Things to Do in London, England: A Curated Guide

The things to do in London, England do not limit themselves only to museums and landmarks, though there are plenty of them. You can also explore neighborhoods, delve into the local culture, take in the nature in beautiful parks, walk along river Thames and even take day trips in the surrounding countryside.

In this guide we will take a more detailed look at everything that London has to offer. From iconic landmarks to enjoying tea time in the afternoon! 

Let's get into it.

London is a city rich in history. And you can witness that through its most iconic landmarks. Monuments that tell the story of a city shaped as it was by turmoil, golden ages, royalty, revolution and glory! The city may have changed greatly through the centuries, but it never lost its character or splendor that we see today in its landmarks and historic sites, making London great for cultural and historical travel.

Once a fortress, palace and even prison for almost 1,000 years, the Tower of London today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see and learn about the Crown Jewels or join a Beefeater-led tour. You can even spot the ravens that made this tower so legendary. We recommend booking a VIP or early-access experience. That way you can avoid thre crowds and enjoy the Tower in peace and quiet.

Since 1066, Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church for English monarchs and is undoubtedly one of the most wonderful Gothic sites in London. Once inside, you get to see Poet's Corner, the Chapter House, and the graves of sixteen monarchs. A tour guide will help you experience a thousand years of history.

Being the official London residence of the British Crown, this place attracts visitors from all over the world especially during the Changing of the Guard. It would be better to come earlier to get the best place for viewing near the gates of the palace. Besides, State Rooms in summer time are also open to the public giving them a chance to have a glimpse of the royal life.

Among the most photographed scenes in London, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben are usually viewed from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank. There are guided tours that allow you to have a look inside the 900-year-old Westminster Hall, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords.

For amazing and unobscured views of the city, walk the glass floor of Tower Bridge which is elevated 140 feet (43m) above the Thames. The old Victorian Engine Rooms are a window into the mechanics behind this famous drawbridge. The best shots are to be had at sunset so go then if you want the most beautiful ones.

Sir Christopher Wren's Baroque masterpiece proved to be a London icon. If you wish, you can go up to the Whispering Gallery where, by a curious law of sound, the voice can be heard all over the dome, and then you can go on to the Golden Gallery to get splendid panoramic views of the city. You can have an unforgettable time by going to an evensong service, the choir music is wonderful.

London hosts a staggering number of wonderful museums so remarkable, and almost without exception, top museums in the city can pride themselves on keeping their major galleries free of charge. This means you can easily experience a gamut of their exhibits within your session. Museums in London tell not only the history of England, but the whole world as well!

One of the most magnificent and comprehensive museum collections in the world is housed at The British Museum. It contains items such as the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, as well as Egyptian mummies. Besides spending around 2-3 hours walking around the museum, one can also opt for private guided tours in London that take you through only the parts that interest you the most.

Located in the beautiful South Kensington area, the museum is the leading one in the world for art, design, and performance. Its collection is a comprehensive and diversely spread one. Alongside the visit to V&A, a stroll through the elegant neighborhood would complete the experience of South Kensington perfectly.

A powerhouse of contemporary and modern art, the museum is housed in a former massive power station at the South Bank. Entry to the permanent collection is free. The top floors of the museum not only provide a viewing platform for the brilliant works of art but also offer spectacular views of the Thames. For those who want to keep the cultural immersion going, walking on the Millennium Bridge leads you directly to St. Paul's Cathedral.

Situated on the north side of Trafalgar Square, this gallery holds an unmatched collection of European paintings in the world. It includes works that date back six centuries by great masters such as Leonardo and Rembrandt up to Van Gogh and Turner. Walking into the National Gallery is like stepping into a treasure trove for anyone who loves art deeply.

The museum, located in one of the most beautiful Romanesque buildings of London in South Kensington, has even more to offer than just its spectacular building. It is a true world center for natural history with innumerable exhibits, for example, dinosaur skeletons and the giant blue whale hanging in the main hall. The museum is a perfect choice for families with children as it offers very engaging and fun ways of learning through its exhibitions and interactive features, making it one of the top highlights for family travel in London.

London's skyline is most beautifully seen from the top, and the city provides you with a handful of splendid spots to enjoy the scenery. No matter if you want a slow spin in the air over the Thames or drinks at the top of a tower, these three places will give you a unique and unforgettable view.

This renowned 443-foot (135 m) tall observation wheel standing on the South Bank offers breathtaking glimpses of London and its famous landmarks. For a truly lavish treat, go for the Champagne Experience which provides a skip-the-line ticket and a glass of bubbly while you enjoy the ride and one of the most memorable moments for honeymoons in London.. Plan to take the ride at golden hour or when it gets dark for the most dazzling illumination.

Sky Garden is a sky terrace teeming with plants located on the roof of 20 Fenchurch Street. It has a bar and a restaurant with a limited number of seats and a breathtaking view of the city from all sides. Entry is free, but you must book your time slot as reservations open three weeks ahead and sell out very fast. It is a classy substitute to the usual observation deck.

If you want the highest viewpoint in Western Europe, go to the 72nd floor of The Shard, almost 800 feet (244m) up the city. On a bright day, the vistas may extend up to 40 miles (64km) away. Make your visit more special by having dinner or drinks at one of The Shard's famous restaurants.

London's culinary landscape is one of the most thrilling and diverse in the world, marrying old British food heritage with influences from the four corners of the globe. Whether you fancy salmon in a chic restaurant, or a takeaway pie and mash, the city is foremost in offering meals for every taste and mood.

Afternoon tea is a very British and pretty unique tradition and London is where you can experience it at its best. The main attraction is a set of three-tiered stands laden with finger sandwiches, plump scones with the richest clotted cream and jam, a variety of elegant pastries, and excellent teas served in beautiful china. For a refined setting, consider Claridge's, The Ritz, The Savoy, or Fortnum & Mason. Be aware that you will need to make a booking and come dressed smartly.

Borough Market, which dates back to 1014, is London's top and most popular choice for food shopping and eating. Here you can feast your eyes on beautiful wheels of cheese, fresh produce, fill up on internationally renowned street food and take home specialty coffee and chocolates from the stalls of the most famous brands. It is open all days of the week except Sunday and the best time to get your hands on all the goodies with the least queue is on weekday mornings.

London's dining scene stacks up against any world capital. You've got modern British, Japanese, French, all with Michelin stars. Some spots have been serving food for decades. But, as you would expect, the best tables go fast. Book early if you don't want to miss out on these experiences. Some examples include The Connaught, The Dorchester, Pavyllon London, Angler, Quilon and many, many more!

No trip would be the same without trying classic British food, a full English breakfast, a proper Sunday roast, or even elevated fish and chips served at a high-end gastropub are some examples. If you are looking for a more sophisticated version, well-known restaurants such as The Wolseley, Rules, London's oldest restaurant, and the Savoy Grill offer British classics in a stylish setting.

Visiting London is great not only for the landmarks but also for discovering its different neighborhoods. Each area has its own vibe and features. For instance, Mayfair is the epitome of luxury and elegance, whereas Shoreditch is very artsy and trendy. So, when you move around, you will get a better picture of what London really is.

The city's most luxurious quarter boasts designer stores along Bond Street and Savile Row, top-notch art galleries, and famous old bars such as Duke's where apparently James Bond's martini was invented, the very heart of luxury travel in London.. A visit to Fortnum & Mason and Royal Academy of Arts will make you experience British style at its best.

Covent Garden is the centre of the action in London's West End and is well known for its Apple Market and street entertainers. It also offers great restaurants, shopping, and theater.

Just around the corner, Soho is full of life at night with its bars, and hosts places well worth a visit such as Neal's Yard which is a beautiful yard out of sight of the main streets.

This corner of London has the V&A, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum, solid institutions. Harrods stands there too, as does King's Road with its boutique selection. The streets are tree-lined, and all the squares have lush gardens to relax in. Walking through it feels like a slow tour of an elegant area.

As a neighborhood, Notting Hill is well known for its multi-colored old-style housing, quaint little shops, and the small independent stores that attract the locals. It has such a charisma that one may even compare it to a village. On Saturdays, Portobello Road Market is the place to be if one wishes to see its full glory, which is mainly vintage goods, handmade things, and food to eat on the spot.

One of the liveliest areas of London when it comes to art and culture is East London. With many shops, vintage markets, galleries and street arts that reflect the rising hippie lifestyle, London's creative hub comes alive. Brick Lane is the main venue not only for enjoying a variety of amazing restaurants, but also for checking out market stalls which offer fresh produce and trinkets while Spitalfields Market is best for handcrafted items, displayed in a stunning Victorian hall.

Camden Town is a dynamic and fascinating part of London that is full of life. Its connected market, music venues, and canal-side walks will amp you up. Merely walking the streets and windows of the decorated shops is an enjoyable activity in and of itself. It is one of the most colorful and striking neighborhoods in London.

If you find London's royal parks to be a great way to escape from the fast pace of the city, you are not alone. Hyde Park, the most well-known amongst them, covers 350 acres (142 hectares) and was at one time the hunting grounds of Henry VIII. Close by, Kensington Gardens is the site of Kensington Palace and the Serpentine Galleries, so one can easily mix culture with a leisurely walk here.

St. James's Park offers magnificent views of Buckingham Palace over the water. Don't forget to check out the pelicans! Regent's Park has well-kept formal gardens, an open-air theater, and of course, the London Zoo. One of the nicest ways to get to know London is to walk from one park to another, enjoying the greenery that runs through the very heart of the city, a gentle but rewarding side of nature and wildlife in London.

London has been one of the main centers of performing arts in the world for many centuries. The cultural calendar of the city is one of the most well-stocked in the world. Although there are some amazing theater productions, the city is also known for its immersive shows, which promise great experiences.

London's West End is pretty much on par with Broadway as the top theatre district in the world. It features a dynamic mix of huge hit musicals, plays with great reviews, and intriguing new works. If you are a fan of classic shows that never get old or you want to check out new shows right after the opening, make sure to buy high-quality tickets ahead of time in order to enjoy the best seats.

Located on the South Bank, Shakespeare's Globe theatre is an open-air playhouse and a faithful model of the original Elizabethan playhouse. Spot performances during summer. You can get balcony tickets for a comfortable seat or standing-room tickets, like in the time of Shakespeare, right up to the stage, for a nostalgic experience.

Besides conventional theater, London is ranked among the cities that are rapidly expanding their offerings of immersive experiences. The ABBA Voyage show is a high-tech concert with interactive avatar versions of the famous band. Also, private and VIP tours of museums, palaces, and galleries provide a look behind the scenes.

The River Thames has been the lifeline of London for more than 2000 years. Taking a cruise on this river is still one of the best ways to see the city. While you are on the boat, you will have a view of the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, and The Shard all of which are London's most famous landmarks, but seen from a totally different angle. There are many kinds of cruises to choose from, such as leisure sightseeing visits during the day, a tea party on the water, or a classy dinner cruise with champagne. Just one of the many ways adventure travel in London keeps surprising you.

If you have time free in your itinerary, going outside the city shows you a totally different face of England, and there are plenty of things to do in England beyond London that are well worth the detour.

The Cotswolds

Classic English countryside featuring sloping landscapes and quaint villages made of honey-colored stones, approximately two hours by car.

Stonehenge and Bath

Link up ancient history with beautiful Georgian architecture, a perfect combination for a one day trip.

Windsor Castle

The oldest and largest castle that is still inhabited in the world, just a train ride of less than an hour, definitely worth a half day.

Oxford or Cambridge

Famous university towns with a history spanning hundreds of years, beautiful college grounds and a unique charm.

A handful of tips for you to plan your perfectly smooth travel.

There are so many things to do in London that it is not surprising that the city is one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. From ancient monuments and top of the art museums to classy eating and lively areas, London offers a remarkable mix of the past, cultural and high-level experiences. Whether it is your first time or a long time you have been waiting to come, there will always be something new for you to see.If you're ready to experience London at its finest, talk with Tailored by Locals first. Share your interests, preferences, and travel style, and a local expert will craft a personalized itinerary for London that ensures every moment of your trip is tailored to you.