Things to Do in London

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

Climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the British capital. 

London’s great meeting place and the “front yard” of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church. 

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic traffic hub is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

The heart and soul of the nation’s spiritual life is also England’s finest example of ecclesiastic architecture.

Adored by audiences and performers alike, this tribute to Prince Albert is one of the world’s most celebrated concert venues.

The heart of ceremonial London, this Royal Park is the perfect location for an afternoon of pomp and pageantry, or an impromptu picnic on the grass.

An abandoned power station on the banks of the Thames is the ideal home for Britain’s national gallery of modern art.

Originally created as a “cabinet of curiosities,” Britain’s oldest museum has grown into a treasure house of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Shop, dine and drink at this pedestrian-only street made famous the world over by musicians and socialites during the Swinging London era of the 1960s.

Spend an afternoon discovering this famous shopping street, home to the world’s oldest toy shop and high-end boutiques.

Shop for fresh produce, fine cheeses, flowers and many other items in one of the oldest covered markets in London.

Old-world lanterns and tributes to Blake and Shakespeare add a literary layer to this green knoll, which has one of London’s six protected viewpoints.

Attend a spectacular production in the large domed auditorium of this celebrated institution with a rich and eclectic theatrical history. 

Sit on a bench and admire the magnificent architecture that surrounds this leafy square situated in one of London’s most handsome districts.

Discover memorial gardens, art galleries and historic buildings and admire the winding River Thames from this arched bridge.

Check out old posters and maps, see models of London’s 19th-century transport systems and watch your kids guide a Tube train through a simulator.

Escape the hustle and bustle of city life with a trip to this scenic park in the heart of London.

Relax in the two vast parks and visit the museum and various monuments that honor the first Duke of Wellington.

Take a tour of the historic palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s official residence in London, and enjoy a stroll around the peaceful surrounding gardens.

One of the largest bronze sculptures in Europe tops a victory arch marking the battle that ended the Napoleonic Wars. Venture inside for exhibits and views.

Delve into British politics at this historic complex, the meeting place of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.

Bring your family to the adjacent gardens and playground of this Gothic masterpiece that plays a key role in the U.K.’s parliamentary history. 

Peer down over London from the summit of the tower and examine the intricate mosaics and exquisite marble designs of the cathedral interior.

Attend fascinating talks, see acclaimed shows and enjoy lunch at this concrete playhouse in the vibrant South Bank area.

Visit this grassy plaza for a view of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and other historic structures that are synonymous with London.

Marvel at the graceful movements of the ballerinas on stage and hear the sweet music of the orchestra in a theater that has been popular since the 1700s.

Less crowded than neighboring St. James’s Park, this triangular grassy space is known for its pretty walking paths and mature trees.

Stroll along the Ladies Bridge for some of the best views in London and go for dinner in the vibrant South Bank area.

Watch internationally acclaimed musicals, attend live music performances and learn about the rich history of this Grade II-listed West End theater.

Admire the intricate sculptures on this grand three-arched monument, which is modeled on Rome’s Arch of Constantine.

Watch acclaimed performances of world-famous musicals at this art deco-style venue set in the heart of London’s animated theater district.

This grand structure marks the entrance to the Mall and was commissioned by King Edward VII as a memorial to his mother Queen Victoria.

Thrill to London's eclectic nightlife in one of its most famous locations, a vibrant square that's been an entertainment hub since the 19th century.

This affluent area is home to some of London’s most exclusive shops, as well as a  regal palace and gardens.

Come to this street to see how traditional Bengali groups share the spotlight with the hipsters, trendsetters and fashion models of London. 

Peruse the jewelry, designer brands and antiques on display in the upscale boutiques and elegant arcades of London’s prime shopping street.

Shop until you drop, sample food from around the world and attend live music events at the colorful markets of Camden Town.

Experience the creatively charged atmosphere of Camden Town as you walk along this street packed with bars, restaurants, markets and music venues.

Get tips from traders and browse the artisanal food and healthy smoothies packing the stalls of this London stalwart that dates back more than 1,000 years.

Browse upmarket boutiques and dine in upscale restaurants in this grandiose building, which once functioned as a center of trade.

Peruse an assortment of antiques and artworks, including armory and French 18th-century paintings, across 25 galleries of this national museum.

Admire a Japanese-style garden, stroll through quiet woodland and watch open-air theater and opera productions in summer at this beautiful public park.

The founder of Harvard University was baptized in this oldest Gothic church in London. Marvel at its stained glass and opulent chapels.

In the heart of London’s lively West End district is this 19th-century theater, which has a year-round schedule of popular musicals.

Part of a 16th-century estate with ties to the English Civil War, this park has a range of grasslands, meadows and gardens straddling the River Thames.

Relish the bohemian vibe in this niche indoor market, which features an assortment of stalls and restaurants.

From antiques, arts and crafts sellers to a superb food court and live music, this market buzzes with energy 7 days a week. 

Tour the grounds, watch international cricket matches and learn about the historic sporting events held at this well-known cricket stadium.

Relive the lives of children through the ages via collections of toys, games and puppets at this quirky museum. 

Discover an eclectic schedule of art, cinema, dance, music and theater events at one of the largest performing arts centers in Europe.

Cross this steel suspension bridge for spectacular views of the River Thames and other iconic London attractions.

Enjoy views of the boats in this dockland area while visiting one of the tallest structures in the U.K.’s capital city.

Marvel at symbolic and cultural carvings adorning the façade and halls of this neo-Gothic masterpiece and browse eclectic art exhibitions.

Investigate the decks and hull of this handsome 19th-century wooden sailing ship, the last remaining tea clipper in the world. 

Browse collections of historic monetary artifacts as you take an educational journey through the 300-year-old history of the Bank of England.

Glean fascinating insights into the U.K.’s naval heritage when you tour this Royal Navy cruiser, which saw action in World War II.

Rise above the hustle and bustle of London’s streets and join flamingos and other birds in these tranquil themed roof gardens.

See life-size wax sculptures of Hollywood celebrities, historical figures and sporting stars at this famous wax museum in London.

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

Spot the former homes of Winston Churchill, Harry Gordon Selfridge and fictional character Bertie Wooster in this affluent plaza containing some of the city’s oldest trees.

One of London’s largest parks was once a royal hunting ground and is now a popular place to enjoy pretty flower displays, live music and superb city views.

Ascend to the observation deck of one of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe for unparalleled views of the London cityscape.

Follow in the aristocratic footsteps of the Chelsea elite, with a trip to the historic theater and swanky department stores surrounding this tree-lined square.

Explore the wonders of the natural world for free in this fascinating museum. Learn about dinosaurs, creatures of the deep, our planet’s interior and much more.

This historic market is an explosion of color, from brightly painted houses to displays of antiques and garments among more than 1,000 stalls.

Marvel at the sanctuary of foliage and colorful flowers and barter with the vendors in this lively and historic market.

Browse upscale items in independent stores and people-watch from a café in this historic and fashion-conscious part of the city.

Enjoy a few drinks on a pub terrace overlooking the river next to one of London’s oldest working river crossings.

Jousting, archery and cricket are woven into the rich history of this active park, enclosed by some of Richmond’s most historic buildings.

Browse the elegant fronts of the luxury retail stores and learn the history of the city’s oldest purpose-built commercial gallery.

Admire the charming two-story shops that flank this roofed colonnade, known for its silver antiques, designer brands and delicious macarons.

Learn about the fictional detective at one of the world’s most famous addresses and admire the period décor from the 19th century.

Discover the role of the Household Cavalry, a mounted and prestigious regiment of the British Army that acts as the bodyguard of the Royal Family.

Marvel at the otherworldly design of this space-age tower that plays a key role in finance, international risk management and insurance.