With this curated list of top things to see and do in London, from iconic landmarks like the Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace to hidden gems in unique neighborhoods, you will be able to plan the trip of a lifetime to this British capital city.

From the regal splendor of Buckingham Palace to the architectural treasures of London, this UK city has something to offer everyone.

Explore iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, and cultural hotspots that make London a captivating tapestry of history, modernity, and endless enchantment.

Having visited this British capital multiple times over the years (including for the first time on my honeymoon in 1993!), I am amazed that there are still new things for me to see on a return visit.

Which means – yes I will be going back time and time again and will not be surprised that I will most certainly be seeing new sights each time ;).

If you are looking for help on where to stay in this UK city, be sure to read my post on best places to stay in London here 😉 or any other little details for London can be found in my ultimate travel guide to London here.

In a rush?

Big Ben and Palace of Westminster

Big Ben, with its iconic clock tower and majestic presence, stands as a symbol of British heritage and a must-visit landmark for any traveler exploring the capital city.

Just recently opened to non-UK residents, getting tickets to tour Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben clock or the Palace of Westminster state rooms can be a feat ;0.

Tickets get released on the second Wednesday of every month at 10am (London local time) – you can learn more about these tours on their website.

If you are like the 99.9% majority of visitors to London, you will likely just walk by the iconic tower and take a few photos but I will say – someday I would love to climb the 334 steps to the top to see the clock from the inside!!

Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey is not only a majestic architectural masterpiece, it is also the site of royal coronations, weddings, and burials.

It is free to enter and being that it is the very location of the royal wedding of Prince William and Princess Kate, it is a very British thing to see and do!!

Buckingham Palace and The Mall

Buckingham Palace, the well known residence of the British monarchy, offers visitors a glimpse into centuries of royal history and tradition.

Open to the public for tours every year from mid-July to the end of September, one thing I wasn’t aware of before entering this majestic building is YOU CANNOT TAKE ANY INTERIOR PHOTOS! Talk about torture!

Nonetheless, if you are visiting during that time period, it is fun to go inside and get a small glimpse of what the everyday life of the Royal Family is like ;).

There are also a very limited number of tickets for exclusive guided tours on certain days from November to May. Learn more here and book as far in advance as you possibly can for whichever tour you are able to do ;).

I walked through St James’ Park to Gate C on Buckingham Gate – I found this gate tricky to find but if you are looking at the palace gates – just walk to the left of the palace for about 15-20 minutes ;0.

You can take as many photos as you want in the gardens while on the grounds behind the Palace…

The changing of the guard ceremony lasts about 45 minutes and the days of the ceremony are dependent on the season as well as the weather!

We saw this ceremony with our children back in 2010 and while it is quite interesting to see the pomp and circumstance attached to it, it does take a serious attention span to stay and watch the slow moving ceremony (just letting you know in advance for your own decision making ;0).

You will find guards stationed in a multitude of places throughout the capital city with photo ops at each one.

The large Horse Guards Parade grounds below are located off of Whitehall between Trafalgar Square, St James Park, and the Palace (see map below!).

St James’s Park

St. James’s Park is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, where lush greenery, serene lakes, and iconic views of Buckingham Palace create a picturesque escape.

Be sure to take a stroll through the park either on your way to Buckingham Palace or after walking past The Ritz Hotel and trying to peek inside (you can only go inside this elegant hotel if you are staying there or have dining reservations ;0).

Somerset House

Somerset House is a cultural destination along the Thames River, where stunning architecture, art exhibitions, and seasonal events like a holiday ice skating rink captivate visitors year-round.

Even if you go light on the art museums when you travel like my family does, this incredible building is worth taking a few moments to enjoy architecturally. And if you are lucky enough to be visiting in December, partaking in the festive activity of ice skating in it’s plaza can be fun – or at least checking out the fabulous tree and ice skaters ;).

Harrods Department Store

Harrods department store is renowned for its opulent interiors, exclusive designer collections, and a treasure trove of luxury goods that captivate visitors from around the world.

Be sure to wander inside if only for an hour or so to see the allure (and maybe daydream about walking out with multiple packages yourself!).

There are multiple dining options inside this world famous department store as well – you can learn more about them here.

Tower of London

The Tower of London stands as a majestic fortress where tales of royalty, imprisonment, and crown jewels come to life against the backdrop of the River Thames.

Buy your tickets to this worthy fortress in advance here!

London Eye

The London Eye, a landmark towering over the city’s skyline, offers unparalleled panoramic views of London’s breathtaking beauty and vibrant energy.

As always – buy your tickets online to avoid wasting a single minute of your precious London sightseeing time waiting in an unnecessary line!!

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is an quintessential symbol of the city, with its majestic towers and drawbridge providing breathtaking views of the River Thames and the bustling cityscape beyond.

At 800 feet long, the bridge can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes to walk across however there are also multiple places on the bridge that can be seen via a tour. You can learn more here.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral stands as a timeless symbol of resilience, spirituality, and grandeur in the heart of the city.

While this architectural masterpiece with its iconic dome is not free to enter (at publish time it is 25 pounds to enter for adults ;0), I would be surprised if you do not find your money well spent to view the inside of the cathedral.

Fun fact too – while on my honeymoon in London back in 1993, my husband and I stumbled upon a mass service at St Paul’s Cathedral that we decided to attend. And lo and behold – the Queen Mother walked in after us (with a lot more pomp and circumstance than our entrance – haha!).

And yes – I was required to curtsy upon her passing by our pew ;0.

Leadenhall Market

Leadenhall Market is a captivating blend of Victorian architecture and vibrant commerce, where historic charm meets modern-day bustle amidst its elegant and airy arcades.

My youngest daughter and I walked to Leadenhall Market on a rainy Sunday in December 2022. And while absolutely nothing was open that day, the lack of crowds in the hall gave us time to enjoy the beauty of this London landmark without bumping into anyone ;).

Sky Garden

Located atop the iconic “Walkie Talkie” building, Sky Garden offers panoramic views of the city skyline, lush greenery, and a serene oasis making it a must-visit destination.

Even if you are in London with inclement weather, go up to the garden because you just never know when those clouds are going to disappear. But even the rainy views of Tower Bridge and other London landmarks will make this stop worth your time.

I have now gone up to the Sky Garden twice. Entrance to the Sky Garden is free however the potential for a line at the ground floor is not absent. To avoid this possibility, you can make a reservation at the bar or restaurant and skip all risk of a line!

We were lucky both times with there being no line for my December 2022 visit and about a 25 minute line for our August 2023 visit…

Neighborhoods to Explore in London

There are some noteworthy neighborhoods in London that I have found so much fun to get lost in.

While everything mentioned above could most certainly fill up a 3 day itinerary, if you have more time in the British capital – be sure to get lost in one, two, or all of the neighborhoods listed below.

Seven Dials

With quaint cobblestone streets, eclectic boutiques, and cozy cafes around every corner, Seven Dials is probably one of my favorite areas of London!

Named so because of the seven streets that make up a star that converges at the Seven Dials Monument.

If you are lucky enough to visit London at Christmas time – be sure to wander this festive quarter of the city and enjoy the holiday vibe.

Covent Garden and Neals Yard

While Seven Dials is actually part of Covent Garden, it was deserving of its own mention in this post.

I personally did not even find these two neighborhoods until my THIRD visit to London so I am just hoping you are able to visit Covent Garden/Seven Dials in your first visit (if that’s what yours is!).

Brimming with street performers, boutique shops, trendy eateries, Covent Garden is the perfect destination for a day of exploration and entertainment.

It took until my last visit to London (visit #5!!) to find Neal’s Yard – and truthfully – it is just a little tiny courtyard right in the middle of Covent Garden ;0.

It is a cute colorful photo op courtyard that can be walked through in about 5-10 minutes while visiting the area…

SOHO and Carnaby Street

Carnaby Street in SOHO offers a quintessentially British shopping and dining experience amidst colorful storefronts and a lively street scene.

It is another festively decorated area of London during the holiday season but even for the other 11 months of the year is a fun area to wander ;).

Camden Lock

Eclectic markets, street food stalls, and live music venues come together to create an electrifying atmosphere in Camden Lock.

While visiting London for our Paris/London vacation, my oldest daughter and I spent a few hours sitting at a Camden Market pub and people watching before popping into one of the neighborhood bargain shops to get her some knockoff sweatshirts she had her eye on ;0.

Chelsea and It’s Pastel Houses

After Seven Dials, Chelsea is my next favorite neighborhood to get lost in in London!

With tree lined streets, pastel houses, elegant boutiques, flower stands, and cozy coffee shops, Chelsea provides an atmosphere of timeless sophistication and contemporary charm.

Chelsea is also the location of one of the famous Peggy Porschen Bakeries that is a must stop when in London!

If you are looking for a picture perfect street in Chelsea, look no further than Bywater Street…

Notting Hill

Discover the bohemian spirit of Notting Hill where picturesque streets, eclectic boutiques, and the iconic Portobello Road Market await.

While Denbigh Terrace off of Portobello Road is where most visitors looking for an Instaworthy photo will go, there are many less crowded and equally as quaint side streets in Notting Hill.

In fact, the lack of respect for the residents on Denbigh Terrace left a horrible taste in mine and my husband’s mouths with many young women changing clothes in the street and posing in front of resident’s doors right on their porches.

PLEASE DO NOT BE ONE OF THOSE DISRESPECTFUL PEOPLE!

Remember these are Londoners’ homes!!

While Denbigh Terrace was a heavy disappoint (and not because of the lack of quaintness with the buildings), Portobello Road is a very fun street to spend an hour or two wandering along on.

Shoreditch

Discover the vibrant energy and creative spirit of Shoreditch in London, where street art adorns every corner, eclectic cafes buzz with life, and trendy boutiques showcase the latest in fashion and design.

Walk along High Street in Shoreditch for an hour or so on an afternoon in London.

London Theatre

While the London theater scene is equally as famous as Broadway in New York City, there are a few quintessential London plays or musicals that are just better when seen in London ;0.

And one of those is the double Harry Potter plays!

If you have the time to dedicate the majority of a day to see the back to back Harry Potter and the Cursed Child plays in London – DO IT!

My neighbor was attending college in London and joined us in December 2022 for the two plays ;).

The only other plays I have seen in London are the notoriously famous The Mousetrap and the roller skating phenom Xanadu on my honeymoon back in 1993 ;0.

Picturesque Mews

In London, a mews refers to a row of former stables or carriage houses, often converted into charming residential properties, tucked away in quiet, cobblestone-lined alleys.

While wandering the streets of London, keep an eye out for these iconic alleys. They may very well be the most charming lanes in London you find ;).

Here is a list of some of the prettiest but honestly – I imagine you will fall in love with every mews you come across just like I did ;).

• Beverston Mews
• Gloucester Place Mews
• Bathurst Mews
• Sussex Mews West
• Conduit Mews
• Kynance Mews
• Hyde Park Garden Mews
• Creswell Place
• St Luke’s Mews
• Stanhope Mews South
• Warren Mews
• Adam and Eve Mews

Beverston Mews

Gloucester Place Mews

Abbey Road and Other Beatles Sights to See

Abbey Road is more than just a street—it’s a pilgrimage for music lovers, where the iconic zebra crossing immortalized by The Beatles invites fans to recreate the famous album cover and soak in the nostalgia of musical history.

It’s hard to not get into Beatlemania mode when finding all the fun Beatles sights in London!

Back in December 2018, my husband and I hired a Flytographer named Rajesh Taylor and since then have become friends with him.

So upon a quick return visit for my husband’s birthday in March 2023, Rajesh took us on his fabulous Beatles walking tour ;).

While I have linked the highlights above, I cannot recommend enough doing this with your own private photographer (ahem – Raj!). His stories and knowledge of everything London, Beatles, and Royal family will leave you wanting for more!!

Here is a photo journal of our stops with Raj:

Abbey Road crosswalk

Abbey Road Studios

Abbey Road Shop – we did this tour on my husband’s birthday on March 5th and he is pointing to the year he is born which is also the year the Abbey Road album was released ;).

Paul McCartney’s home

Chequers Tavern

Yoko Ono mural in Masons Yard

John Lennon’s home

Beatles run on Boston Place next to Marylebone Rail Station

Kings Road

Kings Road is one of the city’s most iconic shopping streets that runs the full length of Chelsea.

Since we were in London for my husband’s birthday in 2023, I let him decide our itinerary.

And since he is an avid guitar player, besides the Beatles tour we did above, he also brought us to the New Kings Road Vintage Guitar Emporium on Kings Road ;0.

If you have a music lover as a travel companion, this is a great stop to add to your own itinerary (plus the restaurant next door is in my top 3 faves in London!).

Be sure to talk to the owner, Nick, about all the famous musicians he has met and sold guitars to!

Museums

While I have mentioned multiple times that we are not avid art museum aficionados, I do enjoy historical museums and my husband loves natural history museums ;).

Here are a handful of museums that are noteworthy sights in London.

Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms Museum immerses visitors in the underground bunker where Winston Churchill and his team strategized during World War II.

Being as how this period of history is one of my favorites to learn about, my family found this museum’s poignant glimpse into Britain’s wartime history fascinating.

British Museum

The British Museum showcases artifacts from civilizations around the world within its majestic halls and if you are an avid museum goer – this should be at the top of your list for museums to visit in London.

As always, buy your tickets online in advance.

Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum in London is a place where you can marvel at dinosaur skeletons, explore interactive exhibits, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history of our planet.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art, design, and history, that will captivate any art lover with its vast collection spanning centuries and continents.

Day Trip Options from London

While there are many many options for day trips from London, here are just a few that are easy enough for anywhere from half a day to a full day.

Prime Meridian of the World in Greenwich

Discover the geographical heart of time and space at the Prime Meridian in London, where East meets West at the iconic Royal Observatory in Greenwich, marking the center of the world’s time zones and offering visitors a unique opportunity to straddle two hemispheres simultaneously.

Greenwich is a charming suburb of London that once you are done visiting the Prime Meridian and Observatory is worth your time to wander around in.

Harry Potter Studio Tour

Absolutely worth it!!

But plan well in advance by buying your tickets as soon as you know your trip dates!

The Harry Potter Studio Tour will immerse you in the magic of the beloved film series through iconic sets, costumes, and props that bring J.K. Rowling’s wizarding universe to life.

Bath

Just a one and a half hour train ride from Paddington Station, Bath is a perfect place to spend a day outside of London.

However if you can fit more than a day trip to Bath into your itinerary, I would highly recommend it.

In December 2022, my youngest daughter and I spent three days in Bath and loved every minute!

Windsor Castle

Windsor Castle is a majestic fortress steeped in history and royalty where centuries of British monarchs have resided.

The village of Windsor is another charming British neighborhood that is sure to enthrall you at every turn once you are done on the Windsor Castle grounds.

What to Wear in London

Obviously what you wear in London will depend on what time of year you are visiting however the two biggest staples for a visit to the British capital no matter what the time of year you are visiting are good shoes and a raincoat or cute umbrella!

I hope you found this post with the top things to see and do in London helpful in planning your own British itinerary.

Visiting London offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity, where iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class attractions come together to create an unforgettable urban adventure.

Be sure to leave a comment below if you found this post helpful or have already visited one of my favorite European cities and are as enamored with it as I am ;).

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