Fun and cool things to do in London

London is full of cool activities that will appeal to every kind of visitor. From walking tours that explore the city’s dark history to boutique shopping districts and family entertainment options, there are plenty of hidden gems in London. Here is our guide to our favourite fun things to do in London.

Go on a Walking Tour

London has over 2,000 years of history in its streets, and there are many walking tours that explore different aspects of London’s past. Some walking tours will introduce you to London’s most famous pubs and bars, while others will take you around the favourite haunts of some of London’s most notorious gangsters. Perhaps the most popular walking tour in London is the Jack the Ripper tour, which will walk you through historic sites associated with the infamous Victorian-era serial killer.

Explore the SEA LIFE Aquarium

Just over Westminster Bridge, you can find London’s SEA LIFE Aquarium within the County Hall building. This huge aquarium features 14 themed marine habitats, from polar climates to tropical coral reefs, and is home to over 400 species of marine life. This is the perfect attraction for families and those fascinated by the uniqueness of underwater life. Standard ticket prices cost £29 if pre-booked or £32 if bought on the day. The aquarium is open between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily.

See the city from the London Eye

Just next to the SEA LIFE Aquarium, the London Eye dominates the South Bank district. This giant observation wheel, the tallest in Europe, will take you 135 metres into the air for a bird’s-eye view of the city. The London Eye is currently the most popular attraction in London and is well worth experiencing if you are in the area. Standard tickets cost £32.50 when booked online or £36 if bought on the day. The observation wheel runs between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM daily.

Face your fears in the London Dungeon

Staying in the South Bank area, fans of horror and everything creepy will enjoy a visit to the London Dungeon. This spooky attraction explores the dark side of London’s history, from grisly executions to the unsolved murders committed by Jack the Ripper. While not for everyone, this attraction will offer thrills to those brave enough to enter. Standard ticket prices are £28 if pre-booked or £31 if bought on the day. The London Dungeon is open between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM daily.

Get up close to famous waxworks at Madame Tussauds

Just take a two-minute walk from Baker Street station down Marylebone Road, and you’ll find the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum. The museum, founded by Marie Tussaud in 1835, has been displaying waxworks of famous people for nearly 200 years. Here, you can get up close to over 150 lifelike figures based on celebrities, politicians, sports players and royalty. Standard tickets cost £33.50 when booked online or £37 if bought on the day. The museum is open between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily.

Go underground at the Churchill War Rooms

The Churchill War Rooms can be found under the Treasury building, not far from St. James’s Park. This was where prime minister Winston Churchill and his cabinet would live and work during the bombing raids in World War II. Today, the War Rooms have been turned into a museum, and these underground chambers have been restored to depict how they would have appeared in those days. Tickets to the Churchill War Rooms costs £29, and the rooms are open to visitors between 9:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

Take a River Cruise to Greenwich

One of the most relaxing ways to see London is by boat. There are several options for cruises on the River Thames, many of which go from the pier at Westminster. Enjoy a light snack or beverage while your boat slowly makes its way to Greenwich, allowing you to appreciate the sights along the way. Once you reach Greenwich, you can explore nearby attractions such as the Royal Observatory, the National Maritime Museum, the Cutty Sark, and the Greenwich Markets. Or, simply sit down in Greenwich Park and enjoy the charms of this area of London.

See a show in the West End

The West End theatre district is the place to see London’s hottest theatrical and musical productions. Some famous shows you can catch here include The Lion King, Les Miserables, Hamilton and The Book of Mormon. Many of these shows book out far in advance, so try to purchase your tickets well ahead. Alternatively, you may be able to find same-day discounted tickets at the official TKTS ticket booth on Leicester Square if you don’t mind which show to go to. Once you have seen a show, don’t forget to explore the shopping and dining options around this area, especially at night.

Explore London’s famous shopping districts

If you are looking for the latest fashion or are searching for a bargain, there is plenty of choice in London’s famous shopping districts. Not far from the West End theatre district, you can find everything from artisan stalls to boutique stalls at Covent Gardens markets. There are also many upmarket department stores on Oxford Street and Bond Street. Another famous shopping district is Camden Market, which has over 1,000 stores, cafes and bars, plus an alternative, trendy vibe with street performers and artists. Finally, there are the Brick Lane markets, where the local multicultural community has created a vibrant collection of independent stores, eateries and street art.

Drink in one of London’s Historic Pubs

If you are looking for an authentic London experience, then why not order a pint in one of the city’s historic pubs? A particular favourite among visitors and locals is Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese, which has been around since The Great Fire of 1666. The pub has retained much of its original design and atmosphere and has been a frequent haunt of many famous literary figures over the centuries, including Charles Dickens and Mark Twain. Some other historic pubs worth checking out include the Lamb & Flag, the Spaniards Inn, and the Ten Bells. There are even walking tours that will give you the chance to explore several historic pubs in one night.

See the world from The Shard

One of London’s most recent monuments, The Shard, is also where you can get sensational views of the city and surrounds. This pyramid-like skyscraper stands nearly 310 metres high and has several viewing platforms on its highest floors. It takes less than a minute to reach the 68th floor, and once there, you can head up to observation decks on the 69th and 72nd floors. The 72nd-floor sky deck is open air, so make sure you have the right clothing on to protect you from the wind and the elements. Tickets cost £28, and the viewing area is open between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM every day, except Sundays.

Take a visit to Sir John Soane’s Museum

While there are many museums and art galleries around London, Sir John Soane’s Museum near Lincoln’s Inn Fields offers visitors a fascinating experience. This tiny museum was the home of Sir John Soane, an eccentric architect and collector who lived in England’s Regency period. Sir John Soane constructed the building to his own designs, and visitors can marvel at the paintings hidden behind movable walls, ancient antiques, and more. As with many museums in London, entry is free. The museum is open Wednesdays through Sundays, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.