London is the Capital and largest city of England. It is a thoroughly modern city, yet it has a history dating back to Roman times and preserves its Medieval History. London is an excellent first European Destination for travelers, and many visit it over and over since it is a convenient location to start an extended European vacation. If you are planning your first trip, here ar the top things to do in London.
Top Things to Do in London You Must Do on Your First Trip
Buckingham Palace
Kensington Palace
Tower of London
Tower Bridge
Houses of Parliament
Westminister Abby
St. Paul’s Cathedral
The British Museum
The Victoria and Albert Museum
Tate Modern
The National Gallery
Covent Garden
Hyde Park
Borough Market
Scenic Cruise down the Thames
London Eye
Globe Theater
Windsor Castle
Kew Gardens
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Buckingham Palace & Changing of the Gaurd
One of the official residences of the king (there are several), it is the official headquarters of the United Kingdom Monarchy. This Palace is only open for tours from late July until late September. However, most visitors come daily for the Changing of the Guard, which is one of the top things to do in London.
The showy parade includes a marching band, mounted riders and lots of pomp. If it’s your first visit, then the Changing of the Guard is a must. During our last visit, we happened to be there on Prince William’s Birthday, and the band played Happy Birthday.
Located at London SW1A 1AA in the City of Westminster. The Changing of the Guard starts at 10:45 and lasts 45 minutes. It is free to attend and arrive early for the best spots. For more information about tours, head to Buckingham Palace.
Nearby: Parliament
Time to Spend: 1 hour for Changing of the Guard
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Kensington Palace
Located at Kensington Gardens, this is another Palace and home to many royals over the years. Constructed in 1605, it was the birthplace of Queen Victoria and the official residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales.
Visitors will tour the historic parts of Kensington Palaces, including the King’s State Apartments and the Queen’s State Apartments. There is an exhibit on Queen Victoria’s childhood. The Palace Gardens are lovely and should be toured as well.
During our visit, we arranged to have tea at the Orangery located on-site. The afternoon tea includes a selection of teas. We enjoyed a three-tier tea caddy with scones, Victoria Sponge and traditional tea sandwiches. The Orangery is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult tea is £55.
Located at London W8 4PX. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adults admission is £24.00, and youth (under 16) are £12.00. Reservations are required during peak times. Hyde Park is close by. Time to tour: 2 hours, excluding tea and the gardens.
Nearby: Hyde Park
Time to Spend: 2 to 4 hours if having tea
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Tower of London
If you are visiting London for the first time, then a trip to the Tower of London is a must. I have been several times and enjoyed every visit. This is one of the top things to do in London.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it was built over time. The White Tower was constructed in 1078 by William the Conquerer. Its official name is His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London. However, none of the Royal Family live on-site anymore.
During your visit, you can join in a tour led by a Yeoman Warder. Yeomen, also known as Beefeaters, are ceremonial guardians of the Tower of London. These highly decorated individuals live on the property and guard the jewels.
I recommend you visit the White Tower and the St. John’s Chapel. The armor display of Henry VIII, Charles I and James II is another must. During your visit, be on the lookout for the Tower Ravens—there are six. Legend has it that if they leave, the tower will fall.
The Crown Jewels of England
It is home to the Crown Jewels of England—yes, those jewels that King Charles wore for the Coronation.
I recommend you get in line for the Crown Jewels of England first, as this is the most popular attraction at the Tower of London. Visitors pass through a bank vault door to see the impressive set of crowns and accessories. You will have the opportunity to walk by another time and see both sides of the display.
Note: Due to the historical nature of this site, some of the history is gruesome.
Located at London, EC3N 4AB. It is open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Adults admission is £34.80, and youth (under 16) are £17.40. Reservations are required during peak times. There is a cafe and gift shop located onsite.
Nearby: Tower Bridge
Time to Spend: 2 to 4 hours
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Tower Bridge
Crossing the Thames River, the Tower Bridge was constructed between 1886 and 1894. It was designed by Horace Jones and engineered by John Wolfe Barry with the help of Henry Marc Brunel. It consists of two highly decorated towers along with 11,000 tons of steel.
The Tower Bridge is a bascule bridge which can open and close when ships need to pass. During our trip, we walked across the Tower Bridge. However, you can take a self-guided tour. Visitors climb the tower, walk on the glass-bottomed walkway to see the roadway below and see the view along the Thames. Adults are £13.40 and youth (under 16) are £6.70.
Located at Tower Bridge Rd, London SE1 2UP. Free to cross. For a guided tour, check the Tower calendar. Adults are £30.00.
Nearby: HMS Belfast
Time to Spend: less than 1 hour
Houses of Parliament & Big Bend
The House of Commons and the House of Lords meet at the Houses of Parliament, and its official name is the Palace of Westminster. Constructed in 1016, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site it is the Gothic Revival style now after fires and renovations over the centuries.
Most visitors walk by the Houses of Parliament. However, you can tour the facility during the summer, Easter break and Christmas break. If visiting outside those times, tours are limited to Fridays only.
Located at London SW1A 0AA. Self-guided tours are £26.00 for adults, and kids (under 16) get in for free. Reservations are required during peak times.
What’s Close by: Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Bend. Tours are offered a few dates a month for Big Bend. To learn more, visit its website.
Nearby: Westminster Abby
Time to Spend: less than an hour
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Westminister Abby
Formally the Collegiate Church of Saint Peter at Westminster, most visitors recognize it from the Royal Weddings and, most recently, the Coronation of King Charles III. Engish coronations have occurred in Westminister Abbey since 1066.
The current church was constructed in the Gothic Style by King Edward the Confessor starting in 1245. It is part of the Anglican Church of England and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Westminister Abbey uses the cathedral plan with an eleven-bay nave, aisles, transepts, radiating chapels, and a chancel with an ambulatory. On the exterior, visitors will see flying buttresses and rose windows. The space is an impressive site for architecture lovers and a must for first-time visitors.
The Coronation Chair, which has been in use since the 1400s, is on view in Westminister Abbey. The Queen’s Jubilee Galleries, a recent addition, is a museum for Westminster Abbey (separate ticket required).
Inside, I found numerous tombs of kings and queens, like Victoria I, Mary Queen of Scots and Henry VIII. However, the most striking grave belongs to the Unknown Warrior, as it is surrounded by red poppies on the marble floor.
Another notable spot is Poets Corner, where Geoffrey Chaucer, William Shakespeare and John Milton are buried. Pyx Chamber is the oldest part of the chapel and is open to the public.
Located at Dean’s Yard, London SW1P 3PA. Open Monday to Friday from 9:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday is open for services and not tours. Adults are £29, and youth (6 to 7) are free with a family pass. Advance online reservations are required.
Nearby: St. James Park
Time to Spend: 2 hours
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St. Paul’s Cathedral
Where Westminister Abbey is a cathedral of the Royals, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of London. Construction began in June 1675 after the original church burned in the Great London Fire of 1666
The cathedral opened in 1710 in the English Baroque Style. Many consider it the best work by architect Christopher Wren. One of the most striking design features is its 364-foot dome, one of the largest in the world.
It is a brighter and more open cathedral than Westminister Abbey. I found a highly decorated space with religious scenes, many accented by gold leaf.
It was the site of the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer. Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher both had funerals at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Viewing Platform at St. Paul’s Cathedral
Located on Ludgate Hill, it is the high point of the City of London. To get a bird’s-eye view of London, you must climb up the 528 steps to its viewing platform.
On my last visit, I did this, and the first series of steps were relatively easy to climb. I used a circular staircase made of wood and stone. The first viewing platform is the Whispering Gallery above the St. Paul’s Cathedral floor.
The next set of steps was more enclosed (might be claustrophobic to some) to reach the Golden Gallery. It is higher above the cathedral floor, and all of these viewing platforms are monitored.
On the final set of stairs, you will climb circular metal stairs. This part would be an issue if you have issues with heights. However, once at the top, I stepped out to the exterior viewing gallery to an amazing view of London, including the Tower of London and London Bridge.
Located at St. Paul’s Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD. Open Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Adult admission is £25, and youth ( 6 to 17) are £10.
Nearby: Millenium Bridge
Time to Spend: 2 hours
The British Museum
This is more than a museum; it feels like a catalog of human existence. With a collection of eight million items, it is the largest museum collection in the world.
Dedicated to art and culture, first-time visitors need to see the Rosetta Stone, which unlocked hieroglyphics. The Parthenon Sculptures is another must, as is the Bust of Ramesses the Great.
The Crouching Venus from Ancient Rome is a must. The Piranesi Vase is another impressive piece from Italy.
From North America, the British Museum displays totems from British Columbia in the Great Court. The Aztec Serpent is made of turquoise and shell and features two heads.
I tour The British Museum on evey visit to London, since I see something new every time. It is one of the great museums of the world.
Located on Great Russell St, London WC1B 3DG. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (8:30 p.m. on Friday). It is free to enter, but due to its popularity, you need to make online reservations.
Nearby: The Charles Dickens Museum
Time to Spend: 4+ hours
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The Victoria and Albert Museum
Not an art museum, it features decorative arts and design from textiles to sculpture to jewelry, metalwork and more. It houses a permanent collection of over 2.8 million objects and is the world’s largest museum of applied arts.
On every trip, I visit a place that I wish I had more time. For this trip, it was the Victoria and Albert Museum.
This museum, named after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, her consort, opened in 1852. It covers over 12 acres and has 145 galleries.
Highlights include the Italian Renaissance sculpture (the largest collection outside of Italy). The museum also includes an extensive collection of East Asian art.
With a varied collection of objects, visitors will find costumes and high fashion, art and tile. One of my favorite galleries was the Jewel Collection.
Located at Cromwell Rd, London SW7 2RL. It is open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. It is free to enter, and reservations are not required.
Nearby: The Natural History Museum
Time to Spend: 2 to 4 hours
The National Gallery
The National Gallery is London’s premier art museum, located in Trafalgar Square. Its collection includes more than 2,300 paintings from the mid-13th century to 1900.
Founded in 1824, highlights include Vermeer’s Woman Standing at a Virginal, Bather’s by Paul Cezanne, and Sunflowers by Vincent Van Gogh. However, its collection is expansive.
Located at Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN. It is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (9 p.m. on Friday). The National Gallery offers a cafe, a restaurant Oche and a gift shop.
Nearby: Trafalgar Square
Time to Spend: 2 to 4 hours
Tate Modern
Opening in May 2000, the Tate Modern is located in a repurposed Bankside Power Station on the South Bank of the Thames River across from the Millenium Bridge. It houses the national collection of international modern and contemporary art.
Its collection spans from 1900 to the present day. Highlights include Yellow Islands by Jackson Pollock, Marilyn Diptych by Andy Warhol and The Snail by Henri Matisse. It features a cafe that is a favorite with residents and a gift shop.
If you are limited on time and a museum hound like myself, I would visit The National Gallery or the Victoria and Albert first. Its collection is eclipsed by other modern art institutions like The MoMA in New York or the Musée d’Orsay in Paris.
Located at Bankside, London SE1 9TG. It is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and free to enter and reservations not required.
Nearby: Shakespeare Globe Theater
Time to Spend: 2 hours
Covent Garden
In London’s West End, this pedestrian area is centered by the Covent Garden Market, a covered open-air neo-classical market built in the 1830s; however, the area has been a market since the 1600s. Now, it offers a piazza, shopping and cafe tables under market umbrellas.
Top spots for shopping and browsing include Covent Garden’s Apple Market, the East Colonnade Market and the Jubilee Market. With a series of stalls, shoppers can look for British-made products and antiques.
During our visit, we had breakfast at The Ivy Market Grill in Covent Garden. It offers a prix fixe English breakfast and a great way to start our day. Located at 1a Henrietta Street, Covent Garden, London, WC2E 8PS. Reservations are recommended.
Located at 41 The Piazza, London WC2E 8RF. Most shops are open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Free to enter.
Nearby: Neal’s Yard and the Royal Opera House
Time to Spend: 1 to 2 hours
Borough Market
This is the covered open-air market on the South side of the Thames in Bankside. Borough Market has also sold goods at the site since at least the 1270s. Today, it draws both residents and visitors for its collection of ingredients, take-away food and souvenirs.
During our Saturday visit, Borough Market was crowded along the main thoroughfare. However, we enjoyed some foodie delights, from cocktails to hand pies to bespoke grilled cheese.
Located at London SE1 9AL. Open Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free to enter.
Nearby: The Golden Hinde
Time to Spend: 1 hour
Hyde Park
This 350-acre park adjoins Kensington Gardens, and it joins St. James Park at Hyde Park Corner and Green Park. As an oasis in London, it’s a favorite among visitors and residents alike.
Originally used for hunting during Henry VIII’s reign, it hosted the Great Fair in 1814 and was a popular spot for events like the Royal Jubilees of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II. It also hosts concerts.
One of the more popular spots is the Hyde Park Lido, which sits on the south bank of the Serpentine. Visitors will find memorials inside Hyde Park, like the Diana Princess of Wales memorial.
During our visit, we rented a paddle boat to explore The Serpentine. Afterward, we stopped by the Serpentine Bar and Kitchen for takeaway drinks and snacks. Nearby we found chairs to see and enjoy the afternoon.
It is open from 5 a.m. to midnight. It is free to enter; activities are extra.
Nearby: Kensington Palace
Time to Explore: 1 to 2 hours
Scenic Thames Cruise
The Thames River divides the city, and the top things to do in London are located on both sides. Sure, we crossed it a few times using its bridges, like the Tower Bridge and the Millennium Bridge. However, I recommend taking a Thames River Cruise during your trip.
On the water, you can see the top sights, like The London Eye, the Globe Theater and the Tower of London from the water. Best of all, the cruises run all day and into the evening.
During our visit, we took an Uber Boat Ride, the commuter boat that crosses back and forth across the Thames. However, several different operators offers scenic boat cruises.
Globe Theater
The Globe Theater, constructed in 1599, was where William Shakespeare’s productions were performed. Destroyed by fire in 1613, a second theater was built in 1614 and then closed in the 1640s.
In 1997, a replica was constructed near the original’s spot in Southwark. It offers the same covered stage and three levels of covered seast in a semi-circle around the stage.
However, during our last visit, we attended a summer Shakespeare performance. It offers seating surrounding the stage; however, we were part of the Groundlings. The area in front of the stage is standing-room only.
During the performance, I felt like we were part of the production as we stood on the edge of the stage. The best part, the tickets are £10 a piece. This is one of the best things to do in London and if you have the chance, do it.
The Globe Theater offers guided tours during the day on a range of themes, including holiday tours. I have done a tour in the past, however, attending a performance is more memorible.
Located at 21 New Globe Walk, London SE1 9DT. The Globe Theater’s season runs from late April until late October.
Nearby: Tate Modern
Time to Explore: 2 hours for tour or 3 hours for performance
Windsor Castle
About an hour away from Central London, the Windsor Castle is a must for royal watchers.
Construction started in 1070; Windsor Castle is the longest-occupied and largest castle in the world. William the Conquer started Windsor Castle and it has been used by every reigning monarch since, 70 in total.
Windsor Castle was a favorite residence for Queen Elizabeth II, Henry VIII and Victoria. I used it extensively for diplomatic purposes. Windsor Castle has withstood sieges, the WWII bombing and the 1992 fire, and all damages were repaired after each.
Its architecture is Georgian and Victorian, with each monarch changing with the style at the time, though the structure remains Medieval. The exterior is imposing as visitors move through the public spaces like the King Henry VIII Gate and the Round Tower.
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Top things to do at Windsor Castle include viewing the State Apartments, some of the most highly decorated in Europe. Each includes gold-leaf Riccoco furnishings, upholstered in silk brocade, gold-leaf moldings on the ceiling and the walls, opulent crystal chandeliers and large-scale art and tapestries.
Visitors walk through a series of State Apartments with an audio guide pointing out the highlights, including information on the restoration after the fire. During the tour, I saw priceless art objects like the Russian malachite urn, presented to Queen Victoria by Tsar Nicholas I in 1839.
Another popular exhibit is the Queen Mary’s Dollhouse, built between 1921 and 1924. It features the work of over 1,500 artisans in the UK and includes running water and moving parts. A fully furnished replica, it is a delight and worth the wait if there is a queue.
Another must on your visit is touring Saint George’s Chapel, construction began in 1475. It has hosted many royal weddiings like HRH Princess Eugenie and Mr. Jack Brooksbank. It is also the final resting place of Kings and Queens, like King Henry VIII and, most recently, Queen Elizabeth II.
Queen Elizabeth II
Windsor Castle was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth II. She spent much time at the Castle, especially in her final years.
One of the most poignant moments of her funeral was the processional up the Long Walk with her favorite horse bowing and her corgis meeting her for one final time. I queued up to view the final place of Queen Elizabeth II in the King George VI Memorial Chapel to pay my respects.
As an American, I didn’t realize how much she represented England to me for most of my life. I didn’t realize how her reign imprinted on the world as a whole, especially as a feminine head of state.
In her final years, I appreciated how lucky I was to live during the reign of a feminine queen, like her predecessors, Queen Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria. Each of their reigns each were immensely influential and far-reaching.
Paying respects was an important part of my recent trip to England, as I visited several Royal residences. I was amazed at how much England truly adored their Queen, and she is held in the highest regard through working in the royal castles and palaces.
How to Get There
Located at Windsor SL4 1NJ. Adult admission starts at £30.00, young adults(18 to 24) are £19.50, kids (5 to 17) are £15. Advance reservations are required most times of the year, and you enjoy lower admission prices. I visited on the day that I was near Heathrow Airport for convenience. There is no official parking at Windsor Castle, so you need to find a public lot nearby. You can also take the train or a coach service to Windsor Castle from Central London. Visitors will find places to eat at the castle as well as gift shops.
Time to Spend: 2 Hours
Nearby: Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens—The Royal Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1840, Kew Garden is the most diverse garden in the world with 27,000 different species in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a lovely garden to explore. However, Kew Gardens conducts important botanic research and education around the world.
It includes historically significant greenhouses or conservatories, like the 1848 Palm House and the 1987 Princess of Wales Conservatory. The oldest greenhouse was the 1761 Orangery, which is now a restaurant.
For gardeners and plant lovers, Kew Gardens is a must. Top places to visit include The Great Pagoda, created in 1762 and is 10 stories tall. During my visit, I climbed it and it offered great views.
Other musts include the Temperate House and The Treetop Walkway. During my visit, I had a hard time way finding and wished the signs had been more frequent.
If you are short on time, the Kew Explorer Train is a guided tour that covers the majority of the garden. It costs an additional £6.50 for adults.
There are several places to eat while exploring Kew Gardens. During my visit, I enjoyed lunch at the Orangery. Visitors will find The Family Kitchen, The Botanical Brasserie and cafes.
Located in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, England. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. from May 1 until September 30, with seasonal hours for the rest of the year. Adult admission starts at £22, young adults (16 to 24) £9 and kids (5 to 15) are £5, with online reservations. There are several gates in which to enter, like the Victoria Gate, the Elizabeth Gate, the Brentford Gate and the Lion Gate. The car park is located at Ferry Ln, Richmond TW9 3AG.
Time to Spend: 4 Hours
Nearby: Heathrow Airport
Travel Tips for London
- Virtually every shop and attraction in London is cashless. So pack your travel credit card and have a spare in case you lose it.
- A service charge is added to most restaurant tabs.
- The public transportation in London is efficient.
- Reservations are a must in High Season–June to August.
- There are several trains that serve London Heathrow.
