Things to Do in London, England

Anglophiles and Harry Potter fans flock to London every year, but you don’t just have to be a pop culture fan who loves “Doctor Who,” Sherlock Holmes or any of the other media that comes out of England to enjoy a trip to London — though it certainly doesn’t hurt. There is so much diversity in England's capital, that no matter what kind of traveler you are or what you are looking for, there are things to do in London whether your interest is history, architecture or simply experiencing other cultures.

While planning your trip to London, consider purchasing the The London Pass to save money on many of the city's attractions. Also, if you are traveling on a budget, several of the museums are among the best free things to in London. I absolutely enjoyed visiting this vast city, and I hope you check out our list of things to do in London and start planning your next trip!

Museums in London

1. British Museum

Like many of the museums in London, the British Museum is free to enter, but you should book a ticket ahead of time to ensure entry. The museum is six floors housing over 60 galleries with historical artifacts and art on display from Africa, including Egypt, and items from the Roman Empire as well as from the Americas, Asia and Greece.

2. London Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum, like many other museums in London, is free to visit, but it's a good idea to book your tickets ahead of time. The museum welcomes more than 5 million visitors a year. There are galleries and exhibits filled with fossils of dinosaurs and early humans as well as models and skeletons of extinct mammals like mammoths and giant elk. There are also examples of living creatures like a massive blue whale model suspended from the ceiling. In addition to the exhibits, take note of the building itself. The stunning Romanesque structure reminiscent of a cathedral first opened its doors in 1881. Keep an eye out for details inside the museum like ceiling tiles with botanical illustrations.

3. London Transport Museum

Learn about 200 years of history of transportation in London at the London Transport Museum. On display, you'll see things like iconic red double-decker busses, steam locomotives, 1930s London Underground rail cars and even a bus that was pulled by horses. In addition to these large objects, the museum has interactive exhibits, displays about the logos and posters that were displayed in the London Underground.

4. The National Gallery

The National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square and displays paintings from the 13th to early 20th century. The oldest artwork on display is religious iconography from the Middle Ages. You'll also find work from Renaissance artists as well as from famous painters such as Vincent Van Gogh. The National Gallery is free to enter, but some temporary exhibits have an admission fee.

5. National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery displays paintings, photographs and sculptures of British nobility and notable citizens as well as renowned people from around the world. It's an interesting collection that allows an up-close view of both modern people as well as those from the past. The museum is free to enter, though some special exhibitions have an entrance fee.

6. Shakespeare's Globe

Shakespeare's Globe is a recreation of the Globe Theatre where people in London could watch William Shakespeare's plays in the 17th century. The round timber-frame structure stood out to me as I crossed the Millenium Bridge to check in for my tour. You can schedule a tour to learn more about Shakespeare, the original Globe Theatre (and this reproduction) as well as the people who patronized it. You can also check the schedule ahead of your visit and buy tickets to see a play in the open-air theater.

7. Sherlock Holmes Museum

Sherlock Holmes, the detective at 221B Baker Street, has been capturing the imagination of readers since Sir Author Conan Doyle’s stories were published in magazines, notably the monthly installments in “Strand Magazine.” Today the stories have been reimagined and told in movies and TV shows that perpetuate Holmes's spot in popular culture. Located in the same address where the fictional detective lived, the Sherlock Holmes Museum serves as a real-life representation of the apartment where Holmes and Watson's cases began.

Suggested activity: Sherlock Holmes Old London - Very Small Group Walking Tour

8. Tate Modern

The Tate Modern displays modern and contemporary art. Exhibitions include paintings, art made of objects and conceptual installations. This art museum is in the former Bankside Power Station, so in addition to the art, you can view historic industrial elements like a giant turbine. The museum is free to enter except some special exhibitions cost a fee.

Castles and Palaces in London

9. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the king and is on my list of top things to do in London. If you want a glimpse inside this palace, book a ticket for one of the summer guided tours in advance. It's the only time of year and the only way that tourists can get a view of the interior.

10. Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace is perhaps best known as the residence of King Henry VIII. During his reign, he moved here, using his wealth to commission ornate works of art, notably elaborate tapestries, and added to the palace. Today, you can see his Tudor influence as well as the baroque influence of King William III who had much of the palace renovated. A tour of the palace includes access to several historical spots as well as an audio guide that identifies movie and TV filming locations both inside and outside on the grounds.

Suggested activity: Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace Tour

11. Kensington Palace

While Kensington Palace is the current residence of William and Catherine, the Prince and Princess of Wales, and their children, historic sections of the palace are open for tours. The royal residence was a favorite of the monarchs for some time until Queen Victoria — who was born here — opted to reign from Buckingham Palace. Since that time, it has been the residence of many royal family members. On a tour, you can see the grand King's Staircase decorated with ornate paintings, the King's Gallery and the King's State Apartments as well as the Jewel Room, where Queen Victoria's jewelry is on display.

12. Tower of London

The Tower of London is big complex made up of several buildings. It is both a castle and a fortress. During my visit, I particularly enjoyed the wire animal statues that represent the menagerie kept here by monarchs during the Middle Ages. I also recommend the 30-minute tours led by Yeomen Warders (aka Beefeaters); my guide was informative and entertaining. The Tower of London holds a ton of history. Many notable figures lived and visited like Geoffrey Chaucer, while the Tower of London served as a prison to others like Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey. This is also where you can see the crown jewels. Prepare yourself for a long line into the exhibit unless you are visiting in the off-season.

Suggested activity: Tower of London: Entry Ticket, Crown Jewels and Beefeater Tour

13. Windsor Castle

Just a little outside London is Windsor Castle. You can easily travel there on public transportation or visit on a tour. William the Conqueror ordered the castle's construction in the 11th century, and today, you can take a tour of what the Royal Collection Trust calls the "oldest and largest occupied castle in the world." While here, you can also visit the St. George's Chapel where many royal weddings have been held.

Suggested activity: Windsor Castle, Stonehenge & Salisbury Cathedral

Bridges, Buildings and Other Notable Landmarks in London

14. Houses of Parliament and Big Ben

The Houses of Parliament, aka the Palace of Westminster, are made up of two chambers, the House of Lords and the House of Commons. The building as it exists today was constructed after a fire in 1834 destroyed both chambers. The Gothic revival building is now a symbol of the U.K. government. You'll also find Big Ben here. Though the world-famous clock tower is widely known as Big Ben, technically that's the name of the bell while the tower is the Elizabeth Tower. You can hear the bell ring on the hour. A fun thing to do during your visit to London is to walk by the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben after sunset. I found the stone building illuminated with warm white light against the dark sky — a sight not to be missed.

Suggested activity: Westminster Abbey Tour and optional visit to Houses of Parliament in London

15. London Eye

Originally built to be a temporary attraction to celebrate the new millennium in London, the London Eye has been open since the year 2000 and has become (for the foreseeable future) a permanent fixture in the city. The giant observation wheel stands 443 feet tall at its peak, has 32 capsules that hold up to 25 passengers each, and it takes about 30 minutes to complete a single rotation. If you choose to ride the London Eye, you can see iconic London sites like St. Paul's Cathedral and Buckingham Palace, and people say that on clear days, you can see as far as Windsor Castle.

Suggested activity: London Eye Fast-Track Ticket

16. Millennium Bridge

The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that spans the River Thames connecting nearby points of interest of St. Paul's Cathedral on one side with the Tate Modern and Shakespeare's Globe on the other. Harry Potter fans might recognize the bridge from the film "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" in the scene where dementors attack the city and collapse the bridge.

Suggested activity: Harry Potter Film Locations Walking Tour

17. The Shard

The Shard, the tallest building in the United Kingdom, has a spire-like design that rises above the London Skyline, seemingly piercing the sky. The modern look of The Shard is a stark contrast to the many structures in London that date back a hundred or more years, and when construction was completed in 2012, many considered the skyscraper to be a massive eyesore that plagued the city. Despite its controversial appearance, The Shard has become an icon, and from The View from The Shard and the open-air deck on the top floor, visitors and Londoners alike can enjoy panoramas of the city that can't be seen from anywhere else.

18. Tower Bridge

If you spend any time in London, you'll almost certainly cross the River Thames, and you might do so on the Tower Bridge. The bascule bridge is easily identifiable by the two square towers with a raised pedestrian walkway and often confused with the London Bridge that is down river. It took 8 years to build and opened for use in 1894. The bridge is crossed by cars, double-decker buses and pedestrians, except when the bridge is raised to allow ships to continue their journey down the Thames. To learn more about Tower Bridge, purchase admission to go up in the towers, view exhibits about the bridge's history and construction, cross the raised pedestrian walkways and see the engine room.

London Parks

19. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a natural oasis in central London that is both historically significant and a family-friendly thing to do. The park was the site of the Great Exhibition in 1851 as well as many other events throughout the years including protests and concerts. Today, you can visit Speaker's Corner where folks ranging from Suffragettes to Karl Marx gave speeches. There are also walking paths for you to enjoy, playgrounds for kids, and even a playground designed for people ages 50 and above. Hyde Park is also the site of many events. I got to attend the annual Winter Wonderland in December, a whimsically decorated fair with carnival rides, food stalls and merchants selling gifts and ornaments.

20. St. James's Park

Henry VIII had the land converted to a park in 1532, but it was Charles II in 1660 who opened St. James's Park to the public. Today, the area continues to attract visitors with flower beds that bloom in spring and summer and a lake that is home to pelicans, ducks and swans. The 57-acre park is bordered by Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament. With such prestigious neighbors, the green space is home to royal events such as the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

London’s Churches and Cathedrals

21. St. Paul's Cathedral

The original St. Paul's Cathedral burned down in the Great Fire of London in 1666. The cathedral accordingly was rebuilt, and now the public is welcome to attend the free daily service or to tour the church with the purchase of a ticket. The cathedral is decorated with arches, ornate columns and gilded paintings. On a visit, you can go through the main level and the crypt as well up into the dome. For extra context and detail about the church, grab the audio guide that comes with admission. This iconic London structure has been included in many movies including the 2009 "Sherlock Holmes," starring Robert Downey, Jr., and 2017's "Paddington 2." I visited before seeing "Wonka" (2023) and was delighted to recognize parts of the cathedral in the film.

Suggested activity: St. Paul's Cathedral Admission Ticket

22. Westminster Abbey

Westminster Abbey was founded by Benedictine monks in the 10th century, and it has been the coronation site for English monarchs since the 11th century. The Gothic church as it exists today was built in the 13th century under King Henry III. Church services at the abbey are open to the public, but to tour the church, come during visitation hours for an audio-guided tour or schedule a verger-led tour. I enjoyed the audio guide and the chance to learn about many of the monarchs who are buried here. The abbey also is the burial site for Charles Dickens and Geoffrey Chaucer, and I was especially taken by the poets' corner, which has memorials to notable figures like William Shakespeare.

Suggested activity: Skip the Line Westminster Abbey & Guard Change

Shopping Spots in London

23. Borough Market

The history of Borough Market can be traced back to at least the 13th century as a place to purchase food. The market has been located in various places in London, been burned down and faced a questionable future when Londoners' shopping habits shifted to purchasing produce from grocery stores. The market however has persisted, and today it is a popular spot for shoppers looking for high-end ingredients, baked goods and street food.

Suggested activity: London Borough Market Small Group Food Tour

24. Camden Market

Camden Market began in 1974 as a small market open once a week, but now has four distinct quarters and is open seven days a week with food halls, street food, sit-down dining as well as shopping for home goods, clothing and accessories as well as custom-made and vintage goods. There's even an underground alien-themed amusement park.

Suggested activity: Camden Walking Tour in London

25. Daunt Books

Daunt Books opened in 1990, and while they have expanded to have a few locations around London, the original is located on Marylebone High Street in a beautiful Edwardian building that book lovers will delight in exploring. Daunt Books is a travel book store, but they don't only sell guidebooks that help people plan travel. They carry fiction novels and non-fiction books that inspire travel, so instead of organizing books by genre, they organize them by country.

26. Harrods

The department store Harrods is another one of the shopping destinations that is also an attraction for its fame and history. Harrods opened as a grocery store in 1849 and gained popularity for its excellent customer service and expanding offerings. Over the years, the department store grew into a seven-story shopping paradise built in 1905. Today, you can enjoy wandering through, browsing or buying high-end clothing. You can also grab a bite here. There are several restaurants, cafés and bars.

27. Regent Street

For shopping in London, Regent Street is a must-see. It's a little more than a mile and rests between Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Circus. This shopping street was originally constructed in 1819, and while some parts have had to be reconstructed due to The Blitz in World War II, the street has been a hub of shopping in London for more than 200 years. You can find tons of clothing and accessories. Some top spots include Hamleys (my favorite shop on Regent Street), a toy store that's been around since 1881, and Liberty London, a department store that first opened in 1875.

Suggested activity: London by Night Walking Tour

28. Afternoon Tea

If you've never had afternoon tea (also sometimes called high tea), you should make reservations to enjoy this delightfully delicious experience. Many afternoon teas come with savory sandwiches as well as sweet treats — think macarons, small cakes and bite-size pastries. Consider booking a reservation at Palm Court in The Ritz London or the Thames Foyer in The Savoy.

Harry Potter Film Sites in London

29. Warner Bros. Studio Tour London: The Making of Harry Potter

Tour sets, see props, and hear about practical and computer-generated effects to learn how the world of Harry Potter was created for the movie franchise. You can see sets like Platform 9 3/4, Diagon Alley and the Great Hall, as well as a model of the Hogwarts Castle. You'll encounter props and learn how some of the iconic effects in the movie worked, such as the door to the Chamber of Secrets and the life-size animatronic of Buckbeak. This is a must-do adventure for anyone who has become enraptured by the magic of the Harry Potter films.

Suggested activity: The Making of Harry Potter: Warner Bros. Studio Tour & Transfers

30. Leadenhall Market

London's Leadenhall Market is a feast for the eyes as well as a fun visit for history buffs and shoppers alike. Now located in the financial district, the market's history dates back to the 14th century when it was a meat market. The current market building was constructed in 1881 during the Victorian era and was designed to preserve the medieval street layout. The open-air corridors are under an ornate, arched glass roof. The columns are decorated with crests and topped with dragons, and the shop signs are adorned with beautiful gold lettering. You'll find clothing stores, barbers and hair salons, restaurants and pubs, bakeries, and cheese mongers. Leadenhall Market has been featured in movies, including "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" and "The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus." You might also recognize the arched entryway in "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone," when Hagrid and Harry are walking through the streets of London toward the Leaky Cauldron.

Suggested activity: Tour for Muggles