Things to do · London, United Kingdom
Things to Do in London
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- Getting there
- London is served by three major airports: Heathrow about 24 km west of the city centre, Gatwick roughly 40 km south, and Luton around 44 km north. Most international visitors arrive via Heathrow or Gatwick with connections from Europe, North America, and the Middle East, then take the Heathrow Express, Gatwick Express, or a Thameslink train into central stations. Driving or coach from the motorways is also common for domestic travelers.
- Who goes
- London welcomes roughly 20 million overseas visitors a year, plus a similar number of domestic tourists, drawing a mix of first‑time sightseers, business travelers, and culture‑hunters. The city is busiest from June through August when the weather is warm and festivals abound, while January and February tend to be the quietest months, offering shorter lines and calmer streets.
- Budgeting
- A careful traveler can expect to spend around £60–£100 per day (about $75–$125), while a comfortable stay typically runs £150–£250 daily (roughly $190–$315), with lodging and dining taking up most of the budget. A practical way to stretch your money is to use an Oyster or contactless card for public transport and take advantage of the many free museum entries, especially on the South Bank. Estimate →
Borough Market
market · 4.6 rating
A historic food market in Southwark offering artisanal produce, street food, and specialty stalls. Travelers come to sample diverse international foods and local British fare.
Madame Tussauds London
attraction · 4.5 rating
A famous wax museum displaying lifelike figures of celebrities, historical figures, and pop culture icons. Travelers visit to pose with realistic wax statues.
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
garden · 4.7 rating
A vast UNESCO-listed botanical garden with historic glasshouses, plant collections, and landscaped grounds. Travelers come for its horticultural diversity and tranquil green spaces.
London Zoo
attraction · 4.3 rating
The world's oldest scientific zoo, located in Regent's Park, housing a wide range of animals across themed exhibits. A popular family destination for wildlife viewing and conservation education.
Hampton Court Palace
attraction · 4.7 rating
A grand Tudor and Baroque royal palace on the Thames once home to Henry VIII, featuring lavish state rooms, historic kitchens, and famous gardens with a hedge maze. Travelers visit for its rich royal history and architecture.
Shakespeare's Globe
attraction · 4.6 rating
A faithful reconstruction of the Elizabethan open-air theatre where Shakespeare's plays were staged, offering performances and guided tours. Travelers come to experience historic theatre and drama.
Royal Observatory Greenwich
attraction · 4.6 rating
The historic observatory on the Prime Meridian line, home to astronomy exhibits, historic timekeeping instruments, and a planetarium. Travelers visit to straddle the meridian and enjoy views over Greenwich.
SEA LIFE London Aquarium
aquarium
A large aquarium on the South Bank displaying marine life across themed zones including sharks, rays, and a walk-through tunnel. Travelers go for family-friendly underwater exhibits near the London Eye.
Tower of London
attraction · £37
A historic royal fortress and former prison on the Thames, home to the Crown Jewels and centuries of English history. Travelers come for its towers, ravens, and Yeoman Warder tours.
Hyde Park
park
One of London's largest and most famous royal parks, home to the Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner, and open green spaces. Travelers come to walk, boat, and relax in the heart of the city.
Babylon Park London
theme park
An indoor amusement and entertainment center with arcade games and attractions aimed at families and groups. A lively rainy-day option.
Westminster Abbey
church · £27
A historic Gothic church and UNESCO World Heritage Site that has hosted coronations and royal ceremonies for centuries. Travelers visit for its architecture and royal tombs.
Tate Modern
gallery
A leading modern and contemporary art museum housed in a former power station on the South Bank, famous for its vast Turbine Hall installations. It's a major draw for contemporary art and riverside views.
Natural History Museum
museum
A landmark South Kensington museum famed for its dinosaur skeletons, mammal and geological collections, and grand Victorian architecture. Travelers come for world-class natural science exhibits and the iconic Hintze Hall.
The National Gallery
gallery
A major art museum on Trafalgar Square housing a world-class collection of Western European paintings from the 13th to 19th centuries, including works by Van Gogh, Turner, and Rembrandt. It is one of London's most celebrated cultural institutions.
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