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27 Best Things to Do in London

By Sonya Barber and Ramsay Short

London: the city that has anything and everything you could possibly want in a vibrant, world-class capital. Your only real problem is working out what you can miss. With over 170 museums, 3,000 parks, 3,500 pubs and an ever-changing number of restaurants, there’s almost too much to see, do and eat—even for a life-long Londoner.

Truly, the city is too large, and too rich in options, for you to get to it all in one visit; you'll have to make some hard choices. Which incredible food or clothing-market to browse? Tate Modern or the British Museum? Where should you pick for a perfect, full-English breakfast? Where's the best afternoon tea ? How do you pick from all the abundant pubs ? And don't get us started here on the best restaurants . Thankfully, our locally led list of the best things to do in London is here to help you decide—just don’t try to do it all in one day.

Read our complete London travel guide here .

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Tower of London Arrow

Built by William the Conqueror in 1066, this uncompromising slab of a building has been many things—including the site where Henry VIII ordered the execution of two of his wives. Now the Tower is most famous as the home of the Crown Jewels. Come, take a tour from one of the Beefeaters (offered every half hour), and gawp at the sparkling and the frightening alike.

Kew Gardens Arrow

A spectacular 500 acre garden in west London, Kew boasts one of the biggest and most diverse botanical collections in the whole world. There’s been a botanic garden here since the 18th century when it was a royal palace; today it’s not only a UNESCO World Heritage site with over a whopping 50,000 plants, it’s also just a really lovely place to visit. You can spend a whole day gently wandering along the winding paths through the lawns, trees, lake, Japanese garden, rhododendron dell, rose garden and kid’s play area, as well as popping in and out of the grand glasshouses. It’s a calming and tranquil place (as long as you avoid the playground on a school holiday) but you can also learn plenty about plants along the way.

Tate Modern Arrow

This former oil-fired power station sits smugly in the center of the South Bank, knowing that you’re interested in what’s going on inside. It’s filled to the rafters with paintings and sculptures by the likes of Picasso, Dali, Warhol, and Rothko, all set off perfectly by that gritty industrial interior. It’s rare that any exhibition at Tate Modern is awaited with anything less than bated breath, whether they’re the paid shows across the mid-levels of the institution or the vast and clever commissions to take over the massive space that is the Turbine Hall. You’re pretty much bound to be blown away. 

The Globe Theater Arrow

In London, every building and street has history. And Shakespeare's Globe, although a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre—where many of William Shakespeare's plays were first staged and which burned down in 1613 during a performance of 'Henry VIII'—is no exception. The theater was rebuilt not far from its original site, using construction methods and materials as close to the original as possible, and to watch a performance here is to step back in time with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

Coal Drops Yard Arrow

Ever since the Eurostar undersea rail link between Paris and London rolled into Kings Cross St. Pancras station, the formerly down-and-out neighborhood of Kings Cross has experienced a total transformation. Abandoned railway land with disused gas tanks now has been turned into new offices, shopping areas, fountains, apartments, green spaces, and more. There are posh supermarkets in converted train sheds, the coveted Central St. Martins London School of Art and Fashion, artisan restaurants like Hicce, and trendy ice cream shops like Ruby Violet. Granary Square, north of the station and surrounded by restored warehouses, has a 1,000-jet fountain that's great for kids, as well as canal-side, amphitheater-style seating. There’s also the gorgeous revamped Camley Street Natural Park, which is packed with stunning wildflowers and urban biodiversity. Google is building their London headquarters here, an office complex that is supposed to be so state-of-the-art it will reinvent everything we know about workplaces. Add starchitect Thomas Heatherwick's stunningly designed Coal Drops Yard, former coal sheds that are now a super desirable luxury shopping and eating indoor and outdoor destination space, and you no doubt want to hang out at this development in what was once a dark and dusty neighborhood.

South Bank Arrow

The South Bank is one of the London’s best bits. Generally located between the Westminster and London bridges, it offers about two-miles of excellent, largely state-funded arts and entertainment venues alongside breezy, traffic-free views of a succession of city landmarks (Big Ben, St. Paul's, the Tower of London) that lie on the north bank. No wonder it attracts over 14 million people per year. If you have limited time in the capital, South Bank is great because it has everything, including a selection of good restaurants and street food offerings.

Victoria and Albert Museum Arrow

South Kensington’s V&A is one of the world’s largest art and design museums, and it's arguably London’s most glamorous. (Just the building itself is well worth the visit: a glorious red-brick palace filled with sculptural details, extravagant tiling, and frescos.) The collection is helpfully broken down into topics—fashion, theatre, furniture, architecture—and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit, and do check out the seasonal exhibition. The collection is helpfully broken down into topics such as fashion, jewelry, theater and performance, furniture, architecture, ceramics etc and all are comprehensive, usually spanning several hundred (if not thousand) years. Don’t expect to tackle more than one or two galleries per visit.

E Pellicci Arrow

Chances are there will be a queue for this beloved British ‘greasy spoon’ cafe. The Pellicci family has been feeding east Londoners since 1900 and still make some of the best fry ups in town. Stepping inside is like entering a time warp: there’s beautiful ornate art deco wooden paneling, stained glass windows, formica tables and a huge steaming tea urn. In fact, it’s such an icon that English heritage has awarded it grade-II listed status. It’s lively, chaotic, and always great fun. Whatever food you choose, always order a cup of strong "builder’s" tea. There’s coffee, milkshakes, beer, wine, and even limoncello on the menu but nothing goes better with a breakfast than a perfectly brewed cuppa.

Sir John Soane's Museum Arrow

This is, without a doubt, the city’s most atmospheric museum, packed to the rafters with hundreds of interesting and impressive artworks and artifacts. The collection is pretty much whatever took Sir John Soane's eye, positioned in the place it looked best—so don’t go looking for order. Instead, go curious, as the walls give way to secret rooms the unobservant might miss. It's not the unknown it once was though, so unless you go first thing in the morning you'll probably have to wait in line.

Columbia Road Flower Market Arrow

Weekly on Sundays, Columbia Road in East London's hip Shoreditch/Hackney neighborhood, transforms into a multicolored frenzy of stalls and flowers. This otherwise unassuming East End street is transformed into a swath of magnificent plant life, the air fragrant with blooms and the shouts of historic London's famous Cockney stallholders. It's as eccentric as it gets around here. You'll hear rushed deals and offers for a 'tenner' or 'fiver' (ten or five pounds) and because everything is so fresh, it's all gotta be gone by 2 p.m. 

Dennis Severs' House Arrow

Fancy a trip back through time? Just around the corner from buzzy Spitalfields Market, there’s a beautiful old four story house in Spitalfields that is essentially a wonderful time warp. Eccentric American Dennis Severs bought the crumbling derelict building in 1979 and turned the whole thing into an amazing work of art, evocatively recreating the home life of different generations of a Huguenot family living from 1724 to 1919 (and living there himself at the same time!). Severs died in 1999 but the house is perfectly preserved and is one of the most incredible museums in London. This is quite a niche museum: one for history fans, interior enthusiasts and those into theatrical spaces, but truly anyone visiting will be instantly immersed into the bewitching experience. There’s only a small number of people allowed in at one time and everyone is respectfully tip-toeing around peering into chamber pots and studying the ghostly paintings.

Diamond Jubilee Tea Salon at Fortnum & Mason Arrow

This historic spot for afternoon tea has been an upper crust British favorite since it began importing leaves from Asia in 1707. It's no wonder the beloved tearoom was reopened in 2012 by the Queen after a sensitive refit. The room retains a fittingly regal affect, decorated in the store’s trademark eau de nil (take that, Tiffany). There’s often a pianist tinkling away in the corner of the airy elegant room in the afternoon. The tea itself will leave even the most discerning of tea snobs with their mouths open. There are 50 different blends and tea sommeliers to help you chose which one is for you.

St. Paul's Cathedral Arrow

One of the most famous cathedrals in the world, St. Paul's (finished in 1708) is the masterpiece of architect Sir Christopher Wren, and its towering dome is probably second on the definitive list of symbols of London after Big Ben. It's awe-inspiring, magical yet somber and reflective, a place for prayer whether you're religious or not. 

Royal Academy of Arts Arrow

The Royal Academy of Arts, or the R.A., as it's more fondly known, has been around for 250 years run by artists, and is home to an incredible collection of global art. The R.A.'s collection is vast, including sculpture, drawing, painting and architecture. There are numerous classic works on show as well as themed exhibitions from the collection, and varied and regular temporary shows that sell out quickly. Annually there is the annual Summer Exhibition featuring plenty of new work from up and coming R.A. students and alumni, and major icons in the art world; it's well worth seeing. You can come for a short visit and still get plenty out of the R.A.—the buildings themselves are worth checking out alone if you like seeing 19th-century and modern 21st-century architecture blended together.

Liberty London Arrow

This is truly one of the most beautiful shops in London. A Grade II-listed boutique department store with an iconic mock-tudor façade constructed from the timbers of two ships, it’s well worth a visit for the shop itself. Founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty in 1875 who wanted an emporium to show off the treasures from his travels, today the wood-paneled light-filled atriums and cozy side rooms are stuffed full of goodies, new and old. It’s atmospheric, eclectic and unlike any other department store we’ve ever visited. A visit to the store must include a peruse of the impressive fabric department: the rolls and rolls of colorful, intricate and fabulous prints that will make you wish you’d paid more attention in home economics. If sewing isn’t your thing, you can get ready-made bags, cushions, bedding and even chess boards adorned with the delicate Liberty patterns.

The Shard Arrow

Western Europe's tallest building at 309.6 metres, or 1,016 feet, high, The Shard houses London's first Shangri-la hotel , private apartments, offices and three high-end restaurants—Aqua Shard, Hutong and Oblix. All good reasons to visit of course but arguably the main one is the viewing gallery aka The View. Located on floors 68-72 and 244 meters above London, you have an unobstructed 360-degree, 40-mile view across the city.

West End Theatreland Arrow

London's answer to New York's Broadway cuts across a swathe of the West End of the city in Covent Garden, Soho, and Picadilly.  From Shakespeare to contemporary comedies and dramas like Hamilton, as well as countless famous musicals of old and many new, London's West End has it all. Who doesn't want to feel again the infectious glee of musical theatre choreography and the sweating happiness of curtain calls. With the shows coming back after a long closure due to coronavirus, the Criterion Theater is offering a wonderfully quirky musical version of Amelie—the popular French movie of the same name—for more affordable prices than the big-name shows.

National Gallery Arrow

Set in London’s busiest open space, Trafalgar Square, this is the grandmother of galleries with more than 2,300 paintings spanning the 13th to the 19th centuries: Heavyweights include Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Velazquez's Rokeby Venus, and Constable’s six-foot long The Hay Wain . It gets packed at weekends, but its so large that you can usually find a quiet corner. You can download an audio tour covering the museum's highlights, but you can also curate your own by selecting the paintings you want to see before you arrive. The seasonal exhibitions are the only ones you’ll pay for, and as you'd expect, most are spectacular ranging from Lucian Freud to Titian.

Borough Market Arrow

The food hound's favorite London market (and the city's most atmospheric) occupies a sprawling site near London Bridge, both in a large covered area and spreading into the smaller maze of streets that surround it. Records show there’s been a market here since 1276 when it apparently caused traffic jams on London Bridge. What’s on offer? Gourmet goodies run the gamut and you’d be hard pressed not to find something you can’t get enough of and simply spend all day stuffing your face.

Highgate Cemetery Arrow

A graveyard is always a somber place, but Highgate is also a celebratory one. You’ll recognize parts of it if you’ve seen Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Dracula,’ and you'll find the final resting place of writers like George Eliot and Douglas Adams, science pioneers like Michael Faraday and pop culture icons like George Michael (although his grave isn't named as such;  his Panayiotou family plot is in the West Cemetery next to Lucien Freud). And believe it or not, for somewhere with so many legendary men and women buried in it, Highgate Cemetery is one of the least visited of London’s landmarks. But those who come do it for both the ghostly mystery of the place itself, as well as the celebrity dead.

British Museum Arrow

You could spend several lifetimes in the British Museum, Britain’s largest museum, without running out of artifacts to ponder. The collection is one of the largest in the world, arranged by location (Ancient Egypt, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Greece and Rome), and the list of big hitters includes the Rosetta Stone and other finds from Ancient Egypt, Asia and the Middle East. Come early on a weekday for a less crowded experience, pick one gallery and stick to it, or go for a guided “eye-opener” tour.

Hampstead Heath Arrow

Forget the perfect lawns of London's Royal Parks, Hampstead Heath, the vast and, in places wonderfully overgrown, tract of countryside just north of the rock ‘n’ roll neighborhood of Camden Town is the wild heart of the city and an undisputed highlight, so much so it's said to have inspired CS Lewis’s Narnia. The Heath covers 791 acres of woodland, playing fields, swimming ponds and meadows of tall grass perfect both for picnickers and couples in search of privacy. It’s truly beautiful.

Portobello Market Arrow

Running through the center of the ever-fashionable Notting Hill neighborhood in West London, Portobello Road is know for everything from sixties models, photographers, artists and rockstars to rows of antiques stalls, hip pubs and Hugh Grant, but what we’re talking about is Portobello Market when the street is closed off Friday to Sunday and packed with people from far and wide. It’s that famous. Portobello is actually several markets rolled into one: There are antique and bric-a-brac shops, loads of food stalls and further up next to the Portebello Green arcade, emerging designers and vintage clothing shops.

Hyde Park Arrow

Hyde Park is big. At one and a half miles long and a mile or so wide, it's one of London's largest Royal Parks, originally appropriated from the monks at Westminster Abbey by Henry VIII to hunt deer, but now the sort of space where anything goes. Think gangs of roller-bladers on the paths, mad swimmers and chill boaters in the Serpentine Lake, rowdy protestors at Speaker’s Corner and kids aplenty riding horses and tipping their toes into the Diana Memorial Fountain.

Tayyabs Arrow

Most nights you’ll be waiting for at least half an hour before entering this famous, BYOB Punjabi diner in Whitechapel. Tayyabs is loud (and no one’s on a romantic date) but what you’re there for are the sizzling plates of meat. The main attraction is the lamb chops, served up spicy and marinated in a kadai masala with coriander, sliced onions, and chillies, and everything must be paired with freshly baked rotis, parathas, and naans. It’s a great spot for meat eaters and large groups looking for an affordable way to dine on exceptional Punjabi food.

Churchill War Rooms Arrow

This underground lair, just around the corner from 10 Downing Street, is where Churchill spent endless hours plotting Allied victory during the Second World War. Come for the Map Room, which looks exactly as it did when the members of the War Cabinet abandoned it at the end of the war, and the Transatlantic Telephone Room, where Churchill had secret conversations with U.S. officials. Entry is currently timed so you won't be crowded, and there are some pandemic restrictions still in place in terms of social distancing, but it's easy to get around and see everything. The audio guide comes with your ticket and provides an extra insight into the operations that went on during the war, including sounds and speeches of the time. The museum is also fully wheelchair accessible.

Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club Arrow

Nightlife institutions are institutions for a reason. And Ronnie Scott's, Soho’s premier jazz venue on Frith Street, never, ever disappoints. One rule: book your ticket in advance. Ronnie's is a concert venue, generally hosts two sittings a night—everyone from Nina Simone to Pharaoh Sanders has played here—and gigs get booked out quickly by tourists, aficionados and fellow musicians. You can, however, usually get into Ronnie’s Bar, a smaller more dance oriented venue upstairs, without advance notice, as well as into the 'late late' shows. The place itself is everything a jazz venue should be: dark, loud and enticing, romantic even, and so very Soho—you’ll probably feel like drinking whisky but Champagne always goes down better. When the music ends, and you fall out buzzing into the street, finish up with a bite at the legendary late-night favorite Bar Italia across the road. It’s just what's done.

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The 50 best attractions in London

Discover London’s best attractions, landmarks and sightseeing spots that you’d be mad to miss, even if you‘re a local

London landmarks are iconic for a reason.  You’ve got your London Eye, your Hyde Park, your Big Ben, and even if you’ve lived here for years and have steadfastly been avoiding ‘tourist traps’, you really ought to check these places out at least once.  Whether you’re a day-tripper or a local, marvelling at the capital’s museums , galleries , monuments and  parks  is a London rite of passage – and they’re all really bloody great.  But where to begin? We’ve pulled together a list of the best attractions in London for you to start ticking off your bucket list. And the best news? Loads of these must-see London attractions are free, and for those that aren’t, you can book below.

Still after some sightseeing inspiration? Check out our list of  101 things to do  in London, and find out what’s happening in London  today ,  this week , and  this weekend .

RECOMMENDED: the best hotels in London   RECOMMENDED: the best alternative attractions in London RECOMMENDED: the best London bus tours

This article includes affiliate links. These links have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our   affiliate   guidelines .

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London’s top attractions

1.  The London Eye

• Things to do
• Event spaces

What is it? Much like the Millenium Dome – or, as it's known to those who don’t remember the twentieth century, the O2 Arena – the London Eye was built to celebrate the year 2000. Since then, the Eye has been a resounding success and it’s hard to picture London’s skyline without it. It rarely ever comes to a stop, so you won’t be standing on the ceremony when you get on. Before you know it, you’re halfway into the sky and taking in sweeping vistas of the city.

Why go? The view, obviously. 

2.  Shrek’s Adventure! London

• Theme parks

What is it? An interactive tour that starts with a breathtaking 4D ride through the sky before you crash-land near a certain ogre’s swamp and find yourself having to flee from the wicked Rumpelstiltskin. You’ll encounter a few favourite characters while you take on different missions, such as liberating Pinocchio from the Wheel of Torture and cooking up some spells with the Muffin Man. 

Why go? To have a giggle on a whirlwind trip to Far, Far Away.

3.  Madame Tussauds

What is it? In 1802 Marie Tussaud made her waxwork debut in the capital (32 years after she founded the show in Paris). By 1884 she decided to lay down permanent roots in Marylebone and she’s been there ever since (well, her legacy at least). Visitors to Madame Tussauds today will find over 150 lifelike models including contemporary stars like Drake and Dua Lipa and historic icons like Einstein and Marilyn Monroe. Elsewhere The King stands proudly on the Royal Balcony and stars like the Marvel cast have their own Hall of Heroes.

Why go? To snap a selfie with all the famous faces. Instagram, incoming.

4.  The View from the Shard

• Towers and viewpoints
• London Bridge

What is it?  The capital's tallest tower, having joined London's skyline in 2012.  Measuring 310 metres, The Shard was built with everything in mind: offices, homes, hotels, bars, restaurants and, of course, the alluring viewing platform. From the highest point, the public are allowed access (floors 69-72) you get stunning 360-degree views of the city. There’s a silent disco on selected Saturday nights and other events, such as gigs and gin tastings throughout the year.

Why go? The floor-to-ceiling windows allow exceptional views out across the capital, especially on a clear day.

5.  The London Dungeon

What is it?  A tour of London’s nastiest historical moments, with gory stories retold with humour, gooey props and gruesomely costumed actors. You can board a traitor’s boat to the Tower of London, dash through the streets of Whitechapel in pursuit of Jack the Ripper and glimpse plague London. 

Why go?   Gore-seekers can ride a recreation of The Death Express, a line which carried the deceased to their final resting place in Surrey. 

6.  Up at The O2

• Sightseeing
• Greenwich Peninsula

What is it? Ever wondered what London looks like from 53 metres above North Greenwich? Find out with a ticket for Up at The O2 where you can choose from Daytime, Sunset and Twilight climbs. The ultimate AAA pass gains you access to the roof, where you’ll be able to see across the capital, spotting famous sites like the Olympic Park, Thames Barrier, The Shard and Canary Wharf.

Why go? For an incredible 360-degree view – and that adorable climbing onesie.

7.  Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park

• Sport and fitness
• Parks and gardens
• Olympic Park

Remember the London Olympics in 2012? Feels like a lifetime ago – and a very different time – but we were promised a legacy and, if the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park is the yardstick, we got one. The buildings and all that parkland are now one of London’s best attractions, drawing swathes of tourists and Londoners every year. The  London Stadium  (host to big concerts with headliners like The Weeknd and West Ham FC as well as various athletics championships). The southern section of the park is home to all the stunning parkland, including children's play areas, four walking trails, a couple of dozen public artworks, plus the attraction of ascending the remarkable  ArcelorMittal Orbit . Make sure you check out foodie hot spots like  Hackney Bridge food market  and the award-winning floating restaurant  Barge East . It continues to honour its reputation for state-of-the-art sporting venues – from the  Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre  as well as the Zaha Hadid-designed  London Aquatics Centre , which is open for public swimming and diving sessions, followed by the VeloPark, home to road, track, BMX and mountain biking. There’s more to come too. Heard of East Bank? Set to be London’s newest cultural quarter with world-class experiences from BBC, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s London College of Fashion, University College London and the V&A East. In short: a lot of great stuff to explore.

8.  Westminster Abbey

• Religious buildings and sites
• Westminster

What is it? Like the Pantheon Crypt in Paris, where you can see the tombs and memorials of great figures from history, Westminster Abbey is a popular attraction to peruse the graves, tablets, busts and stone dedications. In fact, seventeen monarchs are buried here, along with dukes, countesses and history’s ‘celebs’ (Think Darwin, Dickens and Hardy). Founded by Benedictine monks in 960 AD, there have also been 16 royal weddings here and every single British coronation has taken place within the Abbey's walls since 1066.

Why go? To see Gothic grandeur in all its splendour.

9.  Buckingham Palace

What is it? A chance to see world-famous art, glimpse regal opulence and get inside HM’s headquarters. Tourists and locals alike know the façade of Buckingham Palace, which stands at the end of The Mall. But it was only in 1913 that this addition was made, by King George V and Queen Mary. Before that, in 1633, the palace wasn’t even royal – it belonged to Lord Goring, who was forced to hand over ownership to the Royal Family (under King George III) due to a flaw in his contract. Poor chap. 

Why go? To snoop around the most famous royal residence in the world.

10.  Hampton Court Palace

• Historic buildings and sites

What is it? A resplendent palace with plush grounds on the edge of south west London. From the Tudor indoor tennis court to the Royal Maze, from the King’s private loo to the Magic Garden adventure playground, there’s something here for all ages. History buffs and art enthusiasts should purchase a ticket for the Palace and Gardens; those with little ones in tow will appreciate the Magic Garden and Maze ticket. Make sure you keep an eye on the site for their seasonal opening times.

Why go? To get lost in the Royal Maze.

11.  The Houses of Parliament

What is it? The seat of British democracy. Take an audio tour through the House of Lords and House of Commons to bring the building to life. It takes around 90 minutes and features leading parliamentary figures such as Mr Speaker and Black Rod. 

Why go? For a dazzling combo of history, politics and architecture.

12.  St Paul’s Cathedral

What is it? Iconic as St Paul’s may be, the cathedral as we know it today is in fact version six, at least. Mark five was razed to the ground by the Great Fire of London in 1666, mark three was also destroyed by fire, in 1087, and mark four fell to ruins under Henry VIII’s leadership. Thankfully Sir Christopher Wren’s design, which was completed in 1708, survived 12 monarchs and two world wars, notably the German Blitz of WWII. If you’ve paid for the main admission you’ll be treated to an introductory talk before being taken on a 90-minute tour.

Why go? To test your hearing in the Whispering Gallery.

13.  Afternoon tea at the Ritz

• Restaurants
• price 3 of 4

What is it? An occasion to enjoy finely cut sandwiches, fresh cakes and the tinkling of shiny silver teapots in the gold and white splendour of the Ritz Hotel’s former Ballroom. It’s so popular that you can book sittings from 11.30am to 7.30pm every day – sure, it’s not strictly the afternoon, but it’s all accompanied by the delicate sounds of a pianist, harpist or string quartet.

Why go?  For the unlimited scones and sandwiches.

14.  Tower Bridge

• Tower Bridge

What is it? There’s more to this ornate Victorian bridge than something cool to look at: you can actually venture inside. Check out the engine rooms with their whirring wheels and pistons, then head up to the glass-floored viewing platform above the draw bridge, where you can delve into this magnificent structure's story.

Why go?  Time it right and you'll see the bridge rising up to let paddle steamers and barges through. Want to know a fun fact? A full schedule of bridge lift times is available on their website . 

15.  Kensington Palace

What is it? Where William, Kate and the kids hang their hats. This tourist attraction has a chic style: it played host to the most fashionable salons in Georgian times, was home to Queen Victoria in her youth, then sassy Princess Margaret and then classy Princess Diana. Now the main palace is a pretty visitor magnet with tranquil gardens to wander.

Why go? To be blown away by the outfits in the ‘Royal Style in the Making’ exhibition.

16.  Big Ben

TOURS SUSPENDED TEMPORARILY

What is it?  Big Ben is the nickname of the Great Bell inside Westminster’s iconic clock tower, but even locals think ‘Big Ben’ when they see the Elizabeth Tower. You can’t get inside for a tour due to maintenance work but you’re a minute away from the river, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey here, so it’s an easy visit.

Why go?  To see the world's most celebrated clock face to face.

17.  Wembley Stadium

What is it? The venue where England won the World Cup in 1966, and the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022. Wembley still has a magic about it, even when you don’t have a ticket for a match or a rock concert. Take the tour and you’ll get to walk down the players’ tunnel and climb the 107 Trophy Winner’s steps, plus, with the use of 360-degree video, experience the electric atmosphere at some of the stadium’s biggest events.

Why go?  To peek  behind the scenes and sense that Cup Final magic.

18.  The National Gallery

• Trafalgar Square

What is it? A huge art museum right on Trafalgar Square that’s free to enter. Perfect, whether you’ve got ten minutes in your lunch break to check out Van Gogh’s ‘Sunflowers’ or time to wander the entire collection of Western European paintings from the thirteenth to the nineteenth centuries. Check out the Friday Lates for after-hours access to exhibitions, creative workshops and life drawing sessions.

Why go? To be swaddled in artistic greatness.

19.  Churchill War Rooms

What is it? A secret, secure bunker, tucked behind Downing Street and Parliament Square, where Churchill and his cabinet could monitor how World War II was going, receive intelligence and give orders. It’s the little details that give the biggest impression, from a daily-updated weather noticeboard to the scratch marks on Churchill’s chair (caused by his ring on a stressed day).

Why go? For history lovers to see the rooms just as they were left after 1945.

20.  National Portrait Gallery

• Charing Cross Road

What is it? Just around the corner from The National Gallery, this is the home of a stunning collection of portraits, from paintings to photography, capturing the essence of notable royalty, celebrities and our enduring fascination with the human face. The permanent collection is free to visit, with ticketed special exhibitions.

Why go? To wander among the great and good.

21.  Thames RIB Experience

• Victoria Embankment

What is it? A high-speed ‘rigid inflatable boat’ that will have you zooming up and down the river. If you want to ramp up the excitement on the Thames – the kind that would make 007 proud – hop aboard the RIB to travel at speeds of around 35 knots (roughly 40 mph).  

Why go? Because it’s the most thrilling way for adrenaline junkies to see the sights.

22.  National Theatre

• Public and national theatres

What is it? Only the greatest theatre in the world (well, we would argue so, anyway). Take your pick of entertainment from the three theatres, and if you’ve got time to kill pre- or post-performance, take a seat at one of the various bars or restaurants. 

Why go?  To witness shows that champion rising talents and showcase big-name stars.

23.  Royal Albert Hall

• Music venues
• South Kensington

What is it?  Across the road from the ornate golden memorial statue of Prince Albert is another dedication. The construction of Royal Albert Hall was ordered by Queen Victoria and named after her late husband. Since its completion, the hall has hosted music and theatre and continues to do so to this day – most famously the Proms.

Why go? To experience the dazzling Victorian opulence.

24.  Tower of London

What is it? O ne of the capital’s best and most well-known historical attractions.  The Tower of London offers wonderful architecture, gruesome stories, hands-on activities for younger visitors, costumed actors and guides, and worryingly confident ravens.

Why go? To get an eyeful of the Crown Jewels.

25.  Royal Opera House

• Classical and opera
• Covent Garden

What is it? Covent Garden’s grand old opera house. You don’t have to be super-rich to get in on the action – there are reductions for students, senior citizens and those on credits, plus regular ticket offers for all. Alternatively, take a backstage tour, where you can sometimes spot the Royal Ballet practising their moves. 

Why go? To see a right royal opera or ballet performance.

26.  Kew Gardens

What is it? Budding horticulturalists will have a field day here. There are over 300 acres to explore filled with indigenous flora and fauna, as well as exotic greenhouses and nature trails. There’s also a treetop walkway and the Grade I-listed Temperate House recently reopened after a five-year refurb. It’s the largest Victorian glasshouse in the world and quite a sight to behold.

Why go? For a breath of fresh air in the busy city.

27.  Shakespeare’s Globe

• Shakespeare

What is it? A painstakingly accurate recreation of the kind of theatre Shakespeare would have written all his plays for. If you’ve never been, book groundling tickets and stand in the open-air pit like you’re at a rock festival. It makes Bard’s poetry seem a lot less like homework and a lot more like first-rate drama.

Why go? For a raucous, interactive take on  theatre.

28.  Somerset House

What is it? An elegant eighteenth-century landmark and cultural hub on the north side of Waterloo Bridge that hosts several art exhibitions and events at a time, incorporating the Courtauld Gallery and temporary exhibitions in the Embankment Galleries. Hell, even the courtyard (once an Inland Revenue car park) makes itself useful, with gigs, alfresco cinema and fountains in summer.

Why go? For music and movies under the stars.

29.  Tate Modern

What is it?  A riverside icon dedicated to modern and contemporary art, based in what was the Bankside power station. You can discover works by the likes of Warhol, Dalí and Hockney, as well as unusual, eye-grabbing installations, as part of its free-to-visit permanent collection.

Why go?  For some of the best art and architecture London has to offer. 

30.  Kew Palace

What is it? The favoured residence of George III looks more like a massive, ornate biscuit tin than the glittering home of a royal. In the gardens, there is a wonderful little cottage built for Queen Charlotte that trumps any garden shed. You can only visit the palace via Kew Gardens (it’s free with entry to Kew).

Why go? To discover an often-forgotten treasure.

31.  Cutty Sark

• Ships and boats

What is it?  Experience life aboard the world’s last surviving tea clipper in Greenwich. See the intricate craftsmanship used in its creation and find out how the crew lived. Thanks to a million-pound refurbishment after a fire in 2007, you can now walk underneath the hull.

Why go?  To get a taste of life at sea without leaving the dock. 

32.  HMS Belfast

What is it? A grey warship, with its guns tilted high, moored close to Tower Bridge, that’ s a museum nowadays. Open daily, with scenes set to show you what life was like on board a working WWII warship, HMS Belfast is a lively visitor space. You can scoot around the lower levels, exploring the engine room, the kitchens and the dentist’s office, and the action stations up on deck.

Why go? To play life-sized battleships.

33.  London Transport Museum

What is it? A vast museum full of real relics of the bygone ages of London transport, where there’s always a bus or a train to hop on. Find out why tube stations were used as wartime shelters, see decades of beautiful poster artwork and discover how the latest technology will run our services in the future. The LTM always hosts a fabulous Friday Late themed around its newest exhibition.

Why go?  To discover a treasure trove of retro design. 

34.  London Zoo

• Zoos and aquariums
• Regent’s Park

What is it?  The Regent’s Park landmark has come a long way since the days when zoos were full of homesick wildlife. London Zoo does a lot of world-class animal welfare work, creating carefully designed settings in which beautiful creatures from gorillas to lizards, penguins to tigers now reside. There’s a dedicated area for small kids and daily shows for nature fans of all ages.

Why go?  To take a walk on the wild side.

35.  Warner Bros Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter

• Hertfordshire

What is it? The Warner Bros Studio, a short trek north of London, where you can set foot inside the Great Hall, Forbidden Forest and Diagon Alley. See film sets, costumes, props and exhibits that take you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films. Changing exhibitions are included in the ticket and you get the chance to discover the secrets of the movie’s special effects.

Why go? To finally get your mitts on a flagon of Butterbeer.

36.  Royal Observatory

What is it? For centuries, the location for the scientific study of the stars and of timekeeping – originally for the benefit of sea navigation. This is where you’ll see the Greenwich Meridian Line marked out, from which point the world’s time zones are measured. You can also see the incredible instruments with which astronomers made discoveries about our universe, long before the digital age, or go stargazing at a planetarium show.

Why go? To give Brian Cox a run for his money. 

37.  The South Bank

What is it? A buzzing open space and cultural nucleus of the capital, lined with some of the city’s most exciting galleries, theatres and attractions. Start at the Southbank Centre, for free art and live shows, lunch at one of the many restaurants, watch the skateboarders and then wander east past the artists’ enclave at Gabriel’s Wharf and on to Tate Modern and the Globe.

Why go? For riverside adventures and ace views. 

38.  SEA LIFE London Aquarium

What is it?  The home of sea creatures from all over the world, from Pacific nurse sharks to Antarctic penguins (with a glimpse of what’s swimming past you in the Thames, too). It can get busy, but go off-peak to get some one-one-one time with the crocs

Why go? To immerse yourself in the life aquatic.

39.  British Library

• Libraries, archives and foundations
• King’s Cross

What is it? A working resource for printed and sound archives that’s open to all. If you nip into the free entrance hall exhibitions you might get to see a scribbled page of Beatles songwriting or a Leonardo da Vinci notebook. There are some stunning illuminated scripts and landmark scientific items too, including very early photographs. Don’t expect silence to be enforced when a Late at the Library event kicks off.

Why go? For studious research or to geek out on paper-based artefacts.

40.  The British Museum

What is it? Since it opened in 1759 – the first-ever national museum for the public – the British Museum has been displaying global artefacts discovered by British explorers. Must-see gems include the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.

Why go? The museum has more than eight million objects in its collection, 50,000 of which are on display. That’s a lot of bang for your buck, considering entrance to the main areas is free.

41.  Hyde Park

What is it? A massive central London park that’s easy to take for granted. Wander into Hyde Park’s vast greenery and eventually, you get to the Serpentine lake, where you can take a dip, go boating, board a solar-powered ferry (in summer) or eat pizza by the water. You can also take guided tours of the gardens and a secret pet cemetery – visit the park's website to book the latter. 

Why go? Because life’s more fun if you stop for a stroll, a bike ride or a picnic.

42.  Highgate Cemetery

What is it?  A beautiful, crumbling north London cemetery full of overgrown paths that will lead you to several Grade II-listed catacombs and a number of famous remains, including poet Christina Rossetti, architect Sir Lawrence Weaver and philosopher Karl Marx. On a sunny day, it even feels a little less morbid.

Why go?  To try to find Karl Marx’s hidden-away grave.

43.  Museum of London

What is it?  A museum that traces the capital’s history from its beginnings to the present day – you can even see part of the city’s original Roman Wall from its windows. Sense the drama of the Great Fire of London, walk through a Victorian shopping arcade, see the stunning London 2012 Olympic cauldron and get an eyeful of part of the fatberg found lurking in a Whitechapel sewer. Yuck!

Why go? To find out what life was really like in Londinium – for free.

44.  V&A Museum

• Art and design

What is it? One of the greatest collections of decorative art, design, fashion and textiles in the world. The Fashion galleries run from 18th-century court dress right up to contemporary chiffon numbers; the Architecture gallery has videos, models, plans and descriptions of various styles; and the famous Photography collection holds more than 500,000 images. Admission is free.

Why go? To drool over amazing designs and gobble up cake in the sunny courtyard. Bliss.

45.  Natural History Museum

• Natural history

What is it? The magnificent South Kensington home of around 80 million plant, animal, fossil, rock and mineral specimens. This fascinating museum, which is also a world-class research institution, is full of natural wonders and admission is free.

Why go? To marvel at a  25.2-metre-long  blue whale skeleton, a piece of Mars rock,  Mary Anning's  ichthyosaur fossil and lots more.  

46.  Science Museum

• Science and technology

What is it? An incredible, free-to-enter, hands-on museum that features seven floors of entertaining and educational exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module, a virtual reality space-descent experience and a 16th-century artificial arm.

Why go? To experience the incredible Information Age gallery, from where the Queen sent her first tweet, signed Elizabeth R.

47.  Regent’s Park

What is it?  A verdant 410 acres of lush, open space, just a short stroll north of Oxford Circus. Featuring a pretty rose garden, the elegant Open Air Theatre (open throughout the summer – check the  website for exact dates) and tree-lined avenues for jogging, it’s a slice of horticultural heaven and a much-needed respite from the rest of the whirring city. 

Why go? To escape the Oxford Street crowds.

48.  St James’s Park

What is it? London’s oldest Royal Park and, essentially, Buckingham Palace’s front garden. St James’s Park runs alongside The Mall and offers a handy escape from the traffic noise of Trafalgar Square. The two islands in its lake are home to wildlife and there’s the Princess Diana Memorial Walk to follow if you fancy some gentle exercise.

Why go? To watch the pelicans (which were introduced to the park more than 400 years ago) being fed at 2.30pm daily.

49.  Trafalgar Square

What is it?  When it comes to London’s top attractions, Trafalgar Square can’t be overlooked. Bring your selfie stick because posing for pics is a must. Get the lions and fountains in shot (no paddling in the fountains, please) and check out the latest modern art installation adorning the Fourth Plinth, as London’s red buses circle on the busy roads around you.

Why go? To take the archetypal, cheesy, London tourist selfie.

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VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Why we love London

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture, green spaces and an international crowd that spills into every delicious corner of its cuisine.  From the unique vintage markets of Portobello Road or Camden to the huge highstreet shops of Oxford Street, Regent Street and Westfield, food lovers will be spoilt for every kind of cuisine - check out trendy trendy Shoreditch and Brick Lane to colourful Chinatown.

Hike up its iconic landmarks and sip a cocktail in tallest building, The Shard, or take in the view from one of its many rooftop bars. Immense yourself in a leading cultural scene with no fewer than four international orchestras, a plethora of West End theatres and live gigs from Wembley to the O2 (Millennium Dome). And discover world-leading museums and galleries, from the Natural History Museum to London’s two Tates. And for some downtime, soak up some rays in one of the city’s Royal Parks or the green lungs of Hampstead Health or Greenwich. Britain’s biggest city has it all – and then some more!

VisitLondon/Jon Reid

NG200, National Gallery

It’s party time as the National Gallery celebrates 200 years. Expect an ambitious programme of events in 2024, including a special Vincent Van Gogh exhibition.

Wembley Stadium

Wembley, London

2024 UEFA Champions League final: Wembley Stadium

What better place is there see the 2024 UEFA Champions League final than at Wembley Stadium? See the best of the best in football crowned champions as the 2023/24 competition concludes.

boroughmarket

Borough Market

The mother of all food markets in London. Dating back from the thirteenth century, Borough Market  is an institution. From gourmet and sustainable to butchers, bakers and cheese makers and all things food.

visitlondon.com

Art but not as you know it

On the bank of the Thames, in a sort of trendier more modern sister of Pimlico’s  Tate Britain , is Tate Modern . Free to enter, you can take in 360 views of London and eat and drink here too.

VisitBritain/Rama Knight

Hit up London’s Southbank

A giant of culture,  Southbank Centre is made up a few places that house London’s most desired events from music to poetry. There’s books, cafes and multiple venues hosting some of London’s most sought-after events.

Get your London Eye tickets

Book your tower of london tickets, things to do in london.

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The London Eye

Take a spin on this world-famous London landmark: riding high in a glass pod, you’ll enjoy magnificent views of the capital.

VisitBritain/Secret Adventures

ABBA Voyage

ABBA return to the stage as Abbatars for a unique performance.

VisitBritain/Abba Voyage

Tower of London

Get hands-on with history at this former palace and prison. It’s full of tales and treasures, including the Crown Jewels.

Visit Britain/George Johnson

iFLY at The O2

Feel the adrenaline rush as you take flight and freefall through the air at this indoor skydiving experience.

iFLY London

London’s Royal Parks

London’s eight Royal Parks offer an oasis of calm in the city – as well as amazing venues for live music, festivals and theatre.

VisitBritain/Tareq Mooradun

Buckingham Palace

On selected dates, Buckingham Palace opens its doors to visitors: your chance to explore the Royal Family’s iconic London home.

VisitBritain/Tom Weightman

Natural History Museum

Explore the story of life on Earth at this fantastic – and free – museum. A must-visit for all animal lovers and curious thinkers!

VisitBritain/Anastasia Ustenikova

Warner Bros. Studio Tour - Harry Potter

Filled with original props, sets and costumes from the Harry Potter films, this is a must-visit for all fans.

Warner Bros. Studio Tours, The Making of Harry Potter / Marc Sethi

London Rock Tour

A musical journey through the sounds of rock music, from 1950s beatnik coffee houses in Soho, to Freddie Mercury and Queen’s very own playground in Kensington.

David Bowie Walking Tour

Get to know the man behind Ziggy Stardust as you uncover the stories and sounds of a musical legend in Brixton and Soho.

Brit Music Tours

West End Silent Disco Walking Tour

Party, parade and prance through the dazzling streets of London’s West End, taking in the city’s theatres while listening to their musical sounds.

Silent Disco Walking Tours

Thames Rockets

Scream if you want to go faster! Part sightseeing cruise, part rollercoaster ride, this speedboat is an epic way to explore London.

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Secret Adventures - Kayak

Join this small-group kayaking tour on the River Thames and see London from a whole new perspective.

The Dare Skywalk

Do you dare walk on the roof of London’s mighty Tottenham Hotspur Stadium? Its London views are incredible…

Tottenham Hotspur

Up at the O2

The O2 is one of the capital’s top entertainment venues – but did you know you can also climb up to its roof?

Museum of London

Full of spine-tingling stories, archive photos and curious artefacts, this museum explores the capital’s past.

VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett

Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A)

The epicentre of all-things art and design, the V&A explores everything from high-art sculptures to vintage fashions.

VisitBritain/Aurélie Four

Tate Modern

Discover modern art and captivating exhibitions on the bank of the River Thames.

Somerset House

From outdoor movie screenings to vibrant art exhibitions, Somerset House is packed with fun things to do.

Kevin Meredith

Tally Ho Gin Safari

Discover the entertaining history of London’s favourite spirit on this gin-fuelled bike tour of Southwark and Bermondsey.

©VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

Supperclub Tube

On a 1967 former Victorian Line carriage, you’ll enjoy a six-course Latin American menu in this truly unique combination.

Jess Rose Photography

Taste of London

Immerse yourself in cooking masterclasses, watch live demonstrations from Michelin star chefs or tee off for a round of crazy golf.

VisitBritain/Jacob Niblett

London in the Sky

Taking dining to new heights, this open-air table is suspended high over Greenwich: an epic spot for dinner and drinks.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

Step back in time to the Victorian world of one of the greatest literary detectives, Sherlock Holmes, at his ‘real life’ address.

VisitBritain/Emmanuel Teikirisi

The British Library

From Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks to priceless artworks, Britain’s biggest library is rammed full of treasures…

British Library

Imperial War Museum

Revealing the human side of Britain’s conflicts, the world’s largest war museum is both poignant and fascinating.

Imperial War Museums

St Paul's Cathedral

Open to visitors of all faiths and none, London’s iconic cathedral hosts guided tours, live music and art exhibitions.

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Houses of Parliament

Westminster Palace is the spectacular home of the British Government – see it for yourself on a guided tour.

London Pride

Britain’s biggest Pride celebration takes over the capital every summer – with spin-off events year-round.

Tristan Fewings

UK Black Pride

Dive into Europe’s largest celebration for African, Asian, Middle Easter, Latin American and Caribbean LGBTQIA+ people in London.

All Points East

August 2024 Big names hit up the capital for two weekends of music extravaganza from the likes of Gorillaz, Tame Impala and The Chemical Brothers.

Louise Morris/ All Points East

Wireless Festival

12 – 14 July 2024 The place to be for rap and R&B music in the UK with previous headliners including Kanye West and Jay-Z.

Festival Republic

DJ and clubbing royalty headline this annual fiesta of electronic music, in East London’s Victoria Park.

Outside Org/Eric Aydin

Mighty Hoopla

This flamboyant festival of pop and queer culture has featured the likes of Steps, Cheryl and Chaka Khan.

Forage London

These foraging tours reveal the edible herbs, flowers and berries hidden in the capital’s parks and gardens.

Little Venice

Though it’s just steps from Paddington, this waterside area is famed for its tranquil walks and charming pubs.

VisitBritain/Francesco Stile

Skuna Boats

Hop on board a floating hot tub or barbecue boat, for a tour of Canary Wharf you’ll never forget.

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Connect with nature at London’s 300-acre Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, founded by King George III’s mother in 1759.

VisitBritain/J Baxter

Richmond Park

One of London’s eight royal parks, this wildlife-filled nature reserve is a haven for solitude-seekers.

At this state-of-the-art spa, Eastern traditions meet Western technologies, for an exhilarating full-body experience.

Kensington Palace, London

The home to many a royal, from Queen Victoria, William III, to Queen Anne.

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Westminster Abbey, London

Step into more than 1,000 years of history at the setting of every coronation since 1066.

Hampton Court Palace

Once the home of King Henry VIII, it now hosts vibrant festivals, outdoor movies, historic tours – and the odd ghost.

VisitBritain/Historic Royal Palaces

Oxford Street

This retail heaven boasts almost 1.5 miles (2.4km) of flagship boutiques – for fashion, beauty, souvenirs and more.

Kevin Lamport

Portobello Road

Find the world-famous antiques market spilling over with fascinating wares.

Â? visitlondon/Antoine Buchet

This East London street is famous for its vintage fashions, bustling stalls and authentic Bangladeshi cuisine.

VisitBritain/Sam Barker

Camden Market

This eclectic collection of punk-like fashion and clothes for every subculture, includes vintage shops and bric-a-brac emporia is firmly a favourite with visitors.

Gauthier Soho

One of the world’s first fine-dining restaurants to go 100% vegan, this acclaimed spot is inspired by fine French cuisine.

Silo, Hackney

A zero waste restaurant choosing local ingredients that generate no waste.

AlternativeLDN

Learn about street art through AlternativeLDN’s London tour, then have a go yourself.

The Culpeper, Shoreditch

Housed in Shoreditch, surround yourself with colourful flora, indulge in homegrown veggies, and take in the impressive London skyline from this rooftop oasis.

The Culpeper

Explore a Great British icon of luxury at Harrods, and discover more than 330 departments over seven floors.

Battersea Power Station

A one stop destination for shopping, food and drink, entertainment and views over the River Thames.

Vogue Fabrics

With film screenings, stand-up comedy, club nights and cabaret, this Dalston venue celebrates all things LGBTQIA+.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

Colours Hoxton

Located in vibrant Shoreditch, this cocktail bar and live music venue hosts a fun-filled ‘drag brunch’ every Saturday.

The Crown Tour of London

You’ve admired London’s royal landmarks on screen – now explore them in person on this Crown-based walking tour.

VisitBritain/Aurélie Four/@LeCorgi

Leave the real world behind, and immerse yourself in a mind-clearing, tension-soothing soak in a weightlessness pool.

Float Works

The Lost Estate

Five-star dining, live performance and craft cocktails. Step into an unforgettable immersive experience by master world-builders.

Hanson Leatherby

London, England

Featured things to do

A sleepover at London Zoo

Stay overnight with the animals, get a private evening tour of your favourite wild beasts, eat dinner within a whisker of a lion and sleep among the cacophony of baboons and parrots.

Discover London’s Pride festival as it retraces its original route from 1972 through Hyde Park, Piccadilly and Trafalgar Square.

Secret Adventures

Kayak the Thames by moonlight

Kayak on the Thames and see London’s iconic landmarks - quite literally in a different light. See landmarks like the Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s, Bank Side and Tower Bridge all light up.

Christmas festivities

London glows with twinkling Christmas lights, bustling shops, ice rinks and seasonal theatre performances each Christmas. Visit the capital city to get a taste for the festivities.

Places to stay in London

Notting hill.

Stroll along the brightly painted houses, the buzzing cafés and pubs and visit its famous market in this, the home to one of the world’s most iconic festivals - The Notting Hill Carnival.

Explore the super central, trendy, all night buzz to Soho, find cafes, bars, restaurants and ice cream parlour here. It’s a playful and buzzing spot all the time, and shoulders China Town.

Stay in this leafy and affluent part of London that has a great bars and delis, restaurants and its home to London’s green lungs - Hampstead Heath. And of course, you can grab one of best views here - Primrose Hill.

Explore nearby

From ice-cream parlours to sea food festivals, the ‘Garden of England’ is meant for discovery.

VisitBritain/Dipyourtoesin

South Downs

Discover epic trails, rivers to kayak, castles to conquer and wild woods to explore.

VisitBritain/Nadir Khan

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

VisitBritain/i360

Just an hour by train from London and you’re in the city of dreaming spires.

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Lovers of The Crown can wrap themselves in royalty as this town is about as regal as it gets.

Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2022

Getting to London

The capital is served by six international airports , including London Heathrow and Gatwick, with direct and connecting routes to destinations all over the world (shop for Heathrow Express tickets and Stansted Express tickets here). Travelling by train is an eco-friendlier option and the capital offers 12 major stations , including Waterloo, Euston and Paddington. St Pancras International is the city’s Eurostar hub, with multiple direct connections to Europe.

Getting around

London is incredibly well served by public transport, much of which runs late and through the night. Take your pick from the Tube  (shop for a London visitor Oyster card , London Day Travelcard or a Group Day London Travelcard ), trams , buses and boats, or the IFS Cloud Cable Car  for a different perspective of London’s skyline. All services and numerous stations are wheelchair accessible. Alternatively, grab a Santander Cycle from one of hundreds of docking stations around the capital – you can bike around the city from as little as £2.

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Check out Visit London for top insider tips and travel inspirations

13 of the best things to do in London

Feb 25, 2024 • 13 min read

Make the most of your time in London with these top things to do © franckreporter / Getty Images

Fast-paced, fabulous and fun, London is packed with world-class things to see, do and experience.

You probably already have a checklist of London sights to visit, but don't forget to pause and soak up the vibe of a city that has been at the forefront of world culture for at least two millennia.

Whether you're a first-time visitor  or coming back for more, London serves up so many options that it can be hard to know where to start. It's easy to fill days or even weeks taking advantage of free entry at the city's top art galleries and museums, learning about the rich and complex history, and seeing live bands and captivating West End shows.

If you have the time – and budget – almost anything is possible in London. To help you whittle down the options, here are the top experiences in London that you won't want to miss.

1. Step back in time at the Tower of London

A world of English eccentricity enclosed within the sturdy walls of an imposing 11th-century fortress, the Tower of London is the perfect place to start a visit to London. As well as taking visitors on a remarkable architectural and historical journey, the castle is home to the world's largest diamond (the controversial Cullinan diamond, part of the famous Crown Jewels), as well as a dazzling array of armor and weaponry. A palpable sense of history and heritage will greet you at every turn.

Planning tip: It’s well worth getting to the Tower early – you'll need at least half a day to explore the sprawling chambers, courtyards and jail cells, and hear about its gruesome history. Arrive as the doors are unlocked and head straight to the Crown Jewels to avoid a long wait in line. To learn more about the Tower's back story, join a Yeoman Warder’s tour for a fascinating and personal introduction to the life and grisly times of this fortress-palace.

Explore the Tower of London effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

2. Be wowed by contemporary art at Tate Modern

A vast shrine to modern and contemporary art, the much-loved Tate Modern enjoys a triumphant position right on the River Thames. Housed in the former Bankside Power Station, the gallery is a vigorous statement of modernity, architectural renewal and accessibility. Enter via Holland Street to experience the vast Turbine Hall, which used to house the power station’s electricity generators, and is now home to large-scale art installations. Upstairs exhibition spaces are pushing the conceptual envelope, too, with interesting temporary shows, installations and performance art.

Local tip: Level 10, the viewing platform atop the Blavatnik Building, has been the subject of some controversy regarding privacy because it's possible to look into the adjacent apartment buildings. There are many signs politely requesting no photography on the south side (and not as much to see there anyway). There are also great views from the coffee shop and bar in the main building. If the tide is out, there's good mudlarking – an evocative term for looking for historic junk on the exposed mud at low tide – right in front of the gallery.

3. Explore London’s Black history 

London’s Black history is rich and fascinating and stretches back across centuries. All over London, you'll sense a growing enthusiasm for acknowledging, owning and celebrating this once-overlooked part of London's story. Begin your journey by joining one of the 16 walking tours in central London run by Black History Walks , then head down to the Docklands to learn about the capital’s involvement in the transatlantic slave trade at the Musem of London Docklands before meandering south to marvel at the vast Black archives at Brixton’s Black Cultural Archives . Next, indulge in some delicious Caribbean cuisine and take in many of the city’s best Black artists at 198 Contemporary Arts and Learning .

Planning tip:  Notting Hill Carnival , held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, is a colossal street party celebrating Black, Caribbean and African cultures. Join the dancing, parties and parades that fill the neighborhoods around Ladbroke Grove. The official website publishes routes and events in advance.

4. Imagine the royal weddings of yesteryear at Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey has been the heart of the country’s royal and religious life for centuries. This Gothic wonder was founded more than a thousand years ago and today it displays a mix of architectural styles, with the bulk of its structure dating back to the 13th century. As a result, almost every nook and cranny has a story attached to it.

London's great abbey has served as the venue for many showstopper funerals and weddings – 30 monarchs are buried here, and 16 royal weddings have been hosted here, the most recent being that of Prince William and Catherine Middleton in 2011. Among the highlights, you will find the oldest door in the UK, the collection of memorials to great poets and writers known as Poets’ Corner, the Coronation Chair, 14th-century cloisters, a 900-year-old garden, royal tombs and much, much more.

Planning tip: Be warned that the crowds are almost as solid as the abbey’s unshakeable stonework, so aim to join the line first thing in the morning.

Explore Westminster Abbey effortlessly with GetYourGuide.  Book your tour today .

5. Stroll the sights of the South Bank

A great way to get your bearings and take in a slew of sights at the same time is to take a west-to-east walk along the Thames, through the cultural quarter known as the South Bank. Getting off the Tube at Westminster will deposit you right by Big Ben , the legendary bell atop the clocktower of the Houses of Parliament . From there, cross Westminster Bridge for stellar views back toward the seat of British democracy. 

Once on the Queen's Walk, as this pathway is known, stroll east with the river to your left. Although it’s inescapably touristy, a rotation on the London Eye  is a must for any first-time visitor to the capital. This futuristic Ferris wheel takes 30 minutes to complete a full turn, reaching 135m (443ft) at its highest point, and providing spectacular views of iconic landmarks from its glass capsules. Book tickets in advance to avoid the lines.

The Southbank Centre offers up a roll call of top-draw icons and entertainment; it's a great place to go if you're traveling with kids , with lots of free activities and events in summer. Once you leave the Brutalist concrete architecture of the Southbank Centre behind, you'll find other eclectic London sights, including Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre , the Tate Modern art gallery (with views across the river to  St Paul’s Cathedral ), and the Shard , Britain's tallest building. As you walk, look across the river towards the City of London, and try to pick out its curiously nicknamed skyscrapers – such as the Gherkin, the Cheesegrater and the Walkie-Talkie.

Detour: When hunger calls, take a snack break at legendary Borough Market close to London Bridge, where there are pubs, restaurants, dairies, bakers and more than 100 gourmet food stalls.

Transform your visit to London's Eye by  booking with GetYourGuide.

6. Delve into Muslim London

London was once the capital of an empire that ruled over more than half the world’s Muslims, so it should come as no surprise that the city is home to a wide range of Muslim communities and rich in Islamic heritage. Start with the amazing Islamic collections in the Victoria & Albert Museum ’s Jameel Gallery or the British Museum ’s Albukhary Gallery  – between them, these former imperial institutes hold over 115,000 Islamic items. 

To learn where Arabic was taught in 17th century London, take an eye-opening Muslim History Tour , then treat yourself to some of the capital’s most delicious Muslim cuisine. Try a fiery curry along East London’s Brick Lane (or great Punjabi-style kebabs nearby at Tayyabs ), head north to Green Lanes for London’s most authentic Anatolian dishes, or go west along Edgware Road for varied Middle Eastern cuisine.

7. Dive deep into history at the South Kensington museums

A trio of world-class museums lie within yards of each other in the well-to-do neighborhood of South Kensington , their grand edifices proving an equal draw to the glories within. With seven floors of interactive, educational and eye-opening exhibits, the spellbinding collection of models, machines and inventions at the Science Museum mesmerizes adults and children in equal measure. 

You could spend days in the huge Victoria & Albert Museum , which houses the world’s leading collection of decorative art objects, and still be astounded at its variety and depth. With its animatronic Tyrannosaurus rex , riveting displays about planet Earth, the research-oriented Darwin Centre and architecture straight out of a Gothic fairy tale, the Natural History Museum is an astonishing melding of science and imagination. Start in the iconic Hintze Hall, where the skeleton of a blue whale dives down from the ceiling.

Local tip: To see a more unusual side to the museums, and mingle with some Londoners, check in advance to see if any “Lates” are running; the museums periodically open their doors into the evening for special events with music and food. There are even occasional sleepover events called Dino Snores  at the Natural History Museum.

8. See a world-class theater show in the West End – and beyond

London is one of the best places in the world to catch a show, so take the opportunity while visiting the capital. For the most famous faces and well-known productions, head to the West End . This area is synonymous with musicals; look out for classics like  Les Misérables or Mamma Mia! , family favorites such as Matilda,   The Lion King  or Wicked, and offbeat hits such as The Book of Mormon (definitely not family viewing!) .

If musicals are not your thing, get onto TodayTix and see what else is playing. Be sure to check out the edgy, small-cast shows at independent theaters such as the Donmar Warehouse and Soho Theatre , to catch up-and-coming talent for not much more than the price of a pint of beer.

Detour: If Shakespeare is more your thing, attend an Elizabethan-style performance at Shakespeare's Globe . You'll need to book ahead for a standing ticket as one of the all-weather "groundlings" who watch from the open-air yard in front of the stage (or you can pay extra for a seat in the gallery). Despite being the brainchild of American actor, Sam Wanamaker, the facsimile theater is a triumph of authenticity, right down to the nail-less construction, English-oak beams, original joinery and thatched roof (the sprinklers are a modern touch).

9. Relax in gloriously green Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens

London’s impressive array of urban parks is second to none and the city's eight Royal Parks are the place to see locals at ease and in their element. Hyde Park alone covers 142 hectares; throw in Kensington Gardens , and you have even more space to roam. Here, you'll find everything you could want from a London park: a central setting, a royal palace , deck chairs, boating lakes, open-air concerts, art galleries, towering centuries-old trees, a tasteful granite memorial to Princess Diana, and a magnificently overblown memorial to Prince Albert facing the iconic Albert Hall .

10. Watch the guards change at Buckingham Palace 

No trip to the capital would be complete without a glimpse of what the Royals are up to. The simplest way to see a bit of sovereign ceremony is to watch the Changing of the Guard , a generations-old ritual in which soldiers in iconic bearskin hats swap shifts outside Buckingham Palace . Arrive early for a good view; the show starts at 11am, and it’s best to arrive by 10:15am (unless you happen to be very tall). If you hanker after more, you can tour the palace itself from July through September (the State Rooms are open for guided tours in the winter and spring, and for 10 weeks every summer).

Built in 1703 for the Duke of Buckingham and then purchased by King George III, Buckingham Palace has been the Royal Family’s official London lodging since 1837, when Queen Victoria abandoned the old royal residence at St James's Palace . On a tour, visitors can get a peek at the State Rooms – a mere 19 of the palace's 775 rooms – and wander through the stunning gardens.

11. Drink a pint at a historic English pub

London minus its pubs would be like Paris sans cafes. Pub culture is a part of London's DNA, and the pub is the best place to see local people in their hop-scented element. Some London pubs – such as the character-filled, centuries-old  Lamb & Flag  and Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese – have been fixtures on the social scene for centuries, and a pub pint is the cornerstone of a good night out across the capital. They're also favorite stops for long, family-friendly weekend lunches; gastropubs dot London’s culinary cosmos, many rivaling the best restaurants. 

Local tip: If you have to choose one place in London for an evening out, make it Soho , a densely packed warren of after-dark delights. For centuries a bohemian quarter, Soho was once a seedy red-light district, but these days, it's better known as the hub for London’s LGBTIQ+ community . For an old-school pint or four, drop into the French House , Bar Termini , Yard or the White Horse .

12. See the world’s treasures at the British Museum

With almost six million visitors trooping through its doors annually, the British Museum in Bloomsbury is Britain’s most-visited attraction. It is crammed with such an array of treasures (many of which, controversially, were obtained from other countries by force or political sleight of hand) that you could probably spend your whole trip navigating the vast and hallowed collection of artifacts, art and age-old antiquity, and still not be done.

In fact, the collection was once even bigger, but some objects have been returned to their home countries (and others, unbelievably, were stolen by a light-fingered curator). Free eye-opener tours allow you to focus on specific parts of the vast collection, or you can take in the highlights by wandering through the Great Court, with its stunning glass-and-steel roof designed by Norman Foster, and checking out the closest exhibition halls. Don’t leave before you’ve seen the Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics, and the fascinatingly macabre Egyptian mummies (including mummified calves, birds and cats).

13. Sit down to a traditional afternoon tea 

The quintessentially English indulgence of whiling away an afternoon eating dainty sandwiches and cakes and drinking tea may give you the feeling you're being observed by Lady Whistledown herself. Venues serving afternoon tea abound, and despite looking like sets from a Bridgerton party, these establishments are perfectly welcoming to all sorts of travelers. There's no need to dress to the nines; smart casual attire is fine (in other words, no trainers, joggers or sweatshirts). 

For the classic experience, head to Claridge’s or the Ritz , or in the summer try the terrace at The Goring or the stately Orangery  at Kensington Palace. It's called afternoon tea, but you can have your tea at almost any time of the day. Pre-booking is highly recommended as slots can book out, especially on weekends and in the peak season.

Planning tip: Make sure you arrive suitably hungry. The spread might not look much in the pictures, but all those plates of delicate treats really do add up to a mini feast. 

This article was first published March 2019 and updated February 2024

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The Best Times to Visit London, According to Local Experts

Here's when to go to London for good weather, smaller crowds, lower prices, and more.

• Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds

Best Times to Visit London for Good Weather

• Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices
• Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright

Worst Times to Visit London

London is one of the most visited places on the planet. Each year, the English capital welcomes upwards of 30 million tourists. They are greeted by iconic sites, like Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. They come to catch a show in the West End. And, more recently, they arrive to explore world-class dining and cocktail culture. But they don’t all appear in equal numbers across the year. 

The Big Smoke is very much a seasonal destination. High season typically takes off in early June and extends through the start of September. Late April through May, along with September into mid-October, are the shoulder seasons on either side. And late October through early April bookends the lull of low season. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

But you’re not bound by these trend lines. The reality is there’s no bad time to land in London . And the “best” time is entirely relative. It merely depends on what type of experience you’re eager to achieve. Let’s find out what — and when — that is, exactly. Below, we break it all down, so you can discover your very own prime time to see the city. 

• High Season: Early June through early September
• Shoulder Season: Late April through May; September to mid-October
• Low Season: Late October through early April

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Best Times to Visit London for Smaller Crowds 

The lion’s share of those 30 million annual visitors will touch down at some point during the summer months. You can’t blame them for being so predictable — London is consistently compelling throughout that time period, as gray skies and rain are rare. And the city’s 3,000 parks and green spaces are teeming with life.

“But the best time for me is spring,” according to Ross Corcoran, managing director of Lang Atholl , a bespoke tour company based in Scotland. “The weather is milder, the crowds are not as big, and hotel rates are not yet surging. It also allows you to get around the city with relative ease and use the Tube like a local rather than a tourist.”

Indeed, if you arrive in May, specifically, you might find you have the whole city to yourself. Although outdoor markets and street fairs are fully open, embracing the warming air, the international arrivals have yet to accumulate. Many native Londoners, meanwhile, step outside of town to take advantage of the multiple bank holiday weekends marking the month. 

“June and July definitely have the best weather,” says Chris Perone, general manager at NoMad London . “Long days and warm evenings are perfect for strolling the city’s endless, meandering pavements.”

To his point, as the summer equinox approaches in mid-June, it starts getting light before 5 a.m. and darkness doesn’t set in until well after 9 p.m. With more than 16 hours of sun to play with, there’s ample opportunity to enjoy a lengthy morning walk alongside canals and greenery. Then, have a full English breakfast — or a legendary Sunday roast — before perusing the shops and restaurants of Mayfair. 

You can even parade primary thoroughfares such as Regent Street, which shuts down to vehicular traffic this time of year . Or, take off toward the River Thames and check out the city’s newest observation deck, Lift 109 , built into the chimney of the historic Battersea Power Station.

Then, return to green space in time for BST Hyde Park . The concert series, which runs nightly from the end of June through the beginning of July, carries with it world-class talent. Last year, headliners included Billy Joel, Pink, Lana Del Rey and Bruce Springsteen. 

Best Times to Visit London for Lower Prices  

“August and January are undoubtedly when you can grab the best deals,” Perone confirms. “While August can be a bit hot, everything is open and the city just has this buzz with the pubs overflowing into the streets. January is dark and can be damp, but that’s when the fireside tipples are at their best.”

As it applies to the former, simply make sure you’re booking a hotel — like the NoMad — that has adequate air conditioning. Yes, August temperatures have been inching toward the 100-degree mark in recent years, but it’s never as muggy as, say, a New York summer. So, it’s worth contending with the climate in exchange for those precious reduced rates, which apply to everything from overnight stays to rental cars. 

As for January, you’re looking at an average of 12 days worth of rain throughout the month, with temperatures sitting squarely in 40-degree territory. It's not ideal, and yet, as a result, the indelible coziness of British pub culture is dialed up to its maximal value. It’s a fantastic month to mingle with locals in Chelsea and Belgravia. Make your way past the terraced alabaster townhouses and amble into any number of legendary gastropubs, including The Harwood Arms , the only Michelin-starred pub in London. Or, enjoy new venues such as Bóha , which delivers on the promise of one of the most satisfying Sunday roasts in town. Just make sure to pack an umbrella and jumper . 

Best Times to Visit for Making Spirits Bright 

London is one of the most festive locales on earth come holiday season. Ornately lit Christmas trees populate public squares, wreaths and red ribbons dress doorways, and a diverse array of themed markets set up shop from Clapham to Clapton. 

There are too many memorable offerings to list them all, but if you’re staying in central London, Christmas by the River is one you won’t want to miss. It features more than 50 merchants alongside London Bridge City Pier, under the shadows of Tower Bridge. Leicester Square market is another optimal option. It’s one of the smaller ones in sheer size, but the level of festivity it extends is beyond measure. Most Christmas markets operate from the start of November through the first week of January.

If you’re looking for another sort of holiday spirit, book your trip during London Cocktail Week . What started in 2010 as an intimate showcase of the local drinks scene has ballooned into the world’s largest cocktail festival, underscoring this city’s standing as the international epicenter of cocktail culture. The confab includes some of the top names in mixology, who fan out across town to shake up all sorts of pop-ups, tastings, and speciality drink activations over a 10-day period in mid-October. 

“Contrary to popular belief, summer is the worst time to visit London,” says Corcoran. “If there's hot weather, the underground is almost unbearable, and if you're used to air conditioning, I would strongly recommend against it. You will feel stressed, rushed, hot, and flustered trying to get around the city with the warmer temperatures and stultifying foot traffic.”

You’ll also endure the highest airfare if booking your trip between June and July. If you're determined to battle the crowds, however, consider taking a train out to the countryside for at least a few days during your stay. The inclusive beach town of Brighton to the south, or the bucolic countryside of the Cotswolds to the west are ideal, if not predictable, summertime retreats. 

“July is a tough time in London,” adds Perone. “With so many events, hot weather, and lots of out-of-towners in general, London can feel a bit cramped and stuffy. “And the Tube network... it’s an oven.”

So-called “deep-Tube lines,” which include the most popular services, like Piccadilly, Central, Victoria, and Northern, are all free of air conditioning. Needless to say, it’s a challenging experience to be cramped among strangers in a 90-degree train car. But if you stick with the sub-surface network, the train cars are not only temperature controlled, they’re also more spacious. Primary examples include the District, Circle, Hammersmith & City, and Metropolitan lines, as well as the Wi-Fi-equipped Elizabeth line. 

Traveling to London for the First Time (2024): Tips & Tricks

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 18, 2024

Traveling to London for the first time and not sure where to start? Planning a trip to London might be overwhelming indeed and especially so if this is your first time in the city!

How long do I need to spend in London? When to visit? What are the best places to stay in London? How to save time and money and still see the best that London has to offer?

To help you plan your first trip to London, I selected some of the best tips for visiting London . This no-nonsense practical guide will not only help you plan your London trip, but will also show you how to make the best of your visit, time, and budget. Find out!

Top 5 Experiences in London:

• London Eye .
• Tower of London & Crown Jewels .
• Thames River Cruise .
• Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio (book well in advance!)
• The View from The Shard .

These are our top travel tips for visiting London:

1. Stay in Central London

The question that gets asked a lot by first-time visitors is what are the best places to stay in London.

Hotels in central London can be expensive, yet while it might be very tempting to choose cheaper accommodation outside the city center, it’s a choice that you’ll quickly regret. First, commuting into the city every day will cost a lot of money and time. Precious time, that you could otherwise use for sightseeing.

Visiting London for the first time? Stay in central London!  By staying in central London you can see much more in less time. Ultimately this will save money not just on transportation, but also on your overall trip budget because you’ll need fewer days in order to see just as much.

Now that we established that central London is the best place to stay when visiting London for the first time, you might be wondering which neighborhoods are the best for sightseeing.

There is probably no single best answer to this, but here is a short list of neighborhoods that we personally looked at when planning our recent trip to London with kids : Westminster, Trafalgar/ Covent Garden, Soho, Bankside, and South Bank. 

Ultimately we chose the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel , which is located on the South Bank close to the London Eye . We loved being in the center of the action and being able to easily walk everywhere. Staying in the center makes visiting London so much easier because many of the main attractions are within easy walking distance or just a short bus/ tube drive away.

The area around Covent Garden/Trafalgar Square is another great choice. Check out Citadines Trafalgar Square if you are looking for a nice price/quality/location hotel.

TIP: Using the map below, you can also easily see what’s available in central London for your travel dates and group size.

In general, I’d say just look for the best deals that you can find for your group and travel dates and as long as it’s in Central London, you know you made a good choice.

TIP: If you are looking for a lower budget stay in central London (although ‘budget’ is a relative term here), check out the Waterloo Station area (10 minutes walk to London Eye ). It’s one of the few places in the center where you can often find good quality budget accommodation. Here are two of the best choices in this area: Nox Hotel Waterloo and Point A Hotel London Westminster .

If you go further from the center, accommodation gets a bit cheaper. But a lot also depends on the specific area. In general, west/ northwest of the River Thames is better than going further east/ southeast because most of the main landmarks and attractions of London are on the western side of the river. Unless you stay very close to the river, in which case, it’s as good as it gets.

LEARN MORE: Where to Stay in London

2. Avoid Bank Holidays and School Breaks

London is one of the most beautiful cities in the UK , and one of the most popular cities in Europe. It’s an extremely popular destination that attracts millions of visitors from all over the world.

The busiest times to visit London are July and August, as well as European bank holiday weekends and school breaks. If you can, try to avoid these peak periods for fewer crowds and better prices and availability.

If you plan to see London during Holiday Season, it’s best to avoid the main shopping streets on the weekends and the last days just before Christmas.

TIP: Since spring school holidays in Europe usually fall later than in the U.S., London is a great European destination for spring break . It can also be very nice in June when most European countries still have school.

READ ALSO: Best Time to Travel in Europe

3. Foresee Enough Time and Don’t Try to See Everything

If you are traveling to London for the first time, you are probably wondering how much time you need in London. You have to realize that London is huge and there is no way to see everything in just a few days or even a few weeks… So don’t come to London thinking that you can see it all in just one or two days.

While you can see most of the main sights in London in one day or two days , for first-time visitors, I highly recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This should give you sufficient time to get acquainted with the city, see the main landmarks, and visit a few of the most popular tourist attractions in London .

However, we also suggest visiting at least a few places outside of the city as that will make your trip so much more special. In that case, you should really plan at least 5-7 days in London. More about day trip suggestions further below.

Also, don’t try to see ‘everything’ in London. This is simply not possible and will leave you tired and frustrated. Plan to visit no more than two or three bigger attractions every day and leave some time for unexpected discoveries.

4. Book as Much as Possible in Advance

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting London is not to plan your visit in advance. Long in advance!

Starting with flights and accommodations and ending with London attractions and activities – booking in advance means more choice, better prices, and less time wasted queuing. After all, you want to make the most of your trip to London and not spend all your precious time standing in line.

TIP: Often tickets for the main London attractions are cheaper if booked online at least a day in advance. For example, you can usually get cheaper tickets for Madame Tussauds , The View from The Shard , or the  London Eye online (not even to mention avoiding the biggest queues and actually being able to visit).

For some places not reserving in advance usually means that you won’t be able to visit at all. For example, the Harry Potter Studio Tour , which is often booked up weeks and months ahead. To give you an idea, recently, we couldn’t find tickets for the day (let alone the time) when we wanted to go 16 weeks in advance! I checked all the possible websites and tour options and this day tour was the only one that still had availability, and only because it was just new at that time. And it’s not even the peak season!

If you want to go see a musical in London, book your theater tickets well in advance. Sometimes, there are last-minute tickets available as well, but not to the most popular shows and the seats you get are usually far from great.

TIP:   If you didn’t think to prebook and are looking for last-minute theatre tickets in London, check the TKTS ticket booth on Leicester Square. You can buy theatre tickets only in person for performances on the same day, or up to two days in advance.

5. Save Time and Money on London’s Major Attractions

Visiting London for the first time means visiting all the main landmarks and attractions in London . However, if you aren’t prepared, it’s very likely you will waste hours and days standing in lines.

If you want to make the most of your time in London, consider skip-the-line tickets and priority passes at the most popular attractions.

Yes, they are expensive but think of it this way. What’s the point of paying all that money to travel to London to then spend all your time queuing instead of sightseeing…

Sunday 40% Off (2024 Spring)

If you are visiting London between March and May 2024, you might be able to take advantage of the 40% discount on some of the major London attractions if you book in advance and visit them on Sunday.

Below is the list of the attractions that offer this discount. Click on the links to activate the promo code and book the ticket directly on the official website:

• Madame Tussauds London .
• London Dungeon .
• SEA LIFE London .
• Shrek’s Adventure .

The London Pass

One of the best ways to see a lot of the major attractions in London with a priority entrance is The London Pass . For example, it includes FREE entrance to places like The Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Westminster Abbey, London Bridge, or London Zoo and experiences like the Thames River Cruise or Hop-on Hop-off bus tour (to mention just a few)…

However, it only makes sense to get the pass if you visit at least 2-3 of the included attractions per day, so you need to decide if it’s worth it for you.

If you are planning to visit a lot of major attractions in a very short time, then the London Pass is definitely worth it. But plan well and make sure you get the most out of your pass during its validity period.

TIP: If you are staying in London longer, buying a pass for multiple days is more beneficial than just getting a pass for one day. Note that there are several different choices of passes in London ( The London Pass , London Explorer Pass ). Our research shows that the London Pass is one of the best options.

Fast Track, Skip the Line & Timed-Entry Tickets

The London Pass includes free entrance to 60 top attractions in London, but some of the most popular attractions like the London Eye are not included in this pass. Furthermore, many popular attractions now work with timed entry slots.

So for the most popular attractions, it’s best to book fast-track or timed-entry tickets well in advance.

We visited London with our three kids and used fast-track tickets wherever we could. I can’t imagine how different our experience would have been if we had to wait in line everywhere. We could have never seen half as much in the time that we had, not to mention our sanity, standing in line for hours with young children…

For example, you can buy fast-track tickets for the London Eye , Madame Tussauds , and some others. You can get timed-entry tickets for the Tower of London , The Shard , and many others.

A fast-track ticket to the most popular attractions like the London Eye or even Madame Tussauds can easily save you a couple of hours! The queues here can be 2-3 hours long, so believe me, a fast-track ticket is a real lifesaver . As a minimum, get a standard timed-entry ticket online before you go.

TIP: The London Eye also has several different prices depending on when you book and when you visit. For example, the early morning, late evening, or weekday tickets are usually a bit cheaper. Plus, you can save up to 20% if booking online and at least 24 hours in advance! You can find all the best ticket options for The London Eye on the official website .

6. Visit London’s FREE Attractions

Here are some places and activities that you should definitely add to your London travel list:

Free Museums in London

Visiting London is not cheap, but there are so many great things to see and do completely for free. Here are just a few London museums that can be visited free of charge : British Museum, Natural History Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Science Museum, Museum of London and many more.

London’s Parks and Gardens

London has many gardens, parks and playgrounds that are free to visit. It is also a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

London Views

While some places require a ticket, there are lots of great views in London that don’t cost anything at all. For more information, please see our guide to the best views of London .

London’s Shops

Don’t get me wrong – shopping in London isn’t cheap by any means. But visiting the shops is of course absolutely free and can be an attraction in itself. Don’t miss Harrods and Oxford Street ! Kids will love  Hamleys (the world’s largest and oldest toy store), the LEGO store , and the  M&M store .

TIP: Try to avoid shopping streets and big department stores on the weekends and just before Christmas.

London Markets

London has lots of wonderful markets, scattered all around the city. With quirky, unique shops and food stalls that will leave you mouthwatering, it will likely be hard to resist buying something. But you can spend hours and days wandering around London’s markets without spending anything…

TIP: Some of our favorite markets include Camden Market , Greenwich Market , Spitalfields Market, and Borough Market (this is where some of the best food tours in London come too).

Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is one of the free things to do in London that are not to be missed. The ceremony is free to watch and takes place at Buckingham Palace at 10.45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays (weather permitting).  It’s very popular among tourists, so make sure to arrive early in order to secure a spot with a good view.

For the exact location and up-to-date schedule, please consult the website of the Household Division .

READ ALSO: Top FREE Sights & Things to Do in London with Kids (many suggestions will also be interesting for adults)

7. Use Credit Cards (or Smartphone)

These days, you hardly ever need cash for payments in the UK. Pretty much every place accepts credit cards and most places now also accept payments directly via your smartphone. You may want to get some cash for small purchases, but it’s so much easier to just use your credit card or smartphone.

You can use all major credit cards in London, but VISA and Mastercard are by far the most accepted cards. Amex is not widely used in Europe and Diner’s Club is pretty much useless. Debit cards (or cash-only cards) are also accepted pretty much everywhere.

One thing you should know is that if you use a card, often, you need one with a chip and a 4-digit PIN. Make sure that you know your PIN number by heart! You’ll need a credit card with a PIN for most payments all over Europe. Some places might still accept a card with your signature, but often, they don’t even know that they can or how to approach it because nobody in Europe uses that system anymore.

Good to know: When using an ATM or paying for purchases, you’ll be asked to choose currency – either local currency (UK pound sterling) or your own currency (US dollar if you’re traveling from the US, or Euro if you’re from Europe). Always choose to pay in local currency (UK pound sterling) and let your own bank do the currency transaction, or you risk losing a lot of money. A lot.

TIP:  If you don’t have the right credit card with a chip and a 4-digit pin, check out this selection of  the best American credit cards for travel . I recommend choosing  a card with no foreign transaction fees .

8. Use Public Transport & Use a Contactless Credit Card or Oyster Card

London is a big city and visiting everything on foot just isn’t feasible. The good news is that London’s public transport system is very efficient.

One of the best and quickest ways to get around in London is metro, aka the London tube . The biggest advantage of the tube is that you can quickly get to the other side of London without having to waste your time in the traffic. Here’s a tip for you I once got from a local. Avoid the tube during rush hour and during Christmas.

However, while traveling underground, you don’t see anything of the city, so for shorter distances, I recommend taking one of the city’s buses. Riding these original red double-decker buses is a typical London experience you should try at least once.

TIP:  Get the Oyster card . It’s a sort of electronic ticket that can be used for all public transport in Greater London and is much cheaper than paying for single-ride tickets. You can find more information about the Oyster Card here .

Alternatively, just use your contactless credit card . You can scan it when entering the metro, then scan it again when you leave. It works the same way as the Oyster card and if you use public transport several times a day, the maximum amount you spend will be capped at a daily ticket rate.

Note that children often travel free of charge (more information here ). However, for older kids where kids’ tariff is applicable, you better get a ticket. Using your credit card for the kids as well would mean that you’re paying adult rates for them. On top of that, you need one card per person anyway.

TIP: Since the recent Uber ban in London, a traditional London cab is the best option if you have lots of luggage. You really don’t want to take the tube with young kids and big suitcases, take my word for it. We took a cab twice in London and it was much more affordable than we expected. Furthermore, riding a traditional English cab is part of the experience of visiting London for the first time.

9. Walk or Rent a Bike

I know that I just told you that seeing London on foot isn’t feasible. However, you’d be missing a great deal if you take a tube or a bus every time. After all, one of the best ways to see a new city is to explore it on foot . London is no exception.

Another great way to see London and easily cover bigger distances is by bike . There are lots of self-service city bike stands where you can rent a bike, or you can join a guided bike tour.

If you are visiting London for the first time and don’t know the city well, renting a bike without a guide is maybe not the best idea, unless in the parks. London traffic is really busy, it comes (for most of us) from a different side than what we are used to, and if you also need to read the map, it can get quite dangerous.

TIP: If you want to explore London by bike, book a tour with a local guide. There are several great options, e.g. this half-day bike tour that covers the main highlights of London , or this bike tour that brings you to the less-known places of London .

10. Use Hop-on Hop-off Buses and River Cruises

There are so many ways to see London! For the complete experience, I recommend you try as many different means of transport as you can during your London trip.

Hop-on hop-off buses are extremely popular and are a great way to see the city and major attractions.

One of my favorite ways to see any city is by taking a boat where possible. There are so many boat trip options in London, so you really have no excuse not to see London from the Thames. One of the most popular options is hop-on hop-off boat on River Thames . It allows you to see many attractions close to the river in an easy way.

TIP: Hop-on Hop-off bus tickets usually include one FREE Thames River cruise ride and a FREE walking tour.

11. Get off the Beaten Path

It’s understandable that you want to see the main landmarks when traveling to London for the first time. However, London is so much more than Big Ben or Buckingham Palace!

There are so many quirky neighborhoods, local markets, lesser-known museums, and beautiful gardens in London.

Visiting a few less known places like this will just make your first trip to London even more special and memorable.

TIP: Here you can find some great ideas for different things to do, the hidden gems of London . And here you can find some nice ideas for the best views and viewpoints in London .

READ ALSO: Camden Town – one of the coolest neighborhoods in London

12. Eat Like the British

London is an expensive city and dining out can be a pricey experience. Furthermore, restaurants located close to tourist attractions don’t always serve the best food, so researching restaurants in advance can be a good idea.

Here are some insider tips on where to find the best food in London and save money :

• Try traditional Fish&Chips where locals eat (e.g. Poppies Fish&Chips or The Golden Chippy).
• Local supermarkets offer lots of affordable options for sandwiches or salads – perfect for a picnic in the park.
• Borough Market is the best food market in London, but there are also so many other smaller markets and food stalls.
• Ottolenghi deli sells delicious packed lunches.
• Harrods food hall is not to be missed.
• Lots of fine restaurants cost a fraction of the price if you go there for lunch rather than dinner.
• Traditional afternoon tea experience is a must in London and it doesn’t have to cost a fortune. We had  afternoon tea with kids at St. Ermin’s and loved it! Nowadays, there are many easily accessible and very affordable high tea experiences all over London (see here for some of the best options ).

READ ALSO: British Food to Try in the UK

13. Take a Day Trip Outside of the City

While London has so much to offer, there are also so many nice places to visit outside the city as well! From the most popular destinations like Windsor Castle and bucket-list places like Stonehenge to the English countryside and charming villages of the Cotswolds , but also some of the UK’s best towns and cities such as Bath, Oxford, or Cambridge – there are so many amazing possibilities near London.

So if you can, plan a longer stay in London and take at least a few day trips to explore more of England. This will make your trip so much more special!

TIP: If you are short on time, we recommend that you take organized tours that cover some of the nicest places in one day. That way you can see a lot in just a few days – much more than you’d ever be able to do on your own. And yes, it’s not exactly exploring deeper, but if this is your first time in the UK, it’s better than nothing.

Here are some of the best day tours from London that we recommend for first-time visitors:

• Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Bath .
• Oxford, Stratford & the Cotswolds .
• Harry Potter Warner Brothers Studio with Transfer .
• Liverpool and The Beatles (a very long day, but well worth it for The Beatles fans). See also our guide on how to visit Liverpool from London .

READ ALSO: Best Day Trips and One Day Tours from London

14. Don’t Forget The Little Important Details

Here are some more practical tips to consider when traveling to London for the first time:

• You can pay by credit card pretty much everywhere, but it’s always useful to have some cash as well. And no, you can’t pay in Euro or US Dollars in London, you really need to get Pound sterling from an ATM.
• You are not expected to tip in the UK and service charge is often included in your restaurant bill. In most London restaurants, you’ll get charged 10-15% in addition to your bill. Locals say they don’t typically tip at the bar, but would usually leave a 10% tip at a restaurant if the service was good and not yet included in the bill.
• Don’t forget your travel adapter . UK uses Type G plugs, which are very different from other European countries, or the US.
• You’ll be walking a lot, so wear comfortable shoes . Nowadays, Europeans wear sneakers in the cities too, and London is no exception. However, we tend to wear more fashionable sneakers (something like this ), not the ones you wear when playing tennis… However, some places in London still throw upon (and some doormen give you ‘the look’ or even refuse entry) if your clothing and/or footwear looks too casual…
• Look right(!) when crossing a street in London. Yes, right, because they do drive on the other side of the road in Britain. If this is your first trip to the UK, it might take some getting used to. So be careful!
• You may want to consider buying a local SIM card or a pocket Wi-Fi to save on roaming charges.
• Pack an umbrella or a good rain jacket. It rains a lot in London, especially in the colder season. Although, as climate changes, the weather has gotten significantly drier here too. So check the weather forecast before your trip. Wearing layers is always the best way to go!

So, these are some of the most important practical tips you should know when traveling to London for the first time.

Do you have any questions or maybe want to share your experience and tips from visiting London? Don’t hesitate to leave a comment below!

READ ALSO: Best Secret Places of London That Most Tourists Never See

London Travel FAQ

The best time to travel to London is in the warm season between March and October. Summer is the peak season with big crowds. For mild weather and fewer people, come in spring or in the fall. The very best months to visit London are April-May and September-beginning of October.

London is huge and there’s no way to see everything in one trip. If you are visiting for the first time, we recommend spending at least 3-4 days in London. This will allow you to see the main landmarks and visit a few tourist attractions. If you also plan to take day trips and see some of the UK from London, then plan to stay for at least a week.

The best way to explore London is by focusing on one area at a time and walking between the main attractions that are located next to each other. For bigger distances, use the London subway, hop-on hop-off buses, or river cruises.

If you are visiting London for the first time and want to see all the main landmarks and attractions, we recommend staying in Central London. The areas around Big Ben – London Eye have the prime location for sightseeing. Staying here will save you lots of time for commute and will allow you to make the most of your trip.

London is one of the best cities in the entire world and definitely worth visiting! With famous landmarks, royal history and traditions, fun tourist attractions, world-class museums, theaters, and a unique cultural mix, London has something to offer for any type of traveler. It’s a bucket list destination that everyone should visit at least once in a lifetime!

More inspiration for your trip to the UK:

• Best Things to Do in London
• 1 Day in London
• 2 Days in London
• Things to Do in Greenwich
• Best Things to Do in Liverpool
• Best Things to Do in Manchester
• Yorkshire Day Trips
• Best Places to Visit in Cornwall
• London with Kids
• Isle of Skye Itinerary
• Scotland Whisky Tour
• Top Things to Do in Blackpool
• Tips for Visiting Blackpool
• Best Things to Do in Edinburgh
• One Day in Glasgow

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends who are planning their first trip to London. Are you on Pinterest? Pin this image!

Travel tips for other major cities in Europe:

• Amsterdam Travel Tips
• Barcelona Travel Tips
• Paris Travel Tips
• Rome Travel Tips
• Read also our step-by-step guide with planning info and tips for traveling to Europe .

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Monday 18th of March 2024

Hello - your article has been very helpful - I do have a few specific questions with regard to the 'skip the line' or 'fast track' tickets - I am not clear on where to buy those? Do I buy from the individual attractions like St. Paul's, Tower of London or some other way? And when it says to book well in advance using one of the apps such as the London Pass - is that days in advance or weeks in advance? (we will be there in late August, just 2 adults). Does the London Pass include/automatically give you Priority entrance? Thank you so much!!

@Jurga, Thank you! This is indeed super helpful - I appreciate all the tips!

Hi Tracy, 'fast track' or 'skip the line' might mean different things depending on attraction. It's usually indicated when you book tickets. Nowadays, many of the most popular attractions also work with timed-entry tickets, so you book a specific time slot and the wait is limited. A few examples: * the London Eye tickets. You can choose standard, or fast-track tickets, and many other options like multi-attraction tickets, etc. In most cases (unless you opt for flex tickets), you have to choose a time slot. However, even with the reserved time slot, the fast-track ticket will give you a much faster entry (skipping most lines) than the standard ticket where you'll have a much longer queue with everyone who reserved those tickets for the same time. * The Tower of London tickets - here, you book a specific time slot. It's not completely skip-the-line, but the line will be limited to only those people who reserved the same time slot. * Madame Tussauds - you can choose between standard and fast-track tickets. * St Paul's Cathedral tickets are now valid on the specific date, not time, and it shouldn't be too busy. Entrance to the Golden Gallery might be limited if it's very busy, but it's not something you can reserve in advance.

If you buy any multi-attraction pass, then you will usually receive instructions from them and they will advise you for which attractions it's best to reserve time slots separately. Each place has different ways how they work, but e.g. if you get this London Pass, you will find all the instructions for each of the attractions. The majority of less popular places will be simple to enter just like that, but for the most popular ones, you will need to make a reservation. It's a bit more complicated that way, but you might save quite some money depending on which pass you get, for how long, and which places you choose to visit. Let's just say that if money isn't an issue, it's usually simpler to get the tickets for the most popular attractions separately, with reserved time slots, and potentially fast-track/skip-the-line access where available.

As for how long in advance to book - as soon as you know your travel dates and/or when tickets become available. The earlier you book, the more options you will have and time slots to choose from. That said, some places only open their booking system a month or two/three in advance. But there are also others that get completely sold out half a year in advance. August is a peak season, so I'd book everything that you absolutely want to do asap. If you use GetYourGuide and other websites which we personally use and recommend for most tickets and tours, you will see that they offer a free cancelation option for most of the attractions for up to 24 hours before the visit, so you have nothing to lose. All this information is available for each ticket/tour separately, and you can see it all before you book.

Alternatively, book guided tours for the most popular places. Most of them have skip-the-line access and some even offer something unique. For example, we are visiting London again soon, and this time we reserved this early-access tour to the Tower of London. The same company also has this amazing after-hours tour.

Hope this helps a bit. I know how overwhelming it can be, but nowadays not making advance bookings often means that you will not be able to visit the most popular places at all. It's not just London or Europe, but pretty much any big city in the world. In the USA, you even have to make reservations for many national parks and similar... So if you want to have a truly fun and relaxing trip, you have to do your homework. Have a great trip!

Wednesday 21st of February 2024

My name is Wendy! I am planning to visit London soon .I very enjoyed your article. It was really helpful .thanks a lot

Friday 23rd of February 2024

Glad to help, Wendy. Enjoy London!

Sunday 26th of November 2023

I really enjoyed your article and it was VERY informative. It helped me decide not only what to do, but what not to do. I have 2 teenagers. I was wondering if the Harry Potter studio is considered a "must-do" or is it a tourist trap or falls somewhere in between. It seems like all-tolled it will take about 7-8 hours, and that is a lot of time spent out of the city for 1 place. We will have 5 1/2 days in London and already planning 2 full-day excursions, so will have 3 1/2 days. Thank you in advance for your help!

Monday 27th of November 2023

Hi Brian, I know exactly how you feel. We ourselves are going to London soon with our three teenagers, for just 3 days, and we're also considering Harry Potter Studios on one of those days. It is a long day, indeed, and not cheap either. But from everything I read and heard, it's extremely well done and everyone I know who visited with teens was very enthusiastic about it. We recently visited Harry Potter studios in LA and the whole family found it amazing. From what I understand, the ones in London are much bigger and even more impressive. But we have a couple Harry Potter fans in the family AND we have been to London many times before, so we are less worried about 'missing' something else out. We are actually going for the more special experiences this time (ABBA Voyage, Tina Musical, maybe one of the Walks' exclusive tours, street art, markets, etc.) rather than traditional sightseeing. I guess it all comes down to your family's interests and which alternatives you consider instead. But remember that most of the places you'll visit will likely be less interesting to your kids than to you, so sometimes you have to balance things out to make sure the trip has something for the whole family. I know from experience that there are only that many churches and museums that our kids can handle... ;) So I'm afraid I can't help you much, and you'll have to ask your kids and decide together with them. Maybe make two alternative plans for a day, present it to the kids, and let them choose which one they prefer. If you decide to go, the research I just did for our own trip shows that - at the moment - this transfer + Harry Potter Studios entrance ticket is the cheapest option (about 50£ savings for a family of 4 vs other providers). Have a great time in London!

Thursday 12th of October 2023

My name is Albert, I was very impressed after reading your article and I also got a lot of useful information. Thank you.

Glad to help, Albert. Have a great time in London!

Sunday 6th of August 2023

Wow !!Planning to visit London along with out of city October, Thank you for helping me find thé information I needed ,it’s so helpful and informative! looking forward to hear you more 💙

Glad to help, Diki. Enjoy London!

London, England   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Doug Armand | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit London, England

The best time to visit London is March through May when the temperatures are mild and the city's parks are green and blooming. However, late spring – along with summer – is also prime tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the surge. You're more likely to find airfare and accommodation deals in the fall and winter though you'll also encounter chilly temperatures. December in London is also an incredibly popular place to be during the holidays, so expect the streets to be crowded with both English and international tourists. And no matter when you travel, you should pack an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and showers year-round. If you have any concerns related to the weather, crowds or other unpredictable factors, you might want to consider an international travel insurance policy  or a cancel for any reason plan for more extensive coverage.

Another thing to keep in mind: it's nearly impossible to escape crowds in London. Along with being one of the biggest cities in Europe, London is one of the most popular destinations to visit in the world , so no matter what time of year you go, you're bound to run into lots of tourists.

Weather in London, England

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

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Popular Times to Visit London, England

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

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The London Art Galleries Not to Miss On Your Next Visit

The growing list of galleries in this thriving cultural hub attracts local and international art collectors alike..

London is a capital city in more ways than one—not only the official capital of the United Kingdom, but also the beating heart of the country’s political establishment, its finance and business sectors and even its creative industries from bustling theaters to an internationally-renowned art scene.

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Many collectors will have attended the annual Frieze London Art Fair and Royal Academy’s Summer Exhibition or browsed the renowned graduate art shows at the Royal College of Art, Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins. And away from the established public-facing museums London is well known for amongst tourists—the V&A, Tate Modern or Serpentine, among others—there is a medley of commercial galleries where artists both established and emerging have their wares displayed for prospective collectors.

The United Kingdom accounts for around 18 percent of art and antique sales worldwide, second only to the United States, and we can barely scratch the surface of London’s sprawling network of commercial galleries—around 850, over half the number of total galleries in the U.K.—in a guide like this. However, we can still give a brief overview of some of the most significant art galleries worth a visit in the U.K.’s capital city, from new challenger ventures to century-old establishments.

The Best Art Galleries in London

Gagliardi gallery.

One of the oldest contemporary art galleries in London, Gagliardi sits in the affluent borough of Chelsea, on the bustling and boutique-filled King’s Road. The gallery opened its doors in 1978 and has been serving collectors ever since, with a history of clients it says “range from local residents to Royalty.” It stocks a mix of painting and sculpture from both well-established artists (think Andy Warhol , Damien Hirst ) and emerging stars, and has a hand in curating the London Art Biennale at Chelsea Town Hall every two years, alongside its involvement with exhibitions at the V&A Museum.

Tristan Hoare

The art dealer Tristan Hoare set up shop in Fitzroy Square, London, back in 2009, in a gorgeous 18th-century building that eschews the ‘white cube’ effect of many other contemporary galleries, allowing the high ceilings and decorative paneling to frame artworks with a quiet extravagance. 2023’s Kaori Tatebayashi exhibition saw the artist’s ceramic flowers embedded directly into the walls and paneling, or jutting from fireplaces, emerging from the structural environment in a way you won’t see elsewhere. Tristan Hoare gallery works with several leading contemporary artists, including Alessandro Twombly , and hosts occasional talks in its unique, multi-story space.

Whitechapel Gallery

This central London gallery in Whitechapel is well known for promoting early-career artists who went on to garner great fame, such as Mark Rothko and Bridget Riley , and has been operating in London for well over a century, opening in its current location in 1901, before expanding its premises in the late noughties to the adjacent library. While ostensibly a public art gallery, exhibited artists often create exclusive artworks (‘Editions’) for sale alongside ongoing exhibitions. Whitechapel Gallery attendees can enjoy the attached Townsend restaurant or the Gallery Archive that looks back on a century of art curation in this historical spot.

Guts Gallery

The Guts Gallery in Hackney, East London, was set up to challenge the elitism and inequality of the art world. It was founded by working-class Northern artist Ellie Pennick, who turned down a place at the Royal College of Art during financial straits and resolved to set up a gallery that could champion traditionally excluded artists, taking a below-market commission while connecting queer, POC and working-class creatives with interested collectors. Notably, the gallery is wheelchair-accessible, with provision for “interpreters or lip readers.”

Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery

The Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery has operated in London for the past 35 years, specializing in non-Western artistic traditions, and acting as an early European exhibitor (and champion) of Australian aboriginal painting – though you’ll find the occasional contemporary Western artist represented there. While you can see its artworks showcased often at Third Space gyms across London, you’ll need to go in person to Fitzroy Square to see the full impact of the gallery’s eclectic, uncompromising and outward-looking collection. Once or twice a year, the gallery will host creativity workshops, talks on aboriginal art or performance pieces.

Saatchi Yates

You’ll likely recognize the name, but this gallery venture from Phoebe Saatchi Yates , daughter of Charles Saatchi , is carving out its own space in the art world… albeit with guidance from the famous art dealer, and around the corner from Christie’s in the heart of Central London. Saatchi Yates is focused on bold, early-career artists, who are often discovered by the curator scrawling through artist profiles on Instagram and TikTok. Saatchi Yates recent “Bathers” exhibition brought together Cézanne’s Satyrs and Nymphs , rural bathing landscapes and even sharks preserved in formaldehyde.

• SEE ALSO : John Lennon’s Recently Rediscovered Guitar Is Poised to Smash Records at Auction

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Is London Worth Visiting – 33 Reasons to Explore the City

• Post author: Svet
• Post category: City Travel
• Post published: January 25, 2023

If you’ve been wondering whether to visit the capital of the United Kingdom, get this:

London is worth visiting for its fantastic museums, world-class galleries, red phone booths, double-decker buses, and lush parks. Architecture fans will love the Shard, cultures vultures – the British Museum, nature enthusiasts – Hyde Park, and history admirers – the Buckingham Palace.

On this list, you’ll find 33 reasons to visit London . By the end of the guide, you’ll know why you should travel to the British capital.

Put on your virtual travel belts and let’s discover!

Start Planning Your Trip to London with Our BEST Recommendations:

⭐ Top Tours in London ⭐

📍 Westminster to Greenwich Cruise – the best way to admire the most famous sights of London is on a boat trip on the River Thames.

📍 Warner Bros. Studio Tour – a must-see for any fan! Go behind the scenes of the Harry Potter film sets and explore the magical props, costumes, and decors.

⭐ Best Accommodations in London ⭐

🏨 St Martins Lane – our top recommendation is this affordable, central 5* gem.

🏨 Number Sixteen Firmdale Hotels – an ultra-chic stay in the Chelsea area.

⭐ Easiest Transportation Options in London ⭐

🚍 The London Pass – enjoy big discounts, free travel, and entrances to top museums.

🚍 Discover Cars – compare and find the best rates for car rentals.

Note : This article contains affiliate links . In case you purchase something through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost for you. Thank you for helping us keep creating the free content on this website!

Visit London for Its Breathtaking Landmarks

The British capital teems with famous attractions and historical edifices . Each of them tells a story of the rich past of the city. In this section, you’ll explore the top landmarks that make London worth visiting.

• Buckingham Palace . The most expensive residential building in the world is the administrative headquarters of the British monarch. The palatial complex boasts a whopping 775 rooms, while its garden is the largest private garden in London. On select days in winter and summer, you can visit the state rooms of Buckingham Palace . Join this unforgettable guided tour to experience the changing of the guards and explore the palace.
• The Big Ben . This is the moniker for the Great Bell of the magnificent clock at the northern side of the Palace of Westminster. However, one of the craziest facts about London is that Big Ben most often refers to the whole clock tower. The new-Gothic edifice dates back to 1859. At that time, the building was the largest and most accurate four-faced clock worldwide.
• Westminster Abbey . One of London’s most famous religious temples is Westminster Abbey . The Gothic church hosts British monarchs’ coronations, weddings, and funerals. Established in 960, the abbey has witnessed 16 royal weddings and keeps the remains of over 3,300 famous people. Among those are actors, scientists, poets laureates, military leaders, 8 prime ministers, and 17 monarchs.
• St. Paul’s Cathedral . Among the most symbolic buildings in the British capital is St. Paul’s Cathedral. With its 365 ft. (111 m), the church was London’s tallest building from 1710 to 1963. After the Liverpool Cathedral, St. Paul’s is the second-largest cathedral in the U.K. Follow this link to secure your discounted entry tickets.
• Tower Bridge . The iconic landmark consists of two 213-ft. (65-m) tower bridges. At the upper level, they’re connected by two horizontal walkways. Every day, over 40,000 vehicles cross the 19 th -century Tower Bridge . Ships pass through thanks to a pair of bascules that open in the center of the bridge.
• The Shard . London might teem with historical structures, but it has a contemporary side, too. The Shard is one such example. The futuristic edifice is U.K.’s tallest building. The panoramas from 1,016 ft. (309.6 m) above the ground are to die for. Interestingly, the country of Qatar owns 95% of the tower. Grab your skip-the-line ticket through this link and marvel at the gorgeous meanders of the River Thames from the 72 nd floor.

Travel to London for the World-Class Museums

Besides Paris and New York , London is one of the world’s most popular cities for culture vultures. In the section below, you’ll discover the fantastic museums and galleries that make London worth visiting. The best part is that a lot of London’s top exhibition halls are free to visit .

• British Museum . Close to 8,000,000 ancient artifacts will take you on a journey through two million years of history at the British Museum . The gigantic museum is older than the United States and has its own Tube (subway) station. In fact, it’s the world’s oldest national public museum dating back to 1759. Entry is free, but if you’d like to get a guided tour, we recommend this one .
• Tate Britain . This exquisite gallery showcases art from Tudor times in the 1500s to the present day. Tate Britain is free for everyone, but some exhibitions have paid entry. That’s why we suggest you book your visit in advance.
• Tate Modern . Another example of London’s most popular galleries, Tate Modern combines gorgeous performance art and stunning photographs with world-class paintings. Admission is gratis, with a charge for select exhibitions. Reserve your spot in advance to guarantee your entry.
• Science Museum . This interactive museum boasts a rich collection of more than 15,000 science objects. The oldest steam locomotive, the world’s first jet engine, and the command module of Apollo 10 are just a few of the fascinating things you can marvel at inside the Science Museum .
• Museum of London . Fancy exploring the evolution of the British capital from prehistoric times to the present day? Then, you mustn’t miss the Museum of London’s collection. The exhibition halls belong to a compound of buildings constructed in the 1960s and 1970s on the grounds of a bomb-struck part of the City of London. Over 1 million items from London’s abundant history await your art-admiring eyes.
• Natural History Museum . Get lost in a humongous exhibition with a vast array of specimens from various periods of natural history. An enormous blue whale, as well as the awe-inspiring skeletons of massive dinosaurs, are just a few of the noteworthy examples in the Natural History Museum . You can explore the collection on your own or join a 2.5-hour private guided tour .

Explore London for Its Gorgeous Markets

One of the best ways to get acquainted with the unique atmosphere of the U.K. capital is to visit its marketplaces. Dip yourself in a world of spices, flavors, and foods in the markets that make London so special .

• Camden Market . Over 250,000 visitors come to the three markets that comprise Camden Market every year. Camden High Streets is for T-shirts and trinkets. Camden Lock Market offers arts and crafts. Stables Market sells peculiar furniture and fetish clothing. The three markets stretch from Camden Town tube all the way to the Regent’s Canal.
• Broadway Market . Books and coffee, fresh flowers, organic groceries, vintage clothes, and quirky handmade gifts all try to grab your attention every Saturday at Broadway Market . Expect to rub shoulders with hipsters, artsy students, and creative types from East End. Don’t miss tasting the toothsome Yorkshire Burrito.
• Borough Market . In existence since 1014, Borough Market is very close to London Bridge. The marketplace is a foodie paradise where fish, fresh fruits, cured meats, and mouthwatering baked pastries invite you from every corner. Indulge in foodgasms from Monday to Saturday.
• Columbia Road Flower Market . This weekly Sunday flower market is a stone throw’s away from the artsy district of Shoreditch. Merchants sell bulbs, herbs, shrubs, bedding plants, and buckets of cut flowers. Arrive at 8:00 AM for the best selection, or around 3:00 PM for the best deals. Refuel your energy at one of the numerous cute cafés in the area.
• Greenwich Market . Historic Greenwich, a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is also home to the funky Greenwich Market. More than 120 stalls offer you everything from art, clothes, and jewelry to gifts, crafts, and second-hand furniture. When you quench your bargain thirst, pop a beer in the nearby park and people-watch.

Travel to London to Get Lost in Its Verdant Parks

Visiting the city’s lush parks is one of the best free things to do in London . In the section below, you’ll discover the many parks that make London worth visiting .

• Hyde Park . The most famous park in the British capital is both huge and central. Over 4,000 trees and heaps of activities attract locals and tourists alike. In Hyde Park , you can chill, stroll, ride a bike, row a boat, or even go swimming in the Serpentine Lido. A few of the must-visit spots are the Sylvan meadow, the lake with geese, the rose gardens, and Princess Diana’s memorial fountain.
• Green Park . The former hunting grounds became a public park in 1826. After a few hours of meandering around London’s landmarks, the popular stripy deckchairs of these lush gardens offer a great place for relaxation. Among the eight royal parks of London, Green Park is the only one in the shape of a lovely triangle of trees and grasslands.
• Greenwich Park . The oldest royal park in the capital provides you with jaw-dropping views over the River Thames and the City of London. It’s not uncommon to see a tiny herd of deer wandering Greenwich Park . In the former hunting grounds, you can also admire the Prime Meridian Line, Queen Elizabeth’s Oak, and the Royal Observatory.
• St. James’s Park . Three palaces surround St. James’s Park : Clarence House, Buckingham Palace, and St. James’s Palace. If you’re there around 2:30 PM, head to the lake to see the feeding of the pelicans. Peculiarly, the birds have lived in the park for almost 400 years.

Go to London for the Lip-smacking Foods and Drinks

After a tour of London’s parks, museums, and landmarks, it’s time to explore the foods and drinks that make London worth visiting. Let’s dive right in!

• The English breakfast . The typical English breakfast consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, black pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, toast, and a caffeinated beverage of your choice – either tea or coffee. Almost every eatery serves this dish in London.
• Fish and chips . Probably the most popular British dish, fish and chips is a staple food in London. Nobody knows exactly who invented this culinary fusion of potato chips and fried fish in crispy batter. But it’s known that the two main components are from separate immigrant cultures. The original recipe also includes a side dish of mushy peas.
• Curry . This spicy dish might be originally from India, but it has turned into one of the U.K.’s national dishes. The variations of curry are almost as many as the number of Indian restaurants. If you’re not a fan of chili food, make sure to ask for a milder version when ordering.
• Shepherd’s pie . Cooked minced meat and mashed potatoes join forces to create another food that London is famous for – Shepherd’s pie . The dish has numerous variations, but its main ingredients are red meat, onions in gravy, and a topping of mashed potatoes.
• London gin . The dry London gin emerged in the British capital in the 19 th century. Before that, gin used to be sweet. The new spirit didn’t require any sweeteners to disguise its taste. Nowadays, London gin doesn’t have to stem from London. But it has to be prepared with natural botanicals like juniper.
• Beer . One of the things that make London worth visiting is its lip-smacking beer . Every bar in the city serves the golden beverage, and it comes in countless varieties. Before you order a few glasses of beer, bear in mind that the pint in the U.K. is larger than the pint in the U.S.
• Afternoon tea . English afternoon tea – or simply afternoon tea – typically blends teas from Africa, China, India, and Sri Lanka. These blends are traditionally lighter than their breakfast counterparts. The purpose is to complement, not mask the flavor of the afternoon tea meal. Book your mouth-watering culinary experience via this link .

Discover the Craziest Facts About London

The rich history of London overflows with peculiar things. Find the most bizarre facts that make London so popular with tourists in the following section.

• London outperforms both Mumbai and Delhi when it comes to Indian restaurants . In theory, every local restaurant in Delhi and Mumbai is an Indian restaurant. Even so, London beats both cities because it boasts over 10,000 curry houses. This means that if you dine at a different one every day, you’ll need more than 27 years to try them all.
• London is a forest . Downtown London might be full of skyscrapers, but that shouldn’t fool you. The capital of the U.K. is chock-full of lush parks and greenery. Actually, there are so many trees per square mile that the United Nations classified London as a forest. Do you know what’s even more interesting? The city even employs a Forestry Conservator.
• The city is fox heaven . One of the craziest facts about London is that it’s home to 10,000+ foxes. But even that number doesn’t make the British capital the city with the largest concentration of city foxes. Bournemouth gets that title. Don’t worry about foxes, though. In general, they’ll back off when they see humans.
• More than 20 rivers flow under London’s streets . As the capital expanded, the city architects needed to allocate space for London’s thriving population. For that reason, they decided to bury the city’s marshlands, flowing into the River Thames, under London’s streets and houses. If you pass through Romford or Brentford underground stations, you might see where some rivers make it up to the surface.
• The U.K.’s tiniest city? London! See, when you refer to the British capital, that’s the City of London . The small city has a population of less than 10,000, but it employs more than 1 million people. The “real” city is the Greater London area, which includes surrounding towns and boasts a population of over 14 million .

Is London Worth Visiting? You’ve Just Learned the Answer

This ends our list of 33 cool reasons to visit London .

The megapolis packs a powerful punch of outstanding museums, historical landmarks, must-try foods, and opulent parks.

In addition, London is the best spot to marvel at royal buildings, taste an Indian curry, or bump into a fox.

So, if you’ve been wondering whether London is a good place to visit, we bet this article has already answered that question.

To help you make the best of your trip, check our guide with 44 London travel tips .

Now, we’re curious:

What do you think makes London so special?

Let us know in the comment section below.

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How Many Days Should You Spend in London?

5-Day London Package

7-Day London Package

For first time visitors, we recommend spending at least four or five days in London, which will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and see many of its main sites. With so much to do and see check out this article on how you can make the most of your time in London!

Day 1 in London

London is an enormous city, and the majority of tourist attractions are located in Central London. You could start your first day by watching the Changing of the Guard Ceremony outside Buckingham Palace. Continue with a lovely walk to nearby Parliament Square, where you can see Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament and visit Westminster Abbey , where King Charles III was crowned King of England. From here, you could enjoy a walk along the River Thames to the London Eye or stroll through St James Park to Trafalgar Square, home to Nelson’s Column and visit the National Gallery.

Top tip: The State Rooms at Buckingham Palace are only open to visitors from July to September each year. Make sure to book tickets early, as this sells out very quickly.

Two other interesting places to visit in the area are The Royal Mews (open from March to October) which is part of the Buckingham Palace complex, and the Churchill War Rooms .

As you can see, you’ll be spoilt for choice when spending your first day in London!

Day 2 in London

There are many ways to spend a second day in London. You could start by exploring Madame Tussauds . Get up close to all your favourite celebrities from Beyonce to Ed Sheeran, as well as sporting legends, presidents and film stars. See the Royal Family who will be standing on the balcony of Buckingham Palace waving to the crowds. And enjoy the 4D Marvel experience. A typical visit to Madame Tussauds lasts 90 minutes.

An alternative way to spend your second morning in London is to visit the Tower of London . This medieval fortress is home to the crown Jewels, which were worn by King Charles and Queen Camilla during the coronation. Visitors can explore the Tower’s 1,000 year old history, view the royal armouries and meet a beefeater guide. A typical visit to the Tower of London lasts 2-3 hours.

Within Central London, you can divide the city into distinct neighbourhoods and districts. It’s easy to spend an afternoon walking through Soho, shopping along Oxford Street and enjoying Hyde Park

Top tip: London is really geared towards welcoming tourists, and there are hop on hop off buses offering 4 different routes through the the major neighbourhoods of the city, as well as a free river cruise along the River Thames! These open-top buses are ideal for you to get to and from all the major London attractions which are dotted across Central London.

Spending 3 Days in London

If you are a Harry Potter fan, then don’t miss the Warner Bros Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter. Spend your third day seeing the sets and props used in the making of the films. Walk into the Great Hall, climb onboard Hogwarts Express and enter the forbidden forest. The Harry Potter Studio Tour is located just outside of London, and we offer Harry Potter Studio tickets with return transportation from Central London.

This is the most popular paid visitor attraction in England, so make sure to book early as possible as tickets get sold out.

An alternative way to spend your third day in London would be to visit a museum. The South Kensington neighbourhood of London is home to three world-class museums – The Natural History Museum, The Science Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Kensington Palace is also located nearby and this can be combined with a wonderful walk through Kensington Gardens where you can visit the memorial to the late Princess Diana. Harrods department store and Harvey Nichols are also located in this area.

In the evening, see a musical. London has an amazing choice of theatre and musicals . Why not take in a show such as The Lion King, Hamilton, Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia and many more.

Top tip: These are definitely worthwhile places to visit if you are planning on spending three days in the city. For more ideas check out our one-day itinerary .

Spending 4 Days in London

London – Cathedral St. Paiul, UK

On your fourth day in London, why not start by heading to Borough Market to savour London’s tasty street food, and enjoy amazing panoramic views from the nearby Shard , Europe’s tallest building. Continue with a walk alongside the River Thames in an area known as The Southbank. You’ll pass many London landmarks including HMS Belfast battleship, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and the Tate Modern art museum. Cross the Millenium Bridge to visit St Paul’s Cathedral , an architectural masterpiece. You could even stop for lunch at a traditional English pub for some fish and chips!

You could easily spend 4 or 5 days exploring some other areas where famous attractions and sites are located such as Notting Hill, Camden Market, Soho and Covent Garden. Explore more royal attractions or spend half a day at the British Museum. Our list of things to do in London explores all the amazing things you can do in the city!

Top tips: If you are travelling with young children, check out our London with Kids page for more ideas.

Spending 5-days in London

Spend a fifth day venturing outside of London. Windsor Castle is just a short shuttle ride away . Te castle is an official Royal residence with elaborate State Apartments. St George’s Chapel, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, is the final resting place of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. There’s also the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge . Our Stonehenge and Windsor Castle tours are a great way to visit these sites.

Top tip: Visit our day tours from London page for more places to visit on a day trip

London Vacation Packages

We offer a 5-day Package and a 7-day Package , which is a convenient way to arrange your vacation in one single booking.

The packages include airport transfers, a stay in a 4* or 5* hotel, and guided tours of  London. There are options to add day tours from London to Windsor Castle and Stonehenge, and, Oxford the Cotswolds with a traditional pub lunch. 

We recommend booking our packages early during peak vacation times to ensure availability.

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What it’s like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift

I t’s a midweek lunchtime on an unassuming residential street in Vauxhall, south London. There aren’t many people about – the occasional dog walker, a few runners, a couple of delivery drivers. It’s pretty much what you’d expect on a drizzly work day.

But turning the corner, it’s a different story. A redbrick Victorian pub, draped in hanging flower baskets and mosaic tiling, is an unexpected hive of activity.

Despite the drizzle, people are sitting outside, nursing pints of beer and cups of coffee. Circling them are a handful of journalists – holding microphones, cameras, notepads. Passersby stop, point and pose for photos. Every few minutes, excited customers pour out of black cabs and head inside, where every table is taken.

Welcome to The Black Dog . A local London pub that’s been thrust into an unexpected spotlight and onto the tourist map, thanks to musician Taylor Swift.

Unexpected fame

Last Friday, Swift released her latest album, “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” along with a surprise additional 15 songs that make up “The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology.”

On Instagram, Swift described the music as chronicling a “fleeting and fatalistic moment in time - one that was both sensational and sorrowful in equal measure.” The record appears to be inspired by the aftermath of Swift’s break-up with her long term partner, British actor Joe Alwyn, which saw her dive into a short lived but intense relationship with another Londoner – 1975 singer Matty Healy.

Amid the 31 tracks – which range from upbeat synth pop masking heartbreak, to slower, folk-inspired songs that lean into the sadness – is a reflective, moody track called “The Black Dog,” in which Swift sings about an ex who left his cell phone location settings on after the break-up:

“And so I watch as you walk

Into some bar called The Black Dog

And pierce new holes in my heart”

As soon as these lyrics hit the internet, Swifties started sleuthing. Was The Black Dog a real London spot, or just a fictional name chosen for its symbolic significance?

Maddie Essig, an American college student studying abroad in London, was among the fans who immediately started Googling.

“Joe and Taylor spent a lot of time in London,” says Essig. “I figured it would be around here somewhere.”

Essig is sitting inside The Black Dog at a table by the window, opposite her friend – fellow American abroad and Swift fan – Jenna Spackey. When the two start chatting with CNN Travel, they’ve just finished up their pub lunch (Spackey had a cesar salad, Essig had British pub classic fish and chips).

The two friends had never been to Vauxhall before. But once they realized The Black Dog was real, they hopped on a tube train – partly as a Swiftie pilgrimage and partly to celebrate finishing up their college semester. The two only have a couple of weeks left in the UK before they return to the US – Essig to Baltimore, Maryland and Spackey to Houston, Texas. They’re calling this period their “So Long, London” era, an homage to another song on “The Tortured Poets Department” which references the UK capital.

This new record isn’t the first time Swift’s namechecked London locations in her music. In her 2019 track “London Boy” – believed to be about Alwyn – Swift describes enjoying “nights out in Brixton” and “Shoreditch in the afternoon,” as well as “walking Camden Market” and heading to Highgate, the West End and even finding joy in “gray sky, a rainy cab ride.”

“People will go to all the places that she lists in the song,” says Spackey of “London Boy.” “I feel like The Black Dog will definitely be added to the hit list.”

Pub perspective

While no one – least of all Swift – has actually confirmed the Vauxhall Black Dog is the inspiration for her song (there is another London-based Black Dog, for one, a beerhouse further out of the city in suburban Brentford – while some fans have pointed to a bar in Cork, Ireland with the same name ) the south London Black Dog has leaned into its unexpected fame.

There’s now a sign in the window quoting the lyrics. On Instagram, the pub’s added “home to tortured poets” into its bio. Inside The Black Dog, the cocktail list on the blackboard has the addendum “Taylor’s Version” – a reference to the way Swift delineates her recent rerecorded tracks from the originals.

Lily Bottomley, events and social media manager for SC Soho, the small hospitality group that owns The Black Dog, tells CNN Travel she first heard about the song through her own personal social media channels.

“I saw ‘Black Dog,’ and I was like, ‘Oh…’ And then it just spiraled. And within half a day – even before the album release, we had people showing up,” Bottomley says.

Over the weekend, the pub hired extra security – “just a precaution, nothing crazy happened.”

Then followed “a really busy Monday” and a slew of bookings for the end of June and mid-August, when Swift will play eight sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium. The Black Dog plans to open early and close later on those days. When Bottomley chats to CNN Travel, she gestures at the already-packed pub: “We’re expecting a busy Tuesday too.”

There’s been press coverage across the world, and as Bottomley speaks to CNN Travel, other news outlets are setting up lives and filming TikToks outside the pub.

The Black Dog was already active on Instagram pre-Swift-fame but Bottomley and her team set up a TikTok account over the weekend.

“Our TikTok, within 72 hours, got over 200,000 likes and a million views after its creation,” says Bottomley. “It’s immense.”

Meanwhile, the pub’s Instagram following has “tripled, nearly quadrupled now,” says Bottomley. People are following and commenting from all over the world.

The Black Dog is “a local pub,” says Bottomley – it’s generally known for its “quiet, cozy kind of atmosphere most of the time.”

Its interior is inviting, chic – and more gastropub than loud bar.

But the influx of enthusiastic Swift fans has been a joy, says Bottomley.

“We’ve had singalongs,” she says, adding the team are “working on” the idea of a Swift-themed karaoke night.

So far, the fans who’ve come by have all brought a positive, infectious good vibe.

“Last night we had loads of Swifties come in who didn’t know each other, and they were pulling chairs together, pulling their tables together, such a great atmosphere,” says Bottmley. “It’s predominantly women and it’s really positive to have that community come together in a pub.”

While many fans – like Essig and Spackey – believe “The Black Dog” is about Joe Alwyn, others think Matty Healy could be the subject (the references to smoking and the ex’s penchant for an “esoteric joke” seem more Healy-coded).

Bottomley won’t confirm or deny anything, but she does hint that the pub has “a certain blond regular,” seemingly a reference to Alwyn’s fair hair color.

As for Swift herself, Bottomley says she’s “never seen her” in the The Black Dog (which, again, fits with the lyrics of the song, which suggest Swift’s narrator is unfamiliar with the bar).

“You never know though,” says Bottomley. “We’d love to have her.”

Scene-setting song writing

When CNN Travel visits, there’s no time to sample The Black Dog’s inviting looking food menu , but this writer opts for a Swift-approved glass of Sauvignon Blanc (in another new track, “The Alchemy,” Swift compares the rush of a new love affair to a glass of wine: “This happens once every few lifetimes/These chemicals hit me like white wine,” she sings).

Meanwhile my companion tries The Black Dog’s signature stout and gives it the seal of approval. The two drinks come to £14.65 (around $18) which is about what you’d expect for London in 2024.

The stout is served up in a pint glass printed with the pub’s name, and accompanying black dog logo. Bottomley says no one’s stolen any of these glasses yet – much to her relief – but the pub is in the process of making merchandise, so visitors may be able to take a glass home before too long.

“If The Black Dog sold merch, I would buy something from their store,” says Swift fan Avangeline Strasburg. “Having something from a place I got to visit, that is also mentioned in a song of my favorite artist, would be a really neat souvenir.”

Florida-based Strasburg and her friend and fellow Floridian Katie Hageman are currently in London on vacation, in celebration of Strasburg’s 29th birthday.

“I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, Taylor’s releasing an album, right for my birthday, right for our trip!’” says Strasburg.

When the two friends realized The Black Dog was a real pub, they knew they had to squeeze in a visit into their London itinerary.

“We wanted to see it for ourselves,” says Hageman.

The two friends describe the pub as “quaint” – adding it’s not really what they were expecting based on the song lyrics.

“Hearing those lyrics I think we assumed that it would be more of a dive bar with loud music,” says Hageman.

As they pore over The Black Dog’s food menu, deciding what to have for lunch, Hageman and Strasburg chat with CNN Travel about whether or not Swift’s “The Black Dog” song is really about this pub – and whether the song is about Matty Healy or Joe Alwyn, or both.

It’s fun to speculate, they agree, but “maybe it’s not even about a certain person.”

Ultimately, it doesn’t really matter, the two friends decide. What excites Strasburg and Hageman most of all is “The Black Dog”’s evocative, scene-setting lyrics, which are a staple of Swift’s song-writing.

This kind of writing is key to Swift’s success. The specificity of the imagery – such as the scarf in “All Too Well” which her ex still has in a “drawer even now” – allows listeners to put themselves in Swift’s shoes. Sure, she’s a Grammy-winning billionaire leading a life worlds away from what most of us view as ordinary, but Swift has a knack for drawing emotion from everyday, relatable details.

And when Swift describes locations – whether the rented apartment on “Cornelia Street” or the “saltbox house on the coast” in “The Last Great American Dynasty” she does so with a particularity and fervor that allows listeners to draw an image in their minds’ eyes.

“She always includes little details, sometimes they’re vague, sometimes they’re specific – but they’re always parts of her life,” says Strasburg.

Hageman compares “The Black Dog” song to a “fable” – it’s probably not based entirely in reality. It may not be a real place. It may not be about a real person.

“This made the song even more relatable to us,” she says. “And I think to all who have created stories based on the glittering filtered details we perceive of each others’ lives from the outside.”

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Runaway military horses race through London, one seemingly covered in blood

LONDON — There was mayhem at rush hour in the British capital Wednesday when five elite military horses — one of them apparently covered in blood — broke loose and galloped riderless through miles of downtown London.

First responders raced to incidents 5 miles across the capital after the steeds from the Household Cavalry, the top regiment of the British Army, became spooked by construction work, the army said.

Four military riders were thrown from their mounts, which then charged past iconic landmarks and collided with vehicles, including a black London taxi and a double-decker tour bus, damaging its windshield.

“A number of personnel and horses have been injured and are receiving the appropriate medical attention,” the army said in a statement after the horses were finally contained.

The surreal image of saddled horses bolting through one of the largest cities in the world prompted Brits on social media to joke — perhaps nervously — that it may be a portent for some terrible looming event. The hashtag #Apocalypse briefly trended on X in the famously sardonic United Kingdom.

For hours it was unclear what led to the bizarre spectacle and whether it had been brought to an end, until details were slowly drip-fed by the army, police and ambulance services.

At around 8 a.m. (3 a.m. ET), a group of six riders and seven horses from the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry, were out on what's known as a "watering order." That is a training exercise designed to familiarize the animals with the varied and unpredictable sights and sounds of the bustling metropolis.

It's a necessary step for the animals, which as part of an elite mounted unit participate in the king’s birthday and other ceremonial parades enjoyed by London's thronging tourists.

Their riders' chest armor, swords and distinctive helmets, adorned with plumes of horses' hair, will be familiar to anyone who watches Britain’s opulent royal events in person or on TV.

However, the training exercise ran into trouble as the unit passed Wilton Crescent, a lavish, sweeping terrace built in the 1800s in the affluent Belgravia area of London. Nearby construction workers were using a conveyor belt to shift concrete, some of which fell off and hit the floor, according to the army.

That caused the horses to spook, with five of the seven animals bolting, the army said. As they rampaged the streets, the four horses that were mounted threw off their riders, with the other unmanned horse joining the posse, the army said.

First responders rushed to the scene and treated two people for injuries, the London Ambulance Service said. More paramedics were called to nearby Buckingham Palace Road, where another of the riders was thrown from a horse, it said. Crews there treated someone in the street behind a blue tarpaulin.

The horses galloped for miles. And another ambulance crew treated a horse-related injury at a busy junction not far from St. Paul's Cathedral, it said. In total, three riders were injured and taken to hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to the army.

It wasn't clear exactly when the horses were brought under control, but by 10:30 a.m. the army said the animals had been contained and returned to camp.

Officials said some of the horses had been injured, although it was not clear what caused the large patch of blood that appeared to be splashed across the chest and front legs of one of them. The BBC sent a reporter to Limehouse, an area in the east of the city where at least some of the animals were retrieved, where they photographed a large patch of blood and horse manure on the sidewalk.

A cab driver, identified only as Robbie, told the U.K. public broadcaster he had heard “galloping and looked behind and there were about three or four horses.”

“I looked in the rear mirror and saw them coming right up behind me,” he added, saying his main concern were the two passengers in the back of his cab. “Luckily they swerved towards the middle of the road and carried on, but they were going at some speed.”

He described one of the horses as being “covered in blood” and said that “it looked like it was injured quite badly.”

The City of London Police said in a statement that it was "pleased to confirm that all of the horses have been accounted for. We are continuing to liaise with the Army."

While the pandemonium was underway, the clock in the Elizabeth Tower — more commonly known as Big Ben, the city's most recognizable landmark and usually an icon of stability — stopped without explanation at 9 a.m.

Users on social media reflected that the dramatic scenes resembled a portent for some apocalyptic event, though it was unclear whether the horses' being caught would ward off such a scenario.

Alexander Smith is a senior reporter for NBC News Digital based in London.

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My four-day rail and ferry adventure from the UK to Albania

From London to Tirana, via Chambéry’s medieval streets, bustling Bari and Albania’s dynamic capital, this trip across Europe has treats at every turn

M y overriding memories of crossing countries by train, on a trip from London to Albania, are of half-empty carriages and countryside sweeping past windows bathed in the soft orange glow of sunset. I remember cypress trees, red-roofed villages with square churches, farmland in neat strips and row upon row of vineyards.

On my London-Paris-Chambéry-Turin-Bari-Tirana journey over land and sea, there was, for long stretches, little to do. The wifi was patchy. It took a while to adapt to having so much time to simply watch the world go by, travelling through landscapes without having to navigate them.

The biggest stress happened long before I set off, when a landslide not far from the French border with Italy blocked the rail line between Chambéry and Turin, forcing a closure that continues today. Byway, the no-fly operator I had booked with, offered to reroute me through Nice and on to Turin via the Vermenagna valley (with changes in Tende and Cuneo), or book me on the FlixBus service over part of the Mont Blanc massif. I was keen to see Chambéry and the Alps, so I chose the bus.

People seemed surprised when I told them I was travelling overland to Albania. As I gushed about the romance of slow travel by train and sleeper ferry, and my excitement about Tirana, I got comments about being “brave”. I didn’t feel especially brave: all the planning, tickets and hotel bookings were done for me, and friendly help was a WhatsApp call away if needed.

I just had to download the Rail Planner app for my Interrail pass and make sure I was at the right station at the right time (Turin was the biggest challenge: it has four main railway stations and taxis scream between them bearing anxious-looking passengers).

The entire journey took four days. If I did it all again, I’d stay longer in Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot – and remember to buy my Paris Métro ticket from the cafe on the Eurostar.

Day one: London to Chamb éry

First to Paris’s Gare du Nord, then the metro to Gare de Lyon, where I make a beeline for a cafe opposite the station. Noise pervades the pavement tables of Café Terminus, but the cacophony is delightful – an atmospheric place for a citron pressé .

I’m in plenty of time for the train to Chambéry and, excitingly, am on the upper deck. Soon, we break free from the suburbs to trace huge stands of forest. Beyond Lyon begins a ripple of hills, lazy rivers and thickly forested slopes. As evening approaches, it’s all Alpine scenery. I arrive at an almost-empty station and walk to the boutique Hotel des Princes in Chambéry’s old town.

Chambéry has an Italian feel – it was the seat of the House of Savoy before the dynasty moved on to Turin – and its medieval alleys, cathedral and pastel-coloured townhouses are quietly impressive. The 1838 Fontaine des Éléphants sits in the middle of the closest square to the old town, and peeking from the end of every street are the Bauges and Chartreuse mountain ranges. My stay is peaceful and easy.

Day two: Chamb éry to Turin

From Chambéry, the train to Turin would take about 2½ hours, but the bus takes double this. I’m on the top deck again, which is worth it for the sight of misty fingers of early morning light breaking across the mountain ridge. Snoozing backpackers rouse themselves to snap pictures of remote Mont Blanc peaks, before slumbering once more through the tunnel to Italy. In Turin there’s perfume in the air from the blossom-covered trees.

Turin’s grid of long, straight boulevards is testament to its development by the Romans – the redbrick Palatine Gate is another Roman relic – and its grand piazzas, royal palaces and graffitied colonnades date from the city’s Savoy heyday in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the number one attraction is the Museo Egizio (Egyptian Museum).

My favourite moments? Ricotta and fig ice-cream on Piazza San Carlo, an aperitivo on off-the-beaten-path Via Sant’Agostino and the towering neoclassical Mole Antonelliana (national museum of cinema). I eat Turin’s famous doughy pizza al padellino (pan pizza) and spend a comfortable night in the eaves of Hotel Urbani in 19th-century residential streets close to the grand Porta Nuova train station.

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Day three: Turin to Bari

The views from my next train are of cinematic Tuscan scenes. Scorched fields, vines and Italian cypress trees. Neat red roofs and shabby-chic farmhouses. Fluffy clouds cling to hills that Google Maps tells me are the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. After hours of soothing golden landscapes, the opal-blue Adriatic wallops into view just north of Ancona. Beach bars whip by and cypress trees are replaced with palm trees: I’ve arrived in the south of Italy.

Bari is hands down my favourite stop. The noise, heat and energy as we step off the train in the early evening are joyous. After Chambéry and Turin, Bari feels brash, a little rough around the edges even; a proper port city. The labyrinthine alleyways of the whitewashed old town are almost cliched in their cuteness. Despite the troupes of tightly packed headphone-wearing Americans following guided tours, it somehow manages to retain a tranquil atmosphere.

Old ladies yawn from the shade as tourists surreptitiously snap pictures and laundry flutters from balconies. I could stay for ever, but after 24 hours (which includes a lot of pasta, a stroll along the posh promenade to the not-so-posh city beach and a night in an elegant aparthotel, Residence Zodiacus , halfway between the station and the old town), it’s time to board the night ferry to Albania.

Day (and night) four: Bari to Tirana

I arrive at the ferry on foot and am escorted through the car deck to jokes about going in the wrong direction (to Albania, instead of from it). In the early morning I spot a pink sky through the cracked window of my comfy en suite cabin, and head to the top deck to see the sun rise over the distant outline of Albania. Disembarking in the port of Durrës is a bit of a scrum and there’s a bus to the capital waiting, but I opt instead for a five-minute taxi ride to the centre of town and breakfast of pastries and espresso on a dazzling white road lined with boutiques and palm trees. I later regret this though, as the aircon on the grubby public bus I eventually take to Tirana is more tired than I am, and drops me in an urban sprawl miles from the centre.

Tirana itself is a revelation. My hotel, Padam Boutique , is a grand villa with handsome rooms and floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s striking new skyward architecture on every nearby street. A short stroll away is the landmark Pyramid of Tirana , which stands as a symbol and monument to change (and is fun to climb at sunset). Skanderbeg Square – a jumble of buildings erected on a roundabout at the time of the celebrations to mark the fall of communism in 1992 – is now a pedestrianised, glossy public space. There are nods to Albania’s recent, wretched history behind the iron curtain, of course – the Bunk’Art and Bunk’Art 2 museums, in nuclear bunkers are unmissable – but Tirana and the country are more than just the last century. My journey is done, but it feels like Tirana is just getting into its stride.

The trip was provided by Byway , which offers sustainable travel and accommodation packages across the UK and Europe. Its Alps to Albania trip costs from £679pp

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Israel’s Military Campaign Has Left Gaza’s Medical System Near Collapse

The Israeli military’s bombardment and invasion of Gaza have decimated its health care system in a way that aid groups and international bodies are increasingly calling “systematic.”

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By Vivian Nereim and Abu Bakr Bashir

Vivian Nereim reported from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Bakr Bashir reported from London.

Before Israel’s invasion of Gaza last year, Dr. Mahmoud Al-Reqeb worked in one of the Palestinian territory’s largest hospitals and had a private clinic, caring for women throughout their pregnancies.

Now, he lives in a plastic tent in Rafah, a Palestinian border town where roughly half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge , and treats patients for no charge in another tent. Living under Israeli bombardment, with shortages of food and clean water, the pregnant women he serves struggle to find basic safety and nourishment , let alone prenatal care.

Since the Israeli military began bombarding Gaza six months ago following the Hamas-led Oct. 7 attack, its forces have wrecked entire hospitals , struck ambulances and killed or detained hundreds of health care workers. Israeli restrictions on goods entering Gaza have prevented lifesaving medical supplies from reaching patients, according to aid groups . And shortages of fuel, water and food have made it difficult for medical workers to provide basic services.

The result has been the near collapse of a health care system that once served Gaza’s population of more than two million. By late March, of the 36 large-scale hospitals across Gaza, only 10 were “minimally functional,” according to the World Health Organization.

Israeli officials say that medical centers have been targets because Hamas fighters embed themselves within and under the facilities, and that it is the only way to root out the armed group. Hamas and medical workers have denied this accusation. Aid groups , researchers and international bodies have increasingly been calling Israel’s dismantling of Gaza’s medical capacity “systematic.”

“If you engineered the destruction of a health care system, you would end up exactly where we are today,” said Ciarán Donnelly, a senior vice president at the International Rescue Committee, an aid group that has been operating in Gaza.

Mr. Donnelly said he had worked in the humanitarian aid sector for two decades and could not think of any other war in which a medical system had been so thoroughly crushed so quickly.

Asked for comment, the Israeli military referred to previous statements it has made about Hamas fighters’ embedding themselves in facilities. Evidence examined by The New York Times suggests Hamas has used Al Shifa Hospital — which the Israeli military has raided — for cover, stored weapons inside it and maintained a lengthy tunnel. The Israeli military has not presented similarly expansive evidence about most of the other health care centers it has attacked.

Dr. Al-Reqeb’s old facility, Nasser Hospital, was raided by Israeli troops in February. When he goes to his new job, at an Emirati-funded hospital — one of the few facilities in Gaza providing specialized gynecological and obstetric services — he is one of fewer than 10 doctors treating 500 patients a day with a “severe lack of supplies, staff, medicine and equipment,” he said.

“I was very shocked when I realized the level of damage the medical system is suffering,” Dr. Al-Reqeb, 33, said in a telephone interview. “It is completely destroyed.”

In November , Human Rights Watch called for Israeli attacks on medical facilities and personnel to be investigated as war crimes. Doctors interviewed by The Times said at the time that they were performing surgeries without anesthesia and confronting filthy wounds infested with maggots because of a lack of fresh water and iodine. A W.H.O. database has recorded more than 800 “attacks on health care” in Gaza and the West Bank.

The devastation of the medical system has rippled throughout Gaza. Cancer patients have had to halt chemotherapy. People with kidney failure have lost access to lifesaving dialysis. Pregnant women have gone without the monitoring that could help identify life-threatening conditions like pre-eclampsia.

“Sometimes I cry,” said Dr. Zaki Zakzook, an oncologist who was once one of Gaza’s pre-eminent cancer doctors and now lives in a tent with his family in Khan Younis. “I’m watching my patients being executed, slowly and gradually.”

Dr. Zakzook has been able to do little for his patients since the war forced the closing of the cancer hospital where he worked, he said. He now sees patients at a hospital in the south but no longer gives them chemotherapy, fearing that doing so would weaken their immune systems at a time when the medical system is unable to cope with infection, he said. Instead, he offers palliative care, like painkillers.

“I’m trying to do my best, others are trying the same, but what can we do?” he said.

In February, Israeli forces stormed Nasser Hospital , a large facility in Khan Younis. They shelled the hospital’s orthopedic department and detained dozens of health care workers, according to Doctors Without Borders, an aid group whose staff members witnessed the attack .

“The evidence at our disposal points to deliberate and repeated attacks by Israeli forces against Nasser Hospital, its patients and its medical staff,” the organization wrote. The Israeli military said it had been searching for Hamas fighters and the bodies of Israelis taken captive during the Oct. 7 attack.

In March, the Israeli military raided Al Shifa Hospital for a second time , killing nearly 200 people it called terrorists. Israeli troops left widespread devastation in their wake after extended gun battles with Palestinian militants in and around the complex. It said its troops had come under fire from gunmen inside and around one of the hospital’s buildings. The Gazan authorities said that 200 civilians had died in the raid. Neither statement could be independently verified.

After the raid, the hospital premises were littered with bodies and shallow graves, according to the World Health Organization, which led a team this month to evaluate the hospital’s condition.

In a statement after its visit, the W.H.O. said the hospital was “an empty shell,” with no patients and most of its equipment “unusable or reduced to ashes.”

“There’s increasing evidence that a red cross or red crescent actually puts a target on you, rather than the other way around, and it is just an appalling degradation of human values,” said Dr. Tim Goodacre, a surgeon who has been traveling to Gaza for years to help train Palestinian doctors and volunteered at a hospital there in January.

Before the war, Abdulaziz Saeed’s 63-year-old father was expecting to receive a kidney transplant in March. Mr. Saeed and his mother had both been approved as potential donors. Then the war began. The doctor who was to perform the operation was killed, Mr. Saeed said, and “all our plans have been canceled.”

His family now shares its home with dozens of displaced people in the city of Deir al Balah, and his father, who previously needed three dialysis sessions a week for renal failure, is able to receive only one a week at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.

“The biggest issue is the lack of medical staff,” Mr. Saeed said. “There used to be three specialized doctors in the kidney department. Two of them were killed, and the third is unreachable.”

Anas Saad, a 24-year-old nurse at the hospital, said many of his colleagues had quit after the repeated attacks on medical facilities.

“This is no longer a safe place,” Mr. Saad said. “I am doing my best to help people survive. However, it is becoming extremely risky, as hospitals can be stormed or bombed anytime.”

Dr. Tanya Haj Hassan, an American pediatric intensive-care doctor, recently entered Gaza as part of a team of foreign doctors to volunteer at the hospital. She described “apocalyptic” scenes, including a girl who, she said, died after an Israeli bulldozer ran over a tent, crushing her, and a boy in a wheelchair whose entire family had been killed but who believed that his parents were coming to get him because “nobody has the heart to tell him.” Her account could not be independently verified.

The entirety of Gaza “just feels like it was hit by a nuclear bomb,” she said. “The reality is, they’ve taken out hospital at a time. ‘Hospital at a time’ — I can’t believe I’m even saying those words.”

Hwaida Saad contributed reporting from Beirut, Lebanon, and Johnatan Reiss from Tel Aviv.

Vivian Nereim is the lead reporter for The Times covering the countries of the Arabian Peninsula. She is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. More about Vivian Nereim