Things to Do in London: Top Attractions, Landmarks, Free Activities & 5-Day Itinerary

6. Things to enjoy outdoors in london

6. Big Ben and the British Parliament

British history, architecture, and politics come together in this visually impressive collection of buildings. You can see the outside for free but taking a tour (90 minute guided, as well as self-guided audio tours are available in 10 languages) of the Palace of Westminster which includes Westminster Hall, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons (collectively known as the Parliament), is well worth it. Additionally, when the government is in session, visitors may observe debates and committee hearings from the public galleries above. You’ll need to get going early in the morning to join the admissions line process, though. Big Ben, officially the Elizabeth Tower, offers tours where you are welcome to climb the 300+ steps inside to view the clock’s mechanism up close. As we always strongly recommend, in order to assure admission, purchase your tickets in advance online.

6. Borough Market

Open 10 AM-5 PM Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM-5 PM Saturday, 10 AM-4 PM on Sunday, and on Bank Holiday Mondays from 10 AM-5 PM, this iconic fresh produce and street food market which opened in 1756, is a great place to get your steps in, grab a bite of this and that, and get a real feel for life in London. There are three principal areas to the market, Crown Square, Green Market, and Borough Market Kitchen where you’ll find a vast assortment of street food options, with the surrounding area offering a multitude of additional restaurants, shops, and bars. You can even take in a guided tour. Located adjacent to London Bridge Station, it’s easy to get here by tube or bus.

6. Buckingham Palace

The official residence of King Charles when he is in London, this magnificent building opens its State Rooms to visitors on a limited basis, which in 2026 is July 9-September 27. Admission tickets must be purchased in advance and are quite limited. The Changing of the Guard takes place at the front gates year-round. Full details of this must-see ceremony is detailed below.

6. Camden Market

A collection of several different markets, Camden Market is another melting pot within this amazing city. The various areas that combine to form this enormous are the Camden Lock Market known for arts, crafts, and handmade items; Stables Market that specializes in antiques and vintage fashion; North Yard, where a collection of excellent restaurants and bars are housed in a Grade II listed building (the local planning authority must approve any possible changes to the building’s character); and Hawley Wharf, home to locally run retail shops and a modern food hall. The action continues from morning to late in the evening, with plenty of nightlife including music, bars, pubs, and a lively younger (under 50) crowd.

6. Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

This fascinating ceremony takes place at 11 AM on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at the front gate of the historic palace, which is the official home for King Charles, as it was for his mother, Queen Elizabeth II from 1952 until her passing in 2022. The New Guard marches to the palace from Wellington Barracks, which is just south of the palace, along with a military band. In order to view the intricacy of the ceremony you will need to arrive at the front gates a minimum of one hour early. If you want to attend but prefer not to stand around for such a long time for the show to begin, you can still take in all of the pomp and circumstance from the Victoria Memorial, which are the steps directly across from the palace, or along The Mall near Marlborough Road where you can see the guards close-up as they march in.

6. Covent Garden

Ideally situated in London’s West End close to the Royal Opera House as well as theatres for stage plays and musicals, this bustling shopping and entertainment district is centered on the pedestrian-only Piazza. Visitors will find more than 300 shops and 100 dining spots on the 17 streets that comprise Covent Garden. The atmosphere can be energizing with street performers entertaining near 17th century St. Paul’s Church. In addition to offering a fun shopping experience, the area is known for craft stalls at the Apple Market, and the vintage vehicles housed at the London Transport Museum. This is one of London’s busiest areas, especially on the weekends and during the peak summer tourist season.

6. Hyde Park

Much more than just an oasis within the city, Hyde Park’s 350 acres are a tantalizing mix of gardens, lakes, wide open lawns, historical memorials, and cafes where you can grab a bite or afternoon tea. We can’t think of a better place to take a peaceful respite from the crowds that come to London, especially during the warmer and sunnier months which stretch from May through September.

6. London Eye

With over three million annual visitors, the London Eye observation wheel (much like a Ferris Wheel but with a cantilevered wheel that has A-frame support on one side) rises 443 feet above the South Bank of the River Thames, affording magnificent views of the surrounding area. This is the #1 paid tourist attraction in Great Britain. Visitors ride for 30 minutes in glass capsules that are climate-controlled as they look in all directions at such iconic structures as Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, Buckingham Palace, and so much more. The Waterloo tube station is a five-minute leisurely walk to get here. Timed entry tickets should be purchased in advance online.

6. Notting Hill

Known as a vibrant and trendy district located three miles northwest of central London in the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (got that?), Notting Hill offers laid-back cafes stretched along Portobello Road, a busy market popular for finding vintage clothing and period antiques, upscale dining spots and an abundance of locally owned boutiques. Check out the Electric Cinema if the weather suggests seeing a movie may be a clever idea and relax in its famous luxury armchairs. If you happen to be here during the August Bank Holiday weekend you won’t want to miss the Notting Hill Carnival, which draws more than two million revelers annually. The largest street festival in Europe is a huge party celebrating the Caribbean roots of many area residents.

6. Piccadilly Circus

Frequently called the “Times Square of London", Piccadilly Circus is the place where the West End theatre and entertainment district, Soho, and Mayfair come together. In the heart of the bustling roadway intersection which includes Regent Street and Shaftesbury Avenue is Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain which is topped off by the famous 1893 bronze statue of Eros. The area around Piccadilly is filled with some of the best dining, shopping, and various forms of entertainment in all of London. The centerpiece attraction are the neon wraparound billboards which are similar to that of Times Square in New York City. The Bakerloo and Piccadilly tube lines both stop at the Piccadilly Circus station directly below all of the action. Come in the evening to get the full effect of the dazzling lights and area street performances.

6. Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill

Located adjacent to one another, if the weather is cooperative this is an ideal park to visit. Home to Queen Mary’s Gardens with over 12,000 roses, the Victorian-style gardens and period fountains of the Avenue Gardens, the ZSL London Zoo, 120 bird species, and the UK’s oldest outdoor theatre, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, there is so much pleasure and culture to be derived here. Come for a relaxed walk, to rent a boat, or gaze upon the gardens. Primrose Hill is open around the clock for lovely views of London’s skyline. This is one of the highest natural spots in the city and is perfectly situated for panoramic views around the area.

6. Ride a double-decker bus

This suggestion speaks for itself. Everyone loves climbing aboard one of London’s iconic red double-decker buses, paying your inexpensive fare and climbing the stairs to the upper level. The views are vastly different from above, and if you are lucky enough to sit in the front row where you are above the traffic. The view from these buses is far more enjoyable than what you can see while riding the tube. Ask at your hotel for bus route suggestions that will be most eye-opening.

6. Take a leisurely walk along the South Bank of the River Thames

Officially known as “The Queen’s Walk”, the four mile paved riverside paths are constantly busy with tourists and locals making their way about central London without having to dodge vehicular traffic. Along the way you may choose to stop at the London Eye, Tate Modern museum, Borough Market, Hays Galleria, Shakespeare’s Globe, other sites of interest, or to enjoy a street performer or two. It doesn’t matter if you stroll west-to-east or east-to-west, as the Waterloo, London Bridge, and Tower Hill tube stations are all convenient to the path.

A scenic Thames River cruise, available from several companies, will give you a relaxing and unique perspective of central London. The sightseeing tours depart from Westminster Pier, sailing past St. Paul’s Cathedral, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey, The Shard, Tate Modern museum, world-renowned Globe Theatre, Tower Bridge, and many other iconic London locales. Check out the timetables and purchase tickets in advance online. The boats are enclosed, so don’t let a cloudy or misty day stop you.

6. The View from the Shard

Amazing views in all directions from the 360-degree open-air Skydeck. A two-minute walk from the London Bridge tube station and you’ve arrived. Designed with inspiration from London’s church steeples and the masts of tall ships, this attraction provides an unforgettable experience from the top of London’s tallest skyscraper. Spectacular any time of day, or night, with sunset watching being most popular. Buy your tickets online in advance to assure entrance.

6. Tower Bridge

Often confused with London Bridge, this is the bridge that you want to visit. Its Neo-Gothic design, at the request of Queen Victoria, was created to blend in perfectly with the Tower of London. Tower Bridge opened in 1894 and is a Grade I listed structure, meaning that it has the top level of heritage protection, granting it a status of “exceptional importance” where no architectural adjustments in all likelihood will ever be permitted. The North Tower includes a historical exhibition and great skyline views. Pre-booking your admission is highly suggested.

6. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is yet another public square in the heart of London that should be experienced during your visit. Named for the British naval victory during the Napoleonic Wars vs. the French and Spanish, this area has been an important part of the city since the 1200s. Today it is the location for major celebrations such as New Year’s Eve, as well as political protests. Nelson’s Column sits in the middle of the plaza, with the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery being just a short walk away. Always bustling with tourists and city activity, be sure to view the sparkling fountains which alight at sunset each evening. Other landmarks close by include Covent Garden, Whitehall, and Leicester (pronounced Les-ter) Square. Your stay here will amount to 15-30 minutes, but it’s easy to spend hours in the general neighborhood.

6. If the activities above aren’t enough, there’s still plenty more:

Kensington Palace: The Royal family has lived here for 300+ years. Tour the magnificent interiors including the King’s State Apartment and the childhood rooms (yes, with an ‘s’) of Queen Victoria, spectacular gardens, and the Round Pond with swans. This is a quieter and more relaxed palace than Buckingham to tour.

Tower of London: This belongs on all first-time London visitors ‘A-list’. It’s has been a royal palace, prison, armory, zoo, fortress, and even a site of many executions. Home to the Crown Jewels and presenting more than 1,000 years of history all in one place, the medieval architecture alone is worth coming to see.

Harrods bills themselves as “The World Leading Luxury Department Store”. Find out for yourself what makes this luxurious and historic store an experience that just happens to include shopping. DO NOT MISS the out-of-this-world food halls!

Perfect for days with inclement weather, and London is famous for these, spend a few hours viewing the FREE exhibitions and permanent collections at the National Gallery (Van Gogh, Monet, Botticelli, etc.); British Museum (two million years of human history under one roof, from the Rosetta Stone to Parthenon sculptures, Egyptian mummies to Lewis Chessmen); Tate Modern houses modern and contemporary art in a former power station on the Thames (Picasso, Warhol, Kusama, Pollock, Miro, Bourgeois, et al); Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) is London’s decorative arts museum displaying fashion, jewelry, sculptures, ceramics, furniture, and spectacular architecture.

Step inside St. Paul’s Cathedral and you are instantly in another world. Walk the Cathedral Floor where royalty and world leaders have before, visit the Crypt where Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are interred, climb hundreds of steps to the Golden Galleries and have amazing city views, plus there are daily FREE service and choir performances.

For what’s currently playing in town or coming soon, check out the upcoming calendars for the West End theatres, The London Palladium, and Royal Albert Hall. While some tickets are offered on short notice at discounted prices, if there’s something you absolutely, positively want to see, book early in advance online to ensure ticket availability.

Those with an interest in politics or history will enjoy a visit to Whitehall, a street and area in Westminster, Central London, and home to Great Britain’s government offices for the Cabinet, Ministry of Defence, and the Foreign Office. Also located here is Number 10 Downing Street, the Prime Minister’s personal office and residence.

Soho is one of the most energetic of London’s districts. Located in the West End, visitors have many options here for shopping, dining, and nighttime entertainment along Dean, Frith, Beak, and Old Compton streets. Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club is a popular long-time venue, with many iconic shops located on Carnaby, Oxford, and Regent streets.

6. It’s Time To Plan Your Special Trip To London

Yes, the time has come to make your long-delayed trip to London. As one of the world’s most amazing cities, London offers everything, and then some, for an amazing getaway. As it has been for many years when making our travel plans, our go-to hotel booking website is Travelated, where you will find the largest selection of hotels in a particular destination, and always at incredibly competitive prices. In Greater London, Travelated offers 500+ places to stay. From budget to four-star properties and beyond, London has the accommodations that will fit your budget and lifestyle perfectly.