Things to do in North London

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North London travel guide

King's Cross Regent's canal towpath, Granary Square, North London, England, UK, October 15, 2022

London skyline. Aerial drone photo from Primrose Hill in North London looking south with many key landmarks in view.

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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. 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

3. 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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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. 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

6. 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

7. The British Museum

With a collection of nearly 8 million artefacts gathered from every continent, it’s unlikely that even the most seasoned museum-goer can absorb the British Museum in a single day. But don’t let the museum’s size deter you, even if you only have a few hours. It’s well worth the visit.

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The British Museum featuring interior views as well as a large group of people

8. 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

9. Oxford Street

Oxford Street is the one of the busiest and most dynamic shopping areas in Europe. It consists of a long street of about 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) with approximately 300 individual shops and many restaurants. The Oxford Street branch of many companies and departments is often considered its flagship store. Its location in the center of London means the street is easy to access.

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Oxford Street featuring heritage architecture, signage and a city

10. Tower of London

The Tower of London is among Britain’s top tourist attractions. Although it’s mainly known as a place of imprisonment and execution, this remarkable building has also served as palace, mint, archive, armory, barracks and royal menagerie over the years. See the legendary crown jewels and learn about the tower’s often brutal history.

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Tower of London which includes heritage elements and a castle

What to do in North London

Popular places to visit

Hyde Park

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.

Big Ben

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

Buckingham Palace

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

London Bridge

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

Tower Bridge

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

Piccadilly Circus

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

The British Museum

Originally created as a “cabinet of curiosities", Britain’s oldest museum has grown into a treasure house of humanity’s greatest achievements.

Trafalgar Square

London’s great meeting place and the “front yard” of the National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church.

Oxford Street

Browse hundreds of reputable shops, cafés and restaurants in one of the busiest shopping streets in Europe.

Areas of North London

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.

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.