35+ Amazing Things to Do and See in London, England

May 5, 2021 Mustafa Natalwala 5392 Views

London is the national capital city of England as well as the capital of the United Kingdom. It is one the most well known cities of the world. This city has played a prominent role in European, Asian, American and world history. When you visit London, you should remember that this the city which influenced almost the entire world. It is also the city from where one third of the world was ruled at one point of time. It is also incredibly popular in several media formats. The best places to visit in London have been featured in films, television shows, documentaries, music videos and so on.

The city was established under the Roman Empire and was known as Londinium. You learn more about the ancient city at some of the museums. The historical London tourist attractions are also some of the most well known sites in the world. Places like the Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, London Bridge and so on are commonly known to people who almost anyone. Besides being London attractions, these places have become a part of the pop culture.

The city may have ancient routes, but its culture is anything but. You will find a lively nightlife and several fun things to do in London throughout the day. As you explore the historical side of the city, you should also check out modern and contemporary attractions and culture there. The city has some of the most incredible modern architectural wonders to behold and hip and unique happening modern experiences to offer during London sightseeing.

Table of Contents

Explore The Best Tourist Places of London in 8 Days

London is quite a huge city. It is filled with an overwhelming amount of things to see in London. Hence, this itinerary would help you make sense of your London trip. This itinerary covers some of the most famous places in London and distributes them in a day by day to do list.

Day 1

1. Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is the most iconic structure among all London attractions. The iconic clocktower is accompanied by the Palace of Westminster, also known as Parliament building, which was built in 1870. You would need about an hour to admire these to monumental London tourist attractions.

2. Westminster Abbey

This Gothic Cathedral is almost as popular a part of London sightseeing as the Big Ben. Built in the 10th century, this cathedral has served as venue for numerous royal events and ceremonies of great historical significance. It is one of the most building to explore when you visit London from world history point of view as well. You will need an hour or two to admire Westminster Abbey.

3. Churchill War Rooms

This was the bunker used by legendary Prime Minister Winston Churchill during the second world war. It is again a place of great historical significance which you can visit during London travel. You would need about 2 hours here.

4. St. James’ Park

This Royal Park is one of the largest you would visit on London trip. The park has a huge lake and two small islands. There are also many activities in London which take place in this park, so check the calendars when you visit here. You would need about an hour for this Park.

5. The Guards Museum

This museum is dedicated to 5 regiments of British Foot Guards. It is one of the most interesting places on London itinerary. You would need about an hour to explore this museum.

Day 2

1. Trafalgar Square

This iconic square is surrounded by some of the most popular places to go in London. You will need about an hour to explore this square and admire the architecture and history surrounding it.

2. National Gallery

This museum exhibits one of the most impressive collections in Europe. The exhibits focus on paintings created between 13th and 19th century. It is one of the most famous places in London to visit to see some of the finest works of art in western Europe. You will need at least 2 hours at the National Gallery.

3. Covent Garden

This is a historical produce market but is now also the venue for numerous fun things to do in London ranging from shopping to entertainment. You will need an hour at Covent Garden.

4. Transport Museum

The name pretty much speaks for itself, yet it is among the most interesting places to see in London. People often come to see the evolution of the iconic red bus & black cabs of London which are exhibited in this museum. You will need an hour for the transport museum.

5. British Museum

This is perhaps the most important museum for those who are interested in British as well as World History. It is one of the best places to visit in London to know the history of British conquest as well. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

Day 3

1. Queen’s Gallery

This gallery displays works of art from the royal collection. You will find many interesting things to see in London at this gallery. You will need about an hour to explore Queen’s Gallery.

2. Buckingham Palace

This palace is again one of the best places to visit in London, certainly a well known one. This is the home of English Royalty and residence of the ruler, the Queen at this point of time. The palace is quite large, so you will need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

3. Green Park

This Royal Park is part of Westminster and is often the venue for events and activities in London. On usual days, you don’t need more than 10 to 15 minutes for this Park.

4. Hyde Park

The Hyde Park is most known for Diana Memorial. Aside from the memorial, Speaker’s Corner and Serpentine Lake; there isn’t much of London sightseeing to be done in this park. You won’t need 20 to 30 minutes for Hyde Park.

5. Victoria & Albert Museum

The elaborate museum has a collection of more than 4 million items of decorative arts and design. This collection is among the most beautiful things to see in London. You will need 2 to 3 hours for this museum.

6. Natural History Museum

One of the largest museums among London tourist attractions with a collection of 70 million items, though not all are displayed all the time. You will need about 3 hours to explore it.

Day 4

1. Tower of London

This 11th century castle is one of the most well known London attractions having featured in numerous films, tv series, music videos, documentaries and so on. The castle is most known for holding the royal Crown Jewels. You will need 3 to 4 hours to explore it.

2. Tower Bridge

This Victorian Bridge is again an iconic landmark of the city. It is one of the most recognizable structures during London sightseeing. It is best to explore this item on London itinerary on foot. So keep an hour for Tower Bridge.

3. HMS Belfast

This WWII ship is a floating museum. It is one of the most interesting museums to explore when you visit London. You will need 2 hours for HMS Belfast.

4. London Bridge Experience

If you are looking for cool things to do in London at night, this one’s a treat. It is a retelling of history through an interactive, somewhat horror, experiences. It is one of the most popular activities in London for tourist. Keep an hour to enjoy.

5. Shakespeare Globe Theatre

This is a recreation of the globe theatre as it used to be during the time of William Shakespeare’s time. It is among the most popular places to go in London trip for those interested in literature, drama, theatre or history. You will need about an hour at this theatre.

Day 5

1. Hampton Court Palace

This palace is among famous places in London owing to great history and its art gallery. The garden maze of this palace is also quite well known. You will need about 2 hours to explore this palace.

2. Imperial War Museum

There are a total of 5 imperial war museums in the city and all are interesting places to see in London. Each museum is dedicated to a part of Britain’s war history. You will need 2 hours for each museum.

3. Sealife London Aquarium

This aquarium houses more than 500 species of ocean life divided in 14 zones. You will also come across some of the most fun things to do in London at this museum. You will need an hour or two for this Aquarium.

4. Somerset House

This beautiful Neo-classical building houses the arts and cultural center of the city. There are a variety of exhibitions which take place at Somerset House. You can also find workshops and activities to do in London at the cultural center depending on events. You will need about an hour to explore Somerset House.

5. Courtauld Gallery

This art gallery focuses on impressionist and post-impressionist art works created by various artists. It can be included among top things to do in London, England for art admirers and art practitioners. You will need an hour for this gallery.

Day 6

1. Greenwich Park

This park is one of the largest pastures of green in the city. You will find several top things to do in London, England at this Park including the Royal Observatory. You would 2 hours to explore various London attractions inside Greenwich Park.

2. Royal Observatory

This 200 year old observatory is among the most fascinating things to see in London. You will need 2 hours to explore the entire observatory.

3. Fan Museum

As the name of this London tourist attraction suggests, it is a museum dedicated to fans. You will need about an hour at the Fan Museum.

4. National Maritime Museum

This is the largest Maritime Museum in the world and it tells the story of one of the most dominant naval forces in the world. Historically, it is among the best places to visit in London as you understand how Britain dominated the oceans during its conquests. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this museum.

Day 7

1. St. Paul’s Cathedral

This baroque style cathedral was completed in 1711 and was designed by Christopher Wren. This cathedral is been the venue for several historic events and it has great cultural significance to the people and royalty of the city as well. It is one of the most important stops during London sightseeing. You will need an hour to explore this church.

2. Old Operating Theatre Museum

Go back in time and explore the history and evolution of medical and surgical science at this museum. You can put this one on usual places on London itinerary, but it is greatly insightful. You will need an hour for this museum.

3. Tate Modern

This modern art gallery is among top places to go in London to admire modern art. It is quite a huge establishment and you will need 2 to 3 hours to explore it.

4. London Eye

How can you visit London and not enjoy the London eye. It is among the most popular activities to do in London. The Giant Ferris wheel is among the best places to visit for London sightseeing. You would need 2 hours for this attraction.

Day 8

1. Windsor Castle

This is the oldest, largest operational royal residence in the entire world. This castle’s legacy goes back to William the Conqueror. It is one of the most important London tourist attractions, though it is a little outside the city. You will need 2 to 3 hours to explore this castle, though not all parts of this castle are explorable.

2. Stonehenge

One of the greatest mysteries from the ancient world is a must visit during London trip. You should keep 2 hours at least for this mysterious site.

3. City of Bath

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is built upon natural springs and upon the site of ancient roman baths. Again a very fascinating specimen among places to see in London.

If you plan to visit London for more than 8 days, which you totally should, check out the section below. It contains an exhaustive list of all the different places to visit and top things to do in London, England. Have fun exploring!

Things to do in London

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in London

The British Museum
Tower of London
Big Ben
London Eye
Buckimgham Palace
Tower Bridge
Hyde Park
St. Paul’s Cathedral
Palace of Westminster
The National Gallery
The Guards Museum
Natural History Museum
Westminster Abbey
Trafalgar Square
Victoria & Albert Museum
Tate Modern
Hampton Court Palace
Kensington Palace
Science Museum
London Bridge
Museum of London
Madame Tussauds London
Royal Observatory Greenwich
Millennium Bridge
Shakespeare’s Globe
Tate Britain
National Maritime Museum
National Portrait Gallery
The Sherlock Holmes Museum
Hampstead Heath
Royal Albert Hall
Churchill War Rooms
Monument to the Great Fire of London
Marble Arch
London Transport Museum
Royal Academy of Arts
Charing Cross Monument
Nelson’s Monument
Cutty Sark
HMS Belfast
Design Museum
The Albert Memorial
Princess Diana Memorial Fountain
The Wallace Collection
Saatchi Gallery
Kenwood House
Queen’s House
Serpentine Gallery
The British Library
Somerset House
Museum of London Docksland
Horniman Museum and Gardens
Kew Palace
Royal Opera House
St. James’ Palace
Sir John Soane’s Museum
The Queen’s Gallery
ArcelorMittal Orbit Sculpture

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in London

The Regent’s Park
ZLS London Zoo
Piccadilly Circus
St. James’ Park
Royal Botanic Gardens
Kensington Gardens
Richmond Park
Sea Life Center London Aquarium
The Dungeons London
The O2 Arena
Wembley Stadium
Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Barbican Center
Royal Botanic Gardens
Emirates Stadium
Stamford Bridge Stadium
Craven Cottage Stadium
Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Shopping in London

Oxford Street
Westfield Shopping Center
Notting Hill
Borough Market
Seven Dials Streets
King’s Road
City of London Shopping Area
Camden Market
Convent Garden Market
Leadenhall Market
Savile Row
Jermyn Street
Selfridges Market
Greenwich Market
Harrods Area
Old Spitalfields Market
Sloane Street
Duke of York Square Market
St. Jame’s Area
Botaniest Sloane Square
Mayfair
Bond Street
Regent Street
Knightsbridge Market

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in London

Thames River Cruise

Sightseeing in London

The Shard
Oxford Street
Central London
Baker Street
Portobello Road
Greenwich Park
Leicester Square
Regent Street
Westminster Bridge
Old Royal Naval College
Brick Lane
Green Park
Holland Park
Whitehall
The Serpentine
Chinatown
Carnaby Street
Strand Thoroughfare
30 St Mary Axe – The Gherkin Tower
Emirates Royal Docks
Battersea Park
St. Catherine Docks Marina
The Mall
Abbey Road
Little Venice

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in London

The Wolseley
Beigel bake
Esters
Pizza Pilgrims
Savoy Hotel
Sunday
The Barbary
Padella
Hoppers
Aqua Shard
Smoke & Salt
Flour & Grape
Bright
Malibu Kitchen at The Ned
Social Eating House
Brasserie Zedel
Tandoor Chop House
Wild Food Cafe
Pophams
The Frenchie
Sambal Shiok
Polpo
Creme
Orrery
The Barge House
HIDE
Mamasons
J Sheekey
Hawksmoor
Saponara
Arcade Food Theatre
Navarro’s
Brunswick East
Casse Croute
Bubala
Daphne’s
I will Kill Again
Som Saa
Gunpowder
The Holy Bush
Clove Club
The Ivy
Kiln
Ottolenghi
Kricket
Brigadiers
Black Axe Mangal

How to Reach London?

By Air

There are 2 major airports for London travel: Heathrow and Gatwick. Heathrow is the largest airport in Europe and also the second busiest in the world. Collectively these airports receive flights from plethora of destinations across the world. You can get direct flights to visit London from several cities in Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and South America. London is one of the most well connected cities in the world when it comes to air travel. Other airports you can consider for London trip are Stansted Airport, Luton Airport, London City Airport, Southend Airport, Ashford Airport, Southhamptom Airport and Birmingham Airport.

You can use metro, buses or cabs to reach any of the places to visit in London from either of these airports.

By Road

You can get trains and busses to visit London from several cities in the United Kingdom.

If you plan for London travel by car, you should head for either one of these routes: M1, A1, M2, M3, M4, M40, M11 or A406. Each of these routes will direct you towards some of the best things to do in London, England as well.

By Water

You can get passenger boats through the Thames river, but these usually only go a limited distance. While it is great for fun things to do in London, England like boat cruise, it is not great for intercity travel.

Image Reference

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – Mary_R_Smith / PixaBay
Westminster Abbey – hjjanisch / Flickr
Churchill War Rooms – Kent G Becker / Flickr
St. James’s Park – dconvertini / Flickr
The Guards Museum –
Trafalgar Square – junk251 / PixaBay
National Gallery – R Boed / Flickr
Covent Garden – Laurent Ribot / Flickr
Transport Museum – James Petts / Flickr
British Museum – Guillermo Viciano / Flickr
Queen’s Gallery – Andreas Praefcke / Wikimedia Commons
Buckingham Palace – Datmater / Flickr
Green Park – Rob Young / Flickr
Hyde Park – Drago Gazdik / PixaBay
Victoria and Albert Museum – a.canvas.of.light / Flickr
Natural History Museum – Marc Barrot / Flickr
Tower of London – waldiwkl / PixaBay
Tower Bridge of London – digital341 / PixaBay
HMS Belfast – martin_vmorris / Flickr
London Bridge Experience – Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – RGY23 / PixaBay
Hampton Court Palace – stevekeiretsu / Flickr
Imperial War Museum – Michael Brace / Flickr
Sealife London Aquarium – Kol Tregaskes / Flickr
Somerset House – R Boed / Flickr
Courtauld Gallery – Graeme Churchard / Flickr
Greenwich Park – stefano noto / PixaBay
Royal Observatory – Daniel Kakiuthi / Flickr
Fan Museum – Visit Greenwich / Flickr
National Maritime Museum – Jim Linwood / Flickr
St. Paul’s Cathedral – Garry Knight / Flickr
Old Operating Theatre Museum – Andrew Stawarz / Flickr
Tate Modern – Mr Pink* / Flickr
London Eye – Mariusz Matuszewski / PixaBay
Windsor Castle – Mario Sánchez Prada / Flickr
Stonehenge – Eva Lirot / PixaBay
Bath – falco / PixaBay