Top 13 Places & Things to Do in London – Our Advice before Traveling

Updated On: November 08, 2023 by   Rahma Ali

A fascinating perspective on the past. The essence of an emperor. Architecturally stunning. The Clock Tower. Soaking up culture from iconic museums. Or even the intensity and drama of the Premier League, if you are a big football fan.

You can’t finish the list so quickly if you want to count where you should visit in London. There are countless reasons for aspiring to visit this amazing city, and each one is valid.

However, putting together such a journey can be a mammoth task. It’s a big city with lots of things to see and do, so plan plenty of time to explore it all. Even you may believe that going it alone is too difficult or maybe impossible.

But it shouldn’t be that way.

We are here to show you the best things to do in London. This list will help you make your trip one to remember.

Watch this space.

Top 13 Amazing Things You Can Do in London

1- Visit Buckingham Palace

Conveniently located in Westminster, the royal family’s administrative centre, Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most popular tourist attractions, drawing tourists from near and far.  With 775 rooms and London’s largest private garden, it has been the official residence of the British Royal Family since 1837.

The construction of such a massive structure is impressive, as is the inclusion of every element that contributes to the area’s opulent atmosphere.

Because Green Park and the palace are right next door, you can do both on the same tour and have a blast.

How much it would cost you to get in: About USD 23.

What should you know before visiting Buckingham Palace: If you want to go inside the palace, plan on arriving early and paying an additional fee.

2- Stroll Around Covent Garden

It’s lovely to discover a location with lavish architecture and a plethora of retail options. In Covent Garden, you’ll treat yourself to street musicians, shopping, food, and snapping away. It’s a fantastic slot that attracts tourists worldwide, and this place puts a wide range of recreational opportunities at your fingertips.

Consider going shopping in one of the most trendy stores that offer everything from clothing to beauty products, as well as dining in one of the many chic eateries.

The London Transport museums and Seven Dials are all located in this area, making it one of the most picturesque in the city.

Much can be seen and done in that location. Think about how breathtaking it would be to go through this.

How much it would cost you to get in: Free access 

What should you know before visiting Covent Garden: You can go there at any time of day, but if you want to go shopping or explore the markets, go there from Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

3- Spend Some Money at Leadenhall Market

You’re more enthusiastic about buying a plane ticket to London now, aren’t you? So don’t miss this vibrant and one-of-a-kind market in the centre of Europe’s capital.

Leadenhall Market dates back to the 14th century, making it one of London’s oldest markets. Food, flowers, boutiques, and shops are just some of the services offered in this striking building.

Depending on your sense of familiarity, you may think you’ve been here before. Yes, the Harry Potter series, among others, was filmed here. So it’s understandable if this market gets a little crowded on weekends, but it’s still a lovely location to visit.

How much it would cost you to get in: Free access 

What should you know before visiting Leadenhall Market: Visit the Gherkin building while you’re here because it’s only a 2-minute walk away. Also, keep in mind that dining out can get pricey, but you can still have a great deal of fun just strolling around.

4- Have a Panoramic View From London Eye

A must-see in London, the London Eye has long been the most visited hub due to its popularity as a tourist attraction. You can just go there and enjoy watching this landmark overlooking the River Thames and capture lovely photos.  In the alternative, you can purchase a ticket to ride in a glass capsule and experience this thrilling journey.

Take a deep breath as you look down on the city from a height of 443 feet, including the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, the Shard, Buckingham Palace, the Tower, Tower Bridge, and more. As a result, you should include it in your travel itinerary.

The entire ride lasts for about 30 minutes and is well worth the money and time you’ll spend.

How much it would cost you to get in: About USD 18.28

What should you know before visiting London Eye: There will be a long line to get a seat in the capsule, but there is an alternative: Skip the line; Getting your ticket without having to wait is possible with this ticket.

5- Go Around London by London Bus 

One of the best ways to see the city is to board a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London. From here, you can explore some of the city’s most well-known attractions, such as St. Paul’s Cathedral, Shakespeare’s Globe, and Buckingham Palace, as well as many other architectural marvels dotting the city’s streets. So, be sure that your phone is fully charged to take brilliant shots.

The bus has over 60 stops and runs every 15 minutes. During the ride, you’ll hear an explanation of what you see in multiple languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and so on.

How much it would cost you to get in: About USD 35.

What should you know before riding on the London Bus: Your hop-on hop-off bus ticket includes a free Thames boat ride, so you can make the most of your time in London.

6- Take a Selfie With the Tower of London

London fills with an excellent collection for history and mysteries lovers. The Tower of London must be on your bucket list while visiting this incredible city. More than a century old, the royal castle has a lot to show you, from prison to a strong fortress to the royal palace to a go-to destination. It’s a place with a long and diverse history.

This architecture gives you an excellent opportunity to listen to compelling and dramatic compelling by providing an audio commentary to enrich your experience. And what’s more, you will travel around the crown jewels display, Chapel, and torture exhibits.

How much it would cost you to get in: About USD 35.

What should you know before visiting the Tower of London: Using an audio guide costs $7 more, but it’s well worth it.

7-  Feel Royal at the Shard

Do you know what we love most about London?

It’s a place where fascinating history used to be the talk of the town, but now technology, science, and the modern revolution have replaced it. So, you can find tons of fun things to do.

Furthermore, it appears as though the city is constantly expanding. The Shard is one of the modern spots and a unique tourist attraction in London for various reasons.

Let’s just say it’s the UK’s tallest building, with beautiful architecture and a fabulous view to get. Because of the Shard’s sleek appearance, many film directors have chosen to shoot scenes here.

This futuristic structure reaches a height of more than 310 meters. Designed with the environment in mind, this tower has a heat and power plant to generate electricity in eco-friendly ways.

How much it would cost you to get in: Free access unless you want to dine at one of the upscale restaurants or climb to the viewing deck known as “The View from The Shard.”

What should you know before visiting the Shard: here is a dress code for the Shard; shorts, flip flops, sports kit, or sports shoes are not permitted.

8- Admire Tower Bridge

One of London’s most iconic sights, Tower Bridge, offers an up-close and personal look at how it works, how it was built, and even the option to lie on the glass floor.

It’s a cultural show venue where you can learn more about the history of the area. Visitors to the Tower Bridge exhibition will take in live performances, and educational videos and discover impressive historical machines.

This iconic structure is open for visiting every day of the year, and don’t forget to bookmark it because you’ll be missing out on a lot if you don’t. Checking the weather forecast before leaving is always a good idea to avoid getting caught in a downpour.

How much it would cost you to get in: Around USD 14.

What should you know before visiting Tower Bridge: There are restrictions on the size of bags allowed, and purchasing your ticket online will save you time and frustration at the airport.

9- Head to the Victoria and Albert Museum

I bet even locals can not hide the tingling sensation in their feet once arriving here. There are tonnes of masterpieces in the Victoria and Albert Museum, including sculptures, artefacts, jewellery, and paintings. Obviously, it’s the best way to honour Queen Victoria and Prince Albert’s legacy.

The museum contains over 145 galleries spread over 13 acres dating back thousands of years ago, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions.

Feeling worn out?

Please don’t. Our journey has only just begun, so my only suggestion for you is to stop for a moment to have a nice cup of tea in one of the V&A’s oldest restaurants.

How much it would cost you to get in: Free access

What should you know before visiting the Victoria and Albert Museum: It might take more than 1 hour to go around the V&A, and although there is no entry fee, you still have to book a free ticket online.

10- Have a Picnic in Hyde Park

Take another deep breath, but this time remember that you are in one of London’s most tranquil locations, and you need the fresh air to get into your lungs. It’s Hyde Park right now. We are keen to include this place in our ultimate guide for nature and peace lovers.

It’s not only London‘s largest park at 350 acres, but it also has a rich history.

The park was the scene of numerous historical events that shaped British society, such as the Suffragettes’ protests. Here, you can get a better look at Speaker’s Corner, which is still available for political debates, demonstrations, and other types of cultural performances.

Because of this, you have every right to explode with excitement when visiting Hyde Park.

How much it would cost you to get in: Free access

What should you know before visiting Hyde Park: it’s open from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m., seven days a week.

11- Meet Your Fantasy Character at Shrek’s Adventure! London

After all, Shrek’s Adventure, which you may take the whole day to admire, is a fantastic indoor experience that features ten live shows based on fairytales.

Inspired by the DreamWorks film, the great shows show no signs of slowing down, ranging from compelling storytelling to an excellent 4D ride that features engrossing dramatic special effects.

This fun tour for the whole family will have you searching for Shrek and Donkey as your guides. Consider how many recreational activities you could involve in. Other highlights include:

• Encountering a mirror maza.
• Touring Shrek’s home territory of Duloc.
• Conversing with your favourite Shrek characters.

  How much it would cost you to get in: Around USD 30

What should you know before visiting Shrek’s Adventure! London: This one-hour and fifteen-minute ride passes near several popular London attractions, including the London Eye and SEA LIFE London.

12- Dive into Adventure at Warner Bros. Studio – The Making of Harry Potter

The tour of Warner Bros. Studio will take you behind the scenes of the hit books and movies Harry Potter and into its fantasy realm. As a result, you will learn about the characters’ outfits, jewellery, and other accessories and how the film was made and get to see some of the movie’s most prestigious locations, such as The Great Hall.

For parents who aren’t Harry Potter geeks, this art gallery will be a revelation because it provides insight into the creative process of movies in general.

GoldenEye, The Mummy, Tomb Raider, and Inception, among others, were filmed here. One of them you’ve definitely heard before.

How much it would cost you to get in: Around USD 119

What should you know before visiting Warner Bros. Studio: Although the studio is a little out of the way, your entry ticket includes transportation to and from the city centre.

13- Learn a History Lesson at Churchill War Rooms

Museums weren’t all created equal. You’ll be taken aback by such an adventure, especially if you’re young enough to have missed the Second World War.

Situated just 8 minutes on foot from Charing Cross station, the Churchill War Rooms are a secure underground hideout once owned by former British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. It’s an authentic place that provokes your adrenaline while reading and listening to painful and victorious stories.

How much it would cost you to get in: Around USD 38

What should you know before visiting Churchill War Rooms: To complete all of the activities in the museum would take at least 2 hours. It does, however, depend on your level of enthusiasm for learning more about this period.

You’re about to embark on a brand new journey. In any case, we sincerely hope this guide will be useful to you on your upcoming visit to lovely London, and we eagerly anticipate hearing about your experiences when you get back.