Things to do in Greater London

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

A modern curved building with illuminated windows, a bridge in the background, and a staircase leading to an upper level.
A cityscape with modern skyscrapers, a large open plaza, and historic buildings.
The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London at dusk.
A riverside town with historic buildings, a dock with boats, and a park with people.
A stone bridge over a calm river, surrounded by willow trees and a modern building.

Greater London Attractions

If you're ready to discover the best of Greater London, join a few of the top tours & day trips on offer, and have a friendly local show you some of the most popular sites. Offering free cancellations and no added fees, our top {1090 fun activities in Greater London fun activities in Greater London} are also worth checking out.

Things to do

Kensington Palace Tickets

Kensington Palace & Gardens Tickets

$33
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Kensington Palace & Gardens Tickets
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Tickets

LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Tickets

$48
per traveler
74% of travellers recommend
LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort Tickets
Tower of London Tickets with Beefeater Tour & Crown Jewels

The Tower of London Tickets with Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tour

$49
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
The Tower of London Tickets with Yeoman Warder Beefeater Tour
Westminster Abbey in London

Westminster Abbey Tickets

$36
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Westminster Abbey Tickets
Tower Bridge Admission Tickets

Tower Bridge Admission Tickets

$21
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Tower Bridge Admission Tickets
City Cruises 24 Hour Hop-On Hop-Off River Thames Cruise

City Cruises Flexible Sightseeing Cruise

$28
per adult
82% of travellers recommend
City Cruises Flexible Sightseeing Cruise
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Greater London must see attractions

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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A river with boats, a gazebo, and autumn trees.

2. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicenter of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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A classical fountain with statues, a golden angel, and a neoclassical building in the background.

3. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus garnered its peculiar name from Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making men’s piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name represents flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city on the move. Piccadilly Circus has become a must-see spectacle, which draws locals and tourists day and night.
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A busy urban square with historic buildings, a prominent dome, and a clear blue sky.

4. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually,” Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, on route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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The Houses of Parliament and Big Ben in London.

5. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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The Tower Bridge in London, featuring two towers, a central arch, and suspension cables.

6. The Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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A large stadium with a unique roof structure and multiple tall towers.

7. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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A city skyline with modern and historic buildings, a bridge over water, and a clear blue sky with clouds.

8. London Eye

The 360-degree view from the top of the London Eye is a spectacular way to orientate yourself in London. Below, the River Thames meanders through the teeming metropolis, and on a clear day the views stretch to Windsor Castle, almost 25 miles (40 kilometers) away.
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A large Ferris wheel, a historic building with blue lighting, and a green tower.

9. Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate the British Navy’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, London’s Trafalgar Square is now the first port of call for over 30 million tourists a year. This area has been a gathering point for celebrations and political rallies for more than a century. Within hours of each event, however, the normal rhythms of the city return, watched over by the stoic statues of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Four Lions.
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A large obelisk monument surrounded by a circular fountain in a city square.

What to do in Greater London

Free Things to Do in Greater London

Some say the best things in life are free. Make sure you visit the following around Greater London:

Crystal Palace Museum - Brimming with thought-provoking displays and objects, this gallery is a paradise for minds that burn with curiosity.

Southbank Centre - If you want to discover more of the area's thriving arts and culture scene, make sure you stop by.

Vauxhall City Farm - Find out why animal lovers enjoy spending time here.

Mitcham Common - Give the kids a good time or unleash your own inner child — this attraction just oozes fun.

Chelsea Bridge - If you're impressed by modern-day architecture, add this landmark to your to-do list.

West Norwood Cemetery - Spend time at this historic attraction and discover a few things about the region's cultural heritage.

Morden Hall Park - Sit for a while in this lively area and imagine what life would be like as a local resident.

Serpentine Lake - Just being close to the water is certain to leave you feeling rejuvenated and calm.

Brixton Market - If you'd love to see some of the more important or unique places in the community, this is a good place to start.

Holy Trinity Church - Do some soul searching or just get lost in the tranquil atmosphere at this sacred place.

One Tree Hill - It's easy to feel connected with Mother Nature at this stunning spot.

Upper Norwood Recreation Ground - Prepare a picnic and enjoy a walk around the gorgeous plant life.

Things to Do in Greater London with Kids

There are lots of unforgettable experiences in Greater London that the whole gang will love. These are some of the best family friendly experiences in the area.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Greater London? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Stay near popular Greater London attractions

A river with boats, a gazebo, and autumn trees.

Hyde Park

9.2/10 (38,380 reviews)
Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Greater London

Two red double-decker buses on a city street with historic buildings in the background.

London

An aerial view of a city with modern architecture, including a distinctive curved building and a tall skyscraper.

Croydon

A forest with sunlight filtering through the trees.

Hornchurch

Swans swimming in a park with a gazebo in the background.

Hounslow

A sunset over a body of water with boats and a stadium in the background.

Wembley

A tall stone tower with a clock, surrounded by trees.

Bromley

Railway tracks, a road with cars, and residential buildings in the background.
Photo by Nigel Cox (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0)

Buckhurst Hill

A family in front of a historic castle with red brick walls and towers.

Kingston Upon Thames

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Greater London on a sunny day?
What to do in Greater London on a rainy day?
What is Greater London famous for?
You'll be kept busy with all of these notable attractions to check off your must-see list:

  • Buckingham Palace
  • Tower of London
  • Big Ben
  • Trafalgar Square

What should I not miss in Greater London?
If you're eager to discover the best of this destination, add these sights to your itinerary:

  • Hyde Park
  • O2 Arena
  • Tower Bridge
  • London Eye

Are there cheap things to do in Greater London?
What can you do in Greater London for free?
Your escape to Greater London won't cost an arm and a leg with free things like these on offer:

  • Big Ben
  • Trafalgar Square
  • Hyde Park
  • Piccadilly Circus

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