London Bucket List: 60+ Things to Do in London

Planning a trip to London? Check out this ultimate London Bucket list with more than 60 epic things to do in London.

London is one of the most popular vibrant cities in the world and offers something for every type of traveler. Whether it’s your first or tenth trip to London, you’ll always find exciting new things to do in the big city.

With so many sights and things to do in London, it may be difficult to plan your trip. Do you know what to experience and what not to miss in London? Where to shop and eat in London? All these questions will be answered in this London Bucket list with more than 60 memorable things to do in London.

 

Must-see attractions in London:

1. Explore the Houses of Parliament. One of the largest landmarks in London is formally called the Palace of Westminster and is the meeting place of the British Government. When visiting London, it’s a must to see the Houses of Parliament from the outside, but did you know that you can also get inside? Join a guided tour and explore some of the more than 1,000 rooms.

2. Take a selfie in front of Big Ben. The world-famous bell tower is officially called Elisabeth Tower, but most people call it Big Ben as it’s the name of the largest bell inside the tower. Big Ben is so famous that you simply cannot visit London without taking a selfie in front of it.

3. Admire the sight of Tower Bridge. This iconic bridge is another important attraction in London that should be on any first-time visitor’s London bucket list. If you aren’t afraid of heights, you can visit the two upper walkways with a glass floor. From here you can literally stand with the road and the River Thames under your feet.

4. Have a picnic in Hyde Park. The largest and most popular park in London is a beautiful oasis in the middle of the big city. The setting in the park is absolutely perfect for a picnic. Don’t forget to greet the cute little squirrels and birds that live around Hyde Park.

5. Wave to the Queen at Buckingham Palace. The official residence of Queen Elizabeth II is one of the things not to be missed in London. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the Queen looking out her window. At certain times of the year, you can go on a guided tour of specific rooms at the castle.

6. Visit Westminster Abbey. Another must-see sight in London is Westminster Abbey, one of the oldest churches in England. The church is a UNESCO site and has been the center of several major royal events. This is where the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II took place as well as the wedding of Price William and Kate Middleton.

7. Step back in time at the Tower of London. This former royal residence is another UNESCO site in London. The castle has had many functions throughout its more than 900 years of history. Besides a museum, this is also where you’ll find the crown jewels that are Britain’s most precious treasure.

8. Visit Saint Paul’s Cathedral. An old and gorgeous cathedral that is among the largest churches in Northern Europe. It has been the center of major royal events such as the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, but also the anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II.

9. Take a ride in the London Eye. The large Ferris wheel on the Thames is the highest in Europe and offers a beautiful view from the top. It is one of the most iconic sights in London, but unfortunately, it’s a bit expensive for a 30-minute ride. You can see the prices right here.

10. Greet the lions and Lord Nelson in Trafalgar Square. The large open square is surrounded by beautiful buildings, museums, and galleries. Wave to Lord Nelson standing on a high pillar, take a picture in front of one of the great lions, or find the smallest police station in Britain.

11. Be dazzled by the lights of Piccadilly Circus in the evening. This roundabout connects some of the busiest streets in London and is usually packed with people. This is where you’ll find all the great neon signs in London. However, don’t expect it to be anything like Times Square in New York, because then you’ll be disappointed.

 

Essential things to do in London:

12. Ride the tube. One of the absolute most classic things to do in London is to take a ride with the tube. It’s not only the easiest but also the fastest way to get around the city. The tube system may be difficult to understand at first, but it’s actually not that difficult after a few rides. To master the tube, I recommend downloading the Tube Map app.

13. Take a picture in front of a red phone box. You can hardly have been in London without taking a picture of a red phone box. Most of them are still working, so why not try making a call from one of them? A picture in front of a red phone box should be on any tourist’s London bucket list.

14. Hop on a red double-decker bus. One of the most iconic features of London is the red double-decker buses that are famous all over the world. If you want the best views along the way, try to get a seat at the front of the upper deck.

15. Experience London on a boat trip. Another popular experience that should be on any tourist’s London bucket list is a boat trip on the Thames. There are many different boat trips in London, but most of them sail past several of the biggest sights in London.

16. Watch a show in London’s West End. London’s theater district is known for its many theaters with some of the best musicals, performances, and ballets in the world. If you’re just a little interested in live shows, a West End show should definitely be on your London bucket list.

17. Take a ride in a Black Cab. The old black taxis are another iconic symbol of London. However, you should be aware that it’s a reasonably expensive mode of transportation. If you don’t want to spend that much money, you can also just take a picture in front of one of the black cabs.

 

The best museums in London:

18. Learn about history at the British Museum. One of the largest and most important museums in the world with more than 7 million objects from all over the globe. Immerse yourself in the history of mankind for millions of years, study Egyptian mummies, Greek sculptures, and much more.

19. Get inspired in the Victoria and Albert Museum. The world-leading museum in art and design offers the largest collection of decorative art in the world with more than 2 million objects. It’s an extremely interesting museum that should be on your London bucket list.

20. Explore Tate Modern. England’s National Museum of Modern Art is known for being the most visited modern art museum in the world. Explore the large building and admire the exhibitions of remarkably modern art.

21. Get smarter at the Science Museum. The popular Museum of Technology and Science is an interactive museum that makes learning fun for all people regardless of age. If you’re traveling with children in London, the Science Museum is a fun experience for your London bucket list.

22. Admire the art in the National Gallery. This great museum of art deserves to be on every art lover’s London bucket list. It’s without a doubt one of the most popular museums in the entire world. The museum has an impressive collection of more than 2,300 paintings by great artists such as Monet, Rembrandt, Van Gogh, and Picasso.

23. Meet the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum. One of the most popular museums in London with more than 80 million objects. The museum is especially known for its impressive dinosaur skeletons, but you can also experience a simulated earthquake, millions of insect species, colorful diamonds, and much more.

 

The best shopping in London:

24. Unleash your inner shopaholic on Oxford Street. The 2.5-kilometer-long shopping street is one of the most important shopping streets in London, offering more than 300 international and local shops. It’s quite an obvious place to visit if you love shopping.

25. Go window shopping in Harrods. This famous department store has been named the best luxury department store in the world. With 7 floors and 330 different departments, it is said to be Europe’s largest department store. Prices in Harrods are sky high which is why many tourists simply choose to window shop in the extravagant surroundings.

26. Swing the golden card in Regent Street. Did you know that the first shopping street in the world can be found right here in London? The luxurious shopping street is home to several major flagship stores from brands such as Burberry and Apple. If you’re visiting London with children, don’t forget to visit Hamleys, the largest and oldest toy store in the world.

 

The best markets in London:

27. Eat your way through Borough Market. The oldest food market in London is extremely popular and offers more than 100 stalls selling everything from fresh ingredients to delicious ready meals. If you feel hungry during your sightseeing in London, you should definitely find your way to Borough Market.

28. Visit Old Spitalfields Market. Another covered market in London that is worth a visit. Here you’ll find lots of cheap and delicious street food in countless food stalls, but you can also buy clothes, bags, accessories, etc.

29. Enjoy the food at Camden Market. In Camden Town, a very special district of London, you’ll find Camden Market. It consists of several merged markets selling street food from all over the world. You can also find a myriad of shops selling clothes, shoes, souvenirs, and more.

30. Be captivated by the beauty of Leadenhall Market. An extremely charming covered market that dates back to the 14th century and is thus one of the oldest markets in London. If you’re a true Harry Potter fan, this is an obvious place to visit as Leadenhall Market has been featured in the first Harry Potter movie.

 

Food & beverage experiences in London:

31. Drink traditional afternoon tea. One of the most classic British things to do in London is to drink afternoon tea. The old British tradition dates back to the 19th century and should be a must on any tourist’s London bucket list.

32. Eat curry on Brick Lane. If you’re completely crazy about Indian food and curries, you simply must visit Brick Lane. Here you’ll find a myriad of Indian restaurants known for having some of the best curries in the world.

33. Try a full English breakfast. Don’t forget to start at least one of your days in London with a full English breakfast. This dish typically consists of eggs, bacon, sausages, beans, mushrooms, tomato, and toast.

34. Eat Fish and Chips. When visiting London, don’t forget to taste some traditional British food. One of the most typical British dishes is fish and chips which are served in restaurants and pubs all over the city.

35. Drink a draft beer at a British pub. When visiting London, you simply must visit a traditional British pub at least once. There are literally thousands of pubs in London, so I can safely say that there’s plenty to choose from.

 

Castles in London:

36. Visit Prince William and Kate Middleton at Kensington Palace. The official residence of Prince William and Kate Middleton has also been home to Princess Diana and other young royals. Visit the extravagant staterooms of the castle or make your way past the beautiful Kensington Palace Gardens.

37. Take a trip to Hampton Court Palace. This former royal palace is located just outside the city but is still a major tourist attraction in London. The castle is more than 500 years old and has, among other things, been home to England’s most infamous king, Henry VIII.

 

The best views in London:

38. Enjoy the best views in London from The Shard. With 95 floors and a height of about 310 meters, The Shard is the tallest skyscraper in all of Western Europe. Visit the observation decks on floors 68, 69, and 71 from which there are some absolutely stunning views of London. See the prices right here.

39. Fly over the Thames in the Emirates Air Line Cable Car. Hop on the cable car that crosses the River Thames and enjoy the view of London from above. It’s not exactly the best views in London, but it’s a fun experience with excellent views along the way.

40. Climb the Monument to the Great Fire of London. The monument was built as an eternal reminder of the devastating fire that ravaged London in 1666. If you’re looking for a good view of London, you can climb up the 311 steps to the top of the monument.

41. Be impressed by Sky Garden. The highest situated public garden in London is located in a skyscraper at an altitude of 155 meters. Here you can sit in the grass surrounded by plants while enjoying a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of London. It’s one of the best free things to do in London, but please note that you must book tickets for Sky Garden in advance.

 

In the footsteps of famous figures in London:

42. Unleash your inner wizard in Warner Bros. Studio. Just outside London, you’ll find Warner Bros. Studio, which is behind ‘The Making of Harry Potter’. Here you’ll have the opportunity to get behind the camera and get a unique insight into the creation of Harry Potter. It’s a must-see for any Harry Potter-fans London bucket list.

43. Visit Shakespeare’s Globe Theater. If you’re a fan of William Shakespeare, remember to make your way past this theater. It is a reconstruction of the original theater in London where many of Shakespeare’s greatest works were performed.

44. Follow in The Beatles’ footsteps on Abbey Road. If you’re a fan of the Beatles, Abbey Road should be on your London bucket list. Follow in their footsteps and recreate the world-famous picture where they cross the pedestrian on Abbey Road. Remember to pay attention to motorists who are probably not as enthusiastic about this tourist attraction in London. Apart from the pedestrian, there’s not much else to do in the area.

45. Learn about World War II in Churchill War Rooms. Explore the underground rooms and labyrinth of tunnels from which former Prime Minister Churchill and his staff planned how to win World War II. In the bunker under the streets of London, hundreds of people were safe from Nazi airstrikes.

46. See the magic entrance to Hogwarts Express on Platform 9¾. If you’re a true Harry Potter fan, it’s a must to visit Platform 9¾. It is located at King’s Cross Station and is one of the most popular Harry Potter sights in London. There’s even a wizard souvenir shop nearby.

47. Join a Jack the Ripper Tour. Learn more about one of the darkest chapters in London’s history on a Jack the Ripper Walking Tour. The mystery of the world-famous serial killer Jack the Ripper is still unsolved to this day.

48. Visit the Sherlock Holmes Museum. If you’re a fan of the famous detective Sherlock Holmes, the museum at 221b Baker Street should definitely be on your London bucket list. The museum is very small, and the queue is usually very long, but you’ll in return get a completely unique insight into the history behind Sherlock Holmes.

 

Popular streets and areas in London:

49. Take a stroll down the Mall. One of the most famous streets in London is The Mall, leading up to Buckingham Palace. The street is made to look like a red carpet and is always packed with people during royal events.

50. Get entertained at Leicester Square. This square can safely be called a tourist trap with lots of crowds, ticket offices, cinemas, and restaurants. Don’t forget to visit M & M’s World, the only M & M’s store in all of Europe.

51. Soak up the atmosphere in Chinatown. London’s Chinatown is located around Gerrard Street and is a fun cultural thing to do in London. The area isn’t particularly large, but it’s still worth a visit. Experience the great atmosphere, visit one of the small souvenir shops and dine at one of the great Chinese restaurants.

52. See the street performers in Covent Garden. This old-fashioned indoor market is full of small shops, restaurants, and bars. There’s a wonderful atmosphere and it’s certainly not unusual to come across street performers in the area.

53. Be enchanted by the colors of Neal’s Yard. This colorful little alley is extremely charming and is perfect for an Instagram photo. If you need to relax your legs a bit, there are also several small bars and cafes to choose from.

54. Visit Carnaby Street. This old historic pedestrian street is extremely charming, which is why it’s on many tourists’ London bucket list. Here you’ll find a myriad of designer shops and restaurants. Also, don’t forget to visit the Liberty London department store and the Kingly Court dining area.

55. Stroll down Portobello Road in Notting Hill. The Notting Hill neighborhood, known from the movie of the same name, is a beautiful area full of colorful houses. Portobello Road is the most colorful and lively street, especially on Saturdays when the weekly antique market is held.

 

Other fun things to do in London:

56. Witness Changing of the Guard ceremony. One of the great experiences in London is watching the changing of the guard in front of Buckingham Palace. The ceremony is only held on select days, so be sure to check out Changing the Guard’s website before heading there. Be aware that there’s often a crowd there, so remember to arrive well in advance.

57. Soak up the silence in Kew Gardens. Just outside London is Kew Gardens, one of the most important botanical gardens in the world. The large garden is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a wonderful oasis with many different plant species.

58. Get a glimpse of Downing Street. One of the most famous streets in London is Downing Street, the headquarters of the British Government. No. 10 is the official residence of the Prime Minister while No. 11 is the residence of the Minister of Finance. However, security in the area is at its highest, so you can only catch a glimpse of the famous street from a distance.

59. Walk all the way across the O2 Arena. Did you know that it’s possible to walk all the way across the great O2 entertainment arena in London? Up at the O2 is a 90-minute walking tour that takes you from one end of the arena to another. The views along the way are said to be absolutely stunning.

60. Search for the charming Mews-streets. Everywhere in London, you’ll be able to find the charming and historic Mews-streets which are a kind of courtyard surrounded by old stables. In the old days, the staff of the nearby mansions lived in apartments above the stables. Today, the houses on Mews-streets have been transformed into exclusive homes worth millions of dollars.

61. Hang out with celebrities at Madame Tussauds. The original Madame Tussaud’s Museum is in London and features more than 300 lifelike wax figures of celebrities and royalty from around the world.

62. Cross the Millennium Bridge. This special bridge opened in the year 2000 and crosses the Thames. The bridge offers stunning views of Tower Bridge and Saint Paul’s Cathedral. Millennium Bridge has become extremely popular after starring in a scene in Harry Potter.

That’s all on this London bucket list with more than 60 epic things to do in London. How many of these things have you already ticked off on your London bucket list? What are your favorite things to do in London? Feel free to leave a comment.

Planning a trip to London? You might also want to check out this article:

• 18 Essential Things to Do in London

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