In a nutshell
- The absolute best things to see in London include Big Ben, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard.
- In addition to the many museums in London, some of which are free, you’ll also find great London markets. Our highlight: Borough Market, one of the best places to visit in London for foodies.
- For Harry Potter fans, London has plenty to offer—from the Warner Bros Studio Tour to iconic filming spots.
- We’ll also give you general tips for your visit to London and help you find the right tickets for London and the right London City Pass for you.
London Attractions Map
To give you a great overview of all the must-see sights in London right from the start, we’ll begin with a map of our 22 London highlights. After that, we’ll go into more detail about each attraction.
Download the map of our London highlights as a PDF
Places to Visit in London for First-Time Visitors
It’s your first time in London and of course you want to know what to see and do. We’ve listed the must-see places for you in two sections. The London attractions marked with a camera icon are among the highlights, but a quick photo stop is usually enough there. For the others, it’s worth taking a closer look and exploring inside — we’ll describe these in more detail below.
We’ll go into more detail about these places to visit in London shortly:
- Tower Bridge
- Tower of London
- Westminster Abbey
- St Paul’s Cathedral
- Buckingham Palace
- The Shard
- London Eye
London attractions perfect for a quick photo stop:
Big Ben
Houses of Parliament
Downing Street
Windsor Castle
Our tip: If it’s your first visit, a hop-on hop-off bus tour of London is a great choice. It’s one of the best things to do in London to get an overview of the city and see the top attractions quickly.
Tower Bridge
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
Tower Bridge is one of the most famous bascule bridges in the world and a true London icon. Around 40,000 vehicles cross the Thames here every day, and the bridge opens several times a day to let larger ships pass. You can check the exact lift times here.
Nine meters above the Thames, there’s a regular pedestrian walkway that’s free to access. At 42 meters, you’ll find another walkway with a glass floor—a real thrill if you’re not afraid of heights.
You’ll need a ticket to visit the glass walkway and the Tower Bridge Exhibition inside.
Tower of London
Recommended time to visit: 1.5 hours
The Tower of London is one of the most famous places to visit in London and home to the Royal Crown Jewels, worth an incredible 20 billion pounds.
The history of this landmark is just as fascinating — over the centuries, it has served as an armory, prison, execution site and even a royal residence.
It’s best to buy your tickets online in advance, as the queues on site can get very long, especially during peak season.
Buy tickets for the Tower of London
£30
Westminster Abbey
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
Just a short walk from the Palace of Westminster, you’ll find the 700-year-old Westminster Abbey. This is where Queen Elizabeth II was crowned and where Prince William and Kate Middleton got married — making it one of the best places to visit in London for history lovers.
As you explore the abbey, take a closer look at the gravestones — you’ll find the resting places of many famous figures, including Charles Darwin.
Tickets are a little cheaper online, so it’s worth booking ahead.
Get your Westminster Abbey tickets here
St. Paul's Cathedral
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
St. Paul’s Cathedral is an essential place to visit in London and a key part of the city’s skyline. Its massive dome is even larger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The architecture, paintings and exhibitions inside are truly stunning.
If you climb the 500 steps up the spiral staircase, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view over London from the dome’s top at 111 meters.
We recommend booking your tickets online in advance. Especially on weekends and during peak season in London, the lines at the ticket counter can be quite long.
Buy tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral
Get the combined ticket: Westminster Abbey & St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)
Buckingham Palace
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour (including the Changing of the Guard)
London and the royals go hand in hand. Visiting the official residence of the royal family is of course one of the best things to do in London.
Don’t miss the famous Changing of the Guard ceremony in front of Buckingham Palace. It takes place at 11 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Best to arrive about half an hour early to secure a good spot for photos.
Important: You can only tour the State Apartments between July and October. It’s wise to buy your tickets early.
Get tickets for the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace
The Shard
Recommended time to visit: 1.5 hours
Named after its shard-like shape, the 310-metre-high skyscraper towers above London. It was briefly the tallest building in Europe in 2012 at the time of its opening.
With offices, apartments, restaurants, shops and a 5-star hotel on 72 floors, it’s truly one of the top places to visit in London. The viewing platforms on the 69th and 72nd floors offer incredible views over London.
We have also written a detailed article: Read our tips for visiting The Shard.
Tickets are far cheaper online than at the gate. Unfortunately you still need to exchange your online booking for a real ticket on site — avoid weekends if you can, as queues are longest then.
On several floors you’ll find Michelin-starred cuisine and cocktails with a view of London. You don’t need to pay admission to dine, but of course food and drink come at a premium. And if you don’t want to leave, you can stay overnight at the luxurious Shangri-La The Shard Hotel.
Book the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard
London Eye
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
The 135-metre-high Ferris wheel is one of the prime places to visit in London if you want panoramic views. The experience is simply magnificent. If you’re choosing between the London Eye and The Shard, we recommend The Shard for the view—however the London Eye remains a very worthy option.
You can find all the important info in our article with the best tips for the London Eye.
It’s worth booking online in advance, as tickets are typically about 10 % cheaper online. When booking, you’ll have the option of a standard ticket or a fast-track ticket — the latter gives you access through a dedicated entrance and avoids the longest queues.
Get the fast-track ticket for the London Eye
Closed on Sundays (only open in the run-up to Christmas)
Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Even more London Highlights for First-Time Visitors
These top stops in London are in every guidebook and should not be missing from your list of things to do in London. Here are a few more places to see and capture the perfect photo:
Attractions in London for Culture Lovers
Do you love museums, lose yourself in art or enjoy exploring theatre districts? Great! In this section you’ll find the most exciting museums in London and other spots for true culture fans.
Our cultural highlights in London at a glance:
- Tate Modern / Tate Britain
- British Museum
- National Gallery
- Covent Garden
- Notting Hill
Tate Modern and Tate Britain
Recommended time to visit: 3 hours
Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. In Tate Britain you’ll find art from the Tudor era onwards, while Tate Modern brings together contemporary art from around the globe. Even if you’re not a die-hard art fan, Tate Modern is one of the best places to visit in London thanks to its architecture and atmosphere.
The stunning architecture of both buildings alone makes them stand-out. On the tenth floor of Tate Modern you’ll also enjoy a great view over the city.
And the best part? Admission to both museums is free.
Our tip: Attend one of the “Tate Lates” events. Here you’ll explore the art after hours, often with drinks and music. Tate Britain opens every first Friday and Tate Modern every last Friday of the month for this extra experience.
British Museum
Recommended time to visit: 2 hours
The British Museum is one of the largest cultural-history museums in the world and hosts many of the most important antiquities, sculptures and architectural treasures. The museum is vast – even with plenty of time, you’ll never manage to see everything in one go.
Admission is free, though donations are appreciated. Only special exhibitions or events carry a fee.
Book a guided tour of the British Museum
National Gallery
Recommended time to visit: 2 hours
The National Gallery is an art museum right on Trafalgar Square in the heart of London. It’s one of the most important and largest art galleries in the world, housing over 2,300 works dating from the 13th to 19th centuries.
You’ll find masterpieces by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Leonardo da Vinci and many more. Admission is also free.
Our tip: Trafalgar Square offers a wonderful break from sightseeing. The fountain in the centre is great and the surrounding plaza is perfect for a picnic in summer.
Book a tour of the National Gallery
Covent Garden
Recommended time to visit: 1.5 hours
Covent Garden is a theatre and entertainment district in London’s West End. While many associate it simply with the historic Apple Market in the pedestrian-only square, there’s far more to explore.
The London Transport Museum, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum and the Seven Dials are just a few highlights in the district. In addition to all the museums and theatres, the Apple Market remains one of the most beautiful photo spots in London.
The elegant halls invite you to stroll and explore. The many street performers and live musicians add an extra magic to the place, making it one of the best things to do in London for a relaxed cultural moment.
Notting Hill
The colourful houses of Notting Hill are a popular photo spot in London
Recommended time to visit: 2 – 4 hours
Notting Hill is definitely one of the most photogenic places to visit in London. The neighbourhood, made famous by the film of the same name with Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, has charm, colour and style.
The streets of Notting Hill are lined with beautiful houses and flowers—absolutely lovely to wander. Along Portobello Road you’ll find a lively market with second-hand fashion, antiques and more.
The main market is open on Fridays and Saturdays. In August the vibrant Notting Hill Carnival takes over—one of the best things to do in London if you’re after atmosphere and colour.
Book a guided walking tour through Notting Hill
What to See in London for Connoisseurs
Have you been to London before? These London attractions are great for a second or third visit—ideal when you’ve already ticked off the main sights and are looking for something different.
If you’re searching for insider tips in London, you might also like this article: 11 real hidden gems in London.
London insider tips that are really worthwhile:
- China Town
- Borough Market
- Brick Lane Market
- Sky Garden
Our tip for London fans who have plenty of time:
- Street art in London
Chinatown
Hard to believe, but this is in the middle of London – Chinatown
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
What started in the 1950s with a handful of Chinese restaurants has become a lively neighbourhood where lanterns, dragons and Chinese characters meet the smell of roast duck and Asian street-food. Even the street signs here are bilingual.
Chinatown is a little culture-shock in the heart of the city. It’s a great place to enjoy a delicious Asian meal or browse the shops for unique ingredients.
Our tip: Chinatown also hosts exciting events like the Chinese New Year celebrations. You’ll find up-to-date listings on the Chinatown website.
Borough Market
For us, Borough Market is one of the most beautiful markets in London
You should plan this much time: 1.5 hours
Borough Market is one of the most beautiful markets in London and has served as a backdrop for films such as Bridget Jones and Harry Potter.
More than 130 stalls offer fruit, vegetables, artisan goods, meat and fish. Alongside local produce you’ll also find goods from around the world—Germans living in London often pick up bratwurst here.
You can easily spend a few hours browsing the stalls and collecting souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closes one hour earlier on Sundays.
Our tip: You’ll also find some excellent cool London restaurants around Borough Market.
£36
Brick Lane Market
Recommended time to visit: 1 hour
At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch you’ll find everything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs and, of course, plenty of delicious street food.
The market grew out of the former Old Truman Brewery, which closed in the 1980s. Today it features more than 300 stalls, some under cover and others outdoors. We especially love that Brick Lane still keeps that cool industrial charm of old London.
Our tip: It’s best to visit Brick Lane Market on a Sunday—the street market is in full swing then.
Street Art in London
You should plan this much time: 4 hours (for a tour)
If you’ve already ticked off the major museums, there’s still a whole creative world to explore when it comes to what to see in London. The districts of Shoreditch and the East End in particular are packed with striking street art, including works by internationally renowned artists such as Banksy and Shepard Fairey.
We recommend joining a guided tour — that way you’ll discover the best spots in one go and won’t have to hunt them down yourself.
Book a guided street art tour with graffiti workshop in London
The Best Things to Do in London for Families
If you’re travelling to London with kids, you’re likely looking for more than just museum visits. In our list you’ll find the London highlights that kids will also love. We’ll go into detail on the first three below. For more family-friendly ideas, check our full article London with kids.
These sights in London were our highlights:
- Hyde Park
- Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
- Transport Museum London
Even more London attractions for families:
- Science Museum
- Holland Park
- London Eye
- Platform 9 ¾ at King’s Cross station
Hyde Park
Recommended time to visit: 1–3 hours
Hyde Park is one of the city’s royal green spaces right in the heart of London. With a full 1.4 square kilometres of meadow and pathways, there’s plenty of room for kids to play and explore.
In summer the Serpentine Lake invites you to splash around. From November the Winter Wonderland opens – where you can go ice-skating, ride the Ferris wheel and even visit a circus – perfect for families.
Our tip: Head to Speakers’ Corner at the north-eastern end of Hyde Park on Sundays. Since the 19th century, speakers have stepped up on boxes to say what’s on their mind. Perhaps you’d like to give it a try?
Warner Bros. Studios
Recommended time to visit: 3 hours
At the Warner Bros. Studios near London you’ll step into the world of Harry Potter—with original film sets like Diagon Alley, the Great Hall at Hogwarts and the Gringotts Wizard Bank. You’ll also see costumes and iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 or Hagrid’s magical motorcycle.
A truly magical experience for all Harry Potter fans, young and old.
Book the Harry Potter Studios tour
London Transport Museum
Recommended time to visit: 2 hours
At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, your kids can dive into the world of London’s transport story. There’s a fully restored steam locomotive, electric trains and the iconic red double-decker buses—what child wouldn’t want to pretend they’re driving one?
And the fun doesn’t stop there: the museum also shares some truly surprising tales—like the hidden aircraft factory built in a subway tunnel.
Buy tickets for the London Transport Museum
More Tips for Families in London
London offers so many opportunities for families. In our detailed article London with kids, we recommend even more cool highlights and attractions. Here’s a little foretaste:
Places to Go in London for Shopping Fans
London and fashion go hand in hand. We show you the best places to shop in London.
Our highlights for shopping in London:
- Oxford Street
- Harrods
- Camden Market
Oxford Street
Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in Europe. It stretches for about 1.9 kilometres and offers everything from luxury brands to budget finds.
If you really want to shop, aim for a weekday visit—it’s almost impossible to browse in peace at the weekend.
Our tip: London offers a magical pre-Christmas mood and Oxford Street lights up with festive decorations from November. Don’t miss Carnaby Street, a beautifully dressed side street too.
Harrods
Harrods is the most famous department store in London. Since 1834 the rich and famous have been shopping here—and for much of that time it was the official supplier to the British royal family.
The elegant charm of the old building will sweep you into a shopping frenzy. While there are plenty of luxury boutiques like Chanel, Gucci or Prada, you’ll also find more accessible stores if you look.
Our tip: If possible, avoid visiting Harrods on a Saturday—Saturday crowds are intense.
Camden Market
Recommended time to visit: a whole day
Camden Market isn’t just any market. The roughly 1,000 stores offer everything from vintage fashion to art and street food. The atmosphere feels like a throwback to the 70s and 80s. It’s divided into three distinct markets:
- At Buck Street Market, right next to the Tube station, you’ll find lots of affordable mass-produced goods.
- The Stables Market, along Chalk Farm Road, offers alternative vintage fashion, furniture and second-hand treasures.
- The oldest part, directly on Regent’s Canal, is Camden Lock Market—where you can find handmade jewellery, quality clothing, décor and some of the best street food.
London for Free: Our Tips for Savers
Traveling on a budget? London might not be the cheapest city, but with smart moves you can experience many of the **best places to visit in London** without spending a lot.
Here are our tips for free attractions in London:
- Cross Tower Bridge on foot
- Visit a free museum such as Tate Modern, Tate Britain, British Museum, Victoria & Albert Museum or the National Gallery
- Enjoy the view from the Sky Garden
- Stroll through London’s lively markets
- Discover street art in East London
General Tips for Your Visit to London
Before you dive into your city trip to London, we’d like to share a few practical pointers.
Ideally, you should plan for at least 3 to 5 days for your city trip in London. Of course, that’s still not a lot for such a vast city, which is why a good plan matters. We’ve prepared the perfect 3-day plan for London:
#1 Choosing the Right Accommodation
The most important factor for a hotel in London is the location! We highlight three really nice and centrally located hotels in London.
Wilde Aparthotels: cool apartments in the lively Covent Garden district, very close to the theatre zone
The Montague on the Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum—especially good for first-time visitors or families
Treehouse Hotel London: a green-themed hotel with a “treehouse” vibe, close to Oxford Street
#2 Get an Oyster Card
London is big and not all the sights are within walking distance. Fortunately, the city is easy to explore by Tube and those iconic red double-deckers.
You have two main options for public transport in London: the Tap system or the Oyster Card.
If you’re travelling alone, with a friend or as a couple, we recommend the tap system—just tap your contact-less credit card at the reader when boarding. Easy and flexible.
If you’re travelling as a family, the Oyster Card is worth considering, because there are child discounts. You simply hold your card or device to the reader when boarding the bus or entering the Tube station.
You can buy the Oyster Card on the spot—e.g., at London’s airports or at Tube stations. For a small extra fee, you can also order the card ahead of time and have it delivered to your home, so you arrive ready.
#3 Save Money and Time with City Passes
If you plan on visiting a lot of London’s paid attractions, one of the City Passes might be worth it.
With these discount passes, you’ll get free entry to numerous sights in London and save a few pounds along the way.
Another benefit: some attractions have special entrances for pass-holders, which not only saves money but also quite a bit of time.
If you’re only interested in a few individual attractions, it might be better to buy tickets separately. You can also check our tickets for London article.
#4 Book a Guided Tour of London
If you’re visiting London for the first time—or you’re keen to discover a totally different side of the city—a guided tour is a great idea.
London offers a huge variety of guided tours to suit all tastes.
Here are three top tours you can book online:
London bike tour
Boat tour on the Thames
Harry Potter guided tour
What are your favorite places to visit in London?
These were our tips for the most beautiful sights in London. Have you already been to the metropolis? Which attraction was your highlight? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!