Things to do in London

London receives almost 30 Million visitors every year, making it the most visited city in Europe.

Many tourists planning a trip, wonder, “What to do in London?” well, there are lots of fun things to do in London.

We have listed below the top things to do in London, with detailed description and links to buy the entry tickets or book tours.

Discover the top tourist attractions in this elegant city with our list of the things to do in London.

London Eye

London Eye is a giant Ferris Wheel at the heart of the capital and is one of the iconic symbols of modern London.

On a clear day, from the top of the London Eye, visitors can see up to 40 Kms (25 Miles) on all sides.

Every year, London Eye attracts more than 3.5 million visitors.

Tower of London

With centuries of bizarre stories about execution and imprisonment, the Tower of London offers insights into London’s rich yet complex history.

The Tower, built as a Royal residence, has been a political prison, a royal mint, a royal menagerie, and most importantly, a place of execution.

Madame Tussauds

Inaugurated in 1884, Madame Tussauds in London displays wax statues of celebrities from all over the World.

Over the years, Madame Tussauds wax Museums have come up in many cities, but Madame Tussaud in London remains the most popular of them all.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most famous sights in London, with a dome that has dominated the London skyline for over 300 years.

The Cathedral is dedicated to Paul the Apostle and dates to AD 604.

More than 1.5 million tourists visit this attraction in London every year.

Kew Gardens

Declared as a UNESCO world heritage site, Kew Gardens houses the world’s most diverse and exotic plants.

It offers a wide range of attractions, including the iconic palm house with its exotic rainforest and The Princess of Wales Conservatory, with ten climatic zones.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

After all the Harry Potter movies got filmed, Warner Bros decided to develop the studio section where they shot them into a permanent tour.

More than 6000 Harry Potter fans visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour in London daily, making it a must-visit family attraction.

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world. William, the Conqueror, built the castle in the 11th century, and since then, it has hosted 39 Monarchs.

The British Queen prefers to spend her weekend at this castle which gets more than 1.5 million tourists annually.

Stonehenge

The mystical Stonehenge is one of the most iconic symbols of English history and culture, captivating tourists because of its mysterious beauty and soothing calm.

The curiosity to understand our past makes this site one of the most popular tourist attractions of London.

London Zoo

London Zoo was opened to the public in 1847, making it the world’s oldest scientific zoo. Since the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) manages the London Zoo, locals also refer to it as ZSL London Zoo.

It is home to 755 species of animals and attracts more than 1.1 million tourists every year.

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Whipsnade Zoo

Set in 600 acres of the beautiful Chiltern Hills, Whipsnade Zoo is one of the two zoo managed by Zoological Society of London, the other being London Zoo.

It is home to more than 3,600 animals and was earlier known as the Whipsnade Wild Animal Park.

Not sure which wildlife attraction to visit? Check out our comparison – London Zoo or Whipsnade Zoo

The Shard

The Shard, also referred to as ‘The View from The Shard,’ is the highest viewing platform in London.

From its three observatories – on floors 68, 69, and 72 – visitors can see mesmerizing 360-degree views of London for up to 65 Km (40 miles).

It stands at the height of 256 meters (840 feet).

Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace has stood by the British Royal family since the 17th century.

Today Kensington Palace serves as home to various royal families of England including, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.

O2 Arena Roof Climb

Up At The O2 is an adrenaline-pumping climb over the O2 Arena’s roof via a fabric walkway.

The walkway is 380 meters (1250 feet) long and at its highest point is 52 meters (170 feet) above ground level.

At the end of the climb, the participants can see spectacular views of London.

London Dungeon

The London Dungeon is a thrilling walk-through experience that takes you back in history by recreating scenes from London’s scary past.

The live actors, thrilling rides, and exciting special effects make the London Dungeon a worthwhile attraction.

London Transport Museum

London Transport Museum explores the heritage of London and its transport system over the last 200 years.

The Museum has 12 galleries featuring the world’s first underground steam engine, electric trains, classic London buses, trams, iconic posters of the transport department, etc.

Chessington World of Adventures

Chessington World of Adventures is a theme park with ten themed lands, 40 thrilling rides, 1000+ animals in the zoo, and a Sea Life center.

This attraction also offers fantastic Live Shows and Events and is an ideal full-day outing for adults and kids. Two million tourists visit annually.

Chelsea FC Stadium Tour

The Stamford Bridge stadium has been Chelsea Football Club’s home for more than a century.

During the Chelsea Football Club’s stadium tour, a guide takes you through the Dressing Room, Press Room, Player’s Tunnel, etc., after which you visit the Museum and take in the club’s history.

Sea Life London

Sea Life London is home to over 600 species of marine life, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and penguins. 

It is housed in the historic County Hall building, which was originally the headquarters of the London County Council. 

The aquarium is part of the Sea Life chain of aquariums, which has locations in cities around the world.

It first opened in 1997 under the name London Aquarium.

Sea Life London Aquarium added new exhibits and updated existing ones when it underwent a major refurbishment in 2008.

Brooklands Museum

Brooklands Museum is a must-visit destination for any motorsport enthusiast. 

Located in Weybridge, just a short distance from London, this historic site celebrates the rich legacy of British motor racing and aviation. 

The museum is situated on the site of the Brooklands motor racing circuit, which was the world’s first purpose-built racing circuit and operated from 1907 to 1939. 

The museum features exhibits on both the circuit’s racing history and the aviation industry that developed around the site during World War I and II.

Wembley Stadium

England’s Wembley Stadium is a well-known sports venue. 

Initially constructed in 1923, it was referred to as the Imperial Stadium. 

Since then, the stadium has experienced several upgrades and renovations, with the most recent being finished in 2007.

The 90,000-seat venue, controlled by the Football Association (FA), is the biggest stadium in the United Kingdom. 

Emirates Stadium

Emirates Stadium is a world-renowned football stadium located in Holloway, London. 

It is the home of the Arsenal Football Club and has a seating capacity of over 60,000 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in England.

The stadium was officially opened in July 2006 and has since become one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. 

It was built to replace the old Highbury stadium, which had been Arsenal’s home ground for over 90 years.

London Bridge Experience

The London Bridge Experience offers visitors a chance to step back in time and experience the fascinating history of London Bridge.

From living its humble beginnings to its present-day incarnation, you’ll experience everything.

The attraction is suitable for all ages, but it’s worth noting that some of the scares may be too intense for very young children.

Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall was built before Prince Albert, the spouse of Queen Victoria, passed away in 1861 and was given his name when it was inaugurated in 1871.

The hall has become one of London’s most recognizable landmarks thanks to its distinctive circular form and dome. 

The facility can hold 5,272 people and hosts various events, including ballet and dance performances, rock and pop concerts, comedy shows, film screenings, and other cultural activities.

Westminster Abbey

Founded in 960 AD by Benedictine monks, Westminster Abbey is a monument immersed in 

religious and cultural significance. 

The monument traces the history of over ten centuries and is revered as a place of celebration and ceremony.

The monument symbolizes British heritage, with over 39 Monarchs of the British Royal family buried within the premises.

Cutty Sark

The Cutty Sark is a popular tourist attraction in London and is open to the public as a museum.

The Cutty Sark ship was built in 1869 and was designed to be one of the fastest tea clippers of its time, capable of sailing from China to London in just 90 days. 

The ship is named after the short nightgown worn by the witch Nannie Dee in Robert Burns’ 1791 poem “Tam O’Shanter.”

Postal Museum 

The London Postal Museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the history of communication. 

This unique museum is dedicated to the story of the world’s first social network, the postal service.

From the five-wheeled cycles to rockets, and an escaped lioness, the Postal Museum is full of incredible tales.

ArcelorMittal Orbit tickets

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a unique attraction located in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London.

It was designed by Sir Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond and was built for the 2012 London Olympics. 

It stands 114.5 meters tall and is the tallest sculpture in the United Kingdom. It is made of 2000 tons of steel and is the largest structure of its kind in the world.

Tower Bridge

Located over the River Thames, the London Tower Bridge is perhaps the most iconic London visual.

Thrown open to the public in 1894 by the Prince and Princess of Wales, Tower Bridge London stands 800 feet long with two towers, each 213 feet high, built on piers.

Move around the different parts of the bridge and learn about the history behind the engineering and people that built London’s defining landmark.

Thames River Cruise

Thames River Cruises are a popular way to explore London’s famous river and see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

There are several routes that Thames River Cruises take, depending on the operator and the length of the tour. 

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is a world-famous tourist attraction located in London. 

This iconic building is the official residence of the British monarch and is a must-visit for anyone visiting the city. 

Royal Observatory Greenwich

The Royal Observatory Greenwich is a museum part of Royal Museums Greenwich along with the National Maritime Museum, Cutty Sark, and the Queen’s House. 

The observatory was created for the advancement of navigation and science.

The Prime Meridian Line, which designates where the eastern and western hemispheres converge, is one of the most well-known sights at the Royal Observatory Greenwich. 

Hampton Court Palace

Located on the banks of the Thames, Hampton Court was given to Henry VIII by Thomas Cardinal Wolsey.

Nurtured and expanded by Henry VIII as his favorite palace, the Hampton Court Palace is blessed with Tudor treasures and 60 acres of glorious gardens.

Standing next to a Baroque palace built by William III and Mary II, the palace hosts the annual Hampton Court Palace Festival and Hampton Court Garden Festival.

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Free things to do in London

If you are looking for free things to do in London, you are in luck.

London has a lot of free Museums, free art galleries, free to enter parks and other attractions.

You can enjoy the below given London sites without buying an admission ticket –

Free kids activities in London

1. Push Harry Potter’s trolley on Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross

2. See farm animals at Mudchute Farm and Vauxhall City Farm

3. Go up the singing elevator in the Royal Festival Hall

4. Watch skateboarders perform death-defying acts at Southbank Centre

5. Visit Covent Garden and enjoy the street performers

6. Get onto Captain Hook’s pirate ship at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

7. See Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket at Science Museum.

8. Go up the singing elevator in the Royal Festival Hall

9. Watch skateboarders perform death-defying acts at Southbank Centre

10. Visit Covent Garden and enjoy the street performers

11. Get onto Captain Hook’s pirate ship at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

12. See Apollo 10 command capsule and Stephenson’s Rocket at Science Museum.

If all of the above isn’t enough, check out the change of guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace – yes, it is free!

Things to do in other cities

Atlanta	Amsterdam	Barcelona
Berlin	Boston	Budapest
Chicago	Dubai	Dublin
Edinburgh	Granada	Hamburg
Hong Kong	Las Vegas	Lisbon
London	Los Angeles	Madrid
Melbourne	Miami	Milan
Munich	New York	Orlando
Paris	Prague	Rome
San Diego	San Francisco	Singapore
Sydney	Vienna