Top 10: Things to Do in London

Past and present, tradition and modernity all blend together in London, a city known for its vibrant culture and unique cosmopolitan atmosphere. There is a huge variety of things to do in London, and no matter how many times you visit, it feels like there’s always something new to check out. So with that in mind, here is a list of top places to visit during your time in Britain’s capital.

1. Visit Westminster and Big Ben

Westminster Palace, also known as the Houses of Parliament, is one of the most famous landmarks in the city. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this site has seen it all, from Roman settlements to conspiracies attempting to blow up the government.

The palace currently boasts over 1000 rooms, 11 patios, and 3 miles of passageways. Did you know it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site? A visit to this iconic British establishment is essential.

Westminster wouldn’t be what it is without the Elizabeth Tower, built in 1859 and home to the famous Big Ben. This 13.5-ton bell is looking particularly radiant these days after a 5-year renovation process.

Though these are obvious choices, we still think they are well worth the visit, as they are famous across the world. Find out more about this site’s history and present-day roles with a tour of Parliament and Westminster Palace. Curious about what the inside of the the Houses of Parliament looks like? Book a Ticket to the Houses of Parliament and explore the fascinating building accompanied by an audioguide.

Pro Tip: We recommend timing your visit to this area of London so you can hear Big Ben’s iconic bell chiming every hour.

2. Go Up the London Eye

Also known as the Millennium Wheel, this observation wheel on the Southbank is as (if not more) famous as Big Ben. Grabbing tickets for the London Eye is without a doubt, one of the top things to do in London.

Standing 443 feet tall, this is the tallest Ferris Wheel in all of Europe. And the best part? The London Eye is a stone’s throw away from Big Ben, all you have to do is cross Westminster Bridge and you’re there! Perfect if you want to visit both landmarks in one day.

A ride up the London Eye will give you unbeatable views of the city of London. Over the course of 30 minutes, you’ll get to admire Westminster Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and much more.

Pro Tip: Been there and done that? If you’re looking for an alternative and adrenaline-filled viewpoint, head east to the famous O2 Arena, where you can climb up 170 feet with an Up at The O2 ticket.

3. Explore Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey was built in the 11th century and stands out for its Gothic architecture, impressive turrets, and colorful stained-glass windows. It’s particularly famous for housing numerous royal and historical weddings. Did you know that Prince William and Kate’s wedding here was watched by 2 billion people globally?

This religious site is also the resting place of many famous figures such as Charles Darwin, Isaac Newton, and Charles Dickens. Be sure to check out the beautiful interior architecture and fascinating history with a ticket to Westminster Abbey.

4. Admire Tower Bridge

When you think of London, an image of Tower Bridge probably comes to mind. Featured in countless postcards, movies, and posters, this Victorian bridge is such a distinctive part of the city’s skyline. Did you know that its drawbridge is lifted an average of 800 times a year to allow bigger ships to pass under it?

If you’re looking for an alternative viewpoint in London or want to walk along elevated glass walkways, a trip up Tower Bridge is the perfect choice. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a new perspective to admire this iconic landmark from, as well as many others in the city, we recommend booking a river cruise along the Thames.

5. Learn About History in the Tower of London

Ever wanted to see one of the largest cut diamonds in the world? Then the Tower of London is the place to be!

This building has served many purposes over the years, from fortress to royal palace and even prison. Intriguing and somewhat gory stories about plots, treachery, and even executions dominate this tower’s history. In fact, this is the spot where Henry VIII had his wife Anne Boleyn infamously beheaded. Truly one of the spookier places to visit in London.

Did you know that this building is also known for its ravens? Legend has it that these birds protect the monarchy and if they ever leave the fortress, the kingdom will fall. There is even a Ravenmaster who looks after them nowadays!

So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on tickets to the Tower of London and learn more about its fascinating history.

6. Be Blown Away by St. Paul’s Cathedral

If you love Westminster Abbey and want to visit more of London’s churches, be sure to swing by St. Paul’s Cathedral. Rebuilt in 1710 after the Great Fire of London of 1666, its magnificent Baroque dome is a gem amongst London’s skyline.

Booking a ticket to St. Paul’s Cathedral is worth it just to see the views from the top and marvel at the beautiful interior decorations. If you’re a history buff and want to discover more about St Paul’s as well as London’s rich history through its other iconic landmarks, we suggest going on a free tour of the old city of London. Find out how this city transformed from a medieval settlement to the metropolis it is today and the role this church played in it!

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for the most enviable snapshot of St. Paul’s Cathedral, we recommend taking photos from Millenium Bridge, a modern structure that connects the cathedral with Shakespeare’s Globe and the Tate Modern on the south bank of the Thames.

7. Catch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British monarchy and one of the city’s most recognisable symbols. A particularly unique tradition that takes place almost every day here is the world-famous changing of the guard. This ceremony dates back to 1660 and involves the old guard handing over the responsibility of protecting the palace to the new guard. Truly a must-see in London!

If you’re curious about how the British royal family lives and want to watch this unique tradition all in one go, check out this changing of the guard ticket with access to Buckingham Palace. The guard’s red coats and fluffy black hats are as quintessentially British as it gets!

8. Stroll Around Camden

If you feel like you’ve seen all there is to see in the city center and are looking for alternative things to do in London, you’re in luck. Vibrant, eclectic, and quirky, the Camden neighborhood in North London is a great place to explore if you want something different.

Camden is particularly famous for its market which sells everything from vintage clothing to homemade jewellery and colourful posters. Stunning street art, tasty street food, and a rich music scene are also key features of this district. Did you know that this area was home to Amy Winehouse for many years? See if you can spot the statue of her during your visit!

If you want to discover more of this neighborhood’s street art and culture, don’t hesitate to book a free walking tour of Camden.

9. Take a Photo at Abbey Road

All you need is… London!

If you’re a fan of the Beatles, a visit to Abbey Road in St. John’s Wood is a must. You’ll love walking over the famous crossing and recreating the iconic Abbey Road album cover! Make sure to take a moment to admire Abbey Road Studios too, where artists like Adele, Kanye West, and Pink Floyd have also recorded music, aside from the Beatles.

If you’re a super fan and looking to go the extra mile, why not go on this day trip to Liverpool from London? Spend the day in the Fab Four’s hometown and explore a city rich in music history.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to check out the Abbey Road gift shop for the perfect Beatles-inspired souvenir!

10. Go To London’s Museums

When it comes to London’s museums, there is something for everyone. Art, science, history, pop culture… A rich and diverse experience is guaranteed at any of the city’s museums. And the best part? Many of them are free!

Here are some of the best museums to visit in London:

• The British Museum: This museum is one of the most extensive on the planet, with over 8 million works of art and artifacts from ancient civilizations to the present day. Get ready to see Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and the world-famous Rosetta Stone.
• Natural History Museum: The perfect family outing. Dinosaur bones and meteors are amongst the fascinating objects on exhibition here. You also can’t leave London without having seen its massive blue whale skeleton!
• National Gallery: Van Gogh, Da Vinci, Carvaggio… There is no end to the masterpieces housed in this impressive building in Trafalgar Square.
• Tate Modern: Looking for more art? Located in an old power station, this art gallery features the work of artists like Picasso, Warhol, and Abramovic.
• Madame Tussauds London: Lovers of pop culture, this is the one for you! Ready to “meet” all your favorite celebrities? Take photos with Taylor Swift, David Beckham, Shrek, and many more with a priority ticket to Madame Tussauds London.

Bonus: Discover Harry Potter’s London

London has a rich connection to the Harry Potter series, with various locations throughout the city that inspired scenes in the books and films. The inspiration behind Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, Gringots, and many more can all be found in this city, making it a particularly great destination for Potterheads.

For those looking for a magical experience, we recommend booking a Harry Potter walking tour of London. If you’re in search of an even more immersive deep-dive into the wizarding world, a trip to the Warner Bros. London Studio is essential. Find out how the Harry Potter films were made here!

Make the Most of Your Time in London

Here are some more tips to take full advantage of your upcoming trip to London:

• Planning on visiting multiple landmarks and monuments in the city? In that case, we recommend checking out the Go City London Explorer Pass, which will help you save up to 50% on tickets for over 90 of London’s attractions.
• If your time in the capital is short, a ride on the London City Sightseeing Bus is a great way to catch many of the city’s sights from the comfort of an open-top bus.
• On the other hand, if you have a few days to spare, day trips are a great way to explore other places in England and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This day trip to Windsor, Stonehenge, and Oxford is a particular highlight. If you’re looking to explore the southeastern coast of England, why not also check out this day trip to Leeds Castle, Canterbury & Dover?
• When packing your suitcase, a raincoat is an essential item to bring with you. Summer or winter, you’ll be glad you brought one with you regardless of the time of year!
• The UK has Type G plugs so when travelling to London, don’t forget to bring an adapter!

There you have it, the top 10 things to do in London. Even if you’ve visited the city many times before, you’ll never run out of new spots to visit. For further tips and ideas, be sure to check out our 3-day London itinerary, as well as more tours & activities in London with Civitatis. For now, cheerio!