What to do in London: Top 11 Activities in the British Capital

London is a mesmerising city. It is full of life and dynamics, yet it is very anchored to its past (not in a bad way). Modern and old come together in a dance that is not easy to balance, but London succeeds. The most avant-garde buildings sit together with 1000 years-old buildings and street art.

It is an extremely international city, to the level of New York, Los Angeles or Berlin. Not only because of its population, but also because foreign cultures are inherently integrated in the city in some way. You can find any kind of food you can think of, you can hear many languages being spoken and that is something that gives London an exoticism that is not often found in Western countries.

London is a destination that has plenty to offer to anyone with any interest. Here’s a list of some of the things I find exciting to do when in London.

1. Walk or sail along the Thames

The river Thames is the spinal cord of the city. For this historical reason, many sites marking London’s history are sitting along the river. Just walk from the Big Ben to the Tower Bridge passing by many of London’s attractions such as the London Eye, Cleopatra’s Needle, Somerset House, the Millenium Bridge, Winchester Palace, the Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral…the list is endless!

If you want a more detailed tour, check out this map:

 

As I mentioned, you can do this tour on foot, but you can also take one of the boats that sail from and to Westminster and the Tower Bridge. You can book your tickets here and avoid some of the tourist traps.

2. Go nuts at one of the markets in London

The markets of London are, in my opinion, the star of the show. From flower markets, fresh food markets and food truck markets to antiques, clothing or art, London has it all. That is why every time I land in London I can’t wait to go to one of its markets and let myself loose. These are my favourite ones:

The most famous one is Camden market. It is actually a series of adjoined markets situated in Camden Town (hence its name) and it is popularly referred as Camden Lock. As the fourth most popular attraction in London, it sells a wide variety of products, from crafts and clothes to food.

Also very known is Portobello Road Market. Constituting the center of Notting Hill, this market is mainly focused on antiques. The 19th century maps, dusty books old teapots and second-hand clothes share stalls in this long street. It is said to be the world’s largest antiques market with over 1000 dealers.

A treat for the senses is Borough Market, a wholesale and retail food market in Southwark. It dates back to the 12th century, with beautiful buildings built in the 1850s. Currently it mostly sells specialty food.

Brick Lane Market is a very special one. Located on Brick Lane, where it gets its name from, it is open every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and it sells everything you can imagine: antique books, young designer clothes, art, jewelery, electronics and food. And it has also the charm of life music everywhere.

Another one of the most known markets is Covent Garden. Perhaps I wouldn’t recommend it for shopping, but mostly to hang out, have a drink and watch the street artists perform. It is really worth visiting, especially since the whole quarter is a bohemian jewel.

These are just a few of them, so make sure you check out which one fits best with your schedule and interests here.

3. Treat your taste buds with food from around the world

Whether you prefer food trucks or high-end restaurants, London has what’s right for you. With its international influence, if you’re thinking about a dish, it’s probably served somewhere in London.

India has a great influence in London’s gastronomy, since the time of the colonies. Chinatown in London offers a wide variety of Asian restaurants (not just limited to China). And let’s not forget the English pub food, which is also quite tasty. Remember to try a good fish and chips. It’s a simple dish, but made properly it can bring joyful tears to your eyes.

4. Watch the city from above

Call me a tourist, but one of the first things I do when I arrive to a new city is to watch it from above. It gives me a different perspective on the city and helps me put in to context everything that I’m going to see and experience. With a modern and cosmopolitan city like London, high buildings are not scarce, so take a pick.

The most popular one? The Shard. The spire-shaped building is the tallest in the United Kingdom and the tallest in the European Union. That comes with great views. However, the standard admission fee with pre-booked tickets is very high (you can buy them with a discount here). In my opinion, this is a little bit over-priced. Other popular options are the London Eye or the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral, both with steeping prices.

My favourite? The Sky Garden. Not only it has a fabulous 360º view of London, but it also has a view of the Shard (which the Shard itself obviously doesn’t) and a beautiful indoors garden on the top floor. You can book your visit for free (in advance), or eat/drink at one of its restaurants/bars. I had a great breakfast with my parents and we had a wonderful time, nice food and the greatest views in the English capital.

5. Laugh or cry at a musical in West End

Oh, theater. With the permission of Broadway, New York, West End is one of the World’s capitals of Theater. The offer is almost unlimited. All the classics are there and many new plays and musicals can be enjoyed as well. The acting is on point, the stages are works of art and the prices are less restrictive than in Manhattan. You can go classic with the Phantom of the Opera or Les Miserables. You can go fresh with Hamilton or Harry Potter. Or you can go with your heart and watch The Lion King, which will bring tears to your eyes and joy to your soul.

To buy cheap tickets online click here or go to the TKTS booth in Leicester Square.

6. Go cultural in one of the free museums of London

One of the best things about London is that the national museums are free. That’s why its one of the best destinations for travelers that enjoy a bit of culture. There are many museums to visit. Here are my favourites ones:

The British Museum is probably the best known. With over 8 million pieces of all around the world, it is centered in human history art and culture. There are many great things to see, such as the Egyptian sculpture room, the Assyrian gallery or the Parthenon sculptures. A crowd pleaser is the Rosetta Stone. Although entry to the museum is for free, you can also book a guided tour here.

Another great one is Tate Britain. It holds art from the 16th century to the present day. One of the best collections is that of J. M. W. Turner, and I really recommend spending some time there.

My favourite museum in the city, as a biologist, is the Natural History Museum. It is home to some 80 million life and earth science items grouped in five collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. The museum is specialized in taxonomy, and the boards with specimens are fascinating. One of the highlights of the museum is the whale room, with a hanging whale skeleton. The dinosaur skeleton collection is also very exciting.

7. Get some fresh air in the parks

English parks have a wild charm. French parks are beautiful, elegant and stylized, but English parks have a wild, forest-like aesthetic that I enjoy much more, because it makes me feel like I am in a more natural space, even when I’m in the middle of a big city like London.

The most famous one, Hyde Park, is a giant green lung for the city. You can sit in the middle of the park and not see, hear or smell the bustling city that surrounds you. Swans and squirrels are all around, and the occasional monument hiding among the trees makes it an exciting attraction.

Kensington Gardens, attached to Hyde Park, are a great place to chill, have a picnic and a cold beer on a warm summer afternoon.

Regent’s Park is one of the Royal Gardens of London and it hosts the Regent’s University London and the London zoo. Sit by the lake and watch the birds or fill your nose with nice smells at the rose garden.

8. Follow your favourite movies or books

London is one of the capitals of the world. As such, many plots of books and movies take place in the English capital. If your favourite books are Sherlock Holmes or Harry Potter, or if you fell in love with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant in Notting Hill, there are plenty of book and movie scenarios that you can relive in real life!

You can book your Harry Potter Film Locations tour here.

9. Go royal at Buckingham Palace

The monarchy of the United Kingdom can be defined to have started either with the Kingdoms of England or Scotland in the 9th century, with the Union of the Crowns in the 17th century or with the Acts of Union in the 18th. In any case, the British Crown is one, if not the most, known monarchies in the world. Queen Elizabeth II, sitting on the throne since 1952, is not only the representative of the United Kingdom, but also of the 15 other Commonwealth realms, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada or Antigua and Barbuda.

The Sovereign’s official residence in London is the famous Buckingham Palace. This is where most official royal ceremonies are held. Buckingham Palace is a focus point for British people at times of national joy or mourn. The giant palace, which hosts 775 rooms, is open to visitors some days in the Summer months, but be sure to book your tickets in advance. You can also watch the changing of the Guard every day at 11 am.

There are other Royal venues in the city. The Palace of Westminster, which was originally built as a Royal Palace but is currently the House of Parliament, where the House of Commons and the House of Lords meet. It is home to one of London’s most iconic landmarks: the Big Ben. Many people refer to the Elizabeth Tower as Big Ben, but it is actually the bell inside of the tower that has that name. The Parliament can also be visited.

The Tower of London, officially Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle built by William the Conqueror in 1078. It was later also used as a prison. It is best known for hosting the Crown Jewels of England. The Tower of London can be visited. Book your tickets here.

10. Watch the crowds at one of the squares

London is a very cosmopolitan city. That comes with huge crowds. With a metropolitan population of over 14 million people (the largest city in the European Union), being the world’s largest financial center, the most visited city by international arrivals with 19 million visitors in 2016 the crowd is BIG.

That comes with pros and cons. The cons? It is always busy, there’s a continuous traffic jam and it takes at least 30 minutes to go anywhere in the city. The pros? The diversity is spectacular.

Londoners also have the capacity to dress according to their mood: today I feel like a rock star so I’ll dress in leather, today I feel more “fergie” so I’ll wear a flower dress.

Soak on diversity by sitting in one of London’s major squares and just crowd watch. It is very entertaining! The main squares are Picadilly Circus and Trafalgar Square.

11. Move around in the Tube or the two-story red buses

Moving around in London can be more exciting than in other cities. While the black old taxis are legendary, they have a pretty steep price. Uber is a choice as well, but with London’s traffic, it can get pretty expensive too.

The public transportation however is very well-known around the world. The London Underground, popularly known as the Tube, is actually the oldest metro line in the world, dating back to 1863.

Another option for transportation are the iconic double-decker red buses. They are quick, convenient and cheap, and they are one of the symbols of the city. Go upstairs and sit in the front row for a next-to-free sightseeing experience.

To use the public transport in London in the cheapest way, you should get an Oyster Card. You can top it up with the money you think you’ll spend or just buy “days” of transportation for a fraction of the price you’ll get at the tickets office. Also, buses don’t take cash, so it’ll make your trip easier.

How to get to London

 

Where to stay in London

Budget

For those looking to explore London without breaking the bank, budget-friendly options abound. The Generator Hostel in King’s Cross offers a vibrant and youthful atmosphere, perfect for solo travelers or groups. With its modern amenities and communal spaces, it’s a hub for meeting fellow adventurers. Alternatively, Meininger Hotel in Hyde Park provides cozy rooms at an affordable rate, with its prime location offering easy access to iconic attractions like Buckingham Palace and the museums of South Kensington. Hostelle is a good alternative for female solo travelers on a budget.

Mid-Range

Travelers seeking a comfortable stay without splurging can find solace in mid-range accommodations. The K+K Hotel George, situated in the upscale Kensington district, combines elegant design with top-notch service. Its proximity to the Royal Albert Hall and Kensington Gardens makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a touch of sophistication. Additionally, the Hoxton Hotel in Shoreditch offers stylish rooms with an urban edge, placing you in the heart of East London’s creative scene and within reach of trendy bars and boutiques.

Luxury

Indulgence knows no bounds in London’s luxury accommodations. The Shard’s Shangri-La Hotel offers breathtaking views and lavish rooms, allowing guests to wake up to the city skyline from their windows. Those craving quintessential British luxury can opt for The Ritz London, an icon of opulence nestled in Piccadilly. With its classic decor, impeccable service, and renowned afternoon tea, The Ritz promises an unforgettable experience within walking distance of theaters and high-end shopping on Bond Street. Your London getaway can be elevated to a new level of grandeur with these luxurious havens.

Closing statement

As you can see, there’s plenty of things to do in London, and there’s much more than what is written on this list! The activities in London are endless, so I will try to add some more in new posts, including places to eat, nightlife and other exciting topics.

Make sure you don’t miss out in any of London’s activities by purchasing your tickets in advanced and skipping the line at Tiqets.com:

If you plan to visit many of London’s attractions, perhaps it would be a good idea to get the London Pass, which includes many of the attractions, discounts and transportation!

If you feel charitable, make sure you check Cancer Research UK and contribute to research in this field by buying one of their products.

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