Getting around London is surprisingly easy thanks to its extensive and reliable public transport system. The London Underground, commonly known as the Tube, is usually the fastest way to travel across the city, especially during peak hours. Purchasing an Oyster card or a contactless day ticket allows unlimited travel on the Tube, buses, and some overground trains.

London buses are not only affordable but also one of the best sightseeing options. Sitting on the upper deck gives you street-level views of landmarks you would completely miss underground. Routes pass iconic streets, historic buildings, and lively neighborhoods, making the journey part of the experience.

Pro tip: Combine Tube travel for longer distances with buses for sightseeing and short hops.

Coca-Cola London Eye

Located along the River Thames near the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye is one of the city’s most iconic attractions. A ride offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of London’s skyline. Riding during the day lets you see landmarks clearly, while nighttime rides showcase a beautifully illuminated city.

• Admission: From £6.53

• Nearby attractions: Houses of Parliament, Big Ben

• Transport: Waterloo, Charing Cross, Westminster

Houses of Parliament

Also known as the Palace of Westminster, this historic complex sits beside the Thames and is one of the most photographed locations in London. Standing next to Big Ben, it represents the political heart of the UK.

• Admission: Free (guided tours available)
• Transport: Westminster, St James’s Park, Charing Cross

Trafalgar Square

Located in the very heart of London, Trafalgar Square is a lively public space filled with fountains, statues, and cultural energy. It’s a natural meeting point and a great place to relax after walking from Westminster.

• Nearby attractions: Big Ben, National Gallery
• Transport: Charing Cross

Buckingham Palace

The official residence of the British monarch, Buckingham Palace is one of London’s most famous sights. If the royal flag is flying, the monarch is in residence. During August and September, parts of the palace open to the public, offering a rare glimpse inside.

• Admission: Varies (from £20.50 in summer)
• Nearby parks: Hyde Park, St James’s Park
• Transport: Victoria, Green Park, Hyde Park Corner

Tower Bridge

Tower Bridge is one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. For the best views, walk from London Bridge toward Tower Bridge—you’ll get postcard-worthy photos along the way.

• Admission: From £9.20
• Nearby attractions: Tower of London, The Shard
• Transport: Tower Hill

Tower of London

This historic fortress has served as a royal palace, prison, and treasury. Today, it houses the Crown Jewels, making it one of London’s most fascinating historical attractions.

• Transport: Tower Hill

The Shard

Standing tall near London Bridge, The Shard is one of Europe’s tallest buildings. The observation deck on the 72nd floor offers unmatched views across London.

• Admission: From £23.00
• Transport: London Bridge

Madame Tussauds London

This famous wax museum features life-sized figures of celebrities, historical icons, and movie stars. From Hollywood actors to sports legends, it’s a fun and interactive experience for all ages.

• Admission: £26.97 online
• Transport: Baker Street

Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

A dream come true for Harry Potter fans, this tour offers behind-the-scenes access to original sets, costumes, and props from the film series.

• Admission: From £20.00
• Location: Watford

London Dungeon

A theatrical journey through London’s darker history, featuring live actors, rides, and special effects.

• Admission: From £17.25
• Transport: Waterloo

British Museum is one of the world’s oldest museums. Although I’m not really into museums, I have to say that this one has impressed me. It’s free to access; it displays a variety of collections and millions of interesting objects. Here you’ll see the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon Sculptures. They provide free tours and host special exhibitions, just make sure to check the website to see what’s on.

• Admission: Free
• Nearby Public Transport: Holborn, Russell Square, Goodge Street

Natural History Museum is the world’s most prestigious and pre-eminent museum of natural history. The museum is particularly famous for its exhibition of dinosaur skeletons and ornate architecture. The building houses life and earth science specimens comprising some 80 million items within five main collections. The Natural History Museum’s Life Galleries are devoted to displays on animal life, from creepy crawlies to the plaster cast of a Diplodocus that lords it over the Central Hall.
Admission:  Free (a charge for some temporary exhibitions).
Nearby Public Transport: South Kensington
Things to see/do around: Science Museum

Science Museum is another must visit museums, which exhibits areas of science and technology. The Science Museum features seven floors of educational and entertaining exhibits, including the Apollo 10 command module and a flight simulator.
Admission: Free (you need to buy a ticket for the IMAX Theatre, flight simulators and some special exhibitions.)
Nearby Public Transport: South Kensington
Things to see/do around: Hyde Park, Harrods

Regent’s Park is one of the most popular open spaces which get really crowded on sunny days. The park is large enough so be careful not to get lost. I once got lost and spent 3 hours until I managed to get out. Sounds silly but I didn’t had a GSP phone then in order to guide me to the exit. During spring and summer you’ll get the chance to see amazing bloomed flowers. This park is the perfect spot to escape from the busy city.
Nearby Public Transport: Regent’s Park, Baker Street
Things to see/do around: London Zoo, Camden Market, Queens Mary Gardens, Madame Tussauds, Sherlock Holmes Museum

Hyde Park is one London’s 8 Royal Parks. There are thousands of trees, a large lake, a meadow and ornamental flowers, illustrating beautiful landscape designs. During Christmas period, from November to January, the Winter Wonderland is hosted here
Nearby Public Transport: Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park Corner, Marble Arch
Things to see/do around: Hyde Park, Oxford Street, Harrods, Winter Wonderland (during Xmas period)

Camden Market is one of my favorite places. You can combine Camden Lock Market and Regent’s Park together since they are very near. This is an open-air market area with stalls, shops, pubs and restaurants.  Here you’ll find all sorts of different things including clothes, shoes, etc that you won’t find in the typical high street shops.
Nearby Public Transport: Camden Town
Things to see/do around: London Zoo, Regent’s Canal, Regent Park

Covent Garden is one of the popular places in London, where locals enjoy shopping, dining, going out for a drink or enjoy other things such as going to the theater.  Every time I’m in London, I’ll go there for a coffee or for shopping.
Nearby Public Transport: Covent Garden Tube
Things to see/do around: Covent Garden Market

Leicester Square is a popular tourist attraction in London.  Here you’ll find the cinema with the largest screen and another with the most seats – over 1,600. The square is the prime location in London for film premières and co-hosts the London Film Festival each year. Here’ you’ll find the Hippodrome Casino, the famous M&Ms store, a number of theaters and the Soho area a lot of restaurants and bars and the China Town.
Nearby Public Transport: Leicester Square
Things to see/do around: Casino, M&Ms World, China Town

No matter what, it’s impossible not to go to London and miss shopping. As I mentioned in another post about shopping in London, it is one of the best places to shop, especially during its big sales during the Christmas period.  The best places are Oxford Street, Carnaby Street, and Covent Garden.  Other areas which are enjoyable for shopping include Russell Square (Brunswick) or Enfield Town (Palace Gardens). There are also many shopping malls, e.g. Westfield and Hammersmith Broadway. Here you’ll find all the high-street shops with the best prices. Brent Cross shopping centre is another place you can go shopping in North West London.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, exploring the things to do in London is always rewarding. The city’s mix of history, culture, entertainment, and green spaces ensures there’s something for everyone,  every season of the year.

Some of the photos I captured