Location: London
Top Things to do in London
Top 10 Things to do in London, England
The crown jewels, Buckingham Palace, Camden Market…in London, history collides with art, fashion, food, and good British ale. A perfect day is different for everyone: culture aficionados shouldn't miss the Tate Modern and the Royal Opera House. If you love fashion, Oxford Street has shopping galore. For foodies, cream tea at Harrod’s or crispy fish from a proper chippy offers classic London flavor. Music and book buffs will love seeing Abbey Road and the Sherlock Holmes Museum (at 221B Baker Street, of course).
Restaurants in London
1. Tower of London
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65,488 reviews
Discover London’s castle – a secure fortress, royal palace and infamous prison where you can explore 1000 years of history. Prepare to be dazzled by the breathtaking, world famous Crown Jewels. Take a Yeoman Warder tour and hear captivating stories of pain and passion, treachery and torture. Meet the famous ravens and discover why they are known as the guardians of the Tower and marvel at the imposing White Tower, a magnificent example of Normal architecture at the heart of the Tower of London.
Reviewed By cherylmallen - Bristol, United Kingdom
We’ve always said we should go to see the Tower but have never got there. This time we did! Bought the tickets online and decided not to do the Beefeater tour glad we made that decision as the crowds were so big and we felt we’d not hear enough. We opted for the audio guides which we found very useful. So amazing to walk in the footsteps of all those historical people (I’ve probably read too much Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory, David Starkey and CJ Sansom!) Moved to see the red roses by the Chapel altar, as we’d just passed the anniversary of Anne Boleyn’s beheading. The whole place was clean, tidy and a credit to the people who care for these amazing palaces. Even the cafe. Well worth the entry charge, so glad we went and would do it again. Big tip get there early! Thank you
2. Tower Bridge
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,056 reviews
An iconic London landmark and one of Britain's best loved historic sites, Tower Bridge is open to the public 363 days a year. Within the Bridge's iconic structure and magnificent Victorian Engine rooms, the Tower Bridge Exhibition is the best way of exploring the most famous bridge in the world! Come learn about this incredible feat of Victorian engineering, discover how the Bridge is raised and enjoy stunning panoramic views across London from our high-level walkways, 42 metres above the River Thames. Opening Times: 09:30 - 17:00 (last admission )
Reviewed By U9398PYmatthewp - Wiltshire, United Kingdom
For 10 quid you get a lot for your money. Super interesting museum and an opportunity to see a different side of Tower Bridge. It’s been done really well and whilst the glass floor is an interesting (and vertiginous) experience its really a side show to learning about the history and complexity of this iconic landmark. Be sure to watch the film in the engine room; fascinating.
3. The British Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72,631 reviews
A museum of the world, for the world. Discover over two million years of human history and culture. Some of the world-famous objects include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon sculptures and Egyptian mummies.
Reviewed By kb147 - Lafayette, United States
Nearly everyone has heard of the British Museum and with good reason. The collections are absolutely amazing. This is the home of the Rosetta Stone, the Elgin Marbles, and one of the best collections of Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt. (Controvery over whether Britain should be the custodian of these things aside.) But that is only the beginning. There are artifacts from all over the world: an amazing collection of Greek and Etruscan terracotta objects, Roman glass, the Sutton Hoo treasure, some of the most famous Maya stellae, beautiful torquoise mosaic objects of the Aztec culture; sections devoted to China, Japan, and the South Pacific. A serindipity of German "notgeld". And much more! One of the most wonderful areas is King George Library, the "Enlightenment Room": one could spend an entire day just there! That being said, one has to be prepared for crowds, particularly at popular exhibits like the Egyptian artifacts and King George Library. During the week there are numerous school groups clogging these areas and multiple tours in a variety of languages. One has to be patient: go see something 'unpopular' at peak times and try the popular things later. We actually saw the Rosetta Stone at one point with not another soul around. It helps to have several hours to devote here.
4. V&A - Victoria and Albert Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31,918 reviews
The world's greatest museum of art and design.The V&A's collections are unrivalled in their diversity. Explore historical and contemporary art and design, including works of art from many of the world's richest cultures. Admission free.
Reviewed By TalDarkLeanMean - Staines, United Kingdom
The holy trinity of all museums. The V&A, Natural History and the Science Museum. Not in particular order but in one place. Named after the Royal love birds and power couple of arts & culture, Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. In fact the whole area is littered with their legacy. There's Royal Albert Hall, Albert Memorial, Imperial College and God knows what else. It's really a bad idea to to give yourself overdose and kill three birds with one stone (see all three in one visit) unless you're in London for a day or so otherwise you'll neither be doing justice to these wonderful places nor to yourself. Just to give you an idea in a nutshell that what this beautiful building holds inside, There are sculptures, textiles, photography, paintings, jewelry, fashion, music instruments, poetry, metalwork, woodwork, furniture, books, architecture and my personal favorite, ceramic and glass section. One lifetime is not enough to see all that.
5. Natural History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 36,863 reviews
A center of scientific excellence in the discovery of taxonomy and biodiversity, this world-famous museum promotes the discovery and enjoyment of the natural world through such exciting exhibits as the Life and Earth Galleries, wildlife garden and geological collections.
Reviewed By markn71 - Loughborough, United Kingdom
One of the best museums, in my opinion, in the world!!! Fun, entertaining and most importantly educational!! From the fantastic blue whale skeleton in the main entrance to the special human biology and moon sections difficult to take it all in and even harder to ensure you cover everything. All exhibits were well presented, well explained and at the correct level of complexity. Loads of interactive things for the kids and adults. I’m sure we missed loads so we will be visiting again.
6. St. Paul's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 17,029 reviews
Rebuilt by Christopher Wren after the great Fire of 1666, St. Paul's has been the site of many historic state occasions; including Sir Winston Churchill's state funeral and the Royal Wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. A busy working Christian community with several daily services at which all are welcome. St Paul’s also welcomes visitors with access to five levels of the Cathedral including the Whispering Gallery with its unique acoustics and the Stone and Golden Galleries atop the Dome offering breathtaking panoramic views over London. Multimedia guides in eight languages for adults and children are included with sightseeing admission as well as free guided tours to join upon arrival.
Reviewed By 448jw - Markham, Canada
We've visited many renowned churches around the world and while there're similarity it doesn't take away their own beauty! this church is amazing and their dome is also facinating! Climb the stairs and you can also reach the top (narrow stairs and the highest level) to get an amazing view of the city and the entire London Skyline!
7. National Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39,791 reviews
The National Gallery houses the national collection of paintings in the Western European tradition from the 13th to the 19th centuries. It is on show 361 days a year, free of charge.
Reviewed By Noraatc - Sudbury, United States
It always happens to me: National Gallery takes much more time than I originally plan. I started with the Renaissance painters, spent plenty of time enjoying my all time favorites, Leonardo’s “Virgin of the Rocks”, Botticelli’s “Venus and Mars” and his portraits. Moved on to amazing El Greco, phenomenal “Rokeby Venus” by Diego Velázquez, Van Eyck and Vermeer, several Rembrandt’s portraits, which I had seen on display recently in the National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh... the list is very, very long, so I do not want to bore you with it... Around 2 pm the swarms of noisy school children have become unbearable, so I decided to take a break for lunch in the lovely National Gallery Cafe. After much needed lunch, I went to the Impressionists, the reason why I got stuck in the National Gallery for so long. What a stunning collection! The best Cezanne, Van Gogh, Toulouse-Lautrec, whom I adore... phenomenal Renoir’s portraits, beautiful Claude Monet’s landscapes, famous Manet’s paintings “The Music in the Tuileries” and “Execution of Maximilian”... I stopped paying attention to noisy school kids and completely drowned in the beauty of the paintings forgetting about everything around me. Forgot about time as well... it was already 6pm, the Gallery was closing. Will be back and hopefully soon.
8. Westminster Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24,153 reviews
Westminster Abbey was initially built by Henry III in 1245 and it is one of the most important Gothic buildings of England. At first home of Benedictine monks, the coronation church since 1066 and the final resting place of 17 monarchs. It contains a treasury full of paintings, stained glass, pavements, textiles, books and various other artefacts plus the most significant collection of monumental sculptures of the UK. The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Galleries in the Abbey's Triforium opened in June 2018. Explore over 1,000 years of history in this truly unique space, high above the Abbey floor.
Reviewed By Aimco1998
First visit to this historic building and I was not disappointed ! The free audio guide is a must brilliant commentary from Jeremy irons provides fascinating insight and history into this incredible building . Stunning architecture and sculptures fill every corner. Parts of the building are not easy accessible narrow passage ways and steps are not easy for anyone with walking difficulties ! Helpful friendly staff and easy distance from Westminster tube station make it a must if you are in London
9. Churchill War Rooms
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22,912 reviews
Discover the secrets of the Second World War in the underground nerve centre where Churchill and his war cabinet lived and worked.
Reviewed By 31cheriel - Melbourne, Australia
We were kept fully interested for 3 and a half hours .. this was so informative and even our teenagers were engaged the whole time.. Loved every part of this history tour.. you see Churchill map room, his sleeping quarters, the tiny kitchen, and the phone room.. and loads more.. can't imagine how hard what they all had to do in such small quarters.. well done Chuchhill and team..
10. Borough Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 13,167 reviews
An amazing food market dating back to the 13th century.
Reviewed By NicoleRG73 - West Orange, United States
Borough Market is a must see when spending time in London. The market stands on a location that purveyors have been selling their good for nearly a 1000yrs. This place is a foodie heaven and is great place for delicious affordable eats as well as gifts and mementos that can be enjoyed at home.
