London’s many parks make it a wonderful destination for walking.
From beautiful cathedrals to world famous palaces, London is full of places to see, things to do, and items to buy. Whether you’re touring the city on one of London’s coach trips or visiting by yourself, add some of these ten attractions to your travel itinerary for an exciting, educational, and interesting trip.
1. Ignite your passion for history
London is home to some of the UK’s best museums, many of which can be explored free of charge. Visit the British Museum in Bloomsbury for an incredible look at not just the culture of Britain itself, but of much of the world.
Other great London museums include the Charles Dickens Museum, the Foundling Museum, and the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology. London’s important role in global history makes it one of the world’s best cities for global history gurus.
2. Go on a designer shopping spree
Home to some of the world’s best designer shops, London is the perfect place to add new additions to your wardrobe. Oxford Street is widely regarded as the city’s best place to shop, particularly for high-end brands and main street retailers.
Other great shopping districts include Bond Street, which is widely regarded as the capital of luxury shopping in London, and Covent Garden, which is home to both an excellent range of local shops and international designers.
3. Dine at world-class restaurants
London is one of the world’s most multicultural cities, and its incredible restaurant scene is a testament to its global atmosphere. Enjoy delicious food from all around the world, whether you’re visiting with a thick wallet or a shoestring budget.
Dine in at one of the thousands of great London restaurants for lunch or dinner, or stop by a food cart, sandwich shop, or takeaway restaurant for a tasty treat during the daytime.
4. Go for a walk in one of the parks
London is a nature lover’s paradise, with hundreds of parks spread throughout the city and its surrounding suburbs. Popular spots like Hyde Park are a great place to go for a walk during the day and escape the crowds and noise of Central London.
Other great London parks include Regent’s Park, located on the northern side of the central city, and St. James’s Park, located close to Buckingham Palace. To escape the noise of London for an afternoon, try going for a walk in Hampstead Heath.
5. Snap photos of Tower Bridge and Big Ben
If this is your first trip to London, it’s worth spending a day visiting the city’s tourist attractions for a quick photo opportunity. Tower Bridge and Big Ben are two of the city’s best-known attractions, with one found in the City and one in Westminster.
Other popular tourist attractions include the Marble Arch, the London Eye, and of course, Buckingham Palace. Pack a good camera – or a high-end smart phone – to capture the landmarks in all their glory.
6. Watch the Changing of the Guard
The Changing of the Guard is a must-see event for visitors interested in the English monarchy. Drop by Buckingham Palace by 11:30AM from May and July to watch the guard change and observe one of London’s longest-lasting traditions.
7. Stock up on used books and classic records
London is a great place to shop for used books and records. The thin streets around Charing Cross Road are widely regarded as the city’s best place to shop for used and new books, while Camden is a hotspot for alternative music and vintage records.
8. Visit beautiful historical buildings
London is home to some of the world’s best historical buildings, many of which are conveniently located in the City. If the bright glass windows of The Shard aren’t to your liking, try St Paul’s Cathedral and the famous Tower of London.
9. View the skyline from the London Eye
Situated on the South Bank of the Thames, the London Eye is one of the best places in London to catch a great view of the city skyline. Book ahead of time to avoid the queues and enjoy an amazing view of the expansive city skyline.
10. Watch a live show or comedy performance
London is one of the world’s live theatre capitals, and many of the world’s greatest shows are developed within the city. Drop by one of the many theatres located in Covent Garden for a relaxing night out on the town.