35 Best Things to do in London: Top places to visit in 2023

Planning to see London and wondering what to visit in London? See the 35 best things to do in London, including top places to visit, practical information and a map.

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.

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.

London as we all know it is called Greater London. It has 8.9 million people and includes the surrounding cities.

Skip the line by booking tickets in advance:

Best Things to do in London: Top places to visit

Best Things to do in London From monuments, museums and skyscrapers to parks and markets, take a look at our 35 top picks for the best places to visit in London.

We’ve also created a separate itinerary for London for 3 days or even London for a day if you’re pressed for time.

1. London Eye

The London Eye is within sight of the Palace of Westminster.

It is located on the south bank of the Thames on the left hand side of Westminster Bridge. Although Budapest and Paris also have their Ferris wheel, the one in London is the tallest at 135 metres. The wheel was unveiled on New Year’s Eve in 1999 to celebrate the millennium.

At night it is lit up with seasonal colours and is the centrepiece of the New Year’s fireworks display every year.

But all visitors come here for the spectacular panoramic view you get from one of the cabins. There are 32 of them and they are numbered from 1 to 33. The number 13 is missing out of superstition.

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.

Admission to the London Eye is not the cheapest. If you want to experience one of the most beautiful views of London, though, it’s worth it. Tickets for the London Eye cost from £33 for adults 16+ and from £29 for children 2-15 (under 2s free).

Tip: The London Eye is one of the most popular sights in London and there are long queues – skip the line by booking tickets in advance.

2. Tower of London

We continue further east, where the Tower of London contrasts with the skyscrapers. Right on the north bank of the Thames.

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 at the end of the 2nd. World War II, Hitler’s representative Rudolf Hess.

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.

TIP: The Tower of London is one of the most visited places in London. Skip the line by booking tickets in advance.

3. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

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

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 (full admission starts at £51.50) 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. Bus departs from Central London.

Note: Tickets must be reserved in advance. They can sell out weeks in advance, so you need to book well in advance. Here you will find tickets with transport round trip.

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.

4. Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is one of the most important sights to see 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.

The castle is located in the small town of Windsor about an hour west of central London. You can get here with one transfer by metro and then by train (Google maps is good for current connections).

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 .

5. Buckingham Palace

No visit to London is complete without a visit to Buckingham Palace. 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.

Buckingham Palace boasts the largest private garden in London.

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 £30, reduced to £19.50 for students aged 18-24 and £16.50 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 2023

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. Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill Museum is located behind St James’s Park under the Civil Service offices in Whitehall. A place that should not be missed by anyone interested in war history.

This is the secret place from 2. World War II, where Winston Churchill moved his British cabinet in 1939. From underground Whitehall subsequently directed its war effort for 6 years.

The centrepiece is an interactive table where you can access digitised material from the Churchill Archive. The place is well preserved and perfectly immerses you back into the war history.

Tickets for Churchill War Rooms

Tickets are more expensive, but if you’re interested in the WWII era, it’s worth it. Full admission 16-65 years is £27.25, reduced (students, over 65s, disabled) £24.50 and children 5-15 years £13.60. You can buy tickets online for a pre-selected time.

7. 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. Most visitors gather on the adjacent Westminster Bridge to snap a photo.

I recommend walking across the bridge to the opposite side into Lambeth (from the bridge to the right). It takes a few minutes and you can see the palace in all its glory from here without the crowds. In addition, you can have delicious chocolate at the stall of the smiling owner.

Another way to enjoy the Palace of Westminster without tourists is to walk right past the building into the park behind the palace.

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.

8. Cruise on the Thames

Enjoy cruise on the Thames where you’ll see London from a different perspective and see the most famous sights from the Palace of Westminster, Tate Modern, Tower of London, Tower Bridge and Greenwich.

Boats leave several times a day just outside the Palace of Westminster. You can take a ride up to Greenwich or explore the city centre to the Tower of London.

Book a cruise on the Thames here.

9. Westminster Abbey

Just a few steps from the Palace of Westminster is Westminster Abbey. You probably won’t find anywhere in the world as famous as Westminster Abbey. A Gothic-style building that was 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 at the venue).

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

10. 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 insight into 1. and World War II by the British.

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.

11. Trafalgar Square

If you walk from the Palace of Westminster through Whitehall (also home to the Churchill War Rooms – see above), 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.

In the centre of Trafalgar Square is the Nelson’s Column, which commemorates Admiral Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. It is guarded by 4 bronze statues of lions.

Trafalgar Square is the perfect place to relax. You can just sit here, relax on the bench and watch the surroundings.

What can’t you do? Feed the pigeons. The Mayor of London banned it in 2003 to prevent pigeons from flocking and destroying monuments.

12. 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:

• The 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
• The 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.

13. Covent Garden Market

Are you hungry for art in the National Gallery? Just a few minutes away towards the City of London is Covent Garden Market, the most popular market in London.

The market and the whole district will entertain you with its independent shops, cafes, street artists, restaurants and pubs.

14. Piccadilly Circus

From Trafalgar Square it’s a short walk to Piccadilly Circus, London’s version of Times Square. A square full of lights and large advertising spaces, with a statue of Eros in the middle.

V 17. Piccadilly Circus was a commercial hub in the 1700s and has been a bustling place with good access to some of London’s great theatres and nightclubs ever since.

15. Leicester Square

The imaginary triangle of famous squares ends with Leicester Square, which lies to the east of Piccadilly Circus. Leicester Square is famous for hosting film premieres and from 19th century is an entertainment centre with an extensive range of cinemas and restaurants.

16. Chinatown – things to do in London

Five minutes north of Leicester Square, Chinatown is around Gerrard Street. And why come here? It has a unique atmosphere with red lanterns and authentic Asian restaurants.

Continue north and you’ll reach the bohemian neighborhood of Soho, adjacent to Chinatown. London’s hub for the gay and lesbian community, filled with bars, theatres, jazz clubs, restaurants, music shops, small cafes and bakeries.

17. Oxford Street and Regent’s Street

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

Regent’s 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.

If you’re lucky enough to visit London before Christmas like us, be sure to take a stroll down the beautifully decorated Oxford Street.

18. The British Museum

The British Museum is 7. 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 to reserve a place in advance. Some times can be full, so let it get to you.

19. 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 the 2nd World War. World War II. You can climb the stairs to the top and take in the views of London.

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 8:30am-4pm (last entry) except on Wednesdays when it opens at 10am 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.

20. Museum of London

The Museum of London is located north of St Paul’s Cathedral. If you’re interested in anything about London’s history from its origins to the present day, the Museum of London is the place to go.

It is open daily 10:00-18:00 and admission is again free.

21. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an iconic symbol of London. It’s also my favourite place that I can’t get enough of. It stands next to the Tower of London, after which it also takes its name.

Sometimes some people confuse Tower Bridge with London Bridge. However, it is located closer to the centre by Borough Market and is certainly not as impressive as Tower Bridge.

The drawbridge with two towers was completed in 1894. You can visit the inside of the bridge and learn more about its history and technology, which was a marvel of Victorian engineering in its day. Thanks to a steam-powered winch mechanism, the bridge is raised in 3 minutes to allow large ships to pass several times a day.

If you are afraid of heights like me, you have the opportunity to overcome yourself here. The floor between the towers is partly made of glass, so you can see perfectly what is below you.

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.

And what reward did he choose for saving lives? Free for the rest of the day.

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.

22. The Monument

The Monument is a memorial to the Great Fire, which took place in London in 1666. Within 4 days the fire had devastated 80% of the city, just after the plague had killed hundreds of thousands of Londoners.

The fire destroyed 87 churches, 13,200 homes and left more than 100,000 people homeless. The official death toll was 9-16 people, but unofficial reports suggest that there may have been thousands of victims as a result of smoke inhalation.

The fire started in a bakery in Pudding Lane and is the largest disaster ever caused by unintentional causes.

And it is in memory of the victims of the Great Fire that The Monument was created. The Doric column of Portland stone is topped with a golden urn with flames. Its height of 62 m is equal to the exact distance from the column to the source of the fire.

Today the monument is overshadowed by the surrounding buildings, but at one time in the 17th century it towered over the houses.

At The Monument, you can learn more about the devastating fire and climb the spiral staircase to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the City of London’s skyscrapers.

Opening hours and entrance fees to The Monument

Ticket prices are £6 for 16+, £3 for children aged 5-15 and £4.50 for students, seniors and disabled. The memorial is open only on weekends and holidays from 9:30-13:00 and 14:00-18:00.

TIP: If you plan to visit both The Monument and Tower Bridge, buy a discounted ticket directly at the entrance to The Monument. Save 20% on both tickets.

23. Shakespeare The Globe Theatre

We move to the south bank of the Thames. Here, too, you’ll find several places besides the London Eye that are definitely worth a visit. One of them is the Shakespeare Globe Theatre, which is famous for its open-roof theatre where productions of Shakespeare’s plays take place.

The original theatre burned down in 1613. The current Globe Theatre was built so faithfully to the original you won’t believe it was completed in 1997.

Opening Hours and Admission to the Globe Theatre

The theatre is open for tours from Monday to Saturday from 10:00-18:00 and closes an hour earlier on Sundays. Admission fees vary depending on the type of tour and performance.

24. 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.

In 2020, the Tate Modern was the 4th most visited museum in the world, with 1.43 million visitors. Attendance is normally around 6 million, but due to the pandemic it has dropped significantly for all the world’s monuments.

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 10. upstairs.

Visiting the Tate Modern is free. Exhibitions are paid and you can find the latest information at Tate Modern website. Open daily 10:00-18:00.

25. Tate Britain

Tate Britain contains the most extensive collection of British art, created by sugar magnate Henry Tate in 1897.

The collection narrowed considerably in 2000, when much of the contemporary art moved across the river to Tate Modern. Still, there remains an extensive art collection that is definitely worth seeing if you’re interested in art.

Entry to Tate Britain is free. The two museums are connected by the Tate-to-Tate boat, which departs every 40 minutes.

26. The Shard – currently closed in 2023

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

The lookout is currently closed in 2023 for reconstruction.

Reservations are required for the observation deck at The Shard. The specific time you book online. Admission is £28 for all over 3s, so a good alternative to the London Eye.

27. 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.

28. Hyde Park

We move east of Buckingham Palace, which is also home to several attractions, museums and most importantly the largest royal park in London.

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.

Skip the line by booking tickets in advance:

29. Kensington Palace

Hyde Park is adjacent to Kensington Gardens and Kensington Palace from the 17th century. 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.

You can also enjoy royal fashion from the 1950s to the 1990s, modelled on Queen Elizabeth II, Princess Margaret and Princess Diana.

Kensington Palace opening hours and entrance fees

Admission to Kensington Palace is £25.40 for adults 18-64 years, £12.70 for children 5-15 years, £20.30 for students, senior citizens over 65 and disabled people. The gardens are freely accessible during palace opening hours. It is open from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00. Advance booking is recommended. Book tickets by clicking here.

30. 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 from Wednesday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00 (last entry 17:15) and during school holidays all week at the same time.

Admission is completely free, but you must reserve your seat reserve your place in advance.

31. Natural History Museum

Just opposite the Science Museum is another museum – the Natural History Museum. And again, it’s something to watch. Over 80 million items, 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 and it is better to reserve a seat in advance.

32. Victoria & Albert Museum

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

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 10:00-17:45 during the summer. Winter opening hours are shortened from Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-17:45.

Admission is free, but it’s better to book to reserve a seat in advance.

33. Sky Garden – things to do in London

The 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.

34. Camdem Market

We move out of the main centre of London to the north of the city where another very popular market is located – Camden Market. The market and the neighbourhood are known for their alternative culture, which entertains millions of visitors every year.

The market is eclectic and diverse, and you’ll find plenty of stalls selling unique artwork and trinkets from second-hand books to vintage clothing. In addition, you can have a great meal here.

35. Kew Gardens

Kew Gardens is an oasis full of beautiful flowers, greenhouses and paths where you can wander and have a bite to eat.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew Gardens are located about half an hour from central London.

The gardens close at 19:00, on Thursdays they close at 16:00 and on weekends at 20:00. Book your tickets by clicking here.

How to save on sightseeing 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

Where to stay in London?

ibis London Blackfriars – hotel is on the south side of the Thames near Waterloo station; central London is within easy walking distance (near Westminster or London Eye); bus stop just opposite, restaurants and shops nearby

Blue Bells Hotel – A cheap but cosy hotel in the quiet Nothing Hill area near Nothing Hill Gate tube station, where 3 tube lines cross; steps from Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park

ibis London City Shoreditch – modern rooms near Liverpool Street Station, where buses from Stansted Airport stop; next to Tesco Express hotel and restaurants and markets nearby; walking distance to Tower of London and Tower Bridge

Best Western Chiswick Palace – beautiful and quiet location near Heathrow Airport; bus stop just opposite; 25 minutes by tube to the centre; restaurants and shops nearby

Find out more about accommodation in London: The best hotels 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 London. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

Day trips from London

The area around London is full of beautiful places and attractions that are definitely worth a visit. If you have an extra day or two, I recommend adding 1 or 2 trips to your London itinerary.

Oxford, for example, with its world-famous university and beautiful architecture that literally oozes rich history. Oxford is located in the Cotswolds, an area known for its historic towns, English countryside and stone houses.

This makes the Cotswolds a popular location for filmmakers. For example, Twilight of the Day with Anthony Hopkins and Canterbury Tales were filmed here.

Or visit Stonehenge. We were here a few years ago, but I still remember the indescribable atmosphere of the place (if you take away the crowds).

In south London, the Seven Sisters winged white cliffs line the coast. Just a short drive from Brighton, where there’s a beautiful palace you might not expect to find here.

More information about London

LONDON ITINERARY: To help you plan, we’ve created an itinerary for 3 days in London. Only one day in London? Check out our itinerary for London for 1 day.

LONDON GUIDE: In a separate 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 guide. Our recommendations for the best hotels in London will help you make your accommodation choices easier.

HOW TO SAVE IN LONDON: Read our 7 tips on how to save on transport and entrance fees in London. The London Pass is a popular way to save money in London – find out more about the London Pass.

LONDON WITH KIDS: London is a great place for the whole family. There are so many original and fun activities to keep the kids entertained. Read our recommendations for things to do in London with kids (+ more practical tips).

ENGLAND: Find tips on what to see and do in England in our list of the most beautiful places in England.

Best Things to do in London: FAQ