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40 Things To Do In London
15 MIN

40 Things To Do In London

Living
15 MIN
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Uploaded on
Oct 6, 2022
|
Last updated on
Mar 9, 2023
Uploaded on
Oct 6, 2022
|
Last updated on
Mar 9, 2023
40 things to do in London
Lots for you to see, my fair lady!

As enticing as it is to speak in a British accent, it is even more about experiencing British culture and where you will find it. London Baby!! 

There is a quote that says, "In London, everyone is different, and that means anyone can fit in", and since everyone is different, there is everything for everyone in London. We have listed some of the best things to do in London. What to see? What to do? Where and what to eat? Where to shop? We have answered your questions below in this long yet exciting list of top attractions in London, so let's get going!

Sightseeing in London

1. See the Houses of Parliament

Address: London SW1A 0AA, UK

Tip to remember: The tickets cost up to £22.50 for an adult 

Located in The Westminster area, The Houses of Parliament features the Big Ben bell that echoes throughout the city and the Elizabethan Tower. These attractions in London Westminster Hall and The House of Commons are magnificent structures highlighting the Houses of Parliament.

2. Visit Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yd, London SW1P 3PA, UK

Tip to remember: The entry fee for adults is £18.

One of the attractions in London, it has served as the coronation location and final resting place for English and later British monarchs. There is never a fee to enter Westminster Abbey for worship because it is a functioning church. Evensong, a popular service with tourists, is one of the services that are free to attend. The Westminster Abbey is typically open from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday through Saturday. 

3. See the awe of the Tower of London

Address: London EC3N 4AB, UK

Tip to remember: Tickets to the Tower of London are £29.90 for adults.

It is rumoured that the ravens cannot leave the Tower of London; maybe you won't be able to as well! There is a lot of history to this attraction in London; In times of conflict and uprising, the Tower, the safest castle in the realm, protected royal relics and even the royal family. The Tower is a tangible representation of awe and dread throughout history. 

4. Climb the Paul Cathedral

Address: St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD, UK

Tip to remember:  Entry tickets are £20.75 for adults

See how small you will feel being in the tallest dome in the world at St. Paul's Cathedral, 366 feet, joining structures like the Roman Pantheon. Don't forget to go in the renowned Whispering Gallery on the way up before climbing hundreds of steps to the top to admire the architecture. Entry tickets are £20.75 for adults, including a welcome speech, an audio tour, a multimedia tour, and a guided tour. 

5. Stand on the Greenwich Prime Meridian

Address: Royal Observatory, Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ, UK

Tip to remember: Visiting the Greenwich Prime Meridian is free!

The Prime Meridian marks the beginning of the longitude line at 0°. Because it passes through Greenwich, England, it is known as the Greenwich Meridian. Greenwich is located in the storied county of Kent on the south side of the River Thames. The best thing is that you can stroll to the observatory's base and stand on the Prime Meridian for no cost. Look for a black iron gate immediately inside the museum entrance courtyard, and there you will find the Prime Meridian and a free photo opportunity!

6. Jam with the Southbank Buskers

Address: The Queen's Walk on the Southbank

Tip to remember: There are some good restaurants around the neighbourhood to grab a bite.

When sightseeing in London, the street buskers in Southbank are a lot of fun to watch and get everyone in a musical mood. South bank is close to the London Eye, there are booksellers, buskers, food vendors, and fair attractions that can all be found here. It is a beautiful way to pass a few hours with good restaurants around the neighbourhood. 

7. Stand in the Middle of the Piccadilly Circus Junction

Address: 44/48 Regent Street

Tip to remember: Visit Piccadilly at night for the best time.

One of the most well-known junctions in the world. At the same time, sightseeing in London, Piccadilly Circus is used by an estimated 100 million pedestrians annually. Some advice, visit Piccadilly at night for the most incredible ambience, when the neon signs' lights reflect off the Edwardian-era structures and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain.

8. Leicester Square

Address: London, WC2H 7JYN, UK, United Kingdom.

Tip to remember: Leicester Square has an amazing nightlife.

Several notable personalities have lived in Leicester Square. This attraction in London, which contains a permanent display of William Shakespeare in the middle, also has statues of Sir Joshua Reynolds, John Hunter, Isaac Newton, and William Hogarth. Leicester has a wide variety of stores and stalls to choose from, with a standout being an outdoor market where local and foreign goods are sold.

9. King Cross Station for Muggles

Address: Euston Rd, London N1 9AL, UK

Tip to remember: Perfect place for the Harry Potter fans

Cross this off your Harry Potter London Bucket list by visiting 9 ¾. It's incredible how famous a single brick wall in a train station can be, but it is a must-do Harry Potter activity in London. And it's well-liked enough to draw a crowd almost every day of the week.

10. Visit the infamous Brick Lane

Address: Euston Rd, London N1 9AL, UK

Tip to remember: A paradise for bargain hunters, foodies and fashionistas.

One of the top attractions in London is Brick Lane, with good reason. It winds between Whitechapel and Shoreditch and is filled with hip stores, lively markets, and amazing Indian food. There are pieces created on the walls of Brick Lane by some of the most well-known street artists in the world.

11. Admire the Roman Relics

Address: 3 Noble St Barbican London EC2V 7EE

Tip to remember: Perfect for history lovers and free entry.

Just to the northwest of the primary population settlement, the Roman fort of Londinium was constructed around AD 120. It had a dimension of 12 acres and was nearly square, measuring 200 metres along each length. The defence was eventually incorporated into the protective wall that encircled the expanding city of London.

12. Kew Gardens

Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, TW9 3AE, UK

Tip to remember: Tickets to Kew Gardens cost £19.50 for adults.

More than 7 million preserved specimens and more than 50,000 different plant species can be found there. There are more than 750,000 books and illustrations in its library. Kew Gardens is one of the most visited sightseeing in London and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

13. Climb Up The Shard

Address: 32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG, UK

Tip to remember: The Shard tickets cost £28.

Visitors can enjoy unmatched 360-degree views up to 40 miles from The Shard, nearly double in size as any other viewing platform in the capital, making it the top attraction in London. Start your journey in one of the tremendous high-speed elevators that take you under 60 seconds from Level 1 to Level 68. Experience London

things to do in London

Experience London

14. Take in London from the Double Decker Bus

Tip to remember: London Bus Tour on an Open Top Double Decker costs around £34.

Top up your Oyster card and take in the sights of London from the top deck of an open-top sightseeing bus. This would remain an unforgettable experience of any trip to the city of England. There are many different London bus tour companies to pick from, and many of them let you get in and get off so you can stop at any sites, shops, or other locations you want to visit.

15. Master the London Underground

Tip to remember: Stand on the right. Walk on the left.

Travelling the Tube is a must when it comes to things to do in London. There are two primary ways to travel vast distances in London: buses and the tube. At first, using the line could seem intimidating, but it's not that tough once you get the feel of it. You can also use a transportation app like Citymapper for guidance. Check out a complete guide to London Underground to get the hang of using them. 

16. Cross the Tower Bridge

Address: Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP, UK

Tip to remember: It costs around £11.40 for an adult. 

Tower Bridge is definitely not falling down! This top attraction in London is unlike any other global bridge in beauty and ornamentation. The museum tells you about the history of London and the building of this masterpiece of architecture in 1886. To experience London, we suggest you can cross it on the ground level or pay to ascend one Tower, traverse an upper walkway, and descend the other Tower.

17. Trek Up The Monument

Address: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, UK

Tip to remember:  It costs around £5.80 for an adult. 

One such oddball artefact from when London was much smaller than today is the Monument. You can ascend 311 steps to the top of The Monument to take in the view over the City of London, which was designed by Sir Christopher Wren to roughly indicate the origin site of the Great Fire of London in 1666.

18. See the Sunset from the London Eye

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, UK

Tip to remember:  It costs around £28 for an adult. 

On the South Bank of the River Thames in London, there is a cantilevered observation wheel known as the London Eye. Plan to ride on the day you want by scheduling your ticket for 30 minutes before sunset. You'll get to see the evening, get to board the Eye while it's still light outside and see the city come to life before getting off. 

19. See the Theatre Show at London West End

Address: 113 Shaftesbury Ave, London W1D 5AY, United Kingdom

Tip to remember:  On average, the tickets cost between £20 and £60.

Experience London’s famous theatre scene; you should not miss out on some fantastic shows. The West End neighbourhood is home to the majority of well-known theatres as well as some lesser-known ones. Most of the city's top best tourist destinations, stores, businesses, governmental structures, and entertainment venues, including West End theatres, are concentrated in the West End of London.

20. Get back to the 60s inside the Red Phone Booth

Address: Parliament Square opposite Queen Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben)

Tip to remember: Don't forget to take lots of pictures!

You may crack open a door for a picture session and uncover these recognisable emblems of London throughout the city. Red Phone Booth is still prevalent across London; some are even covered by legal protection under British law. The distinctive red phone booth telephone boxes in the United Kingdom are among the top London attractions.

21. Walk the Abbey Road

Address: 3 Abbey Rd, St John's Wood, London NW8 9AY, UK

Tip to remember: Be patient when taking the picture.

Abbey Road in North West London is the location of one of the most famous recording studios in the world, as well as the recognisable Beatles zebra crossing album cover. You must have patience and pay attention to the traffic if you want a good photo at the crossing. Tourists, pedestrians, tour groups, and other people are all waiting for a picture. Be patient; your time will come if you want a decent picture without anyone in the frame.

22. Jack The Ripper Walking tours

Address: 77 Whitechapel High Street, E1 7QX

Tip to remember: It costs around £15 for an adult. 

If true crime is something that fits your style, you can visit some of the precise locations of the horrifying murders in this intriguing and sinister period of London history. The tour offers a fascinating look into the murders by "Jack the Ripper," including visits to the crime scenes and images from the post-mortem examinations.

23. Unwind at Hyde Park

Address: Hyde Park Office, Rangers Lodge, Hyde Park, London W2 2UH

Tip to remember: Free to visit between 5 am and midnight

The Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, Kensington Palace, and the Serpentine, a pond where you can rent a rowboat and explore, are just a few London landmarks from Hyde Park.

24. Get Entertained at the Union Chapel

Address: 19b Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN, UK

Tip to remember: 

Union Chapel is a gothic revival church in Islington from the nineteenth century with a full schedule of comedy, music, and special events. You can stop by and listen to some beautiful tunes at Daylight Music. On most Saturday afternoons, concerts are held, and admission is on a first come, first serve basis.

25. Oxford Street

Address: 283 Oxford Street, opposite John Lewis, London W1C 2DN 

Tip to remember: 

The 300 retail establishments on Oxford Street, the busiest and best shopping places in London, draw more than 100,000 people daily. If you can, check out the upscale department stores like Debenhams, which are well-known worldwide. A distinctive and tastefully created window display at Selfridges changes with the seasons. 

26. Try the Upscale Harrod's

Address: 87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL, UK

Tip to remember: 

Harrods is regarded as the best location to shop in London. It is an experience that is likely to delight all of your senses. You'll find something to suit your fancy. Whether you want to luxuriate in opulent aromas, touch rich materials, or purchase a valuable toy for the kids, Harrod’s has it all.

27. Full English Breakfast

Address: Terry's Cafe London - 158 Great Suffolk St, London SE1 0DT, United Kingdom

Tip to remember: A full English Breakfast might cost around £20 - £30

Start your morning with a full English breakfast. A traditional full English breakfast includes beans, bread, mushrooms, tomatoes, potatoes, bacon, eggs, and black pudding, among other ingredients.

28. Fish & Chips for the soul

Address: J Sheekey -  28-32, St Martin's Ct, London WC2N 4AL, United Kingdom

Tip to remember: A plate of good fish and chips might cost around £10.50. 

Fish and chips is a well-known hot dish that consists of crispy battered fish served with fries. These two ingredients were brought to England from different immigrant cultures, where the meal first appeared. Fish and chips have long been regarded as a traditional British dish. The most iconic plate of British comfort food is a chunk of battered fish perched on a mound of sizzling hot chips.

29. Have a Classy Afternoon Tea

Address: The Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason - 4th Floor, Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James's, London W1A 1ER, United Kingdom

Tip to remember:  Afternoon Tea ranges from £25.45 – £28.75 per person

Having a bite and a drink each afternoon quickly became a sign of class and affluence. Every level of society in the city offers fantastic tea experiences. For example, you can go to Fortnum & Mason for the typical afternoon tea or have a casual tea at Bea's of Bloomsbury.

30. Chinatown

Address: London W1D 5QA, UK

Tip to remember: Carry around  £30 -  £50 for a good food walk around Chinatown.

Chinatown in London is a unique community in the middle of the city. This should be on your London bucket list. You nearly get the impression that you've left London entirely after a few blocks! Select from more than 70 genuine East Asian eateries, stores, bars, and cafés. 

31. Must try Indian Food

Address: The India - Best of the City - 21 College Hill, London EC4R 2RP, United Kingdom

Tip to remember: Indian food ranges from £20 – £30 per person

Numerous Indians immigrated to the United Kingdom during the British Empire and various Indian cultural practices, including Indian cuisine, India Pale Ale, and even tea. There are various Indian Restaurants spread across the city. Delhi Grill and Tayaabs are two Indian eateries you might want to try.

32. Have a Sunday Roast

Address: The Harwood Arms - Walham Grove, London SW6 1QJ, United Kingdom

Tip to remember:  A single Sunday Roast might cost you around £12.

Another fun thing to do in London is a centuries-old custom, Sunday roasts, a terrific opportunity to get together with friends or roommates for a filling meal and subsequent food coma. You may have a roast at restaurants like The Cow, The Camberwell Arms, and Pig and Butcher.

Shopping Places in London

33. Carnaby Street

Address: Carnaby, London, UK

Tip to remember: Take a stroll down every small side alley as you walk up and down the street.

Carnaby Street provides the ideal Instagram backdrop with its bustling pedestrian area bordered by beautiful window displays and quirky décor. There are numerous restaurants, live performances, pop-up shops, and more than 100 businesses. The flagship location of the Rolling Stones' retail store, RS No. 9 Carnaby Street, is beloved by music fans.

34. Camden Market

Address: 32 Camden Lock Place, London NW1 8AF England

Tip to remember: While you're there, enjoy some of the excellent craft beer London offers at Camden Town Brewery.

Camden Market's vibrant ambience and many shops make it the best tourist destination. From cheap souvenirs to pricey antiques, Camden Market offers various products. You can learn about multiple nations by visiting restaurants or shopping in stores. 

35. Alfies Antique Market

Address: Alfies Antique Market 13-25 Church Street, London NW8 8DT England

Tip to remember: Heaven for antique lovers.

London's largest Marylebone indoor antique market is a gold mine for die-hard collectors of everything vintage. The multi-story art deco structure is filled with furniture dealers, milliners, and charming misfits peddling bronze sculptures. The rooftop area at Alfie 's is fantastic, and there you may enjoy a coffee while perusing your collection of antique hat boxes and custard jars.

36. Portobello Road Market

Address: Portobello & Golborne Road Road Ladbroke Grove, London W11 1LU England

Tip to remember: On Sundays, you must travel further up the road and past the Westway if you want vintage items.

Numerous fruit and vegetable stands can be found here. For antiques, the Portobello market is renowned. It is among the most fascinating things to do in London for free. At the Portobello Road Market, you can find some natural treasures. 

37. Columbia Road Flower Market

Address: Columbia Road, London E2 7RG England

Tip to remember: In any weather, you can browse the market until 3 pm, but if you want to buy flowers, you must arrive early.

The Columbia Road Flower Market is one of London's oldest and best shopping places in London. Along Columbia Road, a flower market every Sunday resembles a tropical paradise. It's one of the most excellent locations to go on a lazy Sunday and the best spot to buy plants for your home, including cacti, flowers, and bedding plants. 

38. Try International Cuisine at the Borough Market

Address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1TL England

Tip to remember:  Arrive early, pick up from Bread Ahead, Brindisa, and Neal's Yard Dairy, and then go for a picnic along the river near the Borough Market.

Your go-to place for artisanal items, London's oldest food market is a treasure trove of gourmet goods. It features international vendors selling street food such as scotch eggs, Ethiopian stews, and sandwiches with confit ducks from France. 

39. London Markets

Address: 16 Horner Square, London E1 6EW England

Tip to remember: Spend a day discovering the markets in London with your friends.

You can get a bouquet to adorn your student accommodation in London, buy arts and crafts souvenirs in Spitalfields, and eat delicious food at Borough. Most of London's markets, like Camden, Portobello Road, Borough, and Spitalfield, are open daily, and each has something unique to offer.

40. See the Covent Garden Market

Address: Nine Elms Lane, London SW8 5BH England

Tip to remember: General Market is open from 10.30 am to 7.30 pm, Tuesday through Friday.

When it comes to fun things to do In London, visit a neighbourhood known as Covent Garden on the eastern edge of the West End. It is linked to the Royal Opera House, also known as "Covent Garden," and to the centre square's former fruit and vegetable market, now well-known retail and best tourist destination. 

Avoid Tourist Traps

  1. Research your location
  2. Ask locals for recommendations
  3. Steer clear of crowded areas
  4. Ignore hawkers and touts
  5. Use Public Transport
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