Things to do in London England

The capital of England, and political and economic capital of the United Kingdom, London is the city of culture, art and architecture. Located in the south of England, London is one of the most visited cities in Europe and, above all, one of the most well-loved. This multicultural city is also full of history, kept safe within its palaces and museums. Divided by the River Thames, London offers a long list of incredible squares, quirky neighbourhoods and unique green spaces that are not to be missed.

London’s streets are full of live music; strolling through its main avenues and markets you’ll find original artists providing the soundtrack to your visit to the city. There is a vast amount of culture on offer that is constantly evolving, so it is impossible not to find a different thing to do in London every day. There is no doubt that London is a must-see destination, and that no matter how many times you go, you will never run out of things to do.

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Things to see in London

Big Ben

Big Ben is one of the most iconic images of the city, as well as one of the main landmarks to see in London. The Big Ben tower was built in 1858 next to the Palace of Westminster. It is a peculiar building, 106 metres high and built in a Gothic style with four huge clocks on each side.

This clock was commissioned in May 1859, and today its chimes are broadcast daily on the BBC radio network. It is one of the most reliable clocks in existence, as it is able to withstand harsh weather such as snow and wind, and even withstood German bombing during the Second World War, its punctuality never faltering.

Tower bridge, the bridge to see in London

Tower Bridge is another of London’s iconic landmarks. This striking drawbridge, built in the Victorian style, is located next to the Tower of London. Tower Bridge was the first bridge built over the Thames. As such, it is one of the most characteristic features to see in this city, both as a structure and also for what it represents. Crossing Tower Bridge is without a doubt a must-do in London.

Convent Gardens

Covent Garden is one of the most fascinating areas to see in London. Here artists create a lively atmosphere as visitors browse the shops or enjoy a coffee. This is a beautiful covered market where you can enjoy the trendy shops located on Floral Street, or the small crafts stalls in the covered shopping area.

Convent Garden was established in 1660 as a large flower, fruit and vegetable market that made the neighbourhood famous. Today, Covent Garden continues to be a very special neighbourhood. In the area you can find everything from street performers, theatres where musicals are performed, to surprising little corners such as Neal’s Yard.

Soho

All kinds of restaurants, cool shops, and pubs packed with people every evening, make up one of the most popular neighbourhoods in the city. This is where the city’s most iconic street scene is concentrated, where a large number of live music venues, restaurants and art galleries provide London with a lively and frenetic energy. Highlights include the small neighbourhood of Chinatown and the shopping district of Carnaby Street.

Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is the favourite meeting place for many Londoners and tourists alike, thanks to its prime location and the huge range of entertainment available in the area. The square is known for its illuminated signs and the Eros fountain in the centre, which has become one of London’s iconic landmarks. Piccadilly Circus is one of the liveliest places in London and one of the city’s main party districts.

Oxford and Regent Street

Oxford Street and Regent Street are the two most famous shopping streets to see in London. Lining the sides of these two streets, the shops are usually open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm and Sundays from 12pm to 6pm. A walk from Marble Arch to Piccadilly Circus will take you past shops selling almost every international brand.

You’ll find everything from shopping centres such as Liberty to Ben’s Cookies, where you can try one of their typical and delicious treats. This street is also home to some of the city’s most beautiful historic buildings, as well as some of the most luxurious shops.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace has been the residence of the British Royal Family in London since 1837, and is currently the residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It is without a doubt one of the must-see places in London as it is one of the symbols of the city. The Crown is very important to Londoners and this palace is the most important representation of it. Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham, the building was acquired by King George III in 1762 to be used as a private residence.

Trafalgar Square and National Gallery

Trafalgar Square is one of the most important squares to see in London. It was created in 1830 to commemorate the victory of the British army over the Spanish and French navies at the Battle of Trafalgar. It is one of the liveliest and busiest places in the city, at whatever time of day or night. The square is a symbol of enormous social and political importance for Londoners, which is why the National Gallery is located in this very spot.

Located on the north side of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is London’s most prestigious art museum and one of the most famous in the world. The permanent exhibition consists of more than 2,300 paintings, including works by Rembrandt, Titian, Velázquez, Van Gogh and Michelangelo.

Hyde Park

At over 140 hectares, Hyde Park is the largest park in central London. It is a green haven in the city and serves as a place of relaxation and leisure for Londoners and tourists alike. There are plenty of things to do in the park, especially in the summer, when it acts as a beach and space for Londoners and tourists to picnic and sunbathe.

Kensington Palace and Gardens

Over the years, Kensington Palace has played host to generations of the royal family, from William III to the late Lady Diana to Queen Victoria. Opened to the public in 1841, the royal gardens of Kensington Palace are now the ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take a break.

In 1689 William III bought a small piece of land in Hyde Park, together with a former manor house known as Nottingham House, which became Kensington Palace and Gardens.

Notting Hill and Portobello Road Market

Notting Hill, located in the west of London, is one of the most beautiful and trendy neighbourhoods in the whole city. Portobello Road is a street in this neighbourhood that runs almost the whole way through Notting Hill from south to north. This street is known for its beautifully coloured houses and the charming scene they create, very much in the typical English style.

But this street also offers a spectacular flea market selling antiques, flowers and food of all kinds, making it an even more interesting place. This is the perfect plan for a Saturday in London, strolling around and browsing the shops and ending with some food from one of the stalls on the north side of the street.

St. Paul’s Cathedral 

At 110 metres talls, St Paul’s Cathedral is the second largest cathedral in the world. This cathedral is Christopher Wren‘s masterpiece. St Paul’s Cathedral’s impressive height and dome make it another of the essential places to visit in London. Its cross-shaped interior and beautiful frescoes have been the setting for major events such as the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana.

Camden Town

Known for its market and alternative atmosphere, Camden is a popular area of London. Located in the borough of Camden, Camden Town is one of the city’s main tourist attractions and a meeting place for local artists. In Camden Market there are multiple food, clothing and antique stalls that are located between the square and the arcades, all of them very different from each other and very intriguing. It’s a quirky, bohemian place worth seeing on your trip to London. You must stop here on your trip to the city.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

What things are must-sees in London?

Museums to see in London

• British Museum: The British Museum in London is one of the oldest museums in the world, and offers one of the largest collections of antiquities in existence, including more than 40,000 books and artefacts from Greece, Rome, Egypt, the Middle East and America. The British Museum gets more than 5 million visitors a year, making it the third most visited museum in the world, after the Louvre in Paris and the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
• Tate Modern: It is the most visited modern art museum in the world, as well as housing extravagant works and large exhibitions, this museum offers original spaces on multiple floors. In addition to its great location on the banks of the Thames, this museum often offers workshops and art activities where visitors can become artists themselves.
• Natural History Museum: one of our favourite museums to visit in London, its dinosaur recreations and blue whale skeleton will leave you speechless.

Neighbourhoods to see in London

• Chinatown: Chinatown is London’s Chinese quarter, located in Soho. It is known for its restaurants, shops and unique atmosphere. The Chinese food in London is quite authentic, it is a great place to eat.
• Marylebone: a residential neighbourhood with Victorian architecture full of boutiques, small bookshops, charming mews, quality restaurants and trendy cafés.
• Greenwich and Blackheath: Greenwich is best known as the place where the zero meridian is defined. It is home to the National Maritime Museum. In Greenwich you can enjoy museums, bookshops, antique shops, markets and a park.
• City of London: London’s financial district, home to the Stock Exchange and the Bank of England, with loads of activity during the day.

Viewpoints to see in London

• Sky Garden: London’s Sky Garden is an incredible garden located on the top three floors of one of the skyscrapers in the City of London. While the garden is impressive, even more so are the amazing 360-degree views you get from there.
• The Shard: This is the highest viewpoint in the city and a must-see in London. This 300-metre high building offers a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the English capital that will leave you breathless. Access to this viewpoint is ticketed, and we advise booking a little in advance to avoid being left without a place. Once there, you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful city of London from the 68th, 69th and 72nd floors.
• Tate Modern: The Museum of Modern Art in London, known mainly for its great works and exhibitions, has an observation deck at the top. Climbing up to the top floor, the Tate Modern becomes one of the best viewpoints in London, not the highest but one of the most beautiful. It offers a beautiful view of Millennium Bridge and St Paul’s Cathedral, as well as the entire east side of the city, located on the opposite bank of the Thames.

Parks to see in London

One of London’s greatest attractions is its vast outdoor green spaces, which provide the calm that this frenetic city needs. The parks are a favourite spot for locals and a favourite place to soak up the sun and enjoy the hot summer days.

• St James’s Park: Located near Buckingham Palace, St James’s Park is the oldest royal park in the city. It is a green lung in the heart of London. Due to its proximity to Buckingham Palace, thousands of visitors flock to the park to enjoy the Changing of the Guard spectacle. The park has an artificial lake full of birds that is surrounded by a blanket of flowers and shrubs, a green oasis of tranquillity.
• Regent’s Park: Regent’s Park is, along with Hyde Park, one of London’s most popular parks. Regent’s Park is a green oasis that forms the largest outdoor sports area in the city. Londoners can enjoy a variety of sports in the park, from hockey to tennis, athletics, football, rugby and even rowing on the 9 hectare artificial lake.
• Richmond Park: Originally a hunting ground, Richmond Park still retains much of its wildlife, including deer. The park also boasts the oldest oak trees in the country, making it a great place to explore the wild side of the English capital.

What to see in London in 3 days?

London is an infinite city, with too many places to see and too many things to do in one go. The city is constantly changing and is becoming more and more attractive. That’s why choosing what to see in London in just 3 days is no easy task if you want to get to know the true essence of the English capital. Here we suggest a possible three-day itinerary of the most important and special places that should not be missed on your first visit to London.

Day 1:

• Tower bridge
• St. Paul’s Cathedral 
• Big Ben 
• Covent Garden 
• Trafalgar Square and National Gallery

Day 2:

• Soho, Carnaby Street and Chinatown
• Piccadilly Circus
• Oxford and Regent Street
• Hyde Park 
• Camden Town

Day 3:

• Buckingham Palace
• Kensington Palace and Gardens
• Notting Hill and Portobello Road market

What to see in London in 4 days?

Four days in London is the perfect amount of time to enjoy and soak up the atmosphere and ambience that this city is known for. Following the above itinerary, the fourth day is the perfect opportunity to see some of the most interesting museums and neighbourhoods in London.

• Go up to Sky Garden to see London from above
• Walk through the City of London
• Visit the Tate Modern
• Richmond Park

Frequently Asked Questions