20 Best Things to Do in London
London is one of the most energetic cities in the world, known for being a cross between New York City and Los Angeles – with the fast pace of Manhattan and larger size similar to L.A. county, with things in London being spread out.
View of the Tower Bridge and the Shard in London; April 2025
As a repeat traveler to the famous capital of England, I’ve been able to boil down the best of the best things to do in London – but this list of things to do in London is also perfect for first time travelers to the city!
Similar to New York and Paris, London is a city you could come back to a million times and always have something to do – but for now, here are 20 of the best things to do in London as both a returning traveler and for those exploring the city for the first time.
20 Best Things to Do in London
Piccadilly Circus
Penned as the Times Square of London, Piccadilly Square is very touristic – but worth seeing at least once to get the vibe of the city. Also, despite the similar to New York advertisements – Picadilly Square is surprisingly very beautiful!
It’s worth wandering around, taking a view pictures, and soaking up the atmosphere.
The London Underground at Picadilly Circus; January 2023
2. Trafalgar Square
Similar to Picadilly Circus, there isn’t too much to do here – but it is a spot where local artists, dancers, and runners seem to flock, with an amazing bookstore called Waterstones near Charing Cross.
Trafalgar Square in London; April 2025
3. Buckingham Palace
It’s true that a trip to London is incomplete with going to Buckingham Palace and seeing the changing of the guards, as it’s something so traditional to England and the U.K. – you simply can’t leave London without at least trying to see the infamous ceremony!
Outside Buckingham Palace in London, United Kingdom; May 2017
What time is the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace?
The Changing of the Guard happens 3 times a week in London, on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at around 10:30am. However, if you want to get a good spot for the Changing the Guard, you’ll need to be there hours ahead of time – as we arrived there fifteen minutes before and it was already packed.
Watch the Changing of the Guards in London in action in my vlog below!
4. Big Ben & Westminster Abbey
Again, while seeing Big Ben is very touristic in London – it actually is incredibly beautiful in person, especially on a sunny day when the light hits the gold of Westminster and makes it shimmer amongst the surrounding, often gloomy looking city.
View of Big Ben in London; January 2023
Around the corner from Big Ben is Westminster Abbey, which is an Anglican church known for having hosted ceremonies for English, Scottish, and British monarchs since 1066.
Standing underneath Westminster Abbey in London; April 2025
Do I Need Tickets For Westminster Abbey?
Yes, as of 2025 – it is essential to book your tickets to Westminster Abbey ahead of time, as they easily sell out, even on weekdays. It costs around £30 (or €35 or $40 USD) to go into Westminster Abbey.
Therefore, if you have your heart set on going to Westminster Abbey while in London – be sure to book your tickets ahead of time!
5. Notting Hill
Known for its colorful houses, trendy cafés, and little shops – Notting Hill is absolutely worth visiting during your stay in London.
Wandering around Notting Hill in London; April 2025
What Are Some Things to Do in Notting Hill?
Notting Hill, as shown in the movie, is indeed very residential – but it also has a lot of tourists to discover, such as:
Nearby Portobello Market
Finding new books at the Notting Hill Bookshop
Exploring the Museum of Brands
Personally, I find the best thing to do in Notting Hill is to wander around its boutiques, pop into little coffee shops, colorful streets for photos!
Exploring the colorful streets of Notting Hill in London; April 2025
6. Marylebone High Street
One of the more manicured neighborhoods of London stylized by its red-brick exteriors, this is the perfect picturesque neighorhood for those of you coming to London to do some shopping!
Any kind of shopping you want to find, you’ll find it on Marylebone High Street – from one-of-a-kind high-end boutiques to familiar stores like Fresh and American Vintange.
Shopping in Marylborne High Street in London; April 2025
7. Oxford Street
While not as high end as the shopping to be found on Marylebone High Street, Oxford Street is actually the busiest shopping street in all of Europe – making it a worthwhile walk down the infamous road if you want to shop until you drop!
You’ll find plenty of international chain clothing stores as well as classic U.K. favorites like Primark and Boots.
8. Saint Paul’s Cathedral
One of London’s iconic landmarks without other people knowing, Saint Paul’s Cathedral is worth walking by – as it has a nice little garden surrounding the church and will be on the way to other places such as the Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and the Borough Market.
In the nearby garden beside Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London; April 2025
Do I Need to Pay For a Ticket to Go Into St. Paul’s Cathedral in London?
Yes, it costs money to buy a ticket to go into Saint Paul’s Cathedral unless you are going in to pray – which in that case, it’s always free. It costs around £26 for adults to enter the Cathedral.
Standing underneath Saint Paul’s Cathedral in London; April 2025
Can I Go Up to the Top of Saint Paul’s Cathedral?
Yes! Saint Paul’s Cathedral offers a 528 step hike up to the top of the dome, which offers views of central London for those brave enough to climb to the top.
9. Tower Bridge
As one of my personal favorite monuments in London, I truly believe that no trip to the city is complete without seeing the Tower Bridge – as it’s baby blue and muted brick detailing is even more eye-catching in person.
View of Tower Bridge in London; April 2025
Where is the Best View of Tower Bridge in London?
I strongly recommend sitting at either the Beach Bar or The Lawn after walking across the bridge to enjoy views of River Thames, The Shard, and the Tower Bridge itself.
10. Tower of London
Best for the people who love history, the Tower of London is a must-do for people who love interactive-style museums and learning about a city’s history when traveling.
Front side of the Tower of London; May 2017
What Is The Story Behind the Tower of London?
Built in the 1070s, William the Conqueror started to build the Tower of London as a way to preserve his royal status and power – and it took him 20 years to build. In the years to come, the Tower of London was used to help protect the United Kingdom and serve as a medieval palace for royalty.
How Much Does it Cost to Go to the Tower of London?
An adult ticket for the Tower of London costs £35.80 (or around $49 USD), with discounts available for students and seniors.
Back side of the Tower of London with the view of the Shard in the background; April 2025
11. Borough Market
Unsurprisingly, as a foodie – the Borough Market is a must-see spot every time that I’m in London.
Approaching the Borough Market in London; April 2025
Is the Borough Market Overrated?
No, I don’t think the Borough Market in London is overrated at all – as it truly has both British and international food, spices, and cuisine from all over the world to try. Just be prepared that its entirely a food market, meaning you won’t find many trinkets, clothes, or other souvenirs here.
Is There Vegan Food at the Borough Market?
Yes, there is a bunch of vegan food and more at the Borough Market! In fact, there is a whole “Green Market” inside the market with more local and smaller traders – offering vegan desserts, coffees, and other international food such as vegan Venezuelan corn patties (Arepas).
Inside the Borough Market in London; January 2023
What Are The Best Vendors At the Borough Market?
My favorite places and vendors at the Borough Market include:
Spice Mountain: Amazing for spices from around the world and fun latte powders
Pâté Moi: A relatively new stand at the Borough Market that sells incredible mushroom-based vegan pâté
The Free From Bakehouse: Perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth as they sell cakes, raw desserts, and both vegan and gluten-free goodies
12. Go to a Concert at the O2 Arena
As an avid concert goer, I had always wondered what it would be like to attend a show at the infamous O2 arena in London – and when I finally did, it was amazing. I got to see the 1975 (my favorite band) in their home country at a much bigger venue and hear their music at a bigger capacity.
The O2 arena is on the waterfront, and has a ton of restaurants and shopping inside too. Check out my experience at the O2 arena in my vlog below!
13. Harrods
If you’re a fan of department stores such as Nordstrom in the U.S. and Galeries Lafayette in France, you’ll have to take a trip to the original Harrod’s in London.
Decked out in high end clothing, cosmetics, skincare, furniture, and more – Harrod’s is probably the best place in London to go window shopping.
14. Covent Garden
Another one of my personal favorites in London, Covent Garden is one of the most charming places in the city – with a village-like shopping center and several amazing restaurants, cafés and more.
Covent Garden on a rainy morning in London; January 2023
Tips And Advice for Covent Garden
If you go earlier on a weekday morning, it’ll be quiet and not packed with as many tourists
The Tesco on Bedford Street has an amazing selection of vegan faux meets
Check out Rodeo Donuts if you have a sweet tooth and enjoy innovative baked goods
There are several souvenir vendors here that I found were slightly more affordable and interesting than they typical souvenir shops
Wander around the surrounding vicinity and streets to eat, with one of my favorite places in London called Mildred’s being in Covent Garden
Inside Covent Garden on a quiet Saturday morning in London; January 2023
15. Eat An English Breakfast at Mildred’s
No trip to London or the U.K. is incomplete without enjoying a classic English breakfast.
For both vegans and non-vegans alike, Mildred’s is an incredible plant-based restaurant with six locations around London including at King’s Cross, Soho, Camden, and Covent Garden.
Enjoying a vegan style English breakfast at Mildred’s near Covent Garden in London; January 2023
I have taken both of my non-vegan parents here, with my dad citing it as “the best” vegan place I have ever taken him to – and he and I have traveled and eaten at vegan places around the world from Sydney to Scotland.
The best part about Mildred’s is that they offer amazing food for anytime of day, and when I don’t go to London alone – my parents and I opt to share lots of little bites together as a makeshift tasting menu. It’s the perfect meal before seeing a show or after a long travel day.
Eating a light dinner at Mildred’s near Covent Garden in London; April 2025
16. British Museum
Believe it or not, you don’t need to travel all the way to Athens to see parts of the Parthenon – as there are replicas at the British Museum near Russel Square.
View when exiting the British Museum in London; April 2025
Do I Need a Ticket to Enter the British Museum?
No, you do not need to buy a ticket to enter the British Museum as entry is free. However, do bring some cash with you (any international currency is fine) as there are glass boxes to provide the museum with donations – which help to support the British Museum.
What Can I See At The British Museum?
There are several interesting things to see at the British Museum, including:
The Rosetta Stone
The Parthenon Sculptures
The Ife Head
Tree of Life
Piranesi Vase
17. See a Show on West End
New York City, while infamous for Broadway, isn’t the only place in the world where you can see hit musicals like Wicked or Hamilton – you can also catch these shows in London!
Outside Savoy Theater in London; April 2025
The prices are about the same and sometimes even cheaper than in New York, and we found the talent to be on-par with the people on Broadway in Manhattan.
18. Hyde Park
Known for hosting some of London’s biggest events such as concerts or Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park is one of London’s biggest green spaces that attracts both locals and tourists alike.
View of Wellington Arch and entrance to Hyde Park in London; May 2017
What Should I Do at Hyde Park?
Be sure to check out the following when visiting Hyde Park:
Wellington Arch
Rose Gardens
Diana Memorial Fountain
19. Regent’s Park
My personal favorite park in London and secluded a coupe of miles outside of the heart of London, Regent’s Park is the perfect place to sit with a journal, book, and contemplate the present moment.
Spring flowers in Regent’s Park in London; May 2017
What Should I See in Regent’s Park?
There’s a lot to see and do in Regent’s Park, including:
Checking out the London Zoo
Explore the nearby neighborhood of Primrose Hill
Enjoying a boat rental or live music in the park
Pond in Regent’s Park in London; May 2017
20. Go Up the London Eye
Although a bit touristic, I feel as though going up the London Eye is a rite of passage for first time visitors to London.
View of the London Eye; January 2023
Is It Worth Going Up the London Eye?
Going up the London Eye is worth it if it’s your first time in London, but if you’re a returning traveler – other spots such as the Sky Garden, Horizon 22, or even The Shard may provide more meaningful views of London.
How Much Does It Cost To Go Up the London Eye?
A ticket up the London Eye isn’t cheap, as a ticket to go up the Ferris wheel on River Thames costs £29 (around $39 USD or €34).
View of Big Ben in London; April 2025
Ultimately, London is one of those cities that you can always come back to and find something new to do – but this list is a great place to start for a short trip to London.
I hope this gave you some ideas on new things to do in London for both first time and returning travelers!
If you’re looking for other things to do in the U.K., click here.
Last updated: June 18, 2025