Best things to do and see in London

London is huge, fast-paced and offers something to interest every kind of visitor. For history buffs, there’s the Tower of London and Westminster Abbey, while for lovers of art and culture, there’s the National Gallery and the West End. Visiting London can feel overwhelming if you have never been to this city before. And while a three-day trip will give you a taste of what London offers, it may be hard to decide which attractions to prioritise over others. Therefore, here is our guide to the best/top places to visit in London.

Tower of London

One of the oldest buildings currently standing in London, the imposing Tower of London has served many roles through the centuries. The Tower was initially built in 1078 as a palace and fortress for William the Conqueror. By the 16th century, it had acquired a grim reputation as a prison and place of execution. Today, the Tower is home to the famous crown jewels, and you can explore these and other historic areas around the castle. The Tower is open between 10:00 AM and 5:30 PM on Sundays and Mondays and from 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM< on other days. Entry costs £29.90 per person.

Tower Bridge

Only a short walk from the Tower of London, Tower Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in London. Constructed in 1886, the bridge was designed with a mechanical drawbridge to allow large ships to pass underneath. You can walk the bridge length and marvel at its architecture, or you can head up to the top of the towers and walk across the upper pedestrian walkway for a great view of the Thames. Though walking the bridge is free and open all day, exploring the towers, upper walkway and engine rooms cost £11.40, with visitors welcome between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Buckingham Palace

Constructed in 1703, Buckingham Palace has served as the reigning monarch’s official London residence since 1837. During the summer months, and if the monarch is away, you may be able to tour the Palace, exploring the State Rooms, Throne Room and Palace Gardens. Tours of the Palace run from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM in July and August, and 9:30 AM and 6:30 PM in September and October. Tickets cost £30, or £55 if combined with the Royal Mews and Queen’s Gallery. Alternatively, you can catch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard for free from outside the palace gates. This ceremony takes place at 11:00 AM daily in summer. During the rest of the year, it’s held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Houses of Parliament

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, the Houses of Parliament is an imposing building that has been used as the seat of government in the UK since the 16th century. Although much of the original building was destroyed by fire in 1834, some surviving parts of the building, such as Westminster Hall, date back as far as the 11th century. Tours of the building are run on Saturdays between 9:00 AM and 4:15 PM on select days throughout the year. Tickets cost £25.50 if pre-booked or £28 when purchased the same day. Free tours are available to UK residents through their local MP, and access to the public galleries is free to anyone who wants to see the parliament in action.

Westminster Abbey

Just a short walk from the Houses of Parliament sits a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, Westminster Abbey. Originally founded in 960 AD, Westminster Abbey has been the official church for royal coronations since 1066. Much of today’s cathedral dates back to the 13th century, and throughout the building, you will find historical artefacts, including the country’s oldest door, a 900-year-old garden, and the resting places of many famous individuals and monarchs throughout history. The abbey is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM and for church services on Sundays. Tickets cost £24 per person.

South Bank

Cross Westminster Bridge from the Houses of Parliament, and you will come to South Bank, home to several of London’s major cultural and entertainment attractions. For lovers of theatre, there’s the National Theatre and Shakespeare’s Globe, while art lovers will appreciate the galleries at the Southbank Centre and Tate Modern. Perhaps you’d prefer to catch the latest movie at BFI Southbank, home of the largest IMAX screen in the UK, or get a bird’s-eye view of South Bank from the top of the London Eye observation wheel. With plenty of museums, dining and entertainment options, there’s something for everyone at South Bank.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Besides Westminster Abbey, St. Paul’s Cathedral is probably the most famous church in London. Established in the late 17th century when the previous cathedral was destroyed in the Great Fire of London, St. Paul’s is an impressive baroque building, not least because of its giant dome. Inside, you will find remarkable artworks and sculptures, plus the tombs of Lord Nelson, Christopher Wren and the Duke of Wellington. You can also climb over 500 steps to the top of the dome, where you will have a breathtaking view of the surrounding city. The cathedral is open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Admission costs £18.

British Museum

Possibly the most popular museum throughout the UK, the British Museum is home to over 8 million historical artefacts from throughout history. Here, you can explore sculptures from places such as ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece. Some notable collection items include the famous Rosetta Stone and the controversial Elgin Marbles, the subject of a repatriation dispute with Greece. The museum is open daily between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Entry is free, although some temporary exhibitions may charge an admission fee.

South Kensington Museums

Within the district of South Kensington, you can find several of London’s best museums in close proximity. One of the most popular is the Natural History Museum, which features exhibits of fossils and plant life, as well as a fascinating geology exhibition with an earthquake simulator. Nearby is the Science Museum, showcasing various scientific achievements throughout history, and the Victoria and Albert Museum, which houses the largest collection of artworks in the world. Entry to all three museums is free, although some temporary exhibitions may require you to purchase a ticket.

National Gallery

If you are visiting Trafalgar Square, make sure to pay a visit to London’s National Gallery. This huge building features over 2,000 artworks from the middle ages to the early 20th century. Here, you can see works from renowned artists, such as Botticelli, Rembrandt, Van Gogh and Turner. Entry to the National Gallery is free, although some temporary exhibitions may require you to purchase a ticket. The gallery is open every day from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a late opening on Fridays until 9:00 PM.

West End

The West End is to London what Broadway is to New York City. This is the place to go if you want to experience the best theatrical and musical productions currently playing. Many visitors book their tickets to shows well in advance. However, there is an official discount booth in Leicester Square, where you can find a deal on any one of the shows currently in production. This booth is open between 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM daily. That said, even if you don’t see any shows, the West End is a lively place to explore late at night.

Piccadilly Circus

No trip to London is complete without experiencing the busy heart of the city, Piccadilly Circus. Surrounded by neon signs, ornate Edwardian buildings and bustling crowds, this is the equivalent of Times Square in New York City. Here, you will find plenty of options for dining, shopping and entertainment. The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain is a popular meeting point in the area and an excellent place to orient yourself before exploring the district. Make sure to come at night when the atmosphere is at its liveliest.

Covent Garden

You’ll find the famous shopping district of Covent Garden within London’s West End, not far from the theatre district. This open-air piazza features a wide variety of upmarket boutique stores offering the latest in fashion and beauty products. Here, you can find high-end products from exclusive brands, such as Apple, Mulberry Ralph Lauren and many independent brands. There is also a covered market area with a great range of dining options, as well as artisan stalls, busking musicians, pubs and coffee shops.

Hyde Park

One of the most popular public parks in London, Hyde Park, stretches across 142 hectares and is a great place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are many recreational facilities here, including walking trails that take you past gardens and monuments to tennis courts, horseriding areas, and boat rides on Serpentine Lake. Perhaps the biggest attraction here is the beautiful Kensington Gardens, which were once the private gardens of the nearby Kensington Palace. Here, you’ll find memorials to Prince Albert and Princess Diana, plus a wide variety of beautiful flowers and plants.