15 Things to Do in London During the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

There are more than 170 museums in London, from big-name blockbusters to neighborhood favorites. If you only have a few days in town, prioritize heavy-hitters such as the National Gallery, Natural History Museum, Tate Modern, or Victoria & Albert Museum.

Regent’s Park isn’t just one of the city’s prettiest green spaces. Every spring and summer, from May to September, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre hosts outdoor performances of classic plays as well as contemporary performances.

Given the regal occasion, it’s the perfect time to visit one of London’s Royal Parks. There are eight such green spaces scattered across the city, many of them former palace gardens or hunting grounds, now transformed for public use. Enjoy the verdant scenery (and cross your fingers for sun) during a visit to favorites such as St. James’s Park, Kensington Gardens, or Richmond Park.

London is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, all of which promise a wealth of history and spectacular scenery. See the Crown Jewels when you visit the Tower of London; admire Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament; explore the riverside delights of Maritime Greenwich; or wander among the blossoms in Kew Gardens.

Need a summery new outfit—or several? Luckily, London is a dream destination for shoppers, whether you wander among the crowds on Oxford or Regent Streets, visit the city’s iconic department stores such as Harrods and Selfridges, browse high-end designer flagships in Knightsbridge, or scope out quirky boutiques and second-hand shops in Soho.

In the heart of the East End, Shoreditch is considered one of London’s hippest districts—and a street art walking tour is the perfect introduction to its artistic, alternative spirit.

It isn’t a trip to London without a visit to the city’s classic, cozy pubs—besides, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is the perfect excuse to toast with a pint or two. Set off on a historical pub crawl to visit some of London’s most atmospheric drinking dens.

Didn’t manage to snag tickets to see Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms? Don’t worry—there are many other impressive palaces in and around the capital to discover. Whether you tour Kensington Palace (home to Prince William and Kate Middleton); Windsor Castle (the oldest continually occupied castle in the world); or Hampton Court Palace (former residence of King Henry VIII), there are plenty of ways to follow in the footsteps of royals.

Discover a spectacular new perspective on London’s landmarks and neighborhoods when you ascend to one of the city’s aerial observation decks. From the dramatic heights of the Shard to the viewing pods of the London Eye, there are few better ways to get introduced to London’s charms.

Keep reading: Where to Find the Best Views in London

Immortalized in Bridget Jones’s Diary and a favorite of local and visiting food lovers alike, Borough Market is a London must. Alternatively, to beat the crowds, scope out tasty bites and handmade crafts in edgy Camden Market, hip Broadway Market, or bustling Spitalfields Market.

Keep reading: Take a Tour of Jane Austen's England

Is there anything better than a pot of tea, platters of elegant sandwiches and desserts, and flutes of Champagne? There’s a reason afternoon tea is a classic London experience—and whether you experience it in a high-end hotel, aboard a double-decker bus, or in a palace tearoom, you’re in for a treat.

With its thatched roof, open-air seating, and traditional construction, the riverside Shakespeare’s Globe offers the chance to see the Bard’s works performed in an authentic, 16th-century environment. Plump for more comfortable seating in the stands—or join the groundlings at a discount rate.

With its candy-colored houses and enshrined place in movie history, Notting Hill is one of West London’s most charming and destination-worthy neighborhoods. Visit on Saturdays to see Portobello Road Market in full swing—and haggle for antiques and bric-a-brac.

From Platform 9 ¾ in King’s Cross Station to Warner Bros. Studios, London has a wealth of filming locations, themed venues, and other must-see destinations for fans of all things Harry Potter. Explore on a walking tour or other magical excursion.

One of London’s most rarefied summer traditions actually happens just outside of the city, in the neighboring county of Berkshire. There, every June, Royal Ascot brings world-class riders and thoroughbreds, members of the royal family, as well as glamorous attendees—sporting truly extraordinary hats—together for five days of horse-racing.