Things to do in London

Activities, attractions and tours

London
London showing a high-rise building, night scenes and a city
Albert Memorial showing autumn leaves, a garden and heritage architecture
London which includes skyline, a statue or sculpture and a city
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Top places to visit

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most well-known parks. The park connects with Kensington Gardens and the two combined cover 630 acres (253 hectares). Together they form the centrepiece of a network of parks known as “London’s Green Lung.” Once the private hunting grounds of King Henry VIII, today the park is filled with heritage sites, monuments and events to attend all year-round.
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Hyde Park featuring a garden, a river or creek and watersports

2. Tower Bridge

For London locals, Tower Bridge is a vital part of the city’s infrastructure, ushering 40,000 vehicles safely across the Thames daily. However, for many visitors, the sight of the dual Gothic towers rising above the skyline is a must-see.
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Tower Bridge featuring heritage architecture, a bay or harbour and a bridge

3. O2 Arena

The O2 Arena is an award-winning complex that hosts many types of events, such as sports and music. It has a seating capacity of about 20,000 and has held the title as the busiest arena in the world with more than 2 million ticket sales in a calendar year. It was designed with excellent acoustics to prevent echoing.
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O2 Arena which includes a river or creek and modern architecture

4. London Bridge

London Bridge is easily one of the most famously named bridges in the world, and the site of the oldest recorded crossing of the River Thames. Walk across the landmark structure, enjoy gorgeous river views and pick up insights into the bridge’s history in its underground vaults.
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The view across London Bridge showing the walkie talkie (voted the ugliest building in the UK) the gherkin and the razor.

5. London Eye

The 360-degree view from the top of the London Eye is a spectacular way to orientate yourself in London. Below, the River Thames meanders through the teeming metropolis, and on a clear day the views stretch to Windsor Castle, almost 25 miles (40 kilometres) away.
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London Eye which includes night scenes, a skyscraper and a city

6. Buckingham Palace

The official home of British royalty since 1837, Buckingham Palace is the epicentre of Britain’s constitutional monarchy. It’s walls have witnessed innumerable state decrees, lavish banquets and foreign dignitary receptions.
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Buckingham Palace, Westminster, London

7. Big Ben

Catch a glimpse of Big Ben across the River Thames and you’ll know that you have truly arrived in London. Featured in British films, such as “Bridget Jones’s Diary”, “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually”, Big Ben is best viewed from the Thames’ east bank or while strolling along Westminster Bridge, en route to see the Houses of Parliament.
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Big Ben showing a city, a monument and a river or creek

8. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus owes its peculiar name to a certain Roger Baker, a tailor famous for making piccadills, the frilled collars fashionable in the 17th century. The word “circus” refers to the circular motion of the traffic, which whisks around beneath the statue of the Greek god Anteros. Today, the name conjures images of flashing lights, entertainment and the exuberance of a city very much on the move. The area has become a must-see spectacle, attracting both locals and tourists throughout the day and night.
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London featuring heritage elements, a city and street scenes

9. Trafalgar Square

Built to commemorate the British Navy’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, London’s Trafalgar Square is now the first port of call for over 30 million tourists a year. This area has been a gathering point for celebrations and political rallies for more than a century. Within hours of each event, however, the normal rhythms of the city return, watched over by the stoic statues of Admiral Lord Nelson and the Four Lions.
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Trafalgar Square featuring a square or plaza, a sunset and a fountain

What to do in London

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park which includes a pond, a park and a city

Hyde Park

4.5/5(1,861 reviews)

Once the private hunting grounds of a king, London's most famous park is today a place where everyone can enjoy gardens, monuments and music performances.

Hyde Park
Tower Bridge showing heritage architecture, a bridge and night scenes

Tower Bridge

4.5/5(1,137 reviews)

An engineering marvel, this London icon spans both the River Thames and the ages.

Tower Bridge
O2 Arena showing modern architecture

O2 Arena

4.5/5(625 reviews)

Attend music and sports events, see a movie or go bowling in one of the busiest arenas in the world, situated inside this iconic dome by the River Thames.

O2 Arena
London Bridge showing a city

London Bridge

4.5/5(353 reviews)

Known for its association with a well-known nursery rhyme, this iconic bridge has existed in various forms for more than 2,000 years.

London Bridge
London Eye which includes night scenes, a skyscraper and a city

London Eye

4/5(1,213 reviews)

Climb aboard this observation wheel for the best bird’s-eye view of the British capital.

London Eye
Buckingham Palace showing heritage architecture, a castle and a city

Buckingham Palace

4.5/5(1,004 reviews)

Britain’s most famous home, the luxurious personal residence and workplace of Queen Elizabeth II, is open to all.

Buckingham Palace
Big Ben showing a city, a monument and a river or creek

Big Ben

4/5(1,061 reviews)

One of London’s most resounding landmarks is a treasured emblem of England.

Big Ben
Piccadilly Circus featuring street scenes, signage and heritage architecture

Piccadilly Circus

4/5(1,953 reviews)

Often billed as the British version of Times Square, this iconic intersection is the perfect starting point for your London adventure.

Piccadilly Circus
Wembley Stadium

Wembley Stadium

4.5/5(558 reviews)

Catch an event at Wembley Stadium during your trip to Wembley. Stroll along the riverfront or visit the notable monuments in this vibrant area.

Wembley Stadium

Areas of London

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London City Centre

4.5/5(21 area reviews)

Iconic landmarks, a world-famous theater district, lively nightlife zones and superb shopping and art museums await in the heart of England’s capital city.

London City Centre
London showing signage, markets and heritage elements

Covent Garden

Get lost in the cobblestoned labyrinth of boutiques and bars, or simply find a spot to enjoy the street performers in one of London’s most entertaining districts.

Covent Garden
The City of London which includes central business district, heritage architecture and a city

The City of London

4.5/5(668 area reviews)

Discover a compelling blend of modern culture and rich heritage in London’s financial heart.

The City of London
Admiralty Arch featuring heritage architecture

City of Westminster

4.5/5(2,564 area reviews)

Once separate from London, this fascinating borough features many of the city’s most important buildings and famous sights, as well as galleries and parks.

City of Westminster
Soho

Soho

Soak up the energy of Soho, where buzzing nightlife, LGBTQ+ pride and star-studded premieres bring the streets to life.

Soho
Mayfair

Mayfair

Find some of London’s best shopping, famous auction houses and five-star hotels in this London neighborhood surrounded by pretty parks.

Mayfair
Croydon

Croydon

Photo by Benjamin Willard

Hornchurch

Hounslow

Hounslow

Wembley

Wembley

Photo by Patrick Callaghan

Kingston Upon Thames

Borehamwood

Borehamwood

Photo by Christopher Mann

Brentwood

Photo "Bushey" by John Salmon (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by John Salmon (CC BY-SA)

Bushey

Frequently asked questions

Is London worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in London is explore Hyde Park. Check this top sight off your agenda, then experience more of the area's bars and pubs and views.
How do I spend a day in London?
Once you've visited major attractions like Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus, spend some time experiencing the retail and food options in London.
What is the top tourist attraction in London?
Hyde Park is one of the top tourist attractions in London and should feature high on every sightseeing list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in London?
Three days will give you enough time to check out some popular city sights, such as Hyde Park, Piccadilly Circus and Buckingham Palace. The average stay in London is three days. If you have the time to extend your adventure, West Drayton isn't far away.
Is London a walkable city?
Some leading sights in London, including Hyde Park and Piccadilly Circus, are within walking distance. You can also enjoy several of the city's popular neighbourhoods on foot. Just 0.16 kilometres from central London is London City Centre and City of Westminster is 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in London with kids?
If you're looking for tours and attractions for all ages, have a look at these fabulous ideas for what to do in London with kids.

What to do in London for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in London, with activities for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Fuller's Griffin Brewery or Beefeater Gin Distillery.
Are there free things to do in London?
In London, Hyde Park is a popular spot for anyone wanting to enjoy the city without opening their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for recommendations. It's a simple way to explore the best free things to do in London.

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