Being the capital of England, London is up there with places that should be on everyone's bucket lists. London is a vibrant and interesting city, full of history, culture and fun events. You'll be able to visit the theatre district, China Town, Little Italy, the Queen's residence and more! But being that the city is so large and so famous and has so much to do, you might find yourself a little overwhelmed when you step out onto the streets, so we've compiled a list of 50 things everyone should do at least once when visiting the capital.
London is a place that is rife with things to do, so much so that it might seem a bit overwhelming if it is your first visit, or you're not going to be back for a while and want to fit in as much as possible. It can also be difficult to find things to do that will set your visit apart from everyone else's or give you a more unique city experience.
And so, because we're a nice bunch, we've created a list of fifty things everyone should do when visiting the English capital, especially if you're there to attend an event and want something to do to kill time.
- See the changing of the guard.
Yes, it is touristy as hell, but you have to do it at least once, it's like the law. Also you can play fun games like seeing if you can spot any of the guards needing to sneeze or move a bit of fluff from their helmets from their eyes. - Get lunch at Broadway Market
In fact, any market is a good shout, especially if you want to experience some great street food and visit some amazing landmarks, Portabella Market, Broadway Market, Spittlefields, Camden, Covent Garden, there are a whole host of markets for you to explore. - Go to the roof terrace of the One New Change
It is one of the best views in London that you don't actually have to pay for, head up to the top of the gallery of the One New Change and see the amazing view of St Paul's Cathedral, you'll get some stunning photographs and of course, you will be able to see for miles.
- Get day tickets for a West End Show
Many theatres in the West End offer cut price tickets on the days that they have spare seats with some going for as little as £5! Scout out some theatres showing things you want to see and find out what their day ticket rate is or head to one of the ticket shops in the theatre district and see what you can get. - Boat Trip to Hampton Court
Hampton Court is a beautiful place and is so close to the capital you might as well enjoy it in one go, you can get a boat from Westminster and enjoy the palace, gardens and maze. - Visit Epping Forest
From a historical point of view, Epping is the rumoured last resting place of anyone that crossed the East End gangs in the sixties, from a nature point of view, Epping Forest is one of the most beautiful places to take a little stroll. You can get public transport from the city centre out to Epping. - Take the DLR to Island Gardens
From here you can take the Greenwich Foot Tunnel under the Thames and then head up to the observatory and admire the view. - Do the Parkland Walk between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace
Park walks might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you're in London, but there is actually lots of greenery and parkland for you to explore. Aside from the fact that Alexandra Palace is a lovely place to visit anyway, the walk will take you along old railway tracks and is gorgeous in the summer. - Spend an afternoon in Liberty
If you find yourself in the shopping districts and fancy a more relaxed pace, then lose yourself in the Liberty Shopping Centre, aside from being a historic building that is quite fascinating to look at, inside is quite something as well. - Visit the Rose Garden in Regent Park
Probably not great for those of you with hayfever who have probably chosen a city break for that very reason, but if you don't mind flowers, the smell of the roses is incredible. - Get some proper fish and chips.
I know, everywhere in the UK says they do the best fish and chips, but honestly, fish and chips kind of originated in London's East End. Back when the docks were full of merchant ships and trade between the UK and Europe took place by boat, Eastern European Jews moved to London and bought fish and chips with them. East End fish and chips are some of the best in the land and of course, you can't miss out on the other East End delicacies like jellied eels, whelks and cockles. - Wander around South Bank
South Bank doesn't get as much press as it should, South Bank is amazing, with the Palace of Westminster on one side, the London Eye in view and of course lots of restaurants, shops, bars and attractions all around you, it is a brilliant place to visit when on a trip to London. - Go to the Hive at Kew Gardens
Kew Gardens are great and very picturesque if you're into gardens, but the Hive is an ideal attraction for anyone who isn't that keen on gardens, it is 17 meters tall and is very instagrammable. - Go to the V&A
Many of London's museums and galleries are free to enter. The V&A is a must visit, plus it will put you in the right place to check out some of the others, as well as the area of South Kensington. The V&A has a great cafe which is inexpensive and has some wonderful decor. Next door is the Science Museum where you can join in with interactive exhibits and the Natural History Museum is nearby, speaking of which.... - Ice Skate at the Natural History Museum
Granted, you will have to make sure you're visiting in Winter to take advantage of this, but rather than do it in Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland, why not do some ice skating in the Natural History Museum?
- Visit a city farm
There are loads of them dotted throughout the city, including at Hackney, Vauxhall, Kentish Town, Spitalfields, Mudchute, Stepney and other places, so wherever you are in the city, you're never too far away from one. - Go to Highgate Cemetary
Ok, hear me out. Visiting a cemetary isn't everyone's idea of a good time, but Highgate Cemetary is simply beautiful. Plus if you're into history, you'll enjoy finding the notable people throughout time that are laid to rest there, such as Christina Rosetti. - Admire the view from the sky garden
Of course London has a sky garden. Of course it does. If you can time it so you arrive around sunrise or sunset you'll guarantee some amazing views of the city.
- Go for a drink in the Shard
Ok, so it is quite pricey, but the Shard is uniquely positioned because from the cafes and bars inside, you'll get some amazing views of the city, you'll also get to see how the city has transitioned from the historical and modern archecture that is rife in this area of London.
- Spend a few hours at the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
Can't go to Japan? Bring Japan to you. In the heart of Holland Park, which is a lovely place to visit on its own, is the Kyoto Garden, a small Japanese style area that is perfect for relaxing and attempting to feel zen. - God's Own Junkyard
Yes this is a place and it is filled with neon signs. So, you know, it's something different for the Facebook photo album. - Get Pie and Mash.
Ok, I know I said that Fish and Chips were the thing to do when in London and then listed a load of questionable delicacies, but pie and mash is like a staple to the home grown cockney. While the saw dust on the floors and a toothless gent in the corner tickling the old Joanna are a thing of the past, you will still find old school pie and mash shops littered around. We recommend Pie, Mash and Liqour. It isn't alcoholic and it might look a bit weird, but trust us. - Carnaby Street
Carnaby Street is a haven for anyone who remembers the days of mods and rockers. There are hundreds of vintage stores, plus Paul Weller's line, Pretty Green, have a shop there. Carnaby is also home to several trendy shops and is just off the main shopping streets. Also, they really make an effort with the street decoration. - Harrods' window display
Christmas in London is already a pretty exciting time, but if you're in the city around Christmas time, make sure to head over to Harrods and take in the window display, they never fail to go all out. - Take photos in Mayfield Lavendar Farm
Didn't expect to see a field full of Lavendar while in the capital did you? Well, it is a little way out of the centre, but if you have the time, it is worth the visit, think of the photos! - Go Pelican spotting in St James' Park
Apart from the fact that you're basically in the Queen's back garden at St James' Park, this is one of the most accessible parks in the city located next to Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square. There is a river running through the park which is home to a family of pelicans and other birds.
- Science Lates
If you happen to be in the city on the last Wednesday of the month, you won't want to miss out on the late night opening of the Science Museum, it is the best time to view all the exhibits. - Walk over the glass footway at Tower Bridge
You can use it as an opportunity to work on your fear of heights, but it is also a fun thing to do. You'll get a view from 42 meters above the Thames. - Jump on the No 24 bus
If you catch the No 24 bus from Pimlico to Hampstead Heath, you'll get to take in loads of sights you would probably miss otherwise. Plus Hampstead Heath is a pretty good destination and of course, buses are well cheap in London. - See Keats' House
While you're in Hampstead you might as well see the former home of the poet Keats which is located in this part of the city. - The Portrait Gallery
It's worth a shout any time you happen to be in London, but if you go on a Thursday, they open late and there's a DJ which makes looking at art even more exciting. - Visit the Tate and Tate Modern
You can get a boat to travel between them. That's worth it alone surely?
- Go Deer Spotting
I know you're more likely to hear stories of urban foxes, but Richmond Park is home to over 600 deer so you're pretty much guaranteed to see at least one. - Go to Hogwarts
From London you can get the train out to Watford Junction and visit the Harry Potter Studio Tour, perfect for the little witches and wizards among you that are sad about missing out on their Hogwarts acceptance letter. - Go to the London Wetlands Centre
Located in Barnes, which is very nice indeed, the wetlands centre is an interesting place to go to break up the hustle and bustle of city life. - Visit the Royal Opera House
Like most of the theatres and performance venues, the Royal Opera House offers cheap day tickets, so if you fancy checking out an opera at the premier opera venue, now is your chance. - Columbia Road Flower Market
I know I already mentioned visiting one of London's many markets, but this one deserves its own shout out. Held on a Sunday, it is the perfect place to wander around after a heavy night in the city. - Visit Shakespeare's Globe
The Globe Theatre is famous for being the site of performances of Shakespeare's plays. Visitors to the city can get standing tickets for plays at cheap prices if they want to experience a Shakespeare classic as it was originally intended. - Go to the Shri Swaminaryan Temple
Located in Neasdon, this is an impressive building and will make you think you're somewhere very far from England. - The Barbican
Surrounded by brilliant architecture, the Barbican is a great place to visit and there are plenty of museums and events taking place in the building. - Horniman Museum
One of the prettiest museums in London and also one of the least known, this is a must visit, especially for anyone that wants a great shot for their Instagram. - Climb the Monument
It won't break the bank and of course, there are those views. London does have one of the best skylines. - Head to the Blind Begger
If you're into your London history, you will know the Blind Beggar pub in Whitechapel as the place Ronnie Kray shot George Cornell. So pleased with this piece of knowledge, the pub owners have framed some bullet holes in the wall for Kray fans to pose next to. It's also a gastro pub now and a great spot if you're in the East End to stop for some refreshments. - A city walk
Speaking of the East End and those famous twins, you can join one of the many city walks around the area and visit all the places they frequented. There is also a walk for the East End's other famous villain, Jack the Ripper, where you'll get to visit the site of crime scenes and other notable places from the case. Less violent city walks in other areas are also available. - Get afternoon tea at Fortnum and Masons
Yes it is uber expensive, but you're in London, why not? - Attempt to get to Platform 9 3/4
At Kings Cross Station there is a little part of the station dedicated to Harry Potter with a shop and a trolly half way between platform 9 and 10, it's a great photo opp if you're a fan of the boy who lived.
- Visit the British Library
Right outside Kings Cross is the British Library which is a must for any bibliophiles visiting the city. - YouTube London
Video hosting website, YouTube has a base in London which includes a creator store allowing you to buy merch from some of your favourite YouTubers and a studio known as the YouTube Space where events are held and if you happen to be fairly popular on the site yourself, you can do some filming in the studio space. - See an exhibition in Whitechapel
The Whitechapel Gallery is a great place to visit if you want to take in the culture of the East End. - Walk from Tower Bridge to the Thames Barrage
This is one of the most interesting walks you can do in the city, plus the Thames Barrage is something that not a lot of tourists get to see, so you'll have one up on everyone else.
So there you have it, fifty things to do if you have a spare few hours and you've found yourself in London!
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