8 best things to do in London to make the most of your visit

London is a city defined by its rich history, architectural grandeur, and vibrant cultural evolution. For those planning a visit or seeking to rediscover the capital, this guide presents a curated selection of the finest sights and activities across the city.

Cultural and historical things to do in London

1. Explore famous artefacts at The British Museum

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7323 8299

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
• Friday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
• Saturday to Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm

Price: Free

Established in 1753 and opened in 1759, the British Museum is the world’s first national public museum. The institution houses an extensive collection of over eight million objects documenting human history and culture, including the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures, located beneath the glass canopy of the Great Court.

Pro tip: Acquiring a complimentary floor plan in the Great Court upon arrival assists visitors in navigating the extensive galleries and locating key exhibits.

2. Book a guided tour to explore the Tower of London

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Website

Contact details: +44 333 320 6000

Operating hours:

• Monday: 10 am to 4:30 pm
• Tuesday to Saturday: 9 am to 4:30 pm
• Sunday: 10 am to 4:30 pm

Price: ££

Constructed by William the Conqueror in 1066, the Tower of London is one of the most prominent historic fortresses in the United Kingdom. Serving historically as a royal residence, fortress, and state prison, the site allows visitors to tour the medieval White Tower, completed in 1078, and view the collection of Crown Jewels.

Pro tip: Utilising a London Pass can be cost-effective for visitors planning to tour multiple major capital landmarks during their stay.

Outdoor and leisure things to do in London

3. Have a relaxing stroll at Hyde Park

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Website

Contact details: +44 300 061 2000

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 5 am to 12 am

Price: Free

Spanning 350 acres, Hyde Park is one of the largest Royal Parks in the capital. Originally acquired by Henry VIII in 1536 as a private hunting ground, it was opened to the public in 1637. Today, the park features walking paths, boating on the Serpentine Lake, the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain, and the historic Speakers' Corner.

Pro tip: The park hosts numerous large-scale concerts and festivals throughout the year; checking the event calendar in advance is recommended.

4. Take a ride on the London Eye

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7967 8021

Operating hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 11 am to 6 pm
• Friday to Saturday: 10 am to 8:30 pm
• Sunday: 11 am to 6 pm

Price: ££

Standing 135 metres high on the South Bank of the River Thames, the London Eye has been a key feature of the London skyline since opening in 2000. A 30-minute rotation in one of the 32 passenger capsules provides panoramic views of landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, reaching up to 40 kilometres on clear days.

Pro tip: Visiting during early morning or late afternoon hours generally avoids the busiest tour groups.

Art and scenic things to do in London

5. Check out the art exhibitions at Tate Modern

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7887 8888

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: Free

Tate Modern, housed in the repurposed Bankside Power Station, stands as a premier museum for modern and contemporary art. Its galleries exhibit works by artists including Picasso, Warhol, and Dalí, while the vast Turbine Hall features commissioned, large-scale installations. Entry to the permanent collection is free.

Pro tip: The 'Tate Lates' events, held on the final Friday of each month, offer extended opening hours featuring live music, workshops, and gallery talks.

6. Take amazing photos of Big Ben

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 7219 4272

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Price: ££

The Elizabeth Tower, which houses the 13.5-tonne Great Bell popularly known as Big Ben, is a prominent landmark completed in 1859. Standing at 96 metres at the north end of the Houses of Parliament, guided tours are available to climb the 334 steps to view the clock mechanism and the belfry.

Pro tip: Sturdy footwear is required to climb the stone stairs, and food or drink items are restricted inside the tower.

Food, drink and shopping things to do in London

7. Elevate your evening at Evelyn’s Table

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Website

Contact details:

Operating hours:

• Monday to Friday: 6 pm to 11 pm

Price: £££

Evelyn’s Table is an intimate, Michelin-starred dining experience located in a Soho basement, accommodating 12 guests at a kitchen counter. Under the direction of chef Seamus Sam, the restaurant serves a refined tasting menu showcasing British ingredients prepared with French and Japanese culinary influences.

Pro tip: Due to the highly limited seating capacity, booking reservations well in advance is essential.

8. Browse through Camden Market

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Website

Contact details: +44 20 3763 9900

Operating hours:

• Monday to Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm

Price: ££

Established in 1974, Camden Market has expanded into a major retail hub featuring over 1,000 stalls, shops, and food venues. Situated alongside the Regent's Canal, the market is renowned for alternative fashion, vintage goods, and street food options.

Pro tip: While digital payments are widely accepted, carrying some cash can be useful for certain independent stallholders.