What to do in London, England

One of my favorite cities in the world is London, England! It has history, charm. and delicious food. London offers a wealth of experiences, from historical landmarks to cultural attractions and it’s heavy on the charm. Enjoy taking in all that London has to offer!

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London, England Sights and Tours

If you are scrapped for time, choose one of the two tours below to see all the sights. The hop on hop off bus is so useful and I’ve used it when time was limited in multiple cities including London. It’s a good way to see a lot in one day and then you can always return the next day to areas that caught your eye! If you have a larger group or budget, take the taxi tour in the iconic London style.

Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour and River Cruise

The Premier Classic London: Private 4-Hour Tour in a Black Cab

See the Tower of London

Discover its rich history as a royal palace, prison, and treasury, and marvel at the Crown Jewels housed within. Check out the below tour options that include the Tower of London.

Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

London in a Day with Tower, Westminster & River Cruise

Take a stroll in Hyde Park

Enjoy the tranquility of this vast green space in the heart of the city, perfect for picnics, boating on the Serpentine, or simply relaxing. The Central Park but for London, England.

Oxford Street Shopping

If you fancy a shopping spree, head over to Oxford Street. You’ll find all types of stores from budget to posh.

Harrods Department Store

Speaking of shopping, if you want to view one of the most impressive departments stores, I recommend getting lost in Harrods.

Experience the West End of London, England

Catch a world-class theater production in London’s famous West End district. Arguably more iconic than Broadway, so if you enjoy theater be sure to catch a show!

Explore Covent Garden

Wander through its bustling market stalls, street performers, and boutique shops, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes and restaurants.

Neal’s Yard

From Covent Gardens wander over to Neal’s Yard. A cute alley tucked away with restaurants and shops. On a neighboring street is Hotel Chocolat where I had the best hot chocolate of my life!

Visit the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

Admire the iconic Gothic architecture of these historic buildings and learn about the workings of the British government.

Catch the Changing of the Guards

Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The tradition starts at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. Be sure to check on the schedule in case of any changes. It can also be VERY crowded, so if hoards of people aren’t your thing, skip it and take in the sights of Buckingham Palace another time.

Take a ride on the London Eye

If visibility is good, enjoy breathtaking views of the city skyline from this giant observation wheel on the South Bank of the Thames.

Discover the Tate Modern

Immerse yourself in contemporary art at this renowned museum housed in a converted power station, featuring works by Picasso, Warhol, and more.

Walk along the South Bank of London

Enjoy scenic views of the Thames River while exploring attractions like the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, the Southbank Centre, and the London Bridge.

Borough Market

Not too far from the South Bank and Modern Tate Museum you can visit Borough Market. Depending on the time of year that you are in London, this place can be very crowded. So plan accordingly if you want less crowds.

Book an Afternoon Tea in London, England

After hours of walking around, an afternoon tea is just the rest you need. The options are endless and varied hitting all different budgets and styles. Sipping your tea (or coffee) and enjoying the scones and clotted cream is a perfectly British moment to have on your trip.

Explore Notting Hill

Wander through this charming neighborhood known for its colorful houses, trendy boutiques, and the famous Portobello Road Market. If you like a good romantic comedy like me, enjoy the London, England vibes by watching Notting Hill with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

Visit the British Museum

Explore its vast collection of art and artifacts from around the world, including the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles.

Day Trips from London, England

The Cotswolds

The Cotswolds is worth visiting for more than a day, but if you want to keep your base in London, then the below tour options could be for you!

Cotswolds Small Group Tour from London

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle can easily be it’s own excursion, but the below tours pack a punch!

Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, and Oxford Day Trip from London

Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, and Bath from London

Harry Potter Tour

If you’re a Harry Potter fan and just being in England isn’t enough, the below tour of Warner Bros. Studio might be the perfect day trip!

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour with Transport from London

London, England has so much to offer! Enjoy exploring in this vibrant and diverse city!

If you are looking for more European cities to visit, check out Copenhagen!