World-class dining destination, cultural frontrunner, cosmopolitan fashion capital, and political powerhouse—these are just a few of the accolades the vibrant, history-rich capital of London boasts. Dr. Samuel Johnson famously said that “when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life”—and today, that statement has never felt more true. Things to do in London range from ticking off the who’s who of landmarks on a Thames River cruise; exploring lush parks, food markets, and street art smothered neighborhoods; ducking into the British Museum or National Gallery when showers threaten; and soaking up panoramic views of the skyline from the top of icons such as The Shard, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
There’s no place like London in summer—June through August—when the capital’s parks are filled with picnickers and festivals celebrating music from every genre. In December, you’ll find Christmas markets selling mulled wine, as well as holiday light displays in central London, with Oxford Street and Carnaby boasting some of London’s most impressive. Whatever the season, bring an umbrella, as downpours can strike at any moment.
London’s public transport system is world-famous and has been operating since the 1800s—it’s a surefire way to navigate the city and beat the notorious traffic jams aboveground. The London Underground (better known as the tube) and the super-speedy Elizabeth line are cost-effective ways to explore central London, while the London Overground helps you explore the other points of the compass—make sure you mind the gap.
Once you’ve sampled the street art of Shoreditch and bagels of Brick Lane, head further east into what’s undoubtedly London’s coolest borough—Hackney, a lesser-known part of east London. Here, you’ll find leafy parks such as Victoria Park and London Fields; gastropubs serving pints of beer alongside British classics such as Scotch eggs and pork pies; and some of the capital’s best nightlife, which range from LGBTQ bars hosting drag shows to R&B nights in underground nightclubs.
Attractions 212 | Tours 3,153 | Reviews 203,292 |
One of those rare Londoners actually born in London, Emma is a writer who’s only two degrees of separation from both Kate Moss and the Queen.
get an Oyster card—buses are cashless and there’s no time to faff around with paper tickets at the tube station.
starts with brunch (Caravan in King’s Cross is my go-to), involves a trip to a museum (make it the V&A if there’s a special exhibition), and ends in Soho for dinner and drinks.
St. Paul’s Cathedral. It’s beautiful inside and the view from the dome is worth the 550-step climb.
go to a market. I love Broadway Market in Hackney for its Victorian history and proximity to the Regent’s Canal.
head to Primrose Hill or Greenwich Park to see the skyline, but walk along the South Bank for an up-close perspective.
is thinking Londoners are rude because we walk fast and avoid eye contact on the tube. Start a conversation outside a pub and you’ll find it’s generally not the case.
London has many unmissable sights, including UNESCO-listed attractions such as Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and Big Ben. Go on a Thames River boat or hop-on hop-off bus tour to glimpse the highlights, and save time to visit other icons like the British Museum, Buckingham Palace, and the London Eye.
...MoreArguably the most famous attraction in London is Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, which stand overlooking the Thames River. That said, the city boasts many other iconic attractions, from Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Tower Bridge.
...MoreThere are many ways Londoners like to let loose, from visiting in-demand restaurants in Soho to unwinding over pints in one of the city's historic pubs. Centrally located attractions like Borough Market and the Tate Modern are ever-popular, though residents also head to East London to discover the city's hippest neighborhoods.
...MoreMany attractions are just a short distance outside of London. Discover royal landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, Hever Castle, and Leeds Castle, or plan a seaside excursion to Brighton, Whitstable, or Margate. Other highlights within day-trip distance include Stonehenge, Oxford, Cambridge, the Cotswolds, Bath, and Stratford-upon-Avon (Shakespeare's birthplace).
...MoreYes, two days is enough to discover London's highlights if you sightsee efficiently: Embark on a hop-on hop-off bus tour, a Central London walking tour, or a Thames boat trip to see more of the sights in less time. However, London's wealth of tourist attractions makes planning a longer visit worthwhile.
...MoreLondon offers a wealth of free attractions, including cultural destinations such as the British Museum, Tate Modern, National History Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum. The city's Royal Parks are also free to explore, as are highlights like Trafalgar Square. Don't miss the free-to-view Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
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