As one of the biggest cities in the world, London has more than its fair share of stunning attractions and exhilarating activities.
Retrace the steps of royals or check out modern and contemporary art, then immerse yourself in the magical world of Harry Potter! From royal castles and football stadiums to world-class theaters and impressive museums, there's an endless number of things to do in London—for history buffs, film lovers, sports fans, and everyone else in between.
Make up the itinerary that suits you best and enjoy a jolly good holiday with 22 of the must see places in London, England!
1. Buckingham Palace
If it's your first time visiting London, you shouldn't skip Buckingham Palace. It's one of the world's most famous landmarks! Visit and explore the State Rooms, walk up the Grand Staircase, and view the Queen's Gallery.
Join a Changing of the Guard walking tour, so you can watch the iconic Changing of the Guard ceremony, one of the best things to do in London.
Nearest station: St James's Park Station (Circle and District Lines)
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Live your best wizard life at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Credits: Klook
Be transported into the world of Harry Potter on the Warner Bros. Studio Tour! Relive your favorite scenes from the films as you ride the Hogwarts Express, explore the Gryffindor Common Room, walk down the Great Hall, and more.
Even if you haven't caught the Harry Potter films (which you should!), it's still fun to see movie magic in action, from behind-the-scenes special effects to impressive props. These tickets run out fast, so make sure to secure your entry online!
Nearest station: Watford Junction (West Coast Main Line)
3. British Museum
With artifacts dating back two million years, the British Museum is an absolute must if you’re a certified history lover. . It was also featured in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb!
Its permanent exhibition, which has over eight million works, is one of the biggest collections in the world. Inside the museum, you'll find the Rosetta Stone, the Bust of Ramesses the Great, and the Tree of Life, among other incredible historical pieces.
Klook Tip: Entry to most museums in London is free! This includes the British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Just book your ticket on the official website in advance to secure your slot!
Nearest station: Tottenham Court Road (Northern and Central Lines)
4. Watch a show at West End
You don't need to fly to New York to watch stellar theater performances. Located near Leicester Square and Covent Garden, West End has amazing shows like The Lion King, The Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia! and Hamilton—all of which are within walking distance of one another!
Brought the kids with you? Treat them to musicals like Frozen and Wicked for some family-friendly fun.
Nearest stations: Leicester Square (Piccadilly and Northern Lines), Piccadilly Circus (Piccadilly and Bakerloo Lines)
5. Sky Garden
Endless views of plants and the London skyline at the Sky Garden. Credit: karolinaruzic
Sky Garden is one of the best places to see London's iconic skyline! It's the city's highest public garden, located on the 43rd floor of a building nicknamed "the walkie talkie" due to its odd shape. There are huge floor-to-ceiling glass windows, so you can spot all of London's attractions. The best part? Entry is free!
Klook Tip: Entry to the Sky Garden is free, so tickets get snapped up quick! Head to their website at least a month before your trip, in order to secure a slot.
Nearest station: Monument Station (District and Circle Lines)
6. Tower Bridge
The Tower Bridge is known for its Neo-Gothic architecture. Credits to Charles Postiaux on Unsplash
Visiting Tower Bridge is one of the best things to do in London. As one of the city's defining landmarks, it's a must-see!
While you can cross the bridge for free, you'll need Tower Bridge admission if you want to access the 43-meter-tall glass walkways, where you can take in panoramic views of the city. You'll also see the original Victorian steam engines used to raise the bridge along with interactive exhibits about its long history.
Nearest station: London Bridge Station (District and Circle Lines)
Want to save money and time on the city's finest sights? Book the Klook Pass London and enjoy access to the London Zoo, Tower Bridge, and, of course, St. Paul's Cathedral. There's also the option to add day trips like Stonehenge and the Warner Bros. Studio Tour.
7. London Eye
Get amazing views of London and beyond aboard the London Eye
The London Eye is one of the top London attractions for a reason: the views must be seen to be believed. Over in the South Bank area at 135 meters high, you can soak up the sights of the London skyline as far as 25 kilometers away!
The London Eye gives you breathtaking views of the city from different angles, so you can admire London in its full glory.
Nearest station: Waterloo Station (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
8. Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle | Photo Credit: Simon Hurry on Unsplash
Get a look of how the royals lived when you visit Windsor Castle. For over a millennium, the estate has served as the residence of the British monarchy, including Queen Elizabeth II, who calls it her favorite weekend home.
Inside the castle, you'll find gilded rooms and walls decorated with artworks by Rembrandt, Rubens, and more. There's also the medieval St. George's Chapel, the venue of many royal weddings.
Nearest station: Windsor & Eton Central Station (Windsor Line)
9. Arsenal Football Club
Take a walk on the pitch of the Emirates Stadium and feel like a pro football player. Credits: Klook.
If you’re a football fan, , one of the must-visit places in London is an Emirates Stadium, where you can get a behind-the-scenes look at the home of Arsenal FC. See the stadium, learn about Arsenal's history, and relive the best moments of the club at the museum.
You can even explore the area at your own pace as you listen to the audio guide available in 10 languages.
Psst. Did you know you could buy football tickets online? Catch your favorite teams like Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Crystal Palace play while you're in London!
Nearest station: Arsenal Station (Piccadilly Line)
10. SEA Life Aquarium
Go on an underwater adventure at SEA Life Aquarium! Come face-to-face with clownfish, eels, octopuses, penguins, jellyfish, and other aquatic creatures.
Take a walk down the Shark Walk, where only a suspended glass display is separating you from 10 shark species swimming beneath your feet. You can even take it to the next level with the Snorkel with Sharks Experience to get close with the marine animals.
Nearest station: Waterloo Station (Jubilee, Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
11. St. Paul's Cathedral
St. Paul’s Cathedral | Photo Credit: Jonathan Chng on Unsplash
It doesn't just boast a stunning dome; St. Paul's Cathedral is one of London's most iconic landmarks. The wedding of Lady Diana and Prince Charles took place in this cathedral!
St. Paul's Cathedral also has the largest crypt in Europe, where you can pay respects to the resting places of British greats like Lord Admiral Nelson, the Duke of Wellington, and the architect of the cathedral himself, Sir Christopher Wren.
You can even drop by the Golden Gallery and bask in the view of the River Thames, Tate Modern, and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre.
Nearest station: St Paul's Station (Central Line)
12. Borough Market
Borough Market | Photo Credit: Cody Martin on Unsplash
Head to Borough Market in central London for some local grub! Located among the historic Southwark Cathedral and the vibrant River Thames, this lively market is a feast for both your eyes and tastebuds!
From artisanal cheeses to freshly baked pastries, the market has all kinds of gourmet delights sourced from local producers and international vendors. Explore the food market on a combined Borough & Leadenhall Market food tour for one of the best culinary experience in London!
Nearest station: London Bridge Station (Jubilee Line)
13. Hampton Court Palace
Kids under 5 can enter the Hampton Court Palace for free - Credit: KT Likes Coffee
Can't get enough of opulent residences? Head to Hampton Court Palace, where Henry VIII used to live. There, you'll find impressive treasures and well-manicured gardens. Discover the grandeur of the Tudor times as you explore the State Rooms and Apartments, Base Court, and Tudor kitchens.
If you want a bit of a thrill, visit the Haunted Gallery, where the ghost of Catherine Howard has allegedly been spotted.
Nearest station: Hampton Court Station (Hampton Court Branch Line)
14. Madame Tussauds London
Rub shoulders with the stars at Madame Tussauds London! Credits: Klook
Don't miss out on the chance to take photos with the Royal Family and A-list celebs like Kate Winslet, Kim Kardashian, and more at Madame Tussauds London. With 14 themed zones, you can come face-to-face with Darth Vader in one room and rub shoulders with kings from the Tudor period in another!
Nearest station: Baker Street Station (Bakerloo, Circle and Hammersmith & City, Jubilee, Metropolitan Lines)
15. The Savoy
Have the ultimate British afternoon tea at The Savoy | Photo Credit: Christian Lendl on Unsplash
Fancy a cup of tea? Have some afternoon tea at one of the most iconic destinations in the UK. As the first luxury hotel in Britain, The Savoy is known for serving great tea alongside finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and other pastries. The best of all? There are vegan and vegetarian options available, so everyone can join in.
Nearest station: Charing Cross Station (Bakerloo and Northern Lines)
16. Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey | Photo Credit: Ian Branch on Unsplash
With heaps of impressive towers and spires, Westminster Abbey impresses even from afar. The mediaeval church is one of the most important London sites, having served as the coronation site for all British monarchs since 1066 and the location for royal weddings, including the 2011 union between Prince William and Kate Middleton.
Nearest station: Westminster Station (Jubilee, District and Circle Lines)
17. Hyde Park
Revel in the natural beauty of the 350-acre Hyde Park. Credit: Simon Hurry
If you’re in the mood for a change of scenery? Take a break from London's skyscrapers and spend time at Hyde Park. Spanning 350 acres, the park is blessed with grassy fields and vibrant plants, making it the ideal place for a picnic. It also has lakes, art galleries, and historical monuments, so there's always something for you to enjoy. .
Nearest station: Hyde Park Corner Station (Piccadilly Line)
18. Royal Botanic Gardens
Royal Botanic Gardens | Photo Credits: @tbassett on Unsplash
Spend time at the Royal Botanic Gardens, also known as Kew Gardens, the largest UNESCO World Heritage site in London. With the world's largest botanical collections, it welcomes you from the city's towering buildings and busy streets. Visit greenhouses, like the Palm House, where you can take photos and look at exotic plants.
Nearest station: Kew Bridge Station (South Western Railway Line)
19. Tower of London
Interested in history? The Tower of London has got it in spades. This millennium-old tower, which has served as a stone fortress, zoo, royal residence, and even a prison, is one of the unmissable things to do in London.
Inside, you'll meet the ravens protecting the tower and see the Crown Jewels, which are still used by the Royal Family today.
Nearest station: Tower Hill Station (District and Circle Lines)
FAQs about must-visit attractions in London
1. What not to miss in London?
When in London, there are some must-see places in London, England, that you simply can't skip. The iconic Tower Bridge and the majestic Buckingham Palace should definitely be on your list. If you’re an art lover, the British Museum is a must-see site in London, showcasing a rich collection of history and culture.
2. What should I see the first time in London?
If it’s your first time in London, you’ll want to visit the top things to see in London, England. Begin with the classic sights like the Tower of London and Big Ben. A visit to the London Eye will offer stunning views of the city, making it an unforgettable experience.
3. What are the top 6 places to visit in London?
The top 6 places to visit in London include must-see sites in London like the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and the Houses of Parliament. You should also check out the British Museum, the West End Theatre District, and the lively Covent Garden for a blend of culture and entertainment. These spots give a perfect mix of history, art, and vibrant city life.
4. What is the number one attraction in London?
The number one attraction in London is undoubtedly the Tower of London, a must-see place that has stood the test of time for over a thousand years. This historic castle is home to the Crown Jewels and has fascinating stories about London's past. It's one of the top things to see in London, England, and a must-visit for any traveler.
5. Where not to go as a tourist in London?
While London is filled with amazing spots, there are a few areas that might not be ideal for tourists looking for the classic London experience. Avoid areas that are overly touristy and expensive, such as Leicester Square, unless you’re attending a show or event. Some parts of East London might also feel more residential, lacking the iconic must-see sites in London.
Time to explore London!
If it's your first time or your tenth, London has endless adventures and must-see places for every traveler. From historic landmarks to modern wonders, the city's charm is undeniable. So pack your bags and get ready to experience the top things to see in London, England, you won’t regret it!
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