London is a city that never ceases to amaze, brimming with culture, history, and endless possibilities for exploration. While iconic landmarks like Big Ben and the Tower of London are a must-see, there's a world of lesser-known gems waiting to be discovered. For those eager to explore all the city has to offer, this ultimate bucket list will guide you through 100 things to do in London that truly capture the city's spirit, from the well known (but only the ones truly worth the trip!) to the unique hidden gems.
Tourist Attractions:
The Tower of London: Home to the Crown Jewels, the execution ground for three of Henry VIII's wives, and a staggering amount of history, this is a true London must-see. Stay to witness the Ceremony of the Keys, an ancient ritual has taken place every night for over 700 years.
The Painted Hall: A trip to Greenwich is worth it to see this beautiful masterpiece - the UK's own "Sistine Chapel".
The London Eye: Iconic for a reason, this popular attraction is worth it in off-peak times (think early, weekdays, when it won't be as crowded) Otherwise, be prepared to wait for your views.
Westminster Abbey: One of the most famous churches in the world, Westminster Abbey is known for its stunning Gothic architecture, royal coronations, Poet's Corner, historic tombs, and centuries of British history.
Piccadilly Circus: Though not quite as massive as Times Square, Piccadilly Circus is known for its vibrant nightlife, iconic neon signs, bustling energy, and a central London experience.
Big Ben: The Elizabeth Tower and Big Ben (the name for the bell inside, actually, not the tower itself) are synonymous with the city of London. Book a 90 minute guided tour and climb up inside the tower.
Houses of Parliament: The palace of Westminster is home to the UK Parliament, and offers tours that detail the history and heritage of the building, as well as the history of the UK government.
St Paul's Cathedral: Make your way to the Whispering Gallery in St. Paul's Cathedral for an astounding acoustic experience, or attend a service for free.
Changing of the Guard: The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham palace occurs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays at 11am, and is a prime example of British tradition, precision, royal pageantry.
Roman Wall: There are several spots to see old Roman ruins in London, but the Roman Wall on Tower Hill is the best spot.
Tower Bridge: Did you know you can walk across the iconic Tower Bridge? Visit this iconic feat of Victorian engineering for panoramic views over the River Thames.
The Painted Hall
Castles & Houses:
Buckingham Palace: One of the most iconic palaces in the world, Buckingham Palace offers guest tours July through September.
Hampton Court Palace: Henry VIII's beautiful residence is known for its Tudor history, stunning gardens, and its famous maze.
Strawberry Hill House: Arguably one of the prettiest grand houses in London, Strawberry Hill House is done in the Gothic Revival style and has truly one of the most gorgeous libraries of all time.
Kensington Palace: Located on the Western side of Hyde Park, Kensington Palace is not only a beautiful palace, but hosts some amazing art and fashion exhibits.
Severndroog Castle: Out of the way of the more touristy parts of London, Severndroog Castle is a Gothic-style tower offering panoramic views, tranquil woodland walks, and rich historical charm in South London.
Museums:
Sir John Soane Museum: One of London's quirkier museums, this museum showcases a famous architect's personal collection of art, antiquities, and architectural models, displayed in a unique, atmospheric setting, and is free to enter.
The British Museum: See the famous Rosetta's Stone up close, as well as many other important archaeological and historical artefacts from around the world. Museum is free to enter, but book tickets ahead of time to guarantee a time slot.
Victoria & Albert Museum: Venture into the V&A for a deep dive into history with its vast collections. Entry is free.
London Transport Museum: London has some of the most iconic public transport in the world (think the tube or the double decker buses) - learn the history and see some pretty amazingly preserved old vehicles and trains at this incredible museum.
The Postal Museum: Uncover the secrets of the British postal system at The Postal Museum, featuring a train ride through the old mail tunnels.
The British Library: Visit the British Library for rare manuscripts, historical documents, stunning exhibitions, and literary treasures from history, like Shakespeare's first folios, The Canterbury Tales, Jane Austen's early works, the Magna Carta, and so many more.
National Portrait Gallery: Located just off of Trafalgar Square, this free museum features portraits of historically important Brits, from Kings and Queens to contemporary figures, celebrating British history, art, and culture.
Royal Greenwich Observatory: Step into the past at the home of the Prime Meridian, and stand at 0 degrees longitude.
Sherlock Holmes Museum: Delve into the world of detective fiction at the Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street.
Museum of Natural History: Another free museum, this unbelievable building is home to dinosaur bones, interactive science displays, and some truly stunning architecture.
Natural History Museum
Views:
Primrose Hill: A local favorite picnic spot for warm days, Primrose Hill is just north of Regent's Park, and offers beautiful open views across the city.
The Shard: One of the tallest buildings in the London Skyline (and certainly one of the more recognizable ones), I like to skip the viewing platform fees at the top of the Shard and instead head up to Bar 31 to grab a drink with an incredible view.
Sky Garden: Visit this famous garden in the sky for breathtaking views of the London skyline. It’s free, but be sure to book in advance!
Horizon 22: One of London's newest viewing platforms, Horizon 22 is free to enter (but book a slot online to guarantee a ticket) and offers 300-degree views of the city.
Lift 109: Located in the art deco Battersea Power Station, take a trip up the glass elevator for panoramic views across the Thames.
Thames Clipper Boat: Hop on the Thames Clipper for a unique view of the city from the river. It's a great way to avoid the crowds while still enjoying the sights.
The Garden at 120: Close by to the Sky Garden but much lesser-known, this spot is a 15th story rooftop garden that is free to visit and requires no booking ahead.
View from the Shard
Streets:
Cecil Court: One of my personal favorite streets in London, this street is quiet and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of nearby Covent Garden. It's also nicknamed "Booksellers Row" and is home to several old bookshops and antique stores.
Neal's Yard: Tucked down a side street at Seven Dials, Neal's Yard is easily one of the most instagrammable spots in London, with its bright colored buildings and shops.
Leadenhall Market: Experience the charm of Leadenhall Market, a historic market known for its beautiful Victorian architecture and unique shops.
Lancaster Road: Known for its beautifully colored houses, this road is worth a visit if you're in the Notting Hill area!
Chalcot Crescent: If you want to see a street of the iconic pastel London terraced houses, this is the one for you. Featured in the Paddington films, this street is absolutely adorable.
Nature & Parks:
Kew Gardens: Come to this UNESCO World Heritage site for over 300 acres of beautiful gardens, greenhouses, and close to 17,000 types of plants from around the world. It's also home to Kew Palace, home to George III and Queen Charlotte.
Hyde Park: This park can feel intimidatingly large, but make sure you get to see the massive Albert Memorial, The Italian Gardens, and the Serpentine (and rent a pedalo boat to paddle around on a warm day!)
Barbican Conservatory: Hidden away behind concrete walls, The Barbican Conservatory is a lush, tropical garden featuring exotic plants, serene pathways, and peaceful, architectural surroundings.
Little Venice: One of my favorite parts of the city, Little Venice is tucked just north of Paddington basin, and home to various colorful canal boats, riverside walks, and quirky cafes.
Regents Park: Seek out the Queen Mary's Rose Garden in Regent's Park. This stunning location boasts over 12,000 roses and is a perfect spot for a tranquil afternoon.
Richmond Park: Richmond Park is a vast, tranquil park with wild deer, scenic landscapes, woodlands, and beautiful walking and cycling trails.
St Dunstan in the East: Wander through the ruins of this bombed-out church, now transformed into a beautiful public garden.
Hampstead Heath: Spend a day wandering through Hampstead Heath, one of London’s most picturesque parks with panoramic views. The nearby Hill Garden and Pergola are beautiful, as well.
St. Dunstan in the East
Entertainment:
Prince Charles Cinema: A quirky old cinema in Chinatown with sing-along shows and movie marathons, this is the perfect rainy day venue for film enthusiasts.
West End Show: The West End is London's version of Broadway - amazing plays, musicals, and often cameos by famous actors and actresses. Use sites like TodayTix and London Theatre Direct to find affordable tickets!
Harry Potter Studio Tour: Just a short train ride from central London, the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden Studios is a treasure trove of movie artefacts, sets, and interactive exhibitions.
The Globe Theatre: Experience Shakespeare at the Globe Theatre. It's a delight to enjoy a play in this authentic recreation of Shakespeare's original theatre.
Royal Albert Hall: One of my favorite spots in London, this beautiful music venue was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, and is best known as a concert hall. Seeing a musical performance here is such a treat, and I always recommend it if you can fit it into your trip.
The National Theatre: Sitting on the bank of the Thames, The National Theatre is a must-go-to for fans of drama and comedy. Often playing both classic and contemporary shows with recognizable faces, this prestigious theatre is surprisingly affordable and offers £10 Friday rush tickets.
Markets:
Borough Market: London's biggest food market, Borough Market is an institution in the city. Go midweek for fewer crowds, and don't you dare skip out on the crème brûlée donuts at Bread Ahead.
Greenwich Market: A totally underrated market in my opinion, Greenwich has a great variety of food stalls and local artists and vendors.
Maltby Street Market: A favorite among Londoners, Maltby St Market is a total melting pot of foods from many different countries and cultures.
Camden Market: Artistic, colorful, and bustling, Camden Market has everything - food, souvenirs, vintage clothing, and eclectic vibes.
Brick Lane Market: Dive into the world of vintage fashion on Brick Lane, home to charming boutiques and pop up food vendors.
Portobello Road Market: If you're looking for trendy vintage clothing, look no further than this market in Notting Hill.
Borough Market
Restaurants:
Dishoom: One of the most commonly recommended restaurants in London, and for a reason. Home to Indian street food served tapas-style, the black daal is an absolute must.
Bob Bob Ricard: Famous for their "press for champagne" tableside buttons. Need I say more?
Circolo Popolare: Easily one of the prettiest restaurants in London, this Italian restaurant transports you straight to the Amalfi Coast, and is an instagrammer's paradise.
The Ivy: There are a few iterations of The Ivy in London (and across the UK), but they're a great option for British cooking - they also have afternoon tea at several of their locations!
Dans Le Noir?: One of my favorite dining experiences in London (and featured in one of my favorite movies, About Time), this unique restaurant has you dining in the pitch black. It creates a completely wild sensory experience, where the food tastes - dare I say it - completely different when you're deprived of one of your five senses.
The Princess of Shoreditch: This might be the very best example of a truly great British pub, in my opinion. Come on a Sunday for a traditional roast dinner, and if you do ANYTHING, get the sticky toffee pudding.
Casual Dining & Cafes:
Bun House Chinatown: The salted egg custard bun is one of my favorite bites in London - at under £4 a bun, don't miss out on it!
Italian Bear Chocolate: Known for its decadent molten chocolate cake and the best hot chocolate in London (featuring white, milk, and dark chocolate).
Pick & Cheese: Within Seven Dials Market, this place is a quirky sushi-conveyor-belt type of operation, except with about twenty different types of cheeses rather than raw fish. Each cheese is expertly paired and plated, and so so delicious.
Farm Girl: A West London institution, Farm Girl is a perfect atmospheric brunch spot.
Biscuiteers: The cutest little biscuit shop in Notting Hill, their creations are as tasty as they are adorable.
Biscuiteers
Bars:
Madison: Featuring some of the best views of St. Paul's Cathedral, make sure you check out their rooftop terrace bar.
Cahoots: A quirky underground bar designed and themed - literally - like the London Underground around the end of World War II, this is such a fun spot to immerse yourself in another time period.
Bruno's: If you find yourself in Hackney Wick, check out Bruno's, a lovely,cozy floating bar on a barge. If you're looking to get away from the beaten path and immerse yourselves with the locals, this is the one.
Nightjar: Featuring two locations in Soho and Shoreditch, respectively, Nightjar is an old-school speakeasy style of bar with moody lighting and a sultry ambiance.
The Porterhouse: This one is my dad's favorite spot to hit up if we're in Covent Garden and central London - a beautiful old three-story pub with their own craft brews and a lively, casual atmosphere.
The Churchill Arms: You probably recognize this pub's exterior - it's featured all across travel magazines and social media, known for its overly floral displays in the summer and light up Christmas wonderland in the winter. Pop in for a pint and say you've had a drink at the prettiest pub in London!
The Churchill Arms
Iconic Shopping:
Liberty: Not only is Liberty great for really unique souvenirs, beautiful prints, and luxury items, but it's housed in one of the largest and prettiest Tudor-style buildings in London.
Harrods: Luxury shopping destination in Knightsbridge, renowned for its opulence and world-class food halls.
Fortnum & Mason: Makers of the famous F&M wicker hampers, Fortnum and Mason is home to several stories of quintessentially English goodies and keepsakes. Make sure to check out their yummy handmade chocolates and macaroons - truly delicious.
Selfridges: A vibrant store on Oxford Street, known for its high-end fashion, keepsakes and gifts, and a massive food hall.
Filming Locations:
Ranger's House (Bridgerton): If you're obsessed with all things Bridgerton, you'll need to visit this Georgian mansion in Greenwich, which was used as the façade for the Bridgerton mansion in the tv series.
Old Royal Naval College (Bridgerton, Thor 2, Les Miserables): The Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich has been used in countless films and tv shows, and for good reason. The courtyard is beautiful, featuring columns, beautiful buildings, and overlooking the Thames.
Alice's Antiques, Portobello Road (Paddington): One of my favorite quirky iconic London sites, Alice's Antiques on Portobello Road was used as Gruber's antiques shop in the film. Just like in the movie, this place is full of eclectic knick knacks and curios.
Bull's Head Passage: Near Leadenhall Market, this was the filming location for the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - in real life, it's an opticians!
Notting Hill: Obviously, much of the film Notting Hill was filmed in... well, Notting Hill. Most iconic is the famous blue door at Hugh Grant's fictional flat, which can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road. Please be respectful of the residents who live here.
Richmond (Ted Lasso): If you've always wanted to grab a pint at Mae's pub in Ted Lasso - good news! The real pub is called The Prince's Head, and is just as adorable as it is in the tv show. It's right on Richmond Green, as well, which you'll recognize as the exterior filming location for Ted and Beard's walk to work.
St Luke's Mews: Recognizable as the street from the scene in Love Actually, where Andrew Lincoln delivers his "To me, you are perfect" placard to Keira Knightly, this street is super cute in real life. If you go, please be courteous of the residents who live there!
St. Luke's Mews
Quirky:
Word on the Water: A floating canal boat-turned bookshop nestled behind Coal Drops Yard in King's Cross is a perfect spot to pick up a new book - the owner of the shop is delightfully quirky and talkative, as well.
God's Own Junkyard: Not quite a museum, but hard to categorize as it's an experience unlike any other, God's Own Junkyard is a truly unique spot. Home to over 1,500 neon signs, it's full of vibrant neon art and quirky installations.
Jack the Ripper Walking Tour: Yes, I have been on a walking tour detailing the real-life locations and victims of Jack the Ripper in London, and yes, I did genuinely enjoy it. If you don't mind a little gory history, this one's for you.
Seven Noses of Soho: Go on a scavenger hunt to find The Seven Noses of Soho, quirky sculptures scattered across the district.
Shoreditch Street Art Tour: Embark on a street art tour of London's trendy Shoreditch, where you'll encounter vibrant murals and graffiti that tell stories of the city's culture.
Highgate Cemetery: Perhaps not the most traditional tourist attraction, North London's Highgate Cemetery is a beautiful spot in its own right. It's also the final resting place of notables like Karl Marx, George Michael, and Michael Faraday.
Adventure:
Climb the O2: Strap in and climb the exterior of London's huge domed building at a 28 degree incline - it'll get your heart pumping!
F1 Arcade: Fancy pretending to be Louis Hamilton for the day? Experience immersive F1 racing simulators at this bar near St Paul's.
ArcelorMittal Orbit Slide: Head to Millenium Park to slide down the world's longest slide, with amazing views of the city.
IFS Cloud Cable Car: Ride this cable car between Greenwich Peninsula and the Royal Docks for views of London 90m above the Thames. Operated by Transport for London, this is surprisingly affordable at £6 for a one-way adult ticket.
Day Trips:
Cambridge: One of my favorite UK cities, Cambridge is only an hour's train from King's Cross station, and is a lovely day trip. Check out my blog on how to spend a perfect day in Cambridge.
Oxford: Just an easy hour long train from Paddington station, Oxford is a great outing for lovers of history, literature, and architecture. See my blog on 15 things you must do in Oxford.
Windsor: If you're a Royal Family buff, make sure not to miss the King's home of Windsor, only an hour from either Paddington or Victoria stations. It's also a delightfully charming city in its own right!
Brighton: Fancy a day trip to the seaside? Just over an hour from Victoria station, this charming British seaside town is the perfect break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Greenwich: Still technically in London, but you can spend a full day in Greenwich, make sure to check out my blog on all the things you need to go in Greenwich!
London is a beautiful, dynamic city with constant stimulation and adventure, and these 100 activities offer a glimpse of the city's hidden treasures. Whether you're a local or visiting for the first time, visit the city's best tourist attractions or experience the unique charm of London's off-the-beaten-path gems. From historic sites to quirky markets, there's always something new to discover.
Make sure to follow my instagram @elise.abroad - where I discover hidden gems across London, the UK, and further afield, and discuss what it's like to live in a foreign country!
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