20 best places to visit in London you don’t want to miss

As one of the world’s most exciting and iconic cities, London has many interesting places to visit. The UK capital’s best-known landmarks, like Tower Bridge and Big Ben, are steeped in history and known worldwide. Looking for the top London cultural attractions to see when you visit? Whether it’s a look inside London’s renowned art museums, taking in breathtaking views of the London skyline from the River Thames, or a fun-filled day out with the family, London has it all. Scroll through this list of the 20 best places to visit in London and you won’t miss a thing.

London’s top places to visit at a glance:

The top sights in London for history lovers: The Tower of London and the British Museum.

Best places to visit in London with kids: The Science Museum and the Natural History Museum.

The best places to go for art in London: Tate Modern and the National Gallery

Top London attractions for nature lovers: Kew Gardens and Hampstead Heath.

Best places in London for history

1. Tower of London

Sitting regally on the north bank of the River Thames, visiting the Tower of London is a must when you go to London. It’s home to the Crown Jewels when they aren’t worn by the British royal family for ceremonies and coronations. As one of the best historical places to visit in London, this landmark fortress has been used as a prison, a palace, and a zoo, alongside more grim purposes, like the site of executions.

Insider tip

Join a guided tour led by the Beefeaters, who have been guarding the Tower of London since Tudor times.

Address

Tower of London, London, EC3N 4AB

Opening times

Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM–5:30 PM

Sunday–Monday 10:00 AM–5:30 PM

2. Tower Bridge

Just a short walk from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is the only bridge on the River Thames that raises and lowers to allow ships to pass through. The bridge opens three times a day, so if you time it right, you’ll be lucky enough to see it. It’s more than just one of London’s most Instagrammable attractions — best views from its less ornate neighbor, London Bridge — you can also go inside it.

Insider tip

For a view stretching right down the river, enter the bridge’s north tower and ascend 200 steps or elevator to the top. Steel your nerves and walk to the other tower via the glass walkway.

Address

Tower Bridge Road, London, SE1 2UP

Opening hours

Open daily, 9.30 AM-6.00 PM. Last entry is at 5.00 PM.

3. Buckingham Palace

The most famous of London’s many royal residences, Buckingham Palace is the official home of the King and a real working palace. The Grand State Rooms are open to the public during the monarch’s summer vacation, so visiting Buckingham Palace gets even better if you’re there between July and September. Whether or not you go inside, don’t miss the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony, most days at 11:00 AM, outside the palace gates.

Insider tip

Get to the palace before 10:30 AM to grab the best spot for watching the Changing of the Guard. And check the flag on the palace — if it’s a Royal Standard, the King is inside. If it’s a Union Jack, he’s out.

Address

Buckingham Palace, London, SW1A 1AA

Opening hours

July–October: 9:30 AM–7:30 PM

November–June: Closed to the public

4. Hampton Court Palace

One of London’s best things to do when it’s sunny is Hampton Court Palace, which isn’t just another past royal home; it was the grandest Tudor residence of them all, where Henry VIII conducted his royal court and entertained with lavish banquets. Since Queen Victoria opened the stunning palace to the public in 1838, it has drawn in visitors from around the world. Get lost in one of the oldest hedge mazes in the world, and don’t miss the Great Vine, the world’s largest and oldest grapevine.

Insider tip

The palace is gorgeous in spring. Time your visit with the Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival to be blown away by over 100,000 tulips.

Address

Hampton Ct Way, Molesey, East Molesey, KT8 9AU

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:30 PM

5. Westminster Abbey

This church and UNESCO World Heritage site is an essential place to visit in London for any history enthusiast. If visiting Westminster Abbey gives you déjà vu, it might be because it’s been the stage of the most famous events in recent British royal history: the coronation of King Charles III, the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, and the wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton. Find the tombs of the 30 monarchs buried here, or have an expert give you a rundown of the 800-year-old landmark’s history on a guided tour.

Insider tip

Poet’s Corner, where literary legends like Charles Dickens and William Shakespeare are commemorated, and the Pyx Chamber, the oldest part of the church that used to house the Crown Jewels.

Address

Dean’s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday 9:30 AM–3:30 PM

Sunday: Open for worship only

Best places in London for art and music

6. Tate Modern

Once known as the Bankside Power Station, generating electricity for the entire City of London, the Tate Modern now houses the impressive national collection of modern and contemporary art. Visit this unique gallery on the popular Southbank of the River Thames to find works by Picasso, Warhol, and Hockney. For all the world-class art, you don’t have to pay to enter the Tate Modern, and it’s undoubtedly one of the best free things to do in London.

Insider tip

Go up to the viewing level on the 10th floor, where you can get coffee with a panoramic view of London’s skyline and various landmarks.

Address

Bankside, London, SE1 9TG

Opening hours

Open daily, 10.00 AM-6.00 PM.

7. Royal Opera House

This historic venue is the home of The Royal Opera and The Royal Ballet and has played host to legendary performances, from Pavarotti to Tchaikovsky’s Christmas classic, “The Nutcracker.” Go to see a show or simply visit to soak up the view of Covent Garden below from the roof terrace over a drink.

Insider tip

Take the opportunity to enjoy pre-theater dining in the Balconies Restaurant above the glass-walled Paul Hamlyn Hall.

Address

Bow St, London, WC2E 9DD

Opening hours

Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM–8:00 PM

Sunday: Closed (performance schedules vary)

8. Royal Albert Hall

No music lover’s visit to London is complete without a stop at the Royal Albert Hall. Opened by Queen Victoria in dedication to Prince Albert, the unique circular music hall has hosted icons like Adele, The Beatles, Beyoncé, and even Muhammad Ali. Book tickets to performances well in advance, and plan to visit other London landmarks like the V&A, Hyde Park, and the Natural History Museum.

Insider tip

Secure tickets to a show at The BBC Proms, a two-month-long classical, jazz, and contemporary music festival held every summer at the venue.

Address

Kensington Gore, London, SW7 2AP

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 9:00 AM–9:00 PM

9. Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum, or V&A, is home to a vast collection of over 2.2 million objects and artifacts, making it a haven for art and design lovers. Head here for ever-changing fashion and photography exhibitions, or browse through the 145 galleries to find ceramics, embroidery, metalwork, and wallpaper. Visit the National Art Library at the V&A, not only for its collection of rare books and manuscripts but also for the ornate Victorian architecture.

Insider tip

Plan to spend some time after browsing the museum in the John Madejski Garden, a tranquil courtyard where you can appreciate the building’s exterior.

Address

Cromwell Road, London, SW7 2RL

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:45 PM

10. Somerset House

Once a grand residence and royal palace, Somerset House is now a hub for music concerts and film screenings. It also hosts seasonal pop-ups, like the popular ice rink installation in winter. Visit the Courtauld Gallery to view works by Monet, Van Gogh, and Cézanne before heading outside to enjoy drinks on the terrace, perched perfectly on the River Thames.

Insider tip

Check well in advance for tickets to the Somerset House Summer Series, an extended period of musical concerts each summer.

Address

Strand, London, WC2R 1LA

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

Best places in London for families

11. London Transport Museum

With interactive exhibits that bring the history of London’s transport system to life, the London Transport Museum is the ultimate place to visit in London to keep kids entertained for hours. Experience driving an underground train on a simulator or join a storytelling session — there’s something for every age. Book in advance to avoid waiting in line. Tickets are sold as annual passes, meaning you can visit as many times as you like in a year.

Insider tip

Check the museum in advance for opportunities to ride on old London Transport vehicles, from vintage trains to London’s iconic red Routemaster buses.

Address

London Transport Museum, WC2E 7BB

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–6:00 PM

12. London Zoo

Located in Regent’s Park and home to over 650 animal species, London Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the world. It has been open to the public since 1828. Fascinating for people of all ages, it has interactive attractions, educational workshops, and playgrounds for younger children to explore.

Insider tip

Don’t miss Butterfly Paradise, a heated walk-through enclosure where hundreds of different species of butterflies are free to fly.

Address

Outer Cir, London, NW1 4RY

Opening hours

Monday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:30 PM

13. Natural History Museum

With over 4.5 billion years of natural history under one roof, the Natural History Museum provides hours of education and entertainment and is a must-visit for families in London. Be wowed by the 25-meter skeleton of Hope, the blue whale in Hintze Hall, and check out exhibits from space and prehistory.

Insider tip

The Dinosaurs Gallery has life-sized models of a Diplodocus and a T-Rex.

Address

Cromwell Rd, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BD

Opening hours

Open daily, 10.00 AM-5.50 PM

14. The O2 Arena

With an endless array of activities, The O2 at Greenwich is a popular spot to visit in London even if you aren’t there for a concert. Try indoor skydiving, watch a movie, or go bowling. Feeling brave? Up at The O2 lets you climb the roof for a 360-degree view of East London, including the financial district of Canary Wharf.

Insider tip

If your kids are under 8 and too young for Up at The O2, the Emirates Air Line is just around the corner, with cable cars that cross the River Thames in 15 minutes. It has a similar view and is suitable for all ages. It’s wheelchair and stroller accessible, too.

Address

Peninsula Square, London, SE10 0DX

Opening hours

Open daily, 10.00 AM-10.00 PM. Up at The O2 climbs are seasonal, and generally open from 10.00 AM-5.45 PM.

15. London Eye

When you come to London, you must visit what was once the largest observation wheel in the world, the London Eye, known to many as the Millennium Wheel. Take a 30-minute ride in one of the glass pods to a height of 135 meters (443 feet) above the Thames for a bird’s-eye view of close landmarks like Big Ben and the Shard. On a clear day, you can see as far as Windsor Castle, which makes for a great day trip from London.

Insider tip

The London Eye is one of the busiest attractions in London and the wait in line can be long, so book in advance.

Address

Riverside Building, County Hall, London, SE1 7PB

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day, 10.00 AM-8.30 PM in summer and over the holidays, and 11.00 AM-6.00 PM for the rest of the year.

Best places in London for couples

16. Kew Gardens

Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and head out to Kew, where you’ll find the Royal Botanic Gardens. Come here to admire tropical flora and fauna — any plant lover will be amazed by the Palm House and the Temperate House, grand Victorian glasshouses housing exotic plants. Bring a picnic to enjoy underneath the Great Pagoda, one of the most romantic spots in London.

Insider tip

Each season at Kew has a unique attraction. Time your visit to see beautiful springtime blooms or a festive light show near Christmas.

Address

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, TW9 3AE

Opening hours

Generally open 10.00 AM-7.00 PM during the summer months, closing earlier in winter.

17. St. Paul’s Cathedral

With its dome a symbol of London’s skyline since its completion in 1710, St. Paul’s Cathedral is one of London’s most recognizable buildings. The breathtaking monument was where Prince Charles and Lady Diana married and is considered to be one of the most romantic places in London. The best view of St. Paul’s is from the Millennium Footbridge, but the view of the city from 528 steps in the cathedral’s dome is hard to beat.

Insider tip

The climb to the dome doesn’t have to be done in one go. Stop halfway at the Whispering Gallery, where a whisper against one side of the dome can be heard clearly on the opposite side.

Address

St. Paul’s Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AD

Opening hours

Unless closed for special services, St. Paul’s is open to visitors on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 8:30 AM-4.00 PM, and Wednesday 10.00 AM-4:00 PM. The cathedral is only open for worship and services on Sundays.

18. Royal Observatory

Stand together with one foot in the Western hemisphere and one in the Eastern hemisphere at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, the home of the Prime Meridian, Greenwich Mean Time, and the Great Equatorial Telescope. The Planetarium is a must-see for immersive astronomical shows projected above your head. In the evening, watch the sunset from the hill in Greenwich Park, with London’s skyline laid out before you.

Insider tip

The observatory hosts special after-dark events where you can use the telescopes to stargaze and examine the night sky.

Opening hours

Blackheath Avenue, London, SE10 8XJ. Open 10.00 AM-5.00 PM, closing at 6.00 PM in May and September, and at 7.45 PM June-August. Last admission is 45 minutes before closing time.

19. Shakespeare’s Globe

Explore themes of love, loss, devotion, and tragedy at Shakespeare’s Globe, an authentic reconstruction of the Elizabethan playhouse where Shakespeare’s plays were famously performed. As one of the only thatched buildings in London, you are transported back to the 1600s, seeing London as it would have looked then. Situated on the South Bank of the River Thames, plan a romantic meal at one of the many nearby pubs or restaurants before watching “Romeo and Juliet,” “Twelfth Night,” or any one of Shakespeare’s romantic works.

Insider tip

Choose a standing ticket to watch the show as a groundling, as much of the audience would have done at the original theater.

Address

21 New Globe Walk, London, SE1 9DT

Opening hours

Only open for tours and performances; booking in advance is necessary.

20. Sky Garden

A free indoor garden in the sky sounds too good to be true, but London’s Sky Garden is exactly that. Exit the lift to find tall tropical plants from the 35th to 37th floors against the backdrop of landmarks like The Shard, the Tower of London, and Tower Bridge — go just before sunset for a truly romantic experience and a sundowner cocktail. Dine at one of the two restaurants as you look out over the city, or stand out on the open-air terrace. Book free tickets in advance to secure your entry.

Insider tip

Check when you reserve your free entry spot on the Sky Garden site for unique events above the city, like yoga, live bands, and DJ sets.

Address

1, Sky Garden Walk, London, EC3M 8AF

Opening hours

Entry hours are 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Monday-Friday and 11:00 AM-9:00 PM on weekends and public holidays. Bars are open until midnight and 2:00 AM, respectively.

FAQs about the best places to visit in London

What shouldn’t you miss in London?

This list covers most of the unmissable experiences in London, but you can also add Big Ben, Hyde Park, the Science Museum, Trafalgar Square, London Aquarium, The Shard, and the National Gallery to your 5-day London itinerary to really pack in the must-see sights.

Where can you find the best views in London?

You can find some of the best views of London’s modern and historic skyline at Primrose Hill, Greenwich Park, The Shard, Sky Garden, Alexandra Palace, and Tower Bridge.

What are non-touristy things to do in London?

There are still plenty of non-touristy things to do in London despite it being one of the most visited cities on Earth. Londoners enjoy visiting the Columbia Road Flower Market every Sunday, food markets at Spitalfields Market, Brick Lane, and Borough Market, the viewing terrace at Sky Garden, and even kayaking on Regent’s Canal in Little Venice.

What are the best things to do in London when it’s sunny?

If you’ve managed to visit London when it's sunny, make the most of it by spending your time cruising the River Thames or keeping cool on a pedal boat on the Serpentine lake in Hyde Park. Grab an ice cream on the Southbank or have a swimming adventure at Hampstead Heath.

What are the best things to do in London in December?

December brings a festive feel to London and there are so many wonderful activities to do. Here is our list of the top 10 things to do in London in December so you can organize a fun-filled trip even when the weather is cold.

What are some of the best things to do in London with kids?

Some of the best things to do with kids in London include going to London Zoo, London Aquarium, the Science Museum, the Warner Bros. Studio, or going slightly further outside of London for a day at Legoland or Chessington World of Adventures.