Travel Insights

The best thing about London is you’ll never be out of activities no matter when you visit.

Ironically, that’s also a massive con when you’re planning your London trip.

Traveling to London for the first time and not sure what to include in your itinerary or where to start?
In this article, we start at the top and take you through the best X things to see and do in the London, including tips for places to club together so you can make the most of your visit, stress-free!

1. Tower of London

We recommend starting off with this UNESCO world heritage site on the bank of the Thames before making your way to the other places on our list.
Here’s why: the Tower of London gives you a glimpse of the history of this city, which is a great place to start when you’re visiting any new place.
The construction of this tower complex (yep, this complex actually has 20 towers) was started in 1066 by William the Conqueror to protect the city. And, over the centuries, this complex has served as a royal residence, a royal mint to produce coins, an administrative building, a jewel house, an observatory, an armory, a zoo (yes!), and even a state prison.

2. Tower Bridge

After exploring the Tower of London, make your way over to the Tower Bridge, which gives you breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Plus, you can learn a whole lot about the history as well as the mechanism of this iconic bridge.

This is not the London bridge though! The Tower Bridge is a purely Victorian structure whereas the most modern version of the London Bridge was rebuilt in 1973.

Next, get on a Hop-on Hop off sightseeing waterbus from Tower pier for a quick tour of London from the waters and to cut down your commute time to Westminster.

3. Westminster and Big Ben

Westminster is the political hub of London and is home to the Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, and Westminster Abbey.

The Big Ben chimed first on July 11, 1859 has been associated with the cityscape of London since then. Fun fact: The bell strikes the note E when it chimes hourly!

After admiring the majestic Big Ben, head on over to Westminster Abbey, which has hosted some of the most significant historic events, including coronations and 16 royal weddings, since 1066 AD! Westminster Abbey is also the resting place of England’s most prominent poets, philosophers, politicians, and scientists.

4. Trafalgar square

Trafalgar square is a quick walk from Big Ben and is one of the most important and popular squares of Central London. Here are some things you shouldn’t miss:

a. Nelson’s Column

This 169 ft column was constructed in 1843 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson’s bravery, who died defeating Napoleon at the Battle of Trafalgar.

b. National Gallery in Trafalgar Square

The National Gallery is at the north end of the square and is the 8th most visited museum in the world. Prominent artworks displayed here include A Wheatfield With Cypresses by Van Gogh and The Stonemason’s Yard by Canaletto. You will also see artworks by Raphael, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Titian, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, Hogarth, and other masters in the museum.

c. St. Martin-in-the-Fields

The present building that stands here was built in 1726, but a church has always been present at this site since the 13th century. This church is the official parish church of the Buckingham Palace.

5. Tate Modern

If you’re a fan of modern art movements – Cubism, Surrealism, or contemporary installations – the Tate Modern should be on your list of places to visit in London.

Here, you’ll see marvelous art from masters such as Dali, Picasso, Monet, and Paul Klee.

Don’t miss:

1. Water Lilies by Monet
2. Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Dali
3. Ships in the Dark by Paul Klee
4. Cadeau by Man Ray
5. Number 14 by Jack Pollock

Visit the Tate Modern between Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 6 PM, and if you’d like to spend some more time in the gallery, schedule your visit on a Friday or Saturday when it stays open till 10 PM. Book your tickets here: Tate Museum

6. Piccadilly Street

Piccadilly Street culminates in one of of the most iconic street intersections in the world – Piccadilly Circus, which is surrounded by stunning architecture, legendary advertisement, and the moving statue of Eros.

What can you do on Piccadilly Street? Well, you could visit the oldest bookshop in the UK – Hatchards, marvel at the scientific wonders in the Faraday Museum, watch some of the best theatre in the world at Piccadilly Theatre, or shop for a luxury picnic hamper at Fortnum & Mason.

7. London Eye

The London Eye gives you a gorgeous panorama of the city when you hop into one of its spacious pods. If you’d like to make your moment extra special, you can splurge on a pod for your small group or if you’re visiting with your SO.

The London Eye dominates the city’s skyline both during the day as well as at night, when it’s lit up in seasonal colors.

8. Buckingham Palace

The Buckingham Palace is one of the few remaining working palaces in the world, and every summer, tourists can tour its lavish interiors.
Here’s what you’ll love:

1. The magnificent Grand Staircase which features some of the most intricate bronze work in the world.
2. The State Rooms, which have hosted royal weddings as well as visiting dignitaries.
3. The finest collection of British and French furniture
4. The opulent throne room, which sometimes doubles up as a royal ballroom
5. The royal family’s exquisite collection of Sèvres Porcelain
6. A cool variety of clocks – total 350 of them – which are maintained by two full-time horological conservators!

You can only visit the palace in August (9:30 AM to 7:30 PM) and September (9:30 AM to 6:30 PM). Plus the tickets sell out quite fast – so remember to book in advance!

9. Science Museum

Go on a journey of scientific evolution at this museum that houses both permanent and temporary exhibits as well as stunning interactive IMAX exhibits. From a working model of Charles Babbage’s Difference engine to the first British satellites, this museum will spark curiosity as you pass through each exhibit hall.

Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:

1. Puffing Billy, the oldest surviving steam engine
2. The Black Arrow rocket
3. Iron lung – a device that helped eradicate polio in Britain
4. The first jet engine

Essentially, the Science Museum celebrates both the humble and the remarkable. Visit the museum any day between 10 AM and 6 PM (except between 24 to 26 December).

10. British Museum

The British Museum is the first public museum of the world and its permanent exhibit consists of over 3 million artifacts that document human history, art, and culture.

Here are some must-see exhibits

1. The Rosetta Stone
2. Parthenon Marbles
3. Sutton Hoo masks and other related artifacts
4. Key artifacts from Mesopotamia
5. Curious, jewel-encrusted objects from Renaissance Europe
6. The remarkable Great Hall

Visit the museum any day between 10 AM to 5:30 PM except on December 24-26 and on January 1, when the museum is closed.

11. Madam Tussauds

Visit the original Madam Tussauds and click photos with your favorite movie stars, the royals, and even world leaders. Gear up for a 4d movie experience, find out more about the fascinating world of Sherlock Holmes, and enjoy an immersive Star Wars experience. You can even go on an exciting journey of London’s history when you take the Spirit of London indoor ride.

Visit their website to buy the tickets.

12. Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall hosts more than 360 events every year, including charity events, live orchestra performances, circuses, as well the largest Western Classical musical festival in the world (The Proms).

On your tour of this iconic venue, you’ll enjoy stunning views from the Gallery and the Retiring Rooms, learn all about Suffragettes, robbers, and ghost hunters on the Secret History Tour, as well as get special tidbits and backstage stories of some of the most prominent performances in the venue.

13. Oxford Street

No matter when you land up at Oxford street, you’ll always see tourists and locals rushing with an arm full of shopping bags. This street in London has some of the most exclusive fashion outlets and boutiques, including the flagship London department store – House of Fraser.

Other attractions near Oxford Street are Whitfield Fine Art (an art gallery), the Marble Arch, Handel House Museum, and the quirky Carnaby Street.

Hyde Park is also a short walk away from Oxford Street. Feel like you may need to catch your breath after that shopping spree? This is the place to be. The park also hosts wonderful festivals and events throughout the year – so keep your eyes peeled.

14. Bond Street

If you’re in the mood for some luxury shopping, head over to Bond Street, which has been the go-to place since the 18th century. Explore the classy Mayfair district and cherry pick your clothes, shoes, and jewelry at the deluxe boutiques and outlets.

15. Baker Street

Baker Street is an undeniable cultural staple of London, and you will especially enjoy the Sherlock Holmes museum, which is right off the Underground station.

16. Globe Theatre

The original Globe Theatre, associated with Shakespeare’s company Lord Chamberlain’s Men, was destroyed in a fire in 1613, and the second Globe was built at the same site. However, after the second globe was closed, a modern reconstruction called “Shakespeare’s Globe” now exists about 750 m from the original site.

The tour of the theatre will take you on a glorious history of the country’s literature, including information on stage set ups, costume design, as well as notable performances.

17. Kensington Palace

In the 17th century, Kensington Palace was surrounded by greeneries and was considered a fitting rural retreat for the royal family. It has been a royal residence for over 300 centuries and is currently the home of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.

On your tour of the Palace and the Palace Gardens (which are seamlessly joined with Hyde Park), you’ll not only tour the opulent interiors but also learn about its slightly dark and foreboding history.

18. Soho

Soho and its southern section China Town is one of the busiest and quirkiest areas of London. From bustling media professionals to artists and theatre enthusiasts, you’ll meet a lot of interesting people if you sit down with a drink in a Soho bar. Soho is an experience you shouldn’t pass up in London.

19. Harry Potter Walking Tour

Had enough of the Muggles? Go on a magical Harry Potter Walking tour that includes strolling through Diagon Alley, dropping by the Leaky Cauldron, before culminating at the Platform 9 ¾ trolley at King’s Cross station.

20. Leicester Square

Leicester Square has been London’s vibrant heart since 1670! Go on some of the most exciting movie-themed walking tours, catch a comedy show, visit the Lego store, or simply take off on a pub crawl – you’ll definitely have the time of your life!