Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Londoner by heart, you’ll never get tired of this city. London is universally known to be a hub spot for endless things to do, and with some of the greatest things to see.
Explore famous landmarks and world-famous sites, from historic bridges and cathedrals to royal palaces and museums.
Now we have all read the guides with 100+ things to do in different cities – but what do we get out of it? Not much…
The information is often trivial and the activities listed are typically not something you’d bother to write down. So my friend, you’ve come to the right place – because here I ONLY tell you about places I have or would visit myself (and recommend of course ;)) Let’s dive into it.
Map of London
How to get around in London?
“The Tube” is the most efficient way to get around, and usually the best choice. Tube stations are easily recognisable with the distinctive London Underground logo, a red circle with the text “underground” featured in a blue box. Most tube stations have a barrier for entry and exit, and you can purchase tickets from machines at the station, or use a contactless card directly by the gates.
Oh, the iconic red doubledeckers. Buses are usually a bit slower than the railway because they have to deal with traffic jams (which is pretty horrible in London) – but it’s cheap and often get you closer to your destination.
Out of the iconic modes of transportation in England like the tube and red double deck buses – perhaps the most famous is the black cab. London’s Hackney Carriages is definitely an experience, though they are more expensive than any of the other forms of transport.
Using an Oyster Card
In addition to cheaper individual rides, Oyster Cards never expire so it will be usable in your next trip and when traveling with an Oyster Card, a ‘cap’ is automatically applied once you reach a certain amount each day.
For example, the most you will ever spend in one day when traveling within zones 1 & 2 with an Oyster Card is £8.10. Buses also cap out at £5.25 per day (with each ride costing £1.75).
Hopper Fare on Buses
When you take the bus in London, you often have to switch – with the hopper fare you’ll be able to switch between as many buses as you like within 1 hour without being charged more than the initial £1.75 fare.
Google Pay or Apple Pay
If you have Google Pay or Apple Pay on your smartphone, then you don’t need to buy an Oyster card, or a travel card at all because you’ll get the exact same rates and price capping.
The London pass
If you plan on visiting multiple sites in London this card is for you! You can save up to 50% on 90+ attractions! It’s a digital pass with instant access on your mobile phone.
How it works:
1. Choose a pass between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 10 days
2. Download the Go City app to get access to your pass
3. Check which attractions need a reservation and book in advance.
4. Show your pass at each attraction to be scanned for admission.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Access to 90+ London attractions
- 1-day hop-on hop-off bus tour
- Digital guide with attraction information
How long should you stay in London?
3 days is enough for the MUST see attractions in london, but 5 days is best if you want to do a few day trips or just relax a bit.
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When is the best time to visit London?
The busiest times to visit London are July and August, as well as European bank holidays and school breaks. So try to visit in april/may or september to avoid the crowds. Though Christmas is widely celebrated and decorated for in London – so if you’re in the spirit, December is also a good time to visit.
Best things to do in London
1. TOUR THE HOUSE OF PARLIAMENT
The British House of Parliament’s iconic clock tower, Big Ben, is probably the world’s most famous clock. But did you know that you can actually visit it? The Houses of Parliament, also known as the Palace of Westminster (dating back to the 11th century), when it began as a royal residence, serves as the seat of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. The building consists of the historic Westminster Hall, the Central Lobby, many chambers and of course Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben).
Step into the heart of the British democracy with the only fully guided visit through Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
Duration: 3 hours
Includes: Live tour guide
2. VISIT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT RELIGIOUS BUILDINGS IN THE UK – WESTMINSTER ABBEY.
Westminster Abbey is famous for hosting royal weddings, coronations, and burials. With a long history, the Abbey has functioned as a working religious site for nearly 1000 years.
The number of persons buried in Westminster Abbey exceeds 3,300. Among them are the majority of the English monarchs as well as Charles Darwin, Sir Isaac Newton, Geoffrey Chaucer, Charles Dickens, Laurence Olivier, and Stephen Hawking.
The church is open from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm, Monday through Friday and 9am to 2pm on Saturdays. Because of its fame, it’s best to visit in the morning, when there are few people.
If you don’t want to tour the House of Parliament as well, you can book a tour of just the Abbey. But remember it is a working church, and may be closed for events or ceremonies. It’s best if you check the Abbey’s schedule and pre-book online tickets to ensure entry. Make sure to carry a valid ID proof as well.
Explore over a thousand years of history and marvel at breathtaking gothic architecture.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
3. OBSERVE LONDON FROM THE LONDON EYE
For one of the best views in London, take a ride on the London Eye. Here you can get a bird’s eye view of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the River Thames.
Also known as the Millennium Wheel, as it was built to mark the new millennium and was officially opened on march 9, 2000. It’s a giant observation wheel situated on the South Bank of the River Thames (just across from Big Ben).
The London Eye is open every day but has different opening times throughout the year – for more information click here
General tickets starts at €35. Fast track tickets start at €55. You can either purchase your ticket immediately before boarding the London Eye or online in advance (recommended).
One of the world's tallest observation wheels and most popular tourist attractions, gives you a full panoramic view of London.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your booking.
4. SEE THE ROYAL RESIDENCE – BUCKINGHAM PALACE
Since 1837, this is what the British monarchs have called home. Strolling along The Mall down to Buckingham Palace is a must-do for first timers to London.
You can check if the Royals are home – if the Royal Standard Flag is flown above Buckingham Palace they are in the residence. Otherwise, the Union Jack is displayed.
Did you know you can visit Buckingham palace?
Yes! You can explore the magnificent State Rooms which are open to visitors every summer. Dates for the summer of 2024 are from July 11th to September 29th. Tickets start at £32 – want to know more or book an exclusive tour? Check their official website.
Royal Standard Flag & Union Jack
The Royal Standard Flag is flown above Buckingham Palace when the monarchs are in the residence. Otherwise, the Union Jack is displayed (showed behind the Standard Flag above).
5. WATCH THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD
This free activity takes place between St. James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace. The ceremony starts at 10:30 am at St. James’s Palace, at 10:45 the guards enter The Mall and walk towards Buckingham Palace, and at 11 am the official Changing of the Guard happens at Buckingham Palace.
Pro tip: get there early as it’s a popular event
The Changing of the Guard occurs every other day, but the schedule can change depending on events (and the ceremony will not occur in inclement weather). Be up to date through their official website
6. WATCH THE HORSE GUARDS AT WHITEHALL
The horse guards and their parade off of Whitehall is a part of the Changing of the Guards ceremony. It’s amazing to see this long standing tradition. Whitehall houses the Household Cavalry Museum and is the working headquarters of the Household Division, which provides the King’s Guard. Horse Guards at Whitehall is not only a functional military headquarters but also a symbol of the ceremonial and historic traditions within the British monarchy.
And for the love of god, stop trying to pet the horses. They are service animals!
7. GO BACK IN HISTORY IN THE CHURCHILL WAR ROOMS
During World War II, Winston Churchill and his staff hunkered down under the streets of London, and now you can visit it. You don’t have to be a history nerd to enjoy this museum, but if you’re not up to date with Churchill I’d recommend watching the movie Darkest Hour.
The War Rooms are open daily from 9.30 am to 6 pm. An adult ticket is £30, half price for children and £27 for students. Every ticket includes a free audio guide.
Audio guide included
Limited to 10 participants
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Afterward the tour, discover more of political London with an included self-guided audio tour, of 15 points of interest, such as 10 Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament.
8. ENGAGE IN A DEBATE ON SPEAKERS CORNER
The best known public debate area is in the north-east corner of Hyde Park. In 1872, the British parliament set aside this part of Hyde Park for public speaking and it has kept going ever since. The Speech Corner is an area that allows free expression, public speaking, debate and open-air discussion.
9. GET A STUNNING 360 VIEW OF LONDON
The shard
If you’re not afraid of heights, the 72-story skyscraper, also known as the Shard, is the BEST place to go for epic views of London. Tickets are required for everyone visiting The View from The Shard (except for children aged three and under) and start from £28.You can buy tickets on the day or pre-book HERE
Sky Garden
Or you can go to Sky Garden, also referred to as the Walkie Talkie. It’s one of the newer skyscrapers in London, and on the top level is an observation deck with panoramic views of London. It is free to visit Sky Garden 7 days a week at certain hours, which you can get updates from on their official website. It’s best to book your ticket in advance, as they have a limited number of spaces.
Psst: If you have a reservation at one of the two restaurants on the top floor, you do not have to reserve an entrance ticket.
The Lookout
A free panoramic view of London from the 50th floor. You have to book a timeslot through their official website – see more HERE
10. STAND IN BETWEEN THE EASTERN AND WESTERN HEMISPHERE IN GREENWICH.
Take a trip to historic Greenwich, a district in the southeastern part of London, where the Royal Observatory is also situated.
The prime Meridian (0 degrees longitude) passes through the observatory, making it a significant location for measurement of time and navigation. The concept of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) is used as the baseline for time zones around the world.
The Observatory is open for visits daily from 10am to 5pm (you must have a timed entry ticket). An adult ticket is £18 and £9 for children.
Explore the historic home of British astronomy and learn about the wonders of space!
Audio guide included
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
11. VISIT THE MAGNIFICENT TOWER OF LONDON
The tower of London is a historic castle located on the Banks of the River Thames and dates back to 1066. It has been used as a prison, a royal residence and now houses the crown jewels (the collections includes the regalia used during coronations).
Perhaps it’s most famous for its use as an execution site, where many high-profile profile prisoners, including Anne Boleyn, Catherine Howard, and Lady Jane Grey, were held and executed.
The Tower of London, along with the nearby Tower Bridge, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
TAKE A YEOMAN WARDER TOUR
Yeoman Warders have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times, and were the Kings personal guards was created in 1485 by Henry VII. They’re also known as ‘Beefeaters’, which they were called because they were allowed to eat as much beef as they wanted from the King’s table (so not the Gin ;)). Today’s Yeoman Warders need to have at least 22 years’ military service.
The Yeoman Warders Tours are included as part of an admission ticket to the London Tower, and there is no need to book in advance. Tours begin every 30 mins. And starts at 10am from Tuesday to Saturday, and at 10.30 am on Sunday and Mondays (last tour is at 3.30pm).
Absorb over 1000 years of history at the Tower of London, and see the Crown Jewels.
Included are tickets to the Yeoman Warders tour, where the guardians of the Tower, tell you their stories from the Tower.
12. WALK ON TOWER BRIDGE.
Another famous icon of London. Its mediaeval style makes many people think that it is very old (it was constructed in 1894) but it was designed to complement its neighbour, the Tower of London. From here the 5 Olympic rings hang during the London 2012 Olympic Games.
If you are interested, you can climb the towers for another bird’s eye view of London. Get more info here.
13. TASTE FOOD FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD AT BOROUGH MARKET
The Borough market is essentially a street food market, which is open all year, with small restaurants and food shops from every corner of the world.
Borough Market is located in Southwark, Central London, near London Bridge (address: 8 Southwark Street, London SE1 1T). The market’s history dates back to the 11th century, and has been a trading hub for fresh produce for centuries. Borough Market also hosts events like cooking classes, tastings, and food-related festivals, and is today famous for it’s variety of food-on-the-go options.
Opening hours: daily 10am to 5pm (closed on Mondays)
14. HAVE AN ENGLISH AFTERNOON TEA
You can’t go to England and not have afternoon tea. This tradition stems from the early nineteenth century when tea became very popular in England. At the time it was usual for people to only have two main meals a day – breakfast & dinner – where the afternoon tea was born as a light snack. Afternoon Tea is a meal composed of small sandwiches (usually cut into ‘fingers’), scones with cream and jam, sweet pastries, cake and – of course – tea.
Looking for best places in London for afternoon tea? Find them here
15. ST. PAUL’S CATHEDRAL IS A MUST
Constructed between 1087 and 1314 and devoted to Saint Paul, the ancient Cathedral was destroyed in the London Great Fire in 1666. A new construction started in 1675, and the rebuilding was completed in 1697. Up until 1963, it was also the tallest structure in London.
On a visit here, you will see the interior of the cathedral, the crypt, and climb the 528 steps to the dome for panoramic views of London.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday: 8.30am to 4pm (from 10am on sundays)
NB: It’s free to attend a service but you need an admission ticket to climb the dome.
"Explore the cathedral floor and crypt, climb its 3 galleries and view panoramic London from the top of the dome."
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
16. CLIMB THE MONUMENT OF THE GREAT FIRE OF LONDON
On September 2, 1666, a fire started on Pudding Lane and lasted four days which burned 86% of London to the ground. This monument commemorates the fire and how the city has been rebuilt from the ashes. If you climb the 311 steps you get a nice view of several London landmarks. Want to know more? Visit their site here
17. GO BACK 400 YEARS IN TIME
This theatre is located on the banks of the River Thames and is a modern reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were performed during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.
You can join a guided tour or attend a play. See here for more info.
Step 400 years back in time with Shakespeare.
Duration: 2 hours
Includes: live tour guide
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
18. TAKE A SELFIE IN NEAL’S YARD
Neal’s Yard is a colourful alley in the Seven Dials neighbourhood of London, not far from Covent Garden. It’s a lovely, hidden place that’s absolutely insta-worthy. The facades are painted in colors of blue, green, yellow and red, which is quite unique. Over the years, Neal’s Yard has served as a community space, hosting events, markets, and gatherings. The commitment to sustainability and wellness is reflected in the businesses that operate in the area, which include organic food shops & cafes, Neal’s Yard remedies store, known for natural beauty products, and other boutiques.
19. SEE A CLASSIC LONDON WEST END MUSICAL
In addition to the entertainment at and around Covent Garden… Have you even been to London if you haven’t seen a west end musical?
Well apparently I haven’t… but I would highly recommend you to do it. A West End musical is the equivalent to New York’s Broadway but it also refers to the West End of London where many large theatres are located. Here’s some of the most popular Musicals:
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20. GET INSPIRED BY CONTEMPORARY ART AT TATE MODERN
Visit Tate Modern to see some of the most fascinating modern and contemporary art in the world. Pablo Picasso and other international artists’ paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations are on exhibit. Best of it all? You can stroll through the gallery for FREE every day between 10am and 6pm.
21. VISIT THE BRITISH MUSEUM FOR FREE IN LONDON
The British Museum is one of the world’s top museums, as it contains a massive collection of historical artifacts, including a portion of the Parthenon, the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, and hieroglyphics. In 2000, the museum had a radical makeover that included the Great Court, which has a glass roof. The British Museum invites you to set off on a global voyage without ever leaving the heart of London, regardless of whether you’re an enthusiastic traveller, art fan, or history buff.
The Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm (but 4.30pm on wednesdays and 8.30 on fridays).
22. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT AN ART LOVER, THE NATIONAL GALLERY IS ONE FOR ALL
London’s National Gallery is a world-famous art museum that sits in Trafalgar Square.
London is a city full of cultural gems, and the National Gallery is the focal point of the city’s thriving art scene. This renowned museum is home to a huge collection of artworks spanning from the 13th to the 19th century, including pieces by artists such as Leonardo da Vinci & Vincent van Gogh.
The Museum is open daily from 10am to 6pm (Fridays until 9pm) and general admission is FREE.
23. START YOUR NIGHT OUT AT PICCADILLY CIRCUS
Piccadilly Circus is where several main roads come together, and perhaps its best known for its electrifying advertising displays and the iconic Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain at its centre. The area is surrounded by large electronic screens that light up the square, showcasing a blend of advertisements, art and information. In this sense Piccadilly Circus is similar to Times Square in New York City. This meeting point, where several main roads come together, is a very busy spot in London. Piccadilly Circus is surrounded by London’s renowned Theaterland, with numerous theaters showing world-class productions. The area is a thriving entertainment district, making it a perfect starting point for an evening of West End Shows, musicals or a night out in town.
24. EXPLORE CHINATOWN IN LONDON
It’s hard to miss this lively neighbourhood with its Chinese lanterns and striking red arches – especially with the amazing red and gold gate with elaborate Chinese symbols greets you as soon as you enter Chinatown.
Chinatown is full of real Asian eateries, grocery stores, and hidden bars; there’s always something new to discover. In addition to its culinary and cultural attractions, Chinatown is ideally situated close to other popular entertainment areas. It’s a great place to go before or after an event because of its close proximity to Leicester Square and the West End theaters. Chinatown blends in perfectly with the local entertainment scene, whether you’re planning a night out, in the mood for some delicious food, or searching for cultural adventures.
25. TAKE A SELFIE WITH THE ROYALS AT MADAME TUSSAUDS LONDON
Fancy taking a photo with the late Queen? Harry Styles? Or Spiderman?
You can at Madame Tussauds. The wax museum was founded in 1835 by French wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in London. Today you can find several of their wax museums all over the world.
The famous museum is open every day from 9.30am to 3pm.
The world famous wax museum was founded in 1835, and today there's more than 250 wax figures at Madame Tussauds London which gives many hours of fun!
26. VISIT FRANKLIN’S HOUSE
For sixteen years, from 1757 and 1775, One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, Benjamin Franklin lived in London. This house is the only surviving house that he called home. It is now a museum and can be visited while you are in London.
You can only visit the house on a tour, of which there are several to choose from. Learn more on the official website.
27. SING KARAOKE AT THE PRINCE CHARLES CINEMA
As an independent theatre, it has earned a reputation for its diverse programming, quirky events, and a commitment to providing audiences with an alternative and memorable movie-going experience.
The Prince Charles Cinema hosts regular singalongs where everyone in the crowd joyfully breaks into song while viewing movies from old classics (like Grease) to new favourites (like the Greatest Showman), regardless of whether you have a singer’s voice or not.
In a city where entertainment costs can quickly add up, the Prince Charles Cinema stands out for its commitment to providing affordable ticket prices.
28. HAVE FUN IN SOHO
One of the liveliest neighbourhoods in London, with plenty to keep you occupied day and night. It’s well-known for its exciting nightlife and fine dining establishments. From being one of London’s run down and lousy neighbourhoods, Soho has become one of its trendiest.
Some things to do in Soho:
GO HARRY POTTER MAD IN THE HOUSE OF MINALIMA
Head through the cute pink entryway, and explore three floors of the amazing gallery/shop space. While there’s all kinds of art in the store and gallery, there is a heavy emphasis on Harry Potter and the Fantastic Beasts series.
The House of Minamalina is open every day from 12pm – 7pm every day.
CARNABY STREET
This street has a long and varied history – it was used to house victims of the Plague in the 1600s, and was the epicentre of the 1960s, where stars from Jimi Hendrix to the Rolling Stones and Elizabeth Taylor would shop, party, dine and watch the theatre.
HAVE A BEER AT A NO-TECH PUB
The French House, located in the heart of Soho in London, is a historic and iconic pub known for its unique character, bohemian atmosphere, and rich cultural heritage. One notable feature of The French House is its “No Music” policy. This means that you can enjoy conversations without the background noise of music or television. This policy adds to the pub’s old-world charm.
The upstairs restaurant room is open for lunch midday until 3pm, and for dinner from 6pm to 9pm Tuesday to Saturday.
29. FIND FAMOUS FISH N’ CHIPS IN LONDON
Fish & chips is classic British food. The ultimate comfort meal from Britain is a slice of battered cod resting atop a heap of steaming hot chips (french fries in the United States). Want to know where to get the best of the best?
Check out this list over THE BEST FISH AND CHIPS IN LONDON.
30. STROLL BOOKLOVERS STREET
It’s no wonder the street’s nickname is “Booksellers’ Row”. Cecil Court feels like a hidden gem, lined with about 20 secondhand bookshops and antiquarian shops, all selling a piece of unique history. Cecil Court is located near Leicester Square and Trafalgar Square, making it a super pit-stop at the West End.
Psst. some connect Cecil Court to the Harry Potter universe saying that Diagon Alley, the magical shopping district in J.K. Rowling’s series, was inspired by the street.
31. EXPLORE THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM IN KENSINGTON
Due to its amazing exhibitions and magnificent building, the Natural History Museum is a must-see during your time in London.
Situated in the heart of South Kensington, the museum stands as a monumental tribute to the diversity of life on Earth. With its iconic architecture, extensive collections, and immersive exhibits.
Collections and galleries at the Natural History Museum:
- Dinosaur Gallery
- Earth hall
- Human evolution
- Mineral and gem collections
- Life in the dark
- Wildlife photographer of the year
Visit the museum every day from 10am and with a last entry at 5.30pm for FREE (BUT you need to pre-book your tickets on their official website – do it HERE).
Or take a recommended tour to enjoy as much as possible.
Journey through this enormous museum, through the wonders of the natural world from volcanoes and earthquakes to dinosaurs.
The best experience no matter age or size!
32. BECOME A CHILD IN HAMLEY’S LONDON UNIVERSE
Hamley’s is London’s largest toy store. Don’t miss this colourful, somewhat chaotic store located on Regent Street.
Having been around since 1760, Hamleys is more than just a toy store—it’s a fanciful place for everyone. You’ll find professional toy presenters showcasing the newest devices and games around the store, along with puppet shows and character appearances. Experiencing the renowned Hamleys bear is an essential part of every trip to Hamleys. The Hamleys bear, an iconic representation of the store’s timeless appeal, is a cherished playmate for kids and a constant reminder of the wonder that can be discovered here.
Hamley’s at Regent Street is open monday to saturday 10am to 9pm and sundays on 12am to 6pm.
33. HAVE A BEER AT CHURCHILL ARMS PUB
The Churchill Arms is a well-known and iconic pub located in Kensington
The pub has a history dating back to the late 18th century and has undergone various renovations and changes over the years. It was originally known as the “Church-on-the-Hill” and during the 1800s, Winston Churchill’s Grandparents were regular visitors which eventually led to the naming of the pub after World War 2 – in honour of Churchills grandchild, the wartime Prime Minister from 1940-1945 (and again from 1951-1955) Winston Churchill.
One of the most striking features of the Churchill Arms is its exterior, which is decorated with flowers and greenery. The pub is famous for its beautiful floral displays, including hanging baskets and flower-covered walls, and has earned the nickname of “London’s most colourful pub.” The interior of the Churchill Arms is equally charming and eclectic, as the pub is filled with an extensive collection of Churchill memorabilia, including photographs, paintings, and other things.
The Churchill Arms offers a menu of traditional British pub food, including fish and chips and pies. In addition to its typical pub menu, the Churchill Arms is also known for its Thai restaurant, which serves authentic Thai food. This combination of British and Thai culinary offerings adds to the pub’s unique character (and they even have an outdoor beer garden).
The pub is open daily from 11am to 11pm whereas the kitchen is open from 12-9.30pm.
Psst: it’s a quite busy pub so I’d recommend reserving a table – especially for dining. Check out their website and book a table HERE.
34. MEET WILLIAM & KATE AT KENSINGTON PALACE
Explore the birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years. As well as being a popular visitor destination, Kensington Palace is the official London residence of The Prince and Princess of Wales and their children.
The price for visiting the official rooms of the palace is £20 for an adult (Please note that the Historic Royal Palaces is a self-funding charity that cares for the Kensington Palace. When buying a ticket you can choose an optional 10% donation towards the charitable work.) Book your ticket HERE
Besides Kensington Palace you can also visit the Kensington Gardens which seamlessly connects with Hyde Park, creating a huge green area that is perfect for outdoor recreation and cultural events. Row on Serpentine Lake, go to one of the lakeside cafes or just take a stroll. You do not need a ticket to enter the Gardens
Opening hours (official website):
Wednesday to Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00 (pre-booking advised)
The Sunken Garden will be open during palace opening hours with the last entry at 15:45.
In addition The Kensington Palace has an Orangery. The Orangery was originally built in the early 18th century as a greenhouse for exotic plants and a winter home for citrus trees. Over the years, it has served various purposes, including hosting court entertainments and exhibitions. The Pavilion is the only place in London where you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea in the grounds of a royal palace. You do not need a palace admission ticket if you want to visit the orangery, but if you plan to enjoy afternoon tea or visit for dining, it’s recommended to make reservations, especially during peak times.
35. WALK THROUGH 5000 YEARS OF HISTORY AT THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is one of the world’s leading museums of art, design, and performance. Located in London, the V&A houses a vast and diverse collection that spans over 5,000 years of human creativity. The V&A was founded in 1852 as the South Kensington Museum and was later renamed in honor of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Although the topic—a museum of applied design—might seem a touch dry, the actual experience is everything from. Enormous Greek and Roman statues coexist with opulent interiors and the opportunity to go on a history tour.
While general admission to the V&A is FREE, special exhibitions may have an admission fee, but check out the official website for details.
Opening hours are daily from 10am to 5.45pm (on fridays it’s open until 22pm with some selected galleries staying open after normal times).
37. STROLL BRICK LANE
Brick Lane is a vibrant street located in the East End of London. Originally, it was known for its brick and tile manufacturing in the 15th century, and once it was associated with the poorest slums of East London, (and apparently a favoured spot for Jack the Ripper murders…) but over the years, it has evolved into a melting pot of cultures, and an appealing mix of markets, vintage shops, street art and more.
Brick Lane is renowned for its Sunday Market, attracting both locals and tourists. The market is a treasure trove of vintage clothing, antiques, handmade crafts, and unique finds.
The Old Truman Brewery, located off Brick Lane, was once London’s largest brewery, but is now primarily a creative and cultural space that hosts art exhibitions, pop-up shops, food markets, and events. It’s a hub for emerging artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. As it gets dark, Brick Lane comes alive with its nightlife scene. The area is dotted with pubs, bars, and live music venues.
The Brick Lane Market is open on Saturdays from 11am to 6pm and Sundays from 10am to 6pm (the Food Hall closes at 5pm).
36. JOIN THE HARRY POTTER SET
Tour Warner Bros. Studio and get behind the scenes of the renowned Harry Potter films. See more details below.
Warner Bros. Studio tour
Tour Warner Bros. Studio and get behind the scenes of the Harry Potter films.
Duration: 7 hours
Includes:
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Entrance ticket and tour
38. WATCH A MAGIC MIKE SHOW
You might have heard about them, but Magic Mike is more than sixpacks. The show features dancers from around the world, doing erotic dance routines and spectacular acts with 360-degree entertainment. The live show is based on the Magic Mike movie series produced by American actor Channing Tatum. In the London Theatre the 90-minute show features unique and mesmerising acrobatic and musical acts which is both empowering and exciting.
The West End Show Times are:
Thursday & Friday at 7pm & 9.30pm and Saturday at 4pm, 7pm & 9.30pm.
Good to know:
- Under 18 years of age are not allowed to attend the show.
- You have to show a valid Government-issued photo ID.
- Photography, videography, and sound recording are not allowed inside the theatre.
- The cost of the Magic Mike Live tickets will vary depending on the type of seats you choose but starting from £46
Want to know more or book tickets? BOOK HERE
39. WALK ON THE ROOF OF O2
The O2 is a stadium which is home to the world’s most popular music, sport, comedy and world-class entertainment venues located on the Greenwich Peninsula in London.The O2 Arena has an iconic dome-shaped structure that was originally constructed as the Millennium Dome to celebrate the turn of the millennium in the year 2000. It has the second-highest seating capacity of any indoor venue in the United Kingdom, behind the Manchester Arena (As of 2022, it is the ninth-largest building in the world by volume with a diameter of 365 metres and a height of 52 metres).
For those seeking a unique experience, “Up at The O2” offers the opportunity to climb to the top of the iconic dome for panoramic views of London. This guided expedition involves a walkway that takes you over the dome’s roof.
Climb the roof of The O2 Arena, and admire 360-degree panoramic views of London's skyline. This 90 minute guided expedition involves a walkway that takes you over the dome's roof.
Choose between day walks, sunset walks, weekend walks or private walks.
40. GO BACK IN TIME AT THE MUSEUM OF BRANDS
In Notting Hill is a unique museum in London which was founded by Robert Opie in 1984. Originally it started as a small collection of packaging, and over the years, it has grown into a museum that explores the evolution of brands, packaging, and advertising from the Victorian era to the present day which is revealed decade by decade in the “time tunnel.” At the Museum of Brands you can discover the trends of daily life, the revolution in shopping habits and logos.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm and on Sundays from 11am to 5pm.
A standard ticket is £9. Check out their official website here.
41. SEE THE BUTTERFLY TRAIL
Outernet London is the name of a new entertainment, arts and culture district opened in 2022 in the West End of London. It has four storeys hidden under the centre of London, a live events space and is the largest digital exhibition space in Europe . At Outernet you can see the world’s first mixed reality and immersive experience in London.
How to get there:
- Head to tottenham court road station
- Look for the “now building”
- Go inside, it is all open door, but get to the middle of the room for the best experience.
The Outernet is open between 10-6pm every day.
BONUS: FREE entrance
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