Planning a trip to London but not sure what to do first? Don’t worry this city is packed with fun, free, and unforgettable experiences.
When people talk about “things to do in London,” they mean all the cool places you can visit in this huge, historic city. From giant clock towers to chocolate shops and royal palaces, there is something happening on every corner.
I’ve visited London many times, and every time I go, I find something new. Whether you want to see where the King lives or find a secret park, this London travel guide will help you plan the perfect trip.
Top 7 Things to Do in London:
If you are in a rush, here are the absolute best activities in London that you shouldn’t miss:
- Visit Big Ben: See the world’s most famous clock.
- Ride the London Eye: Get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city.
- Explore the Tower of London: See the shiny Crown Jewels.
- Watch the Changing of the Guard: See the King’s soldiers in their red coats.
- Walk Tower Bridge: The big blue bridge that opens up for boats.
- Visit the British Museum: See real mummies from Egypt.
- Eat at Borough Market: Try the best snacks and treats in the city.
Best Things to Do in London
1.Visit Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament.
Big Ben is the nickname for the giant bell inside the clock tower. It is one of the most famous London tourist attractions and looks beautiful in photos.
It’s popular because it’s the symbol of the city. It’s fun to hear the loud “BONG” sound the bell makes every hour!
Pro Tip: For the best photo, walk across Westminster Bridge and take a picture from the other side of the water.
2.Ride the London Eye:
This is a giant Ferris wheel right on the river. It’s a great way to do some London sightseeing because you can see for miles in every direction.
It’s fun because you sit in a big glass bubble that moves very slowly. You can spot all the tiny cars and red buses below.
Pro Tip: Buy your tickets online before you go to save money and skip the long line.
3.Walk Across Tower Bridge
Many people call this London Bridge, but it’s actually Tower Bridge! It is the one with the two big towers and blue paint.
It’s popular because it’s over 100 years old. If you are lucky, you might see the middle of the bridge lift up to let a tall ship pass through.
Pro Tip: You can pay to walk across the glass floor at the very top if you aren’t afraid of heights.
4.Watch the Changing of the Guard
This happens at Buckingham Palace. It is when the old guards finish their job and new guards take over. They wear tall furry hats and red jackets.
It’s fun because there is a marching band that sometimes plays movie songs or pop music while they march!
Pro Tip: Check the schedule online first because it doesn’t happen every single day.
5.Visit the British Museum
This is one of the coolest indoor things to do in London. It is filled with treasures from all over the world, like the Rosetta Stone.
Kids love it because of the ancient Egyptian section. You can see real mummies and ancient statues that are thousands of years old.
Pro Tip: The museum is huge, so pick two or three rooms to see so you don’t get too tired.
Free Things to Do in London
You don’t need a lot of money to have a great time here! Here are some free things to do in London:
- Visit the Science Museum: Play with robots and see old space rockets.
- Walk through Hyde Park: See the ducks and maybe even a green parrot!
- The Natural History Museum: See the giant blue whale skeleton hanging from the ceiling.
- Sky Garden: A garden at the top of a skyscraper (you just need to book a free ticket online).
- Street Performers at Covent Garden: Watch magicians and singers for free on the street.
Fun Things to Do in London
If you want excitement, these are the fun things to do in London that feel like a party:
- Borough Market: This is a huge food market. You can try chocolate-covered strawberries or giant grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Hamleys Toy Store: It has seven floors of toys! It’s the oldest toy shop in the world.
- Shoreditch Street Art: Walk around and see giant paintings on the walls of buildings.
Quick Things to Do in London
Only have an hour? Here are some quick things to do in London:
- Piccadilly Circus: See the giant glowing movie screens (it looks like Times Square!).
- Platform 9 ¾: Take a quick photo at King’s Cross Station if you love Harry Potter.
- Ride a Red Double-Decker Bus: Just sit on the top floor for a few stops to see the city.
Things to Do in London This Weekend
If you are looking for things to do in London this weekend, check these out:
- Columbia Road Flower Market: Only happens on Sundays! The streets smell like roses.
- Southbank Centre: There are often free festivals or outdoor markets on the weekends.
- Watch a West End Show: Go see a musical like The Lion King or Matilda.
Things to Do in London with Family
London is great for kids! If you are looking for things to do in London with family, try these:
- Diana Memorial Playground: A huge park with a giant wooden pirate ship to climb on.
- The Sea Life Aquarium: Walk through a tunnel while sharks swim over your head.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour: See where they filmed the Harry Potter movies (it’s just a short train ride away).
Unique & Hidden Things to Do in London
Want to see something different? Here are some unique things to do in London:
- God’s Own Junk Yard: A secret warehouse full of bright neon signs.
- Leadenhall Market: A beautiful old building that was used as “Diagon Alley” in the movies.
- The Graffiti Tunnel: A tunnel near Waterloo where anyone is allowed to paint on the walls.
Travel Tips for London Visitors
Before you go, here is some quick advice to make your trip easy:
- Transport: Don’t buy paper tickets. Use a “contactless” card or phone to tap on and off buses and the “Tube” (the underground train).
- Budget: Many of the best museums are totally free, so save your money for snacks!
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (March to May) is great because the flowers are blooming in the parks.
- Stay Safe: Always look both ways before crossing the street—remember, cars drive on the left side in England!
- Wear Comfy Shoes: You will do a lot of walking, so leave the fancy shoes at home.
FAQs
What are the best things to do in London? The best things include seeing Big Ben, riding the London Eye, and visiting the free museums like the Natural History Museum.
What are free things to do in London? You can visit most major museums for free, walk through beautiful parks like St. James’s Park, and watch the Changing of the Guard.
What can I do in London in one day? If you only have one day, stick to the river. You can see Big Ben, the London Eye, and Tower Bridge all by walking along the Thames Path.
Is London good for families? Yes! With giant toy stores, pirate-ship playgrounds, and cool science museums, it is one of the best cities for kids.
What should I not miss in London? Don’t miss the food! Trying “Fish and Chips” or a tea with scones is a must-do part of the experience.
London is a magical city where history and fun come together. Whether you are climbing to the top of a monument or eating street food in a market, you will never get bored. There are so many recommended things to do in London that you might need to visit twice!
Now that you know all the best spots, it’s time to start packing. Which activity would you try first?