Looking for things to do in London? With a population of approximately 8.8 million, it is the UK’s most populous city. London is full of history, culture, and excitement, and offers a wide variety of activities and attractions you’ll have fun exploring.
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β¨ This post is a curated list of the best 10 must-do experiences in London! β¨
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WHERE TO STAY
My stay was in a Marriott Hotel near the Tower Bridge and loved it! The location was accessible and convenient. London is sprawled out and full of diverse neighborhoods.
Depending on your style, budget, and bucket list attractions – I’d recommend staying in one of these 3 neighborhoods:
- Covent Garden: Lively atmosphere – near theaters, shopping, and plenty of dining options.
- South Bank: Stunning views of the Thames River – home to attractions like the Tate Modern and the London Eye.
- Kensington: Known for its beautiful architecture – near museums like the Victoria and Albert Museum, and close to Hyde Park.
See a curated list of my top 5 hotel recommendations below!
SEE RELATED POST: HOW TO MAXIMIZE YOUR TRAVEL REWARDS
Consider getting a London Explorer Pass where you can choose from a list of popular attractions to save time and money on individual tickets. Let’s dive in to the top 10 experiences in London you cannot miss!
ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
1: CLIMB UP ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
If you want the absolute best views of London, put on your walking shoes, book your ticket in advance, and head to central London to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. St. Paul’s Cathedral is known for its stunning dome and rich history. It has existed since 604 AD, and was once the tallest building in the city!
St. Paul’s interior is breathtaking – full of intricate mosaics, beautiful chapels, and absolutely exquisite architectural details. The lower floor of St. Paul’s Cathedral, also known as the crypt, houses tombs and memorials of many notable figures in British history, including Lord Nelson and the Duke of Wellington. You’ll also find a cafe and a shop to browse around.
To reach the top of the dome at St. Paul’s Cathedral, you’ll need to climb 528 stairs. Along the way, you’ll pass the Whispering Gallery, a circular walkway around the base of the dome. At the top, the Golden Gallery provides stunning panoramic views of the city.
π±Save this TikTok/Reel all about the St. Paul’s Cathedral experience!
MUSEUM HOPPING
2: GO MUSEUM HOPPING
London is known for its world-renowned selection of museums. Be sure to check out a few during your visit, such as the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, to experience and learn about the rich cultural history and art the city has to offer.
β¨ CLICK HERE FOR AN IN-DEPTH LONDON MUSEUM GUIDE β¨
π± Save this TikTok all about top museums in London!
AFTERNOON TEA
3: HAVE AFTERNOON HIGH TEA
ποΈ It’s tea time! π« While you’re visiting, you have to indulge in this quintessential London experience. It’s the pinnacle of class and tradition – perfect for an afternoon of sophistication and relaxation. There are tons of tea venues where you can enjoy decadent teas, fresh pastries, and enjoy amazing hospitality.
Pinky’s out while you partake in this timeless ritual with both locals and tourists!
I enjoyed tea at the iconic sketch London in The Gallery.
π± Watch and save this TikTok all about the experience, hours, and pricing!
Other tea venue recommendations:
- Afternoon Tea at The British Museum
- Afternoon Tea at The Rubens
- Afternoon Tea at Harrods
- Afternoon Tea Cruise on the River Thames
- Afternoon Tea at the Corinthia
LUXURY SHOPPING
4: DO SOME LUXURY SHOPPING
You know what they say – when in Rome London! London is a mecca for designer shopping, upscale boutiques, iconic department stores, and exclusive designer flagship stores. I recommend heading to:
- Bond Street is home to brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Tiffany’s.
- Knightsbridge is another prime location, this is where the world-famous Harrods department store is located.
π± Watch and save this TikTok for my Harrods lunch recommendation! - Sloane Street is where you’ll find a selection of designer boutiques such as Gucci, Prada, and Valentino.
- Mayfair is renowned for its upscale boutiques and designer stores, including Mount Street, where you’ll find Balenciaga and CΓ©line.
- Selfridges Mall is a must-visit destination for luxury shopping, with a wide range of designer brands.
TOWER OF LONDON
5: EXPLORE THE TOWER OF LONDON
Travel back in time and explore the Tower of London – a 1,000 year-old fortress with an abundance of British history dating back to the 11th century. Throughout history, it has served as a palace, a prison, and a symbol of power. Carve out about 2-3 hours to venture around the various towers, courtyards, and exhibits, or join a guided tour. Make sure to buy your ticket in advance, wear walking shoes, and be prepared to learn about centuries of history that has taken place here!
π± Watch and save this TikTok where you’ll find details on pricing, hours, and the overall experience!
BUCKINGHAM PALACE
6: VISIT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
You’re in for a royal treat when you visit Buckingham Palace, where you can view the dazzling State Rooms and the Queens Gallery and Gardens. Keep in mind the Palace is only open to the public for a certain portion of the year, usually from July to September. Book tickets in advance because this royal attraction tends to book up quickly!
LONDON EYE
7: GO UP TO THE LONDON EYE
For some breathtaking views of the city skyline, the London Eye π‘ is a must-visit attraction. You can take a fun ride up the iconic observation wheel where you’ll get an uninhibited view of Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and the Tower of London. Purchase your tickets here.
HYDE PARK
8: WALK THROUGH HYDE PARK
For a serene escape to nature, look no further than Hyde Park – a 350-acre haven in the heart of London. Here you’ll find beautiful green spaces, tranquil ponds, lakes, and pretty pathways that you can walk and/or bike through.
BIG BEN
9: SEE BIG BEN
Time flies, or rather chimes, at Big Ben. This postcard-worthy clock tower is a famous London site. Its famous chime goes off every hour, and has marked the passing of time for over 150 years. π°οΈ
BOROUGH MARKET
10: EXPLORE BOROUGH MARKET
For a food lover’s paradise, Borough Market offers a wide array of fresh produce, international cuisines, and artisanal goods. It is one of London’s largest and oldest food markets that has been serving customers since the 12th century! You’ll be able to find all kinds of food here: street food, prepared meals, fruits, vegetables, beer, smoothies, coffee, and more! Additionally, there are stalls selling specialty goods such as spices, oils, condiments, and confectionery items. Enjoy the lively and bustling atmosphere and consider doing a guided walking food tour with tastings!
BONUS SITES
FINAL VERDICT
Whether you’re a foodie, a shopoholic, a history buff, or looking for your next Instagram photo opp, London has it all. Visiting this legendary city is an unforgettable experience that you will absolutely love. Immerse yourself in the grandeur and culture of London as you wander the city and check off your bucket list items!
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π«ΆπΌπ¬π§ I hope you have the most wonderful time exploring London! For questions, feel free to reach out to me via email, or Instagram and TikTok DM’s.
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