From world-famous attractions to the best parks, museums, and everything free in between, our guide to the best activities in London is guaranteed to hit a sweet spot.
No matter what time of year you visit the buzzing British capital, or what your interests are, you have plenty of things to do in London.
In the spring, the parks explode with blooms and in the summer, streets come alive with festivals and parades. Whether you want to indulge in blockbuster art exhibitions, eat at London’s best restaurants, or discover the capital’s iconic landmarks, London has it all.
To make planning your trip that little bit easier, we have put together a bucket list of the best things to do in London, from the electrifying Notting Hill carnival to scaling the steps of St. Paul’s Cathedral.
- See the Rosetta stone at the British Museum
- Go on a shopping trip down and off Oxford Street
- Marvel at the King’s jewels at the Tower of London
- Eat until you are stuffed at Borough Market
- Go for a picnic in St James’s Park
- Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace
- Spend a Sunday buying flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market
- Live like a royal at Spencer House
- Admire the views (and the plants) from the Sky Garden
- Watch the tennis at Wimbledon
- Have a glamorous afternoon tea at Claridge’s
- Stroll the magnificent sites of the South Bank
- Free modern art at the Tate Modern
- Visit the historical crypts of Westminster Abbey
- Party at Notting Hill Carnival
- Wow at London’s skyline from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
- Learn about the world at South Kensington’s museums
- Drink a pint or two at a famous London pub
- Catch a theatre show in London’s West End
- Buy vintage in Shoreditch
1. See the Rosetta stone at the British Museum
The British Museum is the UK’s most visited attraction, welcoming almost six million people annually through its massive iron-clad gates. Highlights include deciphering the Rosetta Stone, the Egyptian Galleries, and the Parthenon marbles.
As there’s so much to see here, it’s well worth going on an “Eye Opener” tour that will whizz you through all the museum’s must-sees. Don’t miss the view of the Great Court from the tippy top of the building, as well as one of the numerous blockbuster exhibitions that take place every year.
2. Go on a shopping trip down and off Oxford Street
If you love to shop, Oxford Street has your name written all over it. Several department stores can be found here, including the world-famous Selfridge’s which houses all kinds of designer fashion labels and furniture.
Household names from H&M to Nike and Ralph Lauren also call the street home, and if you veer off onto Old Bond Street, you’ll find luxury fashion houses Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and more setting the trends.
3. Marvel at the King’s jewels at the Tower of London
This UNESCO-listed architectural gem is home to the world’s largest diamond, the Cullinan diamond set within the King’s dazzling crown jewels. The priceless collection is a major draw, as is the magisterial display of armour and weaponry in the White Tower.
It’s best to arrive early as the lines to see the regal jewels are often very long and to make sure you don’t miss a thing, book yourself onto a Yeoman Warder’s tour for a fascinating insight into British royal history.
4. Eat until you are stuffed at Borough Market
There’s been a market here since the thirteenth century so you are essentially eating your way through history at every twist and corner. Artisanal gourmet goods are at the heart of the Borough Market philosophy, with market stalls selling everything from fancy scotch eggs to kangaroo burgers.
All the classics, from fine British cheeses to cider, fruit, vegetables and more are on offer, too. To get a taste of the real market in all its flamboyant glory, visit on Saturdays when virtually every stall and shop is open for browsing.
5. Go for a picnic in St James’s Park
London’s prettiest Royal Park is the perfect place to laze in the sun and read a book or enjoy a picnic. It used to be King Henry VII’s marshy deer hunting ground long before King James I put a load of crocodiles and elephants in.
Now, you will find squirrels playing in the pretty flowerbeds and the famous pelicans who sit atop a rock in the park’s southern stretch. At 57 acres there’s lots of room to laze, and from the Blue Bridge, you will spot one of the most scenic views of London and Buckingham Palace.
6. Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace
The simplest way to see a bit of Royal action in London is to head for Buckingham Palace and watch the Changing of the Guard. It’s essentially an age-old tradition where bearskin-hatted soldiers change their shifts.
It starts promptly at 11 am, and to make sure you see all of it in full view, aim to be outside the palace gates no less than 30 minutes before it all kicks off. It’s free to watch and takes place daily in June and July, and from August to May, on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The whole thing lasts 45 minutes and make sure you bring a fully charged phone and camera.
7. Spend a Sunday buying flowers at Columbia Road Flower Market
London’s oldest flower market is an East London institution. You will find the best blooms and bargains here, along with some of the finest artisanal coffee, cakes, and buns the city has to offer.
To avoid the crowds (it does get cramped), it’s best to arrive as soon as the market opens at 9 am. Even if you don’t buy anything, it’s still worth a visit to sniff all the beautiful florals and to take loads of snaps for your Instagram feed.
8. Live like a royal at Spencer House
Most people have never heard of this stately home. Neighbour to The Ritz and Buckingham Palace, the house is the familial seat of the Spencer Family and was opened to the public by the late Diana, Princess of Wales, in the nineties.
All sorts have walked through its doors from Queen Elizabeth II to foreign heads of state to marvel at its magnificent state rooms and gardens. Its claim to fame? It was the first house of its kind to be built in the neoclassical style anywhere in Europe.
Tours only run on Sundays and are led by expert Blue Badge guides.
9. Admire the views (and the plants) from the Sky Garden
The sad truth is you have to pay to see some of London’s best views, but not here. London’s highest public garden offers some of the most spectacular panoramas of the city’s skyline free on weekends.
Timed slots often get reserved in advance, so it’s best to book weeks before your visit (especially for golden hour and sunset slots). Located on Fenchurch Street, deep with the ancient City of London, the 35-story public garden features a winding observation deck, an open-air terrace, two restaurants, and two bars.
If you want to make an occasion out of it, the venue often puts on loads of fun events, including early morning yoga sessions, so it’s well worth signing up for their newsletter so you are kept well in the loop.
10. Watch the tennis at Wimbledon
The oldest tennis championship in the world is one of the best sporting experiences you can enjoy in London town.
Set in leafy Wimbledon, the all-lawn tennis extravaganza takes place every July. Aside from the game, the event has become a favourite destination for those looking to gorge on strawberries and sip glasses full of Pimms.
Tickets are like gold dust, so make sure you get to the famous “line” at the crack of dawn. If you want to go to the semi-final or final, tickets are available by ballot only.
11. Have a glamorous afternoon tea at Claridge’s
There’s nothing more quintessentially British than a posh afternoon tea, and nowhere does it better than Mayfair grand dame hotel Claridge’s. The tradition began in 1840 when the Duchess of Bedford shared her love of tea and cake before dinner.
The trend took off and has become a national tradition (and a worldwide British stereotype). While Claridge’s looks like something out of Bridgerton, you don’t have to turn up in a lavish outfit to enjoy the occasion.
Smart casual attire is fine, so there’s no need to feel intimidated. Expect delicious teas, lots of jam-filled scones, and an endless supply of finger sandwiches.
12. Stroll the magnificent sites of the South Bank
For a dose of culture, you can’t miss the South Bank. This entire stretch of the river is alive with entertainment, from mime shows to buskers and revolving dancers.
Come summer, festivals and art shows add an extra dose of colour to all the brutalist architecture, and once the festive period hits, lively Christmas markets take over.
Aside from all the fun, this is where you will also find some of the city’s biggest attractions and landmarks, including the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Center, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theater.
13. Free modern art at the Tate Modern
The free-to-visit contemporary art museum is a global Mecca to the artistic greats. Set inside the former Bankside Power Station, see original works from the likes of Picasso and Matisse, alongside often sold-out exhibitions and events.
Once you have finished exploring the permanent collection, head to the gallery’s Blavatnik Building for a free vantage point of the city overlooking landmarks such as St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard.
14. Visit the historical crypts of Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey is truly an extraordinary place and worth every penny of the ticket fee, ranging from free for children under 5 to £27. It has been the heart of the UK’s royal and religious life since William the Conqueror was crowned king in 1066.
Since then, every royal wedding and coronation has been at the Abbey, with several famous monarchs from Elizabeth I to Edward the Confessor buried in between, too.
Other highlights include a glimpse of the UK’s oldest door, the Coronation Chair, and Poet’s Corner, where you’ll find the resting place of several famous writers.
15. Party at Notting Hill Carnival
Europe’s biggest street party takes place on the last weekend of August every year. It’s a massive celebration of London’s Caribbean culture with steel bands and people in colourful costumes taking to the streets atop soca floats and more.
Aside from the parade, DJ sets and live reggae, salsa, and dub music performances are a huge draw, too. If you miss the carnival spirit, head to Portobello Road for a selection of London’s finest antiques and to snap the area’s famous colourful houses.
16. Wow at London’s skyline from the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral
The Grade I-listed St Paul’s Cathedral is probably most famous for its starring role in the wedding of the then Prince Charles and Princess Diana. The Christopher Wren-designed baroque marvel offers one of the best views of London from its sky-high dome.
You’ll need to climb over 500 steps to see it, but trust me, once you reach the top it’s worth it. The crypt is also worth a visit to learn about the cathedral’s fascinating history and to see the tomb of Lord Horatio Nelson — the man who led Britain to victory during the Battle of Waterloo.
17. Learn about the world at South Kensington’s museums
Museum land, as South Kensington is otherwise known, is the perfect free day out for the family, especially if it is raining outside. The Science Museum is seven floors of fantastic interactive displays that will keep adults and kids entertained for hours.
The world’s leading collection of decorative arts can be found inside Victoria & Albert Museum. There are tons of exhibitions and events held here every month so make sure you plan well in advance of your visit.
Next door, the much beloved Natural History Museum is the place to go for great schooling for all the wonders of planet Earth. The best thing? All of these museums are free to visit year-round.
18. Drink a pint or two at a famous London pub
Aside from afternoon tea, there’s nothing more British than a pint. There are over 3,500 pubs in the capital with century-old institutions like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and Lamb & Flag competing for your tourist dollars.
If drinking is not your thing, a Sunday roast in one of these public houses is well worth the extra calories. Prefer cocktails? French House and Bar Termini in Soho deliver all the classics, shaken or stirred.
KAYAK top tip: if you’re a Ted Lasso fan head to The Prince’s Head in Richmond — although the pub’s exterior was only used in filming, the location and surroundings will be instantly recognisable.
19. Catch a theatre show in London’s West End
The best part about London’s theatre scene is that you can see the world’s biggest shows even if you are on a budget. Most big shows are on Shaftesbury Avenue, the undisputed central home of the capital’s so-called Theatreland.
The classics to look out for include The Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, The Lion King, and the ever-hilarious Book of Mormon. Plays are also big here with huge productions dotted all over the city from the Soho Theater, Old Vic, and Donmar Warehouse.
They are great spots to see up-and-coming talent and cost half the price of seeing a musical, too.
20. Buy vintage in Shoreditch
Shoreditch is one of London’s trendiest neighbourhoods. Vintage shops reign supreme on Brick Lane and Spitalfields Market, so don’t be surprised if you see hundreds of people here on the weekend searching for a designer bargain.
Once you have finished shopping, head to a rooftop to take in the views (the Queen of Hoxton is a local favourite) or dine in one of the area’s eclectic restaurants. Padella is a must, as is The Smoking Goat on Shoreditch High Street.
Feel like seeing and experiencing all these things in London? Check out our themed guides to help you have the best visit to London
If you want to find more recommendations besides our top picks to do in London, check out the below.
For food recommendations, why not check out our favourite London restaurants? If you are interested in the gay scene in London, our detailed LGBTQ+ guide includes everything you need to know to travel safely and confidently.
How did we choose what goes into our guide to the 20 best things to do in London?
I have lived in London nearly my entire life. Since I was a child, I have explored every nook and cranny throughout all its major boroughs, and as a travel journalist, have visited the capital’s most famous and under-the-radar tourist attractions (many behind the scenes, too).
Over the years, these local tips coupled with KAYAK’s expert guides around the world link in nicely with London’s major hitters, regardless if you are exploring the usual suspects or all the hidden gems in between.
Visiting London. FAQS
Do I need a car in London?
The short and sweet answer is no. The traffic in London can get extremely heavy, especially on weekdays and during peak times such as the morning and evening rush hours.
It’s much faster and easier to get around using the London Underground, local bus routes, and by foot, as most landmarks and attractions are within walking distance.
You will need to buy an Oyster card to use the entire network. They are available from stations and airports. Alternatively, If your payment card or smartphone is contactless enabled, you can pay for each ride using Apple or Google Pay.
When is the best time to visit London?
London is busy all year round. Generally speaking, the busiest times range from June through August when the weather is usually better, major tourist attractions like Buckingham Palace open, and many sporting events such as Wimbledon and countless music festivals are taking place.
Spring and autumn are generally quieter, as is the winter period (except Christmas and New Year’s Eve), so if you are a travelling family or looking to beat the crowds, this is when London is most accessible.
How long should I spend in London?
It’s impossible to see London on a single trip. There’s so much to do and discover in the capital that even native Londoners like myself still find new things to check out.
If you want to see all the big tourist attractions and squeeze in a few restaurants, bars, classy hotels, and a day trip, I suggest staying for a week. That way, you’ll see all the highlights and just enough to inspire your next visit to the capital.
Is London safe?
Despite its vast size, London is a safe city. That said, pickpockets still operate in built-up areas and on the public transport network – so be vigilant.
You might think that this is not the case for London, but locals are generally friendly, and if you get lost, people are usually willing to offer a helping hand.
Does London have tourist passes?
Yes! The London Pass offers access to 80 of the city’s top attractions, including The Tower of London and ZSL London Zoo.
There are also several London bus tours, and it saves to buy a weekly travel card so your transport costs don’t spiral out of control. Check out the TFL website for more information and to find the best pass that suits your plans.
