Top attractions in London
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Top sights in London
Discover the best places to visit in London during your trip to the United Kingdom. Explore Tower Bridge, Buckingham Palace, and more.
You've seen the films, you recognize Big Ben and the red buses. These 9 fun facts about London will make you see the city differently.
Take advantage of your two days in London and find the best things to do on your trip. Experience Covent Garden, a Harry Potter tour, and more.
Looking for the top things to do in London? Experience the best the city has to offer with our roundup of unmissable experiences.
The best things to do in London
"When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life," said Samuel Johnson. He spoke the truth. Whether you're looking for West End musicals, double decker buses, Sherlock Holmes pubs, or Kate Middleton lunch spots, the British capital has something to offer you.
1. Warner Brothers Studio
You can't go to London without visiting Harry Potter! Take a day trip from London to Warner Brothers Studio, where you'll be able to shop Diagon Alley, enjoy a Butterbeer, and talk Quidditch.
2. Stonehenge
Reflect on the world's most famous prehistoric ruins. Getting to Stonehenge takes about 90 minutes. Tip: you can also visit Windsor Castle or Bath while out in the countryside.
3. The Shard
If you can catch a sunny day, there's nothing more beautiful than 360-degree views of London at the Shard. Visit the viewing platform inside Western Europe's tallest building.
4. Madame Tussaud's
Trying to spot your favorite British celebrities? You'll at least be able to find their life-size wax counterparts here! Madame Tussaud's is a fun thing to do on a rainy day in London.
5. Tower of London
Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, AKA The Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the Thames River. The tour is plain fun, and you get to see the Crown Jewels!
6. London Eye
Climb onto Europe's biggest ferris wheel, and float 443 feet above the Thames River. Inside a London Eye pod, you'll get great views of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and Hyde Park.
7. South Bank
The walk between the Eye and Tower Bridge in South Bank is filled with largely state-funded arts venues. Head to the Tate Modern for modern masters, and then to Borough Market for lunch.
8. River Thames
The River Thames weaves right through the heart of London. An afternoon boat tour is a fun introduction to the Tower of London, Parliament, and other riverside attractions.
9. Wembley Stadium
Opened in 2007, Wembley is the 90,000 capacity home for the English national football team (and lots of other major sporting and concert events!).
10. London Zoo
A visit to the London Zoo is a great family outing. Watch the animal feedings, explore the butterfly enclosure, or learn more about conservation.
Planning Your Visit
How many days should you spend in London?
If this is your first trip to London, stay for at least four full days in order to hit all the classic sights like Buckingham Palace. But whether it's your first trip or your tenth, the key to visiting London is planning. The more you dig around, the more you'll realize how many things you can do in the city -- and everybody will want to see different sights and attractions. Before you go, decide which which tours or sights are a "must" for your group.
How much do taxis and double decker buses cost?
Transportation is notoriously expensive in London. Take the tube or a taxi at least once, for the experience and the picture. Locals travel by bus or by foot. The bus map can be a little confusing, but it is reliable and much cheaper. You'll be an expert by the end of your trip, which will give you a better excuse to come back again!
What's the best time of year to visit London?
They aren't kidding when they say "foggy Londontown." There's always a threat of rain, which is something that bonds the English together in solidarity. Even in the summer, you should carry an umbrella or light jacket. One idea? Plan your visit around a classic London event (like the Oxford Cambridge Boat Race down the Thames, or seeing the Christmas lights at Harrod's).
Good to know
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- Language
- English
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- Currency
- British Pound (£)
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- Time Zone
- UTC (+00:00)
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- Country Code
- +44
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- Best time to visit
- The weather is foggy with a chance of rain year-round. In the spring, the parks are green and in bloom. In the fall and winter, hotel prices tend to be lower.
Top Attractions in London
- 10 The O2 Arena
- 12 Greenwich
- 15 Cutty Sark
- 17 Crown Jewels
Things to Do in London
- 12 London Tours
Cities in United Kingdom
- 2 London
- 3 York
- 5 Bath
- 6 Belfast
- 7 Oxford
- 8 Windsor
- 9 Bristol
- 10 Portsmouth
- 11 Dochgarroch
- 12 Brighton
- 13 Cambridge
- 14 Glasgow
- 15 Inverness
- 16 Poole
- 17 Launceston
- 18 Bournemouth
- 19 Manchester
- 20 Warwick
Other Sightseeing Options in London
Want to discover all there is to do in London? Click here for a full list.
What people are saying about London
The old London bus was fantastically themed, tour guide Taylor was really funny and very well understood - we did notice a few problems with the wireless microphone cutting in and out, when the tour guide left the bus to talk - however the majority of the time it was clear. some of the story's were fictional and for humour so the tour wasn't really catered for the factual tourers but was still very knowledgeable in parts. its is also quite blue in part so would not recommend children under 12 for this one. marks 7/10
A fantastic experience, a well organised friendly team who also gave my husband a special mention for his birthday. The speedboat itself was incredible and the music added to the experience. The tour guide was brilliant, perfectly balancing witty comments with historical information about the buildings we passed on the way.
Extremely covid friendly and even though it was Sunday the number of people was very comfortable. Extremely interesting facts which was great for my 6year old grandson. Would certainly go again.
Good customer service, and the tour guide made our experience worthwhile. I will definitely recommend this service to all ye fun seekers out there
Anna was brilliant, knowledgeable, and bubbly. With her guidance, the dark drizzly evening and the historic streets, it felt very real. Loved it.
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