Things to do in London

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Piccadilly Circus featuring a city, city views and street scenes
London featuring a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
Albert Memorial which includes a garden, fall colors and heritage architecture
London which includes a statue or sculpture, a square or plaza and a monument
The City of London featuring skyline, a city and a sunset

London Attractions

The Big Smoke is no stranger to art, culture, or world -class shopping, so it makes sense that London is one of the world’s top travel destinations. The capital of England earns its reputation by offering top -notch theater productions, food from around the globe, and some of the finest museums on the planet. Of course, afternoon tea should also be on any London itinerary. Whether you head to town to watch the changing of the iconic guards at Buckingham Palace or get bird’s eye view of the city via the London Eye, sightseeing in London is sure to deliver memories to last a lifetime.

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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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. 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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Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a bridge and a bay or harbor

3. 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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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

4. 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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London Eye sparkling against the twilight sky, showcasing the beauty of the English capital by the River Thames

5. O2 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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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

6. 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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London featuring a city, street scenes and heritage elements

7. 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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Trafalgar Square showing a fountain, a sunset and a square or plaza

8. Tower of London

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armory, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.
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Tower of London which includes heritage elements and a castle

9. 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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Majestic Big Ben and Houses of Parliament by the River Thames in London during a clear day

Recommended things to do in London

Number of things to do
724
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
eSIM: Airalo Europe Package: $3
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in London

Free Things to Do in London

Leave your wallet in the hotel room. It's possible to have fun in London without spending a cent.

National Portrait Gallery - Wander around and appreciate the interesting displays at this respected museum.

Southbank Centre - If you'd like to discover more of the area's buzzing arts and culture scene, organize a visit.

Vauxhall City Farm - Attention animal lovers — here's your chance to get acquainted with some fascinating new friends.

Hampstead Heath - Make room for play and add some excitement to your escape here.

Parliament Hill Lido - Get set to get wet and have a ball with the whole family.

Goodenough College - Tour this modern landmark and enjoy its design.

Nelson's Column - You'll feel like you've taken a step back in time while ambling around this historic site.

Trafalgar Square - This bustling location is a popular rendezvous point for both visitors and locals.

Serpentine Lake - Get out of life's fast lane and enjoy a bit of time out beside the water.

Charles I Statue - Widely recognized among those who reside here, this site is worth checking out.

St. Martin-in-the-Fields - Spend some time in meditation or prayer at this religious site.

Berkeley Square - Bring your camera and let the natural surrounds spark a sense of wonder in you.

Victoria Embankment Gardens - Find your green thumb and appreciate the wide range of plants on display.

Areas & Neighborhoods in London

Things to do in London, England vary from the refined to the bohemian. You can grab a nightcap after an evening at the opera just as easily as you can shop the stalls of artsy street markets. Whether your trip to London will be fancy or carefree, you can find a borough or neighborhood here that makes you feel at home.

Kensington — This is one of the trendiest boroughs in the city, officially dubbed the “royal” borough. It’s no surprise, then, that the streets are lined by expensive homes and well-manicured trees. Kensington High Street offers fine shopping and dining, and visitors are welcome to tour Kensington Palace.

Covent Garden — This West End district is best known for its energetic public square, where you will often find street performers. The daily open market is perhaps the best of its kind in the city. Things to do in London’s Covent Garden also include more formal affairs, however. You can take in a show at the Lyseum Theatre or get dinner at London’s oldest restaurant, Rules.

Notting Hill — Notting Hill is more than the setting of a famous romantic comedy. This charming part of London has cobblestone streets, pubs begging for you to enjoy a leisurely lunch, and plenty of antiques vendors.

Leicester Square — Leicester Square is often considered to be the entertainment hub of the city. And with cinemas, theaters, and casinos galore—visitors can certainly keep busy any time of day.

Things to See in London

Landmarks and other things to see in London are dripping in stories from bygone times, so if you aced AP history, you’re bound to fit in immediately. Before you take to London by foot or get adventurous, grab your camera and head to one of the many historical sites. Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Big Ben are just a sampling of the places you will be happy you explored in person. Of course, you can find a theater production of nearly any sort in the city every day of the week. Catch a matinee musical in Leicester Square or grab dinner and a show in Trafalgar Square.

Sightseeing in London

In addition to the many sights and attractions in England’s capital, there are also opportunities to get active. Go for a jog in Hyde Park, grab your nicest swim suit and take a dip in a lido pool, or rent a pedal boat in Battersea Park. London tours also help you burn some calories while you take in the city whether you embark on a walking tour or kayak excursion, you can spot important sites while you work off those fish and chips. If you’re ready to see what the rest of England has to offer, day trips from London provide a wonderful opportunity to see countryside as well as major U.K. universities.

 

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

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in London

Hyde Park featuring a city, a garden and a pond

Hyde Park

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.

Hyde Park
Tower Bridge which includes night scenes, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Tower Bridge

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Tower Bridge
Buckingham Palace featuring a castle, a city and heritage architecture

Buckingham Palace

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

Buckingham Palace
London Eye showing a river or creek, a city and modern architecture

London Eye

Climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the British capital.

London Eye
O2 Arena showing modern architecture

O2 Arena

Attend music and sports events, see a movie or go bowling in one of the busiest arenas in the world, situated inside this iconic dome by the River Thames.

O2 Arena
Piccadilly Circus showing street scenes, a city and signage

Piccadilly Circus

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Piccadilly Circus
Trafalgar Square which includes a fountain, a square or plaza and heritage elements

Trafalgar Square

London’s great meeting place and the “front yard” of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Trafalgar Square
Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Wembley Stadium
Tower of London which includes heritage elements and a castle

Tower of London

One of the world’s most well-preserved medieval castles, this historic building is known for its fascinating and gruesome history.

Tower of London

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in London

Carnaby Street featuring a square or plaza as well as a large group of people

London City Centre

5/5(33 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London City Centre
London featuring signage, heritage elements and markets

Covent Garden

Discover a lively district with the Royal Opera House, street performances, and shopping at Apple Market. Explore historical sites like Theatre Royal Drury Lane and dine at renowned international restaurants.

Covent Garden
The City of London which includes a skyscraper, heritage architecture and a sunset

The City of London

4.5/5(808 area reviews)

The financial hub and ancient center of London, this area boasts historic sites like St Paul's Cathedral and Tower of London, and its iconinc bridges, including Millennium Bridge and Tower Bridge, make exploration easy.

The City of London
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(4,574 area reviews)

Home to iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, this bustling borough offers world-class shopping on Oxford Street and Regent Street, as well as vibrant nightlife in Soho. With 27 Underground stations, it's well-connected and walkable for residents and visitors alike.

City of Westminster
Soho

Soho

Soak up the energy of Soho, where buzzing nightlife, LGBTQ+ pride and star-studded premieres bring the streets to life.

Soho
Mayfair

Mayfair

Find some of London’s best shopping, famous auction houses and five-star hotels in this London neighborhood surrounded by pretty parks.

Mayfair
See our Where To Stay guide

 

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 London

Croydon

Croydon

Photo by Benjamin Willard

Hornchurch

London featuring shopping, an airport and signage

Hounslow

Wembley

Wembley

Photo by Tuti S

Bromley

Photo "Buckhurst Hill" by Brian Gotts (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Brian Gotts (CC BY-SA)

Buckhurst Hill

Photo by Patrick Callaghan

Kingston Upon Thames

Borehamwood

Borehamwood

Frequently asked questions

Is London worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in London is visit Hyde Park. Check this leading sight off your list, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and views.
How do I spend a day in London?
When you've checked off major attractions like Hyde Park and London Eye, spend the rest of your day exploring London's retail and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in London?
Don't leave without visiting Hyde Park, rated the top tourist attraction in London.
Is three days enough to stay in London?
Three days will be enough time to check out many city highlights, like Hyde Park, London Eye and Buckingham Palace. The average stay in London is three days. If you feel the urge to extend your break, West Drayton isn't far away.
Is London a walkable city?
With vibrant neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, London is a good place to visit on foot. Wander between Hyde Park and London Eye. Then take a stroll through London City Centre, located 0.1 miles from the center, and City of Westminster, which is about 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in London with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in London with kids.

What to do in London for adults?
Beefeater Gin Distillery and Fuller's Griffin Brewery are just two of the things to do in London. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in London?
In London, Hyde Park is a top spot for anyone wishing to see the city without opening their wallet. Also, check out the green spaces and other neighborhoods, and ask for ideas from a local tour guide. It's a great way to learn about the best free things to do in London.

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