London is packed with iconic sights, world-class museums, and diverse neighbourhoods — but knowing where to start can be overwhelming. This guide covers 20 top things to see and do across the city, from historic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to modern favourites like the Shard and Sky Garden. Whether it’s your first visit or you’re back for more, these highlights will help you get the most out of your time in the capital.

The British Museum

The British Museum is one of London’s most visited cultural landmarks and completely free to enter. It houses over eight million objects from across the globe, spanning ancient civilisations to more recent history. Key exhibits include the Rosetta Stone, which helped decode Egyptian hieroglyphs, the Elgin Marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, and preserved Egyptian mummies. The galleries are arranged by geography and time period, making it easy to explore specific regions or themes. The museum’s architecture is also worth noting — especially the glass-roofed Great Court at the centre of the building. If you're short on time, the museum’s official app or guided tours can help you focus on the main highlights.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the London residence of the King and a major symbol of the British monarchy. Tourists gather at the gates for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition accompanied by music and military precision, usually held around 11am. From late July to early September, the palace opens its State Rooms to the public. These lavishly decorated rooms feature paintings by Rembrandt and Rubens, as well as antique furniture and royal collections. Outside, the Victoria Memorial and surrounding gardens are open year-round. The nearby Green Park offers a pleasant walk to or from the palace and connects to St James’s Park and Westminster.

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament

Big Ben is often used to describe the clock tower at the north end of the Palace of Westminster, though the name technically refers to the bell inside. The Gothic Revival architecture of the Houses of Parliament makes this one of London’s most iconic landmarks. The best views are from Westminster Bridge or across the river on the South Bank. While the exterior is striking, guided tours of the interior are available to both UK and overseas visitors — UK residents can book through their MP, while overseas visitors can purchase tickets during designated times. The building is especially impressive at night, when it’s fully lit along the Thames.

The London Eye

The London Eye is a 135-metre tall observation wheel on the South Bank of the River Thames. It offers panoramic views of the London skyline, with each glass pod providing a 30-minute, slow-moving rotation — enough time to spot landmarks like the Shard, Tower Bridge, and even Windsor Castle on a clear day. You can book standard tickets or upgrade to fast-track access and private pods. The Eye is particularly popular around sunset and during evening hours when the city lights up. It’s also close to other attractions like SEA LIFE London and the London Dungeon, making it easy to plan a full day on the South Bank.

Tate Modern

Tate Modern is the UK’s premier modern and contemporary art gallery, located inside the former Bankside Power Station. Entry is free, with works by major artists such as Rothko, Warhol, Matisse, and Picasso on display. The vast Turbine Hall often hosts dramatic installations, while upper floors hold themed exhibitions and rotating displays. Temporary exhibitions require tickets and feature big names in international art. The building itself is a highlight, with industrial interiors and views from the top-floor terrace. Outside, you’re just steps from Millennium Bridge, Shakespeare’s Globe, and riverside cafés that are ideal for a break between galleries.

West End Theatre

The West End is London’s answer to Broadway — a major destination for theatre-goers with dozens of venues clustered around Soho, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square. Long-running musicals such as Wicked, The Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera draw international crowds, while new productions and plays by British playwrights offer something fresh for regular visitors. Many theatres are historic in themselves, like the Palace Theatre or Theatre Royal Drury Lane. You can book tickets in advance or try same-day deals at TKTS in Leicester Square. Dining before or after the show is easy, with restaurants and bars throughout the area.

Covent Garden

Covent Garden blends history, performance, and shopping in one central location. The covered market building is the main draw, featuring boutique shops, artisan stalls, and cafés. Street performers are a daily fixture outside in the Piazza, offering everything from classical music to comedy. You’ll also find the Royal Opera House here, which hosts ballet and opera performances year-round. Around the market, explore streets like Floral Street, Seven Dials, and Neal’s Yard for more independent shopping and dining. The area is lively throughout the day and well-lit at night, making it a good place to return to after dark.

Borough Market

Located near London Bridge, Borough Market is one of the oldest and most popular food markets in the city. It’s packed with independent traders selling everything from British cheeses and baked goods to international street food. You can sample dishes from around the world — Ethiopian coffee, Indian samosas, Thai noodles, and gourmet burgers all in one visit. Many stalls offer free tastings, and it’s a good spot to pick up fresh produce or specialty ingredients. The market is busiest at lunch, so go early to avoid the crowds. It’s also close to Southwark Cathedral, the Shard, and the Thames Path.

Camden Town

Camden Town is known for its alternative vibe, live music venues, and sprawling market scene. The main attraction is Camden Market, which actually includes several connected areas like Stables Market, Camden Lock Market, and Buck Street. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing and handmade jewellery to record shops and global street food. The canalside walk towards Regent’s Park offers a quieter escape from the busy streets, while venues like the Roundhouse, Jazz Café, and Electric Ballroom keep Camden lively at night. It’s also a good area for spotting street art and diving into London’s punk and indie music roots.

Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station has been transformed from a disused industrial site into one of London’s newest lifestyle destinations. Inside the iconic brick building, you'll find a high-end shopping centre, riverside restaurants, and cultural spaces. The standout feature is Lift 109, a glass elevator that takes you up one of the station’s chimneys for a 360° view over west London. The area also includes open green spaces, art installations, and a restored riverside promenade. Connected to the Northern Line and riverboat services, it's easily accessible and offers a different vibe from the busier central London spots.

St Paul’s Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral is a masterpiece of English Baroque architecture designed by Sir Christopher Wren. The cathedral’s dome is among the largest in the world, and visitors can climb 528 steps to reach the Golden Gallery for sweeping views over London. Inside, the cathedral features ornate mosaics, the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics, and the crypt, where Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington are buried. Regular services and concerts are held here, and ticketed entry includes a multimedia guide. The surrounding area includes Paternoster Square and the pedestrian-only Millennium Bridge, which leads directly to Tate Modern.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of London’s most expansive green spaces, covering over 350 acres. It’s a hub for outdoor activity — ideal for walking, cycling, or renting a pedal boat on the Serpentine lake. Major points of interest include the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, the Serpentine Galleries for modern art, and Speaker’s Corner, where open-air debates take place. Hyde Park regularly hosts large-scale events and concerts, especially in summer. It also connects seamlessly with Kensington Gardens, where you’ll find Kensington Palace and the Italian Gardens. The park is easily accessible from several Underground stations.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill is best known for its colourful townhouses, the Portobello Road Market, and the annual Notting Hill Carnival. The market runs throughout the week but is busiest on Saturdays, when antique dealers, food vendors, and vintage stalls take over Portobello Road. The area is popular for its photogenic streets like Lancaster Road and Hillgate Place, as well as its independent bookstores, cafés, and boutiques. Despite its fame from the 1999 film, Notting Hill retains a laid-back charm, especially if you wander off the main streets into its quieter residential areas.

The Shard

The Shard is Western Europe’s tallest building and a defining feature of the London skyline. Visitors can head to The View from The Shard on floors 68 to 72, which offers 360° views across the capital — from the Thames to the distant hills of Kent. It’s open daily and popular at sunset or after dark. The building also houses luxury restaurants and bars, such as Aqua Shard and Oblix, which offer fine dining with city views. Located next to London Bridge station, it’s a short walk from Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral, making it easy to combine with other attractions.

Richmond

Richmond feels like a break from central London, with riverside walks, leafy streets, and an easygoing pace. It’s best known for Richmond Park, where you can spot herds of wild deer and get sweeping views back across the city from King Henry’s Mound. The high street is lined with cafés, boutiques, and pubs, while the riverside offers scenic spots for walking or grabbing lunch by the water. It’s also close to Kew Gardens, but even on its own, Richmond is worth the short train ride — especially on a sunny afternoon.

Sky Garden

Located at the top of 20 Fenchurch Street — known as the Walkie Talkie building — Sky Garden is a landscaped public space with some of the best free views in the city. Entry is free but must be booked in advance. Inside, you'll find a mix of tropical plants, open-air terraces, and panoramic windows overlooking landmarks like the Tower of London, St Paul’s, and the Shard. There’s also a café and several bars, making it a relaxed alternative to paid observation decks. Early morning and sunset slots tend to be the most popular.

Battersea Park

Battersea Park is a large riverside green space in south London, offering a mix of gardens, sports facilities, and family-friendly attractions. Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined avenues, explore the Peace Pagoda and Japanese Gardens, or enjoy the boating lake and playgrounds. The park also hosts seasonal events and has cafés and picnic spots, making it a peaceful retreat from the busy city. Its riverside location provides great views of the Thames and easy access to Battersea Power Station nearby.

Saatchi Gallery

Located in Chelsea, the Saatchi Gallery focuses on contemporary art with regularly changing exhibitions that are accessible and often thought-provoking. It’s set in a grand neoclassical building near Sloane Square and typically showcases emerging artists or bold group shows, often free to enter. The gallery’s layout is open and minimalist, letting the work take centre stage, and it’s small enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed. It’s a good add-on if you’re already exploring Chelsea or walking the King’s Road.

Soho

Soho is one of London’s liveliest neighbourhoods, known for its nightlife, creative energy, and mix of restaurants, bars, and boutiques. It’s packed with narrow streets and hidden spots, from old-school pubs to late-night jazz clubs. Carnaby Street sits at its heart — a pedestrianised stretch known for fashion heritage and bold branding, home to independent shops and Kingly Court’s buzzing food scene. Soho is also a great area for last-minute theatre tickets, pre-show dinners, and some of the best people-watching in the city.

Uber Boat/River Cruise

Uber Boat by Thames Clippers offers a scenic and practical way to get around London via the River Thames. Services run from early morning to late evening and connect key locations such as Greenwich, Battersea, Tower Bridge, Westminster, and the London Eye. It’s a great alternative to the Underground and offers views of the city from the water, including the Tower of London, the Shard, and Canary Wharf. Boats are spacious and comfortable, with outdoor seating and onboard cafés. You can use contactless payment or Oyster cards for easy access.