UPDATED APRIL 2026! London is one of my favorite cities in the world. I have such a long relationship with this city! Ever since I first visited in July 2011, I’ve been hooked. London’s got me. I’ve been about 20 times (honestly I’ve lost count), with visits from 1 week to just a few hours.

“When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in London all that life can afford.” – Samuel Johnson

It’s not a cheap city – although you can still do London on the cheap – and after almost 10 years living in the UK, I now rarely find myself in the capital. But there is simply so much to see and do here. These are the top 30 places you can’t miss in London!

The Best Things to See & Places to Visit in London

1) Tower of London

One of London’s biggest tourist attractions, the Tower of London is a sprawling castle complex that dates back to 1078 with a fascinating (and at times dark) history. There is so much to see and do here, but don’t miss the Crown Jewels, the White Tower, a Yeoman Warder’s Tour (which run every half hour), and the Chapel of St. Peter ad Vincula, which you can only access on a tour. Give yourself a bare minimum of 2 hours, with 3 hours being a more comfortable time.

Tube: Tower Hill

2) Tower Bridge

Despite “London Bridge” being so famous, Tower Bridge is actually the fancy one. You simply can’t come to London and not see it. If you want to, you can pay to take the elevator up and walk across the top at the Tower Bridge Experience for amazing views. But otherwise it’s free just to walk across!

Tube: Tower Hill

3) St. Paul’s Cathedral and Millenium Bridge

This beautiful cathedral was designed and built by Christopher Wren (construction was completed in 1711) and miraculously escaped bombing during the Blitz in World War II. It is well worth the climb up to the Golden Gallery (528 steps up) for views across London. An audioguide is included in your admission price at St. Paul’s Cathedral, or else you can attend one of the religious services for free. Make sure you see Millenium Bridge, a pedestrian footbridge crossing the Thames between the Tate Modern and (close to) St. Paul’s. It was the bridge that collapsed during a Death Eater attack in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince! Give yourself around 1-2 hours to do the cathedral justice.

Tube: St. Paul’s or Mansion House

4) Westminster Abbey

Another one of my absolute favorite places in London! Westminster Abbey is one of the most beautiful religious sites I’ve been to, and is the resting place of many of Britain’s monarchs and national figures. It is also where the coronation of every British monarch takes place, and many royal weddings have taken place here. You receive an audioguide with your visit, and make sure to see the Cloisters and Chapter House. If you can, I highly recommend going to a service here – sitting in the quire and experiencing the Abbey that way was one of the highlights of all my visits.

Tube: Westminster

5) Big Ben and Houses of Parliament

You can’t come to London and not see them… Big Ben (the nickname for the Elizabeth Clock Tower) is one of the biggest London icons there is. You can go inside the Houses of Parliament on a tour, which you’ll need to book in advance. You can also attend debates and watch sessions for free – this also needs to be planned in advance. You’ll need your passport!

Tube: Westminster

6) London Eye

Oh, the London Eye. One of the world’s largest observatory wheels of its kind, you get 30 minutes in a pod crammed with people trying to take the same picture as you. Overpriced? Yes. Long lines? Yes. Incredible views over London? Yes. If you can, go around sunset.

Tube: Westminster or Waterloo

7) Buckingham Palace and the Changing of the Guard

Buckingham Palace is another of London’s greatest symbols – it’s the official residence of the monarch in London, and is synonymous with British royalty. Built in 1703 and spruced up during the Victorian era, visitors today can visit the Buckingham Palace State Rooms in the summer months and pretend to be queen (or king) for a day. I have seen the Changing of the Guard several times – it’s one parade processional you can’t miss!

Tube: Green Park or St. James’ Park

8) Kensington Palace

Kensington Palace seems to have always been the home of royal women. Queen Victoria grew up here, and Princess Diana lived here as well. Currently, Will and Kate live here! (Although you won’t spot them walking the halls.) It is a beautiful palace located near Hyde Park, with stunning gardens to match.

Tube: Queensway

9) Parks in London: Hyde Park, St. James’ Park, Regent’s Park

One of my favorite things to do in London is explore the green areas – the number of parks still surprises me in such a vast city! You can row a boat on the Serpentine lake at Hyde Park, explore all the nooks and crannies of Regent’s Park (seriously, it’s huge), or relax and maybe catch a parade at St. James’ Park (my favorite of the three). All the parks are free to wander!

Tube: Hyde Park Corner/Marble Arch/ Lancaster Gate/Queensway (Hyde Park), St. James’ Park, Regent’s Park

10) Trafalgar Square

This is one of the happening places in London, where a million things are going on. Trafalgar Square is named for the Battle of Trafalgar against Napolean in 1805, with Nelson’s Column (and lion statues) in the center. There’s always something going on here (from street performers to West End concerts), but if you’re looking for more, you can pop into the National Gallery or the National Portrait Gallery – both of the art museums are free!

Tube: Charing Cross

11) Whitehall (Downing Street)

This street is one of my favorite in London – the architecture is fantastic! Located between Westminster and Trafalgar Square, it’s home to some of the most important government buildings, including No. 10 Downing Street, home of the Prime Minister. While you can’t actually go right outside of No. 10, you can see just a bit of it past the guards and might sneak a peek of someone famous! This is also the entrance to the Royal Mews, with horse guards outside that tourists LOVE to take photos with.

Tube: Westminster or Charing Cross

12) Piccadilly Circus

London’s answer to Times Square, Piccadilly Circus is another popular square where there’s always something going on. With a huge billboard, the famous statue of Eros, and lots of street performers, it’s one place you should see!

Tube: Piccadilly Circus

13) Neal’s Yard

Neal’s Yard is located between Covent Garden and Seven Dials. It’s a brightly colored courtyard with some shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. This is a really pretty spot, and photographers and Instagrammers will definitely want to pay a visit.

Tube: Covent Garden

14) Shakespeare’s Globe Theater

The original Globe Theater was constructed in 1599, burned down in a fire in 1613, was rebuilt in 1614, and demolished for good in 1644. The current Shakespeare’s Globe Theater is an accurate oak-and-thatch reconstruction of the theater as it would have looked in Shakespeare’s time, and opened to the public in 1997. You can visit the museum and take a guided tour (in the morning) to learn more about the history, but you can also see a Shakespeare show if you time your visit right in the summer! Check in advance for show dates and tickets.

Tube: London Bridge

15) Churchill War Rooms

One of my favorite museums in London! If you like World War II history, you will love this museum. There is so much information on Churchill’s fascinating life with such interesting insights. Churchill War Rooms is very popular, so I recommend going early in the morning, otherwise prepare to queue! It’s located in a World War II underground bunker in between Whitehall and Buckingham Palace.

Tube: Westminster (or St. James’ Park)

16) British Museum

The British Museum is probably one of the most notable museums in the country. You could spend an entire day just inside this museum! If you’re short on time, you absolutely can’t miss the Rosetta Stone, the Bust of Ramesses the Great, the Parthenon Sculptures, and the Lion Hunt Reliefs. The building is gorgeous, both inside and outside. Best of all, the British Museum is absolutely free!

Tube: Russell Square

17) Imperial War Museum

It may have taken me about 10 trips to London before I went, but the Imperial War Museum is definitely a must for any military or history buffs. The exterior of the building is beautiful (with a giant gun in front), and the World War I exhibit was one of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen in a museum (the National World War I Museum in Kansas City was a close call). This is another one of London’s free museums, so there’s no reason not to visit!

Tube: Lambeth North (or Waterloo/Elephant and Castle)

18) King’s Cross Station (Platform 9 ¾)

If you’re a Harry Potter fan, you absolutely can’t miss a stop to King’s Cross Station to see Platform 9 ¾. Due to the mass popularity of this pilgrimage site, the train station added it’s very own platform that you can take pictures with (along with a house scarf of your choosing!) and a gift shop selling all things HP.

Tube: King’s Cross

19) Leadenhall Market

This is one of my favorite “hidden” places in London. Tucked away off the busy streets, in the business-centered financial district, is the charming Leandenhall Market. It’s a fun place to wander around, but more importantly, it was used as Diagon Alley in filming Harry Potter! Each time I’ve visited, I went very early (before 9:00am) on a Saturday/Sunday morning. The entire neighborhood (which is bustling during the workweek) was silent – I felt like the only one there and encountered just a few other people visiting the market. While the market originally dates from the 14th century, the beautiful roof and cobbled floors date from 1881. It’s free to wander around.

Tube: Bank/Monument

20) Portobello Road Market

This market is one of the most popular in London, and with good reason: it’s the largest antiques market in the world! If you want to do some shopping or even just browsing for vintage clothes, bric-a-brac, food, and everything in between, this is where you should go. The main day of the market is on Saturday – come very early in the day (when it opens) to beat the crowds! Visiting the market is free.

Tube: Notting Hill Gate (or Ladsbroke Grove)

21) Natural History Museum

London is home to some of the best museums in the world. And even better, many of them are completely free to visit! While you could try to go to all of them, if I had to pick just one I’d recommend the Natural History Museum. The museum opened in 1881, and the architecture here is just stunning. You enter the museum on an escalator that goes inside the sun! I appreciated their exhibits and displays, but the grand building is an exhibit in and of itself.

Tube: South Kensington

22) Camden Town

This neighborhood is located just a bit north of central London. While it can still be a bit gritty at times (someone tried to sell me drugs less than 2 minutes after I got off the Tube on my first visit, lol) and has been a long-standing home for the “alternative” crowd of punks and hippies, it’s a fun place to explore. Camden Market is a good place to start for finding unique gifts, and the Regent’s Canal runs through Camden Lock with regular waterbus service. Also don’t miss the awesome shopfronts!

Tube: Camden Town

23) Little Venice

You may feel like you’ve traveled to Venice when you visit the Grand Union and Regents Canals in Little Venice. You can see the narrowboats on the canals between this area and Camden, and there are cafes and places to stop along the water as you explore. There’s also the option to do a boat ride on the canals if you like!

Tube: Warwick Avenue (or Paddington)

24) Sky Garden

The Sky Garden is the highest public garden in London, and has some of the most spectacular views across the city. It’s free to visit, although you need to book tickets in advance – and they do sell out far in advance. There two restaurants and two bars here. But the best thing to do is to simply enjoy the panorama from the viewing deck.

Tube: Monument

25) Kew Gardens

If you love stunning indoor and outdoor gardens, be sure to visit Kew Gardens. I actually didn’t visit this spot until 2022, but was fortunate to go on a gorgeous sunny day! There are so many trails through the gardens and woodlands, plus the indoor conservatories, to explore. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – there are over 50,000 living plants here!

Tube: Kew Gardens

26) St. Dunstan in the East

St. Dunstan in the East is one of my favorite places in all of London. While it’s certainly no longer a “hidden gem” these days, it’s a beautiful and peaceful place. The church was first built in 1100, and sustained major damage during the Great Fire of London in 1666. It was then bombed out during the Blitz and World War II in 1941. Greenery has started to reclaim the ruins, and it’s now a public garden.

Tube: Monument or Tower Hill

27) London Mews

If you love architecture and photographing charming, quaint streets, be sure to explore London’s mews. These streets are characterized by pretty pastel colors and cobblestone pavements. The pink house pictured here was a film location in Love Actually! Some of the best mews to see in London are Kynance Mews, St. Luke’s Mews, Stanhope Mews South, and Warren Mews. Enjoy wandering through these beautiful places, but remember people do live here – always be respectful of residents.

Tube: Gloucester Road (Kynance Mews and Stanhope Mews South), Westbourne Park (St. Luke’s Mews), and Great Portland Street (Warren Mews)

28) Harrods

Harrods is one of the most well-known luxury department stores in the world. It’s one of the top shopping destinations in London – if you’re looking for designer brands or luxe products, this is where to go. While I can’t usually afford anything here, it’s fun to wander around and see how the other half lives.

Tube: Knightsbridge

29) Hampton Court Palace

Hampton Court Palace isn’t technically in London. But it’s one of my favorite places in the area, so I’m putting it on this list! This spectacular palace is one of the best to see around London, and makes for a perfect day trip (or half-day trip). Built in 1515, King Henry VIII took it from his former favorite, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, and it was a royal residence under the Tudor, Stuart, and Georgian monarchs. All of these different eras can be seen in the palace, but you absolutely can’t miss the Great Hall (one of the best remaining examples of its kind from the Tudor era) and the Chapel Royal with its stunning ceiling. The gardens are magnificent, and the maze is fun as well! Give yourself a minimum of 2 to 3 hours to enjoy it.

Tube: While Hampton Court Palace doesn’t have a Tube station, it is easily accessed by the Overground train from Waterloo (to Hampton Court station). It’s in Zone 6.

30) Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour

Okay, this also isn’t technically in London. But visiting was one of the most magical days of my life and you absolutely can’t miss it on a visit to London! Located in Leavesden, the Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour brings the magic to life as you can walk through the sets and see all the props used in the Harry Potter movies. They have a real replica of Diagon Alley you can walk through, the Backlot with the Knight Bus and Privet Drive, and a beautiful and detailed Hogwarts Castle model at the very end. The gift shop is also on point. It is the place of dreams for all Harry Potter fans! You will need at least 2.5 to 3 hours.

Tube: You can take the Overground train from London Euston station to Watford Junction (Zone 8). From there, they run a shuttle to the Studio Tour.

Planning Your Trip to London

London is a massive city, with five airports. Heathrow is by far the biggest, while budget airlines use Gatwick, Stansted, and Luton. London City Airport is the most central, and located near Canary Wharf. I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals. Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Looking for a guided tour or fun activities in London? There are truly so many, but check out a few of the options below!

Where to Stay in London

I’ve stayed at SO many places around London over the years. I stayed with friends for the majority of my recent trips. Where you stay will depend on where you’re coming from and what you want to see. Basing yourself somewhere central (within Zone 1) will save you time jumping all over the city. I highly recommend staying within walking distance of a Tube station! Because I’m usually visiting London and going to/from York by train, I typically stay around King’s Cross or Bloomsbury.

• Budget: Safestay Elephant and Castle – I stayed at this hostel a few years ago – it’s a comfortable spot with an outdoor garden, but not super convenient for a lot of north-central attractions
• Budget: YHA London Central – basic but clean and cozy accommodation in shared dorms and private rooms in a solid location
• Mid-range: The Megaro Hotel – a quirky, colorful, and artsy exterior leads to sleek rooms and fun decor next to King’s Cross, with an industrial-meets-modern bar and restaurant on-site
• Mid-range: Malmaison London – find spacious, stylish rooms featuring funky artwork at this boutique hotel near Farringdon station
• Mid-range: Hux Hotel, Kensington – plush, elegant rooms with friendly staff and a great location in Kensington
• Luxury: Kimpton Fitzroy London – a luxe five-star stay in Bloomsbury, with gorgeous architecture and decor, a terrace, and a tasty breakfast
• Luxury: St. Pancras, London – this iconic hotel has a spa, indoor swimming pool, four restaurants, and chic rooms in an unbeatable location for rail travel on the Eurostar

There is so many excellent attractions and places to visit in London. You can spend weeks and months in the city, and never see it all! You definitely won’t be bored here. These are just some of my favorite spots that I’ve loved visiting over the years – some of them I visit each time I’m in the city. I hope this post helps planning your trip to London!

Have you ever been to London? Where are your can’t-miss places? Share in the comments below!

You might also like my posts:

The Best 12 Day Trips from London

10 Places You Must See in London at Christmas

10 Tudor Places to Visit in London

How to Do London on the Cheap