Visiting London: what are the best things to do and see in the city nicknamed « The World City »?
Ranked among the top 5 most-visited cities in the world for years, London is a city to be discovered and rediscovered without hesitation and, above all, without moderation! If you’re going to visit London, you can be sure that every day will be different. So close and yet so different, the English capital has all the essential ingredients for an unforgettable stay. The diversity of its monuments, neighborhoods and activities, as well as its incredible mix of cultures, make it a unique and fascinating destination.
This royal, cosmopolitan and eccentric city is just waiting for you. Wondering what to do in London for the first time? We’ll tell you all about it here!
1. Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster
The Palace of Westminster, home to Parliament’s Houses of Lords and Commons, is an architectural icon of London, with its fascinating mix of styles, dominated by neo-Gothic elements. The world-famous Big Ben clock tower is enthroned here, although it is currently silent. With its 1,000 rooms, the palace is rich in history and features, including bars and restaurants. Guided tours provide an insight into the workings of Parliament and follow the Queen’s journey to the State Opening.
Don’t forget to visit « New Dawn », a tribute to women’s struggle for the right to vote, and the statues at St Stephen’s Hall, marked by the history of the suffragette movement.
2. Changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most iconic ceremonies. This solemn ritual sees one group of soldiers, the Old Guard, replaced by a new group, the New Guard. These guards, dressed in traditional red tunics and bearskin hats, have embodied British history for centuries. The Changing of the Guard, free of charge, takes place on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays from 10.45am, and lasts around 45 minutes. For the best experience, we recommend arriving early to find a good vantage point.
3. Museums
In all, London boasts no fewer than 240 museums. So much to choose from! And what’s more, many of them are free. The hardest part will be choosing.
Among the most famous and unmissable museums to visit in London, you will find :
British museum
London’s iconic British Museum is dedicated to human history, art and culture. The museum is home to incredible treasures such as the Parthenon sculptures, Lewis’s chess and the famous Rosetta Stone, the key to deciphering hieroglyphics. Don’t miss the mermaid in the Gallery of Light, a fascinating deception combining a monkey and a fish, demonstrating the art of taxidermy. Admission to the British Museum is free, but you can take a guided tour to get more context for your visit.
Tate Modern
Tate Modern, on London’s South Bank, is dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s the younger, trendier version of Pimlico’s Tate Britain. This museum, formerly a power station, is impressive for its architecture and offers panoramic views of London from its 2016 Switch House extension. Inside, discover free works by Warhol, Matisse and Bourgeois. Don’t miss the Tate Boat, linking Tate Modern to Tate Britain, for a complete experience.
Museum of Natural History
London’s Natural History Museum, located in South Kensington, houses an impressive collection of 80 million specimens ranging from plants to fossils. As well as being a world-renowned research facility, this museum offers the chance to encounter animatronic dinosaurs, a life-size fetus and an earthquake simulator. The museum’s must-see is the gigantic blue whale skeleton, named « Hope », which sits majestically on the ceiling of Hintze Hall.
Madame Tussaud’s Museum
Madame Tussauds in London is the place to be if you want to rub shoulders with celebrities… in wax! With over 190 hyper-realistic figures, you can walk among royalty, party with the stars and even join the Avengers thanks to the Marvel Universe 4D experience. Whether posing with Beyoncé, Taylor Swift or meeting the big names from Star Wars, Madame Tussauds promises memorable moments. Located on Marylebone Road, it’s easily accessible from Baker Street station.
The list of London museums goes on and on: the London Transport Museum, the Imperial War Museum, the National Maritime Museum, the Victoria & Albert Museum, to name but a few! What’s more, most museums are included in the London Pass.
4. London Tower Bridge
London’s second most symbolic landmark: London Tower Bridge. This bascule bridge is the most sophisticated in the world. It can be recognized by its two immense Gothic-style towers and its blue frames. You can visit it, but crossing it, or admiring it from the Thames at nightfall, will be more than enough to fill you with wonder.
5. The multi-stop panorama bus
Short on time to visit London? Then the hop-on, hop-off panorama bus is the perfect way to discover London’s iconic sights. Thanks to your ticket, you’ll be able to cross London on board a 2-storey panoramic bus (if the weather is fine, the roof of the bus is obviously the most pleasant). An audioguide will enable you to listen to the history of the city and its monuments as you travel.
Feel like visiting a monument or taking a photo? Just get off the bus and take the next one when you’re done. Admittedly, it’s very « touristy », but it’s so practical that we’re not going to deny ourselves!
6. Tower of London
Still wondering what to do during your stay in London? The Tower of London, on the banks of the River Thames, is more than just a medieval castle: a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the Royal Palace and the King’s fortress. The Tower of London houses the priceless Crown Jewels, a breathtaking collection of diamonds, diadems and scepters still used by the royal family on official occasions. With 900 years of history, this attraction is a living testimony to the country’s rich past. For an immersive experience, opt for a guided tour with one of the Yeoman Warders, the Tower of London’s iconic guardians.
7. Westminster Abbey
Here again, it’s an emblem of the city. A true symbol of the British monarchy, it is here that all important coronations take place: weddings, coronations and state funerals. Westminster Abbey is a splendid building to admire from the outside or to visit.
8. Hyde park
If you’re looking for something to do in London, the capital is one of the cities with the most parks in the world. These include Hyde Park (the largest), Saint James Park (opposite the Palace), Regent’s Park (with its zoo), Greenwich Park (overlooking the River Thames), and many more! A breath of fresh air in the heart of the city.
Hyde Park, one of London’s 9 Royal Parks, covers almost 140 hectares. Known as « The People’s Park », it’s a must-see when visiting London. At the heart of the park is the Serpentine, a lake dating from 1730, ideal for canoeing and even swimming in the Serpentine Lido. To the north, a bird sanctuary houses the statue of Rima, the heroine of Green Mansions. The main entrance, the Grand Entrance, features a magnificent triple arch and a statue of Achilles. And let’s not forget Diana’s memorial fountain, a reflection of her memorable life.
9. The London Eye
Climb into a capsule on the London Eye, Europe’s largest Ferris wheel. It’s located on the banks of the River Thames, right next to Big Ben. For 30 minutes, you’ll be able to admire London from a different, and probably the most impressive, angle.
10. Harry Potter Studios
For many of us, London recalls certain mythical scenes from the saga adapted from J.K Rowling’s novel. We all remember the broomstick flight over the Thames, with the Houses of Parliament in the background. Well, Potterheads, you can visit the film studios where the movies were shot. You’ll discover the most mythical rooms, like Albus Dumbledore’s office.
11. Piccadilly Circus
Piccadilly Circus, located in the heart of London, is a must-see for any visitor. Steeped in history, it boasts architectural treasures such as the famous Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain. Although often mistaken for a statue of Eros, it actually represents Anteros, the god of shared love. Between the giant advertisements, the iconic stores and the ambient effervescence, Piccadilly Circus is an experience not to be missed on a visit to London.
12. Covent Garden
Covent Garden is a very pleasant place to stroll if you’re visiting London. You can admire the many street performances, while enjoying a delicious cake from Lola’s Cupcake. Its famous glass roof, which gives the place its charm, once housed London’s covered market. Today, it’s home to many charming boutiques, restaurants and the London Transport Museum.
13. Camden Town
Located in North London, this lively district is a London attraction in its own right. Trendy, unbridled, eccentric, colorful, here every genre and culture is mixed. Take a trip to the Camden Lock Market to pick up a vintage piece, admire the crazy store fronts, stroll along the Regent’s Canal and enjoy an exotic takeaway that’s so hard to choose from.
14. Culinary specialties
So, yes, England doesn’t have a great reputation when it comes to gastronomy… However, there are some tasty specialities not to be missed if you come to visit London:
- The must-try fish & chips,
- Cornish pasty with minced beef, potatoes, onions and rutabaga,
- Bangers and mash, our « mashed sausage » with onion sauce,
- Jelly, available in a variety of flavours and colors,
- The traditional English Breakfast to get the day off to a good start,Pudding, fruit cake served hot with custard,
- Scones, rolls served with tea,
- Stew, or the English version of pot-au-feu.
The city’s mix of cultures also makes it easy to sample all the world’s cuisines: Chinese, Japanese, Pakistani, Indian and Jamaican.
15. Street art
London is also known for its incredible street art. If you’re a fan, you’re in for a treat! Head to Camden Town, Shoreditch, Bethnal Green or Bricklane to admire some of the city’s most popular works.
16. Kensington
This is one of, if not the city’s most beautiful districts. To visit London without visiting Kensington is to miss out on one of the capital’s most charming assets. Here you’ll find some of the finest examples of British architecture. But the district is more often renowned for its large number of green spaces. It’s this detail that makes the borough one of the most sought-after by Londoners.
In terms of culture, Kensington is no exception. Many museums are located in Kensington. Such is the case for the Victoria & Albert Museum. You can also admire the Royal Albert Hall, the home of classical music. What’s more, take a stroll through the various markets before enjoying a delicious English lunch at West Eleven.
The highlight is a visit to Kensington Palace, one of the most beautiful royal residences. It was even the principal residence of the royal family until the 17th century.
17. The Soho district
Soho is the cosmopolitan district par excellence. Over a hundred different nationalities can be found here. Soho’s largest community is Asian, as the area is home to London’s Chinatown.
But Soho is also a hot spot for the LGBT community, who come to enjoy the nightlife in the bars and nightclubs. And don’t miss the open-air markets and pubs that keep the neighborhood lively.
18. Cruise the Thames
The Thames, London’s iconic river, has been a living witness to the city’s history since prehistoric times. A cruise on this river allows you to appreciate London from a unique angle, passing landmarks such as Tower Bridge, the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye. Whether it’s an illuminated night cruise or a gourmet getaway with dinner, cruising on the Thames is an unmissable experience when visiting London.
19. Spitafields Market
While we’re on the subject of markets, let’s discover THE must-see market in London. Spitafields Market is a covered market in the north of central London. The market’s specialty is antiques, where the offer is immeasurable and the prices attractive.
After browsing the various vendors, take a tea break in one of the market’s tearooms. A reference in the field.
20. Other things to see and do in London
There’s so much to see and do during your stay in London! Here’s a list of some other places and activities not to be missed:
- The key ceremony at the Tower of London,
- Walking in the footsteps of Jack the Ripper,
- The Horse Guard parade,
- Notting Hill,
- The Sky Garden,
- Borough Market,
- Saint Paul’s Cathedral,
- Harrods,
- Make a pub crawl.
The London Pass to visit London
The London Pass is the most popular tourist card for exploring London. It gives you direct access to over 85 iconic sites, including the Tower of London, The View from the Shard, Windsor Castle, Westminster Abbey and many more. To help you get around, this pass also includes a Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket, allowing you to visit the city at your own pace. Once you’ve booked online, you’ll receive your digital pass by email, valid for between 1 and 10 days depending on your choice, and activatable for 2 years.
The London Pass saves you queuing at many museums and attractions, optimizing your time. It’s even more practical thanks to its digital version, which you can present directly from your smartphone.
What to do in London in 3, 4 or 5 days?
If you’re staying in London for more than a weekend, here’s a program idea for a stay of up to 5 days.
Day 1: Big Ben, Palace of Westminster, Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace Changing of the Guard, historic center of London, Trafalgar Square, Soho, Piccadilly and Covent Garden.
Day 2: Tour of London, Thames cruise, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Thames quays, Millennium Bridge, The Shard.
Day 3: Boat trip from Little Venice to Camden, Camden Town and its market, Natural History Museum or Kensington Palace, and stroll in Hyde Park.
Add to the places to visit in London over 3 days: Kensington Palace or Natural history museum or British museum, Hyde Park, Notting Hill district, Sky Garden and its garden.
Follow the full 4-day itinerary, adding for day 5: Tate Modern, lunch at Greenwich market, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and an option to attend an opera at the Royal Opera House.
When is the best time to visit London?
London is an attractive year-round city with a moderate climate. However, to avoid the crowds, the best times to visit London are late winter/early spring (January-April, excluding the Easter vacations) and autumn (September-November). Although the city has a reputation for rainy weather, it actually experiences all four seasons, and often in a single day.
What do you need to travel to London?
After the Brexit, to travel to London, French citizens must have a valid passport. For a tourist stay of less than 6 months, no visa is required for French citizens. However, depending on nationality, a visa may be required. Please contact theBritish Embassy for further information.
How do I get to London?
Are you visiting London and wondering how to get there? By train, car, ferry or plane, choose your means of transport according to your city of departure and your budget. The quickest and often cheapest way is still byplane, thanks to low-cost airlines offering daily flights at unbeatable prices. To help you find the best prices, use a flight comparator like Ulysse.
Wherever you arrive (and there’s plenty to choose from: 4 airports, 1 train station), you’ll find it easy to reach the city center by express train, London Underground or bus. And for a truly British experience, treat yourself to a ride in one of London’s famous Black Cabs (best for short, expensive journeys).
Where to stay in London?
If you choose to visit London, it’s essential to choose the right place to stay. Be warned, however, that the accommodation on offer in London is not very cheap. Airbnb are very popular and can prove to be practical and advantageous.
Prefer a hotel? In London, you’re bound to find a hotel to suit you. However, the list is long! You can find the best prices by searching on an online hotel comparator. The tool will take into account your criteria and your budget range.
London is a city of a thousand faces, with treasures around every corner. We hope our recommendations will guide you on your journey to London. And you, what are your must-sees in London? We look forward to hearing from you!
Map of hotels and accommodation – London,gb