Explore our curated guide to the best things to do and see in London for both tourists and locals alike. From must-visit attractions to top local experiences, this is your definitive checklist to experience London at its best.

Begin your journey with our list of top attractions and things to do in the United Kingdom’s capital.

Top Attractions

◆ Walk across Tower Bridge

You might have an impression of Tower Bridge, one of the iconic London Landmarks, by singing the world-famous nursery rhyme ‘London Bridge is Falling Down’ when you were small. Though there is an actual London Bridge at about 0.5 miles upstream, the objective that we are singing about is Tower Bridge, not London Bridge.

If you are not satisfied with just seeing Bridge standing over there, you can choose to buy a ticket for its iconic high-level walkaway. Also, you can time your itinerary to perfectly meet with Bridge Lift and see the vessel passing through Tower Bridge. Be sure to check the Bridge Lift schedule before heading.

Learn more about what you can discover on the Tower Bridge Website.

◆ Enjoy a high-level city observation from London Eye

A trip to London is not complete without visiting the London Eye (the giant Ferris wheel found in many London landscapes). London Eye was built to celebrate the year 2000, located on the River Thames and making you enjoy the 360-degree views over London’s most remarkable attractions, including Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Buckingham Palace.

Get a ride on London Eye costs from ￡27 for an adult booking online. Each pod carries a maximum of 25 people to a height of 135 meters. The slow rotation offers the guests 30 minutes to roam and find a decent view from the heart of the city.

Check the London Eye Website for visitor tips.

◆ Get Amazed by Big Ben and Palace of Westminster

Within the magnificent Gothic Revival architecture, the Palace of Westminster represents political life in the United Kingdom. With Big Ben, housed at the Elizabeth Tower built-in 1876, the Palace of Westminster is considered one of the most iconic British attractions in recent centuries. You may want to snap a photo along with this fascinating structure to mark a visit to London. Taking from Westminster Bridge will be the best vantage point choice you want to make.

Find ticket and tour information on the UK Parliament Website.

Culture & History

◆ Explore history at Tower of London

Sitting at the center of over 1,000 years of history, the Tower of London allows visitors to spend half a day exploring the past around this sturdy medieval castle. From prison to palace to the first London Zoo, the Tower witnessed thousands of changes in central London, even the British Empire. The stories last here, don’t miss out. It is strongly recommended to attend the tour put on by the Yeoman Warders (tower guards) to discover the captivating stories of pain and passion, betrayal and torture. Also, stop by to admire part of the Royal Collection — Crown Jewels, which represents the cultural significance and powerful symbols of the British Monarchy.

Find out more visiting information at the Tower of London Website.

◆ Visit Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace has served as the London residence of the British Royal Family since 1837. The Palace is still the official London residence and a working royal palace of the Queen until today.

Visitors can book a palace tour during the summer months  and select dates during the winter and spring. You will have the access to the 19 State Rooms where the Queen hosts the guests for state. It is also a golden opportunity to admire the decorative finishes, chandeliers, and the exquisite French and English furniture housed in this magnificent building.

Another event that you don’t want to miss is Changing the Guard taking place on certain days outside Buckingham Palace. Consult the calendar to ensure the dates and time.

Visit the Buckingham Palace Website for a guide for your visit.

◆ Explore World-Class Collections at British Museum

Around 80,000 items are on display out of its 8 million collection objects; the British Museum allows you to experience 2 million years of human history and culture. Those collections are staying at more than 60 galleries waiting for your visit. Don’t know where to start the discovery? Check the website to pick the categories that you desperately want to explore. If you still cannot make up your mind, museum tours can help you a little bit. The guided tour will lead you to find the stories of collections in many different ways.

Visitors are free to enter and have access to the permanent galleries.

Check the British Museum Official Website for current exhibits and visitor tips.

◆ Admire the Magnificence of St. Paul’s Cathedral

As one of the most imposing cathedrals globally, St. Paul’s represents Baroque style in every detail, along with the world’s largest dome across the globe. Not only an architectural masterpiece but St Paul’s also represents one of the most iconic landmarks of the London skyline.

It is highly recommended to take a ticket climbing the dome to glimpse River Thame’s breathtaking views. After hiking up 528 steps, visitors will reach Golden Gallery; the gallery runs around the outer dome and finds the fantastic panoramic views of London in front of you. All the sweat efforts were worth it.

Plan your visit at the St. Paul’s Cathedral Website.

Local Experience

◆ Discover Nature World at Natural History Museum

Housing over 70,000 different species data, Natural History Museum is a good choice for people to explore more about nature, wildlife, and the history of Earth. You don’t need to have the level of interest and knowledge as a biologist or a geographer to feel amazed by the well-preserved life and earth science specimens. Especially the collection room of dinosaurs, from skeleton to animatronic dinosaurs, is the hot spot that people usually gain lots of joy during touring.

The stunning blue whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling of the Hintze Hall is no doubt one of the highlights of the visit to the Natural History Museum. The Museum has named the 25.2-meter-long blue whale Hope, as a symbol of humanity’s power for a sustainable future. The Natural History Museum does not charge an admission fee. Each year the Museum features freshing its temporary exhibition.

Get the latest exhibition information at the Natural History Museum Website.

◆ Enter Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

King’s Cross Station has been one of the busiest stops in London since 1852. The station witnessed the urban expansion of London over hundred years.

But for Harry Potter’s fans, there is another reason for them to drop by –the train station where Harry Potter starts the journey to Hogwarts sits within King’s Cross. The half-trolley in the brick wall and the platform sign recalls every Harry Potter fan the school-returning plot of this world-famous story. You can take a nice photo at this spot to mark your magical journey forever.

Check out the Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station website to learn more about the Hogwarts Express experience.

◆ Get Relaxed at Covent Garden

Covent Garden is an open-air neighborhood known for its laid-back atmosphere and diverse categories. From restaurants to shops, hotels to opera houses, you can easily find your cozy corner in this bustling area to enjoy the peaceful moment. If you are looking for some decent souvenirs from London, you are coming to the right place. Lined with global and independent brands, Covent Garden offers thousands of options to suit all preferences. The atmosphere of Covent Garden is cozy and enjoyable, allowing you experience the elegant British lifestyle, which is different from the fast-paced London. Besides roaming in this modern complex, it is also recommended to take a seat and sip some lovely English tea while enjoying people watching.

Discover more about planning your cozy stay at Covent Garden.

◆ Have a Decent Walk at Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus, which represents the same role as Time Square to New York, is one of London’s most popular destinations attracting style enthusiasts. Nothing to do with circus, Piccadilly Circus’s name is from the Latin word meaning “circle,” a round space at a street junction. Connected with five busy roads, Piccadilly Circus serves as a major traffic junction to be a busy meeting place and a tourist attraction in its own right.

The walk within this area is delightful, with boutiques, decent cafes, ice-cream shops, and theaters, offering you multiple options to spend time day and night. During the night, people wandering passing through and giant billboards flashing always make you feel energetic and vibrant. The dawn never comes.