What to do in London, England
Updated August 2026
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.
I suppose that is one reason I keep coming back! Well, that and it’s a great launching pad for Europe in general! If it’s your first time visiting London, here is a list of some of my favorite things to do and a few extra ideas as well.
Big cities can be overwhelming, so here’s an easy to peruse list of what to do in London!
London, England Sights and Tours
If you are strapped 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.
I visited the Tower of London on my first trip and I’d consider it an essential stop. Unless you’re limited on time and can’t fit this in, it should be on your London itinerary.
- 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.
I’ve walked through this park a few times and it’s always beautiful. My more recent visits involved me walking through the park to another destination, but it could also be a great place for a picnic if you happen upon a sunny day in London.
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.
My more recent London visits have included Oxford Street. I love the fashion here, even though it’s completely impractical for Florida life.
Harrods Department Store
Speaking of shopping, if you want to view one of the most impressive department stores, I recommend getting lost in Harrods.
The food court and grocery are incredible. The Princess Diana tribute is long gone, but the actual department is quite something to see.
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!
I’ve watched two plays here on two different trips. Dare I say, I’ve enjoyed it better than Broadway? Well I did, so if you enjoy the theatre, make this part of your London trip.
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.
It’s perfect if you’re in this part of London, but I have to admit, I like Notting Hill more.
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!
It’s a small area, but super cute! So if you’re in the area, be sure to wander over.
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.
An easy stop if you do the Big Bus London Hop-On Hop-Off Tour. Snap some photos and enjoy some of London’s most iconic buildings.
Catch the Changing of the Guards
Changing the Guard takes place at Buckingham Palace every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The tradition starts at 11AM 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 hordes of people aren’t your thing, skip it and take in the sights of Buckingham Palace another time.
The Changing the Guard website also mentions another option for seeing the guards with less people around.
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.
I did this on my first visit and again on a more recent one. If you have clear skies, it’s worth it for the views. I’d definitely consider this weather dependent, but it’s a fun experience if you’re not afraid of heights.
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.
Just strolling around London is a worthwhile experience, truly!
Borough Market
Not too far from the South Bank and Tate Modern 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.
I have yet to visit, but my sister has gone each of her last two trips.
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.
You don’t need to get extravagant with this, in my opinion. However, I loved it and have since enjoyed tea time in other cities like Montreal. There are plenty of great options for less than $50USD, but you can find more posh places as well.
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.
I enjoy Notting Hill. It’s charming, a little posh, a little artsy, and very approachable.
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!
I have yet to visit the Cotswolds, but my sister and aunt both rave about it!
Windsor Castle
Windsor Castle can easily be its own excursion, but the below tours pack a punch!
Windsor Castle is huge! I visited with my family on our first trip. If you can only choose one day trip, this might be it! It’s close enough to London, but you can easily spend a while exploring the rooms and grounds.
- 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!
Final Thoughts on What to Do in London, England
London, England has so much to offer! This covers most of the highlights of this massive city oozing history and charm. Of course, there are more museums, sights, and neighborhoods, but this is a great starting point for your first trip.
Enjoy exploring in this vibrant and diverse city!
If you are looking for more European cities to visit, check out Copenhagen!
