Welcome to this travel guide to London. There are many ways to enjoy being in London, from iconic sightseeing spots and fun-filled days out to top restaurants, theatre and unmissable London events. If you’re not able to visit just yet, plan ahead to make the most of your next visit.
What to see in London
See world-famous London attractions, iconic landmarks and lesser-known sights like:
- Hop on Hop off Bus Tour
- Madame Tussauds London
- IFS Cloud Cable Car
- London by Night tour
- Westminster Abbey
- Kensington Palace
Most attractions require advanced booking for a timeslot, even if they’re free to enter.
What to do in London
What you should absolutely do in London is to visit those attractions. London, the capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a 21st-century city with history stretching back to Roman times.
At its centre stand the imposing Houses of Parliament, the iconic ‘Big Ben’ clock tower and Westminster Abbey, site of British monarch coronations. Across the Thames River, the London Eye observation wheel provides panoramic views of the South Bank cultural complex, and the entire city.
Buckingham Palace.
If you don’t snap a picture out the front of Buckingham Palace, have you really even visited London?
The chances of seeing Queen Liz and her corgis in the garden are pretty low, but it’s definitely a London must see.
Sky Garden.
There are a few impressive gardens in London, but perhaps the most unique is the Sky Garden.
As the name suggests, it’s a green space that sits near the top of the “Walkie Talkie” building. Extra pluses? It’s England’s highest public garden, and it’s totally free. Win.
Tower Bridge.
Pretty close to the list of top things to see in London is Tower Bridge (not be confused with the far less pretty London Bridge further upriver).
Impressive. Majestic. Imposing. We could think of lots of superlatives to use here – but we recommend you just check it out for yourself.
The London Eye.
The London Eye has long cast off its rather dated name The Millennium Wheel – but it still has the great views and wow factor it did when it opened in the year 2000.
Let’s face it – you can’t not feature The London Eye on a guide to the top ten things to do in London – glide serenely around the 25-minute circuit and take in the views.
You can even see as far as Windsor on a clear day.
Soho.
Long associated with the more salacious side of life, Soho has been London’s nightlife hotspot for decades thanks to its proximity to the city’s theatres. It’s also been a hangout for London’s famous artists and writers, Bacon, Burroughs, Freud all spent their time milling about the cafes and bars of Soho’s seedy streets.
While it’s cleaned up its act a little in the present day, it’s still got that decadent vibe. The naughty neon signage certainly helps with that.
Changing of the Guard.
Us Brits love a bit of pomp and pageantry, especially if it involves the Royal Family. And it doesn’t get more pageant-y or pompous (in a good way) than the Changing of the Guard.
That’s the well-known ceremony where the Palace Guards do an elaborate handover ceremony between the Old Guard and the New Guard. Can’t get enough? You can also see the parade at Horse Guards Parade too.
St James’s Park.
Ah, to be the Queen. Adoring subjects (well, some at least). Adorable corgis. And one seriously epic front lawn.
We’re talking about St James’s Park, the 23-hectare green space that sits out the front of Buckingham Palace.
There’s ample green space for a picnic, a gorgeous lake as well as playground equipment for the kids. And lots of birds and squirrels.
Somerset House.
Somerset House is one of central London’s most vibrant spots. An old historic mansion – the last of the Thameside palaces that used to line this part of the river, it’s been transformed into a cultural hotspot.
These days it doubles up as an art gallery, event space, cafe, restaurant as well as entrepreneurial hub – there’s always plenty to explore.
What is funny to see in London.
Visit the area where they scened the movie A street cat name Bob. And if you love cats maybe is the time to adopt one.
Leave a Reply