Top 10doLondon

Top 10 Best Places to Do in London

From world-class theatre in the West End to iconic landmarks, historic pubs, and royal palaces, London offers endless activities for every traveler. Discover the best things to do in one of the world's most exciting cities.

Updated January 21, 2026

All-Time Best

1.

West End Theatre Show

West End Theatre Show
$$$
Theatreland, West End, London WC2Website

Experience the magic of London's legendary theatre district, home to world-renowned musicals and plays. From long-running hits like The Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables to new productions, the West End rivals Broadway for theatrical excellence.

Highlights

  • World-class musicals and plays
  • Historic Victorian theatres
  • Matinee and evening performances
Also available on:
theatreentertainmentnightlife
2.

Thames River Cruise

Thames River Cruise
$$
Westminster Pier, Victoria Embankment, London SW1A 2JHWebsite

Glide past London's most iconic landmarks on a Thames river cruise. See the Houses of Parliament, Tower Bridge, the London Eye, and the Tower of London from a unique waterside perspective. Evening cruises offer stunning views of the illuminated city.

Highlights

  • Pass 20+ landmarks
  • Audio commentary available
  • Dinner cruise options
Also available on:
sightseeingcruiselandmarks
3.

Afternoon Tea Experience

Afternoon Tea Experience
$$$$
Various luxury hotels, Central LondonWebsite

Indulge in the quintessential British tradition of afternoon tea at one of London's finest establishments. Enjoy delicate finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and jam, and an exquisite selection of pastries in elegant surroundings like The Ritz, Claridge's, or The Savoy.

Highlights

  • Iconic Palm Court at The Ritz
  • 18+ loose-leaf tea selections
  • Live pianist accompaniment
  • Dress code required at top venues
Also available on:
afternoon-tealuxurytraditionculinary
4.

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour
$$$
Studio Tour Drive, Leavesden, Watford WD25 7LRWebsite

Step into the magical world of Harry Potter at the original film studio where all eight movies were made. Explore authentic sets including the Great Hall, Diagon Alley, and Dumbledore's office. See original costumes, props, and discover special effects secrets. Don't miss Platform 9 3/4 and a glass of Butterbeer.

Highlights

  • Original film sets and props
  • Butterbeer tasting included
  • Interactive wand experiences
  • Hogwarts Express photo opportunity
Also available on:
filmharry-potterfamilyinteractive
5.

Walking Tour of Royal London

Walking Tour of Royal London
$$
Westminster, London SW1Website

Explore London's royal heritage on a guided walking tour through Westminster and beyond. Visit Westminster Abbey, see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, stroll through St. James's Park, and learn about centuries of monarchy, scandal, and political intrigue from expert guides.

Highlights

  • Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square
  • Big Ben and Houses of Parliament
  • St. James's Park and Buckingham Palace
  • Expert historian guides
Also available on:
walking-tourhistoryroyallandmarks
6.

Historic Pub Crawl

Historic Pub Crawl
$$
Various locations, Central LondonWebsite

Discover London's legendary pub culture with a guided tour through historic drinking establishments dating back centuries. Visit atmospheric taverns where literary giants like Dickens, artists, politicians, and even royalty once raised a glass. Learn about British beer traditions, pub etiquette, and the fascinating stories behind each venue.

Highlights

  • Visit 4-5 historic pubs per tour
  • Expert local guide with stories
  • Traditional ales and craft beers
  • Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and more
Also available on:
nightlifehistorybeerculture
7.

Tower of London Tour

Tower of London Tour
$$
Tower of London, London EC3N 4ABWebsite

Explore 1,000 years of royal history at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the Crown Jewels, hear captivating tales from the Yeoman Warders (Beefeaters), and discover the fortress that has served as palace, prison, armoury, and treasury. Meet the famous ravens whose presence is said to protect the kingdom.

Highlights

  • Crown Jewels exhibition
  • Yeoman Warder guided tours
  • Medieval White Tower
  • Tower ravens and legends
Also available on:
historylandmarkroyalUNESCO
8.

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace
$
Buckingham Palace, London SW1A 1AAWebsite

Witness the iconic ceremony as the King's Guard hands over responsibility for protecting Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace. This spectacular tradition features the Queen's Guard in their famous scarlet tunics and bearskin hats, accompanied by a regimental band playing traditional and contemporary music.

Highlights

  • Free to watch
  • Military band performances
  • Historic uniforms and pageantry
  • Approximately 45 minutes ceremony
Also available on:
ceremonyroyaltraditionfree
9.

Premier League Football Match

Premier League Football Match
$$$
Various stadiums across LondonWebsite

Experience the electric atmosphere of English football at one of London's world-famous stadiums. Watch Premier League action at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium, Chelsea's Stamford Bridge, Tottenham's state-of-the-art stadium, or West Ham's London Stadium. Feel the passion of devoted supporters in the home of football.

Highlights

  • Six Premier League clubs in London
  • World-class players and atmosphere
  • Stadium tours available
  • Season runs August to May
Also available on:
sportsfootballentertainmentexperience
10.

Comedy Club Night

Comedy Club Night
$$
Various venues, Central London (Soho, Leicester Square)Website

Laugh the night away at one of London's legendary comedy clubs. From the iconic Comedy Store in Leicester Square to intimate venues in Soho, experience stand-up from established stars and rising talent. London's comedy scene has launched careers from Eddie Izzard to Russell Howard.

Highlights

  • The Comedy Store - UK's top club
  • Up to 6 comedians per show
  • Late-night weekend shows
  • Dinner and show packages
Also available on:
comedynightlifeentertainmentstand-up

Best of 2026

1.

The Londoner Hotel Rooftop Experience

The Londoner Hotel Rooftop Experience
$$$
38 Leicester Square, London WC2H 7DXWebsite

Visit London's newest super-boutique hotel in Leicester Square for panoramic rooftop views. The 8 Below underground cocktail bar and multiple dining concepts make this the hottest new destination in the heart of the West End.

Highlights

  • Leicester Square views
  • Multiple bars and restaurants
  • Underground speakeasy
Also available on:
rooftopcocktailstrendy
2.

Illuminated River Boat Tour

Illuminated River Boat Tour
$$
Tower Millennium Pier, London EC3N 4DTWebsite

Experience the world's longest public art installation by boat. The Illuminated River project transforms 15 London bridges with spectacular lighting designs best viewed after dark on a special evening cruise.

Highlights

  • 15 illuminated bridges
  • Award-winning art installation
  • Evening departures
Also available on:
artcruisenightlife
3.

Immersive Experiences at Outernet

Immersive Experiences at Outernet
$$
Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LPWebsite

Step into the world's largest immersive entertainment district at Outernet near Tottenham Court Road. Massive 360-degree LED screens create mind-bending visual experiences, concerts, and interactive art installations.

Highlights

  • Largest LED screens in Europe
  • Free public installations
  • Live music venue
Also available on:
immersivetechnologyart

Winter Activities

1.

Ice Skating at Somerset House

Ice Skating at Somerset House
$$
Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LAWebsite

Glide across the ice in the stunning courtyard of this 18th-century neoclassical building. The Somerset House ice rink is London's most beautiful skating experience, complete with festive lights and a warming lodge serving mulled wine.

Highlights

  • Historic courtyard setting
  • Skate hire included
  • Club nights available
Also available on:
winterskatingfestive
2.

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park

Winter Wonderland Hyde Park
$$
Hyde Park, London W2 2UHWebsite

Europe's largest Christmas event transforms Hyde Park into a magical winter wonderland. Enjoy fairground rides, Christmas markets, ice skating, circus shows, and festive food from mid-November through early January.

Highlights

  • Free entry
  • Giant observation wheel
  • Bavarian village
  • Ice bar
Also available on:
christmasfamilyfestive
3.

Christmas Lights Walking Tour

Christmas Lights Walking Tour
$
Oxford Circus, London W1

Marvel at London's spectacular Christmas light displays on a guided evening walk through the West End. See the famous Oxford Street lights, Regent Street angels, Carnaby Street's themed display, and Covent Garden's giant Christmas tree.

Highlights

  • Multiple light displays
  • Hot chocolate stops
  • Photography opportunities
Also available on:
christmaswalking-tourlights

Spring Activities

1.

Kew Gardens in Bloom

Kew Gardens in Bloom
$$
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond TW9 3AEWebsite

Experience the Royal Botanic Gardens at their most spectacular during spring bloom. Wander through carpets of bluebells, see the famous cherry blossom grove, and explore the Victorian glasshouses filled with exotic plants.

Highlights

  • 300 acres of gardens
  • Temperate House
  • Treetop walkway
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
Also available on:
gardensnaturespring
2.

Chelsea Flower Show

Chelsea Flower Show
$$$
Royal Hospital Chelsea, London SW3 4SRWebsite

Attend the world's most prestigious flower show in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Marvel at show gardens designed by leading landscape architects and discover the latest horticultural trends.

Highlights

  • Show gardens
  • Great Pavilion
  • May event
  • Book months ahead
Also available on:
flowerseventgarden

Summer Activities

1.

Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park

Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park
$$$
Inner Circle, Regent's Park, London NW1 4NUWebsite

Watch world-class theatre productions under the stars in the beautiful setting of Regent's Park. The summer season features Shakespeare, musicals, and family shows in one of London's most magical outdoor venues.

Highlights

  • Al fresco dining
  • Award-winning productions
  • Picnic hampers available
Also available on:
theatreoutdoorsummer
2.

Rooftop Cinema Club

Rooftop Cinema Club
$$
Various rooftop locationsWebsite

Watch classic and contemporary films on London's rooftops with stunning city skyline views. Multiple venues across the city offer screenings with wireless headphones, deckchairs, and drinks service.

Highlights

  • City skyline views
  • Wireless headphones
  • Blankets provided
Also available on:
cinemarooftopsummer
3.

Wimbledon Championships

Wimbledon Championships
$$$$
All England Lawn Tennis Club, Church Road, London SW19 5AEWebsite

Experience the world's most prestigious tennis tournament at the All England Lawn Tennis Club. Queue for ground passes or enter the public ballot for a chance to see matches on Centre Court during the two-week championship.

Highlights

  • Grass court tennis
  • Strawberries and cream
  • The Queue tradition
  • Late June/early July
Also available on:
tennissportsevent

Frequently Asked Questions

London offers great activities year-round. Spring (April-May) brings beautiful gardens and mild weather. Summer (June-August) is ideal for outdoor activities, festivals, and open-air events. Autumn (September-November) offers cultural seasons and fewer crowds. Winter (November-January) features Christmas markets, ice skating, and festive celebrations.

Visit the official TKTS booth in Leicester Square for same-day discounted tickets to top shows. The Today Tix app offers last-minute deals and lotteries. Many theatres release day seats or standing tickets each morning at the box office. Avoid unofficial ticket sellers on the street.

Yes, many of London's world-class museums offer free general admission, including the British Museum, National Gallery, Tate Modern, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets. Donations are welcomed and appreciated.

For popular attractions like the Tower of London, London Eye, and Harry Potter Studio Tour, advance booking is strongly recommended and often required. Theatre shows, afternoon tea, and special events should be booked ahead. Walking tours and museum visits are more flexible but peak times can be busy.

London offers excellent free activities: watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, explore free museums (British Museum, Tate Modern, National Gallery), walk through Royal Parks (Hyde Park, Regent's Park), browse markets (Portobello Road, Camden), attend free events at the Southbank Centre, and enjoy street performances in Covent Garden.