The Ultimate 2025 Guide To Top 36 London Attractions

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!

1. Best Time To Visit London

London weather is famously unpredictable — sunny mornings can turn rainy by afternoon. But each season has its charm. Here's what to expect:

🌸 Spring (March–May)

This is one of the best times to explore must-see places in London. Expect blooming cherry blossoms at Greenwich Park and Kew Gardens, pleasant walking weather, and fewer tourists. It’s also the ideal season for London sightseeing and exploring outdoor markets like Portobello Road and Greenwich Market.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Summer is the high season for tourists. Days are long and warm, perfect for river cruises, rooftop bars, open-air festivals, and visits to outdoor attractions like Hyde Park and the London Eye. Be sure to book top London attractions in advance as queues can be long.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Fewer crowds, fall foliage in parks, and a rich lineup of cultural events make this a great time to visit. Enjoy cozy indoor spots like the British Museum or the Churchill War Rooms, and take peaceful strolls through places like Hampstead Heath and Hyde Park.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

While colder, winter in London is magical — think festive lights on Oxford Street, ice skating at Somerset House, and warm afternoon teas at Harrods. It’s also a great time to explore museums and galleries without the crowds.

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.

2. Top London Attractions: Things To Do In London

Westminster Abbey

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

🏛️ The British Museum

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.

🎨 Victoria and Albert Museum

Dedicated to art, design, and performance, the V&A holds over 2.3 million objects spanning 5,000 years — from fashion and furniture to jewelry and ceramics. A must-visit for creatives and culture lovers.

🧬 Natural History Museum

A favorite for families, this museum dazzles visitors with life-sized dinosaur skeletons, a full-scale blue whale model, and interactive displays. It’s a journey through the history of our planet and its lifeforms.

⚙️ Science Museum

Perfect for kids and curious minds alike, the Science Museum brings science and technology to life with immersive exhibits — including the Apollo 10 command capsule and interactive flight simulators.

🖼️ National Gallery

Overlooking Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery houses more than 2,300 European paintings, including works by Van Gogh, Monet, and da Vinci. It’s an essential stop for lovers of classical and Renaissance art.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

25. DUKES Bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Sky Garden

London’s lush rooftop oasis, the Sky Garden sits atop the “Walkie Talkie” building at 20 Fenchurch Street. It offers a vibrant indoor garden, open-air terrace, and panoramic views across the city — all for free. Visitors can grab a coffee or cocktail from its bars while soaking in iconic sights like The Shard, Tower Bridge, and the Thames below.

Horizon 22

As London’s highest free public viewing gallery, Horizon 22 soars 254 meters above ground at 22 Bishopsgate. Opened in 2023, it offers unobstructed, floor-to-ceiling views spanning 300 degrees — from the London Eye to Canary Wharf. It’s a newer alternative to The Shard, perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want jaw-dropping cityscapes.