London is one of the most exciting and vibrant cities in the world. The city is packed with activities, attractions and interesting places just waiting to be discovered. Whether you are a history buff, fashionista, or sports fan, there are a lot of things to see and do in London.
From historic sites like Westminster Abbey to modern attractions like the Coca Cola London Eye, this city has it all.
Here are some of the best things to do in London this weekend whether you’re a local or a tourist visiting from another country;
50 Best Things To Do In London For Visitors And Locals
1. London Eye
There’s no better place to get a bird’s-eye view of London than atop the infamous London Eye one of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, reaching dizzying heights of 135 meters.
The iconic London Eye is located in the heart of the South Bank, just across the River Thames from Big Ben and Westminster, and right next door to the Sea Creatures Centre London Aquarium, making it an easy contributor to any riverfront places to visit daily.
2. Explore Westminster Abbey’s aisle
Westminster Abbey is one of London’s oldest buildings, dating back over a millennium to 960AD and frequently appearing on postcards and Instagram posts.
It’s a history buff’s dream because it’s where royals have been crowned since 1066 and the final resting place for over 17 monarchs. And, while this World Heritage Site’s history is fascinating, its architecture is even more so.
The Gothic-style structure is a work of art in and of itself, with intricate details and lavish stained glass windows at every turn.
Even if you’re not religious, the royal church’s awe-inspiring architecture is worth seeing – just make sure to take plenty of photos. Choose the Abbey-hosted afternoon tea for a truly London experience.
3. Listen to St Paul’s Cathedral’s bells ring
St Paul’s Cathedral, a short walk from the modern Millennium Bridges on the River Thames, has long been regarded as one of London’s most iconic structures.
With up to 1.5 million visitors per year, St Paul’s Cathedral is one of the most important places for worship and prayer not only in London but throughout the United Kingdom.
Experience the cathedral’s beauty for yourself by taking a tour that includes access to the famous Singing Gallery, or simply admire the views of London from the Golden Gallery.
4. At the Shard, you can eat dinner in the clouds.
The 95-story-tall, all-glass Shard, one of London’s more modern attractions, is the tallest building in all of Europe (excluding Russia), standing at 310 meters — a height that guarantees visitors the best views in all of London!
The observation deck is located on floors 68 through 72, with level 72 housing the tallest open-air observation platform in Western Europe.
5. Visit the opulent Kensington Palace.
One of the numerous properties owned by the royal family and a symbol of grandeur, Kensington Palace has a long history.
You may see the stunning State Apartments that have housed some of the most renowned monarchs in British history, including apartments where Prince Harry and Prince William were raised.
Don’t miss out on seeing the magnificent Sunken Garden, one of the largest private gardens in London, which is home to a stunning collection of blooming wildflowers alongside, in addition to the stunning State Apartments.
6. Pay a visit to Buckingham Palace, which is unique!
The changing of the guards, which happens daily at 11:30 am, can be witnessed by eager tourists outside, or they can purchase a ticket to enter and tour the opulent State Rooms, gardens, and Queen’s Gallery, all of which are accessible to the general public.
7. Spectacular Tower Bridge
Tower Bridge is one of the most adored and recognizable monuments in all of London, and it is as picture-perfect as they come.
It’s without a doubt one of the must-see attractions in London and is regarded as one of the most photographed bridges in the entire world.
As an alternative to just crossing it, many people now prefer to use the glass walkway on the upper level, which offers some of the best river views in the neighborhood.
8. Experience grandeur at Hampton Court Palace fit for a king or queen.
Palace at Hampton Court In the southwest London borough of Richmond upon Thames, Hampton Court Palace is a magnificent royal house that is frequently disregarded in favor of locations like Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace.
The palace has a very dramatic past, having been constructed in 1515 for Cardinal Thomas Wolsey (a figure who previously held the position of second in command to King Henry VIII), before going on to serve as one of the monarch’s primary palaces along with his six wives.
9. Climb the O2 for your fix of adrenaline
The O2 has a long history of hosting A-list performers, including Tina Turner, Robbie Williams, Swedish House Mafia, Christina Aguilera, the Rolling Stones, and Andrea Bocelli. It has also staged UFC fights, tennis matches, comedy acts, and even Cirque du Soleil.
The current entertainment center is now accessible to daring tourists in addition to its variety of shows! Before starting their ascent, climbers are equipped with a harness and given a briefing.
10. Keep a watch out for a Jack the Ripper tour
London Jack the Ripper tour Aside from its beautiful architecture and royal connections, London also has a darker side, one that is associated with the name Jack the Ripper.
Since the notorious serial killer who plagued London’s East End in 1888 was never apprehended, his horrifying deeds have been ingrained in British tradition ever since.
These haunting tours bring guests back to the late 19th century when the infamous and enigmatic criminal tore his way through the town for an authentic experience on the streets of London.
11. Don your detective hat for a tour with Sherlock Holmes
London Sherlock Holmes tour Forget about Harry Potter for a while; London is the home of the most recognizable detective in British literature (or, at least, he did in the books).
A Sherlock Holmes tour is one of the most unusual things to do in London and is ideal for any aspiring detectives or die-hard fans of Arthur Conan Doyle’s books.
Customers will begin at the location of the initial meeting between Holmes and Watson, stop at gentlemen’s clubs and opulent hotels, and wander through gloomy alleyways in search of the fictitious detective’s haunts.
12. Join the Rooftop Film Club
Skyline Film Club Awe-inspiring views, genuine classic movies, and plush deckchairs. What more could you want from a cinema?
The Rooftop Film Club provides a special opportunity to enjoy your favorite movies against recognizable London landscapes and breathtaking panoramic vistas.
With four locations in Peck ham, Shore ditch, Stratford, and Kensington, your nearest rooftop cinema is simply a short ride away. With this experience, you don’t have to worry about the loud popcorn-eating guy behind you because you’re equipped with cutting-edge wireless headphones.
So begin your movie with a beautiful sunset, and end it with sparkling stars. There aren’t many nicer nighttime activities in London than this.
13. Purchasing at Oxford Street
Oxford Street, one of London’s biggest main streets, stretches from Totten ham Court Road to Marble Arch and has more than 300 stores and eateries. Spend the morning browsing the seasonal new arrivals at your favorite retailers.
To avoid the afternoon throng and the morning rush hour traffic, go as early in the day as possible. Especially during peak buying seasons like the run-up to Christmas.
14. Big Ben
Westminster Palace, which has a lovely design, includes Big Ben. Even though tour admission is currently prohibited until 2021 owing to repairs, you may still visit the building and take in its 150-year-old architecture from the exterior.
Visit this well-known landmark in the UK for around a quarter-hour to hear the huge bells ring.
15. Take a ghost tour and feel a little uneasy
Ghost tour participants will have the opportunity to explore haunted homes, haunting parks, and a variety of other ominous locations that are scattered across this melting pot of a city if they have steely nerves.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum, The Parkland Walk Sprigging’s abandoned train tracks, The Clink Prison Museum, and The Ten Bells pub—formerly known as the Jack the Ripper pub—are also popular hangouts.
16. Observe the historic buildings of Bath.
Bath, which can be reached by train from London in about 90 minutes, is most known for its Roman-era baths, which are still in use today.
But this English city’s uniqueness is not limited to the baths; its streets are lined with an abundance of well-preserved Georgian architecture, as well as medieval structures like the famous Bath Abbey.
For some breathtaking views of the area, you can even trek up to Bath’s hilltop Sham Castle if you’re up for it.
17. The Globe Theater, home of Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s works are studied at school, but you can see world-famous productions of them in London’s Bankside Cultural District!
Though it is a functional theatre, the Theater is open every day for tours and exhibitions. It is advisable to confirm performance times in advance because they may change how the tour is conducted.
For the finest viewing, choose seats in the middle gallery’s first row and spend additional money for a seat cushion. Your body will reward you for avoiding shows that last longer than three hours.
18. Station 9 ¾
Put on your favorite Hogwarts house colors, pack your books and wand, and then charge this Harry Potter series-famous brick wall. Central London’s King’s Crossing Station serves as a major hub for train travel to numerous other cities and the serene English countryside.
The entryway that Harry and his buddies utilized on their journeys and adventures to Hogwarts draw visitors from all around the world who are interested in the wizarding world.
Visit Platform 9 3/4 only during the day as the fabled trolley is taken down for the night.
19. Visit the world’s oldest university: Oxford
The University Church of St. Mary the Virgin, the 12-million-book Bodleian Library, and the Bridge of Sighs (officially known as Hertford Bridge), a popular photo location that served as a location for the Harry Potter films, are just a few of Oxford’s breathtaking sights with centuries of history to tell.
One of several Harry Potter movie settings in Oxford is the elongated Christ Church College hall, which you might also recognize as Hogwarts’ Great Hall.
20. Spend the day at Cambridge
In keeping with the theme of university towns, Cambridge shire, which is home to one of the most prominent universities in the world, is another can’t-miss day trip option from London. Like Oxford, Cambridge is brimming with culture and history, and as a result, is home to several breathtaking landmarks.
21. Check out the stunning White Cliffs of Dover.
The aptly titled White Cliffs of Dover are a sight to behold, rising 350 feet in the air over the water. This chalk cliff face runs for an impressive eight miles along the English coastline and has been a symbol of hope and freedom for centuries.
You can still see the remnants of Dover Fortress, which was once the biggest castle in England and has been utilized as a defensive position since Roman times, helping the English repeatedly fend off seaborne invasion efforts.
22. For a crazy speedboat ride, hold on tightly!
A powerboat adventure is ideal if you’ve ever wanted to see London from a fresh perspective while moving at a breakneck pace.
Discover our selection of high-speed cruises, military-grade Jet boats, and RIBs for our Thames speed boat excursions.
We provide packages for families, couples, and groups of friends, so no matter who you’re looking for, we can help. (You might want to pack waterproof clothing for this one.)
23. Enjoy Fish & Chips
If you follow the delicious fried fragrance trails that lead to the golden battered fish and fluffy chips, you’ll nearly always find fish and chips in London.
Do you know the story of fish & chips? A Jewish boy from the neighborhood in East London started selling the combo and people liked it so much that it became a national dish.
While you can have fish and fries at any pub, I can personally attest to Poppies.
The fish and chips are customarily served in newspapers, and the restaurant is decorated in the manner of a seaside village from the early 1940s. The mushy peas, on the other hand, I always pass on because I just don’t like them.
24. Own the Thames and sail it!
Taking a riverboat and traveling down the Thames can be one of the greatest ways to see the most well-known attractions in London, especially in the summer when the weather is warm and beautiful.
You would pass by the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, and Tower Bridge as you floated through the air. It is also extremely reasonably priced.
25. Explore beautiful London while riding a bike!
Get off the beaten path and experience London on two wheels with a guided bike tour instead of dealing with slow buses being stopped in traffic or weary feet from a day of walking!
You’re sure to discover a two-wheeled adventure that tickles your fancy, from relaxing rides through Hyde Park to more strenuous excursions past Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey, cuisine tours or pub crawls.
26. British Museum
London Museum The British Museum, which is situated in London’s Bloomsbury neighborhood, is home to a permanent collection of more than 8 million items that span two million years of human history.
Every day of the week, they have artwork and antiques on show from all around the world. To avoid the crowds, arrive early.
27. The ArcelorMittal Orbit is a blast
Due to its dizzying heights and panoramic views of the city, this ominous observation tower in Stratford, built for the 2012 Olympic Games, has swiftly become one of London’s busiest tourist destinations.
This location, which is about 114.5 meters tall and offers breathtaking views of London and all of its famous landmarks
28. Tate Modern
The most well-known of the four art museums in the Tate Group is located south of the Millennium Bridge across the Thames. In Bankside, London, the Tate Modern exhibits modern and contemporary art from throughout the world.
The paintings of well-known artists like Picasso and Dal will be on display. Both the special exhibitions and the museum’s permanent collections are free to view.
29. National Portrait Gallery
The Gallery is home to the largest collection of portraits in the entire world, and it is conveniently situated in London’s Covent Garden.
Explore the Gallery for free and take in the over 11,000 portraits in the Primary Collection alone, as well as artwork from the 16th century and a contemporary memorial to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
30. Take pictures with famous people at Madame Tussauds London
Have you ever wished to meet Beyoncé? Do you consider yourself to be a fan of David Beckham or Taylor Swift? Since it first opened in London more than 200 years ago, Madame Tussauds has been a tourist favorite.
It has over 250 wax figures (excellent enough to fool all of your friends) and is always a fantastic time.
31. Wallace Collection
Another stunning collection of art from London is kept in Hertford House in Manchester Square, which is home to The Wallace Collection. Another museum with free admission, this one displays items gathered in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
32. Front row seats during a musical
Leave Broadway alone! In the UK, the West End is the focus of live theatre and musical productions, with Leicester Square serving as its beating Centre.
There is a performance to fit every preference, ranging from timeless favorites like Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, Mamma Mia, Matilda, Wicked, and Les Miserable to more contemporary productions like Hamilton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and Billy Elliot.
33. Pub Crawl
The English love to go on pub crawls, which are a ton of fun on a Friday or Saturday night. To explore London’s attractions at night and to meet a ton of new and intriguing individuals stopping in for a drink with some friends before they head home, there is a ton of pub crawl tours to choose from.
You might take a pub crawl through the entirety of London or just one particular neighborhood.
34. Camden Market
It’s common to discover unique clothing, jewelry, and food at Camden Market. It combines six markets into one, and each one has a distinct theme and atmosphere.
Continue to Camden Stables and Camden Lock Markets even though Buck Street Market appears to be the primary area because it is the first market you will see after exiting Camden Town tube station.
Inverness Street Market is a great place to grab a bite to eat and a tall pint while enjoying live music at The Good Mixer and Bohol. Weekends are when this market is busiest, but they are also the greatest times to go.
35. Hyde Park
The largest Royal Park in London, Hyde Park, is the place to go if you’re looking for green space. Here, you may get away from the bustle of the city and relax amidst lovely plants, monuments, and sculptures.
The Kensington Gardens are a “smart and formal” fenced-in garden that is only accessible during the daytime to the west of Hyde Park.
36. Tennis matches at Wimbledon
Wimbledon, a suburban neighborhood in southwest London, annually hosts the best lawn tennis event in the world. Wimbledon is more than just the oldest tennis tournament in the world; it’s also the real-life home of the fictitious Wombles and a windmill.
However, summer is the greatest season to visit SW19. Every July, the world’s top tennis players arrive to compete, and the biggest tennis fans arrive to sip Pimm’s, down strawberries and cream and enjoy sports glory on the sidelines.
37. Experience Shakespeare’s Globe
A few hundred yards from its original location, a replica of William Shakespeare’s circular theatre that was destroyed by fire was located. It will be the closest you ever come to see the plays of Shakespeare as his Elizabethan audience did.
Those that stood got an excellent and up-close view of the entertainment and were known as “groundlings. “A midnight show is not to be missed.
For one of these late-night performances, you’ll need to make reservations far in advance, but the rowdy atmosphere is worth it. Go to the bar beforehand and have a few beers.
38. In Regent’s Park, a Grade I-listed Royal Park
That is home to the London Zoo, a boating lake, and luscious rose gardens, you may take in the roses. Due to the traffic, the trash trucks, and the absence of public restrooms, condoners’ nostrils have a difficult time breathing.
Overall, though, we really can’t complain, especially since Regent’s Park offers free, unrestricted access to one of the nation’s largest rose collections. Around 12,000 of more than 85 different species, including the rare Royal Parks rose, can be found in Queen Mary’s Gardens.
The blooms are at their peak in early June, but the fragrance is wonderful all year long. For more outdoor entertainment, don’t miss the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
39. Explore Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden
One of London’s most beautiful parks, Holland Park is where you can find sports facilities, playgrounds, wooded areas, an environmental center, and the ruins of Holland House, which was severely destroyed during World War II.
A traditional Japanese garden is another outstanding hidden gem that may be found in the park. The meticulously maintained Kyoto Garden, which was built in 1992 as a component of London’s Japan Festival, comprises water features and traditional Japanese trees and plants during the year’s most picturesque season. Fall is the greatest time to visit the garden to see it at its most colorful.
40. Spend some time with the animals at Spitalfields City Farm
Just off Brick Lane in east London, there is a warm, immaculately kept urban farm with adorable animals. At Spitalfields City Farm, you can experience a little bit of the countryside in the East End. The donkey Baylea and a cute pair of hairy hogs are among the friendly locals that welcome pets.
Freshly laid eggs and other locally produced goods are sold at the farm store. For the area, the variety of vegetables raised is impressive.
From the cozy café to the laid-back weekend events to the family volunteer programmer Families Go Wild, there is always something going on. A beautiful metropolitan gem with a charming atmosphere.
41. Buy designer clothing at Liberty
Liberty is a colorful department store close to Oxford Circus that is unapologetically eccentric and consistently inventive. Although it was established in 1875, the 1920s saw the construction of the mock-Tudor Marlborough Street version, which was fashioned from the timbers of two old warships.
Despite capitalizing on its past, Liberty crams cutting-edge innovation into its wood-paneled suites. Browse silks, cotton with Liberty prints, and exclusive designer collaborations.
42. At E Palicki, place a full English breakfast order
A respectable cafe from the past. This workers’ café has been serving east Londoner’s carbs and protein in eggy, meaty, and pan-fried forms since 1900.
Formica tables and other remnants of bygone periods have achieved E Palicki Grade II listing designation.
43. Stroll through SoHo and observe people there
Things to do in the somewhat turbulent West End, the center of entertainment in London. On its pedestrianized streets, it now bustles with restaurants and drinkers.
The renowned and established businesses in SoHo urgently require your assistance. Additionally, the neighborhood’s streets still reflect its hedonistic atmosphere.
The Grade-II listed pub The French House is not to be missed. Dylan Thomas and Francis Bacon both frequented the establishment, and beer is famously only ever given in half. During World War II, Charles de Gaulle used it as a base of operations while in exile.
44. Visit the London Children’s Museum to relive your youth
Obviously, 100,000 visitors cannot all be wrong. That many people, both young and old, visit the London Children’s Museum each year to enjoy the attraction’s entertaining blend of interactive exhibits and hands-on displays. The museum, the first of its type in Canada, was founded in 1975 and focuses on childhood development as well as kid-friendly topics like dinosaurs. Children can experience what it was like to teach in the 1880s by teaching them in the “Child Long Ago” exhibit, which transports them to a classroom from that era. These and other entertaining exhibitions, all of which promote role-playing and deal with technology, housing, and science, were created “child-friendly.
45. Have a Family-Friendly Time at Storybook Gardens
The family-friendly Storybook Gardens, which was founded more than 50 years ago, has long been a major tourist attraction in London. This exciting theme park for kids has pretty about everything a young child could want in an attraction, and it’s located in the city’s well-known spring Bank Park.
Farm animals in petting zoos, play areas with kid-sized structures to explore, theme park-style attractions, and, in the summer, the always-busy splash area is all set against a background of fairy tales and storytelling.
Additionally, there is a tone of entertainment available, including face painting and costumed characters like Spiderman (who is naturally spotted loitering around the climbing frames). Among the further highlights is a genuine pirate zone.
46. Purchase items at Covent Garden Market
London’s Covent Garden Market, one of the country’s oldest markets, dates back to 1835 and has been a mainstay of the city’s retail landscape ever since.
This King Street landmark, which is open seven days a week throughout the year, is constantly busy with people looking for fresh food and locally produced vegetables.
Even though local farmers selling their products are still a mainstay of the market, its range of sellers now includes everything from coffee roasters to cheese purveyors, gourmet food suppliers, and bakers, as well as crafts, giftware, and dining establishments.
Even more, options are provided by the daily outdoor farmers market that is added from May to December. Winter is when the market changes.
47. Go to St. Peter’s Basilica Cathedral
The 1827-built Catholic St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica makes a lovely photo backdrop. It is also worth visiting during mass or service to hear its wonderful organ, which is located in the center of the city’s downtown.
It was installed in 1923, has undergone little alteration since then, and reportedly still sounds largely the same.
Additionally, the lovely St. Paul’s Cathedral makes for stunning photos. The oldest church in the city is this lovely red brick building, which dates back to 1844.
48. Go shopping on a Sunday at Columbia Road Flower Market
One of the oldest and most popular flower markets in London, bursting at the seams with all kinds of floral delights. The Sunday flower market that lines the streets of east London is a weekend institution.
One of the best places in the city to buy flowers, bedding plants, cactus, and even a banana tree, assuming you have the patio area and upper body power to move it there, is Columbia Road, a hipster haven.
Don’t pass up: The greatest flowers and deals.
49. Wander through Kew Gardens Attractions and look for flowers
Oh, just 3,000 acres of lovely greenery, complete with breathtaking views, unique flora, Victorian greenhouses, a Chinese pagoda, and a treetop walkway. Nothing too grandiose, you understand.
Any time of year, this top-ranked botanic garden is fascinating. It is currently blossoming beautifully, bursting with vibrant blooms.
Along with its bizarre and fascinating vegetation, the park also offers an outdoor theatre and film program, as well as an immersive summer installation called “Food Forever.”
50. Inertia Wandsworth
Gravity in Wand’s worth is a great way to spice up your life. This top-notch venue not only offers a wide variety of immersive experiences, such as digital darts and E-karting, but it also boasts a scrumptious selection of food and beverages in its selection of restaurants.
It can be easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of London, but with so many things to do and see, there’s never a dull moment in this city.
These are just a few of the many wonderful attractions and experiences you can have in this amazing city. Whether you’re interested in shopping, architecture, music, cuisine, or just looking for somewhere to relax and take it all in, London has something for everyone.
So have fun exploring this amazing city, and enjoy all the great things it has to offer!
Read Also;
Leave a Reply