As one of the world’s greatest cities, London is a hub of history and culture with a diverse community and incredible attractions. The capital of the United Kingdom is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, the London Eye and Piccadilly Circus. With an annual rate of over 30 million tourists, London is a city of new discoveries for both visitors and locals. The largest city in England straddles the River Thames whilst offering incredible shopping, fascinating attractions and a thriving theatre district. With so much on offer, it could take years to explore London but there is something to entertain and excite everyone.
See the lights at Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus is one of the world’s most famous intersections and located in the heart of Central London. Piccadilly Circus is home to some of the most iconic and recognized electronic billboards with brands fighting for a spot beside the permanent Coca Cola advertisement. The billboards are one of the most photographed parts of London and Piccadilly Circus is best viewed at night with its postcard-perfect illumination. Besides the billboards, Piccadilly Circus is packed with charm, home to incredible theatres, fantastic shops and magnificent architecture.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Shop on Oxford Street
The 1.5 mile long Oxford Street is Europe’s busiest shopping street with more than half a million daily visitors and is one of the world’s most well-known shopping districts. Running from Marble Arch to Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Street offers over 300 shops as well as numerous restaurants and cafes. The street is the first place to visit for shopping whether you are looking for fashion, entertainment, technology and more and is the world’s biggest high street. Oxford Street is home to the UK’s most iconic department stores including the flagship Selfridge’s which opened in 1909 and is situated in a beautiful Grade II listed building.
Price: Free (stores vary in price range)
Hours: Opening hours vary by store
Visit Buckingham Palace
Photos By: Amanda IulianoThe London residence of the Royal Family the famous and magnificent Buckingham Palace. The palace is one the world’s few remaining working palaces and is the most popular location for state visits and Royal receptions. The palace is open to visitors during the Summer months with access to state rooms, the Throne Room and the palace’s incredible gallery. Outside of public visiting periods, Buckingham Palace is still incredible to visit with stunning views, the Changing of the Guard to witness and opportunities to try and get the Beefeaters to crack a smile.
Price: Free to visit from outside the grounds. Entry to the state rooms is £26.50 (adults) and £14.50 (children). Under 5’s can visit free.
Hours: Can be visited from outside the grounds 24/7. State rooms can be visited Summer only from 9:30am-6:30pm
Get festive at Winter Wonderland
Hyde Park comes alive in the Winter months during the build-up to Christmas with the most incredible festive event, Winter Wonderland. Winter Wonderland is an annual event from late November until early January and has an annual attendance of 2.5 million visitors. The spectacular festive experience features a stunning ice rink, extensive funfair and magical attractions with entertainment for all the family. Winter Wonderland offers live theatre, a circus and performances on ice along with a comedy club and live music. Winter Wonderland also features over 100 fairy-lit chalets which form an incredible Christmas market packed with gift ideas. The event is also home to a Bavarian village, ice bar, Santa’s workshop, Ice Kingdom, an observation wheel and karaoke venue. Winter Wonderland is the ultimate, festive event.
Price: Free entry – attractions vary
Hours: Hours vary by year, please check official website
Travel on the tube
The most popular way to travel around the city of London is on the London Underground, affectionately known as, the tube. Travelling on the tube is a classic London experience with the Underground logo, tube stations and announcements all popular subjects for merchandise. The tube is the fastest way to get around the city but one that can take a bit of planning and experience to navigate. Getting an Oyster card or travel pass is the most cost-efficient way to get around and a map or the TFL app is a must to plan your journeys.
Price: Varies by route
Hours: Varies by line
Dive into history at The Natural History Museum
Located in London’s South Kensington, The Natural History Museum exhibits various segments of the world’s natural history. The museum tells the story of history on Earth from the smallest mammals to the largest, extinct dinosaurs. There are four zones to explore plus the magnificent entrance, Hintze Hall, the hall which is the star of an audio tour narrated by Sir David Attenborough. The museum also offers some incredible exhibitions and events such as Museum After Dark.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 10am-5:50pm
Enjoy a West End show
The world’s second-largest theatre district after New York’s Broadway is London’s dazzling West End. Home to the world’s longest-running shows, Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera, the West End is studded with incredible theatrical shows including classic plays and thrilling musicals. Performed in some of the world’s most magnificent venues, London’s theatres are architectural wonders including London’s oldest theatre, Theatre Royal Drury Lane which opened in 1663. No trip to London is complete without enjoying a theatre show and with so many on offer, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Price: Varies by show
Hours: Varies by show
Watch the street performers in Covent Garden
Covent Garden is renowned for luxury stores, market stalls, magnificent theatres and award-winning restaurants. However, nothing is more iconic in Covent Garden than the street performers. The first record of a Covent Garden performance dates back to 1662 and the tradition continues to this day. With jugglers, mime artists, string quartets and many more, Covent Garden performers dazzle audiences completely for free. Street performers work for themselves and specific performances cannot be guaranteed but you will always find several around the area.
Price: Free
Hours: Varies by performer, usually mid-morning to late evening.
Ride The London Eye
The London Eye is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. Opened on New Year’s Eve 1999 and originally known as The Millenium Wheel, The London Eye is the world’s tallest observation wheel with spectacular views overlooking the city of London. Situated on the Southbank of the River Thames, the London Eye is in a perfect location for incredible views of The Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey as well as many other impressive London landmarks. The wheel is the UK’s most popular paid visitors attraction with a 30-minute ride offering a spectacular panoramic display of London.
Price: From £24.50
Hours: Daily from 10am with closing times varying between 6pm and 8:30pm
Splurge in Harrods
Harrod’s is the world’s leading luxury department store and the largest across Europe. The iconic store has been a luxury shopping destination for more than 160 years and is famous for its vast amount of luxury brands and impressive food hall. The store covers eight floors and also has many restaurants in which you can enjoy exquisite meals and delicious afternoon tea as well as champagne and canapes. Make sure you check out the Harrod’s gift shop for a range of Harrod’s souvenirs.
Price: Free entry
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm
Be inspired at Tate Modern
Tate Modern is a modern art gallery that forms part of the iconic Tate group. Tate Modern is Britain’s national gallery of international contemporary art. The gallery features a permanent exhibition of famous artwork from artists including Picasso and Warhol as well as blockbuster temporary exhibitions. The gallery is also a historic piece of architecture at home in the old Battersea Power Station on the banks of the Thames.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm with a 10pm close on Friday’s
Meet celebs at Madame Tussaud’s
As one of London’s top tourist attractions, Madame Tussaud’s offers the chance to get up close and personal with famous celebrities. Home to more than 250 lifelike wax figures, Madame Tussaud’s features celebrities and well-known figures from both past and present. You can star in immersive experiences as well as interact with clones of the Royal Family, A-listers, popstars and even Marvel characters. Madame Tussaud’s is a novelty experience but a well-loved attraction which is always a good time.
Price: From £28.50
Hours: Daily 10am-4pm
Explore an abandoned tube station
One of the most unique and interesting experiences in London is the chance to explore an abandoned tube station. The tour is of Aldwych Station which lies just off Strand in Central London. The station was opened in 1907 and built specifically for theatre-goers which is ironic considering they knocked down the Strand Theatre to build it. From the get-go, the station was not very popular and ended up costing more money than it made. This resulted in the station permanently closing in 1994. The only real use the station ever held was being used as a bomb shelter and to house valuables, including famous artwork and even some of the Crown Jewels during the war. Since its closure, it has become a popular filming location used for tv shows and movies such as Sherlock, V For Vendetta and Atonement. The tour is informative and allows you to explore abandoned platforms, tunnels and carriages whilst learning some filming secrets. Tours are run by Brit Movie Tours once a month and the London Transport Museum offer a tour less often so tickets to these events are limited.
Price: £41.50
Hours: Typically once a month. Days and time vary.
Sightsee and enjoy afternoon tea
Afternoon tea is a luxury, British tradition and a visit to London is not complete without enjoying one of the many options available. Whether you want to enjoy a fancy tea at The Ritz or a Wonderland-inspired tea party at the Sanderson, there is an afternoon tea suited to you. But why not kill two birds with one stone and enjoy afternoon tea whilst sightseeing? Brigit’s Bakery offers afternoon tea on a vintage, double-decker London bus allowing you to sip tea and eat cake all whilst being driven around the city and taking in the sights. Your tour will involve seeing Big Ben, The Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, St James’s Park, Hyde Park, The Royal Albert Hall, Marble Arch, Nelson’s Column, Downing Street and more.
Price: £45
Hours: Daily with various start times
Appreciate art at The National Gallery
The iconic building of The National Gallery sits centre stage in London’s Trafalgar Square. The gallery is home to one of the world’s greatest collections of paintings features work by artists such as Van Gogh, Titian, Rembrandt and Turner. The gallery hosts free guided tours as well as audio tours allowing you to explore the history of European history including art by Da Vinci, Botticelli and Renoir. The National Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm with a 9pm close on Friday’s
Attend a concert or a match at Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is one of the world’s most famous stadiums and an incredible venue for sport and entertainment. Wembley is the ultimate venue to perform or play at for performers and athletes, known for hosting some of the most iconic concerts and sporting events of all time. The current Wembley Stadium opened in 2007 and sits on the foundations of the original Wembley Stadium which hosted fantastic events in its day including Queen! Live at Wembley, Live Aid and the 1966 World Cup Final. Any event at Wembley is electric and with incredible events to attend, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Price: Varies by event
Hours: Varies by event
Experience Hogwarts at the Warner Bros. Studios tour
If you haven’t received your Hogwarts acceptance letter yet, don’t panic, you can still attend! Located just outside of London in Watford, Warner Bros. Studios offer The Making of Harry Potter tour allowing you to walk in the footsteps of The Boy Who Lived. The tour is set in the exact studios where many parts of the franchise were filmed and allows you to explore The Great Hall, Diagon Alley, Privet Drive and more. The tour allows you to discover the film-making magic with costumes, props and behind-the-scenes secrets. The tour is completely magical and a must for Harry Potter fans.
Price: £47 (adults) and £38 (children)
Hours: Daily 8:30-10pm
See an exhibition at the V&A
The Victoria and Albert is the world’s leading museum of art, design and performance. The museum is home to a permanent collection which spans more than 5000 years of creativity as well as hosting incredible touring and temporary exhibitions. The V&A hosts incredible exhibitions paying tribute to fashion, architecture, film, stage and many other artistic avenues. You can also discover some of the greatest surviving treasures including Queen Victoria’s sapphire and diamond coronet.
Price: Free
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday 11am-7pm
Wander through Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the greatest parks in the city of London. Covering 350 acres, Hyde Park is home to stunning scenery with flower gardens, a meadow and a large lake as well as hectares of open space. You can enjoy a variety of activities including boating, swimming, tennis and horse riding as well as the park boasting a children’s playground and regularly hosting events and concerts. Hyde Park is also famous for having a long history of protest with rallies and marches still hosted today and the popular Speaker’s Corner is a buzz of opinion on a Sunday morning.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 5am-12am
Explore the culture of Camden Market
Located on the banks of Regent’s Canal, Camden Market is home to over 1000 shops, stalls, bars and restaurants. With a hipster vibe, Camden Market is home to artists and creativity as well as a popular destination for food, fashion and art. The market is a hotspot for vintage and hand-crafted goods whilst the area is also scattered with cult cafes, top street food vendors and chilled terrace bars. Camden is the perfect place to indulge in the unique and quirky with both unusual and novelty purchases and experiences on every corner.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 10am-late (individual establishments may vary)
People watch in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square is one of the most visited areas of London and features some of the top attractions in the city. As well as being home to The National Gallery, in Trafalgar Square you will also find the iconic lion statues, famous fountains and Nelson’s Column. During its history, Trafalgar Square has played host to many demonstrations, protests and events which still continues today. Chinese New Year and London Pride festivities take place at Trafalgar Square as well as West End Live and carol singing at Christmas. You will always find many tourists, locals and even street performers in the area so grab a seat and enjoy the world passing by.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Feast in Chinatown
In every great city, you’ll find a Chinatown and London is no exception. Chinatown offers the flavours of Asia in the heart of London with incredible restaurants, shops and activities. The area is authentically beautiful with a grand, ornate entrance and lanterns scattering the neighbourhood. Chinatown is in a great location in Central London just a short walk from Leicester Square and Soho. The location makes it a great spot to grab a bite to eat before drinks or a show and with so many delicious restaurants to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Price: Free
Hours: 24/7
Hang out at Sky Garden
One of the newest attractions in London is the incredible Sky Garden located in The Walkie-Talkie. Sky Garden sits on the 43rd floor and is London’s highest, public garden. The foliage-filled atrium offers magnificent panoramic views over the city from floor-to-ceiling windows and observation decks. The garden features several bars and restaurants making the venue a great place to enjoy dinner or drinks whilst taking in the scenery, both of the city and the lush, landscaped gardens. Activities are also available to participate in including sunrise yoga and live music sessions.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 7am-12am
Jump on a Boris Bike
Officially named Santander Cycles, Boris Bikes received their nickname due to being introduced during Boris Johnson’s time as Mayor of London. Boris Bikes are public bicycles found throughout the city and available to hire for £2 for unlimited journeys within 24 hours. The bikes can be collected from various points throughout the city in popular locations and can be returned to any station which has a parking space. Boris Bikes are a cheap way to travel around the city without getting stuck in busy London traffic, trying to navigate the tube or spending a fortune on transport.
Price: £2 for 24 hours
Hours: 24/7
Discover history at the Tower of London
The Tower of London is a historic castle on the North bank of the River Thames. Home to The Crown Jewels, the tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, London landmark and has a very Royal history. The Tower of London has a reputation as being a grounds for torture and death and a tour will introduce you to the gruesome tales of the past. As well as getting a tour of Bloody Tower, you will also get to see The Crown Jewels and famous ravens whilst discovering the magnificent castle.
Price: £25 (adults) and £12.50 (children)
Hours: Daily 9am-5pm
Spot the deer in Richmond Park
The largest of London’s Royal Parks is a National Nature Reserve and home to hundreds of free-roaming deer. Richmond Park has a stunning landscape with rolling hills, ancient trees and incredible wildlife. The park features golf courses, playgrounds, horse-riding tracks, cycle paths and a fishing pond as well as a stunning wedding venue and organic, woodland garden. You can enjoy a peaceful afternoon watching the deer graze with the city of London in the background.
Price: Free
Hours: Daily 7am-dusk
Be a groundling at Shakespeare’s Globe
The most famous playwright of all time, William Shakespeare, brought his playing company to London in 1599 and built the Globe Theatre. Whilst the current theatre is a reconstruction, the venue is replicated from the information available of the original design and is located approximately 750ft from the original. The theatre is a world-renowned performance venue and education centre which only performs Shakespeare plays. During Shakespeare’s day, plays were performing in-the-round with the poorest audience members standing in the yard and known as groundlings. The performances at Shakespeare’s Globe today stay true to this style of performance and make for an entertaining experience.
Price: Individual show and tour prices vary
Hours: Individual show and tour price vary
The incredible city of London offers excitement, education and entertainment with so many things to see and do. From historic excursions at the Tower of London to novelty experiences at Madame Tussaud’s, London has something to suit every age and every personality. Whether you love theatre, shopping or nature, London can provide it in bucket loads. With iconic landmarks famous across the world, London is one of the world’s most visited cities and one which should be at the top of your bucket list.
