent Street to the west.

Regent Street has a slightly more upmarket feel, but Oxford Street is alive and well. It is the busiest shopping street in Europe, with over 300 shops and over a quarter of a million visitors a day.

And before Christmas, both streets are beautifully decorated.

☞ Are you planning to visit multiple paid attractions (London Eye, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, The Shard, Kew Gardens or Windsor Castle, for example)? See if you can’t save London Pass tourist card which can save you a significant amount of money (link opens in a new window).

16. City of London

When you say London, it’s officially the City of London. The oldest part of London, which is now full of skyscrapers. It has a population of 9,400 people and covers an area of 2.9 km². More than a quarter of a million people head here every day for work. When they leave their jobs in the evening, it’s a perfect storm of ties and suits.

The City of London or “Square Mile” is one of our favourite neighbourhoods in London. If you like the combination of modernity and history, you will like it here too.

The area has a rich history dating back to Roman times, contrasted by modern skyscrapers such as the Gherkin and Sky Garden. You can wander for hours and enjoy the streets full of attractions, including The Monument, a memorial to the Great Fire of London, which devastated 80% of the city.

Walk past the Gherkin skyscraper, translated as “Cucumber”, located at 30 St Mary Axe (see photo above). There is seating and benches. Or visit the hidden garden with the semi-dilapidated St Dunstan in the East Church Garden, whose tower was designed by Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral.

If you prefer the Brutalist style, don’t miss the Barbican Centre on the northern edge of the district (within walking distance of St Paul’s Cathedral). It is home to the London Orchestra, a gallery and restaurants, as well as a pleasant relaxation area and an open-air garden.

17. Camden Market

One of London’s most famous markets is Camden Market, a vibrant and eclectic place known for its unique atmosphere and diverse range of offerings. It’s the perfect place for those looking for alternative fashion, vintage finds and handmade items, but of course it’s also full of trinket shops.

The shops are complemented by international food stalls, so you can sample cuisine from all over the world in one place. Shops have normal opening hours, restaurants and bars close in the evening and night.

Hotels in London 😴

White House Hotel

Cheap hotel in central London

ibis London Blackfriars

Cozy hotel in the city center at a good price

18. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens are one of the most beautiful places in London. A perfect oasis of peace where you can spend the whole day in peace.

Stroll through the themed gardens, past magnificent buildings, between greenhouses including a Victorian-era palm house, or enjoy the view from the treetop walkway. There are refreshments and activities for children.

The gardens close at 19:00, on Thursdays they close at 16:00 and on weekends at 20:00. In winter, opening hours are shortened to 16 hours. Kew Gardens are very popular – it’s best to book tickets in advance.

How to get in: Kew Gardens is located west of the city centre in Richmond. The District Line and Overground metro lines run directly from the city centre. Please allow approximately 40-60 minutes depending on where you are leaving from.

19. Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is an area that hasn’t yet made it onto the radar of most travellers to London. This is a great pity, because Canary Wharf is a symbol of modern and innovative London. This area combines corporate energy with leisure and culture.

Take a stroll along the seafront with views of the skyline of modern skyscrapers or enjoy the high-end shopping, fine dining and open spaces such as Jubilee Park.

20. British Museum

British Museum is 7th the most visited museum in the world and the second most visited in London (after the Tate Modern, which will be discussed later).

The British Museum was founded as early as 1753 as a “cabinet of curiosities”, collected by the royal physician Hans Sloane.

Today, the neoclassical building houses a collection of more than 7 million objects from around the world. The collection is so extensive that you don’t have a chance to go through it in one visit. You can take a map at the entrance to help you find your way around.

The centrepiece of the museum is the Great Court, which was used as a reading room by Dickens, Lenin and Gandhi. From there, galleries with treasures from all over the world branch out. Among the most famous are the Rosetta Plaque, the Pantheon statues and Egyptian mummies.

Opening hours and admission to the British Museum in London

The museum is open daily from 10:00-17:00. Admission is free, but voluntary admission is welcome (as with all free museums). I recommend booking your place in advance – some times may be full, so make sure you get in.

21. St. Paul’s Cathedral

The Baroque St Paul’s Cathedral in London is one of the most famous cathedrals in the world, along with Notre Dame in Paris, Our Lady of Almudena in Madrid and the Duomo in Milan.
It is the seat of the Bishop of London and the mother church of the diocese. It is an active church where services are still held.

The cathedral was built as a city-wide project to revive London after the Great Fire of 1666, when the original cathedral burned down.

Architect Christopher Wren’s masterpiece is the final resting place of famous British figures including the Duke of Wellington, Christopher Wren and Admiral Nelson.

The cathedral was not built according to the first design. In the original design, the cathedral looked like a gigantic pineapple. Why? According to the architect Wren, the pineapple is a symbol of peace, hospitality and prosperity, which is why he wanted it to become a symbol of London.

The interior is sure to impress you as much as it did us. Behind the altar is a chapel dedicated to the 28,000 US citizens who lost their lives in Britain during World War II. You can climb the stairs to the top and take in the views of London.

Or take a stroll across the Millennium Bridge and enjoy the iconic view of the cathedral. Especially in the evening, it’s beautiful.

Opening hours and admission to St Paul’s Cathedral in London

The opening hours of St Paul’s Cathedral in London vary according to the day of the week. It is generally open 8:30-16:00 (last entry) except on Wednesdays, when it opens at 10:00, and on Sundays, when services are held.

Admission to St Paul’s Cathedral works out at 23 £ for 18-59 year olds, 18,40 £ for seniors over 60 and students and 9 £ for children 6-17. Book your tickets by clicking here.

22. Tate Modern

Just a short walk from the Globe Theatre is London’s most visited museum, the Tate Modern. If you’re a fan of contemporary art, you’ll feel like you’re in paradise here. Moreover, the building itself, a converted power station, is a work of art.

What will you see in the gallery? Minimalism, surrealism, post-war abstraction and other contemporary movements are well represented. Here you can enjoy works by the most famous artists such as Picasso, Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol and Anthony Gormley. During your visit, be sure to see London from the vantage point at 10th upstairs.

Visiting the Tate Modern is free. The exhibitions are paid for and you can find up-to-date information on the Tate Modern website. Open daily 10:00-18:00.

If you love art, don’t miss out on Tate Britain. Here you’ll find the most extensive collection of British art. Entry to Tate Britain is free.

23. Borough Market

Borough Market is a popular food market on the south bank of the Thames, a short walk from The Shard and a quarter of an hour across the river from Sky Garden or The Monument.

The market dates back to the 13th century, making it the oldest food market in London. If you want to try a variety of international cuisine from seafood and French cheeses to burgers, this is the place for you.

24. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is the heart of London, where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city on a huge green space. You can rent a bicycle or pedal boats, stroll around, visit the amusement park or listen to debates at Speaker’s Corner, where Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin or George Orwell once spoke.

If you like landscaped gardens, enter Hyde Park from Lancaster Gate – there’s a beautiful Italian garden.

Hyde Park is adjacent to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace from the 17th century. It is the home of Prince William and Kate, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The palace is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens.

Inside, you will find exhibits focusing, among other things, on the life of Queen Victoria, who was the second longest reigning queen after Elizabeth II. and spent her childhood at Kensington Palace.

25. Science Museum

The Science Museum contains over 300,000 objects. Among the most interesting are the oldest surviving steam locomotive, the first jet engine, the first DNA model and the Apollo 10 command model.

If you’re interested in the world’s oldest collection of clocks and watches, flying machines, a giant telescope taken on a British space mission, and everything from spaceflight to the Industrial Revolution, you’ll love it here. Ideal place for families with children.

Opening hours and admission to the Science Museum

The museum is open daily from 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:15). Admission is completely free, but you must reserve your place in advance.

26. Natural History Museum

Just opposite the Science Museum is another museum – the Natural History Museum. And again, it’s something to watch. You will find over 80 million items here, including exhibits collected by Charles Darwin and an extensive collection of fossils.

A cast of a whale skeleton greets you in the opening hall. From there, the museum is divided thematically into several zones. The museum will entertain adults and children alike.

Opening hours and admission to the Natural History Museum

The museum is open daily from 10:00-17:50 (last entry 17:00). Admission is free.

27. Victoria & Albert Museum

We move just a short distance away from the Natural History Museum and Science Museum. The Victoria & Albert Museum, one of the largest museums of decorative and design objects in the world, rounds out the top three museums in South Kensington.

Spread over 150 galleries, the collection includes ceramics, sculptures, paintings, jewellery, textiles, glass, metal objects and fashion from all corners of the world.

Opening hours and admission to the Victoria & Albert Museum

The Victoria & Albert Museum is open daily from 10:00-17:45 and until 22:00 on Fridays. Admission is free.

28. Sky Garden – things to do in London

Sky Garden is the famous Mediterranean and tropical plant garden in the Walkie-Talkie skyscraper, where a glass dome gives you a great view of London.

The view is free, but you must reserve your spot in advance. If all the dates are full, you can also try to ask on the spot or book a table at the local restaurant.

More places with free views in City of London:

• Horizon 22 – advance booking required, usually booked weeks in advance
• Garden at 120 – a beautiful place full of greenery where no reservation is required. On the other hand, queues form and only a limited number of people are allowed upstairs, so it’s better to come right at opening time (especially in the season from spring to autumn).

29. Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is another Royal Park in London. Once again, it is a beautifully landscaped space full of flowers, beautiful buildings and magical corners.

While you’re here, don’t miss Queen Mary’s Gardens, home to the largest collection of roses in London. The park is adjacent to London Zoo.

30. Shoreditch and Brick Lane

Shoreditch is a neighbourhood famous for its vibrant street art, trendy cafes and eclectic markets. One of them is Brick Lane, famous for its curry houses, vintage fashion and world cuisine.

If you’re looking for a good meal, Brick Lane and Shoreditch in general is the place to go. Here are some tips on where to go for a good meal:

• BOXPARK – a shopping mall that was built from shipping containers. In one place you will find food stalls from all over the world.
• Beigel Bake – excellent bakery with bagels, but also other pastries and cakes, open non-stop on Brick Lane
• Dishoom – excellent Indian restaurant in a stylish environment, open from morning till night
• Gloria – authentic Italian cuisine in a beautiful setting
• Spitalfields Old Market – Spitalfields Market is ideal for those looking for a lively, informal environment with a great selection of international cuisine.

But there are many more great places to eat in Shoreditch. All our tips are also marked on the map at the beginning of the article.

31. Greenwich

Greenwich in London is worth a visit for several reasons. It is home to the Royal Observatory, the Prime Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time, making it an important place in the history of astronomy and navigation.

Or visit Greenwich Park, which offers extensive views of the River Thames and the city. Greenwich also has a rich maritime history, highlighted by the Cutty Sark, a historic tea clipper, and the National Maritime Museum.

Another attraction you can’t miss in London if you’re in the Greenwich area is the IFS Cloud Cable Car (formerly Emirates Cable Car ), a cable car overlooking Greenwich and Canary Wharf.

The fare is 6 £ and you can pay simply by Oyster card or contactless card.

On the other hand, the cable car is incredibly popular, especially in good weather. Long lines are the order of the day. For this reason, it is better to start here and then move on to exploring Greenwich.

32. Imperial War Museum

About a quarter of an hour southeast of the London Eye you will reach the Imperial War Museum. If you’re interested in war history, this museum will give you the perfect view of WW1 and WW2 from the British side.

Here you will find extensive collections ranging from aircraft, armoured fighting vehicles and vessels to uniforms, medals, photographs and much more relating to the war conflicts of the 20th century.

Admission is free (voluntary contribution welcome). It is open 10:00-18:00 daily in summer and Wednesday-Sunday in winter.

33. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most important places to visit in London. It is the official home of the British King.

The castle is vast, monumental and offers a great overview of British history (going back 1,000 years). It is also the second largest castle complex that is still inhabited.

Allow at least half a day for the whole tour, including travel. You can rent a free audio guide on site.

Admission and opening hours of Windsor Castle

The castle is open all year round every day except Tuesday and Wednesday. Opening hours vary according to the season: from March to the end of October it is open 10:00-17:15 (last entry at 16:00), from November to the end of February 10:00-16:15 (last entry at 15:00). St George Chapel is closed on Sundays.

Admission to Windsor Castle is not the cheapest. On the other hand, the whole complex is huge and there is a lot to see.

Pre-sale prices are as follows: adults 28 £, young people 18-24 years 18 £, children 5-17 years and disabled 15,50 £. Ticket prices are then £1-2 higher on site. Book your ticket by clicking here.

Getting to Windsor Castle: Windsor is easily accessible from Paddington or Waterloo station in about 30 minutes by train.

Where to stay in London

• ibis London Blackfriars – Hotel is on the south side of the Thames near Waterloo station near Westminster and the London Eye; bus stop just opposite, restaurants and shops nearby
• Hotel Holiday Inn Express – One of the best hotels in London, clean and practical rooms, excellent connections to the city centre and airport (especially Stansted and Heathrow), quiet location
• ibis London City Shoreditch – Modern rooms near Liverpool Street Station (ideal for Stansted and Heathrow airports), next to Tesco Express hotel and nearby restaurants and markets, close to attractions
• White House hotel – Simply furnished but clean and very cheap accommodation in the centre of town, a short walk from Hyde Park and Paddington Station
• Hotel DC – A smaller, cosy hotel at an unbeatable price in the quiet Stratford area, with easy access to the city centre and airport by tube, train and bus

Hotel DC – great value for money

Smaller, cosy hotel with excellent accessibility

ibis London City Shoreditch

Modern 3* hotel near Liverpool Street Station

White House Hotel

Cheap hotel in central London

ibis London Blackfriars

Cozy hotel in the city center at a good price

☞ See separate article for more information about hotels in London.

How to save money in London

• Get London Pass tourist card which gives you free entry to over 90 places in London for a pre-selected number of days.
• Or choose the second London Explorer Pass where you choose the number of attractions you plan to visit at a discounted price.

Read more: How to save in London

Best Things to do in London – map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you’ll find a detailed map of the best things to do in London. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the most beautiful places, attractions and landmarks I mention in the article about best places to visit in London. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

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These were our picks for things to do in London. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about London

WHAT TO SEE IN LONDON: Here’s an 5 Days London Itinerary. Do you have less time? We also created an itinerary for 3 days in London or London for 1 day.

London is a great place for the whole family. Read our tips on things do in London with kids (+ more practical information).

LONDON TRAVEL GUIDE: In the article you can find out all about transport in London (airport, public transport, underground, bicycle). Read about accommodation, prices, food and safety in our London travel guide. Tips on the best hotels in London will help you make your accommodation choices easier.

Here are 7 tips on how to save in London. The London Pass is a popular way to save money in London – find out more about London Pass.

GREAT BRITAIN: Find tips on what to see and do in England in our list of the most beautiful places in England. Or head north to Edinburgh or visit beautiful Scotland.

Things to do in London: FAQ