32 Best Things to Do in London from a Local (Ultimate 2025 Guide)

August 9, 2025
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London is one of my all-time favourite cities and was my home for around 15 years. I have seemingly explored every corner of this city and everything it has to offer. Here is my ultimate list of things you must do in London, from the touristy to the hidden local things.

London has been my home for more than half of my life. I lived here for around 15 years before I started travelling and I love the city with everything in me.

During that time, I have explored every corner in London. One of the things that always amazed me about the city is that I never ran out of things to do. Every weekend there was a new event, festival, popup or market. Even when you thought you had seen all the attractions of London, you’d find something you’ve never seen, a new corner to explore.

So, here is my ultimate guide of things to do in the megacity. These are my 32 things that EVERYONE should see/do in London and my all-time favourites!

Table of Contents

How to get to London?

You will likely arrive in London in one of the four airports: Heathrow, Gatwick, Luton and Stansted.

Check out my full guide on getting to the city centre from each of the four airports using trains or shuttle buses here: How to Get from Each London Airport to the City Centre

Alternatively you could grab a black cab or Uber at each airport.

Where to stay in London?

Check out my full accommodation guides for London here: Affordable Places to Stay in London: Budget Hotels, Hostels & Tips

🛏️ Wombats City Hostel
🏬 The Crescent Hyde Park London Hotel
🏩Tavistock Hotel
💎Pan Pacific London

Top things to do in London

1. Get close to royalty at Buckingham Palace

One of the things that is special about London in comparison to other capital cities is its still very close ties to the Royal Family. From palaces in the city to little figures of them in every souvenir shop, it is quite a prominent part of London.

Buckingham Palace is hence a great start for any exploration of London. The Palace itself is impressive and the area surrounding it is pompous itself. You can visit the inside and see the State Rooms by pre-booking tickets.

The highlight here is the Changing the Guard. The traditional ceremony takes place each day starting around 10.45 am, where the Old Guard is relieved by the New Guard together with a marching band. You can find the exact times and locations here. If you can, arrive early to get a good view.

2. Visit Westminster Palace and Big Ben

This is a little cliché, but Big Ben is one of the trademarks of London for me. You simply need to see it in person at one point in your life.

It is part of Westminster Palace, also called the Houses of Parliament, which is gorgeous and right by Westminster Bridge. I would recommend heading inside Westminster Palace (book tickets here) and marvelling at the architecture and history of the impressive building.

3. Grab a bite at the famous Borough Market

Every time I visit London now, I end up at Borough Market at some point. While it is certainly a little overpriced and very touristy, it is a staple of London with a rich history.

The historic food market boasts lots of stalls with dishes from all corners of the world, from British fudge to Indian street food. It’s a foodie heaven and a great pit stop to fuel up.

4. Get 360° views of London from the London Eye

The London Eye is possibly one of the most well-known landmarks of London and certainly one of the most recognisable. The 135m tall wheel carries you around for 30-minutes where you will get sweeping views over London.

It’s particularly nice around sunset time, where you get to see the city transform to its night-time glory. Ticket start at £29.00 if bought in advance here.

5. Wander along Southbank

Southbank lines a beautiful stretch along the River Thames and is one of my favourite walks in London. It is full of iconic buildings and London landmarks, and there is always a festival or event going on.

During Christmas, you will find a beautiful Christmas market here full of local vendors, whereas in the summer it transforms into one long dance party. For those in London for the first time, walking along Southbank is sort of a rite of passage, an introduction to all things London.

6. Marvel at the iconic Tower Bridge

I have already spoken about a lot of iconic London landmarks, but this is possibly THE most iconic sight in London – Tower Bridge. From South Bank, you get some stunning photo opportunities while walking up to the bridge.

To me, Tower Bridge never gets any less impressive. If you are extra lucky, you may even see it open up to let a ship through.

While walking across it is already an incredible experience and makes you feel like a real Londoner, you can actually also visit the inside and wander across the High-Level Glass Walkways. Entry starts at £16 and pre-booking is recommended.

7. Revisit history at the Tower of London

Right on the other side of the bridge, you will find the imposing Tower of London. The historic castle plays a key role in English history as a fortress, royal palace and prison, and is one of the oldest buildings in London.

The exhibition includes the Crown Jewels, Royal Beasts and Royal Armouries, as well as much more. Tickets cost £35.80 and include things like a Yeoman Warder tour, which will tell you tales from the tower’s past.

8. Explore the beautiful St. Paul’s Cathedral

Talking of impressive buildings in London, we cannot forget about St. Paul’s Cathedral. The famous church is stunning both on the inside and outside.

Tickets cost £25 and can be bought here. Visits tend to last around 2 hours, where you get to marvel at the insanely detailed ceilings. You could also join the free Sunday organ recitals every week at 4.30pm or buy tickets to one of the amazing concerts that the cathedral hosts.

Even if you choose not to go inside, St. Paul’s is simply worth seeing close-up. Head to One New Change for free rooftop views of St. Paul’s as shown in the picture above.

9. Shop till you drop at Picadilly Circus and Oxford Street

You can’t visit London and not shop for souvenirs at the famous Piccadilly Circus and Oxford Street. It is one of the most touristy areas of London and one where you certainly need to watch your phone (otherwise it will get snatched by someone on a motorbike), but other than that, it is a must-visit.

Picadilly Circus has huge screens that some compare to Times Square, however, I don’t think the comparison quite holds up. It is still very cool to see in person and there is often events going on or live music.

If you head up from Picadilly Circus through the ever-vibrant Carnaby Street (my favourite during Christmas time), you will go by the iconic Liberty store. Pop in for some special souvenirs, especially teas.

Eventually you will reach Oxford Street, the ultimate shopping heaven, but also one of the most famous streets in London. It often has flags everywhere, or insane Christmas lights from November onward.

10. Enjoy the vibrancy and food of China Town

If I had to choose my favourite areas in London, this would be one of them. China town is chaotic, busy and loud in all the best ways, plus you will find some amazing food and snacks here. At night, the lanterns that decorate the streets here light up, making for some beautiful photos.

Head to Lucky Tea for some great bubble tea, Shibuya Soho for shaved ice and Tong Tea for the taiyaki with soft-serve ice cream.

11. See the works of masters at the National Gallery

If you like art, you will LOVE the National Gallery. And best of all – entry is completely free. I’d highly recommend you pre-book a free ticket to avoid the queues when visiting.

Some of the most iconic works you will find here are the Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci, Sunflowers By Vincent van Gogh, Venus and Mars By Sandro Botticelli and The Water lily pond by Claude Monet.

Related article: The Best Free Museums in London for Art Lovers

12. Bask in the eclectic atmosphere of Camden

Camden is truly a one-of-a-kind experience. It is eclectic, creative and full of history. On top of that, Camden Market has some delicious food as well as super unique shops. Anything you can think of, you can probably buy here.

Camden Lock Market is especially great for food, where you’ll find some viral hits such as the Cheese Wheel pasta. It’s also worth joining a Camden tour, as the area has such a rich and fascinating history.

13. Relax in Hyde Park

When I lived in London, anytime I needed a break from the hustle and bustle, I would head to Hyde Park. It felt like an escape from the city, a chance to catch my breath.

The huge space features a large lake, lots of walking trails and the perfect green spaces for a picnic. I’d recommend to grab a meal deal from one of the supermarkets for lunch and head here on a sunny day to enjoy the nature.

14. Enjoy the display at Tate Modern

The Tate Modern is one of my favourite museums in London. It often hosts exhibitions, performance art and motion art that goes beyond your traditional art gallery and make you rethink the boundaries of art.

They have a free collection which you can just walk into and often special free installations in the main area like the one shown above (the flowing robots by Anicka Yi).

They also host end of month “Tate Modern Late” nights with artist-led workshops and talks. Entry is free but I recommend booking online early as they sell out.

15. See the origin of a master at Shakespeare’s Globe

Along the South Bank, looking over the River Thames, you will find another one of London’s more fascinating sites – the Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. While it is not the original, it’s a rather accurate copy from the 1990s.

If you didn’t know, Shakespeare came to London in the late 1580s to take his acting career to the next level. Many of his most well-known plays were written in the capital and first performed at the original Globe Theatre, including Romeo & Juliet and Hamlet.

Nowadays, you can visit the theatre either on a guided tour or by watching one of the incredible performances. Worth a visit for any theatre nerd, but also anyone interested to learn more about Shakespeare’s captivating life and immense talent.

16. Marvel at the historic Westminster Abbey

Around the corner from Big Ben, you will find one of London’s most iconic churches. Westminster Abbey is a royal church and a World Heritage Site thanks to its lengthy history of over 1000 years. Forty monarchs have been crowned in the stunning halls of this church and the likes of Queen Elisabeth II and Diana, Princess of Wales had their funerals here.

Whether you are interested in the impressive history or the breath-taking gothic architecture, this church is well worth a visit. Tickets cost £30.00 and should be pre-booked here.

17. Enjoy the lively Soho atmosphere

Soho is full of cute cafes, shops and traditional pubs during the day, but really comes to live at night. Here, you will find some of London’s best bars, clubs and restaurant and a lively atmosphere no matter which evening of the week.

Carnaby Street is the colourful entryway to Soho and an amazing area for shopping. At Christmas time, it’s stunning light display is always one of the best in London.

I love places like Bateman St for the many bars, such as Simmons, 30 Dean Street Bar & Club and the Yard Bar. This area is also known for its many LGBTQ+ friendly and specific establishments.

18. Grab souvenirs at Covent Garden

When I think back to the first time I visited London, I always think of Covent Garden Market. The stunning building, the many buskers and entertainers outside and the many British souvenir shops inside just left an impression on me as something quintessentially London.

In the surrounding area you will find many great shops and some hidden gems such as Neal’s Yard and Goodwin’s Ct. Both are beautiful alleyways with hidden stores and courtyards.

19. Get sweeping views for free at Sky Garden

London Skygarden is one of the most famous free places to visit in London. You get full 360° views of London, together with a beautiful indoor garden. Photos from up here are unmatched.

The thing with the Skygarden is that you have to book early. Tickets sell out quickly and weeks in advance. New tickets are released every Monday morning, 3 weeks prior. So, if you know your travel date, make sure to set a reminder for Monday morning 3 weeks out to book your tickets. Expect to queue for the lifts even with your ticket.

Tickets are valid for 60 minutes, though this is rarely enforced. You can also grab a drink at the cafe there and stay longer.

20. King’s Cross and Platform 9 3/4

King’s Cross and it’s international extension St. Pancreas are stunning buildings and the gateway to the UK and a lot of Europe via trains, but there is actually much more to this area. First of all, for any Harry Potter Fans, this is where you will find Platform 9 3/4.

It is located just behind all the main platforms and a big photo spot now, meaning you will likely spot the queue before the platform. Queues are often around one hour and you get a scarf at the front and a professional photographer takes a photo. This photo can then be purchased in the adjacent shop, but you are also allowed to take photos with your phone at the same time for free.

The outside area of King’s Cross has massively developed over the past few years and is now full of shops, great restaurants and amazing bars.

By the canal, there’s almost always an event going on such as the outdoor cinema. Make sure to check out Coal Drops Yard for some more unique shops.

21. Grab a luxurious dinner at The Shard

The shard is a very recognisable and impressive landmark of London. Some say it is named the Shard as the architecture likened it to a shard of glass in the building stages.

It is also the tallest building in London with some very fancy restaurants, so if you feel like splurging for an evening with insane views, this is the place. Many say the restaurants are slightly overpriced for the food, though you are mostly paying for the location and views. Hutong and Oblix are often mentioned as favourites.

22. Take in the famous London Skyline

One of the things I like the most about London is the views you get pretty much wherever you are in the city. Whether you are walking along the Thames and suddenly see Big Ben and London Eye, or heading through one of the business district and spot the Gherkin (shown above), it truly never gets old.

If you have the time, go for a wander in the city! Check out my blog post on my top free viewpoints in London for more ideas too: See London’s Skyline for Free

23. Enjoy views and nature at Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is a beautiful green Oasis near Camden Market and home to one of London’s best free viewing spots: Primrose Hill.

The view is panoramic, located in the middle of this Oasis of Nature right in urban London. It was previously crowned the most scenic viewpoint in London – a well deserved spot.

In late-May to early-July, head to Queen Mary’s Garden for stunning display of roses. There is also a Boating lake in the park where you can hire boats on a nice summer’s day.

24. Explore Portobello Road Market and Notting Hill

Notting Hill is easily one of the most beautiful areas of London, with its elegant buildings and colourful streets. If you come for Notting Hill Carnival, be prepared for the place to be packed. You will have the time of your life though!

Portobello Road Market is an absolute must-visit while in London. Here you will find a mix of vintage goods, produce, local souvenirs, cafes, street food and so much more. It is a historic street market and you should experience to get a feel for the “real” London.

The market is on Monday – Sunday from 8am to 7pm and from experience changes throughout the day. Earlier you will find more pastries and coffee, later more live music and atmosphere.

25. Streetart and vintage shopping in Brick Lane and Shoreditch

Welcome to the trendy side of London. From the stylish Spitalfields Market (one of my favourite markets in London with fantastic clothing and street food) to the street art around every corner to Columbia Road Flower Market, there is something for everyone here.

Brick Lane itself is one of THE best places for vintage shopping in London as well as for sampling a variety of delicious foods from around the world. Everything here is seriously “hip” and you may even spot a Banksy work on one of the walls.

26. Hop on a River Thames Cruise to Canary Wharf

Boat tours of the Thames can quickly cost you a pretty penny, however the Uber Boat does practically the same thing from £10.80, depending on the zones you want to see. Timetables and more can be found here.

You can pay using contactless and will be able to spot all of the main attractions – from Big Ben to the London Bridge. I recommend going from Battersea Park to Canary Wharf to see everything. It takes around 1 hour.

Canary Wharf is a great area to finish in and another one of my favourites in London. It feels totally different here to the rest of London, with skyscrapers and a much more modern vibe. There’s also often events going on here and some great restaurants.

27. Wander the canal by Little Venice

Little Venice is one of my all-time favourite areas in London year-round. In autumn, the area surrounding Regent’s Canal is transformed into an explosion of orange and red. In spring, there are cherry blossoms everywhere.

The walk I would recommend here is from Little Venice to Camden along the Canal. It is stunning and takes about one hour. To start, head up from Paddington along Paddington Basin and then turn right onto Regent’s Canal. From there, just follow the Canal.

There are some cute cafes and restaurants along the way, one I can highly recommend with beautiful views over the Canal and fall foliage is Cafe Laville.

Related article: Vibrant City Walks in London this Autumn

28. Have history re-enacted at London Dungeons

I didn’t visit the London Dungeons for the longest time when I lived in London as I coined it as “too touristy”. When a friend came to visit and we actually ended up here, it turned out that while it is touristy, it’s also a heck of a lot of fun.

It’s mildly scary, educational about London’s dark history, in a cool setting and includes some fun scares and games. Tickets cost £27 and can be bought here.

29. Watch a musical in the West End!!

There is nothing quite comparable to the feeling of watching a musical in the West End. I have seen quite a few by now, some that were on my bucketlist and some that we only chose as they had cheap last-minute tickets, and honestly every one of them was amazing.

I either use the TodayTix App to find cheap last-minute tickets or join the ticket raffels for popular shows, or head to the London TKTS booth which sells half-price and discounted theatre tickets on the day of the show.

30. Go on a Pub Crawl / Walking Tour

You cannot visit London and not enter one (or 20) pub(s). It is such a huge part of the London culture and where you will find the majority of London’s workforce in the early evenings.

You may think that pubs are only for old men, but in London, that couldn’t be further from the truth. That’s not to say there aren’t some of old men, but that there are such a big variety of different pubs here, there is something for everyone.

Some pubs turn into clubs later in the night, some stream the latest Love Island episode, others the top football game and then some will even serve you a Michelin star meal with your beer.

A historic pub walking tour is a great way to get to know some of the most iconic pubs in London while also sampling some great draft beer and learning about London’s history.

31. Get the iconic shot with a red phone booth

The red phone booths of London are one of the most recognisable features, and yet they are slowly starting to disappear. However, there are still plenty around London that are being upkept and make for the perfect London Photo spot.

Some of the top locations are the one around the corner from Big Ben (location), the ones by Covent Garden (location) and the one by River Thames (location).

32. Enjoy the city views from Greenwich Park

Greenwich Park will always be one of my favourite places in London. The views are incredible, there are cute cafes just down the hill in Greenwich and during cherry blossom season, the entire park is transformed.

I recommend visiting here with a blanket and some snacks about an hour before sunset. That way you can get pictures while it’s light but also experience one of the best sunset spots in the entire city.

And you won’t be alone – students and young couples are all around with picnic blankets and drinks, soaking in the amazing atmosphere of this place.

Greenwich lies just below and is also worth a visit, full of cute shops and restaurants. The Royal Observatory is also located here where you can walk the Prime Meridian Line, the point that separates east from west.