The Ultimate Guide Of Things To Do In London

The Ultimate Guide To London

Dr Samuel Johnson once wrote that the person who tires of London tires of life – and he wasn’t wrong. Use our ultimate guide to the UK capital to find awesome things to do in London, exciting activities, places to eat and drink, regular events, the best time to visit, getting around the city, and much more. We cover:

• Fun facts and things to know about London
• Travel tips when visiting London
• The best time to visit London
• Top things to do in London for city lovers
• Top things to do in London for romantics
• Cool things to do in London with the family
• Explore London for the nature enthusiast
• Top cultural activities in London
• Top events in London
• How to get to London
• Getting around London
• Where to stay in London

The guide can be viewed below and taken with you wherever you go. We hope it helps you make the most of your time in London. Thanks for reading!

Fun facts and things to know about London

Gain a different and deeper perspective on this incredible metropolis with these fun facts and interesting things to know about London.

Big Ben isn’t what you think

The clock tower of the Houses of Parliament is one of London’s iconic landmarks, and most people who visit the city eagerly pose for photos in front of what they call ‘Big Ben’. However, Big Ben is actually the name of the bell inside the external tower everyone photographs.

More than 300 languages are spoken in London

The British capital is one of the world’s most culturally diverse cities. More than 300 languages are spoken among the city’s more than 8 million inhabitants. Among them are Afrikaans, Bengali, Cantonese, English, French, Gujarati, Hokkien, Mandarin, and Punjabi.

The first design for the London Underground was based on transportation by water

Initially, engineers proposed filling the underground tunnels with water and transporting people by barge from station to station. Another early idea suggested using horse-drawn carriages in the tunnels. We think that trains were the right decision.

London has an official smallest statue

You’ll find what’s officially the smallest statue in London on Philpot Lane. The statue is of two mice eating cheese, and it was installed in memory of two builders who died after falling during the construction of the Monument. The cause of the fall was an argument over a missing sandwich. The two blamed each other, but mice were the real cause for the sandwich’s disappearance.

Six ravens live in the Tower of London

In the 17th century, King Charles II gave the order that six ravens were to be housed in the Tower of London after he was warned that not only the tower but also the Crown would fall if ravens ever left the landmark. Six ravens have been kept at the tower ever since.

Travel tips when visiting London

London can be an expensive and overwhelming holiday destination if you’ve never visited before. Make your holiday experience easier (and more budget-friendly) with these travel tips.

Bring comfortable walking shoes and walk as much as you can: Central London looks like a huge place on a map, but it’s smaller than you think it is, and it’s extremely walkable. Make sure you have Google Maps on your phone (in case you get lost), put on those shoes, and pound the pavements. Walking’s the best way to get around central London and to discover its hidden gems. Also, bring an umbrella or a raincoat. While it doesn’t rain in London nearly as often as tourists think it does, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Purchase a London Pass and Use Contactless Payments or an Oyster Card: The London Pass itself is £75 for adults and £55 for children for a one-day pass, with two, three, six and ten-day passes also available. It offers access to more than 90 of the city’s top attractions, such as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral, the View from the Shard, Kensington Palace, Windsor Castle, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, the Chelsea FC Stadium tour, and more! Oyster Cards and the acceptance of contactless payments makes using public transport easier and cheaper. You can use either method to travel on buses, trams, and the Underground and Overground railways at a fraction of the cost of regular tickets. 

Take the No. 11 bus instead of an expensive sightseeing bus tour: Sightseeing bus tours can be expensive, so ditch them in favour of the good old No. 11 bus. Travelling along the route between Fulham and Liverpool Street, you’ll see Chelsea, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben (see, even we do it), Trafalgar Square, the Strand, St Paul’s Cathedral, and the Bank of England. No matter how many times you hop off and hop on the next No. 11 bus that comes along, it’s still cheaper than a guided tour. Who would’ve thought that a simple bus ride can show you so much of London.

Go on a free walking tour: There are plenty of free walking tours with different focuses in London, and they can be a great way to explore some of the sites that will be of particular interest to you.

Eat at a street food market: London’s street food markets are impressive, to say the least. If you bypass the chance to visit at least one of those markets, your holiday will be incomplete. It’s as simple as that. Check out Flat Iron Square, the Maltby Street Market, and/or the Borough Market for some truly mouth-watering snacks and meals.

Best time to visit London

The best time to visit London really depends on you and what you’re looking for. The weather between May and August is wonderful, with sunny days, mild temperatures, and occasional rain, although the city can get humid in late summer. Walking around the city is more than do-able, although summer does bring hordes of tourists, and pretty much everything is crowded.

If you want to visit the city in the quieter months, consider planning your trip for February or March, but be prepared for cold, wet weather. March to May is another time of year when the weather’s mild enough to walk around comfortably, and you won’t be faced with huge crowds at many of the best things to do in London. The winter months bring twinkling lights, Christmas festivities, and the Winter Wonderland.

Top things to do in London for city lovers

London is full of attractions. Take a look at these cool things to do in London for city lovers.

See the changing of the guard: The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace should be on every visitor’s list! Performed to musical accompaniment on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the ceremony sees the group of soldiers currently protecting the palace formally hand over their duty to another group of soldiers. Arrive early for a good view, because the changing of the guard always draws a crowd.

Follow the South Bank Walk: Formally known as the Queen’s Walk, the South Bank Walk along the south bank of the River Thames from Tower Bridge to Lambeth Bridge (you can walk the path in either direction). Walk the path at your own pace and see sights such as: Tower Bridge, Victorian street Shad Thames, City Hall, the HMS Belfast, Hay’s Galleria, the Shard, Southwark Cathedral, Borough Market (stop for a bite to eat), the Golden Hinde, Winchester Palace, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Tate Modern, Millennium Footbridge, Oxo Tower, the National Theatre, Jubilee Gardens and the London Eye, and Tate Britain.

Stroll down one (or more) of London’s famous shopping streets: Several streets in London are world-famous for being shopping destinations. Take a stroll down one or more of them and see what all the fuss is about. Some of the most iconic of them include Regent Street in Mayfair, the King’s Road in Kensington and Chelsea, Oxford Street in the City of Westminster, Knightsbridge in Kensington and Chelsea, Bond Street in Mayfair, Carnaby Street in the City of Westminster, Covent Garden in the City of Westminster and Camden, and, on Saturdays when the market’s on, Portobello Road in Notting Hill.

Rock down to Electric Avenue: You’ve probably heard Eddy Grant’s hit song Electric Avenue at least once in your life, so visit the place that inspired it while you’re in the city. Located in Brixton, Electric Avenue was the first market street in London to be lit by electricity. Also the site of the 1981 Brixton Race Riots, the street’s now home to the colourful, eclectic Brixton Market. Don’t stop there, as Brixton’s one of the city’s most diverse and interesting areas.

Have a drink in Soho: One of London’s entertainment centres since the 19th century, Soho has a bit of a naughty reputation. That said, the area is full of quirky bars, clubs, jazz bars, theatres, music shops, bakeries, and restaurants, as well as plenty of LGBTQ bars. If you’re there during the day, stop for a coffee and a pastry. If you’re there in the evening, enjoy a drink in the bar of your choice.

Top things to in London for romantics

The “Big Smoke” might not have the same reputation as Paris, Rome, or Venice when it comes to romantic cities, but take a closer look, and you’ll find all manner of things to do in London for couples. Here’s our pick of some of the best options.

Take in a romantic show at a theatre: Treat your partner to a romantic show at one of London’s theatres and follow it up with dinner at a nearby restaurant (many restaurants stay open late for theatregoers). Choose a less well-known production at a smaller theatre or opt for a smash-hit musical such as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera or the ABBA-inspired Mamma Mia! at a larger venue.

Wander through Little Venice: London’s Little Venice is a charming spot for a romantic stroll. Located in Maida Vale, the area is where the Great Union and Regent’s canals meet. Little Venice is famous for the many barges on its waterways. Some of those boats are homes, while others are cafes, galleries, or theatres. The canals are lined with cafes, shops, and gardens, and there are various historical sites hidden away in the lanes between the buildings. You’re both sure to love exploring this beautiful and fascinating area.

Dine at London’s Most Romantic Restaurant: Voted as the Most Romantic Restaurant in London, Covent Garden’s Clos Maggiore is the perfect place to spoil your beloved with an intimate dinner of contemporary French cuisine and incredible wine. As for the setting, you’ll find a cosy atmosphere, candles on the tables, a conservatory filled with flowers, and a log fire.

Sip champagne while enjoying the View from the Shard: The UK’s tallest building, the Shard offers a view of London like no other. Visit the Shard with your partner, and love will be in the air at 244 metres. A general entrance ticket gives you access to the indoor viewing platforms on levels 68 and 69, and to the open-air viewing deck on level 72, a panoramic guide, and four digital photos. You can leave it at that, or you can add on a few extra goodies, such as a glass of Moët & Chandon champagne.

Go bowling, retro-style: Just up from Russell Square near the British Museum, Bloomsbury Lanes is a retro-American-style bowling alley and karaoke bar. It’s just the thing for a date night with a difference.

Cool things to do with family in London

We could spend a month of Sundays listing the fantastic things to do in London for kids, and we still wouldn’t have covered everything. Here are just a few of the amazing family-friendly activities and attractions that await you.

Ride the London Eye: Few children, teenagers, and parents on holiday in London can resist the appeal of going for a ride on Europe’s tallest Ferris wheel. The London Eye offers stunning views of the capital, including many of its most famous landmarks. Book your tickets in advance to avoid long queues.

Play at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground: If your children are younger than 13, celebrate the memory of the late Princess Di by visiting the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground. Located next to Kensington Palace, the Peter Pan-themed playground has a wooden pirate ship, slides, swings, a sensory trail, other attractions, and an area for children with disabilities.

Skim along the Thames in a speedboat: Children and teenagers love going on cruises on the Thames. Take things up a notch by ditching a slow ferry in favour of a speedboat!

Explore Sailortown at the Museum of London Docklands: Take your family on a trip back in time by visiting the Museum of London Docklands. The main galleries are packed with fascinating exhibits, but the real highlight is Sailortown, a walk-through recreation of the docklands more than 200 years ago. Smell the scents, hear the noises, peer into shops and taverns, and peep into dingy alleys. When you’re done, let the kids explore the children’s gallery, Mudlarks.

Get hearts racing with white water rafting: “London” and “white water rafting” aren’t usually said together in the same sentence – but you must visit the Lee Valley White Water Centre. Built for the 2012 London Olympics, the centre offers white water rafting, kayaking, canoeing, Hydrospeeding, paddleboarding, and other fun activities. If you’re looking for things to do for teenagers in London while on a summer holiday, this makes for a memorable day out.

Explore London for the nature enthusiast

London has numerous green spaces for nature enthusiasts to explore. Here’s our pick of great things to do in London for anyone who loves mother nature.

Visit the WWT London Wetland Centre: Located on a loop in the Thames, the WWT London Wetland Centre on the site of four former disused Victorian reservoirs. Once voted as the city’s favourite nature reserve, the centre offers tranquil strolls through wetland habitats that are home to various species of wild birds, insects, amphibians, and other creatures.

Swim in a lake or pond: If you’re in London in the summer, indulge in the time-honoured tradition of going for a dip in one of the city’s swimming ponds or lakes. Check out the Serpentine Lido in Hyde Park, Stoke Newington’s West Reservoir Centre, and the Hampstead Heath Swimming Ponds.

See London’s mediaeval landscape at RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve: Head out to RSPB Rainham Marshes Nature Reserve on the Thames Estuary to get a sense of what the London landscape looked like in the Middle Ages. Take a guided walk on the reserve’s nature trails and learn more about the site’s wetland plants, birds, and other creatures that live there.

Explore Queen’s Wood: Located in the borough of Haringly, Queen’s Wood is a 21-hectare area of ancient woodland. The wood once was part of the ancient Forest of Middlesex, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Follow the pathways and be amazed by a canopy of English oak and beech trees, smaller trees such as cherry, holly, hazel, birch, hornbeam, and mountain ash, as well as beautiful ground flora such as wood anemones, wood sorrel, goldilocks buttercup, St John’s wort, and yellow pimpernel. The wood is the source of the Moselle, one of London’s famous hidden rivers.

Wander around the Chelsea Physic Garden: Established as the Apothecaries’ Garden in 1673, the Chelsea Physic Garden is home to 5,000 plants grouped in different plantings. Explore the Garden of Medicinal Plants, the Pharmaceutical Garden, the Garden of World Medicine, the Garden of Edible and Useful Plants, and the World Woodland Garden. You’ll also see Britain’s largest fruiting olive tree and what’s probably the world’s northernmost grapefruit tree growing outdoors. The rockery (Europe’s oldest) is a treasure trove of Mediterranean and carnivorous plants, as well as a few historical surprises.

Top Cultural activities in London

London is a cultural wonderland, so if arts and culture are what you’re after, you won’t have any trouble finding it. What you might struggle with is knowing where to begin. Start with these cool things to do in London for culture vultures.

Indulge in afternoon tea: A quintessential British tradition, afternoon tea is a must for every visitor who loves culture. You’ll find afternoon tea offerings, from the traditional to the quirky and whimsical, all over the city. For something truly indulgent, head to Fortnum & Mason, the iconic department store established in 1701, where you have the options of the classic afternoon tea menu, a savoury afternoon tea menu, as well as high tea, vegetarian and vegan, and gluten-free menus.

Visit the British Museum: Founded in 1753, the British Museum is a world-famous and venerable institution. The labyrinthine museum houses some of the most famous artefacts ever discovered, so it’s absolutely worth visiting. See the Rosetta Stone or the head of Agamemnon with your own eyes will give you goosebumps.

Browse London’s markets: London’s markets have been a vibrant part of city life for centuries and browsing your way through one or more of them is a cultural experience second to none. Some of the best markets to visit include the Portobello Market, Greenwich Market, Camden Market, the Covent Garden Market, and foodie paradise, the Borough Market.

Explore Westminster Abbey: One of Britain’s most notable religious buildings, Westminster Abbey is where every British monarch has been crowned – a tradition that began with William the Conqueror in 1066. The church also has seen its share of royal weddings, and it’s the final resting place of many notable Britons, including royalty, prime ministers, poets laureate, scientists, actors, and the Unknown Warrior. The best way to see the church is to go on a guided tour with one of the vergers.

See the Tower of London: More than just a tower, the Tower of London is a historic castle on the bank of the Thames. In its early years, the Tower was a royal residence, but over the following centuries, the site has served as an armoury, a treasury, a menagerie, the home of the Royal Mint, a public record office, and the home of England’s Crown Jewels. Make your exploration of the Tower all the more exciting by booking an audio guided tour.

Top events in London

As can be expected, a plethora of spectacular events take place in London every year. If you want to add attending an event to your list of things to do in London while on holiday, here’s our pick of some of the best.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day Parade: You need to experience New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in London at least once in your life. On the Eve, fireworks and lightshows light up the Thames and major landmarks such as the Tower Bridge, London Bridge, the County Hall, and Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament. On New Year’s Day, an exciting and entertaining parade starts from Ritz Hotel and winds its way to Piccadilly, Piccadilly Circus, Regent Street, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall and Parliament Square.

London Marathon: Held every spring, usually in April, the London Marathon attracts thousands of participants and more than half a million spectators. The atmosphere is incredible as spectators cheer the runners on. Whether you want to join the runners or simply be part of the vibe, the London Marathon certainly is an event to consider.

Chelsea Flower Show: Every May, the Royal Hospital Chelsea grounds are transformed into a blaze of glory by the Chelsea Flower Show. Attracting participants and visitors from all over the UK and around the world, the show offers exhibitions of gardens and of flower, plant, and fruit and vegetable arrangements. It also provides a platform for plant breeders to show off their accomplishments, and for visitors to gain a wealth of knowledge as well as a few new specimens, tools, or decorations for their gardens.

The Proms: The Henry Wood Promenade Concerts, better known as the Proms, take place at the Royal Albert Hall and other venues every July, August, and September. The eight-week summer season offers daily orchestral classical music and other concerts. Some of those other events are orchestral versions of some of the hottest club and dance tracks, such as Faithless’ Insomnia.

Christmas in London: Yuletide arguably is the most magical time of year in the British capital, as what feels like the entire city gets into the spirit of the season. Homes, commercial buildings, and streets are festooned with twinkling lights and Christmas displays, numerous seasonal attractions spring up in various locations, and the air is sweet with the aromas of roasted caramelised nuts, spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and hot chocolate. Visit the Christmas markets at Covent Garden, Hyde Park, London Bridge area, and South Bank, go skating at the Natural History Museum ice rink, and be sure to explore Hyde Park Winter Wonderland’s markets, rides, shows, live music, bars, restaurants, and other attractions.

How to get to London

London has six airports. The good news is that it’s easy to get from any of them to your destination in the city.

Heathrow Airport: If you’re arriving at Heathrow, you can take the Underground’s Piccadilly line to the city centre. The buses that run from the station at the airport mostly service the outlying areas of the city. However, the N9 bus is the night bus from Heathrow to Trafalgar Square, which is handy if you land after the Underground closes for the night. If you want to take an overground train, choose either the Heathrow Express or the Elizabeth line, both of which terminate at Paddington Station. You also have the option of taking a taxi, although they are expensive.

Gatwick Airport: The two most popular ways to get from Gatwick to London are coaches and the train. Coaches leave from the airport’s north and south terminals and terminate at London Victoria. As for trains, your options include the Gatwick Express as well as trains operated by Thameslink and Southern. Check their stops to find the train that is best for your needs.

Stansted Airport: Trains are the most popular way for travellers to get from Stansted to London. Other transport options include coaches and taxis. The two main train options are the Stansted Express, which terminates at London Liverpool Street, and a Greater Anglia train that goes via Tottenham Hale, where you can change trains for Stratford.

Luton Airport: The three most popular transport options from Luton to London are trains, coaches, and taxis. You’ll find Thameslink and East Midlands Trains from the airport to London’s St Pancras Station, which offers easy access to the Underground.

London City Airport: Located in the docklands, London City Airport is wonderfully central. You can get to the city centre using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway), which connects to overground and Underground stops, or you can take the 473 or 474 buses (although you’ll need to change to other buses to get to the city centre). You’ll also find a black cab rank outside the airport.

London Southend Airport: The quietest of the six airports, London Southend also has the fewest transport links. You can take a Greater Anglia train to Liverpool Street station, or you can take a taxi to the city centre.

Getting around London

London has fantastic transport options, so getting around the city is as easy as can be.

Underground: The London Underground, known as the Tube, is one of the fastest and most convenient ways of getting around. There are several different lines and around 270 stations. Some lines run 24/7, while others operate from 5am until midnight.

Overground: Developed in 2007, the Overground fills in most of the coverage gaps left by the Underground and National Rail services out of the capital.

DLR (Docklands Light Railway): A fully automated driverless railway, the DLR covers the docklands, which is the area east and southeast of central London.

Bus: London’s bus network is vast, and it coves the entire city. Buses also happen to be the cheapest form of public transport, although they are nowhere near as fast as the Underground.

River boat: Thames Clippers, under license from TfL, operates four river boat routes on the Thames between Putney and Woolwich – by far the most relaxing form of public transport in London.

Black cabs: London’s iconic black cabs are convenient, and their drivers certainly know how to navigate their way around the city.

Bicycle: Colloquially known as Boris Bikes, London’s bicycle rental system is a wonderful option in summer. A day’s access to the system costs £2, after which every ride of 30 minutes or less is free, with every additional 30-minute segment costing the same amount. If you check in your bike within 30 minutes, you could potentially spend all day riding around the city for £2.

Where to stay in London

Located in the heart of the city, our Kensington-based serviced apartments are the ideal choice for anyone who wants to experience what London has to offer, and who also wants comfortable and convenient accommodation. Stay at Fraser Suites Kensington.