According to the popular saying, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life. And it’s easy to see why. There is something about London that instantly enchants visitors. Perhaps it is the grandeur of Buckingham Palace or the imposing Tower of London. Maybe it is the bustling energy of Piccadilly Circus or the literary history of Oxford Street. Whatever the reason, London has a way of captivating the imagination and drawing people in. London is a city sure to delight anyone with its sights, sounds, and smells. Let’s look at 23 things to do in this royal city!
Top 23 Things to Do in London 2025
1. Westminster Abbey
What’s a trip to London without visiting a castle, a cathedral, or both? First, head to the large Gothic church of Westminster Abbey, which is known for hosting royal weddings, burials, and coronations. ~~~~The present building dates back to the reign of King Henry the 3rd from the 12th century, but has had multiple restoration and renovation projects over the years. Some of the highlights include the coronation chair and the magnificent royal shrines! The Abbey is open from Monday to Tuesday.
2. Buckingham Palace
Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the UK’s sovereign, might be the most popular attraction of all time! Now used as an administrative headquarters, many official events and receptions are held here. There are over 755 rooms, out of which 19 are staterooms open to the public every summer. And if you’re not visiting during the summer, you can head to the palace to experience the Change of Guards ceremony every day at 10:45 am!
3. Tower of London
To soak in some history, head to the Tower of London, home to the British Crown Jewels. This tower was once a watchtower, then used as a fortress, prison, and zoo. Ultimately, in 1988, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site.
4. Windsor Castle
The next historical landmark is located in the English county of Berkshire. Windsor Castle has deep and ancient roots in the British royal family. It has been serving as a residence and fortress for 950 years. With its exceptional architecture, the Castle takes you back in time, and who knows, you might even run into the Queen!
5. Kensington Palace
While you’re about the castle tours, don’t forget to head to the royal Kensington Palace. Kensington Palace has a long and fascinating history stretches back to the 17th century. The Palace was built as a private residence for the royal family, and ~~it~~ has been the official residence of the royals for over 300 years. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city.
6. Houses of Parliament
Being the beating heart of British power, the House of Parliament is more than just an iconic landmark. Situated inside Westminster, with over 1000+ rooms, the palace includes the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Because of it’s unique architecture, picturesque setting, and rich history, it is pretty popular among tourists.
7. Big Ben
Another must-see classic that should be on your bucket list is Big Ben. This massive clock tower is located at the Palace of Westminster, and has been a cultural icon for centuries. Completed in 1859, the neo-Gothic structure is 96 meters tall and features a four-faced chiming clock. Big Ben has undergone extensive renovation to preserve its historic integrity in recent years, but it remains one of London’s most popular tourist destinations.
8. Trafalgar Square
A well-known landmark in London, Trafalgar Square gets its name from a battle in 1805, where Britain won the war over France and Spain. It’s a bustling place, home to several fascinating sculptures and beautiful fountains. Also, the National Gallery is located nearby. So you can make a day out of exploring these iconic landmarks!
9. The London Eye
Next is the London Eye, situated on the banks of the River Thames. Offering stunning views of Big Ben and London from up high, it attracts many tourists! Each capsule can comfortably accommodate over 20 people. The London Eye has 32 capsules and takes 30 minutes to complete one full rotation.
10. Tower Bridge
This one is a must-see classic: the Tower Bridge in London. Opened in 1894, the bridge crosses the River Thames close to the Tower of London. As part of the Tower Bridge Exhibition, you can visit the bridge’s twin towers, high-level walkways, and Victorian engine rooms.
11. Double-Decker Bus Tour
We’ve all wanted to ride these iconic red double-decker buses in London. With over 9000 of them serving throughout the city, you’ll easily cover the best sights in London. The tour will take you past all major landmarks from the Buckingham Palace to the Big Ben!
12. The Shard
London’s tallest building, the Shard, is another spot that should be on your list. The View from the Shard offers a 360-degree view of the city up to 40 miles. The view is twice the height of any other viewing platform in the city. So make sure you don’t miss out on this!
13. Museums of London
It is commonly said that you are never too far from a museum in London. With over 150 museums, galleries, and exhibitions spread across the city, it is no wonder that this statement holds. The most famous museums in London are the British Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the Tate Modern. Visiting them lets you soak in some history, culture, and art, so ensure you visit at least one during your city trip.
British Museum
We recommend the British Museum, one of England’s oldest and most comprehensive museums. Its permanent collections house over 8 million exhibits and span over 2 million years.
14. West End Theatreland
As anyone who has ever been to London knows, the West End is a must-see. This vibrant and historic area of the city is home to some of the best theatre in the world and a range of other attractions. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to the West End or a seasoned theatre-goer, there’s something for everyone in this part of London.
Also known as Theatreland, the West End offers everything from classics to contemporary pieces. There are over 40 world-class theatres, and if you’re not sure where to start, our top picks include The Lion King, Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, and Hamilton.
15. Warner Bros Studio Tour (Harry Potter)
If you grew up reading and watching Harry Potter, you must visit the Warner Bros Studio Tour. Located in Leavesden, outside of London, the studio tour gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the Harry Potter movies were made.
Get a chance to see firsthand how the films were brought to life! A definite highlight is the costume section, where you can see the characters’ outfits from all eight movies! And you’ll even be able to walk through Harry Potter’s childhood home, Privet Drive. How exciting is that?! So grab your wand and head to the Warner Bros Studio Tour for an unforgettable experience.
16. River Thames Cruise
The River Thames Cruise is one of the best ways to see all London offers. Glide under the London Bridge, see the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, and admire the London Eye, among many other landmarks.
The options for choosing the right River Thames Cruise can seem endless. So pick a time, book your Thames River Cruise, and fall in love with the city’s gothic grandeur from the water.
17. Piccadilly Circus
Being synonymous with ‘leisure and entertainment’, Piccadilly Circus is one of the most popular places in London to meet up, for both tourists and locals alike! Famous for its neon signs and the Eros fountain in the middle of the junction, it’s worth spending an afternoon or evening in this busy neighbourhood. And if you’re up for some retail therapy, this is the place to be!
18. Camden Market
If you’re into art, music, and food, this next spot is for you! Camden Market has six distinct markets in and around Camden Town. It truly has something for everyone. From vintage t-shirts to London souvenirs or even getting a tattoo or piercing. You’ll have an adventure here!
19. Portobello Market
If you’re a fan of the movie ‘Notting Hill’, you must head to the Portobello market! Although made widely popular by the movie, this market has a rich history reaching the 19th century! You can find everything from antique furniture to artwork, food, and much more here! It’s also the best place to shop for clothes, with increasing shops and stalls opening over the years.
20. Traditional British Food
There are plenty of options for eating in London, whether looking for a Michelin-starred restaurant or a simple pub meal.
Fish and chips are one of the most popular dishes in London and for good reason. This classic English dish is usually made with cod or haddock, and ~~is~~ served with chips, malt vinegar, and mushy peas. Other classic dishes include the famous English breakfast, scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie, bangers, and mash. And if you want to fill your stomach, have a proper British Sunday roast.
21. Afternoon Tea at The Langham
And for a proper time in London, afternoon tea is a must. And there’s no better place to enjoy it than at The Langham. They’ve been serving tea since 1865.
22. Sporting Events
There’s no place like London when it comes to sporting events. The city is home to some of the most iconic stadiums in the world, including Centre Court and Wembley.
Wimbledon (Centre Court)
The Centre Court is where Wimbledon is held. Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a true British institution. From the iconic green lawns to the strawberries and cream, Wimbledon is steeped in tradition. If you’re lucky enough to score tickets to this prestigious event, you will surely have an unforgettable experience.
Wembley Stadium
Wembley Stadium is one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world. The home of English football, it has hosted some of the most memorable moments in the game’s history. Built on the original Wembley Stadium site, which was demolished in 2002, the new stadium opened its doors in 2007. If you’re visiting London, add a trip to Wembley Stadium to your itinerary and experience firsthand the history of this world-famous venue.
23. Day Trips from London
London is a city with accessibility like no other. And if you’ve got a day or two to spare, here is a list of places you can visit around London!
Stonehenge
Did you know that just outside of London is one of the most famous prehistoric monuments in the world? That’s right – Stonehenge! Stonehenge is a mysterious place. No one is quite sure how it was built or why, but that just adds to the allure. It’s worth a visit if you’re ever in London. And, if you want to learn more about this fascinating place, there’s a museum nearby where you can get all the facts.
Oxford
The well-known university city, Oxford, should be on your day trip itinerary. Located 92 km south-east of London, Oxford makes for an ideal day trip destination. A place steeped in history, it’s lined with century-old buildings and cobbled streets. The best way to see the city would be to explore on foot, for which several companies offer walking tours.
Bath
Bath is a beautiful city in southwest England. It is known for its Roman baths and is also home to some other historical sights, including the Royal Crescent and the Pump Room. You can take the train from London Paddington station, which takes around two hours to visit. You can also take the Bath Bus from Victoria Coach Station. It takes around four hours, but it makes stops along the way so you can explore other towns and villages.
Warwick
Just a short train ride from London, Warwick is a beautiful historic town with plenty to see and do. Start your day by exploring Warwick Castle, which dates back to the 11th century. The castle is full of fascinating history and stunning architecture. After the castle, stroll through the picturesque town centre, stopping for a bite to eat or shop.
Dover
If you’re looking for fresh sea air, Dover should be on your list. Just an hour and a half from the city, it is easily accessible by train. Dover is home to the famous White Cliffs, which have been immortalised in art and literature over the centuries. You can climb up to the top of Dover Castle for an even more stunning view of the sea.
Stratford-upon-Avon
Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming town, just a short train ride from London. Here, you can explore the birthplace of William Shakespeare and stroll through the picturesque streets. And when it’s time for a quick break, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes to choose from!
Final Thoughts
With this, our extensive list of things to do around London has ended. With plenty of things to do around this vibrant city, you’ll never get enough of it.
If you are planning to travel to London, visit www.skygardenlondon.com to access a comprehensive selection of experiences, activities, and tours that showcase the best of what the city has to offer.
If you want to read extensively about the city before you head there, you can visit our blogs to learn how to navigate this big city.