Top 10 sights
The best things to do in London
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," said Samuel Johnson. He spoke the truth. Whether you're looking for West End musicals, double decker buses, Sherlock Holmes pubs, or Kate Middleton lunch spots, the British capital has something to offer you.
1. Warner Brothers Studio
You can't go to London without visiting Harry Potter! Take a day trip from London to Warner Brothers Studio, where you'll be able to shop Diagon Alley, enjoy a Butterbeer, and talk Quidditch.
2. Stonehenge
Reflect on the world's most famous prehistoric ruins. Getting to Stonehenge takes about 90 minutes. Tip: you can also visit Windsor Castle or Bath while out in the countryside.
3. The Shard
If you can catch a sunny day, there's nothing more beautiful than 360-degree views of London at the Shard. Visit the viewing platform inside Western Europe's tallest building.
4. Madame Tussaud's
Trying to spot your favorite British celebrities? You'll at least be able to find their life-size wax counterparts here! Madame Tussaud's is a fun thing to do on a rainy day in London.
5. Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, AKA The Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the Thames River. The tour is plain fun, and you get to see the Crown Jewels!
6. London Eye
Climb onto Europe's biggest ferris wheel, and float 443 feet above the Thames River. Inside a London Eye pod, you'll get great views of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park.
7. South Bank
The walk between the Eye and Tower Bridge in South Bank is filled with largely state-funded arts venues. Head to the Tate Modern for modern masters, and then to Borough Market for lunch.
8. River Thames
The River Thames weaves right through the heart of London. An afternoon boat tour is a fun introduction to the Tower of London, Parliament, and other riverside attractions.
9. Wembley Stadium
Opened in 2007, Wembley is the 90,000 capacity home for the English national football team (and lots of other major sporting and concert events!).
10. London Zoo
A visit to the London Zoo is a great family outing. Watch the animal feedings, explore the butterfly enclosure, or learn more about conservation.
Planning Your Visit
How many days should you spend in London?
If this is your first trip to London, stay for at least four full days in order to hit all the classic sights like Buckingham Palace. But whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the key to visiting London is planning. The more you dig around, the more you'll realize how many things you can do in the city -- and everybody will want to see different sights and attractions. Before you go, decide which which tours or sights are a "must" for your group.
How much do taxis and double decker buses cost?
Transportation is notoriously expensive in London. Take the tube or a taxi at least once, for the experience and the picture. Locals travel by bus or by foot. The bus map can be a little confusing, but it is reliable and much cheaper. You'll be an expert by the end of your trip, which will give you a better excuse to come back again!
What's the best time of year to visit London?
They aren't kidding when they say "foggy Londontown." There's always a threat of rain, which is something that bonds the English together in solidarity. Even in the summer, you should carry an umbrella or light jacket. One idea? Plan your visit around a classic London event (like the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race down the Thames, or seeing the Christmas lights at Harrod's).
Good to know
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- Language
- English
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- Currency
- British Pound (£)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+00:00)
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- Country Code
- +44
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- Best time to visit
- The weather is foggy with a chance of rain year-round. In the spring, the parks are green and in bloom. In the fall and winter, hotel prices tend to be lower.
Top Attractions in London
- 14 Greenwich
- 18 Tower Bridge
- 19 The Shard
Things to Do in London
- 13 London Tours
Cities in United Kingdom
- 2 London
- 4 Bath
- 5 York
- 6 Oxford
- 9 Belfast
- 10 Brighton
- 11 Bournemouth
- 12 Glasgow
- 13 Manchester
- 14 Poole
- 15 Balloch
- 17 Bristol
- 18 Cardiff
- 20 Fort William
Other Sightseeing Options in London
Want to discover all there is to do in London? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about London
A fantastic experience, a well organised friendly team who also gave my husband a special mention for his birthday. The speedboat itself was incredible and the music added to the experience. The tour guide was brilliant, perfectly balancing witty comments with historical information about the buildings we passed on the way.
Extremely covid friendly and even though it was Sunday the number of people was very comfortable. Extremely interesting facts which was great for my 6year old grandson. Would certainly go again.
Our very professional guide, Anna was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. She is a credit to your company.
Very informative and interesting to know the buildings on the Thames has alot of history
It was an excellent activity on a nice sunny day and very fun would definitely do again
Top destinations
Popular on GetYourGuide
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- Edinburgh Harry Potter Tours
- Edinburgh Day Trips
- London River & Harbor Cruises
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- Edinburgh Tickets
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- Edinburgh Hop-on Hop-off Tours
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Popular Attractions
- Loch Lomond
- River Thames
- Edinburgh Vaults
- Royal Yacht Britannia
- Loch Ness
- The Beatles Story
- Anfield
- Up at the O2
- Kew Gardens
- Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
- Titanic Belfast
- Osborne House
- Old Trafford
- The O2 Arena
- River Mersey
- Hogwarts Express, Scottish Highlands
- Stonehenge
- Edinburgh Castle
- Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
- Benagil Sea Cave