30 Best Things to Do in London

London is a city that demands your attention. It creates culture, preserves history, and serves some of the best food in the world—often on the same street block.

Whether it’s your first time seeing Big Ben or your tenth time exploring the backstreets of Shoreditch, London always has something new to reveal. The hardest part is narrowing it down.

Here is our curated list of the 30 best things to do in London, ranging from the non-negotiable tourist icons to the local favorites that will make you feel like a Londoner.

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The Essentials (First-Time Icons)

If you haven’t seen these, have you even been to London?

1. The Tower of London

It’s not just a castle; it’s a palace, a fortress, and a prison with nearly 1,000 years of bloody history.

• Why go: To see the Crown Jewels (dazzling), meet the Yeoman Warders ("Beefeaters"), and learn about the princes in the tower.
• Tip: Arrive at opening time (9 am) and run straight to the Crown Jewels to avoid the queue.

2. The British Museum

A collection of human history dedicated to 2 million years of arts and culture.

• Highlights: The Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles (Parthenon Sculptures), and the Egyptian Mummies.
• Cost: Free!

3. Walk the South Bank

Start at Westminster Bridge (Big Ben) and walk east along the river past the London Eye, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Borough Market to Tower Bridge.

• The Vibe: Street performers, book markets, and the best skyline views.

4. Buckingham Palace & The Changing of the Guard

The official London residence of the Monarch.

• The Show: The Changing of the Guard usually happens at 11:00 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. It’s pomp, circumstance, and bear-skin hats. Get there by 10:15 AM for a spot.

5. St Paul’s Cathedral

Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece built after the Great Fire of London.

• The Climb: Walk up 528 steps to the Golden Gallery for a panoramic view of London that rivals the Shard.

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World-Class Museums & Galleries (Free!)

London is the best city in the world for free culture.

6. The Natural History Museum

Famous for its cathedral-like architecture and the massive whale skeleton ("Hope") hanging in the main hall. The dinosaur exhibit is legendary.

7. The V&A (Victoria and Albert Museum)

Right next to the Natural History Museum. It focuses on art, design, and fashion. The jewellery room is blindingly beautiful.

• Cafe: Have tea in the Gamble Room—it’s arguably the most beautiful cafe in London.

8. Tate Modern

Housed in a former power station on the river. It features international modern and contemporary art (Picasso, Warhol, Hockney).

• Bonus: The top floor of the Blavatnik Building has a free open viewing terrace.

9. The National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square. It houses over 2,300 paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900. See Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.

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Markets & Foodie Hotspots

Londoners love a market.

10. Borough Market

The granddaddy of food markets. Located under the railway arches near London Bridge.

• Eat: A chorizo roll from Brindisa, donuts from Bread Ahead, or fresh pasta from Padella (wait in line).

11. Camden Market

Alternative, grungy, and fun. It’s a maze of stalls selling band t-shirts, vintage leather, and street food from every continent.

• Vibe: Punk rock meets tourism.

12. Columbia Road Flower Market

On Sundays only (8 am - 2 pm), this East London street transforms into a jungle of flowers.

• The Scene: It’s crowded, loud, and full of cockney traders shouting "Three for a fiver!" Go early or late to score bargains.

13. Afternoon Tea

You have to do it once.

• Classic: Fortnum & Mason in Piccadilly.
• Cool: Sketch (The Gallery) for its pink interiors and art.
• Budget: The V&A Museum Cafe does a scone and tea for under £10.

14. The Sunday Roast

A sacred ritual. Roast beef (or lamb/nut roast), roast potatoes, Yorkshire pudding, veg, and gravy.

• Pubs: Try The Holly Bush (Hampstead), The Marksman (Hackney), or The Guinea Grill (Mayfair).

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Parks & Views

London is incredibly green.

15. Hyde Park

Rent a "Santander Cycle" (Boris Bike) and ride the paths. Row a boat on the Serpentine Lake. See the Diana Memorial Fountain.

16. Regents Park & Primrose Hill

Walk through the manicured rose gardens of Regents Park, then hike up Primrose Hill. The view of the skyline framed by trees is the best picnic spot in town.

17. The Sky Garden

Located at the top of the "Walkie Talkie" building. It’s a landscaped garden in the sky with 360-degree views.

• Cost: Free, provided you book a ticket online 3 weeks in advance. It’s better than the Shard (and free).

18. Hampstead Heath

Wild, hilly, and vast. It feels like the countryside. In summer, swim in the natural Bathing Ponds (Ladies, Men’s, and Mixed).

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Hidden Gems & Unique Experiences

19. God’s Own Junkyard

A neon wonderland in Walthamstow. It’s a warehouse filled with thousands of vintage neon signs and movie props. There’s a cafe inside.

20. Cyclopark or Lee Valley VeloPark

Ride the actual Olympic track from the 2012 Games.

21. Leadenhall Market

A stunning covered Victorian market in the City. It was used as the location for Diagon Alley (Harry Potter).

22. Wilton’s Music Hall

The oldest surviving Grand Music Hall in the world. It’s atmospheric, crumbling, and romantic. Go for a drink or see a show.

23. The Painted Hall (Greenwich)

Often called the "Sistine Chapel of the UK." An incredible baroque hall at the Old Royal Naval College.

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Shopping

24. Liberty London

A department store in a mock-Tudor building built from the timber of two ships. It’s famous for floral prints and luxury goods.

25. Carnaby Street

Right behind Liberty. Famous for the "Swinging 60s." Now pedestrianised and full of cool brands.

26. Harrods

Even if you buy nothing, go to the Food Hall. It is an edible museum of luxury.

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Nightlife & Entertainment

27. Catch a West End Show

Les Misérables, The Lion King, Hamilton. London’s theatre scene is rivaled only by Broadway.

• Tip: Visit the TKTS booth in Leicester Square for discounted same-day tickets.

28. Soho Jazz

Go to Ronnie Scott’s for world-famous jazz (book ahead) or Ain't Nothin' But... for blues.

29. Bermondsey Beer Mile

A stretch of railway arches in South London housing incredible craft breweries. Start at one end and crawl your way to the other.

30. Shoreditch Nights

Go for cocktails at Nightjar (speakeasy style) or play ping pong at Bounce.

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There you have it—30 reasons why London is the capital of the world. You could do one of these every day for a month and still barely scratch the surface. Mind the gap!