London is the largest, oldest, and most diverse city in the UK and one of the most visited cities in the world. It’s simply bursting with activities for all ages and tastes and you could visit for a year and not manage to explore all that it has to offer. So with so many choices, where should you start?
Well, we’ve reached out to the people who know! Other travellers who can give you their first-hand experience of the places they loved on their visits to London. They give us their independent reviews of fun things to do in London, complete with tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your trip.
And, just like the city itself, there is something for everyone. You can soak up the city’s art and culture in the Tate Modern and the National Gallery, take in a West End show or step back in time with a little Shakespeare at The Globe Theatre. Pair your sightseeing with some exercise on a city cycling tour or a kayak cruise on the Thames. If you’re visiting with children, then a Harry Potter walking tour is always a fun choice, as is Go Ape in Battersea Park, ziplining from the rigging on the Cutty Sark or walking with dinosaurs in the Natural History Museum. And if it’s retail therapy that you’re after, then how about the city’s famous markets in Greenwich, Camden and Portobello?
Read on for all these activities and more on our list of fun things to do in London!
- Visit the Tower of London
- Step back in time on the HMS Belfast
- Take a Thames River cruise
- Wander through the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
- Indulge in afternoon tea at Sketch
- Go Ape in Battersea Park
- Explore the many wonders of Greenwich
- Step aboard the Cutty Sark
- Take a magical Harry Potter Walking Tour
- Scale the heights of The O2
- View incredible artworks at The National Gallery
- Browse the stalls of Camden Market
- Take a guided bicycle tour of London
- Ride the London Eye
- See St Paul’s Cathedral
- Discover the delights of Brick Lane
- Dive into the Natural History Museum
- Take a tour of Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
- Catch a show at Shakespeare’s Globe
- See contemporary art at the Tate Modern
- Watch a West End show
- Dine in the Coppa Club Igloos
- Be majestic at Windsor Castle
Visit the Tower of London
London is an amazing city, one that always makes me want to pack up and move there. The food, the sights, the people, I can’t get enough, and you probably won’t either!
One of the must-see sights is The Tower of London, an iconic landmark of the United Kingdom and one that every tourist knows to visit at least once. In fact, I’d be mildly surprised if you told me you hadn’t gone yet, because that is just crazy.
The Tower of London is a stop on most walking tours of London, but if you decide you’d rather go by yourself, that’s an option too. Once there, you should consider taking the Yeomen (Beefeaters) Tour in the Tower because a guided tour is always helpful, and this one is very informative. They want you to have fun and enjoy your time here, plus, they can be especially funny, with that dry British humour we have all come to know and love.
All the displays and exhibitions inside make it well worth stopping by. Seeing the crown jewels is sweet, and I personally enjoyed seeing all the mediaeval armour. But you may have to deal with some long lines as it’s such a popular tourist attraction.
If you only have a limited time in London, I understand the need to prioritise your time. But I hope you decide to stop at the Tower of London as it is well worth a few hours of your day.
Nothing beats London, and this is only the tip of all the fun stuff you can find here.
📍 Address: Tower Hill, London, EC3N 4AB
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Tower Hill
🎟️ Buy your Tower of London tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Nick Rosen of The World Overload
Step back in time on the HMS Belfast
If you’re a WW2 history buff, look no further – the HMS Belfast is one of the most incredible places to visit in London! This huge navy ship is docked on the River Thames right in front of the Tower of London, and you can actually climb aboard it to explore!
The HMS Belfast was built in 1938 before being sent off to serve in both WW2 and the Korean War. Once you step below deck and immerse yourself in its labyrinth of corridors, the first thing you’ll notice is just how HUGE this ship is. It doesn’t look massive from the outside, but it has nine levels to explore.
You can look inside countless rooms on board, including the wireless room, sick bay, kitchen, engine rooms and crew area. At any one time, it had around 750 crew on board, and it really makes you wonder how so many people lived here for months at a time in such close quarters!
Since the HMS Belfast is one of the top landmarks in London, entry doesn’t come free. Adult tickets cost £25.45, and children’s tickets cost £12.70. It’s worth it, though!
📍 Address: The Queen’s Walk, London, SE1 2JH
🚇 Nearest Underground station: London Bridge
🎟️ Buy your HMS Belfast tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Ella Moore of Many More Maps
Take a Thames River cruise
There are tons of different options for river cruises in London. Explore the Thames from a sightseeing boat which will show you London’s main sights from the water, such as the London Eye or the Shard.
Alternatively, take an afternoon tea cruise or a dinner cruise featuring a four-course meal and a dance floor where you can enjoy yourself after you’ve eaten. This is a fantastic option for couples looking for a romantic evening or groups of friends.
If you want something unusual, you can skip the Thames and instead head to the canals, which are quieter, and offer different sights to see along the way. There are even kayak tours available that let you get some exercise while you enjoy exploring the city. Make sure to plan this one for a sunny day to make the most of your time on the water!
📍 Hop on at: Westminster Millennium Pier, Victoria Embankment, London, SW1A 2JH
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Westminster
🎟️ Buy your Thames River Cruise tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Recommended by Victoria Maria of Guide your Travel
Wander through the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
If you’re a tennis lover, a fun thing to do during your stay in London is to check out the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum! The museum is located at All England Lawn Tennis Club and allows you to explore the incredible history of not just Wimbledon but also tennis as a whole.
loved how the museum gave me a deep look into the tournament’s long-standing traditions, such as how ardent fans camp and queue for days to get cheap tickets. The museum also boasts various interactive areas for guests to explore, such as dressing up in tennis outfits from different eras!
astly, I strongly recommend doing the 90-minute tour that the All England Lawn Tennis Club offers. They give visitors a behind-the-scenes perspective of the tournament and access to famous locations that are normally restricted to the general public!
So, if you love tennis and are in London for a couple of days, come check out the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum!
📍 Address: Church Road, Wimbledon, SW19 5AG
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Soutfields
🎟️ Buy your Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Kristin Lee of Global Travel Escapades
Indulge in afternoon tea at Sketch
Looking for one of the many fun things to do in London? If so, then book an extravagant afternoon tea at Sketch.
Yes, the price is a bit expensive at upwards of £48 per person, but it’s totally worth it to visit this quirky Mayfair hotspot.
Once you step inside this historic, 19th-century townhouse, you’ll be transported into a whimsical world where bathrooms mimic nightclubs and where you get to enjoy a lavish afternoon tea amidst the elegant, blush pink decor of the Gallery.
I recommend making your afternoon tea reservation for right when they open. This way, you can snag some amazing photos of the dining room without any people in it. And yes, reservations are absolutely essential!
You also cannot leave without visiting the Gallery restroom and taking a selfie. The stalls resemble egg-like spaceship pods, and the vibrant, colourful block ceiling is unlike anything you’ve ever seen.
Other than that, just enjoy impeccable service and fantastic food at one of the most unusual restaurants in London. The afternoon tea is wonderful and includes scones served fresh from the oven and deliciously moist Battenberg cake.
📍 Address: 9 Conduit Street, London, W1S 2XG
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Oxford Circus
🍽️ Book your table now for afternoon tea at Sketch to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Kelly Ann Duhigg of Girl with the Passport
Go Ape in Battersea Park
If you are looking for something fun and adventurous to get the adrenaline going, how about swinging above the trees in Battersea Park’s Go Ape? Guaranteed to heart racing!
The course is based in the centre of the park, in a beautiful area with lots of green space. It weaves through the treetops and participants must jump, climb, zipline and walk from station to station. Don’t worry though, it’s all done with a safety harness and a helmet!
It’s a great activity for all ages and groups. Friends, colleagues, families and couples can all take part for a fun-filled afternoon. Lots of employers use it as a team-building exercise, and it’s a fantastic, fun activity for kids in London.
The course starts off fairly easily with simple wooden bridges from one tree to the next. It progressively gets more adventurous with zip lines, jumps from a height and suspended X-crosses where you have to step from one to the next. The important thing is to keep your balance and stay upright, all whilst not letting the height from the ground put you off!
Some people can get stuck halfway or find obstacles they need help tackling. But if so, helpful staff are always available to lend a hand.
It’s best enjoyed in spring or autumn when it is not too hot or cold. You can definitely build up a sweat during the course, but it’s a super fun activity that’s well worth the exertion.
📍 Address: Battersea Park, Prince of Wales Drive / Albert Bridge Road, London, SW11 4NJ
🚇 Nearest Overground station: Battersea Park
🎟️ Buy your Go Ape tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Karen Edwards of Travel Mad Mum
Explore the many wonders of Greenwich
Greenwich is one of London’s most pleasant neighbourhoods and home to many interesting sights and activities. One of the most popular things to do in Greenwich is taking a stroll through the park to the top of its huge hill. You can get the perfect view of London’s skyline from here, and the trip to Greenwich is worth it just for this view alone. While you’re there, you can also visit the famous Royal Observatory.
Another magnet for visitors is the National Maritime Museum, which belongs to the Royal Museums in Greenwich. Countless stories and adventures of seafaring history can be seen up close here. Next to it is the impressive baroque building of the Old Royal Naval College. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Greenwich Market is right in the core of the borough, set within the World Heritage Site. This market has been around since 1737, and you can shop for anything here, from food and souvenirs to clothes and antiques. The market isn’t particularly big, but it has a cosy atmosphere.
📍Address: Greenwich Park – King William Walk, London, SE10 8QY
🚇 Nearest DLR station: Cutty Sark
🎟️ Buy your Royal Museums Greenwich Day Pass now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Laura of Travelers Universe
Step aboard the Cutty Sark
The Cutty Sark, the last and most iconic British clipper ship to be built, is now one of London’s finest maritime museums.
Located next to the Greenwich Pier, it’s an unmistakable sight on the banks of the River Thames. The ship sits in all its glory atop a glass “sea”, remarkably well preserved and restored after its life as a tea clipper.
Visitors can walk on board and tour the main deck, crew cabins, and stock rooms to learn about what life was like for the men who crewed the ship. Then, head down below to walk beneath the hull and continue learning with the interactive displays.
This is one of the best things to do with kids in London. Those with an adventurous spirit (over 10 years old) can take part in a rig climb for incredible views before zip-lining back down to the deck! And little ones will enjoy the experience even more during weekends and holidays when special family-themed events take place within the ship.
📍 Address: King William Walk, London, SE10 9HT
🚇 Nearest DLR station: Cutty Sark
🎟️ Buy your Cutty Sark tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Nadine Maffre of Le Long Weekend
Take a magical Harry Potter Walking Tour
If you’re heading to London with kids who are total Potterheads, you’ll definitely want to book a Harry Potter walking tour. We did this on our four-day trip to London, and it was a highlight for our entire family.
Our tour guide walked us to the 9¾ platform used for filming, and no, it’s not where you think it is. And yes, we touched it! We also walked all over town and even took a few rides on the Tube to see Harry Potter filming sites that we normally would have walked right past. One of the highlights was seeing the inspiration for Diagon Alley and the places J.K. Rowling walked every day.
My kids enjoyed answering our tour guide’s Harry Potter trivia questions (and asking a bunch of their own!), and I really appreciated not having to find all the places on my own.
If you want to be “extra”, plan on wearing your Hogwarts robes. But be careful with your wands. You don’t want the Muggles to see!
📍 Starting point: Sir Winston Churchill statue, Parliament Square, London, SW1P 3JX
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Westminster
🧑🦰 Book your spot now on the Harry Potter Walking Tour, to save money & avoid disappointment
Recommended by Marcie Wirtz Cheung of Marcie in Mommyland
Scale the heights of The O2
The O2 is one of the success stories of the capital. Originally the failed Millennium Dome, it was re-invented as a concert venue and entertainment district, with countless restaurants, shops and the biggest global superstars performing within its walls.
The famous white dome – the largest tent in the world – covers it all, and visitors can book to walk over the top of the iconic dome for a truly memorable experience.
Harnessed to a safety wire, you climb the walkway to the very top. Once there, you can unhook and spend half an hour wandering around the top of the dome, admiring the wonderful views over the city and the River Thames. You can even enjoy chilled champagne as you appreciate the sights.
The climb starts with a safety video, and you’re given a special jacket to wear to hold your phone. Although it can seem daunting at first, it isn’t a hard climb, as there are handrails and an instructor on hand to help if you need it. The route down was a little more challenging as the dome falls away from you. But on the climb I did, everyone managed it successfully without any drama, even those who had seemed scared at first.
It is an exhilarating experience, feeling as if you are above the rest of the world, seeing views that few get to see, and the sense of accomplishment from doing the physical climb is a good one.
You can book to climb most days, and they even do evening, and night-time climbs so you can watch the sunset and see the city lit up below you for an extra special experience.
📍 Address: Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX
🚇 Nearest Underground station: North Greenwich
🎟️ Buy your Up At The O2 tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Sarah Nash of Slow Travel
View incredible artworks at The National Gallery
The National Gallery is one of the most visited museums in the world, and with good reason! The museum contains over 2,300 paintings, including some of the world’s most famous works of art.
I had the great pleasure of visiting a few years ago during my four-day trip to London and was blown away by the gorgeous neoclassical building and the amazing artwork inside. Best of all, it’s free to visit!
The museum is located in Trafalgar Square, just a short stroll from Charing Cross Station. Once inside, you can view such famous paintings as Van Gough’s Sunflowers, Da Vinci’s The Virgin of the Rocks, and Vermeer’s Lady Standing at a Virginal. I also enjoyed seeing works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, Greco, Rubens, Goya, Rembrandt, Degas, Cézanne, Renoir, and Monet.
As with most museums, I recommend going early in the day before it becomes too crowded. If, like me, you weren’t the best art history student, I highly recommend downloading their smartphone audio guide. You can also use the Smartify guide, which allows you to scan paintings with your phone or tablet to get more information.
📍 Address: Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 5DN
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Charing Cross
🎟️ Free entry
🧑🦰 Book your spot now on the National Gallery Highlights Tour, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Jenn Lloyd of Sick Girl Travels
Browse the stalls of Camden Market
Camden Market is actually made of multiple adjoining retail markets in Camden Town, near The Regent’s Park and London Zoo. It is one of London’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s easy to see why. The market is a hive of activity, with stalls selling everything from clothes to food to souvenirs. There’s also a lively atmosphere, with music often playing and people milling around.
Even if you aren’t buying anything, it’s amazing just to browse this place as it displays very imaginative creations and beautiful stalls selling everything from vintage clothing to handmade jewellery.
Camden Market is a vibrant place with a great atmosphere. There’s always something going on, whether it’s street performers or live music. It’s a great place to find unique gifts, try delicious street food from all over the world, and enjoy live entertainment. It’s the perfect place to soak up the sights and sounds of London.
So, the next time you’re in London for a weekend break, be sure to check out the Camden Market. And before you visit, check online to see what events are planned because there’s always something happening.
📍 Address: 54 – 56 Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Camden Town
🧑🦰 Book your place now on the Camden walking tour, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Una Anderson of Wandernity
Take a guided bicycle tour of London
When planning my family’s multigenerational trip to London, I knew I wanted to see the city in a unique and active way. Our party of seven ranged in age from 6 to 67, so I needed to find an activity that would be interesting and energetic yet easy for everyone to enjoy. A guided city bicycle tour was just what we needed!
We decided to book a private family tour since our group was so large. We chose the London Bicycle Tour Company, which is also part of the London Pass program, and we were not disappointed.
When we arrived, we were fitted for the correct size bicycle and helmet. They even had small bikes, the perfect size for my six-year-old! We cycled easily through the bustling city, stopping frequently for our guide to give us interesting facts about Buckingham Palace, Nelson Square, and Big Ben. We took a break in Covent Garden to peruse the shops and, of course, get some ice cream.
My favourite parts of our bike tour were coasting down the Mall to Buckingham Palace and cruising along the Thames. Despite traffic and crowds, our guide navigated us steadily through the city, and I felt that we were safe even with my six-year-old cycling on her own.
I would totally recommend a guided bike tour of London for any active family, whether you’ve got kids or are just kids at heart!
📍 Starting point: 189 Hercules Road, London, SE1 7LD
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Lambeth North
🧑🦰 Book your place now on the London Landmarks & Gems bike ride, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Kyleen Bontrager of The Bonnie Traveler
Ride the London Eye
A fun thing to do in London is to take a ride on the London Eye. This famous Ferris Wheel is located on the Southbank of London, close to Jubilee Park and Garden. It was opened in 2000 as part of the millennium celebrations and is now a majority London tourist attraction.
While it is not for everyone, I enjoy every ride I take on the London Eye. Climbing into that glass pod and soaring into the air to see the London skyline thrills me each time. I love trying to spot famous landmarks in London from the top, such as Buckingham Palace, the Shard and St Paul’s Cathedral. The 30-minute ride goes by quicker than you imagine, but for me, it is worth the ticket price every time.
We’ve been as a couple, I’ve been with my sisters, and we’ve even taken our son on the Eye twice. Every trip has been as good as the first and I always spot something new.
One thing I will say, it’s worth paying for fast-track tickets during peak times such as summer. The standard ticket queue can be very long, and fast track means you can get on quicker, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy other London sights and attractions.
So, if you are looking for something fun to do in London, get yourself into one of the London Eye pods and see what landmarks you can spot!
📍 Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7PB
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Waterloo
🎟️ Buy your London Eye fast track tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Kath McKenna Jordan of Travel Around Ireland
See St Paul’s Cathedral
Once the highest building in London, St Paul’s Cathedral remains an architectural masterpiece in the heart of the city. A visit to St Paul’s is one of the most fun things to do in London and should absolutely be on your London bucket list.
I recommend walking around the entire perimeter of the church to take in the sheer grandeur along with the intricacies of the design before venturing inside. Here you can learn more about its history which spans over 300 years. One of the highlights is visiting the crypt, where you’ll find the resting places of several historical figures, including Admiral Nelson and Christopher Wren.
If you have the energy and mobility, it is well worth climbing the 528 steps to the top of the Dome and the Whispering Gallery. From here, you’ll find some of the best views in London!
As this is one of the most popular things to do in London, I highly recommend booking tickets online in advance, so you don’t miss out.
📍 Address: St Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD
🚇 Nearest Underground station: St Paul’s
🎟️ Buy your St Paul’s Cathedral tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Sophie Clapton of We Dream of Travel
Discover the delights of Brick Lane
I never get tired of walking down Brick Lane. It’s one of the most interesting and fun things to do in London. East London’s Brick Lane is famous for many things: the swathe of Indian restaurants, its weekend markets, the vintage clothing stores, amazing street art and multiple food stalls.
My favourite time to visit is the weekends when the markets are in full swing. You can get anything from clothes to old records and antique furniture.
Start the morning at the famous Beigel Shop, established more than 150 years ago and open 24 hours a day. The salt beef bagel is my personal favourite and keeps me going till lunch.
Spend a few hours browsing the vintage clothing stores and market stalls for all things old and new.
Next, it’s time to eat again!
My go-to place for lunch is Upmarket, a warehouse full of various pop-up stalls selling all kinds of food, from Vietnamese to Venezuelan to Ethiopian. Find Upmarket on the corner of Hanbury Street, and remember to ask for some samples before you make up your mind!
When you visit London, make sure to add Brick Lane to the top of the list.
📍 Address: Brick Lane, London, E1
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Aldgate East
🧑🦰 Book your place now on the London East End & Street Art walking tour, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Wes Ellery of Walkabout Wes
Dive into the Natural History Museum
Visiting the world-famous Natural History Museum is definitely one of the coolest things to do in London! This museum was a highlight of my London trip, and what’s astounding was that admission was completely free!
On a tour of the Museum, there are many exciting things to discover and numerous fun interactive exhibits to try. But not only that, the imposing museum building is from the year 1860 and is absolutely worth seeing.
My favourite exhibit was the huge dinosaur skeletons, but it was one of many highlights in the museum! The earthquake simulator, which shows the forces of a quake, is very exciting. In addition, there is a mammal section with the huge 30-metre-long skeleton of a blue whale in the central hall. Another must-see is the “Cocoon”, an 8-story building that consists of a silk cocoon. It also houses, in cooperation with the Geological Museum, the largest collection of meteorites in the world.
Of course, a detour to the museum store was not to be missed during my visit. Here you can find numerous unique souvenirs and gift ideas inspired by the themes of the museum.
📍 Address: Cromwell Road, London, SW7 5BD
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Westminster
🎟️ Free entry
🧑🦰 Book your place now on the Natural History Museum guided tour, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Martina of PlacesofJuma
Take a tour of Notting Hill & Portobello Road Market
Established hundreds of years ago, charming Notting Hill remains one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Located in the West London area, Notting Hill houses one of the oldest markets in London, known as Portobello Road Market.
The market had a humble beginning as a fresh food market, starting on a farm of the same name in the 19th century. It was only in the next century that Portobello Road Market became a trading hub for antiques. And it is now a magnet for antique lovers hunting for items to add to their collections.
Saturday is the busiest day when over 1,000 stalls are set up here, selling everything from handmade jewellery to interesting art pieces and vintage clothing. The market is divided into different sections, and apart from the antiques, you will also find vendors selling homewares, books, fruits and vegetables, and bouquets of colourful flowers. And don’t be surprised if you come across some trendy designs, all thanks to budding artists who come here to sell their latest creations.
When you get hungry from all that walking around, you can snack up at one of the many food joints or the food trucks that line the street.
Portobello Road Market is open from 9am until 6pm, except for Thursdays, when it is only open until 1pm and Sundays, when the market is closed. To get here, take the tube to either Ladbroke Grove or Notting Hill Gate Underground stations.
📍 Address: Portobello Road, London, W10 5TY
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Ladbroke Grove & Notting Hill Gate
🧑🦰 Book your place no on the Notting Hill walking tour, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Vidyut Rautela of Triplyzer
Catch a show at Shakespeare’s Globe
One of the best experiences in London is seeing a show at Shakespeare’s Globe theater! The theater is absolutely beautiful, and it’s amazing how much history is behind it.
This Globe Theatre is a reproduction of the original theatre built by Shakespeare and his company in 1599. That theatre was destroyed by fire in 1613 but rebuilt and used until it closed again in 1644. The current Globe Theatre was built in 1997 as a replica of the original and is open to the public.
Because of its history, the Globe Theatre is an amazing place to see a show, especially since it’s such an authentic experience! We got tickets to see Twelfth Night and assumed it would be similar to the West End show we had just watched the night before. It wasn’t!
We got standing-room tickets, which meant we could go up to the stage and watch the performance up close and personal. When you’re that close, the actors love including you in the play! Of course, if you’d rather, you can purchase tickets to sit back and watch the fun instead.
The show lasted more than two hours, but time flew by so quickly because of the high energy of the actors and actresses.
Even if you only had one day in London, I would highly recommend making time to see a show at the Globe Theater. You can purchase tickets directly on the website and make sure to show up early. The seats are assigned; however, you must make your way to the front for standing-room tickets.
📍 Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT
🚇 Nearest Underground station: London Bridge, Blackfriars & Southwark
🎟️ Buy your Shakespeare’s Globe tickets now, to save money and avoid queues
Recommended by Pafoua Pistoresi of Her Wanderful World
See contemporary art at the Tate Modern
One of the best things to do in London is to visit The Tate Modern. It’s home to the UK’s most important international modern and contemporary art collection. The collection dates from the 1900s until today, and it’s so popular with local and international tourists that it’s the most visited art museum in Britain and the third most visited in the world.
Tate Modern is striking from the outside as it is housed in a former power station. You can see its large Turbine Hall and boiler house, which continue to look industrial and unusual. But just as the building itself represents a new way to express modern art, so does the collection it houses.
I recommend visiting first thing in the morning when it opens at 10 am and allocating at least three to four hours to see the entire collection. You’ll have lots of fun seeing unique and unusual sculptures, paintings and photos, all fantastic expressions of what contemporary art is all about.
Now for the best part: entry to Tate Modern is free! Although some temporary exhibitions do have a small entry fee.
he museum is located on the South Bank, just minutes from the Millennium Bridge. So it’s not far from other attractions and some of the best places to stay in London.
📍 Address: Bankside, London, SE1 9TG
🚇 Nearest Underground station: London Bridge, Blackfriars & Southwark
🎟️ Free entry
🧑🦰 Book your place now on the Tate Modern Discovery Tour, to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Cory Varga of You Could Travel
Watch a West End show
When I lived in London, I had a housemate who said, “Every week should start with a West End show.” and I agree. Every person in London, whether an inhabitant or visitor, should head to London’s West End – the theatre district that starts just north of Trafalgar Square – as often as possible.
Similar to Broadway in New York City, the West End serves up some of the best theatre productions in the world. Be prepared to be blown away by the costumes, choreography, and individual performances. You can choose from dozens of shows every night, including long-running favourites like The Lion King, Les Miserables, and Phantom of the Opera. If you’re not much of a musical fan, you’ll find plenty of dramas and comedies too, including The Woman in Black and To Kill A Mockingbird.
Going to a West End show doesn’t have to break the bank – check out lastminute.com for great last-minute ticket deals. If you’re not picky about what show you see, you can also grab ‘day of’ tickets at the TKTS booth on Leicester Square. Then sit back and enjoy the show! Chances are, once you go to one, you’ll be hooked.
🎟️ Buy your West End show tickets now to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Ada Igoe of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road
Dine in the Coppa Club Igloos
Eating in the Coppa Club’s igloos is a fun thing to do in London and combines dining out with a view of one of the most famous landmarks in London – Tower Bridge.
Open year-round, you can enjoy a meal in the igloos when they’re decorated for the summer or heated and themed for the winter. Plus, the themes change each season, so you can go back each time you visit London to see the current theme.
You’ll want to plan ahead and make a reservation for the best chance of getting a spot in one of the igloos. But one is reserved for walk-ups if you want to take your chances. Also, they do have a large dining room if the igloos aren’t available and you want to grab a meal anyways.
Eating in the igloos is a unique London experience thanks to the perfect view of Tower Bridge that forms the backdrop to your meal. The food is affordable as far as London restaurants go, and you just can’t beat the atmosphere and view.
Chances are you’ll be in the area anyway to see other famous London landmarks, so why not enjoy a unique dining experience you’ll want to tell everyone about?
📍 Address: 3 Three Quays Walk, London, EC3R 6AH
🚇 Nearest Underground station: Tower Hill
🍽️ Book your table now at Coppa Club Tower Hill to avoid disappointment
Recommended by Christine Tegg Wheeler of Live Love Run Travel
Be majestic at Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle is one of my favourite attractions close to London. While it’s situated in the town of Windsor in Berkshire, it’s an easy half-day trip out of the capital – and it’s so quintessentially British that you can’t miss it when you’re in the city! I usually get to Windsor by taking a direct train from London Waterloo, which takes about an hour.
Windsor Castle is the royal residence of King Charles (and previously Queen Elizabeth). While he lives there for two days per week, you can visit various parts of the castle any day.
The castle is the oldest occupied royal residence in the world, dating back to 1070, although of course it has plenty of modern touches nowadays! My favourite parts include Queen Mary’s Dolls House, State Apartments, Semi-State Rooms, the Long Walk (with epic views to the castle) and the deer park.
Whether you’re visiting England in winter or summer, Windsor Castle changes with the season. It’s ultra-cosy at Christmas time, and in the summer you can enjoy relaxing in the expansive grounds!
Whether you’re living in London or are just spending a few days visiting, don’t miss Windsor Castle for a true British experience!
📍 Address: Castle Hill, Windsor, SL4 1NJ
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Riverside
🎟️ Buy your Windsor Castle tickets now, to save money & avoid queues
Recommended by Claire Martin of Europe In Winter
I grew up in a village in South Wales, far far away from the bright lights and excitement of London. When I first visited the city on a school trip, it was love at first sight. I was amazed by the size, the crowds, and the vibrant energy of the place and now return whenever possible, determined to experience everything the capital has to offer.