London Attractions: Our 22 Top Picks

Map of Our 22 London Highlights

To give you a good overview of all the best places in London right from the start, we’ll kick things off with a map of our 22 highlights. Then we’ll dive straight into the details.

London Attractions for First-Time Visitors

It’s your first time in London, and of course you want to hit the absolute must-see highlights. We’ve put together the essentials in two lists. The London sights marked with a camera icon are definitely worth seeing, but a quick photo stop is all you need. For the rest, it’s worth going inside too — so we’ll describe those in more detail below.

We’ll cover these London highlights in detail below:

• Tower Bridge
• Tower of London
• Westminster Abbey
• St. Paul’s Cathedral
• Buckingham Palace
• The Shard
• London Eye

London places to visit for a quick photo stop:
Big Ben

Houses of Parliament

Downing Street

Windsor Castle

Our tip: For your first visit to London, a hop-on/hop-off bus tour is a great option. It gives you a perfect overview of where all the highlights are located — and fast.

Tower Bridge

How much time to plan: 1 hour

Tower Bridge is undoubtedly one of the most iconic bascule bridges in the world. Around 40,000 vehicles cross the Thames here every day, and the bridge opens several times daily to let large ships through. You can check the exact bridge opening times here.

Nine meters above the Thames, there’s a regular pedestrian walkway that’s free to use. At 42 meters up, you’ll find a second walkway with a glass floor — seriously cool, but only if you’re not afraid of heights.

You’ll need a ticket for the glass floor and the Bridge Museum.

Buy tickets for Tower Bridge

Tower of London

How much time you should plan: 1.5 hours

The Tower of London is particularly famous for housing the Crown Jewels, valued at an incredible 20 billion pounds.

The building’s history is equally fascinating: the Tower has served as an armory, a prison, a place of execution, and a royal residence.

It’s well worth buying tickets in advance — the lines on-site are always very long.

Buy tickets for the Tower of London

Here’s our review:

Westminster Abbey

You should plan to spend: 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 Kate and William tied the knot.

Strolling through the cemetery, you’ll spot many famous names from British history — Charles Darwin among them.

Buy your tickets online in advance and you’ll save a few pounds.

Tickets for Westminster Abbey

St. Paul's Cathedral

You should plan to spend about 1 hour here

St. Paul’s is an essential part of London’s skyline. The dome of this magnificent cathedral is actually larger than that of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The whole place is seriously impressive — the architecture, the paintings, and the exhibitions all deliver.

If you tackle the roughly 500 steps of the spiral staircase, you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of London from 111 meters up.

We’d strongly recommend booking tickets online in advance. Especially on weekends and during London’s peak travel season, the lines at the on-site ticket counters can get really long.

Tickets for St. Paul’s Cathedral

Combo ticket for Westminster Abbey and St. Paul’s Cathedral (5% discount)

Buckingham Palace

How much time to allow: 1 hour (for the Changing of the Guard)

London and the royals — they simply go hand in hand. A visit to the royal family’s official residence is, of course, a must.

Don’t miss the famous Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace. The ceremony kicks off at 11 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. Arrive at least half an hour early to get a good spot.

Important: You can only visit the Royal Apartments between July and October. Book tickets well in advance.

Tickets for the State Apartments at Buckingham Palace

The Shard

How much time to plan: 1.5 hours

The name says it all — this building really does look like a shard of glass. The 310-meter-tall skyscraper briefly held the title of tallest building in Europe back in 2012.

Its 72 floors house offices, apartments, restaurants, shops, and a five-star hotel. The 69th and 72nd floors are home to observation decks with spectacular views over London.

We’ve also written a detailed article about The Shard: read our tips for visiting The Shard.

Tickets are significantly cheaper when bought online in advance rather than at the venue. That said, you’ll still need to queue at the ticket counter to exchange your online ticket for a physical one — so avoid weekends if you can, as the lines get really long.

Get your ticket for The Shard

Across several floors, you can enjoy Michelin-starred cuisine and great cocktails with views over London. There’s no admission fee for the restaurant floors, but food and drinks are priced accordingly. And if you’d rather never leave, you can always stay overnight at the luxurious Shangri-La The Shard Hotel.

Check out the Shangri-La Hotel at The Shard

Browse our other boutique hotel picks for London

London Eye

How much time you should plan: 1 hour

The 135-meter-tall Ferris wheel is the largest in Europe, and the views are simply magnificent. That said, if you have to choose between the London Eye and The Shard, we’d go with The Shard.

Our article with the best tips for visiting the London Eye has everything you need to know.

It’s worth booking tickets online in advance — they’re 10 percent cheaper that way. You can also choose between a standard ticket and a fast-track ticket. With the fast-track option, you skip the regular line entirely through a dedicated entrance.

Get a fast-track ticket for the London Eye

Big Ben & Houses of Parliament: Even more London highlights for first-time visitors

These sights appear in every travel guide — and rightly so. Here’s where to stop for the classic London snapshot:

London Attractions for Culture Lovers

Love museums, lose yourself in art, or enjoy wandering through theater districts? Perfect. In this section, you’ll find the most exciting museums in London and other must-sees for true culture lovers.

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

How much time you should plan: 3 hours

Tate Britain and Tate Modern are two of the most important art museums in London. Tate Britain focuses on art from the Tudor period onwards; Tate Modern covers contemporary art from around the world. Honestly, you’ll enjoy Tate Modern even if art museums aren’t usually your thing.

The architecture of both buildings is stunning in its own right. And on the tenth floor of Tate Modern, you get a fantastic panorama of the city.

Best of all: admission to both museums is completely free.

Our tip: Don’t miss “Tate Lates.” These are special late-night openings where you can experience the art after hours — often with food, drinks, and live music. Tate Britain opens every first Friday of the month and Tate Modern every last Friday for “Tate Late.”

British Museum

How much time you should plan: 2 hours

The British Museum is one of the largest cultural history museums in the world, housing some of the most significant antiquities, sculptures, and architectural works in human history.

The place is enormous — even if you take your time, you won’t see everything in a single day.

Entry is free, though donations are always appreciated. Only special exhibitions and events cost money.

Guided tour of the British Museum

National Gallery

How much time to allow: 2 hours

The National Gallery sits right on Trafalgar Square in the heart of the city. It’s one of the most significant art galleries in the world, with a collection of over 2,300 works spanning the 13th to the 19th century.

You can admire paintings by Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Leonardo da Vinci — and admission is completely free.

Our tip: Trafalgar Square itself is a great spot to take a breather from sightseeing. The central fountain is beautiful, and the surrounding area is perfect for a picnic on a sunny day.

Join a highlights tour of the National Gallery

Covent Garden

You should plan to spend about 1.5 hours here

Covent Garden is a theater and entertainment district in the West End. Most people associate it only with the old Apple Market on the pedestrianized square — but there’s so much more to the neighborhood.

The London Museum of Transport, the Royal Opera House, the London Film Museum, and Seven Dials are just a few of the highlights nearby. And above all, the many street performers and singers at the Apple Market make it something really special. It’s also a great place to visit when it’s raining in London.

Notting Hill

How much time you should plan: 2–4 hours

Notting Hill is absolutely one of the most photogenic places in London. The neighborhood is famous from countless films, including the romantic comedy of the same name starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant.

The streets are lined with colorful houses and flowers — genuinely beautiful.

Along Portobello Road, you’ll find a market with secondhand fashion, antiques, and more. The main market runs on Fridays and Saturdays. In August, the area also hosts the Notting Hill Carnival — Europe’s largest street festival, with an enormous parade full of color and energy.

Walking tour of Notting Hill

Attractions for London Connoisseurs

Been to London before? These places to visit are perfect for your second or third trip.

Looking for something off the beaten path? You might also love this article: 11 genuine London insider tips.

Under-the-radar London picks that are really worth it:

• Chinatown
• Borough Market
• Brick Lane Market
• Sky Garden

Our pick for London connoisseurs with plenty of time:

• Street art in London

Chinatown

You should plan on spending about 1 hour here

What started in the 1950s with a handful of Chinese restaurants has grown into a neighborhood where Chinese characters, dragons, lanterns, and the scent of roast duck greet you at every turn. Even the street signs are bilingual.

Chinatown is a genuine culture shock in the best possible way. You can enjoy delicious Asian cuisine here or stock up on authentic Asian products in the shops.

Our tip: Exciting events happen here throughout the year — the Chinese New Year celebrations are especially spectacular. Check the Chinatown website for what’s on.

Borough Market

How much time you should plan: 1.5 hours

Borough Market is one of the best markets in London and has even served as a film set for Bridget Jones and Harry Potter.

More than 130 stalls offer fresh fruit, vegetables, natural products, meat, and fish. Alongside regional produce, you’ll find goods from all over the world. You could easily spend a few hours here, grazing your way through the stalls and picking up souvenirs. The market is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, closing an hour earlier on Sundays.

Our tip: There are also some great London restaurants dotted around Borough Market — well worth exploring.

Brick Lane Market

How much time to plan: 1 hour

At Brick Lane Market in Shoreditch, you’ll find everything from antiques to vintage fashion, art, souvenirs, and plenty of great street food.

The market grew out of the former Old Truman Brewery, which closed in the 1980s. Today it’s expanded into a market with over 300 stalls, some covered and some right on the street. We especially love that Brick Lane has held onto the industrial charm of old London.

Our tip: Visit on a Sunday — that’s the only day the full street market is on.

Street Art in London

How much time to plan: 4 hours (for a tour)

Already ticked off London’s classic museums? There’s still plenty of art to discover beyond the gallery walls.

The Shoreditch and East End neighborhoods are packed with incredible street art, including works by internationally renowned artists like Banksy and Shepherd Fairey.

We’d recommend booking a guided tour — your guide will know exactly where the best pieces are, so you don’t have to hunt around yourself.

Book a street art tour in London with a graffiti workshop

London Attractions for Families

Traveling to London with kids? Then you’re probably not looking for stuffy museums. In our list, you’ll find London highlights that children will love too. We’ll cover the first three in detail right here. For the rest, check out our comprehensive article on London with kids.

These London attractions were our family highlights:

• Hyde Park
• Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios
• Transport Museum London

Even more London sights for families:

• Science Museum
• Holland Park
• London Eye
• Platform 9 3/4 at King’s Cross Station

Hyde Park

How much time to allow: 1–3 hours

Hyde Park is one of the great royal parks right in the heart of London. It covers a full 1.4 square kilometers and has loads of open space where kids can run around freely.

In summer, Serpentine Lake is perfect for splashing around. From November, a Winter Wonderland opens up where you can go ice skating, ride a Ferris wheel, and even catch a circus — ideal for families.

Our tip: On Sundays, head to Speakers’ Corner at the northeast end of Hyde Park. Since the 19th century, people have been climbing up on boxes and speaking their minds to whoever will listen. Maybe you’ll feel inspired to give it a go too?

Warner Bros. Studios

How much time should you plan for: 3 hours

Want to just apparate into Diagon Alley and pick up a few souvenirs at Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes? You can — well, almost.

At Warner Bros. Studios in London, you can walk through original sets like Diagon Alley, the Great Hall at Hogwarts, and Gringotts Wizarding Bank. You’ll see the actors’ actual costumes and iconic props like Harry’s Nimbus 2000 and Hagrid’s magical motorcycle.

A truly magical experience for Harry Potter fans of all ages.

Book your tour of the Harry Potter Studios

Read more

London Transport Museum

How much time should you plan for: 2 hours

At the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden, kids get to dive into the world of London’s public transportation.

There’s a restored steam locomotive, electric trains, and the iconic red double-decker buses to explore. What kid wouldn’t want to play train conductor?

The museum also shares some genuinely fascinating stories — like the exhibition about an underground aircraft factory hidden inside a subway tunnel.

Get tickets for the London Transport Museum

More tips for families in London

London has so much to offer families. In our detailed article “London with Kids”, we recommend even more great highlights and activities for families. Here’s a little preview:

London Attractions for Shopping Fans

London and fashion — the two simply go hand in hand. Here are the best places to shop in London.

Our top picks for shopping in London:

• Oxford Street
• Harrods
• Camden Market

Oxford Street

Oxford Street is one of the most famous shopping streets in all of Europe. It stretches for 1.9 kilometers and covers everything from luxury brands to budget-friendly options.

If you’re serious about shopping, go during the week — on weekends it’s nearly impossible to browse in peace.

Our tip: London’s pre-Christmas season is magical, and Oxford Street is lit up with Christmas lights from November onwards. Make sure to also pop down Carnaby Street — a side street that’s decorated just as beautifully.

Harrods

Harrods is London’s most famous department store. The rich and famous have been shopping here since 1834, and for a long time the store was the official purveyor to the British royal family.

The grandeur of the old building will put you in a shopping mood instantly. Many of the stores are luxury boutiques — Chanel, Gucci, Prada — but there are also some more accessible shops in the mix.

Our tip: Avoid Saturdays if you can — it gets really packed.

Camden Market

You should plan to spend a whole day here

Camden Market is in a league of its own. Its roughly 1,000 shops offer everything from vintage fashion to art and street food, with an atmosphere that feels like a trip back to the ’70s and ’80s. It’s split into three distinct markets:

1. At Buck Street Market, right next to the subway station, you’ll find plenty of stalls selling cheap mass-produced goods.
2. Stables Market, along Chalk Farm Road, is the place for alternative vintage fashion, furniture, and secondhand finds.
3. The oldest market sits right on Regent’s Canal. Camden Lock Market offers high-quality handmade jewelry and clothing, home decor, and some of the best street food in the area.

London for free: Our tips for budget-conscious travelers

Traveling on a tight budget? London isn’t exactly cheap, but with the right approach you can visit a surprising number of the city’s top attractions for free.

Here are our tips for free things to see in London:

• walk across Tower Bridge
• visit a free museum like the Tate Modern, the Victoria and Albert Museum, or the Natural History Museum
• enjoy the view from the Sky Garden
• stroll through London’s markets

General Tips for Your Visit to London

Before you head off on your city trip, here are a few general pointers to help you get the most out of your time.

Ideally, you should set aside at least three to five days for London. Even that’s not a lot for such a huge city, which is why good planning is key. That’s why we’ve put together the perfect three-day itinerary for London:

Choosing the Right Accommodation

The most important factor when choosing a hotel in London is location. Here are three really great, centrally located options:

Wilde Aparthotels: stylish apartments in the lively Covent Garden neighborhood, right near the theater district

The Montague On The Garden: super stylish boutique hotel near the British Museum, especially great for families and first-time visitors

Treehouse Hotel London: a super eco-conscious hotel with a charming “treehouse” theme, near Oxford Street

Get an Oyster Card

London is big, and not everything is within walking distance. The good news: the city is super easy to get around by subway and the famous red double-decker buses.

For public transportation, you have two options: the Tap system or the Oyster Card.

If you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple, the Tap system is the easiest choice. Just hold your credit card up to the reader when you board. Simple and flexible.

Traveling as a family? The Oyster Card is worth it, since children get a discount. You load it up in advance and tap it whenever you board a bus or enter a Tube station — equally easy.

You can pick up an Oyster Card locally at London’s airports or at any Tube station. For a small surcharge, you can also order one before your trip and have it delivered to your door — one less thing to think about when you arrive.

Order your Oyster Card online

Save money and time with City Passes

Planning to visit a lot of paid attractions? A City Pass could well be worth it.

These discount passes give you free admission to a wide range of attractions in London and can save you a decent amount of money. On top of that, many attractions have dedicated entrances for pass holders — so you save time too.

To figure out which London Pass makes the most sense for your trip, use our City Pass calculator.

Only interested in a handful of specific sights? Then buying individual tickets for London might actually be cheaper — and you can work that out with our City Pass calculator too.

Book a guided tour of London

Visiting London for the first time, or want to discover a completely different side of the city? A guided tour is a great way to do it.

London has a huge variety of city tours to suit every taste. Here are three cool options you can book directly online:

Bike tour through London

Thames boat tour including lunch

Harry Potter tour