30 Best Things to Do in London

You could visit London several times and still not get to know it completely. Charming neighbourhoods, magnificent museums, street markets, World Heritage monuments, bucolic parks... London has more than a hundred tourist attractions, 9 million inhabitants and 35 million tourists a year. Here are 30 ideas to make the most of your stay, even if you only have 2 or 3 days.

Admire London from the top of the London Eye, one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world and an icon of the city centre. Opened in 2000 as the 'Millennium Wheel', its 135 metres made it the tallest in Europe and, until 2006, the world. It has 32 glass capsules and the standard ticket ride lasts about 30 minutes, with spectacular 360º views.

Here is more information about the London Eye:

• Why it is the best viewpoint in London
• Go up at night and see the city lit up
• Types of tickets
• Opening hours (closed in January for annual maintenance)
• Updated prices
• Ticket + Thames cruise
• Combined ticket for Madame Tussauds + London Eye

In the heart of England's political and religious power, in Whitehall and Westminster, are two of London's must-see attractions. Westminster Abbey, known as "the Church of the Royal Family", has hosted coronations since 1066 and is the burial place of many monarchs. The Abbey is notable for its Gothic architecture and history, and next to it stands the Palace of Westminster, seat of Parliament and home to Big Ben.

Here is some key information to help you plan your visit:

• What to see at Westminster Abbey
• Types of tickets Abbey + Parliament
• Abbey opening hours
• Ticket prices

The Shard is London's tallest skyscraper and one of the best places to enjoy panoramic views of the city. Its observatory offers a spectacular experience, so if you're interested, you can book your tickets for The Shard.

Located next to the Thames and very close to Borough Market, it stands at 310 metres and on clear days you can see up to 64 km away, with icons such as Tower Bridge, St Paul's Cathedral and the London Eye.

Here is more information about The Shard:

• Tickets for The Shard
• Updated prices
• Views from The Shard
• The Shard restaurant
• Where to eat nearby

The Tower of London, on the north bank of the Thames, is one of the city's great historical icons. This medieval castle, officially Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, has witnessed some of the most important episodes in British history. If you plan to visit, remember to book your tickets in advance. Built in the 11th century after the Norman conquest, it has been a royal residence, prison and fortress. The tour of its various buildings can take around 3 hours, which is enough time to discover its evolution over the centuries. Here is the key information:

• What to see at the Tower of London
• Types of tickets
• Updated prices
• Where to eat nearby
• History and significance of the monument

Harry Potter fans have the perfect plan in London: from tours of the places that inspired the saga to a visit to the spectacular Harry Potter Studio Park. Ideal for children and adults who want to relive the magic. Here's everything you need to know about Harry Potter in London

• Tours of Harry Potter's London
• Real places that inspired the story
• Official shops and souvenirs
• How to avoid ticket resellers
• How to get to the Studios

Seeing London from the Thames is a unique and highly recommended experience. A cruise allows you to enjoy the sights from the water, and if you're already sure you want to do it, you can book a cruise on the Thames. There are one-hour options, flexible tours where you can hop on and off throughout the day, and special experiences with dinner on board. Here is the key information:

• Thames River Cruises
• Dinner cruise
• Prices and types of cruise

You should also book a visit to Buckingham Palace, which has been the official London residence of the British Royal Family since the 19th century and is now occasionally used by Charles III. It features luxurious décor with chandeliers, elegant furniture and treasures from the royal collection throughout its rooms, such as the Throne Room, where photographs are often taken at royal weddings.

You can visit Buckingham Palace as part of the attractions included in the London Pass or learn more about it with a tour of the palace.

If you want to make your experience even more special, you should opt for a visit to Buckingham Palace with the Changing of the Guard ceremony. It is one of the most typical things to do in London. It is a very colourful military parade at the main entrance to the palace where you will see regiments of guards on foot and on horseback accompanied by an orchestra that enlivens the ceremony with music.

The Changing of the Guard in London is performed by a special section of the British army called the Queen's Guard (the ones in red uniforms with huge fur hats), whose mission is to protect the head of state, currently King Charles III.

If you want to know all the details about this curious spectacle, don't miss the article How to see the Changing of the Guard and Buckingham Palace in London.

Built in 1894 over the River Thames, it is the most famous bridge to see in London and owes its name to its proximity to the Tower of London.

By booking tickets for Tower Bridge, you can access this stone drawbridge and see how the steam engine that lifts it works. You can also climb to the top and walk on a glass walkway while enjoying great views of the city. In addition, if you are travelling with children, you can also book a guided tour of the Tower of London and Tower Bridge for children. Please note that it may be closed for maintenance at certain times.

Another way to get around London is on one of its many tourist buses, which you will see running around the city centre at all hours. If you book a seat on the London tourist bus, you can admire the city from above, sitting comfortably, and hop on and off (the famous "Hop on-Hop off") as many times as you like at any of its hundreds of stops throughout the wonderful metropolis of London.

There are several tourist bus companies, including Big Bus Tours, City Sightseeing, The Original Tour, Vintage Tour and Golden Tours, which is associated with Big Bus and the London Pass tourist pass.

They all operate in the same way and include physical guides or audio guides in several languages, although they differ in their itineraries and number of routes, in their prices, which are always cheaper if purchased in advance and online, and in certain services and offers included.

Opened in 1759, it houses an extensive collection of key works in the history of humanity, from the Rosetta Stone in its Egyptian Room to the marbles of the Parthenon in Athens and a Moai from Easter Island. If you don't want to miss a thing, I recommend booking a guided tour of the British Museum, as it is very difficult to cover everything on your own, unless you are an art expert.

You should also book tickets for St Paul's Cathedral, one of London's most iconic cathedrals. It impresses with its large dome and its 111-metre height, which you can climb to get magnificent views of central London or descend to its crypt, where the remains of Nelson and the Duke of Wellington rest. Without a doubt, visiting St Paul's Cathedral is something you must do before leaving London.

Another must-see is the British capital's parks, and what better way to do so than by booking a bike tour of London's parks.

Hyde Park is the largest and most famous park in the city, where you can stroll among a huge lake, various monuments, a rose garden and the gardens and Kensington Palace, which you can also visit inside.

Booking tickets for Madame Tussauds is another plan to keep in mind. It is known as "London's favourite tourist attraction" and one of the best places to visit with children thanks to its amazing wax reproductions of 250 of the most popular characters in the history of cinema, politics, music, sport and show business.

In addition, everything that was already on display at Madame Tussauds London has now been enhanced with a range of super fun immersive experiences based on Sherlock Holmes, Star Wars, Marvel and the history of London aboard the Spirit London Ride. Check out the different types of tickets for Madame Tussauds

Of course, you also have to book a guided tour of the National Gallery. This renowned art gallery houses an impressive collection of paintings by geniuses such as Van Gogh, Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Velázquez and Goya, among many others.

With a guided tour, you can go straight to the most important works, understand their context and discover details that often go unnoticed. What's more, the museum is huge, so having a guide helps you make the most of your time and enjoy a truly essential selection.

Who hasn't heard of London's musicals? If you buy tickets for one of London's musicals, you'll have an experience you'll never forget.

Among the best musicals in London's West End are some as renowned as Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera. If you can afford it, don't hesitate to add it to your list of things to do on a night out in London: the show is well worth it and for many of them you won't even need to know English, as the music and staging will convey more than the words.

If you know a little about the history of the city of London, you'll already know that it has more than one dark episode... You've probably heard of Jack the Ripper or Sweeney Todd, but have you heard of the Gunpowder Plot or the Great Fire of London?

If you buy tickets for the London Dungeon museum, you'll find interactive shows that will tell you all about these events and others just as chilling. Read all the information about the London Dungeon Museum and get ready to be scared inthe dungeons of the English capital.

This is one of the most popular squares to visit in London, where you can admire the 50-metre-high Nelson's Column, erected in honour of the admiral and the victory at the Battle of Trafalgar. There is always a lively atmosphere around it, with street performers and direct access to the National Gallery, so it is usually a must-see. To get there comfortably, I recommend booking a Big Bus London sightseeing bus.

Get ready for a scary experience with a night tour of London that will show you the less 'pretty' side of the city through its darkest history and places such as the Tower of London and its bloody tower, the first psychiatric hospital, the Plague Pits, the haunted areas of the East End, and stories of how and where one of the most famous serial killers in history, Jack the Ripper, operated.

There are many options, but I recommend booking a ghost tour of London. Find all the information here.

If you have several days or already know London, it's a good idea to take one of the day trips from London. You can visit just one destination or combine several, such as the trip to Stonehenge and Bath.

If you book a trip to Stonehenge, you'll discover the world's most famous megalithic complex, as well as visiting places such as Oxford, Cambridge, Warwick Castle and Windsor Castle. You can also tour the Cotswolds countryside, explore Bath, see the Magna Carta in Salisbury, or visit Stratford-upon-Avon.

You can go by train or bus on your own, although guided excursions are usually more comfortable and informative. Due to its historical value, travelling to Stonehenge from London is well worth it. There are many things to do at Stonehenge, but the most special thing is to visit during the summer solstice. If you can choose the time of your visit, all the better.

London has many charming neighbourhoods, but Notting Hill is also well known for films such as Mary Poppins, which sang the praises of its bustling Portobello Market, and the film of the same name, starring Julia Roberts. It's a delight for a Saturday morning stroll, when all the stalls are set up on Portobello Street among its beautiful colourful houses. And if you want to learn all about its history, book a personalised tour of London.

Located next to Buckingham Palace, it is one of London's Royal Parks and a favourite among many Londoners for the beauty of its gardens, lake and children's play areas. It is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle, see urban wildlife such as pelicans and squirrels, or simply stroll peacefully along its paths and viewpoints.

If you fancy seeing it in a different way, remember that you can book a bike tour of London's parks.

London has some magnificent museums, but the Natural History Museum is one of those places that really impresses. It brings together recreations and pieces from all species on Earth, with spectacular staging that makes it ideal for all ages.

Its most famous areas are the dinosaur gallery, with scale reproductions that surprise even adults, and the enormous blue whale skeleton that presides over the main hall. In addition, many rooms are interactive, making it a perfect plan whether you are travelling with your family or are passionate about science and nature.

If you book your ticket for the London night bus tour, you'll arrive at this small square at the intersection of several streets. Very popular for its bustling life as a meeting point for locals and foreigners, it is characterised by its large video screens, neon advertising signs and the famous fountain with the sculpture of Eros. A real spectacle for the senses after dark.

From Piccadilly Circus you can reach one of the city's most famous shopping streets, Oxford Street.

If you are planning a trip to London, tourist cards such as the London Pass and the London Explorer Pass are your best allies for exploring the city while saving time and money. With the London Pass, you will have unlimited access to more than 80 attractions for the number of days you choose, from the historic Tower of London to a relaxing cruise on the Thames. On the other hand, the Explorer Pass allows you to choose between 2 and 7 attractions from a list of more than 50 options, ideal if you prefer a more personalised itinerary.

Both cards are designed to suit your travel style. If you want to immerse yourself in the essence of London, the London Pass is perfect for you, while the Explorer Pass is the ideal option if you are looking for flexibility and only want to visit specific places. What's more, both passes include digital tickets and free cancellation options, because your trip should be as comfortable and stress-free as possible! Ready to discover everything London has to offer

Are you travelling to London with children? Do you like animals? In either case, a visit to the Sea Life Aquarium is a great choice to complete your trip to London.

Not only is this the largest aquarium in England, but it also has themed areas, interactive activities and an amazing glass tunnel from which you can see the more than 500 species that live in the Sea Life Aquarium. However, it is a very popular attraction, so it is advisable to book tickets for Sea Life Aquarium in advance.

Exercise, fun and incredible views are what this bike tour of London offers. Along the way, you'll learn about the history of the city as you cycle past more than 12 iconic landmarks, including Big Ben, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace during the changing of the guard.

The tour also passes through lively areas such as Covent Garden, with its street performers, and iconic squares such as Trafalgar Square. It's a perfect way to see a lot in a short time and enjoy the city in a more dynamic and fun way.

For a different kind of souvenir of London, visit this picturesque and popular neighbourhood, home to the city's largest market with over 1,000 shops and street stalls where you can eat while listening to live music.

If you explore the area, you're sure to find some of those secret places in London that don't appear in any guidebook. And if you're thinking about it, you can also get there easily with your London sightseeing bus ticket.

Although it may not seem like it, it is possible to eat well in a city as expensive as London without breaking the bank, even if you want to eat near the London Eye or The Shard. As one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet, the gastronomic offer is very varied and there are restaurants to suit all budgets.

To avoid falling into the typical "tourist trap", in the article on the best food tours in London, I give you a list of 10 great restaurants where you can enjoy eating during your trip. You'll find options for all tastes! Another option to consider is booking a food tour of London.

If you've seen the famous film Shakespeare in Love, you'll have an idea of what to expect on this tour of the reconstruction of the original Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare's most famous plays were performed. You'll learn about theatre in 16th-century London and enjoy afternoon tea.

When we arrive in a new city, we can't wait to get to our hotel, drop off our bags and start sightseeing. Unfortunately, before that, there's a rather tedious ordeal to go through: the airport. London has four airports, all of which are far from the city centre. Do you know how to get from Stansted Airport to central London, from Luton Airport to London, from Gatwick Airport to the city centre and from Heathrow Airport to your hotel in London?

There is no shortage of public transport, but my advice is to book a private or shared transfer in advance. The advantage? You won't have to wait on arrival and you'll travel in maximum comfort.

When is the best time to visit London? It's a difficult question to answer, as every season has its charm. Whether you visit London in summer, winter, spring or autumn, you'll find that the city has its own unique appeal.

However, seeing London at Christmas is one of my favourite options because of the decorations that adorn the city at this time of year and the many festive activities on offer. In any case, if you're still not convinced, it would be most useful to take a look at these posts where I tell you what to do in London in each month of the year:

• London in January.
• London in February.
• London in March.
• London in April.
• London in May.
• London in June.
• London in July.
• London in August.
• London in September.
• London in October.
• London in November.
• London in December.

Finally, if after reading about everything London has to offer you feel overwhelmed and have doubts about how to make the most of your stay, I recommend you visit these posts on what to see and do in London depending on how many days you are going to spend in the British capital. Have a great trip!

• What to do in London in 1 day.
• What to do in London in 2 days.
• What to do in London in 3 days.
• What to do in London in 4 days.
• What to do in London in 5 days.
• What to do in London in 6 days.
• What to do in London in 7 days.