What to Do in London?

London is an incredibly dynamic and diverse city, offering a multitude of exciting activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're seeking adventure, cultural discovery, or simply moments of relaxation, this city has something for everyone. Explore hidden gems and discover the different facets of this fascinating city. Today, I present my little guide to the best activities in the capital to help those who don't know what to do in London

Big Ben is probably the most famous landmark in London, on par with the Eiffel Tower in Paris. If it's your first time traveling to London, although it's very classic, taking a souvenir photo with this elegant clock behind you is a must! Additionally, once your photo is taken, you can enjoy many points of interest around Big Ben. Note: stroll through St James's Park or visit Westminster Abbey.

If you are an unwavering Harry Potter fan, then the Harry Potter Tour is a must-do activity during your stay in London. For €130, this tour will take you to various iconic locations from the series, such as King's Cross Station where the famous Platform 9 3/4 is located .

Personally, I was lucky enough to participate in this tour and I must say I was amazed by the quality of the guided tours. The guides are experts on the saga and know how to make the experience even more immersive. Several sites offer the option to book your tickets to discover the world of Harry Potter through various experiences.

Trafalgar Square is a public square in the Westminster area, located in downtown London. It is easily recognizable with its tall granite and bronze column, known as Nelson's Column, which is nearly 50 meters high. It's one of the busiest intersections in the capital. It's a place you must not miss for your souvenir photos of iconic locations in London .

This incredible historic site was built over 900 years ago and houses the British Crown Jewels. Additionally, the Tower of London also offers stunning panoramic views of the city. This site is a must-see for any traveler visiting the British capital.

You can explore this historic fortress on your own, but I also recommend taking one of the guided tours with the famous Beefeaters, costing €77. These uniformed guards are not only impressive to see but also know all the fascinating details of the Tower's history. With them, you'll discover the secrets of this fortress, like the famous ravens and the Crown Jewels .

Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic bridges in London, offering spectacular views of the city and the River Thames. You can book tickets for a tour of the tower for €17, and discover the fascinating history of this London emblem. You can also book a cruise on the Thames for an even more memorable experience. It's possible to book a guided tour that takes you through the ages. During the tour, you'll explore the dark tunnels and bridges of the famous London Bridge and uncover the bloody legends hidden behind its walls .

After this brief overview of activities you must not miss in London, you will surely have understood that London is full of things to discover. However, to make the most of your vacation in the English capital, I recommend getting a tourist pass. This will allow you to access a large number of attractions and, depending on the selected pass, the possibility to use transport or get discounts on certain activities. Below is a small selection of some tourist passes to visit London.

Attention cycling fans, you can join a guided bike tour of London! For €45, enjoy a 3.5-hour city tour. During your adventure, you'll explore the East End neighborhood ‍♂️.

Cross the famous Tower Bridge and visit the famous Diagon Alley from the Harry Potter films. Your guide will tell you the history of several landmarks and highlight points of interest in the city, such as the Tower of London or the site of the Great Fire of London in 1666 .

For those who want to explore the city quickly without too much fatigue, the London Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is perfect for you! Starting at €47, a ticket for this multi-stop bus will allow you to tour the must-see locations in London while being free to get off at any point during the tour. An audio guide is included in the price of this activity and will provide you with more insights into the history of London.

If you're looking for a unique way to discover London, don't miss a cruise on the Thames. This is one of my favorite ways to see the city's most iconic landmarks from a different perspective ️.

Moreover, you can enjoy stunning views of the Thames banks! To book your cruise, you can easily do so online with tickets for a Thames cruise for €19, saving you the wait at the ticket offices.

The English capital has a very rich history, which is why it makes sense to do a guided visit with a local guide. This is a quick and easy way to discover the best sites in the city and their history without having to do a lot of research on your own. To top it off, guided tours are quite common in London, and some specialize in more or less unusual themes. Below, find my selection of the best guided walking tours in London that stand out from the ordinary.

The Shard, located in central London, is one of the city's most iconic buildings. Standing at 310 meters, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. If you're looking for a unique experience in London, you cannot miss the opportunity to go to the top of this skyscraper and admire the incredible views from its observatory!

When visiting the Shard, you'll have the chance to see London from a different angle. The 360-degree panoramic views of the city are simply breathtaking, and you'll be able to see some of the most famous sites in the city, such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the London Eye. You can step out onto the outdoor viewing platform on the 72nd floor and take in the view. It's also an opportunity to learn more about London through various multimedia displays and exhibitions at your own pace with this flexible ticket for €38. If you want to make your visit even more special, you can opt for a breakfast with stunning views of the city .

The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London. In fact, it reaches over 150 meters in height above the city and offers a 360-degree panoramic view. In addition to its gardens, the building features restaurants and bars where you can relax. In short, it's a place you must not miss during your vacation in London!

The London Eye is definitely a must-see for those visiting London for the first time. Located right on the banks of the Thames, this giant wheel allows you to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the city ️.

In fact, the London Eye reaches a height of no less than 135 meters! A ride lasts approximately 30 minutes. You can enjoy this unique experience in London by booking your tickets for the London Eye online, priced at €39.

Westminster Abbey is among the oldest buildings in the capital and has hosted key events in UK history. A visit to this splendid Gothic structure is undoubtedly a must, especially for history lovers and architecture enthusiasts. A simple entry ticket with an audio guide for the abbey visit will cost you €36.

If you have a comfortable budget, I can also recommend opting for a guided tour that combines a discovery of Westminster Abbey and a visit to the UK Parliament chambers. An ideal activity for those interested in English history and politics! Expect a budget of €150 for this combined tour lasting about 3.5 hours.

St. Paul's Cathedral is one of the most iconic buildings in London, with its distinctive dome dominating the city skyline. You can book tickets to visit the cathedral online or buy them on-site. It's also possible to book an entry ticket that includes a tour and multimedia guide for only €30 ⛪️.

Buckingham Palace is the official residence of the British royal family. Its initial construction dates back to 1703. Then, in the 19th century, the palace was expanded by architect John Nash for King George IV. It is possible to visit the palace between July and September. The rest of the year, the building serves as a reception venue for dignitaries visiting the royal family .

In addition to its impressive architecture, the palace is a must-see for those wishing to witness the famous Changing of the Guard. From August to May, it takes place four times a week: on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11 a.m. However, note that the ceremony begins as early as 10:30 a.m. at St. James's Palace. During the months of June and July, it takes place daily. A spectacle not to be missed if you're passing through London .

The English capital has an atmosphere that has always been dreamy. Thus, London ranks among the most sought-after tourist destinations in the world! It has to be said that beyond the beautiful architecture the city offers, many activities are also available. You can visit Westminster Abbey or St. Paul's Cathedral. If you enjoy shows, don't miss the musicals playing in London. Finally, art lovers will surely find happiness in one of the capital's museums, such as the National Gallery or Tate Modern. Obtaining a pass to visit London can indeed be a good way to save money in this rather expensive city. Lastly, whatever your choice of activities, don't forget to book your activities to always be sure you have a spot!

If you're a history enthusiast and looking for a cultural activity in London, I highly recommend a visit to the British Museum. For me, it's one of my favorite spots in London, as it is filled with an incredibly rich and varied collection of historical and artistic objects from all over the world, such as the Rosetta Stone, exhibitions on ancient Egypt, ancient Greece, and many more.

Although admission is free, I strongly advise you to take advantage of a guided tour of the British Museum for €65, as the guides share fascinating anecdotes about the exhibits and answer all our questions.

If you're a history buff, I particularly recommend the archaeology courses at the British Museum (for around €50). These tours are really interesting as they delve deeper into the different exhibitions in the museum.

Madame Tussauds Museum is an iconic attraction in London, offering visitors the opportunity to see realistic wax figures of over 250 characters: celebrities from around the world, historical figures, or characters from movies. You can easily book your tickets online for €39!

After the British Museum, the National Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers. The collection includes many world-renowned works by Monet and Van Gogh ‍.

By choosing to visit this gallery, you'll be transported through over 700 years of European art history. The guided tour of the National Gallery with an art expert starts at €24 for a tour of about 1 hour.

For those of you who want to go off the beaten path, here are three museums to visit during your trip to London.

The London Zoo is home to no less than 15,000 animals! You can see animals from all continents. Visit savanna animals like tigers and lions. But don't forget the polar creatures: like the adorable little penguins .

With its colorful decor, the London Zoo is sure to amaze both young and old. If you wish to visit the zoo, a skip-the-line ticket valid for the day will cost you €33.

Still in the animal theme, if you are particularly fond of marine species, I recommend getting a ticket to the SEA LIFE Aquarium in London. With its fully glass tunnels, experience an immersive journey and observe various fish, turtles, and sharks up close! This visit is also suitable for those traveling with children. The entry ticket to the SEA LIFE Aquarium starts from €34 .

Notting Hill is a neighborhood located to the west of central London. It is particularly well-known because of the film > starring actors Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. The neighborhood boasts somewhat unique architecture with its colorful facades, making it the perfect place to take a little break at a friendly café ☕️.

If you want to discover a neighborhood in London that stands out from downtown, or if you are a fan of Roger Michell's film, I recommend taking a guided walking tour of Notting Hill. For €21, your guide will share the history of these streets with you, and you'll also visit the Portobello Road Market.

The Vancouver Hotel and Studios is the perfect place if you are looking for a hotel to settle in during your vacation in London! Just a 4-minute walk from Hyde Park, this 4-star establishment offers very comfortable rooms/apartments, especially suitable for those traveling with family. The bathroom features a bathtub, and in the kitchenette, you'll find a microwave, a refrigerator, and several accessories if you wish to cook. You can also enjoy a lovely courtyard for breakfast during your stay. Finally, the hotel reception is open 24/7. The price for a night in this establishment starts from €184.

The Southwark neighborhood is a historical area that borders a part of the Thames in downtown London. The main attractions of this neighborhood are the Tower Bridge, the Shard, a uniquely designed skyscraper, and Borough Market. It's a place particularly popular with tourists.

To discover the neighborhood in a way that differs from a simple walking tour, I recommend trying a 3-hour food tour to explore the best local specialties. Available from €113, this tour is the perfect opportunity to learn more about British cuisine and maybe even reconcile with it. With 8 stops on the itinerary, you'll get the chance to taste the best fish and chips in the capital, sample various cheeses, local beers, and much more .

For fans of dramatic art, the Southwark neighborhood is home to the Shakespeare Globe Theater. As its name suggests, this building is known for hosting several performances of William Shakespeare's plays. However, it was destroyed by a fire in 1613! Today, it has been rebuilt in accordance with Elizabethan architecture and offers immersive exhibitions that will transport you back to England's past. To take the guided tour of Shakespeare's Globe, budget about €33 per person.

Soho is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in London. Located in the West End, it is the must-visit destination for shopping enthusiasts. In fact, if you walk around Soho, you will likely stumble upon Regent Street, the shopping street with the most sought-after luxury boutiques in the capital. For more budget-friendly shopping, head further north to Oxford Street. For readers, Berwick Street is where you should go, where you will find several independent bookstores that are sure to delight you .

However, Soho is not only famous for its shops. It is rather its pubs that give it its lively character. To learn more about the history of Soho, I recommend this walking tour that focuses on the music and historic pubs of the neighborhood. Priced at €35, this activity lasts 2.5 hours, during which you will visit bars once frequented by artists like John Lennon or Jimi Hendrix.

The London Dungeon is a horror-themed attraction located near the London Eye on the banks of the Thames. This immersive experience invites you to dive into the dark and dangerous past of the capital.

During your journey, witness no less than 14 interactive shows led by around twenty actors portraying unsavory characters from the old capital. Expect to spend about €32 to participate in this activity which will send chills down your spine .

London is home to some of the most famous football teams in the world, including Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, and West Ham United. Visiting a football stadium is a must-do activity in London for football fans. A tour of Chelsea Stadium will let you discover the history of your favorite teams, see the locker rooms and the tunnels taken by players before each match, and enjoy incredible views of the pitch from the stands. Expect a budget of around €36 to visit Chelsea Football Club's stadium ️.

If you're wondering what to do in London in the evening, I strongly recommend considering the musical option. In fact, the English capital has several theaters and performance venues that host popular classics such as Wicked, Matilda, or the dramatic love story of the Phantom of the Opera.

If you haven't seen this musical yet, know that it is performed every evening from Monday to Saturday at His Majesty's Theatre, and a ticket costs only €36. A very reasonable price for a 2.5-hour show, with sets and actors whose performance and costumes will undoubtedly dazzle you .

For those who prefer to dance the night away, I recommend opting for a bar tour and nighttime tour of London. With your guide, discover the trendiest bars and clubs in the West End during this nighttime excursion priced at €30. The itinerary includes stops at 5 different establishments and 5 complimentary welcome shots, along with discounts on your drinks and souvenir photos taken by your guide throughout the night .

If you're looking for a place to escape the noise and hustle of London, I highly recommend visiting the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. It's one of my favorite spots to spend a relaxing day, right in the heart of nature .

The gardens are gigantic and filled with exotic plants and flowers from around the world. Get your ticket for €15 and discover greenhouses housing a variety of tropical plants, as well as majestic trees and peaceful lakes .

And there we have it, we have already reached the end of this article! I hope you enjoyed it and now know what to do in London! To best prepare for your trip, I also recommend checking out my article on where to stay in London! And if you're wondering how to optimize your visits, you can take a look at my itinerary for visiting London in 3 days .