It’s not so hard to see how London remains one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world. With a cacophony of sights and sounds and a delightful lineup of not-to-be-missed tours and experiences, there’s a thrilling maze of bucket-list London attractions that will electrify your senses.

Not sure what to see first? To help you make the most out of your experience, we’ve listed the top London attractions you should include in your things to do in London bucket list. From free world-class museums to family-oriented spots and lip-smacking afternoon teas, there’s something for everyone!

What Is The Best Time To Visit London?

Weather is a capricious creature in London. But good news: famous for being constantly rainy and cloudy, the city can also be delightfully unpredictable, and you can be surprised by hours of sunshine after a heavy storm! So no need to despair.

But in case you want to aim for more pleasant weather, try to go to London during spring. From March through April the city gets covered in a rosé blanket of sakura trees, and the city happens to be one of the best places to see the Japanese cherry blossoms outside of Japan.

Just don’t forget to pack an umbrella, as it may start to “drizzle!”

Top London Attractions: Things To Do In London

Westminster Abbey

📌 Location	Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Westminster Station.
👀 Why Visit?	The Abbey is a place of worship and royal ceremonies and celebrations.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Westminster London | Check Availability

Whether it’s your first time in the city or not, make sure to check the classic London attractions — they are always worth it. The Westminster Abbey, a Gothic-style church that has hosted 16 royal weddings since 1100, is a must-visit. One of the most important buildings in England, the abbey is the final resting place of kings, statesmen, poets, scientists, warriors, and musicians, from Isaac Newton to Charles Darwin.

After you visit Westminster Abbey, be sure to also visit the Houses of Parliament (Palace of Westminster).

Big Ben

📌 Location	London SW1A 0AA. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Westminster Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It is one of London’s top attractions and symbolizes British history and politics.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Walrus Bar and Hostel | Check Availability

After visiting the Westminster Abbey, stop by one of London’s most precious assets: Big Ben. Heralded as the world’s most famous clock, the 315 feet tall Big Ben is a striking tower also known as The Great Bell, and it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The clock tower’s official name is now the Elizabeth Tower —named after Queen Elizabeth II— and only UK residents are allowed to visit the clock.

The Tower Of London

📌 Location	London EC3N 4AB. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It is one of the oldest buildings in London and is a must-visit for anyone interested in English history.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Tower Hotel | Check Availability

Step back in time by visiting the majestic Tower of London, a 4.9-hectare castle founded by William the Conqueror at the end of 1066. The Tower of London and has played an important role in English history, serving as an armory, a treasury, a menagerie, and a royal residence.

One of the most striking features of the tower is its sparkling collection of 23,500 jewels — the Crown Jewels of England, which are worth around £20 billion. Take a guided tour around this historic castle to learn everything and more about British history!

London Tower Bridge

📌 Location	Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest Tube station is Tower Hill Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	From east to west, the bridge offers breathtaking panoramic views of London from 42 metres above River Thames.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	St Christopher’s Inn London Bridge | Check Availability

The Tower Bridge of London (a.k.a London Bridge) is an engineering marvel that powerfully crosses the River Thames, in Central London. Officially opened by the Prince of Wales in 1894, the bridge is crossed by over 40,000 people every day and offers sweeping views of the Thames.

Buckingham Palace

📌 Location	London SW1A 1AA. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is St James’s Park Station.
👀 Why Visit?	The palace is rich in history and medieval stories about the royal family.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	St. James’ Court, A Taj Hotel | Check Availability

Buckingham Palace is a sight to behold. Nestled in the City of Westminster, in the heart of London, the palace was originally built as a large townhouse for Duke Buckingham, in 1703, but purchased in 1761 by King George III.

Queen Victoria made Buckingham Palace her official residence when she assumed the throne, and now the palace serves as the London residence and administrative headquarters of the monarch of the United Kingdom. While you probably won’t be able to spot Her Majesty, The Queen, in person, but you can still marvel at the classic Changing of the Guard at the palace.

The London Eye

📌 Location	Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Waterloo Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, offering stunning views of the city.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Hampton by Hilton London Waterloo | Check Availability

On the south bank of the River Thames lies one of the top family-friendly London attractions, the London Eye. This 135-meter-high giant wheel takes visitors to marvel at the city’s iconic skyline at 443 feet high.

Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill

📌 Location	London W11 1LJ. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube stations are Notting Hill Gate (to the south) and Ladbroke Grove (to the north)
👀 Why Visit?	The market sells quintessential English items and a wide variety of flea market goodies.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Notting Hill Gate Hotel | Check Availability

Before meandering your way through the colorful food, flower, and antique stalls at the iconic Portobello Road Market, stop by Granger and Co. Notting Hill for one of the best brunches in the city of London. Order the ricotta hotcakes with banana and honeycomb butter, and then, you can take off and explore the area on foot. You’ll be delighted with the pastel-hued houses of Notting Hill!

London Zoo

📌 Location	Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest Tube station is Camden Town.
👀 Why Visit?	The zoo offers a chance to get up close and personal with over 650 species of animals.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	St. Christopher’s Inn Camden | Check Availability

Located on Regent’s Park and home to more than 18,000 animals of over 750 species, London Zoo is the world’s oldest scientific zoo. There, expect to have wild encounters with lions, flamingos, gorillas, penguins, and other creatures. A great place to take the kids!

London SEA LIFE Aquarium

📌 Location	Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Rd, London SE1 7PB. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube stations are Waterloo and Westminster Station
👀 Why Visit?	It is home to over 10,000 sea creatures, including Gentoo penguins, sand tiger sharks, and the famous Nemo clownfish.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Astor Kensington Hostel | Check Availability

Another family-friendly attraction to add to your London bucket list is London SEA LIFE. The Aquarium is divided into three distinct zones: Coral Kingdom, Ocean Invaders, and Rainforest Adventure — each one inhabited by a medley of fascinating marine creatures.

Peter Harrison Planetarium

📌 Location	Blackheath Ave, London SE10 8XJ. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest station is Greenwich Station. It’s 15 minutes away.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s the only planetarium in London and offers a thrilling journey through space.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	DoubleTree by Hilton London – Greenwich | Check Availability

Also, don’t forget to visit the Peter Harrison Planetarium, a 120-seat digital laser planetarium where you and the kids will have a glimpse of the wonders of the night sky on a 4,000-pixel strip. 

St. Paul’s Cathedral

📌 Location	St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is St. Paul’s Station
👀 Why Visit?	This iconic cathedral has been the home base for several major events throughout London’s history.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	YHA London St Paul’s – Hostel | Check Availability

A true masterpiece designed by Christopher Wren, St. Paul’s Cathedral dates back to the 17th century, and it combines Neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque elements. This Anglican church boasts an eye-popping lead-covered dome —one of the world’s largest — and a crypt with the tombs of The Duke of Wellington, Christopher Wren, and Admiral Nelson, just to name a few.

The Shard

📌 Location	32 London Bridge St, London SE1 9SG. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is London Bridge Station
👀 Why Visit?	Located 800ft above the ground, the Shard gives you unbeatable eagle-eye views over all of London.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Shangri-La The Shard, London | Check Availability

This 72-story cutting-edge skyscraper designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano offers one of the most sweeping panoramas of London. The Shard is home to the highest viewing platform in the city, offering 360-degree views for up to 40 miles.

Churchill War Rooms

📌 Location	King Charles St, London SW1A 2AQ. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Westminster Station
👀 Why Visit?	This is where British leaders plotted the Allied route to victory during World War II.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Resident Victoria | Check Availability

A veritable London gem, Churchill’s War Rooms is the secret bunker where Churchill lived and worked during WWII. Designed by architect Christopher Wren, this underground museum is located beneath the streets of Westminster, and the guided tours take visitors to see Churchill’s bedroom, the Cabinet Room — where the Prime Minister and his advisers would meet — and more.

Hampton Court Palace

📌 Location	Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey KT8 9AU. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest train station is Hampton Court Station
👀 Why Visit?	With glorious gardens and Neo-Classical architecture, the palace offers a rich window into Tudor history.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Mitre, Hampton Court | Check Availability

Dating back to the early 16th century, the Hampton Court Palace was the home of Henry VIII and the Tudor dynasty, before Queen Victoria opened it to the public in 1838. Visit this astonishing palace for a sneak peek at the carefully landscaped gardens, the majestic Great Hall with its jaw-dropping hammer beam ceilings, and the famous Tudor Kitchens where hundreds of feasts were prepared for the insatiable Henry VIII.

Kensington Palace

📌 Location	Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Queensway Underground Station
👀 Why Visit?	It is the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to the royals, even today.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Holiday Inn London – Kensington High St. | Check Availability

Set amidst the verdant grounds of Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace was the childhood home of Queen Victoria, and now it’s the official residence of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. Visitors can catch a glimpse of Victoria’s re-imagined childhood rooms, the jaw-dropping King’s State Apartments, and Queen’s State Apartments.

Somerset House

📌 Location	Strand, London WC2R 1LA. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Covent Garden.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s a vibrant hub brimming with art, culture, and history.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Astor Museum Inn Hostel | Check Availability

Housed within an iconic neo-classical building that was the childhood home of Queen Elizabeth I, Somerset House is now a working arts center that houses a creative line-up of events throughout the year.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

📌 Location	Studio Tour Dr, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LR. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest train station is Watford Junction.
👀 Why Visit?	The studio tour offers Harry Potter fans a behind-the-scenes look into the making of the movies.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Hunton Park Hotel | Check Availability

Harry Potter fans: don’t forget to include a visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London to your London things-to-do list. At the exhibit, visitors can explore iconic sets of the Harry Potter movies, including the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, learn about the special effects that brought magical creatures to life, see real costumes from the movie, and more.

London Museums

👀 Must-Visit Museums	✦ The British Museum ✦ The Victoria and Albert Museum ✦ The Natural History Museum ✦ The Science Museum ✦ National Gallery

There’s no shortage of world-class museums to visit in London. Make sure you visit the British Museum, which shelters a permanent collection of some 8 million works; and the National Gallery, which plays host to over 2,300 paintings dating from the mid-13th century to 1900.

Then, make your move to the Victoria and Albert Museum, where you can marvel at Queen Victoria’s glistering sapphire and diamond coronet.

Looking for a family-friendly museum to take the kids? The Natural History Museum is a great option. There, the little ones can learn everything and more about the history of life on Earth, stand in awe with giant dinosaur replicas, and have an encounter with extinct mammoths, hippos, horses, and giraffes. Kids will also love the Science Museum, the National Maritime Museum, and the London Transport Museum.

Make sure to also visit the Tate Modern Museum, one of the largest museums of modern and contemporary art in the world, and the Queen’s House, in Greenwich, home to over 4500 oil paintings.

London Art Galleries

👀 Must-Visit Galleries	✦ Tate Modern ✦ National Gallery ✦ Tate Britain ✦ Whitechapel Gallery ✦ Dulwich Picture Gallery

The city of London encompasses some 1,500 inspiring art galleries and exhibition spaces that every art lover should visit. One of the most praised is the White Cube, a contemporary art gallery dotted with works by artists like Damien Hirst and Robert Irwin. Also visit the Barbican Centre, an astonishing performing arts center that hosts classical and contemporary music concerts, film screenings, theatre, and dance performances, and art exhibitions.

Hyde Park

📌 Location	London, United Kingdom. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Marble Arch Station.
👀 Why Visit?	This verdant oasis is packed with things to discover, boasting gardens, panoramic lake-side paths, waterfront cafes, and more.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Westbourne Hyde Park | Check Availability

When nice weather descends, do as the locals and head over to Hyde Park, the largest of the four London Royal Parks. Spreading over 142 hectares, this urban sanctuary is adorned with 4,000 trees, a large lake, a meadow, and ornamental flower gardens.

Parliament Hill

📌 Location	Heath Lodge, London NW5 1QR. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Hampstead Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It offers the best possible views of the London skyline.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Premier Inn London Hampstead | Check Availability

The highest point in London, Parliament Hill offers the best views of the city skyline. From up there, you’ll be able to see landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster, the Shard, and more.

Leicester Square

📌 Location	London WC2H 7DE. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Leicester Square Station.
👀 Why Visit?	The square is renowned for its thriving theatre scene and world-class cinemas.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	CitySpace Leicester Square | Check Availability

Head over to London’s West Wend to uncover one of the city’s most famous squares. Founded in 1670, Leicester Square is a major entertainment center, and it plays host to several restaurants, bars, performance art venues, and hotels.

Camden Town And Camden Market

📌 Location	54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Camden Town Station.
👀 Why Visit?	This popular market has everything from street food traders to independent stores.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Holiday Inn London Camden Lock | Check Availability

The eccentric Camden Town district, in northwest London, is home to a delightful selection of cafes, lively pubs, live music venues, and street performers. There, visit the world-famous Camden Market, home to over 1000 unique shops and stalls, Camden Lock, which is one of London’s first antique markets, and the well-known Abbey Road thoroughfare. Be sure to also visit Primrose Hill, a verdant outdoor area that offers the most sweeping views of London!

Oxford Street

📌 Location	London, UK. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Oxford Circus Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s the ultimate shopper’s paradise with an impressive array of stores and restaurants catering to all types of interests.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Holiday Inn Oxford Circus | Check Availability

Aside from alluring museums and captivating landmarks, London is also filled with endless shopping opportunities. For first-rate retail therapy in the city, head over to Oxford Street, a nearly 1.5 miles street lined with over 300 shops, and restaurants.

DUKES Bar

📌 Location	35 St James’s Pl, St. James’s, London SW1A 1NY. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus.
👀 Why Visit?	For its legendary martinis, celebrated for being one of the best in the world.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Dukes London | Check Availability

Known for serving one of the best martinis in the world, the sophisticated DUKES Bar is said to be the place where Ian Fleming came up with the famous “shaken, not stirred” James Bond phrase.

Kew Gardens

📌 Location	Richmond, UK. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Kew Gardens Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It features the largest botanical collection in the world.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Travelodge London Kew Bridge | Check Availability

Feel like taking a break from the bustling streets of London? The Kew Gardens is the place to go. Sprinkled with over 50,000 living plants, the gardens provide a place of beauty and tranquility for locals and visitors alike. There are scenic riverside walks, a gorgeous arboretum with 14,000 trees, a dreamy bamboo garden, a palm house, and more delightful sights.

Covent Garden

📌 Location	London, UK. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Covent Garden Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It boasts some of the best shopping and dining destinations in London’s West End.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Waldorf Hilton | Check Availability

The trendy district of Covent Garden is home to some of the most Instagram-worthy spots in London. Visit the multicolored Neal’s Yard, a tiny alley with lovely cafes and shops, the Royal Opera House, where you can have the life-changing experience of watching The Royal Ballet of London, and the iconic Apple Market, which holds a signature fruit and vegetable market.

Piccadilly Circus 

📌 Location	London, UK. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Piccadilly Circus Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It is known for its vibrant atmosphere, neon displays, and colorful backdrops.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Zedwell Piccadilly Circus | Check Availability

If you want to experience London’s frenetic and non-stop energy, go to Piccadilly Circus, a road junction and public square on the West End. From there, you can easily go to Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, and to Leicester Square among other London attractions.

Street Art In Shoreditch

📌 Location	London, UK. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Shoreditch Underground Station.
👀 Why Visit?	This gentrified neighborhood is known for its eclectic street art and vibrant nightlife.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Z Hotel Shoreditch | Check Availability

London is as much about stellar museums as it is about street art. One of the best places in the city for those who love irreverent murals is the hip Shoreditch neighborhood. Over here, you can expect to see satirical works by Banksy, ROA, and Stik.

Afternoon Tea At Harrods Tea Room

📌 Location	87-135 Brompton Rd, London SW1X 7XL. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Knightsbridge Station.
👀 Why Visit?	To experience the taste of British traditions and iconic high teas.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Beaufort Hotel | Check Availability

There’s nothing like an English afternoon tea after a day of walking around London. While there is a seemingly unlimited choice of restaurants one can go to, one of the most famous afternoon teas in the city is the one served at Harrods. A lip-smacking selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones, tea, and pastries are some of the treats you’ll sample at Harrods.

 
Royal Albert Hall

📌 Location	Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is South Kensington Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s London’s cultural crown – an exciting performance venue hosting a range of shows from live orchestra to comedy and circus.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	The Queen’s Gate Hotel | Check Availability

The Royal Albert Hall is an Italianate-style jewel in the crown of London. Founded in 1871 by Queen Victoria, this jaw-dropping concert hall has welcomed legendary performers like Leonard Cohen, The Rolling Stones, Diana Ross, and David Bowie.

Full English Breakfast At E. Pellicci

📌 Location	332 Bethnal Grn Rd, London E2 0AG. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Aldgate East Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It’s an old-school classic offering an authentic slice of east London life.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Hyatt Place London City East | Check Availability

Start off the day the right way by having a full English breakfast at E. Pellicci. This iconic restaurant has been feeding Londoners and travelers with their signature full-breakie since 1900. Their classic set breakfast comes with Cumberland sausage, eggs, bacon, mushrooms, beans or tomatoes, and fried bread or toast.

Borough Market

📌 Location	London SE1 9AL. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is London Bridge Station.
👀 Why Visit?	The market is home to some of the best street food stalls and fresh organic produce.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Hilton London Bankside | Check Availability

Another prime destination for foodies in London is the Borough Market. Just wander around the market’s food stalls and pick something delicious to eat. You’ll find everything from fish and chips to vegan dishes and fresh-from-the-oven baked goodies.

Shakespeare’s Globe

📌 Location	21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT. Find on map
🚇 Getting There	The nearest tube station is Blackfriars Station.
👀 Why Visit?	It allows complete immersion in London’s thriving art, culture, and theatre scene.
🛏️ Stay Nearby	Travelodge London Central Southwark | Check Availability

Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Shakespeare’s Globe is a reconstruction of the Globe Theatre, an Elizabethan playhouse where the plays of William Shakespeare were performed. You can either go on a guided tour of the theatre or plan to watch a play at the venue.

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