Things to Do in London

With 272 Tube stops and close to 300 museums, planning a trip to London can seem overwhelming. But you’re in safe hands. Grab an umbrella and an Oyster card, and set your sights on the city’s many attractions. 

Sights & Attractions

From red buses and black cabs to the city’s many landmarks, there is no shortage of famous sites and perfect photo opportunities in London. In the heart of London there is Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and the classic London event of the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.   You’ll also find Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s Cathedral, two of the best-known religious buildings in the world, and former royal prison the Tower of London – now home to the Crown Jewels and the famous ravens. Other central London sights include Tower Bridge and there are stunning views of the city from the 135-metre-tall the London Eye and the tallest building in western Europe, the 309.6-metre building called The Shard located near London Bridge.

Art & Culture

London is understandably proud of its world-leading cultural offering, including its many museums, galleries, and theatres. Visiting the Kensington museums – the V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum), the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum you can cover everything from space and dinosaurs to hats and ballgowns in a single day. The museums are great for children, as is the Southbank Centre, the largest arts centre in the UK.

 

The Southbank Centre features an innovative programme of events, from gigs, comedy, and exhibitions to festivals and literature and family events. Nearby, the Tate Modern museum – and its sister museum Tate Britain on the other side of the river – caters to every taste in art, from sixteenth-century portraits to avant-garde sculpture. For theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre and the Old Vic and the Young Vic, are among the city’s top choices.

Shopping in London

For luxury retail start in Knightsbridge, home to high-end department stores Harvey Nichols and one of the most famous names in retail – Harrods. Shoppers with a generous budget can also head to the prestigious Sloane Street and Bond Street, with their designer stores. For more affordable mid-range options, try central London high streets Oxford Street, Regent Street, Kensington High Street, and the King’s Road. Meanwhile, iconic 1960s destination Carnaby Street offers more eclectic shops, as well as quintessentially British department store Liberty.   

 

Elsewhere, try Savile Row if you’re looking for bespoke British tailoring. And don’t forget to explore the city’s many markets. There’s east London’s Spitalfields Market for fashion, arts and craft by independent creatives and north London’s Camden Market for a diverse mix of fashion, food and more. West London offers Portobello Road Market for antiques and atmosphere, while central London’s Covent Garden gives you market and high street shopping in one. If you prefer all your shopping under one roof, the large Westfield London and Westfield Stratford City shopping centres offer a breadth of options. 

Food and Drink in London

With 69 Michelin-starred restaurants across London, those after fine dining won’t have to look far. Alain Ducasse at the Dorchester hotel and Restaurant Gordon Ramsay in Chelsea are famous for their exquisite contemporary French cuisine, and each boast three Michelin stars.   

 

If you’re looking for a quicker fix, London’s market and street food scene is also thriving. The historic Borough Market is a popular food destination. A mecca for gourmets, it’s filled with culinary delights – though you’ll find a less crowded food fest at Bermondsey’s Maltby Street Market.

 

Explore Street Feast to find buzzing local food markets across the city, including east London’s night markets. When your sights are set on the classics, nothing beats a good Sunday roast. Why not try the Hawksmoor or Le Petit Beefbar in Chelsea for a luxury twist on the comforting British meal. Or, if you’re looking for the authentic fish and chips experience, the crispy fish and chunky chip combo at the Golden Union fish bar in Soho.    

 

For a refined affair, there are few things more British than afternoon tea. Ritz London is the classic spot, although über-cool Sketch London puts on a fine affair with beautiful interiors, while Prêt-à-Portea at The Berkeley hotel serves a stylish, fashion inspired interpretation of the traditional afternoonTEA.

 

 

Unique to London

For all its busy streets and landmark architecture, green spaces define London. The capital boasts more than 3,000 parks, making it one of the greenest cities of its size in the world. The parks are loved by Londoners and visitors alike, whether for a wintry post-lunch walk, an autumn run or a summery picnic when the sun appears.   

 

London’s many and large parks include the royal parks of Hyde Park, Green Park, St. James’s Park, Regent’s Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, and Primrose Hill. Among the city’s other large green spaces are Holland Park, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, and Hampstead Heath. Top park attractions include the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, the Richmond Park deer, the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds and the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park.       

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