London, the vibrant capital of England, is one of the most sought-after tourist destinations in all of Europe. The best thing about this city is that it can cater to travellers with diverse interests. From history buffs to art enthusiasts, shopaholics to food lovers, London has something for everyone. Some of the must-try activities in this city include exploring the British Museum, enjoying a musical performance, taking a ride on the London Eye, and taking a tour of Buckingham Palace, among other things.

Known for its rich and vast history, thriving art scene, impressive architecture and a lot more, London is on almost every traveller’s bucket list. This city enthrals visitors from all over the world, and different people love it for different reasons. A few of them are amazed by the fast-paced urban side of London, while a few are interested in its fascinating history.

In short, this city is a treasure trove of experiences. All you need to do is find places or tourist activities in London that interest you. When you want to take a break from sightseeing within the city, you can also visit London’s eclectic neighbourhoods like Notting Hill, Shoreditch, etc. From street shopping to café hopping, enjoying live music performances to witnessing street art, you can do so many things there.

Best Time to Visit London

London is a place that can be visited at any time of the year. This city experiences a huge tourist influx throughout the year. However, May to August is usually considered the peak season for London tourism. During these months, the weather remains pleasant with plenty of sunshine. You can head out for sightseeing and indulge in all kinds of outdoor activities at this time.

Things to Do in London

• Explore the British Museum
• Take a Ride in the London Eye
• Enjoy a Musical Performance
• Visit the Harry Potter World
• Take a Stroll on the Tower Bridge
• Book a Thames River Cruise
• Shop Your Heart Out
• Visit the Sky Garden

 

Explore the British Museum

For those with a deep interest in art and history, this is one of the best places to visit in London. Being home to over 8 million objects, this museum is known to have the world's largest collection documenting history, art and culture. It gives you a glimpse into the journey of human history, starting from ancient civilisations to modern times. From centuries-old Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures, you can find so many fascinating things on display here. Apart from this, the collection also features iconic items like the Rosetta Stone and Parthenon Marbles which are very rare to find.

Insider Tip: The main entrance of this museum is on Great Russell Street, but it often gets too busy, leading to longer queues. To save time, you can enter from the less-crowded Northern gate on Montague Place.

 

Take a Ride in the London Eye

The London Eye is a giant Ferris wheel located on the banks of the River Thames. Taking a ride in it is definitely one of the best things to do in London. The whole ride takes about half an hour, and people of all ages can go for it. You’ll get to enjoy 360-degree views of London while comfortably sitting in a glass cabin. Major landmarks of the city, like Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, and Buckingham Palace, can be clearly seen from above.

Insider Tip: It is always best to book the tickets online in advance, as the queue can be really long, especially in peak tourist season.

 

Enjoy a Musical Performance

The English capital is considered a mecca for those who enjoy good musical shows. Powerful storytelling and world-class artistry are two things that make them different and immensely popular. There are several venues in the city that host these performances at different times of the day. Some of the popular shows include Mamma Mia, The Lion King, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, etc.

Insider Tip: Always buy tickets for these shows in advance, as they are popular and often sell out very fast.

 

Visit the Harry Potter World

Harry Potter World, or officially known as Harry Potter Studios, is another addition to the list of important places to visit in London. For every Harry Potter fan, visiting this is one of the must-do things on your trip. This will give you a chance to see the original sets like the Great Hall and Diagon Alley, intricate props, and costumes. By taking a tour of this studio, you’ll be able to see the behind-the-scenes journey of the Harry Potter film series. It is not located in the city itself but in a small town called Leavesden, which is very close. To reach there, you can either take public transport or hire a taxi.

Insider Tip: Schedule your arrival as early as possible. There is no limit on how much time you spend here, so this will give you more time to explore the studio.

 

Take a Stroll on the Tower Bridge

Serving as a fine example of Victorian Gothic architecture, Tower Bridge is definitely one of the most famous places in London. This bridge was built in the 19th century to serve as a crucial road crossing as well as a river crossing. The central section of this bridge lifts for ships crossing the river. Currently, it is one of the major landmarks of the city. People come here to take a stroll while enjoying the sweeping views of the River Thames. You can walk the lower level for free, but a paid ticket is required to access the towers, walkways, and engine rooms. You can also learn about the bridge's construction and operation through interactive displays and audio tours.

Insider Tip: Go early morning or late afternoon, as this is when the bridge is less crowded.

 

Book a Thames River Cruise

Whether you are on a family vacation or on a trip with friends, this is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in London. This allows you to experience a completely different side of London, which is a lot calmer and more beautiful. From the cruise, you can spot all the major landmarks of the city, but from a different angle. Most cruise packages come with live commentary about London’s history and culture, food, drinks, etc.

Insider Tip: There are several options available for Thames River Cruises, and they have different routes. You can pick one as per your preferences.

 

Shop Your Heart Out

Being home to several vibrant markets, London is a true paradise for shopping lovers. From Camden Market to Portobello Road Market, Oxford Street to Bond Street, the list of options is endless. You can choose a market according to your preference. For example, Camden Market has several shops that sell unique crafts, while Oxford Street is best for purchasing affordable high-street fashion items.

Insider Tip: If you want to avoid heavy crowds, plan a visit in either late morning or afternoon. All of these markets experience a huge rush in the evening.

 

Visit the Sky Garden

Located at the top of the Walkie Talkie building, this lush indoor garden is one of the best places to visit in London. People come here to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city. You can go there to spend some relaxing time while admiring the bird’s-eye view of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Access to the garden is free, but it is important to book timed-entry tickets online well in advance for guaranteed access. The official time limit is 1 hour from entry time, but it is slightly flexible if the place is not too crowded.

Insider Tip: If you don’t have a timed-entry ticket, plan your visit on a weekday. Since the crowd is smaller, you are more likely to secure entry as a walk-in on these days.

London is a city of contrasts, where every visitor finds plenty of things to do. No matter what your interests are, you will not be disappointed. This list of things to do in London can help you decide how to spend your vacation. Or, you can opt for our London tour packages for a more seamless vacation experience. We have an entire range of all-inclusive travel packages that come with well-crafted itineraries. This way, you’ll never miss any major attraction within the city and can also cover all the important places to visit near London.

 

Reach out to us, and our team of travel experts will plan a vacation you’ll cherish for life!

 

FAQs

Q1. Why does London have entire museums hidden inside old houses?

London is home to several historic house museums, such as Sir John Soane’s Museum and Dennis Severs’ House, where the building itself is the exhibit. These spaces offer immersive experiences that reveal how people lived, collected and thought in different eras, far removed from traditional museum layouts.

Q2. Can you walk along a river that flows underground?

Yes. The River Fleet, one of London’s lost rivers, still flows beneath the streets. While you can’t see it directly, guided walks trace its original route, revealing how the hidden river shaped neighbourhoods, roads and the city’s development.

Q3. Why are some of London’s best views free and unmarked?

London has several protected sightlines designed to preserve views of landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral. As a result, unexpected viewpoints appear in ordinary places such as bridges, parks and even car parks, offering impressive vistas without the crowds or entry fees.

Q4. What makes London’s markets feel like neighbourhood events rather than tourist spots?

Many of London’s markets, such as Broadway Market or Maltby Street Market, primarily serve local communities. They operate on specific days and times, creating a village-like atmosphere where food, music and social life blend naturally.

Q5. Why do some London attractions only exist for a few weeks?

London regularly hosts temporary experiences, from immersive exhibitions to pop-up theatres and rooftop events. These short-lived attractions reflect the city’s creative energy and ensure there is always something new to discover, even for repeat visitors.