20 Best Things to Do in London

London is home to many iconic buildings, landmarks and tourist attractions. Whether old or new, cities are constantly evolving and rich in historic culture. If you’ve never been to town before, we’ve created a list of 20 must-see attractions while you’re there to help you along the way. From finding the Royal to getting on a double decker bus for the first time, these are the best things to do in London for the first time.

1. Big Ben

Big Ben is located in Westminster and is the nickname “Great Bell” for clocks, but is often used to refer to clocks and clock towers. The official name of the Clocktower is Elizabeth Tower, named in 2012 after her Diamond Jubilee Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben is an iconic London landmark and is a must-have on your list while you’re here!

2. House of Council

The official name of the parliament is actually the Palace of Westminster, but it is commonly referred to as the former because of its inhabitants. They are located on the banks of the Thames River in Westminster, and the building itself is exquisite. If you want to know more about British politics, you can arrange a tour around the house, if not just an outside praise!

3. Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the Queen’s London residence. Buckingham Palace in the heart of the city is located at the top of Paul Mall, next to Green Park and St. James Park. Like the House of Parliament, if you want to pretend to be a royal in the afternoon or admire its beauty from outside the gate, you can book a tour around the palace.

4. The eyes of London

The London Eye was first opened to the public in 2000 when it was first built. It was the world’s largest Ferris wheel, and it was the best perspective than London until the Shard opened in 2013. You can purchase tickets with the London Eye at one of the London Pods. There is no doubt that you should consider on your first trip to London. The view from the ground is also quite spectacular, adding a different dimension to the London skyline!

5. Trafalgar Square

Trafalgar Square is a square surrounding Nelson’s row. The name refers to the Battle of Trafalgar, which was the British Navy victory over Napoleon. The square is a very large public area where you can sit in the background with the National Gallery or admire the fountain. It is often used for large public events, sometimes protesting here, and at Christmas there is a huge Christmas tree in the square, which feels completely magical!

6. Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington, Cromwell Road. Even if you’re not particularly interested in natural history, the building is amazing and a must-see for a trip to the capital. There is no need to pay to enter, so it is worth watching and admireing the beautiful architecture.

7. St. Paul’s Cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Paul is a landmark on the London skyline, and the cathedral dome is what makes the architecture so exquisite and iconic from the outside. The present church has been there since the 17th century and was built in London’s reconstruction after the great fire that destroyed much of the city. Not only can you walk around inside the cathedral, but you can also see it from the Millennium Bridge, which runs directly along the Thames in front of the cathedral.

8. Tate Modern

Tate Modern is located at a former power plant on the banks of the Thames River. It retains both British and international contemporary art and presents a one-off exhibition. The museum is well worth a trip. The gallery building itself is not only totally unique, but there is always plenty to do!

9. Globe Theatre

The Globe Theatre is located near Tate Modern and is a modern reconstruction of the original theatre intimate connection to William Shakespeare, first built in the 17th century. You can buy tickets and see the show being played here. It is symbolic because of its circular shape, that its open roof! And if you want to see a modern theatre show in London, check out tickets to these London theatres for the current show.

10. Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of London’s most iconic landmarks across the river. The bridge has been in London since the 19th century, and the infamous effect of its drawbridge allows taller ships to pass through the Thames. Near the Tower of London, the nearest tube station Tower Hill and London Bridge. Take a photo from the banks of the Thames or you can walk too!

11. Shard

The Shard is London’s tallest building and towers above all other landmarks, inevitable from many London locations. The skyscraper opened in 2013 and has multiple high-end restaurants, the Shangri-La Hotel and a viewing platform for purchasing tickets. While it’s well worth admiring the view from there, the only problem with seeing London from the shard is that you miss the view of the building itself.

12. Tower of London

The Tower of London was founded in 1066, and the castle was a prison from 1100 to 1952. The building has a history waiting for you to discover it. You can also see the crown jewels at this exhibition and marvel at how sparkling they are. Add the London Tower to your list and go and see one of London’s oldest monuments!

Images via Wikicommons

13. Gherkin

Gherkin is a building that looks like a Gherkin shape, and it becomes an iconic feature of the London skyline and an unforgettable feature when you’re looking at East London. The building itself consists of offices, so it’s not a monument you can go inside, but it’s well worth finding on a trip to the city!

14. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is located in the heart of the city and is one of London’s largest parks. In the middle is a beautiful pond called Serpentine, where you can rent pedalo and a line of ships, and you can see the grounds/gates surrounding Kensington Palace at one end of the park. It is a beautiful park to wander and you won’t miss it when visiting London.

15. Platform 9 3/4

This is for all Harry Potter fans out there! If you want to find Platform 9 3/4, it is permanently set up at Kings Cross Station. Take a photo with a Gryffindor scarf and imagine you’re off to start your semester at Hogwarts!

16. Horse Guard Parade

The Horseguard Parade is a large parade ground that can be found from Whitehall near Downing Street in central London. This is where events such as Armies of Color occur, and there are several monuments around the parade ground, which is worth seeing. It is located right next to St. James Park and features beautiful buildings.

17. Piccadilly Circus

Piccadilly Circus is a small attempt at London time square. With bright billboards lined up at the edge of the building, they are always ridiculously busy, so if you’re planning an evening in the West End or Soho, you’re probably here! It is worth marveling at night and incorporating the atmosphere surrounding it.

18. Downing Street

Number 10 Downing Street is where the British Prime Minister lives among the Prime Ministers. It’s outside of Whitehall and for obvious reasons you can’t pass through the gate, but you certainly can look up there and see the famous Number 10 door!

Images via Wikicommons

19. Security guard changes

Changes in security guards occur every day, and if you understand the timing correctly you can witness it. It occurs almost daily from April to the end of July, from 11:15am to 12pm. This daily ceremony is a must-see for your trip to London. That is when one regiment takes over another in the “guarded” duties of Buckingham Palace. We see a new guard marching from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace as the Queen’s guard. If you want a little more culture and a British pageantry, this ceremony is for you!

20. Covent Garden

Located in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, it is always bustling. It’s full of shops, restaurants, bars and street performers. You can walk around, drink coffee in the square or eat here in the evening. If you’ve never been to London, it’s a really fun area in London. There’s a real vibe about it and should be on your next trip list!