50 Top Things To Do In London, England

Disclosure: Advertising and affiliate services, including Amazon Associates, help the cost of running my blog. Clicking ads or making purchases through affiliate links may, at no additional cost to you, earn me a small commission. I appreciate your support.

London. Capital city of England. Historic buildings, pubs, the Royal family, red telephone boxes and Harry Potter. Things you associate with London. But there’s so much more. Being from the UK, I have visited London more times than I can count. My Dad is from London and even though I now live in Canada I still go to London every trip back to the UK. It’s a busy city, but I love it. There’s so much to see and do and while a trip to London might seem overwhelming I’ve done my best to put together some of the top things to do in London for a first time visitor.

Best things to do in London

It all depends on what you’re looking for right? Are you seeking the art, history and culture? Are you looking to find the best food and drinks? Is your goal to snap all the famous places you’ve seen on TV and in movies? Whatever it is you seek in London, this list should have you covered. If you’re looking for airport shuttles from London airports check out Go Airport here.

Granted, there are way more things to do in London than this. You could spend weeks if not months there and not get bored. You might end up broke though, it’s not always a cheap city. But I’ve listed some of the 50 best things to do in London, and the good news is, 25 of them are free! That’s right, there are still free things to do in London. Who would have thought? Look hard enough and you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your time in this brilliant city.

So here we go, in no particular order…

Have a Full English breakfast

If you’re going to be running all over London visiting the must see places, you’re going to need a good start to the day. That’s the perfect opportunity for a Full English breakfast. Typically the Full English comes with fried eggs, bacon, sausage, fried tomatoes, fried mushrooms and baked beans with a side of toast or fried bread. It could also have black pudding on it (blood sausage) and some kind of hash brown potatoes. Most cafes and breakfast places will do this, even pubs. And a lot of them have vegetarian versions too. If you have a good enough Full English you might not even need lunch.

Tower of London and the Crown Jewels

When I was a kid if I ever made a wisecrack about a Royal, my Mum would joke that if I wasn’t careful I’d be sent to the Tower. She meant the Tower of London, but don’t worry it’s not full of insolent children. It’s got a much more gruesome history as do most things in England. That’s why it’s so interesting to visit. See the ravens and the Beefeaters, who guard the Tower. Check out various torture devices and read stories of people kept at the Tower. Then make your way to the Crown Jewels display to see some of the biggest gems you’ve ever seen. Tickets start at about £25.

London Zoo

London Zoo is an institution. It’s been in Regent’s Park since the early part of the 19th Century. It’s pretty pricey to visit and can by upwards of £30 (TIP: buy online in advance for savings). But it’s a great day out especially if you have kids. The zoo was the first zoo in the Western world to have a giant panda on display. It also had a hand in David Attenborough’s career starting as his first real series was based around expeditions to recover animals for the zoo. Probably the most famous of all the resident animals was Winnipeg, a black bear from Canada. You probably know him as Winnie-the-Pooh.

London Transport Museum

London is a big busy city, and over the decades that means people living there have had to find ways to get around. The London Transport Museum houses a lot of these vehicles and a whole lot of history to go with them. I love museums, especially in a country known for it’s temperamental weather. But it’s not just the taxis, trams and trains that make up the museum. One of my favorite parts is all the old photos of London over time, and some of the vintage posters advertising London and it’s transport. An adult ticket is about £18 but you can buy online in advance to save a little through Viator or the museum website.

Thames boat tour

Make sure you don’t fall in. The Thames is not the cleanest river by far, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t good for a leisurely boat ride. Especially when some of the most beautiful buildings and sights of London can be seen from the river. I would probably recommend a quick sightseeing tour rather than one of the dinner cruises. There are 1-2 hour cruises along the Thames (one way or return options) and also 24 hour hop on/off tickets so you can get around to see the sights.

Tour the East End of London

Want to learn about the more criminal side of London? Book a tour of the East End to discover the gang side of 1960s London and the infamous Kray twins who ruled London at that time. Some tours are walking tours, others include a bus to get to other places around London, but all the tours give more insight into London’s dark past.

Westminster Abbey

A lot of churches and cathedrals in the UK are free to visit. But Westminster Abbey isn’t any old run of the mill place of worship. It’s where the coronations happen, where Royals get married, and is the final resting place of many a King and Queen as well as famous people like Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton. Tickets are over £20 each but buy online to save a couple of pounds. It really is a magnificent building though, with so much history.

See a Shakespeare play

On the South Bank of the river Thames is Shakespeare’s Globe, a reconstruction of the original Globe Theater. They perform Shakespeare Plays in an open air theater (come rain or shine). Couple that with the British weather and you’ll want to plan ahead. You can buy seated tickets or standing tickets but standing means just that, and there’s no protection from the rain so your cheap tickets come at a different kind of price. Insider tip: If you don’t want to see a play, you can have book a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe like this one on Viator.

See a West End show

Many famous shows have started in London’s West End: Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Evita…basically anything created by Andrew Lloyd Webber. You can often get cheap tickets on the day at a number of booths in London (usually around the Piccadilly Circus, Leicester Square area). My favorites are Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables, both of which I’ve managed to get good last minute deals on in London starting at about £20. To find tickets on Viator, saving up to 40% click here.

Jack the Ripper walking tour

I love ghost walks and interesting walking tours when I visit somewhere new. If you’re looking for a historical walk with a bit of a creepy edge, then take a Jack the Ripper tour. There are a few of them around like this one on Viator. They are generally led by theatrical hosts who walk you around the former haunts of London’s most notorious serial killer, and the sites of his grisly murders. Think of it like a real-life Netflix documentary.

Admire the views on the London Eye

Located right on the bank of the Thames, near Westminster, the London Eye is a giant observation wheel that will give you some of the most incredible views of London. Pick a nice day, and take the 30 minute ride. Get your camera ready. Insider tip: buy tickets in advance to save money. To cut down the queue time get a Fast Pass entry ticket.

Sports game

Football (or Soccer) is the big sport in the UK. London has a lot of football clubs – 13 in total. That means you can probably find a game on while you’re there if visiting during football season (August to April/May). You’ll have to take the train to get to the stadiums but the atmosphere of a live football game is worth it. Speaking of football, or rather American Football, the NFL play a few games in London each season. If you’re an NFL fan buy tickets early as the games are always popular. If you’re around at the end of June/beginning of July then check out tickets for Wimbledon to watch some tennis.

Afternoon tea

It wouldn’t be England without some afternoon tea. I love an afternoon tea. Miniature sandwiches, cakes and pastries that make you feel fancy as anything. London is no different. There are a number of cafes where you will likely find afternoon tea but if you really want the full experience look at some of the hotels, like the sophisticated Savoy Hotel or even a palace like this tea at Kensington Palace. They might be a little more expensive, but you’ll feel like you’re ready for tea with the Queen.

Shop ’til you drop

Money to burn? Do a little shopping in London. Oxford Street is the huge retail center of Central London, with mostly high street shops. It can get busy, especially around weekends or holidays. But as any Brit visiting London knows, you’ve got to brave it to successfully get your Primark haul of cheap clothes. Regent Street is another great street for shopping. If you’re looking for more independent and boutique shops, then Carnaby Street is just off Regent Street and has some great dining options too. Want something a little more upscale? Visit Knightsbridge with it’s high end department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols.

Grab a pint

What’s more English than a pint of beer at the local pub? After a day of sightseeing or shopping you’ve probably earned yourself a drink. There are no shortage of pubs in London, wherever you go. Any around the financial area I find are always so busy around 5pm when everyone gets off work. There are usually people spilling out into the street. Walk around a little until you find a quieter one if you want to get a seat.

Brewery tour London

Not satisfied with just one pint, why not take a tour like this Shoreditch craft beer tour? Work your way around a number of places in London trying local and craft beers. I love doing craft beer tours as you get to learn a bit more about what you’re drinking as well as getting little samples of many things. It’s a great way of discovering something new you might like to drink. Try this walking tour of historical London pubs.

Sherlock Holmes museum

I grew up reading Sherlock Holmes. My Mum loved the books and I caught her love of a good mystery novel. Sherlock Holmes is perhaps one of London’s most famous fictional residents. For anyone who knows about Sherlock Holmes, it will become pretty obvious where the museum is: 221B Baker Street. The museum is not big, but well worth a visit. The rooms are set up as if Holmes had really lived there, and as described in the books.

Ice skating outdoors at the Natural History Museum

Yes, this is a seasonal activity, but I had to include it. The skating rink is outside the Natural History Museum and is open from around mid-October to January. Tickets are about £12 per person, but the open air skating rink is a really fun winter activity. Plus, if you’re already there you can go to either of the museums either side of it (the Natural History Museum or the Victoria & Albert Museum) both of which are free as a lot of museums in London are.

Take a day trip

In London for a few days? Consider a day trip to get out of the city. There are dozens of places to go all around London that are easily done in a day. Some you can do yourself, like take a train to the university city of Cambridge with it’s historic and quaint pedestrianized center. Stonehenge is another good one although a little further, you’re better to take a tour like this one from Viator which will include transportation. If you’re looking for something a little more exciting, less historic, then there’s the Harry Potter Studio Tour. You can take a train to get there (unfortunately not the Hogwarts Express, or even from Kings Cross Station) but there are also tours that include transfers which might make it easier like this one on Viator.

Shop the markets

You’ve come to London and been down Oxford Street. You’re wallet is looking a little on the light side. Time to do a little cheaper shopping and head to some of London’s amazing markets. If you want food and crafts then the Borough Market is the best (more on that below). Camden Market is another huge market. The area that Amy Winehouse called home, you’ll find a lot of cool clothing, local art and vintage inspired goods. Portobello Road Market in Notting Hill is another eclectic mix of second hand clothing, antiques and other interesting finds. Insider tip: Book a tour that will take you to a number of the markets in London.

Ride a double decker bus

Can you even say you’ve been to London if you didn’t get on a double decker bus? There are bus tours of London, which I often find really good to get around when I’m somewhere new. Especially in a city that’s quite big like London. But if you don’t book one of those tours, you can still get on an iconic double decker. Bus trips, unlike using the Tube (underground metro), are a little more reasonably priced and start at £1.50. The Transport for London site can help plan your journey and has all the most up to date info on fares. Insider tip: get an Oyster card if you’re in London for a few days. It’s re-loadable and can save on transit fares.

Fish and chips by the river

It’s England, you should probably get some fish and chips while you’re visiting. And what better way to enjoy them authentically than to get them wrapped in paper and enjoy them outside with a view of the city. Around the Bankside area, near Shakespeare’s Globe is probably as nice a place as any. Get your fish and chips from one of the stalls at the Borough Market and walk back to sit along the wall next to the Thames. There are benches and a lower section of wall you can easily sit on. You get a great view of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Take a bus tour around the city

London is big, and if you’re limited on time then a hop on hop off bus is probably a really good idea for you. It’s easy to just get off at the stops you’re interested in and grab the next bus. You will likely end up seeing more of London without having to navigate the public transport system. It can sometimes take a couple of days to get your bearings in a new place. I love these bus tours on day one while I get to figure out a city. Plus traveling with my parents this has become our go to so my Mum doesn’t have to walk as much. Viator has some great bus tours and hop on/off tickets like this one.

Check out a palace or two

You can see palaces all over London, but some of them you are even able to go inside and take a look around. Buckingham Palace is open to visitors only in the summer, but there are other palaces open all year round. Like Kensington Palace, famed as the former residence of Princess Diana. You never know, you might even see William and Kate who still live there.

Get some pub food

Did someone say food? Pub food is probably my favorite thing. No nonsense, hearty pub grub. Get some yummy British food at any pub in London whether it’s pie and mash, fish and chips or a proper curry. Wash it all down with a nice beer and you’ve got a great lunch meal. Insider tip: Get a table first then order food and drinks at the bar with your table number. Usually pubs don’t have table service.

Best FREE things to do in London

I’m all about saving money. Who isn’t right? Budgeting for your travels is incredibly important when you’ve worked hard to afford a vacation. But places like London can make it hard to stretch the pennies as it costs so much for everything. Or does it? There are free things to do in London, and I’m going to tell you about 25 of them here. You can thank me later.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s does charge if you want to go sightseeing around it, but if you are happy enough to go inside and take a look then you can get in for free if you go to one of the daily services for worship. The building is incredible inside and out and should be visited when you are in London. But how much sightseeing you want to do will decide if you pay for the ticket or are happy with the free worship.

See a movie premiere in Leicester Square

Some of the biggest names in movies will gather in Leicester Square and other locations in London for movie premieres. If you’re willing to wait and patient enough (or brave enough if it’s raining) then you can watch the stars walking the red carpet on the way to the premiere. This site shows you upcoming premieres and where you can find them. Get your phone, camera ready smile and autograph book ready to go!

Embrace the madness of Piccadilly Circus

Get in, get your pictures, get out. You’ll be carried along with the crowds as they run into traffic, dodging buses and taxis (the only vehicles crazy enough to take a bash at driving around Piccadilly Circus). But you have to see it, the same way you do with Times Square in New York. Giant billboards, Eros statue and hundreds of gift shops where you can get a Union Jack on anything you ever dreamed of.

Buckingham Palace

It’s not free to go inside, but since it’s only open for a few weeks in the summer, the chances are you’ll end up just looking at the palace from the outside. You can walk right up The Mall from Trafalgar Square and the official residence of the Queen of England will span the horizon before you. The palace is incredibly big and impressive, and you can walk right up to the front gates to get a proper look. Insider Tip: if you’re there on a nice day, take a walk around Green Park or St. James’s Park on either side of the palace.

Changing of the guard

Time your visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard for an extra special experience. A free show starts at 11am when the big ceremony occurs for the changing of the Royal guards. In the summer months this happens every day, although on Sundays it starts at 10am. The whole thing lasts about 30-45 minutes. But in the off season months typically the ceremony happens every other day, although best to consult the official calendar to make sure you don’t miss it. You can follow the guards from St. James’s Palace up The Mall to the palace and watch the change happen. It’s quite the event, and kids will love it.

Walk around the parks

London prides itself on taking care of the green spaces. In the center of London you’ve got Green Park and St. James’s Park, both next to Buckingham Palace and Hyde Park where you will find Kensington Palace. Regent’s Park with the London Zoo and Greenwich Park where you’ll find the Royal Observatory. That’s just the big parks, there are lots of smaller green areas that you can go sit in with a nice lunch, or walk through on your way to your next stop. Take the time to relax and enjoy the green areas that are surprisingly quiet in such a big city. Looking for a day backpack for your London trip? Shop Herschel backpacks here.

Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament

The most iconic clock is right here at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster. The ornate buildings, central to the British government are impressive enough, but Big Ben is the real star. Although it’s technically the bell not the clock that’s named Big Ben, people will flock to see the clock tower. Unfortunately it has been largely hidden from view with lots of restorative work recently but hopes to be up and running again in 2021. Disappointing right now for people wanting to see Big Ben, but still worth a visit for all the other buildings around.

Get great views from the bridges

Just look at a map of London, the River Thames has bridges all over the place. Some are kind of meh, just regular old concrete bridges. But then there are the really nice bridges. Tower Bridge is obviously the main one everyone knows, often mistakenly called London Bridge. If you want to get some good views of London on a nice day, take a walk over Tower Bridge. A little further up near the Tate Modern Gallery is the Millennium Bridge, a much newer looking pedestrianized bridge. Then there’s Westminster Bridge where from one side you can see the Houses of Parliament, and from the other side the London Eye.

Walk around Chinatown

Just behind Leicester Square is London’s Chinatown. Although not an old Chinatown like many cities, it has lots of authentic restaurants and some Asian grocery stores. The colorful Chinese gate is the entrance to the pedestrianized area and the surrounding streets are filled with many shops with Chinese delicacies for sale. Make sure to get a couple of things from one of the many Chinese bakeries to snack on as you go.

Free museums and galleries

London isn’t all expensive. There are lots of free museums and art galleries all over the city. And they are not just the boring, no-one will ever want to go there museums either. They are the best of the best of London museums. Natural History Museum, British Museum and more. For more on my favorite FREE museums in London check out this post.

Check out some local street art

London is full of street art. And I don’t mean just graffiti. Yes, there’s some of that too, but I mean real street art. Incredible works of art on the sides of buildings, down alleys, along tunnels. There are some great pieces if you look hard enough. I liked this one of Shakespeare on London’s South Bank, close to Shakespeare’s Globe. If you want to see a lot of street art in one place I recommend taking yourself to Camden and taking a self-guided street art tour like I did.

Do your own Harry Potter tour

If you don’t want to spend the money taking the Warner Bros. Studio Tour, then you could fashion together your own DIY Harry Potter tour in London itself. Go to some of the filming locations, or inspirations for the books. The obvious one would be Kings Cross Station, to see Platform 9¾. If you remember in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, the bridge that collapsed in London was the Millennium Bridge which you can walk over. And Leadenhall Market, a covered market just up from London Bridge was Diagon Alley. There are also walking tours you can sign up for like this one on Viator.

Southwark Cathedral

If you’re on the South Bank of the river Thames, make a stop at Southwark Cathedral. It’s a beautiful cathedral that you’ll have to pass on your way from Shakespeare’s Globe to the Borough Market. Plus it’s free to go in, unlike St. Pauls, Westminster Abbey and all the other high-priced attractions in London. A nice, quiet space in the middle of busy London could be just what you need on your trip.

Relive your favorite films

If Harry Potter’s not your thing, what about 90s or early 2000s British movies? Notting Hill? Bridget Jones’s Diary? Basically anything with Hugh Grant in it! Well you can find the places that inspired them, or where they were filmed. Head to Notting Hill and walk down the High Street, walk past the “bookshop” at 142 Portobello Rd, or Will’s house with the blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Rd. Stand at the door of Bridget Jones’s flat. Or as it is actually in real life, the Globe Tavern next to Borough Market. Not sure where to go? Try a walking tour of London’s movie hot spots.

Check out some old buildings

London has some incredibly cool new buildings like the Shard. But chances are you’re in London to see a little history. And for that you’ll want to hunt out some old buildings. Good news is that it’s free to look. Wander around the streets and don’t forget to look up as a lot of the buildings you pass have wonderfully intricate details on the facades. Walk down the Strand and Fleet Street for some amazing architecture. Obviously the popular places like St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey should be on your list. But one of my favorite buildings is the Black Friar pub just off of Blackfriars Bridge. It’s a brilliant decorative building and looks just as nice on the inside.

Visit the Prime Minister

OK maybe you can’t exactly walk up to his/her door (PM seems to be changing so often in the UK I figured I’d cover all bases). But you can see the Downing Street sign and the street itself as you walk along Whitehall between Trafalgar Square and the Houses of Parliament. The heavily guarded entrance to the street is a popular photo spot. Keep an eye out, maybe you’ll time it just right to see the Prime Minister.

Catch some live music in a pub

Pubs are good for a local beer, but they’re also a great place to find some live music. Local music. You might not find this at some of the busier, more central pubs like those in the tourist area. But head out a little further, or to some of the more quaint local pubs and they often have live music at different times during the week.

Copy the Beatles at Abbey Road

We’ve all seen the Abbey Road album cover. The Fab Four crossing the road at the crosswalk (zebra crossing for us Brits). Grab three of your closest friends and willing victims and you too could get your own Beatles shot. One step closer to world domination stardom. Try a private photo shoot at this or any location in London you want if you’re ready to splash out on your experience.

Stand where East meets West

Greenwich, the G in GMT (also known as UTC). The Greenwich meridian line is at 0 degrees longitude, or pretty close since it moves ever so slightly. The imaginary line runs from North to South and passes through Greenwich and is used to measure all other lines of longitude on either side of it. And at Greenwich park you can stand on the line. Greenwich has been deemed along the line where the Eastern world meets the Western world.

Find some famous people

Maybe you’ll be lucky enough to see some famous people on your travels, but if you want to guarantee it, I have a few tips. OK, so they’re not real people but there are statues all over London that you can see of famous historical, literary and political figures. Winston Churchill stands in Parliament Square close to Gandhi. Admiral Nelson is in Trafalgar Square flanked by giant lions (look up). And you can’t go more than a few hundred meters without spotting a King, Queen or other Royal figure. For the kid in you (or for your kids) Peter Pan is in Hyde Park, and Paddington Bear is at…well, Paddington Station obviously.

Take an iconic photo in a phone booth

Come all, we all want to do it, and yes it’s the most touristy thing to do in London (and that’s saying something). But just own it and take your photo. Good news is unlike 20 years ago, nobody will be waiting for you to vacate it so they can make a phonecall. There are red phone booths everywhere. There are a lot of them near the Houses of Parliament which make for some good pictures, but you won’t have trouble finding one for your perfect photo.

Borough market

My favorite place in London. The Borough Market is in Southwark, not far from Shakespeare’s Globe and has been there in some form or another for about 1000 years. That’s not a typo! It’s busy, and bustling, partially outdoors, partially covered. It’s loud and little bit dirty and it screams real London. You can get hot food, baked goods and sweets. Shop for fresh produce, meats and cheeses. Between them all are little craft stalls selling kitchenware and locally made products. Insider tip: go while hungry and try everything! If you want to pay for a full food tour while in London, try this Secret food tour of London Bridge and Borough Market.

Go to court

I’m not suggesting you do something illegal on your trip to London, but rather that you can go and watch a trial. It’s free and could be interesting depending on the cases. The Old Bailey is the criminal court of England and Wales. You can sit in the public gallery for free and watch the trials happening that day. Court times are 9:55-12:40 and 13:55-15:40 Monday through Friday. Insider tip: no big bags or backpacks allowed. Also no electronics including cell phones. There is nowhere to leave items therefore best not to bring them with you.

Walk the banks of the Thames

Yes you can walk anywhere around London, but the banks of the river Thames are usually pretty lively. There are great views of the city at various points, especially on the South Bank. I like to walk over Westminster Bridge and walk down towards Shakespeare’s Globe and the Borough Market. Often I’ve come across small markets under the covered bridge areas where you can buy books, vintage maps and pictures and other items.

Museum of London

I know I already covered some of the free museums, you know the bigger more well known museums. But the Museum of London is a little lesser known but just as good. The small museum packs a punch. Find out about the city’s Roman past, and all the events that shaped the city into what it is today – the plague, the Great Fire of London and many more. Definitely one of the best museums in the city.

Top things to do in London

Whether you’re in London for a day, a weekend or longer you’ll find plenty to keep you busy. It’s true London is an expensive city, but this list will hopefully show you that it doesn’t always need to be. Mix in some cheaper, or free things to do in the London with some luxury (or in this case average priced) things to do. Local bakeries and cafe chains like Pret a Manger are good for some cheap eats, as are supermarkets for sandwiches and salads. I usually have a good breakfast, a cheap lunch and then I don’t feel bad about spending more on a nice dinner. Pubs are a great, cheaper option with lots of variety and good food.

There are a lot of things to do in London around the main core of Westminster, but after that the attractions can become a little spread out. Save time by using the London Underground (get a fare-saving Oyster card). Or better still take a bus. Many attractions sell money saving combination tickets for two or more places. Book online in advance to save a bit of money. And if you’re planning on visiting a few of the higher priced attractions, consider investing in the London Pass (seen here on Viator) with 1-10 day pass options available.

But whatever you do have fun, take in the sights and the history, and practice your wave in case you see the Queen.

If you’ve enjoyed this post please leave a comment or share using the social media buttons below. What is your favorite thing to do in London? Or what are you most looking forward to on your visit?