Visiting London for the First Time? Here’s What To See and Do

You’re likely to feel a shiver down your spine as you gaze up at the towering Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (officially known as the Elizabeth Tower), arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. You can head inside the political powerhouse on a guided tour, many of which combine it with a visit to Westminster Abbey—the grandiose location of not just one or two, but 17 royal weddings (and the site of numerous royal family tombs).

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The banks of the Thames River read like a who’s-who of London landmarks. From the city’s main artery, you can admire the London Eye, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and many more of the top things to see in London.

Tick them all off on a London sightseeing cruise—evening options let you see the landmarks illuminated after dark, while an afternoon tea version means you can indulge in a popular British pastime as you sightsee. You can also up the ante during a high-octane, high-speed ride on a RIB boat, which is one of the most fun things to do in London if you feel the need for speed.

Two of the country’s most fabulous royal landmarks are within easy reach of the capital—whether you’re traveling by car or train. In southwest London, you’ll find Hampton Court Palace, where infamous Tudor monarch Henry VIII lived in (un)happy matrimony with his six wives.

Then in the Royal Borough of Windsor there’s the 900-year-old Windsor Castle, which boasts the title of the largest occupied castle in the world. For a day trip fit for a king or queen, opt for a tour that combines the two.

There are few other places in the world where you can witness a Changing of the Guard ceremony as elaborate as the one that takes place outside of London’s royal residence each day. Combine it with a tour of the top London attractions, or if you’re visiting for the two months of the year the palace is open to the public, get exclusive access to the former home of the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, now the royal residence of King Charles III.

No visit to London is complete without circumnavigating Soho, a maze-like enclave in central just off the famous Oxford Street shopping hub. Avoid getting lost by taking a walking tour of the labyrinth (the streets of which still disorient lifetime residents). Tours typically cover the bright-red lanterns of Chinatown; the dazzling billboards of Piccadilly Circus; the glittering theaters of the West End; and the Instagram-worthy adornments of Carnaby Street.

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If you’re a history buff, you’ll be dying to delve into London’s ancient past at the Tower of London—home to the world-famous crown jewels and a gruesome, sordid history that dates back to 1066. Book ahead of time to guarantee entry to the incredibly popular attraction, taking advantage of tours that include a guide or opt for early, skip-the-line access for insight into almost a millennium of history.

In London’s east end, Shoreditch has undergone a radical transformation over the past couple of decades. Now, the quirky enclave boasts a booming nightlife scene, an abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants (or street food, if you'd prefer), art galleries, and the city’s best street art.

Walking tours can help you locate the best graffiti, which is rarely indicated on maps, but is usually found with a trusty local guide. Brick Lane is equally enticing, with its vintage shops and aromatic selection of Indian and Bangladeshi restaurants, hailed as some of the best in the world outside of Asia.

The tallest tower not only in London but in Western Europe, The View from the Shard is the best place to enjoy panoramic vistas of England's capital. Head up to the observation deck via the high-speed elevator, which whisks you to an indoor gallery perched between the 69th and 72nd floors of the building. The gallery delivers a worthwhile view from the top of the city’s sharpest skyscraper, and is particularly fabulous at sunset, when a skip-the-line ticket could save you ample time waiting in line.

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London’s markets are where the capital’s energy reaches its catharsis. In fact, they’re a big part of the city’s culture and specialize in everything from flowers (Columbia Road on a Sunday) to fashion (Spitalfields). Markets on all week include Camden Lock, famous for its sub-culture and music scene; and Borough Market, a wonderland of artisanal food. Be sure to sample British staples such as sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, and cheese.

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With more than 200 museums registered in the capital—many of which are free—a museum visit (or several) is a must for first-time London visitors. The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum are ideal choices for families with kids, while the British Museum is a history buff’s dream, boasting at least 8 million artifacts from across the globe.

Art fans should head to the National Gallery, which features art from greats such as Leonardo da Vinci and Vincent van Gogh inside a regal, beautiful building. Private tours help you better navigate the museums, skip long lines, and easily tick off those highlights. If you're looking for contemporary art, head south to Tate Modern, where you'll find artwork by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Andy Warhol.

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