Bustling, historic, and full of surprises — London is a city that never slows down. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, there’s always something new to discover. Here’s your ultimate travel guide to making the most of your time in the British capital.
What to See & Do
London is packed with must-sees and hidden gems.
Historical Landmarks
Well-known
Buckingham Palace – The official residence of the British monarch.
Greenwich Observatory – The site of the Prime Meridian, where time itself is measured, and the birthplace of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Houses of Parliament & Big Ben – Iconic political and architectural landmarks.
St. Paul’s Cathedral – A grand and historic cathedral with a dome offering spectacular views of the city.
Tower of London – A historic castle and former royal residence, home to the Crown Jewels.
Westminster Abbey – A gothic church known for royal ceremonies, including coronations and weddings.
The Old Royal Observatory – A historic site in Greenwich, where you can stand on the Prime Meridian and learn about the history of timekeeping.
Less-known
Banqueting House – The only remaining part of the Palace of Whitehall, notable for its beautiful ceiling painted by Peter Paul Rubens.
The Cenotaph – A war memorial in Whitehall honoring British and Commonwealth military personnel.
London Bridge – A historic bridge with an interesting past, now home to shops and attractions.
The Monument to the Great Fire of London – A tall column commemorating the Great Fire of 1666, with a viewing platform offering views of the city.
The Old Royal Naval College – Located in Greenwich, it’s an architectural masterpiece and home to the National Maritime Museum.
The Royal Mews – The working stables and carriage museum of the British royal family, located at Buckingham Palace.
Temple Church – A 12th-century church associated with the Knights Templar.
Museums
Well-known
The British Museum – A world-renowned museum with ancient and historical artifacts.
Natural History Museum – A museum featuring fascinating exhibits on dinosaurs, human evolution, and more.
Science Museum – A hands-on museum with interactive exhibits and historical scientific artifacts.
Victoria and Albert Museum – A museum focusing on art, design, and fashion.
Less-known
The Design Museum – A museum dedicated to contemporary design, architecture, fashion, and more.
The Hunterian Museum – A hidden gem within the Royal College of Surgeons, offering a collection of medical curiosities and oddities.
London Transport Museum – A fun and educational museum focusing on London’s iconic transport history.
Cultural & Artistic
Well-known
National Gallery – A vast collection of Western European paintings.
Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre – A recreation of the Elizabethan theatre where Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.
Tate Britain – A museum dedicated to British art, with works spanning from 1500 to the present.
Tate Modern – A contemporary art museum housed in a former power station.
Less-known
The Barbican Centre – A cultural center hosting art exhibitions, theater performances, and music concerts.
The Photographers’ Gallery – London’s leading space for photography exhibitions, located in the heart of Soho.
Royal Academy of Arts – A historic art institution with changing exhibitions and an iconic Summer Exhibition.
Royal Opera House – A prestigious venue for opera and ballet performances.
The Saatchi Gallery – A contemporary art gallery known for showcasing new, emerging artists.
Serpentine Gallery – A contemporary art gallery in Hyde Park showcasing modern artists and thought-provoking exhibitions.
The Southbank Centre – A cultural venue with theaters, art exhibitions, and live music performances along the River Thames.
The Wallace Collection – A collection of fine art, furniture, and armor housed in a beautiful historic London townhouse.
The Whitechapel Gallery – A contemporary art gallery that has hosted works by famous artists such as Picasso and Frida Kahlo.
The Vaults – Located under Waterloo Station, this is a quirky arts venue offering immersive theater and performance art.
Hidden Gems
Daunt Books – A historic bookshop with beautiful Edwardian design, offering travel books and hidden gems.
God’s Own Junkyard – A vibrant and eclectic collection of neon signs and art.
Leadenhall Market – A beautiful Victorian covered market often overlooked by tourists.
Little Venice – A picturesque canal area, often considered a peaceful retreat from the hustle of London.
Modern & Trendy
Borough Market – A popular food market offering a wide array of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and international cuisine.
Boxpark Shoreditch – A pop-up mall made from shipping containers, offering a mix of trendy shops, street food, and nightlife.
Brick Lane – A vibrant street known for its diverse food scene, vintage stores, and cool street art.
Camden Market – Known for its alternative culture, food stalls, and eclectic shops.
Camden Town – A vibrant district known for its alternative culture, market stalls, and diverse food scene.
Coal Drops Yard – A stylish retail and dining complex located in King’s Cross, combining history with contemporary design.
Covent Garden – A lively area filled with shops, restaurants, and street performances.
King’s Cross Station – A beautifully restored station with a modern shopping and dining area, plus the famous Platform 9¾ for Harry Potter fans.
Seven Dials – A hidden area in Covent Garden, featuring independent shops, quirky boutiques, and intimate cafes.
Shoreditch – A trendy area known for its street art, quirky cafes, and independent boutiques.
Sky Garden – An indoor garden with stunning views of the London skyline, located in the “Walkie Talkie” building, offering free entry with prior booking.
Spitalfields Market – An eclectic market known for food, fashion, and vintage stalls.
The O2 – A huge entertainment venue with concerts, exhibitions, and an indoor climbing experience called “Up at The O2.”
The Shard – London’s tallest building with an observation deck offering breathtaking views.
Family-Friendly
Hyde Park’s Princess Diana Memorial Playground & Fountain – A fantastic children’s playground themed around Peter Pan.
Kidzania – An indoor city for children where they can try out various careers in a mini-version of London.
London Aquarium – A large and interactive aquarium with a variety of marine life.
London Duck Tours – A fun amphibious vehicle tour that takes you around the city and into the Thames River.
London Dungeon – A spooky attraction offering a journey through London’s dark history.
London Eye – A giant observation wheel offering spectacular views of the city.
Madame Tussauds London – A famous waxwork museum with lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and world leaders.
Shrek’s Adventure! London – An interactive and fun family attraction based on the popular animated movies.
ZSL London Zoo – One of the oldest zoos in the world with a wide variety of animals.
Unusual Attractions
The Clink Prison Museum – A historical museum on the site of one of England’s oldest prisons.
The Crypt at St. Martin-in-the-Fields – A quirky spot beneath one of London’s most famous churches, now a cafe and venue for concerts.
The Harry Potter Studio Tour – A behind-the-scenes tour of the Harry Potter films, located just outside central London.
The King’s Cross Tunnel – A mysterious underground tunnel at King’s Cross station that’s been the subject of various urban myths.
The London Sewer Tour – A fascinating, underground tour of London’s historic sewer system.
The Magic Circle – London’s famous magic society, where you can enjoy magic shows and learn about the art of illusion.
The Old Operating Theatre Museum – One of London’s oldest museums, showcasing the history of surgery and its gruesome past.
Off-the-Beaten-Path / Outside-of-London Attractions
Chislehurst Caves – A labyrinth of man-made caves with a fascinating history, including use as air-raid shelters during WWII.
Epping Forest – A large ancient forest just outside London, offering miles of walking and cycling paths.
God’s Own Junkyard – A collection of neon art, signs, and installations that are both vibrant and unusual.
The Brunel Museum – A museum dedicated to the life and work of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, featuring the Thames Tunnel.
The Crossness Pumping Station – A Victorian sewage pumping station that’s surprisingly beautiful and architecturally impressive. / A Victorian steam-powered pumping station, offering a fascinating glimpse into London’s industrial history.
The Eel Pie Island – A quirky, artist-run private island with a fascinating history and occasional open days.
The Thames Path – A walking route that follows the River Thames, offering beautiful views of London’s riverside, bridges, and historic sites.
Green Spaces & Parks
Well-known
Greenwich Park – One of the Royal Parks of London, offering stunning views of the River Thames and the city skyline.
Hyde Park – A sprawling central park with lakes, gardens, and recreational areas.
Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake – A beautiful lake in Hyde Park where you can rent pedal boats or simply enjoy a picnic by the water.
Kensington Gardens – A serene park with a beautiful palace and the famous Peter Pan statue.
Kew Gardens – A stunning botanical garden with a vast collection of plants and beautiful glasshouses.
Regent’s Park – Includes beautiful gardens and the famous London Zoo.
Richmond Park – A large park with wild deer and natural beauty on the outskirts of London.
St. James’s Park – Known for its beautiful flowers and views of Buckingham Palace.
Less-known
Battersea Park – A lovely park on the banks of the Thames, with gardens, a lake, and a zoo.
Brockwell Park – A South London gem with a Victorian-era lido and amazing views of the city skyline.
Clapham Common – A large park in South London, offering plenty of green space, ponds, and a lively atmosphere.
Gunnersbury Park – A large park with gardens, a museum, and historic buildings.
Hampstead Heath – A vast, wild park with ponds, woodlands, and panoramic views of London from Parliament Hill.
Postman’s Park – A peaceful green space in the heart of the city with a touching memorial to heroic self-sacrifice.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens – A peaceful, lesser-known park with historical significance, located in South London.
Victoria Park – A popular East London park with large open spaces, playgrounds, and beautiful lakes.
Where to Eat & Drink
London’s food scene is as diverse as its people.
Street Food & Markets
Borough Market (London Bridge)
- 🍽️ What to try: Kappacasein’s grilled cheese, Ethiopian stews, pastries from Bread Ahead
- 🛎️ Vibe: Bustling and gourmet — a must-visit
Camden Market (Camden Town)
- 🍽️ What to try: Halloumi fries, Korean bao buns, Colombian arepas
- 🛎️ Vibe: Cool, eclectic, perfect for grazing
Mercato Metropolitano (Elephant & Castle)
- 🍽️ What to try: Handmade pasta, craft beer, vegan options
- 🛎️ Vibe: Community feel, indoor/outdoor space
Maltby Street Market (Bermondsey)
- 🍽️ What to try: Waffles, gin cocktails, artisan cheese toasties
- 🛎️ Vibe: Hidden gem, less touristy
Seven Dials Market (Covent Garden)
- 🍽️ What to try: Truffle burgers, Filipino BBQ, soft serve
- 🛎️ Vibe: Trendy indoor food hall
Budget Eats (£10–£20)
Dishoom Breakfast (Various locations)
- 🍽️ Try: Bacon naan roll, chai
- 🛎️ Vibe: Bombay café meets London brunch
Padella (Borough Market)
- 🍽️ Try: Cacio e pepe, tagliarini with nduja
- 🛎️ Vibe: Fresh handmade pasta, incredible value
Roti King (Euston)
- 🍽️ Try: Roti canai with curry, teh tarik
- 🛎️ Vibe: Hole-in-the-wall legend, always a queue
Flat Iron (Various locations)
- 🍽️ Try: £14 steak with dripping-cooked chips
- 🛎️ Vibe: Stylish, no reservations, free salted caramel ice cream!
Tofu Vegan (Islington / Spitalfields)
- 🍽️ Try: Sichuan tofu dishes, dan dan noodles
- 🛎️ Vibe: Bright, modern plant-based Chinese food
Mid-Range (£20–£50)
Bancone (Soho / Covent Garden)
- 🍽️ Try: Silk handkerchief pasta with walnut butter
- 🛎️ Vibe: Sleek, modern Italian
Smokestak (Shoreditch)
- 🍽️ Try: Beef brisket, burnt ends, sticky toffee pud
- 🛎️ Vibe: Industrial-chic BBQ
Gloria (Shoreditch)
- 🍽️ Try: Carbonara served in a cheese wheel
- 🛎️ Vibe: OTT Italian decor, fun vibe
Kiln (Soho)
- 🍽️ Try: Thai clay pot dishes, Burmese short rib curry
- 🛎️ Vibe: Counter dining, creative Southeast Asian
Gunpowder (Tower Bridge / Soho)
- 🍽️ Try: Spicy venison doughnuts, egg curry
- 🛎️ Vibe: Modern Indian small plates, bold flavors
Luxury Dining (£80+ per person)
Sketch (Mayfair)
- 🍽️ Try: Afternoon tea in the pink room or Michelin tasting menus
- 🛎️ Vibe: Artistic, whimsical, unforgettable bathrooms
Core by Clare Smyth (Notting Hill) – ⭐⭐⭐ Michelin
- 🍽️ Try: Potato & roe, roasted cod
- 🛎️ Vibe: Refined and personal fine dining
Restaurant Story (London Bridge) – ⭐⭐ Michelin
- 🍽️ Try: Tasting menus based on British storytelling
- 🛎️ Vibe: Intimate, creative, modern British
Hélène Darroze at The Connaught (Mayfair) – ⭐⭐⭐ Michelin
- 🍽️ Try: 7-course tasting with wine pairing
- 🛎️ Vibe: Elegant, romantic, classic
Dinner by Heston Blumenthal (Knightsbridge) – ⭐⭐ Michelin
- 🍽️ Try: Meat fruit (mandarin chicken liver parfait)
- 🛎️ Vibe: Historical dishes reimagined with flair
Where to Stay
Each neighborhood has its own flavor — stay in Soho for nightlife, Notting Hill for charm, or Shoreditch for a hip, creative vibe.
Budget (under £100/night)
YHA London Central (Great Portland Street)
🛏️ Type: Hostel (private rooms & dorms)
📍 Location: Fitzrovia, very central
🌟 Why stay: Clean, modern, safe; perfect for solo travelers or budget-conscious groups
💬 Bonus: Walking distance to Oxford Street & Soho
Point A Hotel London – Paddington
🛏️ Type: Budget hotel
📍 Location: Near Hyde Park & Paddington Station
🌟 Why stay: Comfy beds, modern design, great transport links
💬 Bonus: Optional add-ons to keep the base rate low
The Z Hotel Shoreditch
🛏️ Type: Compact boutique hotel
📍 Location: Trendy East London (Shoreditch)
🌟 Why stay: Affordable, stylish, near nightlife & tech hub
💬 Bonus: Free cheese & wine evenings!
Mid-Range (£100–£250/night)
citizenM London Bankside
🛏️ Type: Trendy hotel with tech-forward rooms
📍 Location: South Bank (near Tate Modern & Borough Market)
🌟 Why stay: Smart rooms, funky decor, excellent value for central London
💬 Bonus: Great common areas for lounging or remote work
The Hoxton, Holborn
🛏️ Type: Boutique hotel
📍 Location: Holborn (walkable to Covent Garden & Soho)
🌟 Why stay: Super cozy, cool interiors, local vibe
💬 Bonus: On-site restaurant & a hip crowd
The Resident Victoria
🛏️ Type: Aparthotel (mini kitchenettes)
📍 Location: Near Buckingham Palace
🌟 Why stay: Excellent location, quiet, well-priced for what you get
💬 Bonus: Great for longer stays thanks to in-room amenities
Luxury (£250+/night)
The Ned
🛏️ Type: 5-star hotel with a private members’ club feel
📍 Location: City of London
🌟 Why stay: Historic former bank turned glamorous hotel, rooftop pool, 9 restaurants
💬 Bonus: Feels like a whole world in one building
The Langham
🛏️ Type: Iconic luxury hotel
📍 Location: Regent Street, near Oxford Circus
🌟 Why stay: Classic elegance, impeccable service, Michelin-starred dining
💬 Bonus: Afternoon tea here is legendary
Shangri-La The Shard
🛏️ Type: Luxury skyscraper hotel
📍 Location: Inside The Shard (London Bridge)
🌟 Why stay: Panoramic views, spa-like bathrooms, infinity pool in the sky
💬 Bonus: Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room
Where to Shop
London is a shopper’s paradise!
High street & flagship stores
Head to Oxford Street, Regent Street, and Carnaby Street.
Luxury shopping
Browse the elegant halls of Harrods, Liberty, and Selfridges.
Burlington Arcade
Markets
Don’t miss Portobello Road, Brick Lane, or Columbia Road Flower Market for something unique.
Indie & vintage
Explore Spitalfields and Camden for one-of-a-kind finds.
Goldsmith Vintage, Charring Cross Road
Budget & Costs
London can be pricey, but smart planning helps:
- Attractions: Many museums (like the British Museum and Natural History Museum) are free!
- Transport: Use an Oyster card or contactless payment for cheaper fares.
- Meals: Street food and local cafés can fill you up for under £10.
- Hotels: Budget stays from £50–£100, mid-range £120–£250, and luxury upwards.
How to Get Around
The Tube is fast and easy — just avoid rush hour if you can. Buses are scenic and cheaper, and walking is often the best way to explore neighborhoods. You can also rent a Santander bike for just a couple of pounds.
Use Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate like a pro. And if you’re staying longer, consider getting a Visitor Oyster card for discounted fares.
Final Tip: London’s charm is in its variety — mix the iconic with the unexpected, and you’ll fall in love with this incredible city.