In London, you’ll walk past Roman ruins, cross over medieval roads, and end up in front of glass towers or a pop-up gallery without even trying. With more than 9 million people living across its 32 boroughs, it’s a huge place—but it doesn’t always feel that way. Whether you’re into history, art, local markets, or just want to get a feel for a city that’s always shifting, here are the best things to do in London.
Westminster Abbey is one of those places that really gives you a sense of how old London is. Every monarch of England since 1066 has been crowned here, and it’s also where a lot of them are buried. Inside, there’s a mix of tombs, memorials, and grand architecture. You’ll see names you know—Darwin, Newton, Elizabeth I—and areas like Poets’ Corner, which is full of tributes to writers like Dickens and Austen.
The building itself is impressive—huge vaulted ceilings, detailed stonework, and colorful stained glass. It’s still a working church, but it also feels like walking through a piece of living history. You can pick up an audio guide to help make sense of everything, and there are usually special exhibitions tucked into side chapels
Borough Market is one of the best things to do in London for foodies. It’s just behind London Bridge and has everything from sausage rolls and grilled cheese to Malaysian laksa and Ethiopian injera. Some stalls are run by local producers, others are international street food stands—but it’s all good, and the mix changes depending on the day.
Vendors here actually know what they’re talking about—many are producers or longtime specialists. Some of them will chat with you about where the cheese came from or how they make their chutney. It's a great addition to any England itinerary.
Borough Market, London Bridge Southwark © Shutterstock
The British Museum is free to enter and packed with stuff from all over the world—everything from ancient Egyptian mummies to Greek sculptures and the Rosetta Stone. It’s one of those places you can dip into for an hour or spend the whole day exploring.
The Great Court is worth a look on its own with that massive glass ceiling, but the real highlights are in the galleries. There are family-friendly exhibits, rotating special shows, and guided tours that help you make sense of what you’re seeing. Some rooms are always busy, but others are quiet and filled with hidden gems.
It’s a good place to go if you want a rainy day plan that doesn’t feel like a backup (see our guide to the best time to visit England to learn more about the weather).
Daunt Books in Marylebone is a great place to duck into, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. It’s inside an old Edwardian building with wood-panelled galleries and a big skylight that lets in loads of natural light and is one of the best places to visit in England.
The layout’s a bit different from most bookstores—they arrange books by country, so you might walk into the “Japan” section and find everything from travel guides to novels and history books grouped together.
It opened in 1990, and the guy behind it—James Daunt—later went on to revive Waterstones. This place leans toward travel books, but you’ll find plenty of fiction and nonfiction too. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time just browsing. Staff are usually happy to help if you’re looking for something specific or want a recommendation that’s not the usual bestseller.
The main gallery—originally built in 1910—is often used in films, and for good reason. It’s one of those places that feels like it belongs to another time and is one of the best things to do in London.
Natural history Museum in London © Shutterstock
The building alone is worth seeing. The Natural History Museum is one of those places that’s as much about the architecture as it is about what’s inside. Once you walk into Hintze Hall and look up at the blue whale skeleton hanging overhead, you get a sense of how big this place really is—both in size and scope.
There’s a lot here: dinosaur fossils, meteorites, a huge mineral collection, and exhibits on everything from insects to extinct mammals It’s easily one of London’s best museums. It’s been around since 1881 and still works as a real research institution, with scientists doing behind-the-scenes work you can sometimes watch through glass.
It’s an easy pick for a half-day, especially if in England with kids. There are interactive displays, seasonal exhibits like the Wildlife Photographer of the Year, and temporary installations. In the winter, they put up an ice rink outside
The Tower of London has been around for nearly a thousand years, and you can feel that history as soon as you walk through the gate. It’s right on the river and has done a bit of everything over the centuries—fortress, royal home, prison, treasury. There was even a zoo here at one point. This is easily one of the best walks in London.
Most people head straight for the Crown Jewels, which are housed in a heavily guarded vault. There’s usually a queue, but it moves quickly. Elsewhere, you can check out the royal armories in the White Tower or learn about some of the Tower’s darker chapters in the Bloody Tower.
The Yeoman Warders, or Beefeaters, give tours packed with stories—some dark, some funny, all based in real events. They’ve been guarding the Tower for centuries and still take part in the nightly Ceremony of the Keys, a tradition that’s been happening every evening for over 700 years.
Tower of London Fortress in London © Shutterstock
Brick Lane is known for its Bangladeshi restaurants—some of the best are simple, no-frills places that have been around for decades. The street’s been called “Curry Mile” for a reason, though locals each have their own favorite. You’ll smell the spices before you see the signs.
On Sundays, the whole area shifts gears with one of the liveliest street markets in East London. You’ll find secondhand clothes, rare records, and food from every corner of the world. The graffiti-covered walls feature everything from underground artists to pieces by Banksy, and they change constantly, so there's always something new to see.
The buildings around Brick Lane tell stories too—from the days of Huguenot weavers and Jewish bakers to today’s art studios and pop-ups. It’s a good place to come hungry and people-watch.
Tate Modern sits right on the Thames in what used to be a power station. The building still feels industrial—huge open spaces, exposed brick—but now it’s filled with modern and contemporary art from around the world. The Turbine Hall alone is worth checking out; it's where large-scale installations take over the space in ways you don’t often see in traditional galleries.
Since opening in 2000, the Tate has made big-name artists like Picasso and Warhol easy to access, but it also puts a real focus on underrepresented voices and new ideas. The newer Blavatnik Building connects to the original space and has a London rooftop bar terrace with one of the best free views across the city. This is one of the best things to do in London.
Kew Gardens is a huge stretch of greenery out in southwest London. It’s not right in the center, but easy enough to reach, and it makes for a quiet few hours away from the pace of the city.
This is where you’ll find some of the best walks in London, with glasshouses filled with plants from all over—tropical rainforests, dry deserts, and cooler climates. The Palm House and the Temperate House are both worth seeing, especially if the weather’s not great.
There’s also the Temperate House, which looks like something out of a Victorian novel and holds plants from cooler parts of the world, plus the Treetop Walkway, where you can wander 18 meters (59 feet) above the forest floor. If you're visiting with kids, the Children’s Garden has loads of space for them to run around and learn about plants.
Kew’s also a working research center—they’re doing things like preserving rare seeds and studying climate resilience.
Kew Gardens, the palm house © Shutterstock
Tower Bridge stretches across the Thames with its distinct twin towers and sky-blue walkways, often confused by first-time visitors with the nearby (and much plainer) London Bridge. This 19th-century structure isn’t just a pretty landmark—it was built with a clever bascule system that still lifts today to let large ships pass through. You can catch the bridge in action a few times a day, or walk across and get a closer look from the viewing platforms.
If you're interested in old machinery or just like learning how things work, check out the Tower Bridge Exhibition. It’s inside the towers and walks you through how the bridge was built and how it runs, including a section with the original Victorian engine rooms.
You’ll find fish and chips just about everywhere in London, but some places do it better than others. The basics are usually the same: flaky white fish like cod or haddock in a crisp batter, thick chips, and maybe some mushy peas or pickled onions on the side. You’ll almost always get vinegar and salt, and sometimes a bit of tartar sauce.
It started as cheap working-class food in the 1800s and became such a big part of British culture that it wasn’t even rationed during the war.
Now, places like Poppies and The Golden Hind keep the tradition going. Best case? Find a bench outside, eat it while it’s hot, and try not to burn your tongue.
Shakespeare Globe Theatre © Shutterstock
The Globe is a full-scale rebuild of Shakespeare’s original theater, just a short walk from where it stood in the 1600s. It’s open-air, all wood and thatch, and built using the same kinds of materials they would’ve used back then. Watching a play here feels different—more casual, more direct. Some people stand for the whole show, just like they would’ve in Shakespeare’s time. This is easily one of the best things to do in England.
You can see shows in the summer, and in winter they move indoors to the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, which is smaller and lit by candles. Even if you’re not seeing a performance, it’s worth doing a tour. They explain how the theater came together, and what went into making it historically accurate.
The British Library in St. Pancras is a good one to have on your list, especially if you're interested in books, history, or just curious objects. It holds everything from the Magna Carta to handwritten lyrics by the Beatles, and there’s a gallery where you can see these up close without needing a reader’s pass.
The building’s striking in its own way—red brick with a big glass tower in the middle that houses King George III’s old collection. If you're doing research, the reading rooms are great and open to anyone who signs up for a pass.
There are also rotating exhibitions and regular events that dig into everything from ancient texts to current issues. It's the kind of place where you can easily spend an hour—or a whole afternoon. It’s a great addition to any England itinerary.
Regents Canal, London, England © Shutterstock
Regent’s Park is one of the easier green spaces to get to if you’re staying central (see our guide to the best area to stay in London). It’s big enough to find some quiet but also has a lot going on—formal gardens, sports fields, cafes, and even a zoo tucked in the north corner. If you’re walking through, try to loop through Queen Mary’s Gardens to see the roses (especially in summer), or duck into the Japanese Garden Island for something a bit calmer.
The park dates back to the early 1800s when it was designed for the Prince Regent. You can still see that old-fashioned landscape style in the way the lawns and paths are laid out. Locals use it for everything from running and tennis to just lying on the grass. It’s also home to quite a bit of wildlife, especially birds, thanks to how well it’s been maintained.
If you want to see a show while you’re in London, the West End is where it’s at. Around Covent Garden and Leicester Square, you’ll find loads of theaters doing everything from long-running musicals to new plays coming out of the fringe scene. It’s a busy area, especially in the evenings, but once you’re inside one of those old venues, it’s easy to see why it’s such a big part of London life.
The theater history here goes back hundreds of years, and many of the buildings still have that old-school charm, even if the productions are modern. You can make a night of it with dinner beforehand and a drink after. And if you’re into something less mainstream, there are smaller shows and comedy nights running too. There's usually something interesting playing, even last-minute. See our England travel tips to help prepare you for your next trip.
The London Eye on the River Thames © Shutterstock
You can’t really miss the London Eye—it’s that giant observation wheel on the South Bank that slowly rotates over the Thames. Each glass capsule gives you wide views across the city, and on a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor Castle (one of the best of England's castles). During the 30-minute ride, you’ll be able to pick out famous landmarks like Big Ben, St. Paul’s Cathedral, and the Shard.
Originally built for the millennium, it was only meant to be temporary. But it quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the city and stuck around. It’s a good pick if it’s your first time in London or if you want a sense of the layout before exploring on foot. There are also some upgraded options—like private pods or champagne rides—if you’re marking a special occasion.
St. Paul’s sits in the heart of the City of London, with its huge dome standing out against the skyline. Designed by Christopher Wren after the Great Fire of 1666, the current cathedral has seen everything from royal weddings to wartime bombings—and somehow still holds onto a quiet sense of dignity despite all the crowds.
You can walk up the 528 steps to the Golden Gallery if you’re up for a climb, or stay at ground level and explore the stunning interior. The Whispering Gallery is a fun quirk—if you whisper on one side, someone on the other side can hear it. Down in the crypt, you’ll find the tombs of historical figures like Nelson and Wellington. It’s still an active cathedral, too, with regular services and concerts.
St. Paul's Cathedral in London © Shutterstock
Afternoon tea in London isn’t just about the food—it’s more of a slow, relaxed ritual that gives you a little window into British culture. Places like Fortnum & Mason do a classic version with all the trimmings: finger sandwiches, warm scones, fancy cakes, and a long list of teas. Other spots mix things up with themed teas or great views, like the ones at The Shard.
The tradition started back in the 1800s as a way to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner. These days, it’s a nice excuse to take a break in the afternoon, especially if you’ve been walking all day.
It works well for a celebration or just a quieter, sit-down kind of moment. Most places cater to dietary restrictions, too, so it’s pretty flexible. Just make sure to book ahead—popular spots fill up quickly. This is an obvious choice for one of the best things to do in London.
written by
Dre Roelandt
updated 14.07.2025
Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for visiting England
