Great Britain

Things to do in London

One of the most popular and dynamic cities on earth, London has a reputation for being a cultural, gastronomic, and musical hub with an appeal that spans the generations.

Whether it's witnessing the architectural wonders that appear on almost every street corner, exploring the city's secret green spaces, or getting front row tickets to the hottest live performances, there is an endless variety of things to do in London - the city that has it all.

Many of the popular sights in Central London are located in a compact area that is easy to walk around. Whether you want to see the Queen's residence, Buckingham Palace, take in a show at Leicester Square, or stroll along the Southbank by the flowing River Thames, London's rich array of heritage sites have something to offer for everyone.

No trip to the capital would be complete without seeing some of the city's historical and architectural icons, such as Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, Westminster Abbey, and the Baroque masterpiece that is St Paul's Cathedral.

There are so many things to do in London that you will be spoilt for choice. Whether you are going by yourself, as a couple, or on a family vacation, we’re sure you will find something

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Things to do in London for free

London is one of the greenest capital cities in the world with over 3,000 parks and open spaces to discover. Go deer spotting in Richmond Park, feed the ducks in St James Park, or wander through the stunning Japanese garden in Notting Hill Park. See the best London has to offer by getting a ferry to England with P&O.

Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum is the world’s largest museum of decorative arts and design. Housing over 2 million objects, you won’t be stuck for things to do and see when you visit here. It is free to enter and in the summer there’s a lovely outside area for you to enjoy.

The Imperial War Museum is free to enter and is located near Lambeth North. The displays are arranged in a way that allows you to gain real insight into what it’s like to live through a war. They also have a range of events you can attend throughout the year.

If you’re looking for something different to do, why not head to the Columbia Road Flower Market on a Sunday morning? This little part of East London takes a complete floral transformation every Sunday and it’s great to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. There are also plenty of quaint Victorian shops you can visit.

Photo: Globe Theatre, London by Clive Sherlock

Arts and Cultural Activities

There are plenty of artistic things to do in London thanks to its status as a cultural and artistic melting pot. London plays host to some of the finest creative works on the planet. Delve into a surreal world in one of the city's incredible art galleries like the Tate Modern, Tate Britain, or the National Portrait Gallery, or relive the work of Shakespeare at the reconstructed open-air Globe Theatre.

The capital is known for its underground art scene, especially since the work of English graffiti artist Banksy became famous. You can spot the city's finest street art on tours around areas such as Camden and Shoreditch.

For a full day of exploring, many of the most popular London museums are located in the well-heeled areas of South Kensington and Greenwich where you can visit the Natural History Museum and the world-famous ship museum the Cutty Sark. Family fun can be enjoyed across the capital, with highlights being the spooky London Dungeons, the London Zoo, or the interactive Science Museum.

Family activities in London

There are so many options for family activities when you visit London. Madame Tussauds is a popular attraction for you to visit with many famous people captured in waxworks. Or head over to the Sea Life London Aquarium, home to one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life. Plus, it is right next door to the London Eye – so you could make a trip on this your next stop.

Visiting the London History Museum is a great thing to do as a family. Make sure you check out their dinosaur room and come face-to-face with a life-size, electronic T-Rex. The South Kensington area is a hub for museums, so you could make your next stop the London Science Museum, an interactive museum that the whole family can enjoy.

Photo: London Museum by Yeo Khee

Theatre and West End Shows

It’s probably not surprising that amongst the things to do in London is enjoy the thriving musical and theatre scene, so why not watch a show while you’re in London? You can head to the West End and take your pick from the many musicals available to watch, as either a matinee or evening show, with many offers available for on-the-day tickets.

If you’re looking for something a bit different, why not visit a smaller theatre in East London where they operate a pay-what-you-can policy. Just turn up and pay what you can afford on the door. Or you could get tickets to see something at the Royal National Theatre, one of the UK’s three most prominent arts venues.

Eating and drinking in London

With all the things to do in London we are sure you will work up an appetite. London is well-deserving of its status as a foodie heaven. The capital serves up everything from gourmet cuisine to cheap eats.

Take your pick from the plush high-end dining experiences of Mayfair or explore the latest food trends at the lively street food markets like Borough Market or Brixton Market. Keep your eyes peeled for pop-up dining spots, fusion restaurants, or hipster hangouts to keep your pulse on the ever-changing London food scene.

For some of the sleekest drinking dens, Shoreditch is one of the coolest areas to enjoy a drink or a bite. Similarly, position yourself around Soho to be nearby to some of the best bars, restaurants, and pubs in the city.

One of the most popular and dynamic cities on earth, London has an appeal that spans the generations

Fish and chips at St Pauls Cathedral in London

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