most tourist attractions in london charge admission

London Sightseeing: Essential Charges To Know

Sightseeing is one of the most popular activities for tourists in any city, and London is no different. The vibrant capital city of the United Kingdom offers plenty of unique and diverse experiences for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern-day attractions, London has something to offer for everyone.

However, before embarking on any sightseeing adventures, it is important to understand what charges you may need to pay. Admission fees, transportation costs, and guided tour fees can all add up quickly, so it is important to plan your budget accordingly.

In terms of admission fees, many of London’s top attractions such as the British Museum, the National Gallery, and the Tate Modern offer free entry. However, some popular tourist spots such as the London Eye and the Tower of London require a fee. It is also worth noting that some attractions may have different prices depending on the time of day or year.

Transportation is another essential factor to consider when sightseeing in London. The city has an extensive public transportation system that includes buses, trains, and the famous underground tube. Visitors can purchase an Oyster card or use contactless payment to travel around the city. However, it is essential to factor in transportation costs when planning your budget.

In conclusion, sightseeing in London can be an unforgettable experience. Understanding the charges that come with it, and planning accordingly can maximize this experience while minimizing the financial burden.

Popular London Sights

There are many popular London sights that visitors can enjoy, each with its own admission fees. Here are some of the most common:

– The British Museum: admission is free, although some temporary exhibitions may charge a fee. – The Tower of London: adult tickets are £24.70, while children between 5 and 15 years old pay £11.70. – The London Eye: tickets start at £23, with prices varying depending on the day and whether you book ahead online. – Buckingham Palace: adult tickets for the State Rooms are £26.50, while children between 5 and 16 pay £14.50, and under 5’s go free. – Tate Modern: admission is free, but special exhibitions may charge a fee. – Westminster Abbey: adult tickets are £22, while children between 6 and 16 pay £9. – St. Paul’s Cathedral: adult tickets are £20, with reduced prices for seniors, students, and children. – The National Gallery: admission is free, but some special exhibitions may charge a fee.

These are just a few of the many sights to see in London, and it’s always worth checking ahead to see if there are discounts available for online booking or group rates. With some planning, visitors can enjoy many of London’s top attractions without breaking the bank.

Admission Fees

Admission fees at London attractions vary depending on the specific attraction and the time of year. It is always best to check the attraction’s website or call in advance to confirm ticket prices. However, for some of the most popular attractions in London, the admission fees are:

1. The Tower of London: Adult tickets cost £25.00, while children’s tickets (age 5-15) cost £12.00.

2. The British Museum: Admission is free, but some special exhibitions require a fee.

3. The London Eye: A standard adult ticket costs £27.00, while children’s tickets (age 3-15) cost £22.00.

4. The National Gallery: Admission is free, but some exhibitions require a fee.

5. Madame Tussauds London: Adult tickets cost £34.00 online, while children’s tickets (age 3-15) cost £29.00 online.

It is important to note that some attractions may offer discounts for seniors, students, or groups. Additionally, purchasing tickets in advance online may also save money compared to buying tickets at the attraction.

To ride the London Eye, individual tickets cost £27.00 per adult and £22.00 per child (aged 3-15). Children under three years old do not require a ticket. There are also various packages and deals available, such as the Fast Track ticket which allows visitors to bypass the queues for £37.00 per person or the Champagne Experience for £41.00 per person. Group rates and school rates are also available for those booking 15 or more tickets. Additionally, there are combination tickets available for those who wish to visit multiple attractions, such as the London Eye and the Sea Life London aquarium or the London Eye and the Madame Tussauds wax museum. The London Eye also offers private capsule rentals for events or special occasions, with prices starting from £575.00 per capsule. It is important to note that prices may vary based on the season and availability, and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to guarantee availability and potentially save some money.

Tower Of London

The Tower of London is a historic castle located in central London. If you wish to visit the Tower of London, you will need to pay an admission fee. The standard admission fee for adults is £25.00, while children between the ages of 5 and 15 years old are charged a fee of £12.50. Additionally, seniors (aged 60 and over) and students must pay a fee of £20.00.

If you plan to visit other historic sites and museums in London, you may want to consider purchasing a London Pass. This pass allows you to visit multiple attractions throughout the city for a single price. The cost of a London Pass varies depending on the duration of your stay and the number of attractions you wish to visit.

It is worth noting that the Tower of London also offers discounts for groups of 15 or more people. Additionally, if you are a UK tax-paying visitor, you may be able to make a donation to the castle instead of paying the full admission fee. The donation amount is left up to your discretion.

In conclusion, when visiting the Tower of London, you can expect to pay an admission fee based on your age and whether or not you qualify for certain discounts. Considering purchasing a London Pass if you plan to visit multiple attractions during your stay.

Westminster Abbey

Visitors to Westminster Abbey, one of London’s most iconic landmarks, are required to pay an admission fee. The cost varies depending on your age and membership status.

For adults, the admission fee is £22 if purchased on the day or £20 if purchased online in advance. Concessions, such as seniors over the age of 60 and students, are charged £17 on the day or £15.50 in advance. Children between the ages of 6-16 are required to pay £9 on the day or £8 in advance.

If you are a member of the Abbey, admission is free. Membership options include the Friends of Westminster Abbey, which offers a range of benefits, such as free admission, priority access, and private tours.

It’s worth noting that photography and filming inside the Abbey are strictly prohibited. However, you are permitted to take photos and videos outside the Abbey.

Overall, while there is an admission fee to visit Westminster Abbey, the experience is well worth the cost. Visitors have the opportunity to witness the nation’s history and its most famous citizens, as well as take in the stunning architecture and grandeur of this magnificent building.

British Museum

The British Museum located in London is a prominent cultural institution that has a vast collection of various artifacts and works of art. The good news for visitors is that admission to the museum is entirely free of charge. However, some exhibitions inside the museum may require payment of an entry fee, and charges may vary according to the exhibition.

The museum has several exhibitions and galleries to explore, including some permanent collections such as Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and the Asia galleries. Fortunately, these collections can be viewed without any charge. Moreover, the British Museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions that include a fee for entry. The price for these exhibitions will differ according to the exhibition’s range, season, and age. It is worth keeping an eye out for such exhibitions in advance to avoid any last-minute costs.

While entry to the British Museum is free, it is always wise to keep sufficient funds available for any donations or additional purchases in the museum shops and cafes. Moreover, it’s a good idea to check if any events will be taking place during the planned visit, which could impact access to different areas of the museum.

In conclusion, there are no charges for entry to the British Museum, but some exhibitions may have additional charges. Ensuring that you have sufficient funds for any extras, like donations or souvenirs, is a wise idea, and checking ahead of your visit can help you avoid any unexpected additional fees.

Tate Modern

Entry to Tate Modern is free for all visitors. However, some special exhibitions may have an admission fee. The admission prices for these exhibitions may vary depending on the exhibition and the day of the week. Moreover, the prices may differ for adults, children, and concessions.

Visitors can book tickets online or purchase them at the museum’s ticket desk on the day of their visit. The ticket desk accepts payments by cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless methods.

Tate Modern recommends booking tickets in advance for its special exhibitions. Members and Patrons of Tate Modern can enjoy free admission to all special exhibitions as well as unlimited free entry to all galleries.

Besides, visitors can also consider taking part in other activities offered by the museum, which may require additional charges. These activities may include guided tours, workshops, film screenings, talks, and performances.

Overall, while entry to Tate Modern is free, visitors planning to attend special exhibitions or take part in additional activities should check the museum’s website for admission prices and booking information.

St. Paul’S Cathedral

To enter St. Paul’s Cathedral, visitors must pay an admission fee. As of 2021, entry for adults costs £20, while children ages 6-17 and students with valid ID pay £8. Family tickets that cover two adults and up to three children cost £50. Senior citizens, disabled visitors, and their companions receive a discounted admission of £17.

Visitors who wish to climb to the top of the cathedral’s famous dome must pay an additional fee. This climb can be challenging, with 528 steps to the top, but offers stunning views of London. As of 2021, the cost to climb the dome is £10 for adults, £5 for children, and £8 for concessions.

For those interested in guided tours, St. Paul’s offers a selection of specialized tours focusing on topics such as art and architecture, history, and the cathedral’s famous musical tradition. These tours must be booked in advance and cost £23 for adults and £18 for concessions.

Overall, a visit to St. Paul’s Cathedral can be a memorable experience, though it does require payment of admission fees for most visitors. It is worth noting that income generated from these fees is used to fund the maintenance, cleaning, and restoration of the cathedral, ensuring its continued preservation for future generations.

Final chapter

In conclusion, for those looking to live or work in London, it is important to be aware of the various charges and fees that may apply. These charges can include council tax, congestion charges, and the London Living Wage. While some of these charges are mandatory, it is important to research and understand the options available to minimize costs where possible. For example, residents in certain boroughs may be eligible for a discount on council tax, and employers can work to implement living wage policies and provide subsidies for employees who face congestion charges. By being informed and proactive, individuals and businesses can ensure they are paying the appropriate charges and fees, while also working to reduce their financial burden.

Overall, navigating the various charges and fees associated with living or working in London can seem daunting at first, but with careful research and planning, it is possible to minimize costs and ensure compliance. Whether it is through exploring eligibility for discounts, implementing living wage policies, or utilizing public transportation alternatives, there are many ways to navigate the charges and fees associated with life in London. By taking a proactive approach, individuals and businesses can navigate the complex landscape of London charges with ease, allowing them to focus on enjoying all that this world-class city has to offer.

News | London

London tourist attractions saw big boost in 2022: Which are the top five most visited?

A study by City Hall has revealed that London’s tourist attractions saw a huge rise in visitors in 2022 compared to the year before.

Before the pandemic, in 2019, London was the third most-visited city in the world, with 21 million travellers paying a visit, according to the London Assembly . But that all came to a halt when Covid-19 restrictions on socialising and travelling were put in place in 2020.

Last summer was the first tourist season without these Covid-19 restrictions, and in line with that, the researchers found that there was an increase in international flights arriving in London.

Tourism Economics analysts are estimating that tourism in London will continue to improve, with two million more international arrivals in 2023, bringing an additional £674 million to the capital.

But, which tourist attractions are the main pull for tourists? Here is a look at the top five most-visited attractions in London.

The top five most-visited tourist attractions in London

According to the statistics released by Statista based on the number of visits between 2019 and 2022, the Natural History Museum was ths most popular tourist attraction. The museum based in South Kensington was found to have been visited by nearly 4.7 million guests in 2022 alone.

The second place was taken by the British Museum, with 4.1 million visitors in 2022. The public museum in Bloomsbury is dedicated to art, culture, and human history. Its collection, which consists of eight million pieces, is the largest in the world.

Tate Modern was found to be the third most-visited London tourist attraction, with 3.9 million visits in 2022. The museum exhibits over a hundred years of art, including sculptures, paintings, and more by the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jenny Holzer.

The Southbank Centre ranked fourth on the list, with nearly 3 million visitors. The complex that hosts multiple artistic venues on the South Bank of the River Thames offers travellers theatre plays, art exhibitions, comedy shows, concerts, festivals, and more.

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The fifth most-visited London attraction in 2002 was The National Gallery. The art museum, that’s free to enter, is based in Trafalgar Square and is home to thousands of paintings.

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• The Most Popular Paid Attractions In London

London is one of the most enchanting and historically rich cities in the world. It is not surprising that it is one of the world’s most visited cities. There are several free attractions in London like the National Gallery, British Museum, Natural History Museum, etc. There are, however, other attractions where a ticket needs to be bought to visit them. The most visited paid attractions in the city are mentioned below:

9. Tower Of London -

This historic castle is the most visited paid attractions in London. It is located on the northern bank of the Thames River. The ancient castle was built in 1066. Its White Tower from where its name is derived was constructed in 1078 by William the Conqueror. The Tower of London is a complex of buildings that are surrounded by two protective walls and a moat. It was built to serve as the residence of the royals as well as a prison. The castle played a vital role in the history of England for centuries. It was besieged several times in the past. Controlling it was regarded as a significant step to controlling the country. Presently, the Tower of London serves as a museum of historical attractions that is open to the public. The Crown Jewels of England are displayed here. The Tower of London was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

8. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Gardens -

It is an internationally famed botanic education and research institution. On July 2003, the UN designated the Kew Gardens as a World Heritage Site. The Kew, located in southwest London, hosts 40 historically important buildings. It has a collection of over 40,000 plant species. The library of the Kew Gardens has more than 750,000 volumes with thousands of illustrations of plants.

7. St Paul’s Cathedral -

The St Paul’s Cathedral is London’s third most visited paid attraction. It is an Anglican cathedral that sits on the Ludgate Hill, the city’s highest point. The present cathedral was built in the late 17th century at the site of an ancient church. The dome of the cathedral is an important feature of London’s skyline. For a period of time from 1710 to 1967, the St Paul’s Cathedral functioned as London’s tallest building. Presently, it is an operating church with regular prayer services. Tourists are charged an entry fee but the worshippers are permitted inside for free.

6. Royal Academy Of Arts -

This art institution is located in the Burlington House of Piccadilly. It is a privately funded art institution managed by eminent architects and artists. It serves the purpose of promoting the visual arts with the help of exhibitions, debates, and educational programs. The organization was established in 1768 by King George III.

5. ZSL London Zoo -

Established in 1828, the London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. It was founded with the aim of conducting zoological research. Animals from the menagerie at the Tower of London were transferred to this zoo. Later, public entry was allowed in 1847. Today, it is the fifth most visited paid tourist attraction in London. The zoo houses 20,166 individual animals representing 698 species. Exotic species like lions, tigers, and gorillas can be observed here.

4. Westminster Abbey -

This a Gothic abbey church located in London near the Palace of Westminster. It has served as the coronation and burial site of the country’s monarchs for centuries. A number of royal weddings have also been hosted here. According to historical reports, a church was established at the site in the 7th century. The construction of the church seen today, however, started in 1245. It was commissioned by the then-monarch of England, King Henry III.

3. Palace of Westminster -

The two houses of the Parliament of the UK, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, meet at this venue. It is located on the Thames River’s north bank. Initially, the 11th-century palace served as the residence of the Kings of England. However, a raging fire in 1512 damaged most parts of the building. After renovations were made, the site acted as the seat of the English Parliament. Later, another fire engulfed the palace in 1834. Reconstructions turned it into the beautiful building that we see today. The Palace of Westminster is an important hub of political activity in the UK. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited paid attractions in London.

2. Shakespeare’s Globe -

This complex houses the reconstruction of the Globe Theater, a playhouse associated with the legendary playwright, William Shakespeare. The complex is located on the Thames’ southern bank. The original theater that was built in 1599 was demolished in 1644. Although the replica found today has been created to resemble the original theater as closely as possible, the seating capacity is only 1400 as compared to the original theatre’s 3000. The Shakespeare’s Globe is about 740 ft away from the site of the original theater. It is now open to the public who can purchase tickets to attend the plays held here. Other buildings like an indoor theater, a studio complex, and exhibition area, etc., are also located within the complex.

1. Tower Bridge Exhibition -

The Tower Bridge is one of the most iconic symbols of London. It was built between 1886 and 1894 over the River Thames near the Tower of London. The Tower Bridge Exhibition is hosted in the Victorian engine rooms, the twin towers of the bridge, and the walkways. The history of the Tower Bridge is exhibited in the form of films, photos, and other types of displays. It is the tenth most visited paid attraction in London.

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Choose the correct answer a, b, or c to complete each sentence. make sure you __________ a hotel before you come to our island, especially in the summer., choose the correct answer a, b, or c to complete each sentence. you can learn a lot __________ the local area by talking to local people., choose the correct answer a, b, or c to complete each sentence. it’s good to have someone __________ you when you are visiting a new place..

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24 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in London

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Shandley McMurray Updated Mar 20, 2024 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Bryan Dearsley has visited London many times, most recently on an extensive tour of England in the spring of 2022. Author Shandley McMurray lived in London and always enjoys returning.

London is one of the world's most mesmerizing cities . Modern architectural marvels like the Shard line medieval laneways peppered with historic monuments, high-end shops, and award-winning theaters. Picturesque streets and avenues connect renowned attractions like Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral, causing visitors to gape at their beauty and exhaust their phone's photo storage.

With so many impressive tourist attractions and captivating things to do, it's no wonder London is one of the most popular places to visit in the world , attracting over 20 million tourists each year. Britain's bustling capital offers something for everyone, including shopaholics, foodies, adventurists, historians, and kids, making it tough to choose what to do first.

Should you hit one of the top museums, many of which are free to enter, or enjoy a picnic in one of the city's expansive parks ? Maybe tour a royal palace, or wander around a breathtaking garden? Perhaps you'd prefer to take in a show; enjoy a horseback ride; see the city views from atop the London Eye; or enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in Harrods, the world's poshest department store?

Use our list of the best attractions and things to do in London to help decide what to see and do in this phenomenal city you'll want to visit again and again.

See also: Where to Stay in London

1. Visit Buckingham Palace and Watch the Changing of the Guard

2. see the crown jewels at the tower of london, 3. beat the crowds: take a morning stroll across tower bridge, 4. get cultured at the british museum, 5. big ben and the houses of parliament, 6. get creative at the national gallery, 7. tour the art displays at the victoria and albert museum, 8. wander around piccadilly circus and trafalgar square, 9. journey to the top of the shard, 10. get your art fix at tate britain and tate modern, 11. walk the hallowed halls of westminster abbey, 12. head underground to the churchill war rooms, 13. walk with dinosaurs at the natural history museum, 14. enjoy a picnic in hyde park, 15. climb the dome of st. paul's cathedral, 16. shop at london's best markets, 17. be entertained by buskers at covent garden, 18. take flight on the london eye, 19. meet henry viii at hampton court palace, 20. straddle the meridian line at greenwich, 21. the imperial war museum & hms belfast, 22. explore the london docklands & canary wharf, 23. visit picturesque richmond park, 24. ogle the flora and fauna at kew gardens, where to stay in london for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to london, map of tourist attractions & things to do in london, best time to visit london, england.

One of Britain's most iconic buildings, Buckingham Palace is also the scene of London's most popular display of pomp and ceremony: the Changing of the Guard.

Drawing crowds at 11:30am most days regardless of the season, this colorful display of precision marching and music also takes place at St. James's Palace . One of the top free things to do in London , you can then follow the band along The Mall as they march between sites.

Buckingham Palace was built in 1837 and has been the London residence of the Royal Family since Queen Victoria's accession. If you're wondering whether the King is in, look at the flagpole atop the building: if the royal standard is flying day and night, he's at home. On special state occasions, he and members of the Royal Family may even emerge on the central balcony.

When the King's away at the Royal Family's summer residence in Balmoral Castle, Scotland , visitors can purchase tickets for tours of the State Rooms, the Queen's Gallery, and the Royal Mews.

From prison to palace, treasure vault to private zoo, the magnificent Tower of London has fulfilled many different roles over the centuries. One of Britain's most iconic structures, this spectacular World Heritage Site offers hours of fascination for visitors curious about the country's rich history, so much of which happened here.

Inside the massive White Tower, built in 1078 by William the Conqueror, is the 17th-century Line of Kings with its remarkable displays of royal armaments and armor. Other highlights include the famous Crown Jewels exhibition, the Beefeaters, the Royal Mint, and gruesome exhibits about the executions that took place on the grounds.

The Bloody Tower is also worthy of a visit. Here you'll find stories of ancient torture, and you can learn about the mystery of two princes who disappeared many years ago.

For the best use of your time, especially during the busy summer season, purchase the Tower of London Entrance Ticket Including Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour in advance, to bypass the ticket office lines. This pass guarantees the lowest price, helps avoid the crowds, and saves time and hassle.

Located adjacent the Tower of London, Tower Bridge features two huge towers rising 200 feet above the River Thames.

This is one of London's best-known and most photographed landmarks. While fascinating behind-the-scenes tours are available, you can easily walk across the bridge from the Tower of London.

For the best Tower views, as well as a glimpse of HMS Belfast and London Bridge (which many mistakenly believe Tower Bridge to be), find a spot mid-way across. While it can be crowded, especially around sunset, an early morning arrival before the throngs of tourists get there is well worth the effort.

Afterwards, head over to the renovated Butlers Wharf district on the bridge's south end for a unique twist on the classic "full English" breakfast at WatchHouse Tower Bridge. This now ritzy area is fun to wander and is home to a funky selection of restaurants, luxury housing, and shops.

Address: Tower Bridge Road, London

Official site: www.towerbridge.org.uk

Displaying one of the world's finest collections of antiquities, the British Museum contains more than 13 million artifacts from the ancient world. With priceless objects from Assyria, Babylonia, China, Europe, and elsewhere, it's hard to know where to begin in this expansive attraction.

Most tourists head first for the museum's most famous exhibits: the controversial Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone , the colossal bust of Ramesses II, the Egyptian mummies, and the spectacular hoard of 4th-century Roman silver known as the Mildenhall Treasure .

In addition to a well-stocked, on-site bookshop boasting an exhaustive array of titles on ancient history, archaeology and art history, there's a shop selling kids' games and souvenirs, along with one that sells replica sculptures and jewelry.

For those able to linger longer, the museum offers a variety of lectures and workshops, plus a restaurant and café.

Address: Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, London

Official site: www.britishmuseum.org

Nothing screams "London" more emphatically than the 318-foot tower housing the giant clock and its resounding bell known as Big Ben. It's as iconic a landmark as Tower Bridge , and the tolling of Big Ben is known throughout the world as the time signal of the BBC.

Below it, stretching along the Thames, are the Houses of Parliament . The seat of Britain's government for many centuries, it was also once the site of the royal Westminster Palace occupied by William the Conqueror.

The best view of the parliament buildings can be had by crossing Westminster Bridge and looking back. Or, turn left after crossing the bridge and walk along the path towards the SEA LIFE London Aquarium (a fun spot to take kids). Gather your crew along the wall for a perfect photo with Big Ben in the background.

Tours of the Houses of Parliament offer a unique chance to see real-time debates and lively political discussions. From Parliament Square, Whitehall is lined by so many government buildings that its name has become synonymous with the British government.

Official site: www.parliament.uk/bigben

It's almost impossible to visit London without catching a glimpse of the impressive National Gallery. This iconic, columned museum is set at the edge of Trafalgar Square , home to incredible masterpieces that make it one of the best attractions in London.

Ranking among the top art museums in the world, London's National Gallery represents an almost complete survey of European painting from 1260 until 1920. The museum's greatest strengths are in its collections of Dutch Masters and Italian Schools of the 15th and 16th centuries.

Among its highlights are a cartoon (preliminary sketch) of the Madonna and Child by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo's The Entombment , Botticelli's Venus and Mars , van Gogh's Sunflowers , and The Water-Lily Pond by Monet.

Address: Trafalgar Square, Charing Cross, London

Official site: www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The Victoria and Albert Museum (aka the V&A) is part of a South Kensington-based group of museums that includes the Natural History Museum and Science Museum . Founded in 1852, the V&A covers close to 13 acres and contains 145 galleries spanning some 5,000 years of art and related artifacts.

Exhibits include ceramics and glass, textiles and costumes, silver and jewelry, ironwork, sculpture, prints, and photos, and are conveniently arranged into four main categories: Asia; Furniture, Textiles, and Fashion; Sculpture, Metalwork, Ceramics, and Glass; and Word and Image.

It's impossible to get around this vast museum in a single visit, so the best plan to tackle it is to decide in advance which sections you most want to see. Taking a V&A tour is highly recommended, and often free, with options including everything from daily introductory tours to specific gallery or themed tours.

The Main and Garden Cafés are more impressive than any museum eatery you've seen. The intricate detailing on everything from the floor to the columns to the ceiling make them worthy pieces of art themselves. Plus, the food is quite tasty. Also, don't miss an opportunity to luxuriate in the John Madejski Garden , which is so beautiful and serene, you'll forget you're in the center of one of the world's largest cities.

If you're around, check into one of the fun "Friday Late" programs held on the last Friday of the month (except for March and December). These fun events are popular for their food and drink experiences, along with late-night exhibition openings.

Address: Cromwell Road, Knightsbridge, London

Official site: www.vam.ac.uk

Two of London's best-known tourist spots, Piccadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square lie not far apart and mark the gateway to Soho , London's lively theater and entertainment district. The walk from one to the other is truly enjoyable, lined with eclectic boutiques, tasty cafés, ice-cream shops, and winding laneways evoking a bygone era when only horses and buggies traipsed through these historic streets.

Trafalgar Square was built to commemorate Lord Horatio Nelson's victory over the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson's Column , a 183-foot granite monument, overlooks the square's fountains and bronze reliefs, which were cast from French cannons. Admiralty Arch, St. Martin-in-the-Fields , and the National Gallery surround the square.

Piccadilly Circus marks the irregular intersection of several busy streets, including Piccadilly, Regent, Haymarket, and Shaftesbury Avenue. Overlooking this somewhat untidy snarl of traffic stands London's best-known sculpture, the winged Eros delicately balanced on one foot, bow poised.

"It's like Piccadilly Circus" is a common expression among Londoners to describe a busy and confusing scene.

Since it opened in 2012, The Shard has taken its place as one of the most-recognizable and most-visited landmarks in London.

Standing 1,016 feet tall and encompassing some 95 stories, this remarkable structure is so-named for its resemblance to a shard of glass. Yet, while it dominates the skyline south of the River Thames, its pleasing design doesn't seem at all out of place when seen next to neighbors such as Tower Bridge.

In addition to its office space on the lower levels, The Shard is home to a stunning Shangri-La Hotel and three superb restaurants, all boasting some of the most incredible views over London. For those not staying here, the upper-most levels consist of a choice of viewing platforms: indoor and outdoor.

Another London skyscraper that's worth a visit is the "Walkie Talkie" with its popular Sky Garden attraction. Located around the corner from the Tower of London and set on the building's 34th to 37th floors, the garden's terraces offer some of the best views over the city. If you've got the time, reserve a table at one of the restaurants here in order to enjoy the views while you dine.

Address: 32 London Bridge Street, London

Official site: www.the-shard.com

Art lovers cannot visit London without touring its most impressive art museums: the two Tates. Located on opposite sides of the Thames, Tate Britain and Tate Modern together comprise one of the world's most important art collections .

The original gallery opened in 1897 as the basis of a national collection of significant British art, and continued to make acquisitions, needing more space to properly display its collections. The end result was the establishment of Tate Britain, in Millbank on the north side of the Thames, as home to its permanent collection of historic British paintings.

A superbly transformed power station across the Thames became home to the modern art collections. Art lovers can spend a whole day viewing both sites, conveniently connected by high-speed ferry. Better still, walk across the Millennium Bridge , a footbridge that connects the two banks of the river close to the Tate Modern. The views are spectacular.

Tate Britain

• Address: Millbank, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-britain

Tate Modern

• Address: Bankside, London
• www.tate.org.uk/visit/tate-modern

Another location with a long association with British royalty, Westminster Abbey stands on a site that's been associated with Christianity since the early 7th century. Officially known as the Collegiate Church of St. Peter in Westminster, Westminster Abbey was founded by Edward the Confessor in 1065 as his place of interment.

From his burial in 1066 until that of George II almost 700 years later, most sovereigns were not only crowned here but were buried here, too. More recently, it's become famous as the preferred location for Royal Weddings.

This masterpiece of Gothic architecture not only has the highest Gothic nave in England (102 feet), it's also one of London's most popular tourist attractions, drawing well over a million visitors each year.

Highlights of a visit include seeing the more than 600 memorials in the Nave, including the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior; Poet's Corner in the Transepts , with its memorials to the likes of Shakespeare, Chaucer, and Dickens; the Westminster Abbey Museum; and the attractive gardens.

Address: 20 Dean's Yard, Westminster, London

Official site: www.westminster-abbey.org

Among the most fascinating and evocative of London's historic sites are the perfectly preserved Churchill War Rooms.

The nerve-center from which Prime Minister Winston Churchill directed British military campaigns and the defense of his homeland throughout World War II, their simplicity and cramped conditions underline the desperate position of England as the Nazi grip tightened across Europe.

You'll see the tiny cubicle where Churchill slept and the improvised radio studio where he broadcast his famous wartime speeches. Simple details, such as Clementine Churchill's knitting wool marking the front lines on a map of Europe, bring the era to life as no other museum could possibly do.

Audio guides are available (a thorough self-guided tour takes about 90 minutes), and a café and bookshop are located on the premises.

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London

Official site: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/churchill-war-rooms

Established in 1754, London's spectacular Natural History Museum remains one of the most-visited such attractions on the planet. It's easy to spot for its huge Romanesque façade, and a visit is something you'll not want to rush. Arrive early as it can get quite crowded.

Many of the museum's original exhibits are still on display centuries later, and together comprise a massive collection of more than 80 million items showcasing everything from botany to zoology, plus pretty much everything in between. A highlight of a visit is seeing the preserved specimens that Charles Darwin collected on his epic journeys.

If you're not in a hurry, start your visit by joining one of the formal guided tours on offer, ranging from 30 to 50 minutes. You'll be introduced to highlights you may wish to return to at a later date to explore in greater detail.

A variety of fun events are held regularly, from workshops for kids to late night openings. Shopping opportunities are located on-site, along with a number of dining options.

Address: Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London

Official site: www.nhm.ac.uk

Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is London's largest open space and has been a destination for sightseers since 1635. One of the park's highlights is the Serpentine, an 18th-century man-made lake popular for boating and swimming. Hyde Park is also where you'll find Speakers' Corner , a traditional forum for free speech—and heckling.

Another Hyde Park landmark is Apsley House , former home of the first Duke of Wellington and purchased after his famous victory at Waterloo. Now a museum, it houses Wellington's magnificent collections of paintings, including Velázquez's The Waterseller of Seville , along with gifts presented by grateful European kings and emperors. England's greatest hero is also commemorated at the Wellington Arch.

Another lovely London green space to explore is Regent's Park . Just a short walk away from Westminster, this 410-acre attraction is a delight to stroll around. If you're traveling with kids, be sure to visit London Zoo , located within the grounds of the park and one of the most popular things to do for families visiting the city.

• Read More: Top-Rated Attractions around Hyde Park

The largest and most famous of London's many churches, and undoubtedly one of the most spectacular cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's Cathedral sits atop the site of a Roman temple. The previous church structure was destroyed in the Great Fire of 1666, and Sir Christopher Wren designed the rebuild .

Today, the twin Baroque towers and magnificent 365-foot dome of St. Paul's are a masterpiece of English architecture. If you're up to it, be sure to walk the stairs with their spectacular views of the dome's interior, including the Whispering Gallery , undoubtedly one of the top things to do in London.

• Read More: Exploring London's St. Paul's Cathedral: A Visitor's Guide

Whether you're a fan of food, flowers, art, or clothes, you'll find something to love in London's best markets . While most open only on weekends (Fridays included), some of the most eclectic venues, like the vibrant Camden Market in North London, welcome shoppers daily.

Camden Market is home to over 100 stalls, shops, and eateries offering everything from gluten-free goodies to hand-made jewels to bohemian clothing. If you're looking for a distinct urban feel, you'll find it here.

Borough Market is a must-visit for foodies in central London. This popular venue, which is situated near London Bridge, is so busy on weekends, you'll have to fight your way through crowds to nab the best produce or mouthwateringly good sample of giant paella.

Arrive early (we'd suggest no later than 10am) to enjoy a little more elbow room. The line for coffee can extend for blocks, so head there first. While some stalls are open during the week, most don't unveil their goods until Friday morning.

Old Spitalfields Market is another beloved spot offering some of the city's most gorgeous flowers, interesting antiques, art, jewelry, and more. Built in 1876, this is one of the best examples of a Victorian Market Hall.

Other popular markets include, Maltby Street Market , Brick Lane Market , and Portobello Road.

Read More: Best Places to Shop in London

The market halls of Covent Garden are only the beginning of the neighborhood, which encompasses the shops and restaurants of Long Acre and other adjacent streets, those of Neal's Yard and Seven Dials, as well as the Central Square with its incredibly talented, and unique, street performers.

The halls and arcades of Covent Garden Market are lined with specialty shops and kiosks selling everything from teas to fine handcrafts to tacky souvenirs. A few restaurants are sprinkled in as well, some offering patios for you to enjoy a tasty treat while people-watching.

Housed in the former flower market, you'll find the London Transport Museum , a kid-centric haven for those who love all things vehicular. Filled with historic buses, trolleys, and trams, children and adults alike will love this interactive transportation hub. "Drive" a London bus, pilot a tube train, or sit on an ancient trolley.

This area is also where you'll find the Royal Opera House and a variety of other leading London theaters.

Built to mark London's millennium celebrations in 2000, the London Eye is one of the world's largest observation wheels. Its individual glass capsules offer the most spectacular views of the city as you embark on a circular tour rising 443 feet above the Thames. The journey lasts close to 30 minutes, often quicker than the time spent lining up for your turn.

If you can, reserve your time in advance. Better still, skip the line completely with a London Eye: Skip-the-Line Ticket . This advance ticket allows you to take a flight at any time on the day you plan to visit. If you can afford it, rent one of the private capsules and share the experience with friends and family.

Another fun way to view London for above is aboard the Emirates Air Line , a cable car system that crosses the Thames between Greenwich and the Royal Victoria Dock. The journey travels one kilometer and lasts 10 minutes, long enough to enjoy spectacular views and grab a few memorable selfies.

Official site: www.londoneye.com

Another great Thames-side attraction, Hampton Court is one of the world's most famous and grandest of royal palaces, and a truly remarkable place to visit in London. Its Great Hall dates from Henry VIII's time (two of his six wives supposedly haunt the palace), and it's where Elizabeth I learned of the defeat of the Spanish Armada .

Meet Henry VIII himself or have a chat with Anne Boleyn, both of whom wander the grounds and involve guests in their interesting antics at random points throughout the day. Depending on the time and date you visit, you may even be asked to participate in a session in court.

Grab an audio guide upon your arrival and choose a velvet cloak to wear as you tour the grounds, if you're hoping to feel a bit more authentic. Get lost in the palace's famous Maze , or grab a bite in the on-site café,

Other interesting features include the Clock Court with its fascinating astronomical clock dating from 1540, the State Apartments with their Haunted Gallery, the Chapel , the King's Apartments , and the Tudor tennis court. Don't miss the Tudor Kitchens and their massive fireplaces.

The gardens are also worth visiting, especially in mid-May when in full bloom. Highlights include the Privy Garden, the Pond Garden, the Elizabethan Knot Garden, the Broad Walk, and an area known as the Wilderness.

Although a little farther outside the city center, Hampton Court is a must-do sightseeing trip when visiting London. It's a bit of a haul on the tube, but taking a taxi, renting a car, or even grabbing a car service will make this trip more than worthwhile.

• Read More: Visiting Hampton Court Palace: Top Attractions, Tips & Tours

For centuries the hub of Britain's naval power, Greenwich is best known to tourists as the home of the Cutty Sark , the last of the 19th-century tea clippers to sail between Britain and China. The ship is located adjacent to the Discover Greenwich Visitor Centre with its exhibits showcasing more than 500 years of maritime history, and the Palladian mansion known as Queen's House .

The impressive collections of the National Maritime Museum , the largest of its kind in the world, illustrate the history of the Royal Navy. And one of the most unusual things to do in London is standing with one foot in each hemisphere, astride the Meridian Line in the Meridian Building in the Royal Observatory.

Read More: Top Attractions in Greenwich & Docklands Districts, London

If you've time in your travel itinerary, two other military attractions related to the Churchill War rooms are also worth visiting: The Imperial War Museum and HMS Belfast .

Located a short distance from the popular Southbank cultural district, the Imperial War Museum London can easily occupy the best part of a day with its fascinating exhibits and collections of military vehicles, weapons, and aircraft.

Set in chronological order, displays portray the very real experiences of participants and victims in the world's major conflicts, with many hands-on exhibits allowing unique incites into their place in history. The Holocaust Galleries are particularly sobering.

A shop and café are located on-site, and before leaving, grab a selfie standing next to the huge shells and guns located out front.

The other must-see under the Imperial War Museum umbrella, HMS Belfast is a well-preserved WWII-era cruiser that served during D-Day. Located on the River Thames opposite the Tower of London, this historic vessel can be explored as part of a guided or self-guided tour.

For a truly memorable experience, consider booking a fun family tour. A gift shop is located on the premises.

The revitalized Docklands area of East London has been transformed into an international place of business and recreation, filled with some of London's smartest new restaurants and entertainment experiences.

The revitalized Docklands area also includes Canary Wharf. This important financial and business hub offers a variety of fun things to do, including shopping and dining.

The excellent Museum of London Docklands is the place to visit to learn more about the area. Located in a series of old Georgian warehouses on Canary Wharf, it brings to life the river, port, and its people from Roman times to the present through hands-on displays that are especially interesting for children.

A little closer to the Tower of London, St. Katherine Docks is fun to explore, too. Redeveloped as a mixed commercial and residential area, here you can spend time wandering the marina or enjoying a great meal or respite while watching the world go by.

It's hard to believe you're in London (well, technically just outside London) when on a visit to Richmond Park. One of the most captivating of the eight Royal Parks, this lavish natural wonderland has everything you'd look for in an English park: winding paths, verdant woodland, sparkling lakes, horse stables and trails, bike lanes, and multiple picnic spots.

Enjoy unparalleled views of St. Paul's Cathedral from King Henry's Mound , a picturesque hilltop surrounded by wild deer. Luxuriate in a warm tea and traditional scones at the Pembroke Lodge Tea Room , or rent a bike and cycle through this spectacular 2,500-acre nature reserve.

If visiting during spring, particularly late April or early May, make your way to the Isabella Plantation , a remarkable Victorian woodland garden set within the park. Its vibrant 40 acres are filled with colorful rhododendrons, azaleas, and camellias so resplendent, you'll think you're walking through a fairy tale.

Official site: https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park

Spending at day at Kew Gardens is one of the best things to do in London. A UNESCO Heritage Site , this phenomenal spot is home to over 50,000 living plants and some of the most majestically manicured gardens in England.

Officially called the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is situated in southwest London on the south bank of the Thames and offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of central London, and a welcome breath of fresh air. Located on a flight path, you'll spot multiple jumbo jets, but these add to the allure for little ones.

Also family-friendly is the expansive indoor and outdoor playground, which comes complete with a zipline. Visit on a sunny day, and you should prepare to jostle for a picnic spot on the lush lawns, as this is a popular spot for families to enjoy a lunch out. Didn't pack snacks? Visit one of the on-site restaurants for a tasty treat-they even offer dairy and gluten-free options.

Laid out in 1759, the gardens became government property in 1841. In 1897, Queen Victoria added Queen's Cottage and the adjoining woodland. A variety of tours are available free with admission, and many musical and cultural events are held here throughout the year.

Don't miss the towering Pagoda ; Japanese gardens ; Treetop Walkway ; and the remarkable Palm House , an indoor rainforest with an aquarium in the basement. The impressive Rhododendron Dell is a breathtaking treat popping with vibrant blooms during spring.

• Read More: Exploring the Top Attractions of London's Kew Gardens

London's top tourist attractions are spread out over several different areas of the city. If you want to spend time sightseeing, it's a good idea to base yourself in a central location and use the city's excellent public transport system to travel between the sites. Here are some highly rated hotels in Central London:

Luxury Hotels:

• When it comes to posh hotels, the grande dames still grace the list of London's best. Pampering guests for more than a century are The Goring , a stone's throw from Buckingham Palace.
• The Langham , in the heart of the West End, has played host to royals and celebrities for more than 150 years.
• A few steps from Trafalgar Square is the Corinthia London , with a rooftop terrace and luxurious afternoon teas.
• The Ritz London , also known for teas, is handy to the posh shops of Mayfair.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• The Fielding Hotel , a popular boutique property, places you right near Covent Garden, one of the city's most touristy areas. Handy for those arriving by train from Heathrow or Gatwick airports,
• The Clermont, Victoria is right over Victoria Station.
• About a 15-minute stroll from Covent Garden, Bloomsbury was once London's literary hub and is now home to one of the city's top attractions, the British Museum, as well as highly rated mid-range hotels such as The Montague on the Gardens and The Bloomsbury . Both are also a short stroll from Oxford Street shopping.

Budget Hotels:

• If you're watching your wallet, the Premier Inn London Kensington (Earl's Court) Hotel is an affordable option minutes from museums and Earls Court tube station.
• You can also head north and try The Alhambra Hotel or Jesmond Dene Hotel , both near busy King's Cross tube station, a major transport hub.
• In-depth tours. It's hard to choose the best sights to see in London; there are so many awesome spots on offer. This nine-hour, Best of London Sightseeing Tour makes sure you don't miss anything essential. In addition to taking you to some of the city's top spots like Westminster Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, guests receive pre-arranged tickets for a boat cruise, as well as comprehensive tours of the Tower of London and St. Paul's Cathedral, plus a stop to watch the Changing of the Guard. Upgrade to receive a cream tea at Harrods or a flight on the London Eye.
• Seeing the Sights . One of the best ways to see the sights of London is on a traditional, double-decker Hop-On Hop-Off London Sightseeing Tour . This has been the classic sightseeing tour for years, and it's popular for good reason: it's easy, convenient, informative, and ensures you see the most important attractions. Tickets are flexible, with open dates, and are valid for a 24-hour period. Even if you are in London for several days, this is a great way to spend a day getting oriented, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
• Day Trips . Beyond the city, there are some excellent sightseeing opportunities that can be easily undertaken on a day trip tour from London. The Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath Day Trip from London is an 11-hour guided trip that takes visitors to these must-see places to visit. It's a great way to see the surroundings without the hassle of driving, navigating, and parking.
• Harry Potter Experience. Fans of Harry Potter will definitely want to take the Warner Brother's Studio Tour - The Making of Harry Potter for a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the movie and a walk through the incredible sets where the film was made. Visitors can explore the site on their own, see the costumes and props, wander through the Great Hall, and learn about the whole experience of filming. The tour includes transportation to and from the studios from central London and an entrance ticket.

Let's be honest: no one travels to London for its weather. Frequented by cloudy skies that release smatterings of mist and rain, the UK's epic capital city is best visited with an umbrella in hand.

That said, London receives less annual rainfall than its tarnished reputation would have us believe, and less than many European cities . And rather than heavy rainfalls, the norm is "little and often." Yes, you'll likely run into a sprinkle or two during your visit, but a little rain never ruined a vacation, especially when touring a historic metropolis with so much to offer.

When those beautiful, bright sunny days do appear, visitors receive front row seats to the city's remarkable transformation. Locals smile more easily, the city's best parks and gardens fill with sun worshippers and picnickers, and a sparkling hue adds another level of magic to the city's most magnificent buildings. There's nothing better!

London is a tourist hot spot throughout the year. In other words, there's never a bad time to visit. If you're looking for a better chance of glimpsing the sun and avoiding masses of tourists, however, the best time to visit London is from March through May . That said, if you don't mind rubbing elbows with a zillion other tourists, a good time of year to travel to London is during the summer months from June to September.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Other English City Destinations : Given its relatively small size, it's easy to travel from London to other great English cities, including lovely Liverpool , famous as the birthplace of The Beatles. The industrial city of Manchester is also within easy reach and is popular for its historic canal network and fine museums. Birmingham is another northern city worth visiting and celebrates both its rich industrial past along with modern museums, art galleries, and other cultural attractions.

Easy Escapes : From London, you're only a short train ride away from the idyllic countryside of the Lake District , a popular walking destination and known for the stunning scenery around Lake Windermere. The historic city of Bath , named after its well-preserved Roman baths, is another great escape, whether for a weekend or a week. So, too, is the cathedral city of Durham , which is also home to one of the most-visited castles in England.

Top UK Vacation Ideas : Scotland makes for an excellent UK vacation, and is where you'll find the spectacularly beautiful city of Edinburgh , recognizable the world over for its lovely castle. The tiny nation of Wales , too, is worth exploring, especially its capital city of Cardiff and the stunning scenery of Snowdonia in North Wales .

More on England

The 26 Best Things To Do in London For Tourists

Kristoffer Fons

I n this comprehensive guide to the sights and attractions of London, I provide recommendations to all those traveling to London, looking to experience the city’s best and most well-known sites.

I describe both the things to do that are free as well as those that cost money. You can typically save money by buying tickets for the paid attractions in advance – in these cases I will provide a link to purchase tickets, so you can get a head start on planning your trip to London from home.

Let’s get started with the guide to the best things to do in London .

1. London Eye

Buy tickets for the london eye in advance, 2. musicals in london, 3. harry potter’s london, 4. boat ride on the thames, 5. madame tussauds london, 6. brick lane, 7. tower of london, 8. skygarden or the shard, 9. buckingham palace, 10. sightseeing bus tour in london, 11. westminster abbey, 12. palace of westminster, 13. st paul’s cathedral, 14. football stadium tours, 15. free museums, 16. stroll through hyde park, 17. markets in london, 18. shop at harrods in knightsbridge, 19. admire the skyline of london from primrose hill, 20. wander around covent garden, 21. tate modern, 22. kew gardens, 23. try afternoon tea in london, 24. london zoo, 25. sealife london aquarium, 26. the london dungeon.

It’s impossible to create a guide to the sights of London without mentioning the London Eye. Indeed, it’s with good reason that the London Eye is one of the most visited attractions in London. The huge observation wheel, located on the south bank of the Thames, provides a brilliant view over the whole of central London.

The view includes famous buildings such as Big Ben, St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge. On clear days you can see up to 40 km away!

Each “capsule” has room for 28 passengers, so if you are as a family, you can rest assured that there is room for everyone to be together on the loop – which takes about 30 minutes.

The only drawback of taking a ride in the London Eye is that it’s an extremely popular attraction, so there is always a long queue. This can be remedied by  purchasing a fast track ticket online .

Tickets to the London Eye cost  £22.50  when you buy them online (cheaper than buying on the day), but I recommend to anyone who wishes to avoid wasting a lot of time standing in line to buy a fast track ticket.

I have been to the London Eye twice – once with a regular ticket, and later with a fast track ticket. The fast track ticket to the London Eye skips the long queue and allows you to go directly onboard.

Fast track ticket to the London Eye cost  £31.50  and it’s definitely money well spent. Less time standing in line gives you more time to for the rest of the city and its numerous attractions.

Buy tickets for the London Eye at GetYourGuide .

Not a specific attraction, but a unique experience in London. London is world renowned for having some of the best musicals, and the West End of London has countless charming theatres where fantastic musicals are on every day.

If you have even the slightest interest in musicals or theatre, then you should take in a musical on your visit to London.

The tickets must be purchased from home if you want to see a particular musical – they will actually sell out during busy periods in the town, which is almost always the case. However, it’s also possible to be lucky to buy last minute tickets to musicals in London .

The website  London Tickets  is where you can both check the musicals that are playing right now, and buy tickets for them – check out the section for last-minute musical ticket today, tomorrow and this week.

Read my extensive guide to musicals in London .

• If you want to stay close to the West End Theatres then check out this huge guide to the best value hotels in Central London .

If you’re not a fan of the Harry Potter universe, you may be forgiven for skipping to the next section. But if you, like me, are a big fan of the wizard from England, then you should start looking forward to your next trip to London.

For there are many Harry Potter-related attractions in the English capital: A dedicated Harry Potter sightseeing bus ride, a Harry Potter Walking Tour and then also Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station just to name a few.

But just outside London is the real Harry Potter mecca; Harry Potter Studios. Where you can step into the magical universe and walk around in the sets and soundstages from the movies. Highly recommended!

Remember to book tickets for Harry Potter Studios in advance – they will sell out.

You can read more about the studios in my huge guide to Harry Potter’s London .

This is something I never get tired of and I always try to fit one in when I’m in London. There is something very special about them that gives one a unique impression of how ever-changing London is.

Combine your visit to the London Eye with a boat tour – all boats sail right past the Ferris wheel. I have written a thorough guide to  boat trips on the Thames to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Read more about the best things to do in London at Destination Well Known .

You may already know Madame Tussauds wax museum from other cities in the world. Madame Tussauds in London is the first of its kind and it has been in operation for a long time, since the museum first opened its doors in 1835.

Madame Tussauds is a wax museum where you can “meet” a variety of celebrities and famous people. Well worth a visit for the whole family. Like many of the other sights & experiences in London mentioned in this guide, I strongly recommend to book tickets to Madame Tussauds well in advance.

Why you should do that, and much more, you can read in my guide to Madame Tussauds London .

Brick Lane is ‘just’ a street in east London. But in recent years ‘Brick Lane’ has become a destination in itself for young people traveling to London to experience that unique, trendy, hipster London vibe.

To be fair, the so-called ‘real’ London hipsters are probably long since departed the Brick Lane area (and north towards Dalston, Hackney and Stoke Newington), but there is still much cool left in Brick Lane and the rest of the Shoreditch area.

Brick Lane is multicultural, trendy and host to many good Indian restaurants.

Read more about Brick Lane here .

From London’s East End, heading south from the trendy Brick Lane to the Thames embankment, we find the impressive Tower of London.

The Tower of London is a castle that was founded back in 1066. The tower has most recently been used as a prison. Two well-known East End villains,  The Kray Twins , were among the last who were imprisoned there.

The tower of London remains a royal palace, but functions primarily as a tourist attraction and is home to the British crown jewels, which are an attraction in their own right. The tower of London and Tower Bridge, which is right next door, are indubitably one of those sights that feature in many people’s bucket lists.

You could just view the Tower from the outside, but for the full experience make your way into the castle.

Buy tickets to see the crown jewels and experience the Tower of London here .

There are a number of splendid vantage points in London where you get a brilliant view over the city. The previously mentioned London Eye is the most well-known, but if you’re more into a conventional experience I would recommend either Skygarden or The Shard.

Skygarden is a free ‘public garden’ where there is a bar and a large area where you can sit or walk around and enjoy the views out over London. Skygarden is located near the Tower of London, so the two sites can easily be combined.

A free ticket to Skygarden must be ‘purchased’ in advance – read more in my guide to Skygarden here .

If you prefer a more elegant setting for your viewing experience, you may want to cross the river to the south of London and take the elevator up The Shard. There are several options, since there are, among other things, many a number of bars and restaurants in the tall building.

You will enjoy a particularly nice view of London, but be aware the prices match the setting, it costs about £26 just to get up to the top of the building.

Find more information on The Shard’s website .

Want to see where the Queen of England lives? She lives in Central London, so it would almost be a shame not to pay her a visit on your city break to London.

From the outside, one can get a fairly good impression of the palace, but by far the most interesting part of this attraction is the changing of the queen’s guard. Typically, these takes place in the morning between 10:15 and 11:45, but always check up on this before you go to the palace, as it may vary.

Read more about the changing of the guard times on the official website here .

It’s also possible to experience Buckingham Palace from the inside, but there are limited opening hours:

If you are traveling to London during the period Buckingham Palace is open for visits, you should be there on time and make sure you book your ticket in advance.

Buy your tickets to visit Buckingham Palace here .

Tickets to Buckingham Palace cost as follows:

If you would like to see as many sights in London in as little time as possible, then it’s possible to jump on one of the dedicated sightseeing buses, of which there are many in London.

I usually recommend Big Bus Tour of London as it includes a free boat trip on the Thames, their buses run every 5-20 minutes and the bus route includes all the best-known attractions in London.

Read more about sightseeing buses and buy tickets here .

You can easily take in many of these sights on foot. I would not exactly advise against taking a sightseeing bus tour in London, but will say that it can be much cheaper to just buy a Visitor Oyster Card and then get around using London’s regular city buses and other public transport.

With a Visitor Oyster Card a bus ride costs only £1.50 no matter how far you go, this is an opportunity to save some money by traveling as the locals do.

The gothic church, Westminster Abbey, derives its name from the district in which it stands. This district is also home to the aforementioned Buckingham Palace. Westminster Abbey was originally built between 1045 and 1050 AD, while the construction that stands today was built in the 1200s.

If you have even the smallest interest in architecture, you need to schedule a stop at Westminster Abbey on your trip to London.

The church is not just a masterpiece; it also plays a central role historically. It’s the site of many of Britain’s biggest events such as coronations or royal family weddings. The most recent being Prince William and Kate Middleton’s marriage.

Westminster Abbey is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A ticket for Westminster Abbey costs £20 and you can buy your tickets here .

After the visit to Westminster Abbey, there’s no need to take more than a few steps before you encounter the Palace of Westminster, the building where the British Parliament is housed. It’s here that the House of Lords  and  House of Commons  convene.

The Palace of Westminster is perhaps London’s best-known landmark and is well worth a stroll outside. And yes, that is the bell tower housing ‘Big Ben’ rising above the Palace of Westminster.

It’s also possible to get inside the doors, read how to on their website here .

Earlier in this guide to London’s best sights I mentioned a few places where you can get a spectacular view of London. If you want to combine a good view with some culture, then you should consider visiting St Paul’s Cathedral.

Instead of writing a lot more about the church, I would much rather just play this video containing an excellent introduction to St Paul’s Cathedral, letting you know what to expect from the visit:

Tickets to St Paul’s costs £16 for adults and £7 for children. Fast-track tickets, which can save 10% compared to buying on the day, can be purchased at VisitBritain on this link .

London is home to some of the most successful football clubs in England and there are a lot of beautiful, impressive stadiums in London.

Most of these stadiums are open to visitors when the home team is not playing. Football matches in England are notoriously expensive, but even if you are not ready to spend large amounts of money to watch a game, it’s still possible to visit various stadiums in London – and even see much more than you would be able to on a match day.

I have compiled a list of stadium tours in London worth checking out. Click the link and read more about the given stadium tour:

• Arsenal stadium tour
• Chelsea stadium tour
• Tottenham stadium tour
• Wembley stadium tour

Other known football clubs in London include West Ham (now playing at  the Olympic Stadium ), Fulham, Millwall, Crystal Palace, Brentford and Queens Park Rangers.

London has a large number of museums with free access. For example, London’s  Science Museum  and the  Natural History Museum . They are both located in London’s West End and only a few hundred meters from each other, so if you want to visit the two museums on the same day it’s quite straightforward.

Read more about the Science Museum here  and read more about the Natural History Museum here .

And then there is, of course, the   British   Museum.  If you only visit one museum on your trip to London, I strongly recommend it’s the British Museum, which is also free. The British Museum has been around since 1700 and is considered one of the world’s largest and most important museums.

Read more about the exhibits that are in the British Museum right now on their website here .

Covering over 350 acres of London real estate, Hyde Park is one of the city’s largest parks and a beloved local landmark. This green space is home to all attractions, from manicured gardens to sprawling lawns and wildlife reserves to boating ponds.

Visitors can take leisurely walks along the tree-lined avenues or enjoy seasonal events like music concerts or open-air theatre performances. With so much fun in a single park – you won’t want to miss out.

London has many good markets to offer. My personal favorite is Borough Market , which is a food market located on the south bank of the River Thames and near London Bridge. Read more here .

Additionally, there is the ever-popular  Camden Lock Market , which attracts thousands of tourists every day.  Camden Lock Market is for the more alternative types, so if you want to buy a The Libertines t-shirt, a cool spiky leather bag or some really spacey clothes for a techno party, this is the place for you.

And even if you are not looking for those things, the atmosphere in the market area is still worth experiencing. Be aware, the place gets quite uncomfortably crowded in the weekends so I recommend you plan accordingly and arrive during a weekday.

There is also the legendary  Portobello Road Market , which takes place in the beautiful Notting Hill area. See more of London’s markets on this list .

Shopping enthusiasts should ensure they add Knightsbridge to their list of must-visit places in London.

Home to world-renowned department store Harrods and a host of other luxury boutiques, it’s no surprise that this upmarket district is frequented by A-list celebrities and everyday shoppers looking for designer labels, exquisite cuisine and lavish interior decorations.

Whether you want an indulgent shopping experience or want to window shop – there’s something for everyone here!

Primrose Hill is one of the most iconic places in London. With its stunning views of the city skyline, it’s easy to see why this spot is so beloved by locals and tourists alike.

The hill sits on the northern edge of Regent’s Park, offering panoramic vistas of central London from a single vantage point.

At night, the view takes on a different character – with glittering lights giving the skyline an almost magical feel. Photographers flock here for stunning shots of London after dark and blushing sunsets against the backdrop of glimmering skyscrapers.

Even if you’re not a professional photographer, you’ll still be able to capture some remarkable moments with your phone camera or regular camera lens!

In addition to its beauty, Primrose Hill also offers plenty of places to relax and socialise. From casual hangouts in cafés and restaurants along Regent’s Park Road to summer street parties in Chalk Farm, this spot has become one of London’s best-loved green spaces.

Covent Garden is a vibrant area of London and the perfect spot for visitors looking to experience the city’s culture, energy and charm.

From theatres and art galleries to pubs, cafés and shopping centres – this lively neighbourhood has something to offer all kinds of travellers.

The main attraction in Covent Garden is undoubtedly its bustling market square. Here you’ll find vendors selling a range of curiosities, from handmade crafts to second-hand books and vintage clothing.

It’s also home to the iconic London Opera House , where you can watch classic performances such as ballet, opera or musicals. You can soak up the historic atmosphere between shows with a stroll around streets lined with colourful shops and street performers entertaining passers-by.

Every visit to Covent Garden is complete with a meal at one of its many restaurants. Whether you’re after high-end haute cuisine or simple street food – there’s something for everyone.

Tate Modern is a must-see attraction in London. Located on the banks of the River Thames, this iconic building showcases a spectacular collection of modern and contemporary art from worldwide.

The gallery contains works by famous artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso and lesser-known pieces from emerging talent. As you explore the various galleries, you’ll be able to view sculptures, photography, video art and more.

Many visitors also appreciate Tate Modern for its unique architecture – with various structures ranging from old industrial buildings to more recent renovations that provide an inspiring backdrop for any artwork.

If you have time during your visit, check out the museum’s other attractions – including its Turbine Hall, which hosts regular installations designed to challenge visitors’ perception of art. There are also plenty of interactive events throughout the year – allowing visitors to get involved and engage with today’s contemporary art scene.

Kew Gardens is a stunning botanical paradise nestled in the heart of London. Spanning 300 acres, this lush oasis contains a variety of flora and fauna – from exotic plants to rare birds and animals.

The gardens are split into different zones so that visitors can explore different areas – from historic greenhouses to beautiful flower gardens and majestic trees.

One of the highlights is Kew Palace, an 18th-century royal residence filled with historical artefacts and artworks. There’s also lots for families to enjoy – with activities like mini golf, play areas for children, and educational seminars throughout the year.

Combined with its picturesque grounds, Kew Gardens provides an ideal setting for a day out or even a romantic evening stroll around its tranquil ponds and paths.

Afternoon tea is one of Britain’s most beloved traditions. Enjoying a pot of tea, a selection of delicate finger sandwiches, scones with jam and cream, and delicious cakes in glamorous surroundings is the perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Check out this afternoon tea bus tour in London.

The tradition originates from the mid-19th century when Anna Maria Russell, Duchess of Bedford, used to invite her friends for a late afternoon tea party. The idea quickly spread throughout British society and soon became a fashionable event.

These days, afternoon tea is still as popular as ever – with hotels and restaurants offering their unique take on this classic experience. Whether it’s served in royal style at The Ritz or presented with playful whimsy at the sketch, many beautiful options are available for all tastes. So why not indulge in some afternoon tea today and make it an occasion to remember?

London Zoo is a world-renowned zoological garden located in the heart of Regent’s Park. It’s home to over 17,000 animals of different species – including four great apes, tigers, polar bears and giraffes.

The zoo also provides fun experiences for visitors of all ages. There are daily animal talks and feeds, specialist keeper experiences where you can get close to the animals and even overnight stays at their exclusive lodges.

London Zoo also houses beautiful gardens perfect for a stroll around the grounds – from exotic displays to tranquil ponds, educational exhibitions, and many places to eat and drink. It’s a great day out for families or groups alike and makes for an unforgettable experience.

Sealife London Aquarium is an amazing underwater adventure located in the heart of London. Here you can explore the ocean’s depths to discover an array of incredible marine life, from sharks and stingrays to seahorses and octopuses.

The aquarium is full of unique and interactive experiences, such as touching pools where you can get up close and personal with some of the sea’s inhabitants and a 360° 4D cinema which will take you on an immersive journey through an enchanting underwater world.

There are plenty of educational displays too that provide fascinating facts about these fascinating creatures.

Sealife London Aquarium is perfect for all ages – providing hours of entertainment while teaching visitors more about our beautiful oceans. So why not dive in today and explore this extraordinary attraction?

The London Dungeon is a unique experience replicating historic London’s sights and sounds. Visitors can journey through 1000 years of the capital’s past, from the Viking invasion to the Great Fire of London.

The dungeon comprises a series of interactive scenes and live shows, including eerie boat rides through plague-ridden streets and a trial by jury where you might be found guilty or innocent.

It also provides some genuinely terrifying experiences such as a torture chamber where you’ll come face to face with some of history’s most notorious criminals – it’s sure to get your heart racing.

The London Dungeon is suitable for all ages, but beware: there are plenty of surprises in store, so brace yourself for an unforgettable experience.

If you have any questions about sights and things to do in London when please just write a comment below.

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2 thoughts on “the 26 best things to do in london for tourists”.

Really informative post, all majors places have been covered especially the ticket booking information. Boat ride on the Thames was my best thing to do when I was a kid.

Boat ride on the Thames is definitely a “must try” experience in London! 😀

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London Travel Hacks is an online travel guide to the beautiful capital of England. The aim of this website is to give you all the information you need before coming to London on a trip. The website is run by Kristoffer Fons, who has been travel blogging since 2013.

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20 top tourist attractions in London

London is a charismatic city that combines culture and heritage with a vibrant cosmopolitan energy. As one of the most visited cities in the world – and my personal favourite city – London offers an impressive collection of tourist attractions and landmarks. 

I’ve lived near London my whole life – so I may be biased, but I absolutely adore London. My guide to the top tourist attractions in London highlights the best destinations which I think are worth visiting.

From iconic landmarks and world-renowned museums to lesser known spots and hidden gems, I’ve tried to include something for everyone in this list.

This post was written in collaboration with Go City. I’d recommend choosing your own package of attractions with the Explorer Pass , as it’s a great way to benefit from amazing savings on London attractions, rather than booking individually. Plus, you get all tickets in one handy digital pass.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. The View from The Shard

Opening times: Wed-Fri, Sun: 11:00-19:00, Sat: 10:00-22:00

Admission price: £32

Time needed: 1 hour

Nearest tube or station: London Bridge train & tube station

Tickets: Book here

The Shard is one of the most iconic buildings in London , and a visit to the top is an unforgettable experience.

The View from The Shard is the highest observation deck in Western Europe and, on a clear day, you can see up to 40 miles away.

The 360-degree views take in some of London’s most famous landmarks, including Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, and St. Paul’s Cathedral.

The journey to the top starts in The Shard’s lobby, where you’ll board a high-speed elevator that whisks you skyward at 22 miles per hour. I’m always surprised at how quickly you get to the top!

As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a fascinating audio guide that tells the story of The Shard’s construction.

Once you reach the observation deck, you’ll have ample opportunity to explore and take photos before descending back to ground level.

I’d suggest treating yourself to a glass of Champagne while watch you watch the world unfurl across the city.

A visit to The Shard is a must for any fan of architecture or anyone who simply wants to enjoy breathtaking views of one of the world’s most vibrant cities.

Insider travel tip: You must book a ticket in advance. I recommend booking your ticket for sunset for gorgeous golden views over the city.

2. Westminster Abbey

Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thu, Fri: 09:30-15:30, Wed: 09:30-18:00, Sat: 09:30-13:30

Admission price: £20

Time needed: 2.5 hours

Nearest tube or station: Westminster tube station

Westminster Abbey is one of the most famous churches in the world, and it has been at the heart of British royal history for centuries. Trust me when I say that it is utterly breathtaking.

The building itself has an interesting history, having been constructed over a thousand years ago in the Romanesque style.

The Abbey has been the site of numerous important events in British history, including the coronation of kings and queens, and the burial of many notable figures.

Visitors can explore the beautiful Gothic architecture and learn about the Abbey’s long history.

The Abbey is also home to many famous artefacts, including the coronation chair and the Shrine of Edward the Confessor. 

Westminster Abbey is an important World Heritage site, and for that reason, I consider it to be one of the absolute must-see tourist attractions in London.

Insider travel tip: I’d advise planning to visit Westminster Abbey from 4pm on a Wednesday afternoon to avoid crowds and queues. No groups or tours are allowed in during these hours and not everyone knows about the extended opening times on a Wednesday.

3. St Paul’s Cathedral

Opening times: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 08:30-16:30, Wed: 10:00-16:30

Admission price: Adult: £18, Children: £7.70

Time needed: 2 hours

Nearest tube or station: St Paul’s tube station

St Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The cathedral, which is the seat of the Anglican church in London, was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1708.

I’m sure you’ll recognise St Paul’s from its impressive dome, which is the second largest in the world after St Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

The cathedral is also home to a number of works of art, including paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds and stained glass windows by Sir Christopher Wren.

Visitors to St Paul’s can explore the cathedral’s beautiful interior, climb to the top of the dome, or simply enjoy the views of London from the famous steps. I really think this is such a wonderful tourist attraction in London.

Insider travel tip: I’d suggest checking the calendar before you plan your visit, as opening hours can change depending on different events. 

4. Tower Bridge

Admission price: Adult: £11.40, Children: £5.70

Nearest tube or station: Tower Bridge tube station, London Bridge train & tube station

Tower Bridge is another of London’s most iconic landmarks. Situated in the heart of the city, it spans the River Thames and offers stunning views of both the river and the skyline.

Rather than simply seeing it from the outside, I’d recommend walking across the bridge’s high-level walkway, which opens up to reveal a glass floor above the river below.

It’s one of the few places in London where you can actually see the river flowing beneath your feet.

The bridge is also home to a number of historical exhibits, including a Victorian engine room that is open to the public. 

Insider travel tip: I’d advise arriving early if you can to avoid the crowds.

5. Royal Observatory Greenwich

Opening times: Daily: 10:00-17:00

Admission price: Adult: £16, Children: £8

Time needed: 1.5 hours

Nearest tube or station: Greenwich & Maze Hill stations

The Royal Observatory Greenwich is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London and I can see why.

Home of Greenwich Meantime (GMT) and the Planetarium, the Observatory offers a unique opportunity to learn about time and space.

Established in 1675 by King Charles II, the Observatory has been used to set the standard for timekeeping ever since.

It’s also home to the Prime Meridian, which is the imaginary line that divides the Earth into East and West – so it’s a pretty important place!

The Observatory itself offers views of the cityscape and the opportunity to learn about the history of timekeeping.

While the Planetarium offers a chance to view the night sky and learn about the stars and planets – I’d really recommend doing this, as I found it to be a truly fascinating experience.

Insider travel tip: I’d advise combining your visit to the Royal Observatory with a visit to Cutty Sark, as you can get a Day Pass ticket for £25 that includes both.

6. Cutty Sark

Nearest tube or station: Cutty Sark DLR station & Greenwich station

Tickets: Book here 

The Cutty Sark is a historic sailing ship and award-winning tourist attraction that is located in Greenwich. Built in 1869, it is one of the last surviving tea clippers. 

I’d recommend a visit to the Cutty Sark so you can explore the ship’s decks, view the historic rigging, and discover what life was like aboard the iconic ship.

The Cutty Sark was awarded the prestigious title of top tourist attraction in London a few years back – so you can trust me when I say that this attraction will deliver!

Note that you must have a timed entry ticket, so be sure to book in advance of your visit.

Insider travel tip: Rather than getting the DLR to the Cutty Sark, I’d recommend arriving via the Thames on an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper. You can pay with an Oyster card or contactless card, just like on the underground.

7. Kensington Palace

Opening times: Wed-Sun: 10:00-16:00

Nearest tube or station: High Street Kensington & Queensway tube stations

Tickets : Book here

Kensington Palace is the royal residence of TRH The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.

It’s also a popular tourist attraction in London and I’d especially recommend it for those interested in British history and royal palaces.

You can explore the beautiful grounds, tour the state apartments, and see important historical artwork.

Kensington Palace is also known for its afternoon tea , which is served in the Orangery restaurant, and I definitely think it’s worth stopping by.

The restaurant has an outdoor terrace with views of the palace gardens, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cup of tea on a sunny day. 

Insider travel tip: Although an appealing attraction to anyone with an interest in England’s royal history, there is not much to keep smaller children entertained at Kensington Palace.

Exploring London on your own? Check out my guide to the best London hotels for solo travellers .

8. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

Opening times: Daily tours available

Admission price: Adult: £17, Under 16: £10

Time needed: 50 minutes

Nearest tube or station: Blackfriars train station

In my opinion, a tour of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre is a must-do for any fan of the Bard. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the iconic Globe is a replica of the open-air theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.

You can explore the theatre, learn about its history and see how it was used in Elizabethan times. The education centre features interactive exhibits on Shakespeare’s life and work.

The Globe is more than just a London tourist attraction – it’s a cultural landmark that offers a unique insight into the life and work of one of the world’s greatest writers.

Of course, if a tour isn’t enough, I’d suggest checking what’s on and booking to see a performance. 

Insider travel tip: If you’re watching a performance at the Globe, it’s worth renting a cushion for £1 if you’re sitting on the wooden benches. Trust me, your bottom will thank you!

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9. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Opening times: Daily 10:00-15:00/16:00/17:00 (depending on season)

Admission price: Adult: £11-£20.50, Child: £4-5 (depending on season)

Time needed: 3 hours

Nearest tube or station: Kew Gardens tube station

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew is a world-famous institute for the study of plant life and a major tourist attraction in southwest London. I love Kew, as I think it’s a real sanctuary of peace within the city.

This London landmark features 500 acres of woodland and contains more than 50,000 different types of plants. As well as several glasshouses, a herbarium, and a museum.

You can stroll through the beautiful grounds, which contain rare and exotic plants from all over the world, or take a guided tour of the glasshouses.

Don’t miss the lily pads behind the greenhouse and be sure to stroll along the Treetop Walkway – my personal favourite spot when the weather is good!

Kew Gardens is also home to the seed conservation project. Seeds are collected and stored from all over the world in an effort to conserve rare and endangered species.

The gardens offer a number of educational programs, for those interested in learning more.

Insider travel tip: I’d advise arriving shortly after opening (10am) to get the most out of your day at Kew Gardens. 

10. Hampton Court Palace

Admission price: Adult: £26.10, Child: £13

Time needed: 4 hours

Nearest tube or station: Hampton Court train station

Hampton Court Palace is a historic palace in London that was first built in 1514 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

However, Wolsey fell out of favour with King Henry VIII, and the palace was taken over by the king.

It remained a royal residence for centuries, and today I’m pleased to say that it is open to the public. You can explore the palace grounds, which include a stunning maze, as well as the beautiful state apartments. 

I love that Hampton Court Palace is full of fascinating history and beautiful architecture. I think it’s a must-see London tourist attraction for anyone with an interest in British royal history.

Insider travel tip: The gardens and landscaped areas of the palace grounds cover an astonishing 750 acres.

So I’d advise wearing comfortable shoes, as you’ll need to do a fair bit of walking to thoroughly explore everything on offer.

11. London Stadium Tours

Times & prices: See individual stadiums

Tickets: Stamford Bridge , Emirates , Wembley , Tottenham Hotspur , Twickenham

London is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world. Visitors can now get an up-close look at these architectural marvels through London stadium tours.

Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium, Wembley Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Twickenham are just a few of the incredible venues that are open to the public.

With London stadium tours, visitors can explore the facilities, learn about the history of each stadium and even stand on the pitch itself.

Whether you’re a diehard sports fan or simply an admirer of architecture, London stadium tours offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the world’s most famous sports venues.

Insider travel tip: For those looking for an even more thrilling experience, The Dare Skywalk at Tottenham Hotspur offers stunning views of London from high above the pitch. I’m not a big sports fan, but this does sound right up my street!

12. Royal Albert Hall

Opening times: Daily: 10:00-16:00 (varies according to what’s on)

Admission price: Adult: £16.25, Child: £8,25

Nearest tube or station: South Kensington tube station

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in London. I’ve had some of my most memorable evenings watching various performances here.

The grandiose concert hall has been the site of some of the world’s most famous performances, from classical music concerts to rock shows.

Built in the late 19th century, the hall is named after Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria.

The Royal Albert Hall is home to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and plays host to many other musical events throughout the year.

Aside from seeing a performance, you can take a tour of the hall to learn about its history and see its beautiful architecture up close.

You’ll start in the grand foyer, where you will see the stunning marble staircases and get a sense of the scale of the building.

From there, you will head into the auditorium. Here you will see the famous circular seating arrangement and learn about the acoustics of the hall.

Insider travel tip: Around 20 times a year, the Royal Albert Hall runs a Behind-the-Scenes tour. It takes visitors to areas usually off limits to the public, such as under the stage and into the dressing rooms.

I think this a truly unmissable experience but there is limited availability so be sure to book in advance. 

13. Household Cavalry Museum

Opening times: Wed-Sun: 10:00-17:00 Nov-Mar & 10:00-18:00 Apr-Oct

Admission price: Adult: £10, Child: £8

Nearest tube or station: Westminster, Charing Cross & Embankment stations

The Household Cavalry Museum is located in the heart of London, next to Horse Guards Parade. The museum tells the story of the Household Cavalry, from their formation in 1660 to the present day.

You can discover what life was like for a soldier in the cavalry, learn about the role of horses in warfare, and see a range of artefacts, including armour, weapons, and uniforms.

There is also an interactive exhibit where visitors can try on an actual Queen’s Life Guard uniform. While I know that kids will love the arts and crafts area.

I think the Household Cavalry Museum is a must-see London tourist attraction for anyone interested in military history.

Insider travel tip: Be sure to catch the public inspection of the Household Cavalry – it takes place every day at 4pm.

14. ArcelorMittal Orbit

Opening times: Mon-Thurs: 12:00-17:00, Fri-Sun: 10:00-18:00 (varies throughout year)

Admission price: Adult: £11.50 (£16.50 with slide), Child: £5.50 (10.50 with slide)

Nearest tube or station: Stratford tube station

ArcelorMittal Orbit is a 115-metre-high sculpture and observation tower in the Olympic Park in Stratford. It was designed by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond for the 2012 Olympics.

The Orbit has a breathtaking viewing platform at 80 metres high. Don’t worry though, I’m pleased to say that there is a 34 second lift which whisks you to the top of the UK’s tallest structure.

When it comes to getting down, you can descend via the lift, the 455 steps or in the 45-metre slide. The latter is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit to ArcelorMittal Orbit and I know what I would do!

Insider travel tip: If you’re claustrophobic then this London tourist attraction may not be for you.

You’ll need to contend with the lift up, plus the slide is enclosed and therefore not suitable for anyone who is claustrophobic. 

Discover my guide to the best quirky things to do in London .

15. Museum of London

Admission price: Free

Nearest tube or station: Barbican & St Paul’s tube stations

The Museum of London is a must-see tourist attraction for anyone interested in the history of the city.

Spanning over two million years, the museum tells the story of London from its humble beginnings as a small Roman settlement to its current status as a global metropolis.

The exhibits are both informative and interactive, making it a great place to spend a few hours, whether you’re a history buff or not.

And if you get tired of walking around, I’d suggest pausing in the cafe where you can grab a bite to eat and relax.

Insider travel tip: Make sure that your phone is charged before visiting, as you can access online content via the QR codes as you explore the museum.

16. The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Opening times: Daily: 09:30-13:00 & 14:00-18:00

Admission price: Adult: £5.80, Child: £2.90

Time needed: 45 minutes

Nearest tube or station: Monument tube station

The Monument to the Great Fire of London is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The towering stone column stands over 202 feet tall.

It’s topped with a gilded urn that serves as a memorial to the devastating fire that consumed much of London in 1666. The Monument stands at the exact site where the fire started.

The Monument is open to the public, and I’d recommend ascending to the top for breathtaking views of the city.

The climb is not for the faint-hearted though, as there are more than three hundred steps to navigate. Quite the calorie burner if you ask me!

Those who make the journey are rewarded with a unique perspective on London’s history and architecture.

The Monument is a must-see for any visitor to the city, and provides a stirring reminder of the power of resilience in the face of adversity.

Insider travel tip: There is a mesh cage surrounding the viewing area at the top, so you may struggle to capture photos if you’re using a camera with a large lens. 

17. Old Royal Naval College

Admission price: Adult: £13.50, Child: Free

Nearest tube or station: Maze Hill train station

In my opinion, the Old Royal Naval College is a spectacular sight. Situated on the banks of the River Thames, the buildings were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in the late seventeenth century.

Today, the college is home to a number of museums and art galleries, as well as an iconic Painted Hall (known as ‘Britain’s Sistine Chapel’) and a beautiful riverside garden.

Here you can explore the history of the site, marvel at the architecture, and enjoy views of London from across the river.

Whether you’re interested in maritime history or simply looking for a place to relax, I really think that the Old Royal Naval College is well worth a visit.

Insider travel tip: The Old Royal Naval College is one of the most popular filming locations in the world. From Thursday to Sunday, there are special film tours of the College – perfect for film buffs (like me!).

18. Tower of London

Opening times: Tues-Sat 09:00-16:30, Sun-Mon: 10:00-16:30 (varies throughout year)

Admission price: Adult: £29.90, Child: £14.90

Nearest tube or station: Tower Hill tube station

The Tower of London is one of the most historic sites in the world. For centuries, it has been a symbol of the British monarchy and a part of the country’s rich history.

Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in London, drawing visitors from all over the world – and I can see why.

The Tower of London was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1066 as a fortification against invasion.

It later served as a royal palace, a prison, and even an execution site. Its most famous prisoner was Anne Boleyn, who was infamously beheaded in 1536.

A visit to the Tower of London is a truly unforgettable experience. From the moment you step inside, you feel like you are stepping back in time.

The imposing stone walls and high towers loom overhead, creating an atmosphere of awe and mystery. As you explore the different rooms and exhibits, I know you won’t be able to help but marvel at the Tower’s rich history.

The Tower also houses the Crown Jewels, which are among the most valuable objects in the world.

Insider travel tip: Queues to see the Crown Jewels can get extremely long, especially at peak times. So when you visit the Tower of London, I’d advise aiming to see the Crown Jewels first, before anything else.

Note that photography isn’t allowed in this exhibit.

19. Apsley House

Opening times: Thurs-Sun: 11:00-17:00

Admission price: Adult: £11.60, Child: £6.90

Nearest tube or station: Hyde Park Corner tube station

Apsley House was built in 1771 for the Earl of Apsley, and it was designed by the architect Benjamin Dean Wyatt.

It has been home to a number of notable residents over the years, including the Duke of Wellington.

This stately mansion is considered to be one of the finest examples of neoclassical architecture in England.

I think the interior of the house is just as impressive as the exterior, with a grand staircase, high ceilings, and several ornate fireplaces.

Visitors to Apsley House can tour the public rooms and learn about the history of the house and its owner, the Duke of Wellington.

A visit to Apsley House is a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience nineteenth-century luxury.

Insider travel tip: If you enjoy visiting this type of tourist attraction in London, I’d recommend visiting Sir John Soane’s Museum and the Wallace Collection too.

20. Eltham Palace

Opening times: Check online , dates and times vary

Admission price: Adult: £16.00, Child: £9.60

Nearest tube or station: Mottingham train station

Eltham Palace is a remarkable stately home in London. The building has a long and interesting history, dating back to the 12th century when it was first built as a royal palace.

Over the centuries, it has been remodelled and expanded several times, most notably during the reign of King Henry VIII.

Today, Eltham Palace is open to the public. I’d recommend exploring the beautiful gardens, state rooms and Great Hall. There is also a wide range of amenities, including a café, restaurant, and gift shop.

Whether you’re interested in architecture, art, or British royalty, Eltham Palace, I’m sure you’ll love this hidden gem.

Top tip: In late summer, Eltham Palace plays host to their annual Legendary Joust event. It’s a jousting tournament that transports visitors back to the 15th century, and I think it’s a fascinating event!

So if you’re visiting London in late summer time, I’d suggest checking when this unique event is on.

Planning a trip to England’s capital city? Discover my pick of the best luxury hotels in London , the best spa hotels in London and my guide to the top Michelin star restaurants in London .

If you’re struggling to decide which city to visit next, have a read of my guide to choosing between London or Paris .

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Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

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What to Do in London?

22 attractions you shouldn't miss.

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In a nutshell: 5 tips for staying in London

• Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard are some of the absolute highlights of London .
• While in London, you should visit at least one market. Our highlight: Borough Market !
• Free admission to museums : not a problem at London’s Tate Modern or British Museum.
• Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter through real sets at Warner Bros. Studios.

These were our top highlights in London . But of course, that’s not all!

In our article we will show you 22 cool London sights sorted by category: You can just have a look at what is really interesting for you.

Table of Contents

• Attractions map
• For first-timers
• For culture lovers
• For London experts
• For families
• For shopping fans
• London for free
• General tips

Map of our 22 London attractions

To start off and give you a better sense of all the London sights in this post, we made a map of our 22 highlights below.

Click here to download the map in PDF format

London attractions for first-timers

You are visiting London for the first time and obviously want to check out the most popular London highlights . We put the must-sees for you in two lists. The London attractions with a camera icon are among the highlights, but a short photo stop is enough here. The other the attractions are also worth checking out from the inside. Therefore, we will describe them in more detail.

These London highlights will be described in more detail:

Tower Bridge

Tower of london, westminster abbey.

• St. Paul’s Cathedral

Buckingham Palace

London attractions for a quick photo stop:

Big Ben Houses of Parliament Downing Street Windsor Castle

You should plan 1 hour

Tower Bridge is, without a doubt, one of the most famous bridges in the world . 40,000 vehicles cross the bridge every day and it is lifted several times daily to let ships pass through. Read more about the exact Bridge Lift times here .

Nine meters above the Thames is a free walkway. 42 meters up, there is another walkway with a glass floor – pretty cool, but only if you’re not afraid of heights.

You will need a ticket for the glass floor and the Bridge Museum.

Get tickets for Tower Bridge

You should plan 1.5 hours

The Tower of London is especially famous for the Royal Family’s Crown Jewels , estimated at over 20 billion pounds, which are kept there.

The Tower’s history is equally interesting though: it has served as an armory, prison, execution site and even a royal residence .

Pre-purchasing tickets online is recommended, as the lines at the door are always very long .

Get tickets for the Tower of London

To the website

Only a short walk from the Palace of Westminster is the 700-year-old church Westminster Abbey. This is where the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II and the wedding of Kate and William took place.

As you stroll around the gravestones in the cemetery, you’ll find many famous names from British history, such as Charles Darwin.

If you pre-purchase your tickets online they are a little cheaper.

Get tickets for Westminster Abbey

closed on Sundays (open for church services)

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s is a defining feature of London’s skyline and is located in the heart of the City. The cathedral’s huge dome is even bigger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome . The entire structure is absolutely beautiful, not just the architecture, but also the paintings and exhibitions .

If you can stomach climbing more than 500 steps up the spiral staircase to the top of the cathedral, a breathtaking view of London awaits you from a height of about 111 meters.

We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. The lines at the tickets booths can take forever, especially on weekends and during the peak season.

Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral Combined Ticket Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)

You should plan 1 hour (for the Changing of the Guard)

Nothing represents British history better than the Royal Family. So of course a visit to Buckingham Palace is an absolute must when you’re in London. The Palace is the official residence of the British Royal Family .

You can watch the Changing of the Guard at the Palace all year round. The spectacle takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It always starts at 11 am, but you should get there by 10:30 am to get a good view.

Note: You can only visit the royal chambers between July and October. Make sure to secure your tickets well in advance online.

Get tickets for the Buckingham Palace

Open between July and October

The Shard really lives up to its name, jutting out of the ground like a piece of shattered glass. For a brief period, the 310-meter skyscraper even held the title of tallest building in Europe upon completion in 2012.

Its 72 floors include offices, apartments, restaurants, stores, and a 5-star hotel. The viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer fantastic views over London.

It’s quite a bit cheaper to buy tickets online in advance than on site, but you’ll still have to wait in line to exchange your online ticket for a physical one. We recommend that you avoid visiting on weekends when the lines are particularly long.

Get tickets for The Shard

Several floors offer Michelin-star cuisine and great cocktails as well as an amazing view of London. You don’t have to pay admission here, but of course the food and drinks cost a pretty penny. You can also book a hotel room at the Shangri-La Hotel.  It offers luxury rooms with a spectacular view.

Current room rates at the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays in winter

It’s the tallest Ferris wheel in Europe at 135 meters , and the view is fantastic. However, if you have to choose between the London Eye and The Shard, we would recommend The Shard.

You can find all the important information in our article with the best tips for your visit to the London Eye .

It’s a good idea to book your tickets online in advance , as they’re 10 percent cheaper that way. You can choose between a standard ticket and a fast track ticket when you book your ride. The fast track ticket grants you preferred entry to the Ferris wheel through a special entrance so you don’t have to wait in line.

Get Fast Track Tickets for the London Eye

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: More London highlights for first-timers

These attractions are in every travel guide and cannot missed on our list. You can visit these for the perfect London snapshot:

London attractions for culture lovers

You love museums, can really lose yourself in art or like to stroll through theater districts? Perfect! In this section you will find the most exciting museums in London and other attractions for real culture lovers.

Our culture highlights in London at a glance:

• Tate Modern / Tate Britain

British Museum

National gallery, covent garden, notting hill, tate modern and tate britain.

You should plan 3 hours

Two of our favorite museums in London are Tate Modern and Tate Britain. While Tate Britain primarily shows British artists from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world .

Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. In Tate Britain you can find art from the Tudor period to British Modernism , Tate Modern features art and architecture by modern artists from around the world . Tate Modern will appeal to you even if you’re not really into art in general.

The buildings’ architecture alone is stunning and can turn a rainy day in London into a unique experience. The 10th floor of Tate Modern also offers a great view of the city.

And here’s the best part: Both museums are completely free to visit !

Our tip: “Tate Lates”. Visit the Tates at night, accompanied by music and a bite to eat. Late at Tate is a regular event that takes place every first Friday of the month at Tate Britain and every last Friday of the month at Tate Modern.

You should plan 2 hours

The British Museum is a world-renowned museum of cultural history and has accumulated some of the most important sculptures, antiquities, and architectural works in human history.

There’s so much to see at the British Museum that it’s impossible to take in everything at once, even if you spend the whole day.

Visiting the museum is free , but you’re encouraged to make a donation. Only special exhibits and events charge admission.

Guided tour of the British Museum

The National Gallery is an art museum located directly on Trafalgar Square in the city center. It’s one of the most significant and largest portrait galleries in the world with a collection of more than 2,300 artworks from the 13th through the 19th century.

The collection includes portraits of Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci, among many others. Admission to the National Gallery is free .

Our tip: Trafalgar Square is a wonderful spot to take a break from all the sightseeing. Its two fountains at the center are magnificent and the surrounding area is perfect for picnics, especially in the summer.

Guided tour of the National Gallery

Covent Garden is a theatre and entertainment district in the West End. People often only associate the historic Apple Market on the car-free square with the name Covent Garden, but the area has so much more to offer.

The London Museum of Transport, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum, and Seven Dials are just a few worthwhile attractions in the neighborhood. And aside from all the museums and theaters, the Apple Market is one of the most beautiful photo spots in London.

Its elegant halls are the perfect place for a leisurely shopping stroll. The many singers and street performers are what make the market so special.

You should plan 2 – 4 hours

Notting Hill is definitely one of the most photogenic parts of the city . Or instagrammable , as our younger readers might say. The neighborhood is known from numerous films such as the eponymous rom-com starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The streets of Notting Hill are characterized by colorful houses and flowers .

The market on Portobello Road is one of the most beautiful markets in London, replete with second-hand fashion, antiques, and wares of all shapes and sizes. The main market opens on Fridays and Saturdays.

The annual Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August. Europe’s largest street festival offers a spectacular parade with a wide variety of colorful characters.

Guided walking tour through Notting Hill

Attractions for London experts

Have you been to London before? These London attractions are great for a second or third visit .

If you are looking for insider tips in London, you might also like this article: 11 real London insider tips .

London insider tips that are worth visiting:

Borough Market

Brick lane market.

Our tip for London connoisseurs who have plenty of time:

• Street Art in London

The first Chinese restaurants set up shop in London in the 1950s. Today, you’ll feel as if you’ve been swept away to the Far East. Chinese characters, dragons, lanterns and the smell of fried duck are everywhere. Even the street signs in Chinatown are bilingual.

Chinatown is a little culture shock. You can eat delicious Asian food here or stock up on typical Asian products in the stores.

Our tip: Chinatown is also the scene of many exciting events, such as the Chinese New Year celebrations. Check the Chinatown website for information on upcoming events.

Borough Market is one of the most beautiful markets in London . It’s frequently chosen as a picturesque setting for movies, such as Bridget Jones or Harry Potter.

There are more than 130 stalls selling fruit, vegetables, natural products, meat, and fish . In addition to regional products, you’ll also find delicacies from all over the world. For example, German expats in London can enjoy a taste of home in the form of German bratwurst sold here.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here, sampling from the stalls and shopping for souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Only on Sundays it closes one hour earlier.

Our tip: Around Borough Market you’ll also find some cool London restaurants.

Closed on Sundays (only open in the run-up to Christmas)

At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch you can find anything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs and of course lots of delicious street food .

The market originated in the former Old Truman Brewery , which had to close in the 80s. Today it has developed into a market with over 300 stalls , some of them covered and others are simply on the street. We particularly like the fact that Brick Lane still retains the industrial charm of old London .

Our tip: It’s best to visit Brick Lane Market on a Sunday, which is the only time the street market takes place.

Streetart in London

You should plan 4 hours (for a tour)

If you already know the classic museums in London, there is still more art than the mainstream.

Especially the neighborhoods of Shoreditch and East End are full of beautiful street art. Among them are works by internationally known artists like Banksy or Shepherd Fairey.

We recommend a guided tour , because your guide knows the coolest street art in London and you don’t have to search for a long time.

Street art tour and workshop in London

London highlights for families

If you’re traveling to London with children, you probably won’t be looking for dull museums. In our list you will find the London highlights that kids will also enjoy . We will describe the first three in more detail in a bit.

These sights in London were our highlights:

• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
• Transport Museum London

More London attractions for families:

• Science Museum
• Holland Park
• Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

You should plan 1 – 3 hours

Hyde Park is one of the public royal parks in the heart of London. With an area of 1.4 square kilometers there’s plenty of space for your kids to run around and play.

The Serpentine, a snake-shaped lake running through the middle of the park, is the perfect place to cool off in the summer. From late November through January, Hyde Park hosts the Winter Wonderland with ice skating, a Ferris wheel, and a circus – perfect for families.

Our tip: On Sundays, pay a visit to Speakers’ Corner in the northeast end of Hyde Park (near Marble Arch). Since the 19th century, speakers have been coming here to stand on boxes and speak their minds about every topic under the sun. If you’re feeling brave, why not give it a go yourself?

Warner Bros. Studios

Why not apparate to Diagon Alley and get a few souvenirs from Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes ? You can – well, almost.

At Warner Bros. Studios in London, you can visit some of the original sets, such as Diagon Alley , the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and the wizarding bank Gringotts . You’ll see the actors’ costumes and some of the iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Hagrid’s flying motorbike .

A truly magical experience for all Harry Potter fans, both young and old.

Harry Potter Studios Tour

London Transport Museum

At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, your kids can explore the world of London’s transport.

There is, for example, a restored steam engine , electric trains or the typical r ed double-decker buses to discover. What kid wouldn’t want to play train conductor?

The museum also tells some really crazy stories . There is, for example, an exhibition about an underground aircraft factory in a subway tunnel.

Get tickets for the London Transport Museum

More tips for families in London

London has so many fun options to offer for families. Here are some more ideas:

London highlights for shopping fans

London and fashion – the two belong together. We will show you the best places to shop in London.

Our highlights for shopping in London:

Oxford Street

Camden market.

Oxford Street is one of the most prestigious and famous shopping streets in all of Europe. It extends for 1.9 kilometers and offers everything from luxury brands to cheap knick-knacks.

Stores open daily. If you really want to do some serious shopping, try strolling down the street during the week ; it’s pretty much impossible to shop in peace on the weekends.

Our tip: The pre-Christmas season is a magical time in London, and starting in November, Oxford Street is beautifully decorated with Christmas lights. Be sure to stop by Carnaby Street, a side street off of Oxford Street, and marvel at the lights and romantic restaurants around Kingly Court.

Harrods is the most famous department store in London. The rich and famous have been shopping at Harrods since 1834, and for a long time the department store was the official supplier to the Royal Family.

The charm of the old building will send you into a shopping frenzy. Many of the stores are luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci or Prada. But there are also several “normal” stores.

Our tip: If possible, don’t visit Harrods on a Saturday, as it’s particularly crowded then.

You should plan a whole day

Camden Market is not just any old market. There are around 1,000 stores offering anything from vintage fashion to art to street food . The atmosphere is like a trip back in time to the 70s and 80s. It is divided into three separate markets :

• Buck Street Market , right next to the Tube station, is full of stalls selling cheap, mass-produced goods.
• Stables Market , along Chalk Farm Road, offers alternative and vintage fashion, furniture, and second-hand items.
• The oldest market is located directly on Regent’s Canal. Camden Lock Market offers high-quality hand-made jewelry and clothing, decorations, and the finest street food.

London for free: Our tips for those on a budget

Are you traveling on a budget? London is not exactly a cheap destination, but with some tricks at hand, you can visit many of London’s attractions for free.

Here are our tips for free sightseeing in London:

• walk across Tower Bridge
• visit a free museum like Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum or the National Gallery
• enjoy the view in the Sky Garden
• stroll through the markets of London
• check out some street art in East London

General tips for your visit to London

Before you get started with your trip to the top highlights in London, here are a few quick tips to help you make the most of your visit.

Ideally, you should plan at least 3 to 5 days for your city trip to London. That’s still not much for such a big city, which is why it’s important to plan well. That’s why we prepared the perfect 3-day plan for London :

#1 Choosing the right place to stay

When choosing your accommodation, you should make sure that it’s in a central location . Here are three great and centrally located hotels in London.

Wilde Aparthotels : cool apartments in the bustling Covent Garden district, very close to the theater district The Montague On The Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum, especially suitable for families and first-time visitors Treehouse Hotel London : super green hotel with a treehouse theme, close to Oxford Street

#2 Get an Oyster Card

London is huge and its must-see attractions are scattered throughout the city, so doing everything on foot is only recommended for the most ambitious exercise fanatics. For everyone else, the public transport network is excellent  and is the perfect way to get around and see the sights.

You’ll need an Oyster Card to use the public transport in London. An Oyster Card is a pre-paid travel card that you simply hold against the reader before boarding a bus or entering a Tube station. It’s incredibly convenient and easy to use. Cards are available at local outlets, such as airports and all Tube stations.

Alternatively, you can also order the card before your trip and have it conveniently delivered to your home for a small fee. That way you can feel like a local and just get on the next bus or Tube when you arrive, without the hassle of looking for a vending machine.

Order the Oyster Card online

We recommend using the Citymapper app for public transport in London. It shows you how long it’ll take you to get from A to B, how much it’ll cost, and which lines to take.

Get the Android app from the Google Play Store Get the iOS app from the Apple Store

#3 Save time and money with city passes

It may be worth buying one of the London city passes if you plan on visiting a lot of attractions that charge admission.

These discount passes grant you free admission to numerous attractions in London and save you quite a bit of money.

Another advantage is that some sights offer preferred fast track admission for pass holders. In other words, not only will you be saving money, but also a lot of time.

The following passes are available:

London Pass (includes most of the attractions) Go City’s London Explorer Pass (the most flexible pass) Merlin Magical London 5-in-1-Pass (a good choice for families with children)

#4 Explore London with a guided tour

If you’re visiting London for the first time or want to explore a whole other side of the city, a guided tour is a great idea.

There’s a huge range of city tours in London to suit all tastes.

Here are three cool tours, that can be booked directly online:

Bike tour through London Boat cruise on the Thames including lunch Harry Potter-themed tour

What are your London highlights?

That wraps up our list of the 22 must-see sights and attractions in London. Have you ever been to London? Which attractions in London were your absolute favorites? Tell us all about them in the comments. We look forward to hearing from you!

• United Kingdom

82 Best Tourist Attractions in London

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London boasts grand palaces, ancient buildings, world-class museums and excellent choices of restaurants and shops — attracting millions of tourists every year !

Famous for Buckingham Palace, home of Queen Elizabeth II, London has been the main residence of kings and queens of England for about 1,000 years.

While preserving its classical architecture and traditions, this cosmopolitan city maintains a harmony between the old and the new . You can find stately old buildings standing close to sleek skyscrapers. See the 900-year-old Tower of London just a stone throw away the 87-storey modern building, The Shard.

After exploring royal palaces and gardens, head to Leicester Square to watch Broadway shows, catch a movie premier or enjoy shopping. Harry Potter’s famous Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station continues to attract fans from around the world.

These are just a few of the best tourist attractions in London and there are many more to explore in this modern yet historic city.

1 – The British Museum

With one of the most varied and impressive collections of antiquities in the world, The British Museum is without a doubt one of the best tourist attractions in London .

From its extensive collection of classical Greek pottery to its outstanding Assyrian and Ancient Egyptian artifacts, this is a museum experience like no other.

One of its most important pieces, The Rosetta Stone, was essential in helping historians understand the meaning of Egyptian hieroglyphics and is a truly invaluable historic artifact.

The museum has important artifacts from cultures all around the globe so whatever your specific interest, you’re sure to find it here.

Admission to the museum is free. Don’t miss this one!

• British Museum tours

2 – Buckingham Palace

The official home of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, Buckingham Palace is at the top of most people’s must-see places in the British capital .

The palace has been at the center of Royal Life in London since 1837 and is often the venue for national celebrations and commiserations alike.

The palaces staterooms are open throughout the Summer months and visitors can take a guided tour to learn about the fascinating history of the building and its royal residents.

Another popular reason to visit Buckingham Palace is to witness the changing of the guard . This occurs a couple of times a week between 10.30 and 11.00 in the morning and is totally free to attend.

• Buckingham Palace tickets & tours

See also: Buckingham Palace Last Minute Tickets – It’s not Sold out!

3 – London Eye

For some of the best views over the city, there’s only one place you need to go, The London Eye.

This huge observation wheel towers over 130 meters above the city and has views over Waterloo and the entire north bank of the River Thames . On a very clear day, it is said to be possible to see Windsor Castle which is almost 30 miles away.

Experiencing the majestic view at night, with the city’s dazzling lights spread out beneath you, is undeniably one of the most captivating night-time activities in London .

Many of the city’s best-loved landmarks are visible from “The Eye”, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament.

It takes around 30 minutes to take the 360-degree trip around the wheel and is the ideal place to grab those stunning travel photos of the city.  There’s no wonder this is one of the most popular attractions for first-time visitors to London.

• London Eye tickets

See also: Cheap London Eye Tickets – How to Save up to 30%

4 – Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Visiting London with teens ? If you’re looking for the ultimate Harry Potter experience , a tour of Warner Bros. Studios is sure to fit the bill.

Including a number of the best-loved sets from the film series, this magical tour of the Warner Bros film studios will be a highlight of all aspiring witches and wizards in the city.

Step into iconic places such as Hogwart’s Great Hall, the Forbidden Forest, Hogwart’s Express and Diagon Alley. See artifacts and costumes from the movies, including Quidditch uniforms, ball gowns, potion jars, memory vials and much more.

This is the ultimate behind-the-scenes Harry Potter experience!

• Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour London

See also: Harry Potter Studio London Tickets Last Minute – It’s not sold out!

5 – Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is the grandest and most distinctive of the Thames River crossings , for this reason, it is often mistakenly called London Bridge.

Many visitors to the city presume the attractive and historic Tower Bridge, which appears often in movies and television shows, is the famous London Bridge from the nursery rhyme. London Bridge is in fact the next bridge along the river.

Nevertheless, Tower Bridge is a must-see landmark in the city and is very easy to find. It is close to major attractions including the Tower of London, St Katharine Docks and The Shard.

• Tower Bridge tickets

6 – Big Ben

Quite possibly the most iconic clock tower in the world , Big Ben has graced the north end of the Palace of Westminster since 1859. Its real name is actually the Elizabeth Tower which is a fact even many Londoners do not know.

Big Ben was originally the name given to the clock’s largest bell but over time it became used to refer to the whole tower. There are a number of stories but no one can agree where the nickname originated or why. Its largest bell, the one that chimes the hour, weighs over 13.5 tons.

The clock is known for its incredible accuracy and works by an ingenious Victorian-era mechanism that counteracts wind and atmospheric pressure on the clock hands. Each new years eve, the sound of Big Ben chiming is broadcast all across the UK to mark the turning of the New Year.

Don’t miss this top London landmark on your trip to the city.

7 – Natural History Museum

To say there are lots to see in the Natural History Museum would be an understatement. Home to over 80 million artifacts covering the history of life on Earth , and much more, the museum is a must-visit for all ages.

Upon entering the very grand Victorian-era building, visitors are met with the colossal skeleton of a Blue whale — which has come to be known as Hope. There are galleries where you can come face to face with life-sized dinosaurs and hippos and learn about the powerful force of volcanos.

Discover ancient fossilized sea creatures that once ruled the oceans and check out the Darwin Centre, with its collection of spirit-preserved creatures, including a giant squid.

There’s so much to see in London’s Natural History Museum, you’ll want to return again and again.

• Natural History Museum tours

8 – Science Museum

The Science Museum is, without doubt, one of the best attractions in London . The museum is over 160 years old and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

Its major exhibitions focus on the science behind energy, space exploration and manufacturing but it also has captivating displays related to clockwork mechanisms, medical science and pre-1800s science.

Catch a science movie in the IMAX Theater or visit one of the temporary exhibitions which have included diverse topics such as the effect of science fiction on modern science, the use of technology to understand the past, and the history of flight.

General admission to the Science Museum is absolutely free and is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the city.

9 – The Shard

One of the greatest places to visit in Central London , The Shard towers more than 80 stories over the city. It was completed in 2012 and at the time was the tallest building in Europe.

At its highest point, it is 309.6 meters tall and its striking appearance has made it a dramatic focal point of the city. In its short life, it has appeared in a number of video games, TV shows and movies, including Doctor Who and Spider-Man.

The Shard houses offices, a Shangri-La Hotel, a number of restaurants and bars as well as public viewing decks on floors 68, 69 and 72 . It is safe to say you won’t find many views of the city to rival this one, except perhaps the London Eye.

• The Shard tickets

10 – Hampton Court Palace

The favorite residence of many of the Tudor Kings and Queens, including Henry VIII, Hampton Court Palace has seen its fair share of historic events .

Henry’s VIII only son and successor to the throne, King Edward VI was born at the palace and his mother, Jane Seymour died there within weeks of his birth. It was also here that Henry’s fifth wife, Catherine Howard was arrested before her execution.

The impressive Great Hall was created for King Henry in the 1530s and it houses a unique collection of priceless tapestries from the era. The Tudor Kitchens are also a sight to behold and feature a fireplace large enough to roast whole animals.

History buffs will really enjoy a trip to Hampton Court Palace , especially those interested in royalty and the Tudor era.

• Hampton Court Palace tickets & tours

11 – Borough Market

One of the oldest and largest markets in London, Borough Market has a history that dates back to at least the 12th-century .

It was formerly a wholesale fruit and vegetable market until the 1990s when it began to offer more specialty items and high-quality local products.

Now visitors can pick up artisan bread, specialist meats and cheeses and a variety of locally produced ingredients . You can also find international flavors from Italy to Mexico and grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous food trucks.

Check out this historic market in the heart of the action right by London Bridge.

12 – Houses of Parliament

The iconic Houses of Parliament are one of the most defining attractions on the Westminster skyline . The official name of this sprawling and monumental building is the Palace of Westminster and, in its current form, dates back to the mid-1800s.

There was an older Westminster Palace that burned down in 1834 and had origins going back 1,000 years. The fire was immortalized in a number of paintings by the artist J.M.W Turner who witnessed the occasion.

Westminster Palace has been a meeting place for the country’s parliament since 1295. The current two branches of parliament, the House of Lords and the House of Commons occupy different chambers of the building.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament and attend a number of events there, including Prime Minister’s Questions as well as debates and more.

• Houses of Parliament tickets & tours

13 – Victoria and Albert Museum

The world’s largest museum of applied arts and design, the Victoria and Albert Museum holds over 2 million items in its collection .

The V&A is sure to be a highlight of your trip to the city and is definitely one of the best museums in London for the whole family. It has enough to keep everyone interested and features a wide variety of exhibitions , from textiles to technology.har

It holds a huge selection of garments and clothing for those who are interested in fashion as well as furniture, paintings, photography, modern design innovations and much more.

This fun and vibrant museum is always fun to explore and has a rotating program of exhibitions so you are sure to see something new each time you visit.

• Victoria and Albert Museum tours

14 – Kew Royal Botanic Gardens

The Historic Kew Gardens in South-west London is home to one of the largest plant collections in the whole world with more than 8 million varieties and specimens .

The gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and date back to the 1840s with a number of historic buildings within the grounds, including a royal palace and one of the world’s largest surviving Victorian glasshouses.

It has plants from many different climates and zones, including Alpine, desert and tropical plants and a wide variety of palms. You can also see bonsai, aquatic and carnivorous plants in its world-class collection.

• Kew Gardens tickets

See also: Kew Gardens Tickets Price – How to Save up to 25%

15 – ZSL London Zoo

There are so many exotic and beautiful creatures to meet at ZSL London Zoo you’re sure to have an enchanting time there.

It is thought to be the world’s oldest scientific zoo and dates back to 1828 . Located in Regent’s Park, it is the perfect day out for kids and adults alike right in the heart of the city center.

One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the brand new and super-adorable tiger cub, Loki. There are many other fantastic creatures to admire also, including lions, giraffes, gorillas and much more. In fact, London Zoo has one of the largest animal collections in the UK.

Take a break from the busy city to enjoy this historic and fun London institution.

• London Zoo tickets

See also: Cheap London Zoo Tickets – Save up to 30%

16 – The National Gallery

Home to an inspiring collection of masterpieces, The National Gallery is one of the best places to visit for lovers of Renaissance art in the city.

Its collection includes over 2,000 paintings that date from the 14th-century to the end of the 19th-century . Here visitors can trace the history of European art through some of its most important artists.

See vital works by Hans Holbein the Younger, Jan van Eyck, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael. Discover important national artists such as J.M.W Turner and John Constable as well as the works of highly-influential international artists.

General admission to the National Gallery is always free.

• National Gallery tours

17 – Kensington Palace

The official home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Kensington Palace is one of London’s finest royal home s.

It is steeped in significant royal history and was the childhood home of Queen Victoria as well as a regular residence to Kings George I & II, Queen Mary II and Queen Anne.

The building was expanded to its current design by renowned royal architect Christopher Wren in 1689. It features King’s and Queen’s State Apartments which can be visited including the very grand King’s Drawing Room.

Kensington Palace is a great place to visit to get a further look into the country’s historic royal palaces and to see the splendor in which its rulers lived.

• Kensington Palace tickets & tours

18 – Tate Modern

The modern art branch of the Tate family of museums, Tate Modern is located in the iconic and industrial former Bankside Powerstation.

Its exhibitions feature many highlights of modern and contemporary art with a wide range of installations and interactive exhibitions sitting side-by-side with more traditional paintings, prints and sculptures.

Its varied and lively exhibits make it one of the most popular places to visit in the city and you’re sure to see works that are both engaging, challenging and cutting edge.

Some of its must-see permanent works include pieces by Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Paul Klee.

• Tate Modern tours

19 – National Maritime Museum

Uncover Britain’s seafaring history at the excellent National Maritime Museum in the heart of Greenwich.

The museum tells the story of Britain at sea through objects, artworks and photographs covering centuries of global exploration. It holds a collection of over 100,000 maps and charts as well as 3,500 model ships which date back hundreds and, in some cases, thousands of years.

See ingenious clockwork inventions for keeping time at sea as well as uniforms and flags, ship’s furniture and much more. Discover photographs and objects from the early polar-exploration missions that took place between the late 19th and early 20th-centuries.

This fascinating collection is sure to awaken your sense of adventure.

20 – Barbican Centre

This huge entertainment complex in the city center is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

Housed in a Brutalist-style building from the 1970s, the Barbican Centre is home to two of the country’s musical institutions, the London Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Symphony Orchestra .

Inside you can find a few cinemas, a couple of art galleries, a concert hall and a really beautiful Tropical Conservatory.

The Barbican hosts a wide variety of events, including orchestral concerts, dance and theatre events and much more.

21 – Royal Albert Hall

Host to the BBC Proms concert series each year, The Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK’s best-loved venues and has just celebrated its 150th birthday.

Though widely known as a place for orchestral, ballet and operatic performances, the Albert Hall has hosted many popular events , including everything from boxing matches to motor shows and rock bands.

Some of its most popular shows include the yearly Royal Variety Performances, The Brit Awards and The Cirque du Soleil.

Check out the website to see what events are happening during your time in the city and experience this majestic building for yourself.

22 – Covent Garden

Located in the heart of London’s West End, Covent Garden is one of the best places to go for shopping and entertainment in the city .

Alongside chic upmarket boutiques, restaurants and bars you can find some of the biggest names in luxury goods, including Chanel, Dior and Tiffany & Co. as well as much more.

There are many great dining opportunities here with a range of international flavors from the likes of Balthazar, Frenchie and SUSHISAMBA.

You can also check out the Harry Potter Photographic Exhibition on Wellington Street, take a tour of the Royal Opera House or peruse the stalls at the much-loved Apple Market.

You’ll find all you need and more in this shoppers paradise.

23 – St. Paul’s Cathedral

There has been a St.Paul’s Cathedral, in one form or another, for nearly 1,400 years on the hilltop site in the city center.

The current cathedral was designed by Sir Christopher Wren in the 1670s and its familiar domed roof has been an iconic part of the city’s skyline ever since.

It has often been used in times of great national celebration and mourning including royal weddings, birthdays and coronations and for funerals of leading figures such as Lord Nelson and Winston Churchill.

Visitors can take a tour of this magnificent building including its crypts, which hold the tombs of Sir Wren, Lord Nelson and the first Duke of Wellington, and the Golden Gallery in the uppermost part of its dome.

• St Paul’s Cathedral tickets

24 – National Portrait Gallery

Home to what is thought to be the largest collection of portraits in the world , The National Portrait Gallery is an enjoyable place to visit.

It holds important paintings in its collection of 11,000 works , including a very iconic portrait of William Shakespeare and other famous figures in British society.

In here you can see television and movie stars, sports personalities, musicians, writers, businessmen and women and much more. the oldest portrait in the collection is of King Henry VII and dates from the year 1505.

As well as paintings there are also sculptures and thousands of drawings and photographs that make up the extensive pictorial history of the UK’s most notable individuals.

25 – Cutty Sark

Thought to be the fastest ship of its time, the Cutty Sark is a clipper ship and was historically used to ferry tea and other perishable goods from India and China .

It is now a museum ship at the heart of Greenwich’s riverfront and sits on dry land at last. The ship’s exhibits allow visitors to discover what life was like on board these small but swift ships.

Walk the deck and take the wheel to see how it felt to captain this historic ship. Discover the innovative Victorian engineering that produced the world’s fastest sailing ship and see the original wooden features that have survived the stresses of time.

The Cutty Sark is just one of the excellent attractions in this bustling part of the city.

• Cutty Sark tickets

26 – Design Museum

One of the city’s most interesting and diverse attractions, The Design Museum displays a wide range of practical and beautiful objects.

Its permanent display, called Designer Maker User, contains almost 1,000 objects from the 20th-century to the present day . It is arranged from the perspective of the creator, manufacturer and user of the product.

You can see all kinds of items here including iconic computers by Apple, the famous London Underground Map and a vintage Vespa scooter. You’re sure to uncover items that are at once totally familiar and also groundbreaking.

The museum also has a bunch of fun temporary exhibits covering everything from style icons and fashion to upcycling and cutting-edge materials.

27 – Leadenhall Market

Dating back to the early 1300s, Leadenhall Market has long been one of the best places to shop in the city .

Its current form features a magnificent Victorian-style roof and a cobblestone arcade which were built in the 1880s as well as ornate stone decorations.

Visitors to the market can grab a drink in the historic Lamb Tavern or try out the many restaurants offering a range of international gourmet flavors. There are also a bunch of boutique shops selling clothing, jewelry and spa services.

You can still pick up some groceries at Leadenhall Market and the stalls are open Monday to Friday selling cheeses, meats, flowers and more.

28 – Royal Observatory Greenwich

One of the oldest observatories in the world and home to Greenwich Mean Time, also known as GMT, you could say the Royal Observatory is the “home of time”.

The observatory was built in 1676 and contributed significantly to the standardization of time around the globe. Some of its most important achievements have been in the field of practical astronomy for the purpose of timekeeping and navigation .

Visitors to the Royal Observatory can attend a number of interesting talks and demonstrations on Astronomy, visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium and check out some of the observatory’s historic devices such as the H4 and the Great Equatorial Telescope.

See clocks designed to keep accurate time at sea as well as the famous Meridian Line , where the western and eastern hemispheres of the globe meet.

• Royal Observatory Greenwich tickets

29 – Shrek’s Adventure! London

If you’re looking for fun things to see and do with kids in the city, Shrek’s Adventure London might be just the thing.

Join Shrek, Donkey and the gang for a fairytale adventure that you’ll never forget. Take part in a selection of immersive and entertaining shows as you travel to the kingdom of Far Far Away.

Visit some of the best-loved places from the Shrek movies, including Shrek’s Swamp, The Poison Apple Pub and The Bakery.

Meet all of your favorite characters including Princess Fiona, Puss in Boots, The Muffin Man and more at this great family-friendly attraction.

• Shrek’s Adventure London tickets

30 – Serpentine Galleries

Operating two sites just a stone’s throw from each other in London’s Kensington Gardens,  Serpentine Galleries host some of the most groundbreaking contemporary art exhibitions in the city .

Founded in the 1970s Serpentine has displayed artworks and exhibitions by notable artists, including Henry Moore, Man Ray and Andy Warhol among many others.

The galleries are located on either side of Serpentine Lake and are probably some of the most tranquil spaces in the whole city. As well as a range of art exhibitions, Serpentine also commissions a temporary pavilion in the park each year created by a distinct artist.

You’re sure to find interesting and thought-provoking exhibitions here exploring the forefront of where art and technology meet.

31 – LEGOLAND® Windsor Resort

LEGOLAND is one of the most popular theme parks in the whole country and is great fun for the whole family.

With a whole bunch of Lego-themed rides and attractions , this is sure to keep the kids happy during your time in London.

Fly through magical forests on a Lego dragon or discover hidden underwater worlds in the Lego City Deep Sea Adventure. Ride on the thrilling Flight of the Sky Lion or steer your way through the Hydra’s Challenge.

Catch an exciting show, including Lego Ninjago 4D movies and live puppets at the Duplo Valley Theatre. LEGOLAND Windsor is one of the best tourist attractions in London for kids and is one place you’ll want to return to again and again.

32 – Royal Academy of Arts

Home to the longest established art school in the country , the Royal Academy of Arts promotes the enjoyment and production of arts in the capital.

Founded in 1768, the academy is headed by distinguished artists, architects and Royal Academicians. As well as being an institution for learning it also houses a gallery that puts on exhibitions throughout the year.

Visitors can see works by many of the country’s leading artists, both past and present, in the academy’s permanent collection, this includes pieces by Constable, J.M.W Turner and many more.

With almost 1,000 paintings, 25,000 prints and drawings and 350 sculptures you are sure to be inspired by this fantastic and historic British art institution.

33 – Queen’s House

Thought to be the first classical building in the UK, Queen’s House is a former royal palace in Greenwich , London.

Built for Queen Anne of Denmark and later Queen Henrietta Maria in the early 17th-century, the house was designed by renowned British architect, Inigo Jones. It later became a residence for royal servants, artists and a school for orphaned children.

Now it houses a unique collection of art that is open to the public. It includes the important Armada portrait of Elizabeth I and paintings by Hogarth, Gainsborough and Lely.

In the run-up to Christmas, visitors can also enjoy a unique outdoor skating experience at the Queen’s House Ice Rink. Skate in style surrounded by the opulent grounds of this distinguished royal home.

34 – The London Dungeon

For a gruesome look into the city’s past, the first port of call should be The London Dungeon.

Take a macabre tour through the streets of old London and uncover the grisly truth of the city’s history. Meet icons of Victorian London, including the infamous barber Sweeney Todd and the mysterious Jack the Ripper.

Visit the Dungeon torture chambers and tour The Tyrant Boat Ride where you’ll learn all about Britain’s most cruel and vengeful monarchs. Take a trip through the infamous Traitor’s Gate and learn what life was like for those who crossed the Crown.

Take a spin on the Drop Dead Ride to discover the “more humane” method of corporal punishment used in British prisons— The long drop gallows.

These ghastly tours through Londons deep dark dungeons are sure to frighten , enlighten and entertain. Check them out, if you dare!

• London Dungeon tickets

35 – London Transport Museum

London’s transport system is one of the most visually iconic in the world, from its red double-decker buses to its black cabs it is truly unmistakable.

The London Transport Museum celebrates over 150 years of the transport network which helped make the city what it is today. From early horsedrawn trams and carriages to rail trams buses and much more, you can find it here.

Discover the history of the world’s first underground railway system, The London Underground . See how it has become a quintessential part of the city and popular culture from its famous “Mind the Gap” notification to the design of its route maps.

There is a lot to see and explore at this enjoyable museum devoted to the lifeblood of the bustling city.

• London Transport Museum tickets

36 – The Wallace Collection

Once the private collection of the Marquesses of Hertford, The Wallace Collection is home to a wide variety of artworks and decorative arts .

Its collection of paintings has works by some of the great masters, including Titian, Rubens and Van Dyck.

You can find famous paintings here such as Two views of Venice by Canaletto and The Laughing Cavalier by Frans Hals, thought to be one of the finest portraits from the Baroque era.

The Wallace Collection also includes a fantastic selection of ornamented armor and weapons , including antique shields, flintlock pistols and a jeweled dagger from the 1600s. There are also many fine pieces of furniture and a number of decorative and historic clocks.

37 – Sky Garden

Located on the top floor of the Fenchurch Building, known to many as the Walkie-Talkie for its boxy shape, London’s Sky Garden is the highest public garden in the city .

The garden boasts a number of restaurants and bars with some of the best panoramic views in the city, as well as an outdoor terrace that opens throughout the daytime.

The 36th floor of the building is a lush landscaped garden with exotic plant species from the Mediterranean and South Africa, including Bird of Paradise plants, African lilies and French Lavender.

Though general admission to Sky Garden is free of charge it is best to book in advance to avoid disappointment. This is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

38 – Churchill War Rooms

One of the best tourist attractions in London for history lovers is the Churchill War Rooms.

Located close to 10 Downing Street — the Prime Minister’s residence and office, The War Rooms are a formerly-secret underground bunker complex from the Second World War.

It was from here that Winston Churchill lead the country through some of its most difficult times. He worked and sometimes slept in the deep underground bunkers and it is where many important strategic decisions were made.

The Churchill War Rooms were closed at the end of the Second World War so have been well preserved. Visit the Cabinet Room, see the original 10 Downing Street door and the high-security Map Room that was once top secret!

This is sure to be fun and educational for everybody.

• Churchill War’s Room tickets & tours

39 – SEA LIFE Centre London Aquarium

Step into the colorful underwater world of London’s SEA LIFE Centre.

Check out the Ocean Invaders exhibition to see majestic jellyfish of all shapes and sizes. Discover more about these beautiful yet enigmatic sea creatures that have lived in Earth’s oceans for 500 million years.

See a vibrant coral reef — the largest in the UK , and discover all kinds of magnificent tropical fish. See hundreds of clownfish as well as cardinalfish and unusual anableps in this leafy and diverse ecosystem.

See unusual rainforest creatures such as the rose tarantula and Bowza the snapping turtle. Discover a murky shipwreck with circling sharks , meet rowdy penguins and curious but shy octopuses, all in this captivating London aquarium.

• Sea Life London Aquarium tickets

40 – Madame Tussauds London

The original world-first Madame Tussauds Waxwork Museum is still a popular London tourist attraction after nearly 200 years in business.

With over 250 lifelike wax figures , this is the place to visit to get up close and personal with your favorite stars.

See the waxworks of famous musicians like Ed Sheeran and movie stars and fashion icons, including Zendaya. Come face-to-face with Her Majesty the Queen and see sports heroes such as Muhammad Ali, Jessica Ennis-Hill and Usain Bolt.

The iconic waxwork museum also has Marvel and Star Wars exhibitions so you can meet all your favorite characters from the cinematic universes, including Spider-Man, The Hulk, Black Panther, Han Solo, Princess Leia and many more.

• Madame Tussauds London tickets

41 – Kensington Gardens

There’s a lot to see on a stroll through Kensington Gardens , just one of the city’s eight Royal Parks .

A great place to start would be Kensington Palace, the historic birthplace of Queen Victoria and the official home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge . The Italian Gardens and Albert Memorial were commissioned by Queen Victoria and still grace the gardens today.

The Serpentine Galleries , located on either side of Serpentine Lake, are a great place to check out contemporary art. In the Summer months, you can hire a rowing boat and take it for a cruise around the lake.

There are a bunch of interesting statues and monuments in Kensington Gardens, including a much-loved statue of Peter Pan, The Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and The Arch by artist Henry Moore.

42 –  The River Thames

The iconic River Thames snakes its way through the heart of the city and is an ever-present sight on a tour of the capital.

There are a number of things to see around the river including the famous Tower Bridge and many of the city’s most impressive buildings, including The Houses of Parliament, The Tower of London and the London Eye.

For visitors, or even locals, who want to see the city from a new and unique perspective, why not try a River Thames boat tour ? There are river tours to suit all tastes and budgets.

Looking for some romantic things to do in London ? Take to the water for a romantic dinner cruise and see the lights of the old city reflected in the water. Or maybe you prefer a white knuckle speedboat ride to see the waterfront sights of this historic and bustling city.

This is a fun way to make the most of your time in London.

• boat tours in London

Hot tip: The best London Thames River cruises offer a variety of thematic journeys, from historical explorations to festive holiday lights cruises, making every trip unique and engaging.

43 – Portobello Road Market

One of the city’s largest markets and one of the best tourist attractions in London for those who love to shop , Portobello Road Market is an enticing bunch of markets all rolled into one.

The market is open every day except Sunday and visitors can find a range of stalls selling food, fruit and vegetables, bric-a-brac and clothing.

It is a great place to shop for vintage apparel and accessories which can be found in the North Portabello and Portobello Green areas. You can also find collectibles and assorted fun and kitsch items here.

Portobello Road Market is also considered to be the world’s largest antique market and each Friday and Saturday is buzzing with hundreds of dealers and stalls selling their wares.

For the best experience visit on a Saturday when the whole market is in full swing.

44 – Saatchi Gallery

Displaying some of the finest contemporary art exhibitions in London , The Saatchi Gallery has been one of the leading art spaces in the city since 1985.

For over 35 years the gallery has been introducing the world to some of the freshest artists and providing the public with a place to discover great new art.

There is always something interesting to see at Saatchi Gallery and it exhibits a wide range of media. As well as paintings visitors can also find prints, installations, high-tech interactive artworks and photography.

This is a must for contemporary art enthusiasts .

45 – The Gherkin

Definitely one of the city’s most recognizable buildings, 30 St Mary Axe — or The Gherkin as it has come to be known as one of London’s most unique skyscrapers .

Though primarily an office building it has the Searcy’s Helix and Iris restaurant and bar located on its top floors, among others. Here visitors can get terrific views to enjoy with their meals and sophisticated cocktails.

If you want to visit the upper floors you can of course catch one of the 18 elevators or climb the mammoth 1,037 steps to the top.

The Gherkin’s glass facade looks terrific through the day but at night it is entirely illuminated and takes on another look.

46 – Harrods

Harrods department store on Brompton Road is the place to go for luxury shopping and dining in London . It has long been a favorite haunt of the super-rich and curious tourists alike.

Founded in 1849, it is, without a doubt, the poshest department store in the country — it even has a dress code. It has over 300 different departments in its huge premises and over 20 restaurants and cafes .

It is definitely on the pricey side but is great fun if you have money to burn, or if you just want to do some window shopping and dreaming.

Check it and live the high life in “The world’s most famous department store”, even if just for a moment.

47 – Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Navy College is home to a masterpiece that has been called the Sistine Chapel of Britain .

The Painted Hall is the heart of the building and features a magnificent series of frescos created by British painter, Sir James Thornhill. The decorations took 19 years to complete and were finished in 1726.

The room also has historical significance as the place where Lord Nelson’s body lied-in-state after his death in 1806. There is a plaque on the floor commemorating the place and occasion.

The building is now part of the UNESCO Heritage Site and due to its magnificent decorations is a popular filming location .

It has appeared in a number of TV shows and movies, including Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides, The Dark Knight Rises and Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows.

• Old Royal Naval College tickets

48 – Leicester Square

London’s glitzy entertainment center, Leicester Square, is packed with exciting theaters , stores, bars and restaurants to visit .

The Leicester Square Theatre is an intimate but popular spot that puts on a variety of shows and comedy events . Some of the nation’s best-loved comedians can often be found trying out new material at this small but historic venue.

The square has three large cinemas — Odeon, Vue and Cineworld, that host red carpet premieres on a weekly basis. There is also the smaller Prince Charles Cinema that shows cult and international movies.

Some of the city’s biggest hotels are located nearby as are four of its famous casinos. You won’t be short of places to shop and kids will love a trip to one of the world’s largest M&M and Lego stores, right in the heart of the city.

• London show tickets

See also: 41 Best West End Shows & Musicals

49 – Somerset House

One of the city’s most exciting contemporary art spaces and creative hubs , Somerset House is home to more than 100 creative associations.

This sprawling venue, which was formerly offices for the Navy as well as the Tax Bureau, has a huge program of engaging exhibitions, workshops and events to explore.

This creative complex of spaces hosts courses on everything from sound production and game technology to arts, crafts and writing events.

Check out the website to see what’s on during your time in the city and get inspired to try something new.

50 – Tate Britain

Tate Britain houses a huge collection of artworks from the United Kingdom and is the oldest of Tate’s four galleries.

Formed in 1897, the museum’s collection includes historic and contemporary artworks ranging from the 1500s to the present day. It has the world’s largest collection of paintings by the popular landscape artist J.M.W Turner .

There are important paintings by Thomas Gainsborough, John Constable and William Blake as well as works by Pre-Raphaelite artists, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John William Waterhouse.

It also houses a collection of fantastic portraits by John Singer Sargeant as well as two rooms of works by the sculptor Henry Moore.

Admission to all Tate Galleries is free of charge.

51 – Museum of London

The British capital has been through many changes before becoming the modern London we know and love. Uncover thousands of years of the city’s history at the Museum of London .

Travel back to the year BC 4,500 to discover who were the earliest residents on the banks of the River Thames . Visit Roman Londinium in the year AD 50 to see the first traces of the city emerge.

Explore the Medieval times which were rife with wars, plagues and destructive fires. Visit the Victorian era which saw London boom into the world’s largest city and find itself at the cutting-edge of scientific and industrial advancements.

There’s a long history to discover here at the Museum of London .

52 – Whitechapel Gallery

Founded over 100 years ago as a way to bring world-class art to the public, Whitechapel Gallery stays true to its mission even today.

In its lifetime it has hosted some very historic art exhibitions, including the only British appearance of Pablo Picasso’s career-defining artwork, Guernica .

It has also held exhibitions by artists such as Jackson Pollock, Frida Kahlo, David Hockney and Cy Twombly and remains a vibrant and lively center for the arts.

Check out the works in its gallery spaces or join one of the talks and workshops the Whitechapel Gallery hosts weekly.

53 – Westminster Abbey

Britain’s most iconic and prestigious church, Westminster Abbey, has hosted every royal coronation since William the Conqueror in 1066 .

Founded in the year 960 by Benedictine Monks, Westminster Abbey has been at the heart of the country’s celebrations and mourning for almost 1,000 years.

The Abbey’s crypt holds the remains of no less than 17 British monarchs and some of its most distinguished scientists, including Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin and, more recently, Stephen Hawking.

No less than 16 royal weddings have occurred here through the centuries the most recent being that of Prince William and Kate Middleton, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

This is one of the capital’s most historic spots and is open to the public daily.

• Westminster Abbey tickets

54 – The O2

London’s O2 arena hosts the biggest shows that pass through the country, including some of the world’s most famous stars such as Ariana Grande, Prince and the yearly country music festival C2C.

There is more to the arena than just concerts though. You can catch a wide variety of shows happening here each week including boxing and UFC matches, movie screenings and much more.

For thrill-seekers looking for something adventurous to do in the city, why not try a dome climb? Walk over the roof of the building in a guided tour to see the sights from on top of one of the country’s busiest arenas.

While you’re there why not check out the arena’s many other attractions? As well as great restaurants and bars the O2 also has cinema screens, a shopping outlet, a Tikky Town — where visitors can snap Insta-worthy photos and much more.

• O2 roof climb tickets

55 – Shakespeare’s Globe

Shakespeare’s Globe is an exact replica of the famous Globe Theatre which was part-owned by William Shakespeare. It is located near to the original theatre’s location in Southwark on the banks of the River Thames.

Constructed in 1997, it is an accurate reproduction of the theatre of Shakespeare’s era. The original theatre existed from 1599 to 1642 and was built from the repurposed materials of an earlier theatre.

Visitors can take a tour of the Globe to discover its famous design or stop by to see a Shakespearean show . The theatre is open air and can hold 1,570 people and has the only thatched roof in London.

This is a must-see for Shakespeare fans.

• Shakespeare’s Globe tours

56 – Wembley Stadium

The most historic stadium in the whole of the United Kingdom, Wembley has hosted world-class sports events and some of the biggest concerts of all time .

With a capacity to hold 90,000 Wembley Stadium is well prepared to host the biggest sporting events in the country. The venue is well known for its connection to soccer and has held 78 FA Cup finals, six Euro Cup Finals and one World Cup Final in its 80-year life.

It also hosts other major sports competitions, including Rugby World Cup matches and was the location for the 1948 Olympic Games.

Wembley is a great place to watch live music too. Some of the biggest concerts in the world have taken place on this very spot, including the momentous Live Aid in 1985.

Definitely take time to visit Wembley Stadium during your trip to the city where you can tour the grounds , catch a match and see a concert on any given week.

• Wembley Stadium tours

57 – Chessington World of Adventures Resort

There are tons to see and do for the whole family at Chessington World of Adventures. Take a white-knuckle ride on the park’s rollercoasters or visit the zoo for a safari-style experience.

Chessington has plenty of fantastic attractions for all ages . There are fast and scary rides for older kids and adults and more gentle ones for younger children.

Adventure through the park’s exotic worlds and take on the Dragon’s Fury, Croc Drop and the Vampire rides for thrills galore.

Check out the Chessington Zoo and SEA LIFE to see amazing animals such as Asiatic lions, capybaras, giraffes and many more.

• Chessington World of Adventures tickets

58 – Garden Museum

Take some time to escape from it all at the Garden Museum . This idyllic and tranquil museum celebrates the history of British gardens and the national obsession .

The museum is located on the grounds of St Mary’s of Lambeth Church which itself has ties to the country’s gardening past.

The church is the resting place of John Tradescant (1570-1638), one of Britain’s earliest botanists as well as Royal Gardener to Queen Henrietta and a voracious collector of exotic plants.

The centerpiece of the museum is the Sackler Garden which is home to a number of rare plants. The garden is a great place to sit and contemplate surrounded by contrasting but beautiful architecture, which is both classic, natural and contemporary.

59 – Camden Town

Its continuously changing style and a wide variety of interesting stalls make Camden Market one of the best tourist attractions in London. Don’t miss this!

If you love to shop for niche fashion items or specific styles , this is the place to be. Mods, Bohemians, goths, rockabillies and punks are well catered for and you can pick up all kinds of vintage clothes and retro-styled apparel here.

There are also a lot of fun and quirky boutiques selling everything from high-quality tea to circus toys, art and jewelry.

Don’t forget to grab a bite to eat at one of the market’s excellent food stalls and trucks. London is a very diverse city and, at Camden Market, you can try some of the best flavors from all four corners of the globe.

60 – Imperial War Museum

Covering the story of modern warfare from the First World War to the present day, the Imperial War Museum is one of the best tourist attractions in London for history lovers .

Here visitors can learn all about Britain’s foreign and domestic wars , from both World Wars through the Korean and Cold War eras and more.

See a large selection of weapons, photographs and military vehicles and explore recreations of a First World War trench and London in the Blitz.

Hear the personal stories of soldiers who fought and the inspiring tales of those who survived the Holocaust in Nazi-occupied Europe.

The Imperial War Museum is one of the best places to learn all about war and its continuing effect on our world.

61 – Emirates Air Line cable car

A really unique thing to do in London is to take a trip on the Emirates Air Line Cable Car .

It spans the River Thames, running between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks right past the O2 Arena. Here you can get clear views of the city below which are spectacular whenever you travel, day or night.

The cable cars run continuously with one arriving every 30 seconds. The whole trip takes about 10 minutes in the daytime and 25 minutes after 7 pm when the cars are slowed down to a more leisurely pace.

If you’re looking for a romantic place to take your beloved or an unforgettable thing to do as a family , Emirates Air Line Cable Car is a good choice.

62 – Alexandra Palace

There is a lot to discover at Alexandra Palace from shopping and live music to ice skating and treetop rope courses.

This popular leisure complex, referred to affectionately as “Ally Pally”, has been a staple of the city’s music scene for over 100 years . It has hosted legendary concerts by The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd and puts on a wide variety of music shows and other events to this day.

Alexandra Palace is also home to a number of fun attractions that are great for kids , including an ice skating rink, a skatepark, a Go-Ape and a mini-golf course. There is also a soft play area for younger kids to enjoy and a playground for kids of all ages.

Why not take a spin around the Boating Lake or check out the Sunday Farmer’s Market. There’s enough going on here to keep the whole family entertained.

63 – The Sherlock Holmes Museum

221B Baker Street is the world-famous address of the legendary Consulting Detective, Sherlock Holmes .

Now it is also a museum to Sherlock where visitors can see the original super-sleuths home and office. Trip back to Victorian London and see the elegant but chaotic lodgings of the famous fictional detective .

Tour this fun and factual museum decorated with period items and decorations, including Holmes Laboratory, his famous violin and more.

Visit the shop to pick up souvenirs of your visit, including deerstalker hats, books, antiques and Victorian curiosities. The Sherlock Holmes Museum is tons of fun.

• Sherlock Holmes tours

64 – The Harry Potter Shop at Platform 9¾

For fans of the Harry Potter movies, Kings Cross Station is one of London’s absolute must-visits.

This bustling city station has become a pilgrimage for fans from around the world as the location of Platform 9 3/4, where young witches and wizards catch the Hogwarts Express.

Grab a picture under the Platform 9 3/4 sign on the station wall and check out the shop of the same name.

Here you can pick up all manner of Harry Potter souvenirs from wands, to spellbooks, jewelry and jumpers it’s all here. Make your Harry Potter-loving friend or family member’s day by visiting this fun and fantastical landmark.

• Harry Potter locations tours

See also: 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London , 30 Places Every Harry Potter Fans Should Visit in London

65 – Royal Air Force Museum London

Located at the Hendon Aerodrome, The Royal Air Force Museum tells the hundred-year history of the RAF .

From the Air Force’s formation in 1918 — near the end of the First World War, through to the present day, it has always been at the cutting edge of aviation technology. The museum is spread over six hangers containing exhibitions, aircraft and training simulators .

Explore historic airplanes from the Second World War, including British spitfires, hurricanes and Lancasters and a Messerschmitt, used by the German Luftwaffe.

Discover the increasing role the RAF has in providing national security in an age of increasing technological advancement. You can even pilot a Eurofighter Typhoon in the museum’s flight simulator.

66 – Horniman Museum and Gardens

Constructed in 1901 by wealthy local tea merchant and philanthropist, Frederick John Horniman, The Horniman Museum has a vast collection of over 350,000 objects .

The collection includes musical instruments, anthropological items, a large selection of taxidermied animals and natural history displays.

It has one of the best ethnographic collections in the country with items from all corners of the globe.

It also has extensive gardens with a Victorian glass conservatory, nature trails, a bandstand and a musical garden with playable instruments. Exploring this unique collection is just one of the great free things to do in London .

67 – Museum of London Docklands

The Docklands was once a thriving import and export center in the city of London. The Museum of London Docklands helps us discover the history of this industrial hub that was once the largest of its kind in the world .

Up until the 1980s, when the shipping industry moved further downriver, London’s Docklands were where many goods came in and out of the city. Its surviving No.1 Warehouse is a good example of the brick buildings that were used to store items from the 1800s onward.

Learn about the most popular goods traveling to the city and the far-off destinations they came from at this engaging industrial museum.

68 – National Theatre

The place to go to catch world-class plays and productions , The National Theatre aims to make its performances accessible to everyone.

Home to three separate theatre spaces, The National Theatre hosts a diverse selection of theatrical productions from Shakespeare to Emily Bronte to Neil Gaiman, there’s sure to be something on that you’ll love.

Take some time out from sightseeing to see a production at one of the country’s best-loved theatrical institutions. It could be a highlight of your time in London.

See also: Best indoor activities in London

69 – Hayward Gallery

Based in the country’s largest arts center, The Hayward Gallery hosts a number of fresh contemporary art exhibitions each year.

The gallery has previously displayed important works by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Edward Munch and exhibits artworks from all eras.

It mostly focuses on the work of new artists however which results in some of the most interesting art exhibitions in the city.

The gallery is part of the Southbank Center, one of the top cultural spaces in the city . Don’t forget to check it out during your time in London.

70 – Tower of London

The historic Tower of London is a royal castle and one of the oldest palaces in the city. It dates from the late 11th-century.

Over its near-thousand-year history, it has served as the home of royalty in the city but is mostly known as a notorious prison for enemies of The Crown .

It is here that Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and a host of political prisoners such as Guy Fawkes were kept before being executed.

The Tower functioned as an occasional prison until the 1950s and prisoners were often brought in by boat through the aptly named Traitors Gate.

The Tower of London also houses The Crown Jewels which includes the important St Edward’s Crown, which has been used in coronation ceremonies since the 1660s.

• Tower of London tickets & tours

See also: Tower of London Tickets Price – All you Need to Know

71 – Royal Opera House

If you’re looking for a night of culture in the city, why not check out a performance at the Royal Opera House .

One of the world’s leading Opera Companies since its formation in 1946 , the Royal Opera House carries on a long tradition of opera in Covent Garden dating back to the 1700s.

Home to the Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet, the company gives up to 150 performances per season — which runs from September to July.

A night out at the ROH is sure to be fun for everybody where you can see performances of popular and accessible opera and ballet such as The Nutcracker, La Traviata and Romeo and Juliet.

72 – HMS Belfast

If you’re craving some more recent history while in the city, you should definitely visit the HMS Belfast .

One of the best-preserved Royal Navy Warships from the Second World War , the Belfast is great fun to visit for all the family.

Discover its historic gun turrets, which fired some of the first rounds at the D-Day Landings, and explore its nine decks and the many exhibits onboard. Discover what life was like for the ship’s crew and take your place at the helm as you sit in the Captain’s chair.

The HMS Belfast has gift shops selling all kinds of souvenirs and memorabilia and a cafe to grab a drink and a snack.

Kids will enjoy a visit to the World of Warships gaming room where they can captain the Belfast into battle themselves.

73 – The British Library

You might expect The British Library to be as old as many of the country’s other institutions but in actual fact, it was only founded in 1973.

Since this time its collection has expanded to include almost 200 million texts from all over the world . The library receives a copy of every book published in the UK as well as newspapers and periodicals adding millions of volumes to its collection each year.

It is also home to some very old items, including Buddhist manuscripts and ancient Latin and Greek texts that are almost 2,000 years old.

The library is free to visit and hosts a program of temporary exhibits. In order to look at the books, you must first apply for a Reader’s Pass which can be requested from the website.

74 – Trafalgar Square

In the midst of the hustle and bustle of Westminster is Trafalgar Square, home to the famous and iconic monument, Nelson’s Column .

The name of the square commemorates the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Unfortunately, Admiral Nelson was killed during the battle by a sniper while walking on the deck of his ship.

His statue looms more than 50 meters above the square in tribute to his many military victories.

There are also a bunch of fountains in the square as well as statues of other prominent British figures, including King George IV, Admiral Beatty, Admiral Jellicoe and Admiral Cunningham.

Read more: Check the best walking tours in London and stroll through its iconic streets

75 – ArcelorMittal Orbit

The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a huge art sculpture and observation tower located near the London Stadium in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

It was created for the London Olympic Games in 2021 by Anish Kapoor and Cecil Balmond and is the tallest sculpture in the country.

Produced from 60% recycled steel, the iconic tower is 114 meters tall and offers great views of the city from its observation deck .

There is another trick to the tower though, it also has the world’s longest tunnel slide built into its structure. That’s right, you can climb up the inside and slide down the outside of this humongous piece of public art. Pretty cool indeed!

• ArcelorMittal Orbit tickets

76 – The Household Cavalry Museum

Covering the history of the Queen’s Mounted Bodyguards , The Household Cavalry Museum is great for those who just can’t get enough of the royal pageantry.

Located in the heart of Horse Guards in Whitehall, the museum gives visitors a sneak peek into the lives of the best-dressed guards around .

See the iconic guardsmen in their red jackets and golden helmets and witness the daily processions and guards changes at this living museum.

Take a glimpse inside the stables to see how much work goes into caring for the horses and preparing them for their daily duties. This is sure to be a highlight of your trip to London.

77 – Thorpe Park

If you’re looking for thrills during your time in London, Thorpe Park is home to some of the craziest roller coasters in the whole world .

Experience the terrifying horror-themed SAW – The Ride or hold on tight through the twisted tracks of Nemesis Inferno. Experience super G-Force on the UK’s fastest roller coaster, Stealth , or ride the world’s first ten-loop coaster — Colossus.

If you love a good scare there are also plenty of spooky rides to try out. Experience the Labyrinth, based on the hit TV show Black Mirror, or step on board Derren Brown’s Ghost Train or the Walking Dead ride for some zombie mayhem.

This place is great for the whole family and won’t disappoint those who like their rides fast and extreme.

• Thorpe Park tickets

78 – Museum of Brands

The Museum of Brands is one of the best tourist attractions in London for nostalgia and a good old trip down memory lane.

Here you can find all kinds of toys, games, magazines and food products from the Victorian era through to the modern-day. There’s tons of fun stuff here for the 70s, 80s and 90s kids to rediscover .

This museum is great for everybody. Kids and younger adults will enjoy seeing the vintage food packages and retro games and older people will enjoy reminiscing about the products and toys they loved as a child. Check it out.

• Museum of Brands tickets

79 – The Postal Museum

The Postal Museum is a great city center attraction which younger children and adults are sure to enjoy .

Home to a large collection of postal-related items including vehicles, mailbags, uniforms and much more it covers the history of Royal Mail through the centuries, as you might expect.

However, the lower floors of the museum allow visitors to take a train ride on the underground Mail Rail!

The Mail Rail was the world’s first driverless electric railway and was developed by Royal Mail and the underground system to ferry mail beneath the city. There’s also a cafe and playspace for children.

80 – Kia Oval

Home to Surrey County Cricket Club since 1845, Kia Oval is one of the country’s most historically significant cricket and sports grounds .

It hosts a full season of home matches and usually the final match of the English Test Cricket season.

Early football matches were also played here when the oval was still known as Kennington Common and some of the first international and FA Cup final competition s occurred right here on the grounds.

Check out a game during your time in the city and see where some of the country’s favorite sports found their feet.

81 – Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum

Summer in the city wouldn’t be the same without the Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

The Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum has all you ever wanted to know about “The Fortnight” and much more. Learn everything about the historic contest, which has been taking place yearly since 1877 .

Feel the material of classic Victorian tennis clothes and glimpse a whole range of trophies, prizes and awards. See equipment belonging to some of the biggest names in tennis and discover more about your favorite player.

Visitors can also tour the famous courts and tread in the same footsteps as the sport’s biggest stars. This is a must-see for tennis and sports fans.

• Wimbledon Museum tours

82 – Charles Dickens Museum

48 Doughty Street was the London home of one of the English language’s best-loved writers, Charles Dickens .

Most of Dickens’ stories are set in Victorian London and focus on its poor and misfortunate people. His characters and locations were inspired by the nearby Cleveland Street Workhouse and impoverished neighborhoods.

The house is now a museum to the author who crafted some of his most famous works while living there, including Oliver Twist, Nicholas Nickleby and The Pickwick Papers.

Visit the study where Dickens spent his days writing and the rooms he shared with his wife and family.

See a number of handwritten letters, early manuscripts and editions of his books as well as clothing, furniture and a portrait of the writer made just after his death by the illustrator R.W. Buss.

Save money with an attractions pass

For great deals on tickets and fast access to attractions , it’s worth picking up one of the London passes .

We hope you enjoyed this list of the best tourist attractions in London to help you plan your next vacation.

Let us know in the comments below which is your favorite place to visit.

Happy travels!

London-Travel.info

Travel Guide for London

Top 10 London Sights

London is one of the most visited cities in the world by tourists. The many visitors come to London partly because of the many world-famous sights.

We hereby try to create a top 10 list of attractions in London. Of course, the selection of the top 10 attractions is not without controversy. On similar lists on the internet, many of the attractions we have chosen also appear, but others do not. Our list of the top 10 sights in the British capital includes some museums, but also churches, a bridge, a Ferris wheel and a zoo .

One problem in London is the sometimes quite high entrance fees, but there are also some sights that don’t cost any entrance fee at all.

Top 10 London sights on the city map10

Short description: top 10 sights london.

1, Tower London : One of the most visited sights in Britain. The castle on the Thames also houses the British Crown Jewels. A few centuries ago the Tower was the seat of the kings of England, later it was a prison.

2. National Gallery London : The British National Gallery in the central square Trafalgar Square is one of the top 10 art museums in the world. Admission is free. Works by Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, Rubens, Leonardo da Vinci and many others can be admired in the National Gallery London.

3. Tate Modern London : Also an art museum, also with free entry. The Tate Modern, right on the Thames, is considered the most important museum for modern art in the world.

4. Madame Tussauds London : Almost everyone knows this exhibition of famous people as wax figures. The lifelike images are still a magnificent sight to see. Madame Tussauds now has many branches, including in Berlin and Vienna, but the original in London is bigger and better.  Tickets and more info

5. London Ferris wheel : Many tourists in London take a ride on the biggest Ferris wheel in Europe (135 metres high, much higher than the famous Vienna Wheel ). From the top you have a great view over the city and the Thames.  Tickets and more info

6. St Paul’s Cathedral London : One of the two important churches in London. A highlight is the walk up to the over 100 metre high dome.  Tickets and more info

7. British Museum : The huge museum of Great Britain should definitely be visited. It is one of the top 10 historical museums in the world. The collection is gigantic, the British Museum is considered the largest museum in the world. Admission to the British Museum is free.

8 Westminster Abbey London : The second important church in London. Many kings are buried here and many important weddings take place. The tower of the church is the famous Big Ben.

9 Tower Bridge London : The drawbridge over the Thames is one of London’s landmarks. When a large ship passes through, the bridge is closed. At the top there is still a footpath over the London river.

10. London Zoo : The oldest zoo in the world (around 190 years old) and one of the best and most beautiful zoos in Europe. That’s why London Zoo is on our list of the top 10 sights in London.

Bus tour from London to Stonehenge

You go by bus 2.5 hours there and 2.5 hours back. In between you are 2-3 hours in Stonehenge. You can have a look at the stone circles and the exhibition in the visitor centre. You will be informed with an audio device (available in many languages including of course English). The journey takes about 7 hours, departure is at 2 pm in summer and earlier in winter.

––>>>>>  More information and booking on this link

Entrance fees and tickets: Top 10 sights in London

Tower London: The queues are often quite long. We therefore recommend buying tickets for the Tower in advance on the internet. Tower of London tickets are available on the website Getyourguide.com .

National Gallery: This great art museum doesn’t charge admission, you can just walk in.

Tate Modern: The museum of modern art is also free of charge.

Madame Tussauds Waxworks: In London, the most important waxworks museum in the world is known for long queues and waiting times at the ticket office at the entrance. Make sure to buy tickets in advance on the internet, they are available on this website

London Eye: The Ferris wheel is very popular. If you don’t want to queue for hours, you can buy tickets online. Link for tickets

St Paul’s Cathedral: Tickets for the church including the dome are on this website .

British Museum: One of the many great free museums in London.

Westminster Abbey: Tickets and prices are available on this website

Tower Bridge: Public bridge, no entrance fee or similar.

London Zoo: Tickets for the London Zoo can be bought on the spot without any problems.

Top 100 Sights in London

Hier noch eine längere Liste von etwa 100 Sehenswürdigkeiten und Attraktionen in London:

• Tower Bridge
• The Tower of London
• Buckingham Palace
• The British Museum
• The National Gallery
• Trafalgar Square
• The London Eye
• Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Westminster Abbey
• Piccadilly Circus
• The Tate Modern
• The Royal Opera House
• The Victoria and Albert Museum
• The Science Museum
• The Natural History Museum
• Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre
• The West End theatre district
• The Churchill War Rooms
• The Cabinet War Rooms
• The Imperial War Museum
• The National Portrait Gallery
• The Wallace Collection
• The Serpentine Gallery
• The Saatchi Gallery
• The Royal Albert Hall
• The Royal Festival Hall
• The Barbican Centre
• The Somerset House
• The London Transport Museum
• The Sherlock Holmes Museum
• The Harry Potter Studio Tour
• The Museum of London
• The Tate Britain
• The Design Museum
• The Courtauld Gallery
• The Dulwich Picture Gallery
• The Horniman Museum
• The Cutty Sark
• The Royal Observatory Greenwich
• The Old Royal Naval College
• The National Maritime Museum
• The Thames Barrier
• The Globe Theatre
• The Monument
• The Bank of England Museum
• The Royal Exchange
• The Leadenhall Market
• The Camden Market
• The Borough Market
• The Portobello Road Market
• The Covent Garden Market
• The Billingsgate Fish Market
• The St. James’s Park
• The Green Park
• The Regent’s Park
• The Hampstead Heath
• The Kensington Gardens
• The Holland Park
• The Richmond Park
• The Kew Gardens
• The Chelsea Physic Garden
• The Eltham Palace
• The Hampton Court Palace
• The Kensington Palace
• The Banqueting House
• The Kenwood House
• The Apsley House
• The Spencer House
• The Handel and Hendrix House
• The Dennis Severs’ House
• The Strawberry Hill House
• The Dr. Johnson’s House
• The Charles Dickens Museum
• The Keats House
• The Benjamin Franklin House
• The Freud Museum
• The Sir John Soane’s Museum
• The The Geffrye Museum
• The The Museum of Childhood
• The Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology
• The Wellcome Collection
• The Grant Museum of Zoology
• The Hunterian Museum
• The Sir John Ritblat Gallery
• The Victoria Miro Gallery
• The Whitechapel Gallery
• The Barbican Art Gallery
• The Hayward Gallery
• The White Cube Gallery
• The Photographers’ Gallery
• The Proud Galleries
• The National Army Museum

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How to purchase London Attraction Tickets (Complete Guide)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: June 19, 2024

Planning to visit some of London’s top sights, landmarks and attractions? In this guide discover the best ways to purchase London attraction tickets to save you time and money.

Are you visiting London and planning to visit some of the sights for which it is famous? One of the most common questions I hear in my London and UK planning Facebook group is how to book tickets for popular London attractions such as the London Eye, Tower of London or Westminster Abbey.

In this post, we have listed the various ways you can purchase London attraction tickets plus the pros and cons of each method to save you both time and money when visiting.

This will enable you to consider which is the best option for you when booking tickets for top London attractions. You may actually discover that different methods will be more cost-effective depending on your interests, budget and itinerary.

Note – we are busy writing guides that detail the best ways to buy tickets for specific attraction s but this guide is a useful place to start.

• Purchase the ticket through each attraction's website

Purchase tickets for the attraction from a ticket or tour aggregator

Book a tour of the attraction with a tour company, book a combination ticket or ticket bundle, book a tour which includes a number of london attractions, buy a london pass or city card, do i need to purchase tickets for all london attractions in advance, what if the attraction is sold out, which are the best tour companies to book for tickets and tours, are there any free london attractions, plan your visit to london, london travel guide & itinerary planner (+ 4 bonus ebooks), how to buy tickets for london attractions, purchase the ticket through each attraction’s website.

It is possible in most cases to search for an attraction online such as the Tower of London and book tickets directly through their website.

While this may seem to be the simplest method it can have a number of disadvantages

• If you are visiting several attractions it can become complicated to keep track of each booking.
• Many of the attractions do not have a free cancellations policy.
• It can work out more expensive booking each London attraction ticket separately.

One advantage of booking online through the official website rather than simply turning up on the day (and hoping tickets are still available) is that many attractions offer a slight discount if you book in advance. For example, the London Eye offers a 20% discount if purchased online 7 days in advance.

Tour and ticket aggregator sites such as Get Your Guide sell tickets to popular London attractions such as the Tower of London , the London Eye and the London Dungeon .

Although you may assume that tickets are more costly through a third party site such as Get Your Guide this is generally not the case. For example, let’s take a look at ticket prices for the Tower of London and the London Eye

Ticket prices at the Tower of London work out the same unless you are travelling as a family when the family saver option offered by the Tower of London website is the clear winner.

However, as you can see in the table above the prices from the London Eye and Get Your Guide are exactly the same (the discounts for booking 7 days in advance are also applied on Get Your Guide )

So you may be wondering if prices are the same what are the advantages of using a company such as Get Your Guide ?

Personally, we always book our tickets and tours through Get Your Guide because of their excellent cancellation policy which enables you to cancel bookings up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This ensures peace of mind if you have a change in plans. You can also store all your bookings on the Get Your Guide app (just one of 16 apps we recommend for UK and London travel )

Opting to book a guided tour of an attraction is another possible option. There are many excellent tour companies to choose from such as Take Walks which specialise in smaller groups.

Again tour aggregators such as Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook offer a wide variety of guided tours of popular London sights.

There are many advantages to purchasing a tour of a particular attraction. Listening to knowledgeable tour guides is a great way to learn more about a particular landmark, sight or attraction than you could by visiting on your own.

If your chosen attraction is outside central London such as the Harry Potter studios or Hampton Court Palace it is possible to choose a tour with transportation included and remove the stress of trying to get there via public transportation.

Many tours such as those for the Tower of London below also enable early access or the ability to skip the line which saves time when you have a full itinerary.

If you want to visit several attractions you may find that it may be cost-effective to buy a combination or bundle of tickets.

For example, if you are planning to visit the London Eye it is possible to purchase a combination ticket which includes the London Sealife centre or Madame Tussauds .

Other combination tickets include three attractions such as the London Eye, SeaLife London and Madame Tussaud.

If you like the idea of taking a guided tour of several of London’s attractions you will find that many of the main sights are incorporated together into tours.

Some companies also bundle a tour with entry tickets to other attractions. For example, this walking tour of the top 30 London includes entry tickets for The Shard.

Alternatively combining several London sights and attractions into one tour is a great way to explore London if you are short on time and negates having to purchase several different tickets. Again we recommend picking tours and tour companies that suit your travel style and budget.

Below you can find some of the tours available from Get Your Guide which incorporate popular London attractions.

Our final suggestion when purchasing tickets for London is to consider whether one of the London passes would save you money.

There are a few passes available so you will need to evaluate which incorporates the London attractions you wish to visit.

The London Pass

• The View from The Shard
• Tower of London
• 1-Day Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
• Thames River Boat (Uber Boat by Thames Clippers – 1-day Hop-on Hop-off) 
• Windsor Castle
• Westminster Abbey
• London Bridge Experience and London Tombs
• Tower Bridge Exhibition
• ZSL London Zoo
• Kensington Palace
• Royal Observatory Greenwich
• It includes a digital guidebook with attraction information and hours of operation
• 1-Day hop-on, hop-off bus tour is also included.

The London Pass is valid for 2 years from the purchase date.

It comes as a 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6- or 10-day digital pass. The London Pass works on a consecutive day basis, not a 24-hour period so begin your day early to get the most of it!

The cost of the pass ranges from £59 ($82) for one day up to £144 ($200) for a 10-day pass.

CLICK TO PURCHASE A LONDON PASS

London Explorer Pass

The London Explorer Pass enables you to create your own tour of London with a pass to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 top attractions, including over 50 monuments, tours, cruises, dining experiences, and more.

Save up to 39% on admission.

Once activated the pass is valid for 60 days.

Popular attractions to choose from include

• 1-day Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus tour
• Shakespeare’s Globe Exhibition & Theatre Tour
• St Paul’s Cathedral
• Thames River Cruise (City Cruises Thames River Pass)
• The London Bridge Experience

The cost of the pass ranges from £34 ($47) for 2 attractions to £94 ($130) for 7 attractions.

As with the London Pass simply calculate the costs of entry to your chosen attractions and compare to the price of the London Explorer Pass.

CLICK TO PURCHASE A LONDON EXPLORER PASS

Good to know – Another card which is worth considering if you are planning some day trips from London (or plan to do some travels around England) is the English Heritage Attractions Pass for Overseas Visitors .

The English Heritage Attractions Pass gives holders free entry to over 100 English Heritage sites including Stonehenge and can be purchased for 9 or 16 days. It is only available to non-UK residents.

FAQs – London tickets

We highly recommend booking tickets for all the London attractions you wish to visit as early as possible. If you book through a company such as Get Your Guide you do have peace of mind of being able to cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Once you know what you want to see and do in London and have your itinerary sorted we recommend booking all tickets and tours.

This not only helps with budgeting for your trip but also alleviates the risk of disappointment if you discover one of your London bucket list sights is fully booked.

These are 10 of the most popular attractions and sights in London we recommend booking tickets for

• The London Eye
• Kew Gardens
• The view from The Shard
• Madame Tussauds London
• London Dungeon

If you discover that the attraction is sold out we recommend being flexible with dates and times (where possible) and trying a variety of third party ticket sellers such as Get Your Guide , Klook and Viator .

We personally use ticket and tour aggregator companies such as Get Your Guide and Viator due to their generous cancellation policy. We have found the flexibility this affords us to be invaluable at times.

Another company we recommend for tours is Take Walks which offers small group tours such as this Early Access Crown Jewels with Opening Ceremony and Complete Tower of London Guided Tour or this London In a Day Tour which includes the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey & Changing of the Guard

Yes! London has many wonderful places you can visit for free! This includes some of the best museums and art galleries in the world.

Read more in our guide to 32 free places to visit in London .

• London Travel Guide
• Essential tips for first-time visitors to London
• 32 free things to do in London
• Budget London travel guide
• 11 virtual tours of London’s top museums & landmarks
• Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
• Guide to the best boat trips and cruises in London
• Best hotels for families
• Best mid-range London hotels
• Best day trips from London
• Best day trips from London by train
• 7 magnificent castles to visit from London
• Guide to getting around London on public transport
• How to travel from Gatwick to London
• How to travel from Heathrow to London
• Guide to 9 mainline London train stations
• Taking the Eurostar to mainland Europe

• Places to Visit
• Sightseeing
• Practical Tips
• Where to Stay

London Museums & Attractions: 2 for 1 Offers

Many museums and galleries in London are free, but some ‘must see’ attractions charge an admission fee. This can add-up to quite a hefty sum if you plan to do some serious sightseeing.

If you want to save some money, there’s an easy way to get 2 for the price of 1 discounts at London tourist attractions.

2 for 1 vouchers with a Travelcard or train ticket

UK train companies run a promotion called ‘Days Out’. This is a 2 for the price of 1 admission deal for attractions in London and the UK.

There are three ways to get tickets to qualify for the 2 for 1 discounts in London:

1.Buy a One Day Travelcard from a train station

The  One Day Travelcard  is a transport pass giving you unlimited travel on the underground, overground, trains, DLR and buses in London.

To qualify for the 2 for 1 deals, you need to buy a One Day ‘paper’ Travelcard from a train station in London.

Travelcards from underground station ticket machines, TfL Visitor Centres or Travelcards loaded onto Oyster cards are not valid for the 2 for 1 offer . The ticket must have the National Rail logo on it to qualify.

• a zone 1-6 off-peak one day Travelcard is £15.90 ( £7.90 child)

Weekly or monthly ‘paper’ Travelcards have been phased out and are no longer available to buy from train stations.

2.Buy a train ticket to London

If you travel to London by train (including from Luton, Stansted and Gatwick airport), your paper ticket will qualify for the deal as long as it has a National Rail logo. You need to buy a return ticket.

Train tickets on the Heathrow Express are not valid . However, Elizabeth line tickets from Heathrow are valid .

Get 30% off train tickets with Railcard .

3.Buy a train ticket in London

If you live in London or travel to London by coach or car and don’t want to buy a Travelcard, you can buy a single train ticket. You don’t need to use it for travel but you need a valid train ticket for each day you use a 2 for 1 voucher.

If you are visiting London, buy two singles, one for the first day you use the 2 for 1 and another for the last day.

For example, a single ticket from Queenstown Rd to Vauxhall is £3.30 adult/ £1.65 child.

You can go to any train station ticket office and buy this ticket. You don’t need to go to Queenstown Rd station.

Please note that this is a bit of as cheat and some attractions won’t accept it the 2 for 1 deal. If you want to be 100% sure of getting the 2 for 1 deal or if you visit an attraction outside central London (zone 1), it’s advisable to have either:

• a train ticket to London,
• a paper One Day Travelcard, or
• a train ticket ‘ to’ the closest train station to the attraction. (e.g London Waterloo to Hampton Court)

Don’t put a single train ticket in the ticket barrier , you might not get it back! Show your train ticket to a station staff member who will open the barrier for you.

• 2 for 1 London attractions map
• Top free museums and galleries
• Discount tickets to attractions
• Attraction and sightseeing passes

Where can I buy a ‘paper’ Travelcard?

If the train station has an underground station as well, don’t buy your tickets there. Follow the signs for ‘Trains’ and go above ground. Buy your One Day Travelcard from the train station ticket office.

See where to buy One Day ‘paper’ Travelcards in central London.

Which London attractions offer the 2 for 1 deals?

About 65 London attractions take part in the scheme. Some only take part in winter.

View all the 2 for 1 attractions on a map or browse a list .

2 for 1 vouchers are also available for temporary exhibitions at free museums and galleries, boat trips, tours and guided walks.

How does 2 for 1 work?

Browse the daysoutguide.co.uk and find the attaction you want to visit:

If pre-booking is allowed, book online. Take your pre-booked tickets and your train ticket/One Day Travelcard to the attraction ticket office.

If pre-booking is not available. Follow the instructions below:

1. Download the voucher

Find the attraction you want to visit on  daysoutguide.co.uk . Click ‘download now’.

When you first claim an offer you are asked to create an account. You need to give your name, address, and email address.

If you already have an account, the voucher will be added to the ‘My Trip’ section.

2. Print the voucher

You have the option to print the voucher straight away, or it can be emailed to the address you gave when setting up your account or to an alternative address.

3. Present your voucher and Travelcard/train ticket

Go to the attraction ticket office and show them your 2 for 1 voucher and train ticket or One Day Travelcard.

You need one voucher for two adults or one voucher for an adult a child.

How much money can I save?

A lot. Here’s an example of the full standard adult and child entrance fees for some of the attractions taking part in the offer.

These are the entrance fees for tickets ‘bought on the day’.

View all attractions offering the 2 for 1 discount on a map .

Voucher validity

Some attractions restrict the use of the 2 for 1 vouchers during peak periods. Dates when the 2 for 1 offers are not valid are listed on each individual voucher page on the Days Out website.

See discount attraction tickets for tips on how to buy cheaper attraction tickets

Is my Travelcard or train ticket valid for 2 for 1 offers?

Some tickets are not valid for the offer. If you’ve already bought a ticket to London or a Travelcard, check if you can use it on the Day’s Out website.

Can I use the 2 for 1 vouchers if I book tickets online?

Not for most attractions. You need to show a One Day Travelcard/train ticket and give them your 2 for 1 voucher when you buy your tickets at the attraction.

A few attractions offer online booking via the Day’s Out website:

Does everyone visiting an attraction need a train ticket or Travelcard?

Yes, everyone who wants to take part in the 2 for 1 discount needs a valid Travelcard or train ticket.

How many attractions can I visit?

As many as you want. There’s no limit to the amount of attractions you can visit.

Single train tickets; can I use them to qualify for the discount?

If you buy a single train ticket or One Day Travelcard you must visit the attraction on the day the ticket is valid. If you buy two single train tickets instead of a return, for example, one single to London and one single from London, these will be classed as a return ticket. You can visit attractions up to and including the date on your departure single ticket. Make sure you show both single tickets at the attraction.

Is the offer valid for children?

One adult (or child) has free admission when accompanied by one adult who pays the full adult admission fee. Check the terms for each individual attraction as this may vary.

Related pages

• Where to buy a paper Travelcard
• London’s top free museums and galleries
• How to buy discount tickets to attractions
• Save money with a sightseeing pass

Last updated: 7 February 2023

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Home » Destinations » Europe » England » 27 Classic London Tourist Attractions That You Cannot Miss

27 Classic London Tourist Attractions That You Cannot Miss

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

Looking for the best London tourist attractions? Well, you certainly have a few to choose from! Having lived and worked in the UK (both of us), we know a thing or two about London.

When Eric lived in Edinburgh , he would visit London quite often on the weekends. His favourite attractions to visit are definitely the View from The Shard and Tower Bridge (he has a thing for beautiful views from high places).

That said, there are famous attractions for all interests in every corner of the city. The great thing about London is that there are lots of places to visit for free – and we will tell you which ones in this article.

Pur detailed guide walks you through the classic tourist attractions – from museums to palaces, monuments and more – to help you plan your trip to London and explore it like a pro.

London Quick Guide

Best Time to Visit:  Summer for nice weather (but busy), spring and fall are best as the shoulder season is more relaxed. Just remember to bring your jacket!

Getting Around:  The city is relatively flat and walkable – but very large and sprawling. Use Transport for London for transit (London Underground, buses, water ferries, etc.)

Top Things to Do:  Tower of London & Crown Jewels Exhibition , The London Eye , Westminster Abbey , View from The Shard

Where to Stay:   The Z Hotel Covent Garden for a popular, central location, Park Plaza Westminster Bridge for attractions and views, Blue Bells Hotel for budget, and Page8, Page Hotels for a boutique option by Trafalgar Square.

Table of Contents

Top London Tourist Attractions to Visit

Let’s dive into the top London attractions across the city.

Of course, this is not everything – but we wanted to include the most popular and a few different attractions for all different interests and budgets.

The Go City London Explorer Pass may be worth it if you plan to visit several paid attractions during your visit.

Also, these are in no particular order, so don’t feel that they are more important if they are listed higher up. London is a city with – dare we say – too many top attractions for all interests, so there’s no right or wrong answer!

Buckingham Palace & Victoria Memorial

Address: 51°30’05.3″N 0°08’29.3″W

Of course, we felt like we had to start off the list strong with Buckingham Palace. As the former royal residence of Queen Elizabeth II (rest in peace), it’s a building that needs little introduction.

Fun fact: Buckingham Palace is one of the only fully-functioning palaces (that still carries out administrative business and serves as a royal residence) in the world.

It’s located in Westminster – surrounded by lovely green spaces and connected to The Mall, a royal roadway that leads to the heart of London at Trafalgar Square.

The Palace is open to tours during the summer. You can tour the Palace and the State Rooms and check out how lavishly decorated the interior is.

There are also pieces of art by famous painters such as Rembrandt. You can get an audio guide in a bunch of different languages which is nice for visitors from afar.

The famous reason to visit the palace is for the “Changing of the Guard” – a ceremony that takes place once a day – on certain days – starting at 11:00 am at Buckingham Palace.

The Changing of the Guard happens only on certain days of the week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday), so keep that in mind.

Consider a Changing of the Guard tour with a local guide who will tell you all the little details of the famous ceremony!

The ceremony lasts about 45 minutes – and if it’s raining it’s likely to be cancelled so it’s kind of hard to plan ahead. That said, if you want to see it, go early for a good viewing spot.

The Palace of Westminster & “Big Ben”

Location: 51°30’00.1″N 0°07’32.4″W

Again, one of the most iconic and photographed buildings in the United Kingdom – and arguably the world – is the Palace of Westminster and the clock tower “Big Ben”.

Before we go on, let’s set the record straight: Big Ben is the name of the largest of the 5 bells inside the tower.

The tower itself is called the Elizabeth Tower, and it is all connected to the Palace of Westminster. Got it? Great!

The Palace, located right on the River Thames next to Westminster Bridge, is where the UK Parliament is located.

You can actually get a guided tour of the Houses of Parliament (House of Commons, House of Lords) if you’re interested in learning about democracy in historic Britain.

The London Eye

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

As for touristy things in London, few can beat a spin on the London Eye. Opened in 2000, this massive Ferris wheel stands 135 metres tall.

It was once the world’s tallest Ferris wheel – but sadly it’s been passed. Regardless of its height, this iconic structure is always a draw for visitors to London.

Once you’re on, one rotation takes about 30 minutes, so you’ll have plenty of time to take in the beautiful views.

Our Tip: Get your  London Eye tickets here in advance – the price changes depending on whether you want a line-skip ticket or an off-peak timeslot ticket.

You can book a time slot and entry in advance for as opposed to just showing up. If you just show up, you might get passed by people who have tickets already and might have to wait for a while.

Eric has been on it and liked it. It’s certainly an experience to do at least once.

The Eye is located close to Westminster and other top attractions which makes it a good stop along the South Bank even if just for a photograph.

Tower Bridge

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

Built in 1886 and completed in 1894, Tower Bridge over the River Thames is arguably one of the most iconic bridges in the world. 

It’s funny because Tower Bridge is often confused to be “London Bridge” from the famous children’s song.

That bridge is actually only a few hundred metres away – and admittedly not as grand or exciting as Tower Bridge!

These days, you can walk across the bridge at street level (which is cool enough), but you should look into the Tower Bridge Museum and Tour to see the exhibits, the museum, and even walk across the top!

Get your Tower Bridge entry ticket here .

There’s a glass floor where you can see the cars below as you walk across – it’s pretty cool. Eric visited the inside of the bridge exhibit years ago and loved it!

While you are there, you can even visit the engine room, which helps you appreciate the scale of the mechanisms at work behind raising and lowering the middle section.

There were videos about the construction, life in London back in the day, and much more.

Overall, the Tower Bridge was fascinating to see and experience. The museum was really interesting and you can learn a lot! We would definitely recommend a visit to Tower Bridge.

River Thames

Location: Through Central London

Of course, you cannot talk about all these attractions in London without mentioning the famous river that snakes its way through the city: the Thames.

The Thames has played a huge role in shaping the city from its early days until now as a commercial and cultural hub of the world.

The river is also very functional, serving as a way to get around the city and as a way to see the city from a different perspective!

You can cross over the Thames using one of the many bridges across the city entre. You could walk along its banks for ages taking in the nice weather – but until you actually get out on the water, you haven’t experienced all the unique sides of London.

Luckily, there are so many ways to explore the famous waterway, from themed boat cruises to speedboat adventures. Check out some of the top Thames experiences below:

Popular River Thames Tours

• Thames Afternoon Tea Cruise
• River Thames Speed Boat Tour
• Thames Evening Cruise w/ Bubbly !
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Thames River Cruise

Westminster Abbey

Address: 20 Deans Yard, Westminster, London SW1P 3PA, UK

Located in Westminster, close to many of the other important buildings (such as Big Ben), you’ll find the iconic church known as Westminster Abbey . 

The first church was founded over 1000 years ago – and since William the Conqueror in 1066, all English and British monarchs have had their coronations there!

The current abbey was built in 1245, has been rebuilt and restored a bunch of times, and is now considered one of the most important Gothic structures in the whole of the UK.

Book your Westminster Abbey entrance ticket in advance if you know you’ll be visiting.

As such, the Abbey is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s also been the site of 16 royal weddings (yes, William and Kate, too) – and over 3,000 important British people (heads of state, poets, etc) are buried there.

It’s a popular place to visit in London, so if you’re planning to go, plan ahead.

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

If you are already in London, you may have seen a very tall glass structure that seems to pierce the sky. That’s The Shard – and you should definitely go up there!

Built in 2010, the Shard has the highest observation deck in London on the 72nd floor.

The building is also home to a few restaurants, bars/cafes, and even a hotel – the Shangri-La ! Imagine waking up to views like that!

Eric has been up there and honestly, he loved it. He generally loves high places where you can get a really great view, so the Shard fits the bill pretty well.

The Shard actually has different events and packages like champagne at sunset or even yoga. They even have a weather guarantee where if the weather is bad during your visit you can come back for free!

We’d recommend booking your View from The Shard ticket in advance to reserve your elevator/viewing time if you know you want to go up.

This way, you can make sure you get the time slot you want – because the sunset hours are a popular choice!

Don’t worry – once you are up there, you can stay as long as you like. We like that about the Shard – you can visit at your own pace.

Oh, and if you’re in the area, check out Borough Market – it’s a popular place to explore through your stomach!

Kensington Palace

Address: Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX, UK

As far as royal palaces go, Kensington Palace just had to make the list.

It serves as the official royal residence for some important younger royals (the Prince and Princess of Wales – aka William and Kate).

Located in Kensington Gardens – the green space just west of Hyde Park – it’s quite central and easy to get to if you are already in central London.

The grounds themselves have seen massive overhaul and restoration works over the decades and are now open to visitors.

Check out Kensington Palace with your entrance ticket .

The Tower of London

Address: Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

London has no shortage of historic buildings – so why not visit a 900-year-old castle? The Tower of London is just that!

Located very close to where Tower Bridge connects to the north side of the Thames, this famous fortress has a lot to offer visitors.

Over the years it has served as a royal residence, military barracks, an armoury, a notorious prison, and now a museum. Oh, and can’t forget the fortified home of the “Crown Jewels”!

Eric visited the Tower of London a few years ago – and it was pretty cool. The exhibits were great, but there were quite a few people given how popular of an attraction it is. 

Seeing and learning about the Crown Jewels was fascinating.

Our Tip: Book your regular Tower of London ticket in advance or get an early access Tower of London & Tower Bridge ticket to help avoid the mid-day crowds when you see the Crown Jewels.

The Sky Garden at The Walkie Talkie

Address: 20 Fenchurch St, London EC3M 8AF, UK

If taking to the skies is your thing but you also want to experience some green space, you can have the best of both worlds at the Sky Garden .

Located on the 35th floor of “The Walkie Talkie” building (officially 20 Fenchurch is the name and address), this “urban jungle” is a very cool space with restaurants, bars/cafes, and even events.

As a visitor just having a look, it’s free to go up – but you have to reserve a time slot online. Free tickets are released on Mondays up to three weeks in advance.

They do accept walk-ups but it’s definitely worth booking in advance if you know you want to visit.

If you want to eat or drink, that’s a separate reservation for the bars or restaurants up there.

With views of London’s famous buildings all around you, it’s also a popular place to watch the sunset!

Trafalgar Square

Address: Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN, United Kingdom

A visit to London wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Trafalgar Square. This large open-air public square is located in the heart of the city, just a short walk north of the river.

Here you’ll find the iconic Nelson’s Column (which commemorates the win in the Battle of Trafalgar during the Napoleonic Wars). Around the column you’ll find the famous lions keeping watch.

The square is also known for its large fountains and “The Fourth Plinth”, a large stone pillar that gets decorated with modern art every year.

At Christmas time, you’ll find the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square, which Norway gifts the UK every year (since 1947) as thanks for their support during World War II.

Generally, Trafalgar is a gathering place for tours and groups, locals and visitors alike. The National Gallery (mentioned next) is also located here.

For Canadian readers, you’ll also find the High Commission of Canada here – just look for the Canadian flags.

The National Gallery

Are art galleries more your thing? Then the National Gallery in the heart of London is for you!

The National Gallery is located right on Trafalgar Square – which is why we mentioned it above.

The Gallery was founded back in 1824 and focuses on European art. In fact, the collection boasts over 2,000 paintings from as far back as the 13th century!

The nice thing about most museums (the publicly funded ones) in London is that they are generally free to visit.

This makes experiencing these fantastic collections accessible, which is nice if you are on a budget.

The same rule goes for the National Gallery – although special/rotating exhibits usually cost money to see. There is also a charge for guided tours of the gallery.

Explore the National Gallery on the official highlights guided tour .

St. Paul’s Cathedral

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

Want to visit one of the most famous religious sites in the country? The iconic dome of St. Paul’s Cathedral never disappoints!

St. Paul’s is easy to find. It’s located just north of the Thames, with the Millennium Bridge connecting the sidewalk from the building directly across the river to the front of the Tate Modern Museum. You can see that in the photo above!

The original church on the site dates from 604 and was built on this point at Ludgate Hill – the highest point in the City of London. The old cathedral was originally built in 1256 but burnt down in the Great Fire of London.

The new building (the current one) was rebuilt in 1675. The iconic dome stood as the highest point on the skyline for over 3 centuries until the 1960s and is still one of the highest domes in the world today!

If you’re planning to visit the cathedral,  a St. Paul’s Cathedral ticket with an audio guide  might be worth your time considering it’s a top attraction.

Also, keep in mind that the cathedral is a fully-operational parish with separate daily services and visiting hours.

The Tate Modern

Address: Bankside, London SE1 9TG, United Kingdom

If you are interested in international and contemporary art, the  Tate Modern  is for you.

The Tate is one of two Tate museums in the city – the other is the Tate Britain near Westminster on the other side of the river. We will talk about it right below this one!

In any case, the Tate Modern was named the most visited attraction in the UK a few years ago – passing the British Museum (also on this list).

It’s probably a good idea to check it out. Of course, admission to the museum is free, but special exhibits might have a small cost attached.

The Tate Modern is easy to find – just look for the massive red brick tower/building exterior on the South Bank of the Thames.

Still lost? The entrance is just across the river from St. Paul’s Cathedral – and connecting the two is the “Harry Potter” bridge.

That’s what the Millennium bridge is sometimes called, because it’s the one destroyed in one of the later Harry Potter films!

The Tate Britain

Address: Millbank, London SW1P 4RG, United Kingdom

As for the other Tate Museum in the city, the Tate Britain has a slightly different feel to it.

More focused on displaying British art – including paintings, sculptures, and more – the Tate Britain also features a stunning staircase which is worth the photo.

Located on the north side of the Thames, it’s just south of the Palace of Westminster on the river bank – close to the Vauxhall Bridge and Pimlico Tube Station. 

As with the other museums, admission is free – but you pay to enter special exhibitions.

The Monument to the Great Fire of London

Address: Fish St Hill, London EC3R 8AH, United Kingdom

Want some great views of the city and a bit of exercise? Check out the Monument to the Great Fire of London .

Located on the north bank of the river close to the base of London Bridge, this 62 metre tall tower was built in 1671 to commemorate the Great Fire of London in 1666.

In case you haven’t heard, that fire destroyed 1/3 of the city – including over 13,000 homes. These days, London is much more fire safe as not everything is timber frames!

The monument itself has significance. It was placed near Pudding Lane – the street with the bakery where the fire first broke out.

Climbing the spiral staircase inside involves 311 steps – but you get great views of the city from this vantage point just north of the river.

The Natural History Museum

Address: Cromwell Rd, Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK

Did you come to London to have a look at over 80 million specimens available in one museum? Oh, perfect – because that’s how many the Natural History Museum has!

Okay, not ALL of them are on display at once – that would take up way too much space.

Located in South Kensington (close to the southwest end of Hyde Park), the Natural History Museum is one of three major museums on the famous “Exhibition Road” (the other two are also on this list: The Victoria and Albert Museum and the Science Museum).

The museum is significant for its contributions to life and earth science – some specimens were even collected by Charles Darwin himself!

The entrance lobby is iconic because there used to be a dinosaur – a plaster cast of the Diplodocus “Dippy” – which has now been replaced by a full skeleton of a blue whale (which is also quite a sight).

As with most publicly funded museums in London, general admission is free with special exhibits costing a a small fee.

Shakespeare’s Globe

Address: 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT, UK

Are you a fan of Shakespeare? How about the history behind his famous “Globe Theatre”?

Well, there’s a replica of Shakespeare’s Globe in London on the South Bank (very close to the Tate Modern) – and you watch Shakespeare done right just like it was experienced centuries ago!

Eric has been to the Globe and had a true Globe experience, standing on the ground (called floor seats) and drinking an ale that they sell, which is apparently similar to what was available at the time.

He saw A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the overall experience of the performance was just awesome.

The best part is that while there are balcony seats around the stage, floor tickets are only £5 – but they sell out fast and in advance!

Warner Brothers Studio Tour for Harry Potter

Address: Warner Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LP, United Kingdom

If you are a die-hard Harry Potter fan, then London is a great place to visit! There are many places around London that you can visit to experience scenes from the movies:

• Leadenhall Market was used as Diagon Alley in the first film
• A version of Platform 9 and 3/4 is located in King’s Cross Station
• The Millennium Bridge – which crosses the Thames near St. Paul’s Cathedral – was taken down by Death Eaters

A Harry Potter Walking Tour is a great way to get your fan-fill without leaving the city.

If you really want to immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter, a tour of the Warner Brothers Studios is a must-do.

The studios themselves are located outside the city centre in Leavesden. This is the only attraction we have listed that is truly located outside the city.

However, we wanted to include it as it is so popular that people might be looking for it.

In what has become a major tourist draw, the studios have opened their doors to movie sets such as Diagon Alley, the Great Hall, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, and more. You can tour the sets, and see costumes and iconic props used in the films.

Our Tip: If you want to visit the Studios, hop on a Warner Bros. London Studio Tour with transportation included to make the trip easy and memorable!

Remember to book your tickets in advance since it’s a popular attraction to visit. In fact, tickets must be booked in advance.

Greenwich Park & National Maritime Museum

Address: Romney Rd, London SE10 9NF, United Kingdom

Speaking of attractions in London that are not directly in the city centre: Greenwich Park is one of them!

Located to the east of central London at the southern end of the Isle of Dogs (on the opposite side of the Thames), this famous green space is where you find the Prime Meridian.

You can stand where the eastern and western hemispheres meet and learn all about time at the Royal Observatory Greenwich .

From the top of the park’s hill, you get great views of Canary Wharf and the rest of the city. The whole area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architecture and historical/cultural significance.

There are other things to explore in the park to keep you busy. You can head towards the Queen’s House, the nearbly National Maritime Museum , and the Royal Naval College down by the river.

You can spend an hour cruising the Thames from Westminster to Greenwich , taking in the sights along the way!

You can take transit – either a Tube and train combination or a Tube and DLR combination to get there. The other great way to get there is by boat ( Thames Clipper ) on the Thames!

The Victoria and Albert Museum

Address: Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL, United Kingdom

If you want to visit the world’s largest museum dedicated to decorative arts and sculptures, then the Victoria and Albert Museum is for you.

Sometimes referred to as the V&A, the museum is located in South Kensington and is one of the three major museums on “Exhibition Road” (along with the Natural History Museum and Science Museum). Admission to the V&A is also free!

The V&A has over 2 million objects in its collection – as it’s been collecting since 1852, this makes sense.

Inside, you will find works from all over the world, spanning 5,000 years of “creatives” – art, print, textiles, patterned objects, furniture, photos, and more!

In fact, the museum has the largest collection of objects from the Italian Renaissance era located outside of Italy.

London Dungeons

Address: Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB, United Kingdom

Of course, you can’t write a post about tourist attractions in London without mentioning the London Dungeons. This attraction is located near Westminster Bridge, basically right next to the London Eye.

If you want to learn about London’s dark past in a more “theatrical” way, then the Dungeons are for you.

This creepy attraction gets many visitors each year who are eager to learn a bit of history while being taken on an entertaining journey by live actors, effects, and rides.

Get your tickets for the London Dungeon here , if you dare!

We’ve never been, but apparently the one in London is quite good. You can find these Dungeon attractions in other larger cities – like Edinburgh – so if you miss it in London you might get a visit elsewhere!

The British Museum

Address: Great Russell St, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 3DG, UK

As one of the largest museums in the world dedicated to “human history”, the British Museum is a pretty important place to visit.

Founded in 1753, the British Museum has since grown and expanded into the mammoth building it is today.

In fact, the Natural History Museum (listed above) is actually technically a branch of the British Museum’s collection.

Today, the British Museum holds over 8 million pieces – only 1% of which are currently on display. There are even a few controversial objects – like the Rosetta Stone – on display in the museum. 

Our Tip: The British Museum is huge – so a guided tour experience might help you get the most out of your visit.

This popular attraction used to be the most visited in the UK – until the Tate Modern overtook it in 2019. However, it’s still a great place to check out since it’s centrally located near Russell Square.

Admission to the British Museum is free – but you can pay extra for special exhibits going on at the time you visit. Donations are always welcomed if you visit, though!

Address: 51°30’30.2″N 0°09’50.4″W

If you want to enjoy some peace and quiet while wandering around the bustling city, head for one of the green spaces – there are plenty to choose from.

Close to Kensington Palace and Buckingham Palace are four interconnected “Royal Parks”. The largest one is Hyde Park (there are actually 8 Royal Parks total all over the city).

The park is full of smaller monuments (such as the Wellington Arch), cafes, gardens and paths leading in all directions.

You might want to check out Speakers’ Corner – an area that members of the public have used to protest, speak, and debate since the 1800s.

You can even swim in The Serpentine – a small lake in the middle! Eric has walked through it many times – but never swam.

A Royal Parks and Royal Palaces tour might interest you if you like exploring history and green spaces!

Harrods Department Store

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

Some would put this on the list of top attractions in London – and others would leave it off. Whatever camp you fall into, a list of top attractions in London just doesn’t feel complete without Harrods Department Store .

Founded in 1849 and located in the lively area of Knightsbridge, Harrods is arguably one of the most famous department stores in the world.

With a Latin motto that translates to “all things for all people, everywhere”, it’s a hectic place famous for its high-end items, its Christmas displays, food halls, and more.

Fun Fact: Harrods had one of the world’s first escalators in 1898. It was actually a sewn leather walkway that moved people – and people at the time were not keen to ride it. The store offered customers brandy at the top of the escalator to help calm their nerves (seriously).

Personally, we don’t know what all the hype is about, but we know friends who have made a trip to Harrods like a pilgrimage while in London. We guess being the largest department store in Europe is pretty neat.

Visit Harrods on a vintage bus tour with a cream tea experience!

The Science Museum

Address: Exhibition Rd, Kensington, London SW7 2DD, UK

If science is your thing, then why not visit the Science Museum?

Founded back in 1857, the Science Museum in London is the final of the three major museums we keep talking about on “Exhibition Road” (the other two being the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Natural History Museum).

They are all located in South Kensington.

Inside the museum, the collection houses over 300,000 items from all facets of science – from astronomy to steam-powered engines.

With interactive exhibits, the Science Museum is a great place to take kids when visiting London. They have also added an IMAX cinema with rotating films on display.

Not to sound like a broken record in this post, but admission to the Science Museum is free – but donations are always welcome.

The Churchhill War Rooms

Address: Clive Steps, King Charles Street, London, SW1A 2AQ

London has a long and important place in European history – and so it should come as no surprise that wartime history is very popular in London.

The city was bombed by the Germans in 1940 and 1941 in what is known as the Blitz – a series of air raids.

Many people and important objects were moved to bunkers around the city (or out of the city completely). One of these people was the Prime Minister at the time – Winston Churchill.

So, if you want to know what his bunker looked like (with the ability to carry on running the country and the war effort), then head to Churchill’s Bunker/War Rooms!

Located very close to the Palace of Westminster, the War Rooms are a very popular attraction in the city since they have been preserved for future generations with meticulous detail.

If you want to learn more about wartime in London and visit the War Rooms, you can do both on a guided walking tour of Westminster and the famous War Rooms !

Things to Consider When Visiting London

If you are planning a visit to London, there are a few things you should think about before you go.

We thought it might be helpful to briefly talk about what you need to know before visiting: like general information, currency, weather, transport, and more!

General Information About London

London is a diverse metropolitan centre made up of over 8 million people. The city is the capital of England – and also the United Kingdom.

It’s also one of the most visited cities in the world! The language spoken is English – but the city is quite diverse so don’t be surprised to hear several languages when you visit.

London is divided into two halves by the Thames – a winding river that snakes its way through the centre of the city.

There is a north side of the river and a south bank – and each has different neighbourhoods, attractions, and things to do!

The currency used in London is the British Pound – so make sure you take some out before you leave, or be prepared to take out cash when you land.

You can basically use cards everywhere in London, but it’s always good to have some cash on you. Also, the Pound is different from the Euro – so if you carry on through Europe, you will need another currency!

Best Time to Visit London

Determining the best time to visit London is complicated – since the UK is known for its cloudy weather. That said, spring might be a little wet but not as wet as the winter months.

Summer has a good chance of being warm – but the city can get VERY busy. So, we recommend visiting in the fall when the weather is likely to still be nice and only a bit cooler.

Whichever time of year you visit, there is always a chance of rain in the United Kingdom.

Joking aside, you can absolutely enjoy London in the rain since there is lots to do indoors and a good rain jacket is all you need to survive!

Read More: Check out our Packing List for Europe !

Getting Around London

As for getting around London, you have options when it comes to one of the world’s most famous transit systems – made up of buses, the Tube (London Underground), DLR (London Light Rail), the Overground (basically just trains), river trains (ferries), and more.

The subway is famously known as the London Underground – or the Tube – and you can take it to many of the top attractions across the city.

As a visitor, you should check out the official Transport for London website .

When it comes to paying your fare, you have a few options. You could buy individual tickets to travel with paper tickets from vending machines.

Another – more likely and very convenient – option is to pay for transit fares using a contactless debit or credit card. This is super handy. The gates also accept Apple and Google Pay.

Then there are also tap cards used for the transit system, which are called Oyster Cards. You can get a Visitor Oyster Card, which is a prepaid Oyster Card that also comes with discounts on restaurants, museums, and more.

You can also just get a regular Oyster Card – which is a regular refillable tap card. As of late 2022, Oyster cards are 7 pounds and that is not refundable. They used to be 5 pounds and you could return them and get your money back.

The Transport system also has Visitor Passes and Travel cards, which you can read about here .

Popular London Tours

There are lots of great ways to get around London on tours, which are also a great way to see the sights and learn as you explore the city!

• Classic 3.5-Hour London Bike Tour
• Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket

Where to Stay in London

Being London, there are so many places to stay – both accommodation options and also great areas/neighbourhoods. We have a detailed guide on where to stay in London if you are planning a trip and want to know more.

Get started searching for Accommodations in London .

For the purposes of this post, we’ll give you our spark notes to get you started.

If you are looking for a popular option in a great location, The Z Hotel Covent Garden is located in Covent Garden, which puts it within walking distance of many top areas and attractions.

For views of “Big Ben” and a location right beside the Thames, the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London is located at one end of Westminster Bridge and close to transit (Waterloo Station).

London can be expensive, so a nice budget option is the Blue Bells Hotel up near Paddington Station (close to Hyde Park/Kensington Gardens).

Lastly, a really nice boutique hotel option is the Page8, Page Hotels which is located just steps from Trafalgar Square.

Tip: Staying in an area of central London – such as Soho, for example – will have you close to many of the top sights. However, it may be noisier compared to a location on the river (like Lambeth) a little further from the action.

Related Articles

If you are planning a trip to London (or to the UK in general), here are some more posts that you may find helpful:

• One Day in London Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
• Where to Stay in London: Neighbourhood & Accommodation Guide
• Day Trips From London (& How to Get There)
• 3 Days in London Itinerary
• Our Experience (+Tips) for Visiting Stonehenge

And there you have it – a very comprehensive list of the top tourist attractions in London! Now, this isn’t everything – but it should be more than enough to keep you busy during your visit.

In any case, these are some of our favourite attractions – and a few that we haven’t been to yet, but have had on our list for ages!

London is a massive city with tons to see and do – so let us know what you get up to. Have fun!

As always, Happy Waddlin’, -L&E

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• Average admission charge for visitor attractions in England 2022, by category

Average adult admission charge for visitor attractions in England in 2022, by category (in GBP)

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Show sources information Show publisher information Use Ask Statista Research Service

United Kingdom (England)

attractions charging for admission

¹ Sample size below 50. Please treat with caution. ² The total sample size included the following visitor attractions: 15 country parks, 21 farms, 52 gardens, 171 historic houses/castles, 70 other historic properties, 14 leisure/theme parks, 165 museums/art galleries, 24 steam/heritage railways, 30 visitor/heritage centers, 50 wildlife attractions/zoos, 17 workplaces, 13 other type of attractions. Figures for places of worship were not available in 2022, as the base size was below 10.

Other statistics on the topic

• Most visited tourist attractions in the UK 2019-2023

Leisure Travel

• Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2019-2023, by establishment
• Number of visits to Stonehenge in England 2010-2023

Parks & Outdoors

• Most visited amusement and theme parks in the United Kingdom (UK) 2019-2022

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Statistics on " Visitor attractions in the United Kingdom (UK) "

• Growth rate of admissions to visitor attractions in England 2006-2022
• Growth rate of admissions to visitor attractions in England 2020-2022, by category
• Growth rate of visitor attractions' gross revenue in England 2007-2022
• Growth rate of visitor attractions' gross revenue in England 2022, by category
• Share of visitor attractions communicating digitally in England 2020-2022, by channel
• Leading paid visitor attractions in England 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading free visitor attractions in England in 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading paid visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading free visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading paid visitor attractions in Scotland 2019-2023, by attendance
• Leading free visitor attractions in Scotland 2019-2023, by attendance
• Leading paid visitor attractions in Wales 2019-2021, by attendance
• Leading free visitor attractions in Wales 2019-2021, by attendance
• Revenue of museum activities in the UK 2008-2022
• Number of museum enterprises in the UK 2019-2023, by revenue
• Income from admissions of government funded museums in England 2019-2023, by museum
• Number of visitors to government funded museums in England 2019-2023, by museum
• Museum and gallery attendance frequency in England 2022-2023
• Museum and gallery attendance in England 2021-2023, by age
• Number of visits to the Natural History Museum in the UK 2010-2023
• Number of visits to the National Museum of Scotland in the UK 2010-2023
• Revenue of businesses operating historical sites in the UK 2008-2022
• Number of businesses operating historical sites in the UK 2008-2022
• Most visited castles and historical monument sites in England 2019-2022
• Heritage site attendance frequency in England 2022-2023
• Heritage site attendance in England 2022-2023, by type
• Number of visitors to English Heritage sites 2011-2023
• Number of visits to the Tower of London in England 2010-2023
• Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2015-2023
• Leading zoos and wildlife attractions in England 2019-2022
• Number of visits to the Chester Zoo in the UK 2010-2022
• Number of visits to the ZSL London Zoo in the UK 2010-2023
• Amusement and theme park turnover in the UK 2010-2021
• Number of amusement and theme parks companies in the UK 2010-2021
• Value of leading theme parks in the United Kingdom 2024

Other statistics that may interest you Visitor attractions in the United Kingdom (UK)

• Premium Statistic Most visited tourist attractions in the UK 2019-2023
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of admissions to visitor attractions in England 2006-2022
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of admissions to visitor attractions in England 2020-2022, by category
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of visitor attractions' gross revenue in England 2007-2022
• Premium Statistic Growth rate of visitor attractions' gross revenue in England 2022, by category
• Premium Statistic Average admission charge for visitor attractions in England 2022, by category
• Premium Statistic Share of visitor attractions communicating digitally in England 2020-2022, by channel

Leading attractions

• Basic Statistic Leading paid visitor attractions in England 2019-2022, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading free visitor attractions in England in 2019-2022, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading paid visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading free visitor attractions in London, UK 2019-2022, by attendance
• Premium Statistic Leading paid visitor attractions in Scotland 2019-2023, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading free visitor attractions in Scotland 2019-2023, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading paid visitor attractions in Wales 2019-2021, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading free visitor attractions in Wales 2019-2021, by attendance

Museums and galleries

• Basic Statistic Revenue of museum activities in the UK 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of museum enterprises in the UK 2019-2023, by revenue
• Premium Statistic Income from admissions of government funded museums in England 2019-2023, by museum
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to government funded museums in England 2019-2023, by museum
• Premium Statistic Museum and gallery attendance frequency in England 2022-2023
• Premium Statistic Museum and gallery attendance in England 2021-2023, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the Natural History Museum in the UK 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the National Museum of Scotland in the UK 2010-2023

Historic attractions

• Basic Statistic Revenue of businesses operating historical sites in the UK 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of businesses operating historical sites in the UK 2008-2022
• Premium Statistic Most visited castles and historical monument sites in England 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Heritage site attendance frequency in England 2022-2023
• Premium Statistic Heritage site attendance in England 2022-2023, by type
• Premium Statistic Number of visitors to English Heritage sites 2011-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the Tower of London in England 2010-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to Stonehenge in England 2010-2023

Parks, zoos, and wildlife attractions

• Premium Statistic Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2015-2023
• Basic Statistic Royal tourism: admissions to Royal Estate in the UK 2019-2023, by establishment
• Premium Statistic Leading zoos and wildlife attractions in England 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the Chester Zoo in the UK 2010-2022
• Premium Statistic Number of visits to the ZSL London Zoo in the UK 2010-2023

Amusement parks

• Premium Statistic Amusement and theme park turnover in the UK 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Number of amusement and theme parks companies in the UK 2010-2021
• Premium Statistic Most visited amusement and theme parks in the United Kingdom (UK) 2019-2022
• Premium Statistic Value of leading theme parks in the United Kingdom 2024

Further related statistics

• Basic Statistic Leading paid attractions in South West England 2019-2022, by attendance
• Basic Statistic Leading paid attractions in Yorkshire and Humberside 2019-2022, by attendance
• Premium Statistic Leading decorative art exhibitions worldwide in 2013, by number of daily visitors
• Premium Statistic Leading paid art exhibitions in London 2019, by number of daily visitors
• Premium Statistic Italy: preferred aspect of going to a museum or a gallery 2015
• Premium Statistic Leading art exhibitions held in New York in 2013, by number of daily visitors
• Basic Statistic Arts and cultural sector: share of disabled employees in England 2020
• Premium Statistic Number of cultural historical buildings in Norway 2009-2020
• Premium Statistic Arts and cultural sector workforce diversity in England 2020, by ethnicity
• Premium Statistic Visits to national museums in France 2016, by region
• Basic Statistic South Carolina art and cultural production industry value added to U.S. GDP 2001-2019
• Premium Statistic GDP share of cultural and creative industries Hong Kong 2005-2022
• Premium Statistic Businesses in the Brazilian arts, culture, sports, and recreation sector 2010-2021
• Basic Statistic Theater-going expenses in the UK in 2013, ranked by share of attendees

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

• Leading paid attractions in South West England 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading paid attractions in Yorkshire and Humberside 2019-2022, by attendance
• Leading decorative art exhibitions worldwide in 2013, by number of daily visitors
• Leading paid art exhibitions in London 2019, by number of daily visitors
• Italy: preferred aspect of going to a museum or a gallery 2015
• Leading art exhibitions held in New York in 2013, by number of daily visitors
• Arts and cultural sector: share of disabled employees in England 2020
• Number of cultural historical buildings in Norway 2009-2020
• Arts and cultural sector workforce diversity in England 2020, by ethnicity
• Visits to national museums in France 2016, by region
• South Carolina art and cultural production industry value added to U.S. GDP 2001-2019
• GDP share of cultural and creative industries Hong Kong 2005-2022
• Businesses in the Brazilian arts, culture, sports, and recreation sector 2010-2021
• Theater-going expenses in the UK in 2013, ranked by share of attendees

Charge overseas visitors £20 entry to British Museum, says former director

A former director of the British Museum has called for visiting tourists to pay a general admission fee to fund renovation efforts.

Sir Mark Jones, 73, thinks that tourists should also be charged an entry fee at the National Gallery, Science Museum and Natural History Museum, but believes that access to the museums should remain free for British taxpayers and foreign visitors under 25.

The interim director of the British Museum since September 2023 told The Sunday Times : “The British put a very high value on free entry to museums — that is our tradition.

“People who support museums as taxpayers shouldn’t also have to pay to visit them.”

He also called for the museum to share the Elgin marbles – removed from the Parthenon and Acropolis of Athens since 1801 – in partnership with Greece .

The marble’s origin country has long called for the statue collection to be reunited with partner Parthenon works on display at the Acropolis Museum.

“If we were ever to find a way to create a partnership with the Greeks over the Parthenon Marbles, we would need to find a way to fund it,” said Jones.

The London museum, which requires an extensive refurbishment for a reported sum between £400 and £500 million, struck a £50 million deal with BP last year as part of funding to sustain the space.

Entry to the museum’s permanent exhibitions is currently free with one-off fees for non-members at some short-term displays.

Jones thinks it would “make sense” to charge admission to overseas visitors at some of the UK’s biggest tourist attractions as “they charge us”.

Most of Europe ’s most popular museums charge an entry fee. Visitors to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel face a €20 (£16.90) charge, while The Louvre in Paris costs €22 (£18.60) for general adult admission.

The British art historian said, “The money has to come from somewhere.”

To “reasonably” charge tourists an admission price of around £20 would reduce overcrowding at exhibits and entry queue times, according to Jones.

“The museum is too busy for people to experience it as they should; fighting your way through the crowds doesn’t put you in the best state of mind to look at the collections,” said Jones.

The former director believes the entry fee could also improve staff wages and reduce ticket prices for pop-up exhibitions.

Previously in charge of the Victoria and Albert Museum , Jones took the role of interim museum director to restore the institution’s reputation following a theft scandal under Hartwig Fischer’s control.

Fischer acted as British Museum director from 2016 to 2023, during which time up to 2,000 items and artefacts were reported missing from the museum’s collection.

The director of the National Portrait Gallery, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, was announced as the museum’s new permanent director in March.

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