What to do in London

London has a lot to offer, from classic landmarks like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace to free museums, river views, and West End shows. If you want a good mix of iconic and memorable, start with a few big sights, then add one neighborhood stroll and one evening activity.

[1][2][5][6]

Quick Scoop

  • Top classic picks: Tower of London, London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, and the British Museum.
    • [2][6][9]
  • Best free options: British Museum, Natural History Museum, V&A, National Gallery, and Tate Modern.
    • [5]
  • Fun extras: Thames boat trip, West End musical, St James’s Park walk, and immersive experiences like exhibitions or themed events.
    • [3][1][2]

Best first-time plan

  1. See the landmarks. Visit the Tower of London for history, then Buckingham Palace or Westminster Abbey for royal London.
    2. [9][10][2]
  2. Add a view. Ride the London Eye or take a Thames cruise for a different angle on the city.
    3. [1][2][9]
  3. Use the free museums. The British Museum and Natural History Museum are among the most popular free choices.
    4. [2][5]
  4. End with nightlife or a show. A West End musical is one of the most recommended evening activities.
    5. [6][1]

Good if you like variety

  • History: Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s area, and Greenwich.
    • [6][9][2]
  • Art and culture: National Gallery, Tate Modern, Tate Britain, V&A, and Shakespeare’s Globe.
    • [5][6]
  • Relaxed day: St James’s Park, Hyde Park, a canal walk, or a café-heavy neighborhood wander.
    • [2][5]
  • Family- friendly: Science Museum, Natural History Museum, and interactive exhibits or immersive attractions.
    • [3][5][2]

Simple 1-day idea

Morning: British Museum or Tower of London. Afternoon: walk through Westminster, stop by Buckingham Palace or the Thames, then grab a river cruise or ride the London Eye. Evening: West End show or dinner in Soho/Covent Garden.

[9][1][3][5][2]

Short answer

If you only do five things in London, make them the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum, a Thames boat ride, and a West End show.

[1][9][2]

TL;DR: For a balanced London trip, mix one royal landmark, one museum, one scenic view, one park or neighborhood walk, and one evening show.

[5][6][2]